Oelwein PEO Chapter CL welcomed the new year 2023 with the “Music for the Soul” program. Karla Grennan explored and presented five ways music helps the mind.
1. Learning to play an instrument strengthens your memory with a process involving a comprehensive list of tasks that expand your working memory.
2. Music training makes you “smarter”. It teaches the brain to solve problems, and the earlier the child starts training, the better the results of music and brain cognition.
3. Group singing makes you happier! It lowers stress hormone levels and floods your body with dopamine, which gives a feeling of euphoria.
4. Drumming can jump-start brain function. Therapists use drumming to reach patients with severe dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Listening to music soothes pain and emotions. Listening to music often, you want, lowers cortisol levels. It can distract you from worry or pain and boost your positive emotions.
Since we were still celebrating the 12 days of Christmas, the musical selection “How Far is it to Bethlehem” was performed by Karla Grennan on flute, Beth Kerr on piano and singers Janet Hofmeyer and Irene Stocks. During the musical selection, the 12 members calmly and joyfully reflected on the Christmas season.
The four performers then shared when and how their love for music began. Many shared memories of involving family members in the music they enjoyed, marking the beginning of their musical appreciation. Several have shared that they took piano lessons as young children, although Beth Kerr is the only accomplished pianist of the group. All expressed that music was a big part of their lives, whether they performed in bands, orchestras, choral groups, or as soloists and accompanists. Directing choirs, especially youth and children’s choirs, was a highlight for Beth Kerr and Irene Stocks.
After 40 years, Karla took up the flute during the pandemic and attacked her brain. She was a little surprised at how quickly it came back to her. Karla continued the program by saying that music was and still is a big part of her life. She then shared the following reading that spoke to her.
“Music has the power to make us laugh and bring us to tears. It can transport us back in time and inspire us to dance in the moment. There is music for all our happiest and saddest days.”
There are few things that stimulate the brain like music does. If you want to keep your brain engaged during the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain, as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory.
Karla shared this thought before making the final selection. “If you want to tone your body, head to the gym. If you want to exercise your brain, listen to, play or sing some music!”
The final selection the band performed was “Everyday is a Gift from the Lord”. Karla then remarked how blessed we are! And we wish you many GOOD days in 2023!
President Diane King called the business meeting to order. Chaplain Linda Jensen shared Matthew 2:1-12 followed by a PEO prayer. The distribution of Christmas gifts was discussed and voted to support three PEO projects, ELF (Educational Loan Fund), Continuing Education Program and STAR Scholarships.
After the meeting Diane King and Nancy Thomas served refreshments. A Blessing Bag was passed around among the members and many shared their Christmas celebrations and the joys and worries of the members.
A beautiful memorial service was given by Nancy Thomas, assisted by Gail Treat, honoring the late 2022 PEO CL members, Mary Ann Gathman and Donna Wilson. A scripture reading and candle lighting for both PEO sisters was a warm way to remember these beloved ladies.
The February PEO meeting will be held on Monday, February 6th at 1 pm at the home of Cindy Schrader. The program will be “Journey to the Holy Land 2020” by Cindy Schrader and the President’s Letter. Hostesses will be Sue Johnson and Cindy Schrader.