Lorraine Hartsook brings music and joy to Caleb Village
By Joan Janzen
Lorraine Hartsook brought joy to the residents at Caleb Village with her award-winning musical entertainment on Friday afternoon. "It makes me feel great that they're smiling and happy," Lorraine said as she prepared to perform for the residents on May 15th. It may have been cloudy outside, but Lorraine brought sunshine indoors as she delivered her lively repertoire.
"I'm doing a lot of their favourite songs, some country classics, some of the oldies from their era … things they can relate to when they were young," she said. And of course her Patsy Cline tunes are always a fan favourite.
"I just try to make it fun with participation and joy," she added as she performs fun action songs like the bird dance, and sometimes incorporates a theme for her senior audience.
Right up close. Lorraine Hartsook brings her microphone directly to residents at Caleb Village, drawing smiles and applause as she performs their favourite songs on Friday afternoon. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Can't help but move. A resident gets up to dance along as Lorraine Hartsook delivers a lively set at Caleb Village, proving the music was made for participation. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
A few years ago Lorraine started visiting at the lodge in her hometown of Eston. "I got asked by the activity director and saw a great purpose in doing that because of the joy on their faces," she observed.
Lorraine grew up knowing the seniors who reside at the Eston lodge. She was aware that many of their families live far away and they don't get frequent visits.
"It makes me feel great that they're smiling and happy for at least an hour in their day," she said. As a result she has continued to perform for seniors in Eatonia, Rosetown, Elrose and Kindersley.
This talented vocalist loves performing for audiences of all ages. "I've done this long enough that my play list is open to all ages," she explained. She's performed for the playschool in Eston, and enjoys doing music with kids at the church she attends.
"I'll perform for children to seniors and anything in between," she said. And her "in between list" is extensive. "I've done so many gospel concerts. Then I did speaking engagements alongside my country gospel concerts combining music with story telling and inspirational messages. Patsy Cline tribute is the best thing I did."
She's always exploring new avenues in which to utilize her gift. "I've talked to someone who is incorporating music therapy into the senior homes. That would be tremendous purpose for me. I would love to do that!" Lorraine said.
Lorraine loved sharing her talent at Caleb Village, delivering music and joy to everyone, and her audience appreciated and enjoyed listening to her sing!