Senior Adults
ROAM is committed to providing seniors with a wide range of music programming. ROAM is always looking to develop and foster partnerships with senior centers and with the spectrum of senior living settings in our community. ROAM provides over 120 visits to various groups of seniors throughout the year. ROAM Teaching Artists work to engage seniors with interactive music activities such as singing, playing simple instruments, and songwriting. These activities provide life-enhancing experiences for seniors through music.
Currently, ROAM Teaching Artists provide music activities for seniors at Independence Village (Avon and Aurora), Bay Village Senior Center, Eliza Jennings Health Campus, and Fatima Family Center.
-Teacher songWRITING collaboration -
Jennings SHAKER Library Court
“The Road that is My Heart”
Teacher song collaboration with teaching artist Alisha Lambert and Pauline Hill who is in her 80’s and lives in Cleveland, Ohio. She is originally from Greensboro, Alabama. She’s single with no children, and enjoys working in the church. Dates and timelines were hard for her to recall, but her genuine passion for the church and others was clear. We discussed a range of different topics such as; jobs she worked in the past, how it was growing up in Alabama, difficulties with health, the current pandemic, and what she thinks the future holds.
Lyrics: “The Road that is My Heart”
“Make A Rainbow”
Teacher song collaboration with teaching artist Ray Flanagan and Sandra Manley. Sandra Manley is 79 and she carries a strong light of life in every word she speaks. Mother of 6 children, and an investigator for Cuyahoga County in her working years, Sandra prides herself on finding the good when things aren’t so great. The song I wrote is all paraphrases of things she said during our conversations, including that if you’re able to see the humor in life, you find a rainbow. “You might even say you MAKE a rainbow,” she said. Another favorite image of mine is that she often uses the metaphor of how when a storm is coming, the eagle doesn’t worry about it, he simply elevates his wings and flies up above it. I am proud to have gotten to speak to her and hear her philosophies on life. Sandra told me she will carry the song from this project with her for a long time, and I myself believe it was a meaningful experience for the both of us. I got to learn about her life and take in some of her tried and true wisdom, and through facilitating her own words with my guitar, create a permanent piece of art that stands to honor her.
Lyrics: “Make A Rainbow”
“All I Can”
Teacher song collaboration with teaching artist Bethany Svoboda and Ceil Baldridge.
I spoke with Ceil Baldridge about her life as a musician and an artist who spent many years of her life being creative. She played in a school band, took piano lessons, and majored in Fine Art at NYU. She lived in NYC in the 1970's and mingled with famous artists and musicians. Her stories were fascinating and I enjoyed listening to them just as much as she enjoyed sharing them.
While Ceil had spent years developing her musical and artistic crafts, she had never written a song before. She decided she wanted to give writing lyrics a try for the first time. She spent several days coming up with a song, and sent the words over to me. I asked her what type of music she liked so I could fit my chords and melody to something she would enjoy. I worked on the song for a few days, recorded it and sent it back to her. She was thrilled! She said she loved the song, it was beautiful and fit perfectly with the lyrics.
I sensed her pride in this accomplishment of writing her first song, and I hope to celebrate that with her in person. I'm grateful that I got to be a part of this process. It challenged me to collaborate with a stranger and make something I couldn't have made alone. This experience has inspired me to continue collaborating with others, especially those who are most isolated in this state of the world. Any amount of joy we can share through music is worth celebrating.
"I Play On"
Written by Diana Chittester as part of Roots of American Music's "People on the Move" senior songwriting series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults from the Cleveland Heights Senior Center and Library Court Apartments Senior Living. Diana collaborated with Linda Jones Carlson, a concert pianist who’s early career in New York grew from accompanying vocalists’ auditions into touring the United States and Europe performing with orchestras and opera companies. When she chose to step back from the demands of world touring, Linda relocated to Ohio to accept a teaching position at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Linda had a motto that helped carry her through hard times, “you grit your teeth and push on.” This motto lead to the song theme and title, “I Play On”.
Lyrics: “I Play On”
"Clare’s Song"
Written by Jack Mizenko as part of Roots of American Music's "People on the Move" senior songwriting series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults from the Cleveland Heights Senior Center and Library Court Apartments Senior Living. Jack collaborated with Lorretta Roberto, a resident of Library Court Apartments. Lorretta wanted to write a song about her mother, Clare Edith Andreano, who moved to Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood, from the mountain village of Rionero Sannitico, Italy, when she was five years old. Loretta recalls how her mother was insistent that her children speak proper English, and instilled in them a love of reading and language, and fostered in them a life long passion for music and the arts. Loretta’s mother and father purchased a set of nesting tables with in-laid wood the last time they visited Italy. The smallest of these tables had a music box in it that played “Torna a Sorrento” (Return to Sorrento). These lyrics are written to this melody.
