by Tina Podboy Laughner, Volunteer & Outreach Manager
Jim and Donna Murphy are being honored as our Volunteers of the Month for November for their work as entertainers at Seasons Adult Day Services. They have been playing about once a month at Seasons since April 2009. “Jim and Donna have been a joy to Seasons. They visit Seasons every month and the participants love to listen to their native American flutes, harp, and drums. They are very knowledgeable, do a great job of presenting, let participants ask questions and even let everyone come up and look closely at their instruments! They are a very unique part of our day and we are so lucky to have them as volunteers at Seasons,” says Kelsey Cline, Seasons Activity Coordinator. Donna and Jim had heard about native flutes back in 2002 when a class was offered at then Creative Spirit Center. They now have over 75 flutes from all over the world. Jim plays the flutes and Donna plays harp and percussion instruments. Jim says, “Music can take you somewhere where your body can heal itself.” Donna told about an experience where they were playing in the hallway of the VA hospital as a patient was passing and it was so helpful to the family. She says the best thing an audience can do for them is to fall asleep! “It’s very rewarding and makes me feel good to make others feel good,” Donna says. Jim adds, “We are providing something for the participants that we didn’t know we had.”
Jim was in the Marines for 30 years, and Donna was a medical technologist. They have lived in California, North Carolina, Hawaii and even Morocco! They have three children and lots of granddogs. Donna and Jim also play at nursing homes, hospice homes and Scouting events. They are also involved in helicopter and experimental aircraft clubs at Barstow Airport.
Seasons Adult Day Services is a daytime setting for individuals who are living with increased changes in their memory from dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, or physical health changes as they age. Participants engage in meaningful programs while receiving compassionate care and support.
If you are interested in this, or other services and programs, contact Senior Services at (989) 633-3700. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call (989) 633-3741.
Donna and Jim, thank you for your continued dedication to the participants at Seasons and congratulations on being chosen as November Volunteers of the Month!
Volunteer Needs
Senior Services is in need of Meals on Wheels drivers, Transportation drivers, Handyman and Friendly Visitor volunteers. If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County! And you will join one of the finest groups of people we know – our experienced, trusted and valued volunteers!
Visit us at www.SeniorServicesMidland.org to fill out a volunteer contact form or call Tina Podboy Laughner, Volunteer and Outreach Manager at 989-633-3741.
