Testimonials

There is no way I can thank you enough for the smile that you put on my Moms face. God Bless you all!!! With Love, Leslee & Tibby Please keep up the good work.

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I have always believed in the healing power of music, but after working at Hospice House and getting the opportunity  to work with the Merrymakers performers who come here, I know without a doubt just how powerful music can be. A resident had not been very alert in the morning before Bob and Ardeth’s performance, but as soon as he arrived and heard the old songs he had loved so much in his younger days, he was smiling and tapping his toes to the music. By the end, he was even singing along! What a wonderful thing for him; and what a wonderful thing for his daughter, who was with him for part of the performance, to see!

Katherine Jarvis,

Volunteer Coordinator

Hospice House

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“Merry Maker’s are here for you” rings out as you enter a Merry Maker’s live concert. We would like to tell you just why Merry Maker’s are indeed here for you.. and us at JC Wade Senior Villa.

The Rev. JC Wade had an ambition. That ambition was to create affordable housing for seniors in the black community. His dream became a reality in May of 1983 when he opened the doors of JC Wade Senior Villa to 50 senior citizens in North Omaha.

Residents at JC Wade have enjoyed the concerts by Merry Maker’s entertainers for a number of years but have longed for a black entertainer to be among the musicians that give of their time and talents.  That prayer was heard and acted upon and on Friday, May 7th at 3:00.  In his first Merry Maker’s concert, Steve Fowler rocked the house at JC Wade.

Magnetism filled the air as Steve touched the hearts and souls of every lady in the room with a look, a magical touch, a dance or a “Betty, everything I have is yours”.  Laughter filled the room as the gentlemen were not to be denied. They were brought up with Steve to sing and act out love songs to the ladies. Cries of “You go brother”, “Aright”, “You sing it honey” rang out from the audience.

Steve spoke about the days…a time when Fats Domino had his own television show which was cancelled because people didn’t want to see “his face” in their living rooms. He spoke to the hearts of the people and made me realize as a white manager in a black community I will never fully understand the “we shall overcome” chants of the followers of Dr. Martin Luther King, the feelings of Rosa Parks or the passion of “This Little Light of Mine”. Standing up alone or joining together, each little bit of light can break the darkness.

Steve closed with an uproarious “Don’t Want Ya Cause Your Feet’s Too Big” and we begged for more.  Next time Steve.. BB King?  Thanks “Merry Maker’s..we’re here for you”

Glenna Spomer, Manager,

Park East Tower

JC Wade Senior Villa

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My name is Leah Sealey and I am the daughter-in-law of Dorothy Sealey who lives at New Cassel retirement community.  I am visiting my mother-in-law and was able to see Michael Lyon perform for the residents on Tuesday afternoon.

I wanted Michael to know that I felt his performance was not only stellar but at the same time “pastoral” (it was the best word I could think of).  I’ve been visiting from out of town for several days staying at New Cassel with Dorothy.  During this time I’ve come to know many residents over meal time and during the other activities offered at New Cassel.

It truly warmed my heart to see Michael literally reach out to each and every resident.  Perhaps unbeknownst to him he sang to the sweetest 103 year old woman I’ve ever met (she’ll be 104 next month!).  He also gave his attention to a beautiful lady stricken with the crippling effects of a stroke.  I know she felt like a princess for that moment!

What you offer to the folks you meet is not only your talent, your story and your attention — you are also showing compassion and love in a way that I will not soon forget. Thanks to you Michael and all the Merry Makers for living up to your name!