KAPA‘A — It was a night of aloha at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital when locals, visitors, employees and patients came together to learn about Music for Memory and enjoy a concert and movie.
A team effort of the non-profit organizations of Mahelona Hospital Auxiliary, Mahelona Employees Association and the Slack Key Music Center put on the Oct. 18 event and raised more than $1,500 for patient programs.
The Music for Memory program at SMMH helps patients with memory problems — from conditions such as dementia, injuries and amnesia — through personalized playlists on iPods.
According to Dr. Oliver Sacks — a renowned neurologist and author — “music can animate people with Parkinson’s disease who cannot otherwise move, give words to stroke patients who cannot otherwise speak, and calm and organize people whose memories are ravaged by Alzheimer’s or amnesia.”
And 100 percent of the ticket sales were donated to Mahelona Hospital Auxiliary for two programs: the Music for Memory program (iPod and iTunes cards purchase) and equipment and fixtures for the patient rehabilitation laundry. The laundry room helps patient residents enjoy normal home activities as well as prepare injured patients for returning to independent life at home.
Sandra Pantages, the president of Slack Key Music Center, said, “This opportunity to help the Mahelona Medical Center was a perfect introduction to the community for the Slack Key Music Center’s program called ‘Seeds of Aloha’ which seeks to get the traditional slack key music into healing centers, hospice and other organizations where the soothing, healing power of the music can help people and their families.”
The night of festivity was supported the Mahelona Employees Association, whose members created a local style snack shop complete with saimin, ice cream sundaes, hot dogs, soft drinks and lots of other goodies.
Wally and Polei Palmeira played beautiful serenades on guitar, xylophone and bass. Polei also performed an exquisite hula.
In addition, Doug and Sandy McMaster shared their family slack key as well as several pieces from traditional players such as Raymond Kane, Sonny Chillingworth and Leonard Kwan.
For more information about the Mahelona Hospital Auxiliary, their programs and how you can help, call 823-4162.
For more information about the Slack Key Music Center, visit www.SlackKeyMusicCenter.org.
