Sounds of Loretta Lynn by Charlene

Facts and Thoughts of the Show

We both grew up loving country music, Loretta Lynn, being our favorite female country artist. While working at a nursing home, I discovered how difficult it was for the Activities Department to offer the residents activities that they really enjoyed.  So, we thought of a plan. I got a wig and put together a Loretta Lynn outfit, and put  on a 20 minute show of Loretta’s music, the lyrics of which I lip-synced. The residents  had so much fun and so did we!  In March of 2003 I was asked to do our act at the Circus Hall of Fame Gala and Art Auction, an annual event in Peru Indiana.  George, an amateur artist, donates drawings to be auctioned off to raise funds for this great organization.  After the show I was approached by a staff member from a nursing home facility and asked to perform  for their residents.  Sounds of Loretta Lynn by Charlene was born on June 30, 2003, and on July 9, 2004 the 100 show was celebrated at Americare Living Center in Wabash, IN.  George does all the computer work, sound equipment, photography, and driving. I tell the residents   where we perform that, "He makes sure I’m buttoned up, zipped up, and got my shoes on the right feet. He is wonderful and I couldn’t do this without him.  There is no charge for the show, however with the gasoline prices rising higher and higher a donation for travel is greatly appreciated. We feel like millionaires every time we finish a show and see the smiles on the faces of these sometimes forgotten people. Hugs, handshakes and smiles are a very important part of the show. We  have people who haven’t spoken a word in months start to sing along. Family members tell us how special their family member feels when we do the old country music they remember.  In April of 2004 we were honored as Volunteer of the Year at two different facilities, one  in Wabash, IN and one in Peru, IN. I cried like a baby to receive such honors and now I know how Loretta must feel when she receives any of her many awards. In April 2005 Sounds of Loretta Lynn by Charlene celebrated its 200th performance. Our 300th performance was December 22, 2005 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Logansport, Indiana.  August 12, 2006 we celebrated 400 at the Life Care Center of the Willows in Valporaiso, Indiana.  April 5, 2007 Sounds of Loretta Lynn reached a milestone,show Number 500.  We celebrated with the residents and guest at Millers Merry Manor in Peru, IN.  And on November 24, 2007 at Century Villa in Greentown IN. we celebrated our 600th.  We are looking forward to celebrating our 700th this year.