Teeming Talent
Tanglewood Residents, Staff Showcase Unique GiftsArticle Photos
Tanglewood Manor residents and staff alike recently shared their unique talents with an enthusiastic audience, who were also invited to participate.
The show started out with the activities department's comedy rendition of ''Old McDonald Had A Farm,'' featuring Mary Schmidt, activities director, Ali Odrzywolski, coordinator, as singing farmers dressed in farmyard regalia. Connie Moore, coordinator, portrayed a rooster and residents Sally Stearns and Lester Moore represented a horse and barnyard cow, respectively.
The audience was transported via their imaginations to Old MacDonald's Farm in uproarious laughter with the piercing ''good morning crow'' of the rooster, the mooing of the cow and the neighing of the horse. Resident Lester Moore followed with a comedy act including his own rendering of two familiar sing-along songs and an old-time version of ''Shine On Harvest Moon,'' plugged-nose style.
Next on the program were Lu Lu and the Dusty Hollow Gang, a group of hillbillies played by Diane Hewitt Johnson, administrator; Brad Lawson, building operations manager; and Jonus Parsons, Tim Newark and Dick Peterson, maintenance staff. The group performed a ''woe is me'' joke session followed by the sharing of their musical talent ''hillbilly style.'' The ''blue, despair and agony on me'' performance was proceeded by many other acts including a vocal duet by Tina Trusso, team building coach, and Lester Moore vocal duet, resident Elaine Williams' recitation of two special readings, and separate acts by Tim Newark, Robin McChessney and son, and resident Inez Carlson doing vocal selections.
Added attractions were Connie Moore reading limericks, the Tanglewood Golden Gems Chorus performing its theme song ''Jamestown, NY'' and residents Russel Valvo and Clara Gould dancing to ''After The Ball Is Over.'' Area pianist Ruth Dodds was the accompanist for the show. The grand finale included a rousing presentation of ''This Land Is Your Land'' and ''God Bless America'' led by Laurie Barrett, Comfort Today director; Jeanne Slade, coordinator; and day care residents Ray Rasmussen and Alice Goddard, who was stunningly dressed as the distinguished Statue of Liberty.
A reception immediately followed the performances to congratulate all on a great afternoon of entertainment.
