Cable Series Bring Fun to Nursing Homes | News, sports, jobs

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Life in a nursing home can sometimes be lonely, even under the best of circumstances.

With sites shut down to protect vulnerable seniors from the deadly COVID-19 virus, residents not only keep away from their families but also entertainers who regularly perform at the facilities.

“For the love of the elderly in nursing homes in Ohio” will try to fill that void of fun. Starting Monday on channels 20 and 100 of the Armstrong Cable neighborhood community, it will air at 2:30 p.m. on weekdays where many residents of local singers and musicians are present, they are used to seeing them live.

Exercises and religious offerings will also be broadcast.

“Everything is closed with social distance and shelter in place,” said Maureen McCarty, event coordinator for facilities at Mercy Health System. “Many residents have cognitive challenges and do not understand what is happening. They cannot see their families and do not have a structure to help them function. We wanted to find a way to afford them fun and diversion.”

The idea began with a conversation between McCarty and Dan Rossi who goes to nursing homes to say a rosary with residents. He wanted to make a DVD or CD that residents could use in their rooms, but many did not have CD / DVD players or did not know how to operate them.

“But everyone knows how to operate their TVs.” McCarty said.

She contacted Greg Rhoton, community marketing and program manager for Armstrong Cable, which serves most of Mahoning and parts of Trumbull County, and he offered timelines on Community Neighborhood channels, which are available at all levels of service and in all nursing homes / community nursing homes life / retirement covered by the cable system.

ARTISTS

Then she started calling the performers.

“Everyone responded with enthusiasm.” McCarty said.

One of the first performers he contacted was John Reese, who connected her with Jack Ciarniell, who plays in the Reese band, and also manages TakeNote Productions, a Austintown recording studio.

“My wife and daughter and I have been entertaining in nursing homes for many years.” Ciarniello said. “As a family, we absolutely enjoy it and come back when we go to those older living spaces. They look forward to shows throughout the week … The appreciation and joy of the residents is only palpable.”

Singer and piano player Todd Cutshaw of Howland was one of the first performers to record his appearance on TakeNote.

“I just stared at the camera as if I had people watching me.” Cutshaw said. “The only negative thing is that I don’t get feedback, how people react. But I know the songs I pick are favorites. I’ve been doing this for a long time. If I give them a spot in a song, I know it’s where they usually sing.”

Canfield singer Donnie Abraham said he took a similar approach.

“I talk to the camera as if she were there.” Abraham said. “The biggest difference is I don’t hold hands there, I see the expressions on their faces. But I’ve seen it before and I guess they’ll sing and clap their hands like we’re really there.

“I’ve been dealing with nursing homes, retirement communities for the last five years. Entertainment plays an important role for these people to escape for a while, even for an hour.”

CONTRIBUTIONS

McCarty is seeking sponsorships and contributions to help cover program costs and pay contractors, who have lost an important source of income with various interruptions.

“I want to support entertainers,” McCarty said. “They are out of work and I want to pay them well. They usually go to multiple nursing homes, not recording a single show, to earn their income.”

Marie Meadors, executive director of the Ray Boom Boom Mancini Foundation, offered to handle administrative duties by processing donations through the foundation.

The shows are currently booked through April 21, and McCarty said Armstrong Cable has been pledged to continue the series as long as orders at the shelter are in effect.

“I hope this will help to raise awareness of how many are injured in nursing homes and who need support during this crisis.” McCarty said. “The focus in our country is largely on everyone’s safety, but we are more focused on mental health and taking care of ourselves rather than being anxious and scared … We try to give them comfort and support during this. trying time. “

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Schedule

Schedule “For the love of the elderly in nursing homes in Ohio,” which will air from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. weekdays starting Monday on the community channels of adjacent Armstrong Cable 20 and 100. The episodes are scheduled through April 21 and will last as long as people “Home Shelter.” Programs can also be uploaded to the Armstrong Neighborhood Channel website for viewing online.

Monday – John Reese Project

Tuesday – Todd Cutshaw

Wednesday – Donnie Abraham Show

Thursday – Exercise meeting with Ruth Balestra chair

Friday – Lonnie G

April 13 – Kenny Szenborn yoga class in a chair

April 14 – Elvis impressionist Ronnie Navarra

April 15 – Rachell Joy

April 16 – Jack, Chrystal and Ruby Ciarniello

April 17 – Dan and Patti Rossi, crown of inspiration

April 20 – Steve Fazzini

April 21 – JD Eicher

Contributions to cover the cost of the program can be sent to the Ray Boom Boom Mancini Foundation, P.O. Box 20, Struthers, Ohio 44471 or contact RBBMF CEO Maria Meadors at 330-559-889.

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