M&M&M

 I believe there are three M's that define my life.

I am a Mother

I am a Mormon

I am a Music Therapist

Those three things just happened

 to come together a couple of months ago,

and I thought I would share it........

CRC brings generations together for musical event

By KATHLEEN L. RADCLIFF
Published Monday, April 11, 2011 4:02 PM EDT

Children and senior citizens can be as natural a pairing as peanut butter and jelly.

In recognition of this, the Clntonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center recently brought together eight little ones, ranging from one baby to 5 years old -- and 10 of its monthly Breakfast Club and coffee klatch seniors.

The March 29 event was the first of what will be an ongoing intergenerational program at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, 15 Clinton Heights Ave.

The goal is to have interaction between the generations, said Kelsey Lawrence, board certified music therapist and CRC volunteer.

One of the common threads of the event, besides the smiles, was music. Participants of all ages were encouraged to enjoy music as they interacted.

"Music therapy has many benefits, especially for older adults," she said.

That's especially true for those affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It's also helpful in physical rehabilitation and improving the quality of life, she said.

SNP photos by Jeffry Konczal (2)
Rex Treseder (center), 4 months, of Upper Arlington gets attention from his mother, 

Jamie (right) and Virginia Wright of Clintonville during the 

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center's Kids Club musical intergenerational program 

March 29, at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church.

In addition, music therapy can promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, help express feelings and improve communication, according to information from the American Music Therapy Association.

For the seniors and children, the therapy intervention and fun included familiar tunes performed by drums, maracas and bells. All were welcome to use and enjoy, Lawrence said.

Planning for the next intergeneration session is under way for summer, said Heidi Evans, CRC Senior Services supervisor.

SNP photo by Jeffry Konczal
Children and senior citizens sing songs together during a musical intergenerational program

 March 29, at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, part of the CRC Kids Club.

For more information about the CRC, and its programs for children and seniors, call 268-3539 or visit online at clintonvillecrc.org.

More information about music therapy and its benefits, visit the American Music Therapy Association website musictherapy.org."

It is great to be able to serve with my sisters 

in Relief Society every month,

and even better when there is music involved. 

(And it was fun to have an article written up about it!)