Seniors find community in Western Home choir

By SUE WILLETT

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Jerry Larson joined the choir because
he simply loves to sing. Becky Bierwirth says she likes the
interaction with other members. Jim Tice joined as a way to get to
know people when he first moved to the Western Home Communities.

Gathering weekly in the Wind Cove dining area, the members of
the Windy Hill Singers Western Home Communities Choir love to sing
and have a good laugh. They also adore their choir director, Martha
Hansen.

Hansen came up with the idea to organize a choir in June 2009.
Her energy and enthusiasm for singing is contagious as she
encourages Western Home residents to “dust off their voices” and
join in the fun.

“I love the members of the choir,” Hansen said. “We have gained
new friendships because of seeing each other every week. It’s a
chance to bring our old talents out and get them working again.
Singing is a challenge for some of us and as we continue to
participate our voices are getting stronger. We are like an
extended family to each other. There are always jokes to be told
and lots of laughter among the group.”