This month, Dorothie W tells about sharing her joy of music with others. Dorothie retired from Real Estate and moved from Vancouver, WA, to Lacey in 1997, and has been a member of St. Mark since 1998. She is also mom/in-law of Ron & Judy, grandmother of Debbie & Pam, and great-grandmother of Rebecca & Erik.
It all began at Briggs YMCA. About eight years ago the Activity Director, Ines, asked her husband, Jim, to bring in his new keyboard and play something at the center. Very soon four or five others were showing up for weekly jam sessions. It was just fun, with no special goal in mind — the group didn‘t have a name or expect to. Then one day, we played for a picnic at Priest Point Park. We had a cornet, viola and drums with me and Jim each on our keyboards. Realizing that music really does make a difference for so many, Jim and Ines named us “Music Matters.”
We have played for Senior Centers, Rotary, Odd Fellows, church socials, picnics and parties. Our playlists are a blend of gospels, polkas and toetappin‘ tunes of the past. We often play at Retirement and Assisted Living Centers in this area. We all love to hear and play those old favorites. Some folks sing along, while others keep the beat to every tune. We seem to bring a touch of brightness into their day — and they do the same for us. After eight years, I sometimes marvel at how our band of ten stays together. God must have had it all figured out from the beginning. He knows that music matters.