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Show taps talent in Alzheimer’s patients
BY JILL TATGE-ROZELL jrozell@kenoshanews.com
BRISTOL — When Mae Gordon, 70, played the guitar and sang “You Are My Sunshine” as part of Daybreak West’s 11th Anniversary celebration Wednesday afternoon, she was doing more than playing her part in the program.
Gordon, of Bristol, was doing something she once often found enjoyment in.
“It’s good to see her do something she used to enjoy a long time ago,” said Gordon’s daughter, Brenda Bortko, 47. “She used to sing in church. It brings back a lot of pleasant memories.”
Gordon is one of the newest participants in the Daybreak program, a social and recreational program for people with early to mid stages of memory loss. She started attending the program, funded in part by Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, in February.
“It’s been like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Bortko, who has cared for her mother for 15 years in her own home. “She enjoys this so much. She has friends. She laughs. I wish she could come five days a week.”
Program coordinator Cindy Lester said when Daybreak started 11 years ago it was only offered two days a week. The program grew steadily over the years.
“Just this January we went to five days a week,” Lester said. “We are like one big family. We have a lot of fun together and today is a celebration of that.”
Gordon was one of 14 participants Wednesday in the patriotic talent show held at the Westosha Community Center. This was the second time in recent years such an event has been held at Daybreak.
Sue Steele, who has been coming to Daybreak for eight years and participates three days a week, sang with Gordon.
“For my mother, this provides friendship,” said Steele’s daughter, Janice Albrecht. “It keeps her going.”
More than 50 people came out to watch the show, sing along to the patriotic songs, and shed tears of joy when their loved ones performed.
Participant Jack Hoen played the part of Uncle Sam and shared his story of serving in the Navy during World War II.
“I joined the Navy in 1943, the day I turned 17,” Hoen recalled as if it were yesterday. “I was in the Battle of Normandy. I was one of the few men in the first wave.”
Some of the grandchildren of the participants also performed, as did Girl Scout Troop 404. Participants Cecil Hombs, Flo Santiago, Grace Peterson and Bill Beamesderfer garnered laughs with their renditions of Lucy and Desi Arnez and Gracie Allen and George Burns, respectively. Jean Iten, formerly a tap dancer, stole the show with her impersonation of Elvis Presley as Virginia Siklich modeled a poodle skirt.
For more information about Daybreak West, call Lester at (262) 857-4481.
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