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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | I've mentioned this topic in other posts, but felt it is important enough to start a thread.
That is: Volunteer your talents for a local Convalescent Home.
I know that some of the OFC members are Professional level players and have many opportunities to showcase their ability, but for those of us (like me) who will never reach that level, Rest Homes are wonderful.
To be able to lift these dear people out of their depression and give them something to smile about is a true Blessing. They are usually alone (families either gone or too busy to visit) and most of them are just waiting to die.
Take your Ovations, your song list, and go down and talk to the Activities Director at the Rest Home nearest to you. They will be thrilled to include you in their schedule.
I guarantee that after you have seen the joy on the faces of the Residents, you will be hooked! I would MUCH RATHER have that genuine appreciation than all the fickle adulation of screaming fans!
Give it a chance! Not only will the Residents be Blessed, but you will be also!
It will also give you opportunities for much needed playing experience!
Please think about it!
thanks,
tim |
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September 2003
Posts: 782
Location: Waurika OK | Tim,
You make a good point. Why not use our talent to bring a little joy and diversion into the life of those whose days are often long and lonely.
There are also other places that seniors meet, in our small town there is a Nutrition Center that serves a hot meal at noon, I have played there several times, also a Senior Citizen Center that is open Mon - Fri.
As Tim said, don't just show up, get approval ahead of time.
Noel |
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December 2003
Posts: 420
Location: On the beach in Southwest Florida | Another service opportunity is with your local hospice. They have many people who would enjoy a visit & some music. It also may be less intimidating to play to a smaller audience for those not used to it. |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Great additional ideas! Wouldn't it be nice if Ovationists became known as the "kinder, gentler" guitarists!
Go out and try it!
tim |
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December 2001
Posts: 10581
Location: NJ | I would prefer NOT to make those folks any more ill or to make thier suffering any more miserable as it is. Hearing me play may even drive people back to drugs and drink. |
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Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | I would have thought this would be a perfect venue for Saint Al!
tim |
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May 2002
Posts: 1026
Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Last Sunday, I braved -45 wind chill (-25 actual temp.) in the midst of a 14 inch snowfall, to bring music to the 58th wedding anniversary of a couple at a local nursing home. It was 45 minutes of my life I could share, that meant the world to the individuals involved. Not that I have any talent... just that I cared.
The smiles were worth more than any covercharge could ever come close too.
Norse(...of course, most of the people there couldn't hear, and there was free cake!!!)man1 |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Norseman1,
YES!!!!! That's it! Isn't it a great thing to do!!!
Maybe we can start a trend!
I'm starting to get encouraged! I guess Ovationites really are nice people after all!!
tim |
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December 2001
Posts: 7210
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Oh yeah, I could see the reviews/headlines now.
"By the third kick of the bass drum most of the patients on the first level either went into epileptic shock or had heart attacks. By time the first power chords rang out, the roof of the greenhouse had collapsed killing an entire Bonsai tree trimming class. By time the keyboards and bass came in the power drain was enough to shut down 50% of the life support units, which was actually a good thing, as those poor soled did not have to witness what happened when the pyro ignited the oxygen tanks.
The review continues.....
"After the initial damage caused during the above detailed sound check....."
Maybe I missed the point of this.... :) |
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December 2003
Posts: 420
Location: On the beach in Southwest Florida | What did 'ya say? Huh? |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Miles,
Power chords! Of Course!..... remember that Mick Jagger is 60 now and Keith Richards is at least 90!.... it won't be long until the Rest Homes are filled with geezer-rockers! (if they make it that long)!
tim |
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December 2003
Posts: 420
Location: On the beach in Southwest Florida | This way if we didn't drive our parents completely crazy as teenagers, we get another opportunity at the nursing home. |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | something about getting in those last licks..... |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Just think.....(go ahead, try)...when we arrive at the Rest Homes and are settled into our Depends and learn to use our walkers, wouldn't it be cool to have some young whippersnapper come in and play "Black Water" by the Doobies?
Hey Manager, book my room!
tim |
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September 2003
Posts: 782
Location: Waurika OK | Tim, I have also been thinking about the "geezer rockers" in the rest homes. It won't be long before that becomes a reality. Won't that be weird, to walk in and hear rock music, the blues, etc. or will they (wait a minute, maybe that should be we) all have our own CD player? That'll be a hoot, all singing to the music from their headphones. Then, of course, we will all take our beloved Ovations with us. Well, at least, we will have time for some great jam sessions. How about a home just for Ovation players! Every room soundproof with a built in amplifier, just plug it in and play. Then a big jam room with all the equipment!
Seriously, it is good to hear about the fan club members giving of themselves. Keep it up.
Noel |
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March 2002
Posts: 15652
Location: SoCal | These days, if I'm out and about and need to hear the familiar music of my youth, I just climb into an elevator and ride it up and down, singing along with what's being played. |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | "The International Home For Aged Ovationites" ... perhaps located in Tahiti???...
Requirements for Admission:
Ownership of at least one USA Ovation.
Room size will be determined by the actual number of USA Ovations owned:
1 = Hammock on the beach
2-3 = basic room w/lanai
4 or more= luxury suite
Save me a basic room w/lanai!
tim |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 95
Location: Fort worth Texas | by the time I get that old I wont be able to afford a nursing home so I will just play my Legend in my custom refridgerator cardboard bungalo and park it next to my warm jar of piss |
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December 2003
Posts: 13983
Location: Upper Left USA | Anywhere warm.
And as long as it has Broadband! |
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Give of Yourself
