Seniors Sing out, Express Themselves



One unique project that took place out of the Team Management and Leadership Program offered by Landmark Education was caused by a woman named Carmelita Tiongson-Manzanares, a resident of Los Angeles. Her ?Team Game in the World? (each participant created a project that makes a difference in the world, and that requires a team to fulfill it) was to create a musical event for senior citizens and their familes, wherein the older folk would have the opportunity to express themselves through song. Their children and their grandchildren would have the chance to watch the recital.

The event was a smashing success. Senior citizens sang out every kind of song, even those older folk who had dementia. They sang Row, Row, Row Your Boat or any kind of song that came to mind. Those who didn't know the words sang along anyway. One senior named Salermo turned out to be a terrific singer and entertainer, playing three songs on his guitar and regaling the audience with stories from his past.

This great event took work to create, and almost didn't even happen at the last minute. One of the facilities from which seniors would come to the event backed out at the last minute and Carmelita, discouraged, wanted to cancel. Carmelita's coach, a woman named Meg, convinced her that the event would turn out perfectly and make a huge difference no matter how many people did or did not show up.

It took all of Carmelito's generosity for Salermo, the hit of the event, to be able to come as well. When she first shared about it with him, he was excited. He ran and dusted off his guitar and played her the same songs he had serenaded a beautiful woman with long ago. But then Salermo got sick and had to go to the emergency room, and even when he was released he had no way of getting to the event. Carmelito visited him personally and gave him a ride herself to make sure that he would be there.

Earlier, Carmelita shared extensively with many people to see her vision come true. She had a vision of people being alive, inspired, whole and complete that made sharing it easy and clear. One particularly powerful, free flowing conversation took place with Grace Lengkeek, the activity director of Artesia Christian Home, who jumped in and made Carmelita's project her own.

In the end, Carmelita reports never having experienced so much love and generosity in her whole life ? It was like a miracle to her. Three generations had the opportunity to sing to each other, honoring each other through music. For Carmelita and the other participants, it was a real opportunity for love to come home and be expressed.

Other people stepped in and provided support and ideas. One of them is looking to take the plan to other homes, and Carmelita is looking to have a meeting with her local congresswoman about it.