A flurry of musical activities will bring a broad spectrum of entertaining and educational musical events to the senior residents at Spring Hills Cherry Hill Assisted Living Community in Cherry Hill. They are all supporting this year’s theme of “The Magic of Music” marking 2014 National Assisted Living Week the week of Sept. 7.
“The focus on music is especially significant for seniors,” said Rachel Helfand, executive sssistant of program development for Spring Hills Senior Communities, “as there is such a powerful connection that music provides our residents. The transformational effect of music continues as people age. It can provide joy, comfort and, in some cases, bring back memories experienced long ago.”
The week’s activities at Spring Hills Cherry Hill will include motion picture salutes to musicals “Funny Lady,” “Evita,” “The King and I,” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” an Andre Bocceli concert on video, a musical spelling bee and a performance by the Lakebridge Boys.
There are two major highlights, a talent show and the visit from composer Andrea Green. The “Spring Hills Got Talent Show” takes place on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. and will feature performances by residents, staff and community members. On Monday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m., it’s the exclusive senior community presentation of Henry Nevison’s new documentary “On the Other Side of the Fence,” an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the making of a musical written by award-winning composer, playwright and music therapist Andrea Green. It’s a wonderful demonstration of how people learn about each other and respect their differences through the power of music as the film shows children from the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Philadelphia as acting partners with able-bodied children from Germantown Friends School. Green will join the residents as they view the documentary, provide insight into the making of the documentary and have a sing-along with residents.
“This will be a very special week for all of us at Spring Hills Cherry Hill,” said Stacy Gibson, director of recreational services. “Music obviously plays a big part in everyone’s life, but the joy and memories it brings, especially to seniors, will last with them forever.”
The general public is welcome to attend several of the free musical activities. For further information on dates, times, and availability, contact Spring Hills Cherry Hill at (856) 874–7700.
