Hollister
– Since retiring more than two decades ago, former music teacher
Jody Larson has found purpose in traveling to local nursing homes
and playing organ music for the residents.
”
I play the golden oldies for these folks to break up their
routine,
”
Larson said.
Hollister – Since retiring more than two decades ago, former music teacher Jody Larson has found purpose in traveling to local nursing homes and playing organ music for the residents.
“I play the golden oldies for these folks to break up their routine,” Larson said.
But, at the Mabie Northside Skilled Nursing Facility, the music came to an end for Larson and those he entertains there when the facility’s organ was found destroyed on Valentine’s Day.
“It got into the hands of a scalawag who left it plugged in all night and it fried,” said Larson, 85, who lives in Hollister.
After contacting one of the few organ repairmen in the region, Larson quickly ruled out getting the organ repaired, which he was told would cost several thousand dollars. So now he’s hoping someone in the community will come forward and either provide an organ or at least donate some money to getting another one.
“Repairmen are about as scarce as brain surgeons and just as expensive,” Larson said. “We’re trying to find somebody, an angel, to get us another organ.”
Mayvin Orellana, activities director at Northside, said that everybody at the facility – residents and workers alike – misses the music that Larson would play for them every week.
“Everybody looked forward to Wednesday. Everybody knew Jody was coming.” she said. ” The music lifts our spirits, we looked forward to it every week.”
Orellana said that she and those she cares for hope that Larson is successful in getting a new organ so he can bring the music back to Northside.
“We really miss it,” she said. “We love him coming here, and I think he loves it too.”
Larson, who has been playing organ at local nursing homes for about 20 years, said that he does indeed miss entertaining at Northside and is eager too get his fingers on the keys once again.
“It’s how I get myself out of bed every day and comb my hair and put on my pants – to go entertain the old folks.”
Larson said a used organ costs about $3,000.
Anyone who might be able to aid Larson in his quest for an organ can contact him at 637-4211.
