Activities Director Rachel Becker and Sandy Reinke teamed up to provide community wide entertainment for residents, families and visitors alike. A variation of Bingo, dubbed “Music Singo,” residents received cards similar to bingo cards, yet instead of drawing numbers and letters to win prizes, residents were treated to old time music favorites such as “Que Sera, Sera,” “Love Me Tender,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” String a line of those melodies together on their cards and cash prizes were awarded to winners along with snacks and drinks.

Since November, Tea for Cancer has hosted three sold-out Music Singo fundraisers at the Kegel Klub, raised over $18,000 which went out to needy families struggling with the effects of cancer.

Organizer Sandy Reinke said, “we had so much fun at these events that we thought we would share the good times with residents of the assisted living and nursing home.”

The event was sponsored by Thrivent Financial.

Sandy Reinke from Tea for Cancer helped host a Music Singo event to Oak Hills Living Center last week. Tea for Cancer had recently held three successful Singo fundraisers and decided to bring it to the residents of Oak Hills.

Playing familiar old tunes brought the crowd much joy as evidenced by the smiles, singing along and tapping toes or fingers to the melodies. Music has a way of bringing back memories even as the aging process works on senior citizens. In addition to oldies, but goodies such as “Bye Bye Love,” “Crazy,” and “Tutti Frutti” there was a healthy dose of familiar Polkas. Many who were able to do so, got up and danced along with numerous volunteers. There was a touching and emotional moment when guest Susie Anderson made a special request for the song “You Are My Sunshine” for her husband Terry, which brought tears to both their eye tears to both of their eyes.

“Simple pleasures become more important as we age,” said Reinke, and the audience was certainly responding. Watching multiple generations playing this game together was entertaining and heartwarming.

Oak Hills Residents (L to R) Pat Johnson, Carol Green and volunteer Scott Ries play Singo in the activities room.

Oak Hills Living Center’s activities room was packed for Singo last Thursday. The event is a musical version of Bingo, that has proven popular in the community as of late.