Lyrics: “Clare’s Song”
FATIMA FAMILY CENTER
-HOUGH IS MY HOME -
“Pull Up A Chair”
Teacher song collaboration with teaching artist Brent Kirby and Fatima Family Center senior, Mary Anderson, who is 87 years old. A child of the Great Depression, she grew up in Georgia before moving to Cleveland in the 1950’s. Mary and her husband Rufus raised seven daughters in East Cleveland. Mrs. Anderson is a great-great grandmother, and feels blessed to have so many grandchildren. She cleaned houses before becoming an employee of the Cleveland Clinic for 22 years. A lover of gospel music, she loves cleaning, cooking, and is known for her sweet potato pie.
Near the end of our conversation, she mentioned her amount of grandchildren and how she wished her late husband Rufus could see the size of the family they created. The song is written from Mary’s perspective at a family get together with Rufus present to see the family all around the dinner table.
I really enjoyed talking to Mrs. Anderson about her life and philosphy, and thought it was great how she called her seven daughters “Three Peaches and Four Buckeyes”, as three of them were born in Georgia, and the rest in Ohio.
“My Village is a Neighborhood”
This song is about the life of Diane Burts, a long time resident of Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. This is how singer/songwriter Scott Franklin describes the process of working with Diane – “I felt like I was watching a movie. Her life has had so many meaningful days and stories that I wanted to do my best to somehow incorporate as many as I could into one song. She says it takes a village to raise a child and sees the whole world as a community. She believes we should watch out for each other.”
Lyrics: “My Village is a Neighborhood”
"Silver Thread"
Written by Sam Hooper as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough community. Under the leadership of Center Director LaJean Ray, this group is called the Silver Threads. Sam collaborated with 90 year old Julia Cross, who moved from Kentucky to Cleveland in the 1950's. Mrs. Cross has been active as a leader in the Girl Scouts, The Family Life Education Project with the Cleveland Schools and the Wisdom Council at St. Agnes, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She was awarded the Sister Thea Bowman Award which honors African American Catholic Women in the community. She’s also very proud of her life as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Lyrics: “Silver Thread”
"Morning Spring Rain"
Charlie Mosbrook as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough community. Charlie collaborated with 79 year old Bertha Siggers who moved to Cleveland from Chicago in 1960. She loves her quiet neighborhood and how people help one another. Those that love Hough never left, and built it back up. Bertha thanks God for her children and loves that they live close to her.
Lyrics: “Morning Spring Rain”
"Come Over and Hear My Song"
Written by Liz Bullock as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood. Liz collaborated with 66 year old Brenda Lee, who still lives in the house originally purchased by her parents when she was a child. Brenda is passionate about helping others in the Hough community, and has served as a teacher's assistant, home aid, children's choir organizer, vocalist, gospel songwriter and church event planner. Mother of 5 and grandmother of 12, Brenda feels her voice "is a gift from God" and her sense of faith shines through everything.
Lyrics "Come Over and Hear My Song"
"I Do Believe in Miracles"
Written by J. Scott Franklin as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough community. Scott collaborated with Betty Pettis, who's family moved from Arkansas to Cleveland when she was one month old. During the Hough riots Betty remembers holding her baby and feeling the need to protect him. She spoke about how the riots ended suddenly, and how you would never know today that Hough was the same neighborhood where those events took place. At one point, Betty had an unexplained illness which appeared to be taking her life. This illness went away suddenly, and she believes in miracles and in keeping your head up to the sky and praying. In Hough and the areas around Hough, Betty has found many friends that share her interests.
Lyrics "I Do Believe in Miracles"
“A Place Called Hough"
Written by Evelyn Wright as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough community. Evelyn collaborated with Nathaniel Early, who moved from West Virginia to Cleveland in 1956 in search of work. He is a dedicated family man who loves his community and recalls import dignitaries such as the Honorable Carl Stokes, Arnold Pinckney and congresswoman Fanny Lewis. Nathaniel believes in “getting along” and the importance of good educational opportunities for our young.
Lyrics “A Place Called Hough"
"Home"
Written by Afi Scruggs as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough community. Afi collaborated with Wilma Holiday, who moved from Georgia to the Hough neighborhood as a preteen. Wilma sincerely loves the street where she grew up and talks about how everyone knew each other, then and now. Although she currently lives in Slavic Village, she is intent on moving back to Hough.
Lyrics “Home”
“I’m a Warrior”
Written by Diana Chittester as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough community. Dianna collaborated with Barbara Whitsitt, a woman with many stories appropriate for converting into song. One common theme seemed to run through her stories; Barbara’s determination to not only overcome tragedy but to lead by example. Diana’s goal was to create a musical story line that would introduce listeners to Barbara’s challenges and exemplify her attitude that allowed her to persevere, in a single lyric or phrase. The phrase that felt most fitting was to boldly state, “I’m a warrior”. When asked what she wanted listeners to know about her after hearing her song, Barbara said, “I want them to know you say what you mean, and you mean what you say. Never fail, or stop treating people the way you want to be treated”. It is important to her that she lead by example, and her motto is “I can and I will”.
