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Every month this past year,
readers joined me to try out a
variety of activities. We learned
about journaling and tried our hand
at knitting, faux painting, and rug
hooking. We got exercise, trying
Pilates, bowling, and rowing. We
learned to play a song on the
organ, and even spent a day on a
farm. But we need to remember
those who don’t have those
opportunities.
Last year, I invited readers to volunteer for something. I listed some organizations
that need your help. One of those was Brooklawn Child and Family Services, an
organization for boys aged 6 to 17 with emotional problems due to traumatic events in
their lives. “The (106) boys who live at the facility are not here because of anything
they have done,” said Missy Fountain, volunteer coordinator. “They are not juvenile
delinquents.” When she explained that the boys have been abused or neglected and
in most cases are not allowed to have any contact with their families, my heart went
out to them. Although there are many worthy causes, I chose Brooklawn as my own
personal Try This: Volunteer¬ activity.
I thought about my own son, and how music has been such an important part of his
life, so I made it my goal to bring the same opportunity to those boys.
Dawn Cherry, owner of Snappy Tomato Pizza, made sure the boys had plenty to eat
for the luncheon event and donated 288 slices of pizza. The Gibson Foundation in
Nashville, Tenn., donated two ebony Epiphone DR-100 guitars, complete with
Epiphone acoustic cases. Jimmy Brown, owner of Guitar Emporium, 1610 Bardstown
Rd., came through with enough guitar pics and replacement strings to keep the boys
plucking for a year. Alan Cronin, owner of Central Music Company, 4014 Dutchmans
Lane, donated three keyboards and lent an organ, and the Derby City L.I.F.E. Music
Makers were there to play for the party.
For each of three sessions, we served pizza and opened the show with organ music.
Alton Bevens and Mary (Skinny) Mahoney, played a variety of show tunes, blues, and
even some Elvis. Then, two guitarists, Aaron Crane and Carl Stuck (my son) from the
band, Strumbeat, sang and played current popular music. The boys loved it and it was
gratifying for everyone who participated.
We’re still working on finding enough music teachers to offer free lessons. So, if you
can play a guitar or a keyboard and have a spare hour in your week to give a young
boy the gift of music, please contact Missy Fountain, (502) 515-0474.
There are many worthy organizations that need your help throughout the year. You
can find some by looking in the Bell South Real Yellow Pages, under Social Service
Organizations, or at www.volunteersolutions.org, sponsored by Metro United Way. You’
ll be glad you did.
— Cheryl Stuck