50+ Lifestyles

RSVP: Lead With Experience

By Bill Sedlacek
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

Bill and Pete Bring Joy to the Elderly

On a number of occasions, I’ve described the volunteers I’ve spotlighted here as “Unsung Heroes.” I can’t describe Pete Bata and Bill Hedges like that because singing is how they volunteer. These two longtime members of the Davenport St. Matthew’s Lutheran church choir entertain with a karaoke act at 18 different care facilities in the greater Quad Cities and Clinton, Iowa. Pete has been volunteering since 1993, when he retired from his career with the Federal Government. Initially he volunteered in hospice facilities and found that music was a comfort to those in the program. Applying his talents to a broader audience he began singing as a karaoke act called “Music with Pete.” During his 21 years, he has worn out six karaoke machines, and he and Bill are doing their best to wear out a seventh by singing 5 days a week. When I asked how many hours they devoted to singing in a typical week, they were not sure. I took that as a sure indication that they were having far too much fun to keep count.

Bill joined Pete in 2010 after the passing of his wife, Suzanne. Like a lot of other folks I have met, Bill says that volunteering has helped him deal with loss. There is no
question that their singing talents have also brought joy to many others. Like all volunteers I have interviewed, Pete and Bill said that the satisfaction and the sense of purpose they get from knowing that they are helping others, improve their own outlook on life

I caught their act at the Fort Armstrong Assisted Living Facility the last week in July. That grand old Rock Island landmark has retained a lot of its old elegance after being converted into a well-appointed assisted-living community for about 100 folks.

The residents had begun to gather in the lobby well before Pete and Bill were scheduled to perform. Some were chatting while others sat quietly, perhaps lost in thoughts of past pleasant moments. One gentleman with a full head of silver hair flashed a ready smile at a lady who took a seat on the same couch with him and was met with a quick blush in return. I can’t describe it as intense as a rock concert audience, but one could feel the anticipation in the lobby.

Pete and Bill came in, introduced themselves and turned on the karaoke machine. They sang “Let me call you Sweetheart,” “Summer Winds,” “Rambling Rose” and many other favorite songs of our generation. The length of time they have been singing together was apparent in how well their voices blended together.

The audience in the lobby quickly livened up, singing along with Pete and Bill. One went up to Pete, who shared his songbook with her so she could also sing along. Several danced, alone or together. One resident danced with Sydne James, the Fort Armstrong Social Director while Sydne was holding the leash of Dixie, her therapy-dog-in-training. Dixie is a big hit with the residents and doesn’t seem at all spoiled by all the attention.

The concert ended to wide applause after 45 or so minutes. It was a really great time that I appreciated as much as the Fort Armstrong residents. I hope that Pete and Bill can continue to entertain for a long time to come.   If you wish to entertain or comfort residents in assisted-living or nursing homes, contact RSVP by calling (309) 793-4425 or email dlayton@wiaaa.org. We’ll get you set up!