Lyrics: “I’m a Warrior”
“Where You Belong”
Written by Morgan Mecaskey as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough community. Morgan collaborated with Willis and Marilyn Thomas. Originally from Ashtabula and Mount Pleasant, Willis and Marilyn exuded a vivacious, energetic, and grateful spirit as they described their individual lives growing up in Cleveland, raising children, and eventually finding one another, and building a beautiful life together. It seems that no matter what Willis and Marilyn are doing or where they are, they are happy, so long as they’re together. The community of Hough and the Fatima Family Center in particular has brought many new experiences into the Thomas’ lives, for which they are thankful.
Lyrics: “Where You Belong”
“Be Your Own Person”
Written by Tori Obermeier as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough community. Tori collaborated with Vanessa Jones, mother of 3, grandmother of 4. Vanessa’s core values are trust and family closeness. Growing up, her parents and grandfather taught her several life lessons that she has since clung to as an adult. Now, as a mother and grandmother, she finds herself passing these life lessons on to future generations. This song was inspired by Vanessa’s love for reggae music.
Lyrics: “Be Your Own Person”
“Common Message of Love”
Written by Charlie Mosbrook as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough community. Charlie collaborated with Gloria Hewston, a woman who grew up and stayed in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Cleveland. She is proud of her 3 children, 21 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Gloria loved living in Mt. Pleasant neighborhood and remembers the area as being close, where the neighborhood kids would come to her house and everyone loved everyone. Although she recently moved to Twinsburg to be closer to her son, Gloria continues to stay involved and connected with the Fatima Family Center. It is a place where she feels comfortable and welcomed like a part of the family.
Lyrics: “Common Message of Love”
“No Place Like Home”
Written by Ray Flanagan as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough community. Ray collaborated with Delores Webster, an 81 year old, life-long resident of Cleveland. Delores was part of Dr. Martin Luther King's March on Washington and heard his "I Have a Dream" speech in person. While she has extensively traveled throughout the United States and beyond, and has fond memories of many different places along her travels, she simply says “There’s no place like home”. No matter where she was returning from, Delores remarked that "when you see that Terminal Tower, you know you're back in Cleveland."
Lyrics: “No Place Like Home”
“Take My Roots With Me”
Written by Liz Bullock as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough community. Liz collaborated with Dianna Frizzell, a retired nurse of 38 years who still lives in the house in which she grew up. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of two. Dianna had a wonderful childhood growing up in the Hough neighborhood, and fondly remembers gardening and making wine with her father. Embracing her African heritage is something that was emphasized by her father and she still embraces it in all aspects of her life today. Dianna has traveled extensively including to Africa, Cabo, Brussels, Italy and France. She is proud that she was able to achieve her life dreams of becoming a nurse and traveling the world.
Lyrics: “Take My Roots With Me”
“Other Than This”
Written by Bethany Svoboda as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough community. Bethany collaborated with Ernestine Woods, a woman born and raised in East Cleveland. She has fond memories of raising her children and caring for her grandchildren and aging parents. Due to COVID – 19 Ernestine is pretty much restricting herself to home and limiting the number of people with whom interacts. She is eager to get back into the community and resume her social activities with her close friends.
Lyrics: “Other Than This”
“Delores Jones”
Written by Juliana Tabor as part of Roots of American Music's "Hough is My Home" series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland's Hough community. Juliana collaborated with 83 year old Delores Jones, a lifelong Hough resident. Delores takes great pride in her family which includes her 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Her favorite time of year has always been the holidays, where she would cook a delicious feast for her entire family. Her famous dishes include her juicy turkey, ham, dressing, corn, greens, green beans, potato salad, and apple pie. She has now passed these recipes down to her daughter who does most of the cooking these days. Delores’ favorite activity is line dancing and she also enjoys visiting, and playing bingo with her friends at the Fatima Center.
Lyrics: “Delores Jones”
“I Will Not Be Moved”
Written by Afi Scruggs as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. Afi collaborated with Vickie Bullard. When Vickie moved into her Collinwood home 34 years ago, she was the first African American on her block and the first tenant in CMHA’s scattered site housing program. Over the years she has been a stalwart neighbor. Afi based this song on the traditional gospel number “I Shall Not Be Moved”.
Lyrics: “I Will Not Be Moved”
“Stitch by Stitch”
Written by Brent Kirby as part of Roots of American Music’s “Hough is My Home” series, a songwriting collaboration between ROAM teaching artists/musicians and senior adults who regularly attend the Fatima Family Center in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. Brent collaborated with Patricia Spychaj, a 66 year old woman who grew up in Garfield Heights with her parents and sister and now resides in Cleveland. Patricia has fond memories of backyard wading pools and swing set rides at Geauga Lake. She enjoys going on trips to Amish country, playing the penny machines at a casino and watching her favorite TV shows. Having worked for 43 years as a dietary worker and housekeeper at Sunrise Point nursing home, Patricia now makes it a priority to keep in touch, and visit with friends. She loves bible study and her favorite hobby is to crochet hats, scarves and blankets to give as gifts to others.
Lyrics: “Stitch by Stitch”