SPRINGTIME AT THE GARDEN NURSING HOME

With only a handful of Smuggers available today, SMUG were able to pull off a wonderful program that was enjoyed by our friends and relatives at The Garden Nursing Home. Thanks to those who were able to make the gig, as it was a Saturday that many Smuggers from our orchestra seemed to be on the road somewhere. The group did their whole Spring Program under the capable direction of Hazel, who was responsible for getting the best out of such a small number of ukulele players for over an hour. The photographer was otherwise occupied today and forgot to take some shots until the program had finished. Today was SMUG's eighth appearance at the Garden Home since our inception in 2008, and always a pleasure to play to these very appreciative residents and staff who always turn out prepared for a great time. It was nice to have a chat with so many too, after the performance, while we munched on treats supplied to us by the home. There always seems to be a new familiar face or two at these nursing homes, and they love to join us and say "hello" and tell us they are so glad we came, and please come again. We will be happy to for sure.

HUNTER RIVER LIONS' CLUB SENIORS' SPECIAL

SMUG performed today at the long awaited Seniors'Day Special at the Hunter River Lions'Club Hall. After contact with Jean MacRae of the Hunter River Club a couple of months ago, the date kept changing until March 24th was finally decided upon. The hall was beginning to fill up as SMUG began their performance at 10:30 and by 10:45 every seat was taken. At the half time Jean MacRae, the hostess for the day, introduced Brendon Campbell who kept the audience spellbound with his wonderful stories and narrations. SMUG finished their program by noon followed by a gorgeous lunch of soups, Chili and sweets supplied by the Lions' Club.
Today was one of our best programs and best performances....something that seems to go hand in hand with Lions' Clubs!It seemed that everyone was happy and a good time was had by all. I had several inquires about playing the ukulele and I feel sure our presence has probably stimulated more ukulele adoration.I'm sure others had ukulele inquiries as well. When chatting with an old college buddy who was there, I noticed he was showing some interest in the ukulele. His wife said he used to play the violin and should take up the ukulele....I agreed!Maybe he will too.


Campbell gets the program underway.

Campbell Directs SMUG in excellent program

Watching from the stage

Our hostess and emcee for the day Jean MacRae

Jean Introduces Brendon Campbell

Brendon Campbell does great narrations and tells wonderful stories

Great hospitality by the Lions' Club

The food table starting to look empty

Smuggers enjoy a noon lunch

The Nanas and The Papas Spring Recital

Leah directing the Nanas and the Papas.

After a long winter of practicing on their new ukuleles, the Mamas and The Papas of Whisperwood Villa performed their closing season recital before a packed house with standing room only. The newest Charlottetown ukulele group, attired in appropriate white shirts and colorful scarves, performed a dozen or more songs which were well rehearsed and under the capable direction of Leah Ziegler, assisted by renowned bass player Darlene Acorn.Both Darlene and Leah are original members of the SMUG Ukulele Orchestra out of Charlottetown PEI, and along with several others from SMUG have been instrumental in teaching and organizing various new ukulele groups in and around the City.

The Activity director of Whisperwood Villa, Peggy Zielinsky, spoke before the program began about the LEAP program which they have participated in for the past two years, and which made the ukulele orchestra possible at Whisperwood Villa. The expressions on the smiling faces of the ukulele artists spoke volumes about their pleasure and satisfaction with their new-found activity. The group is assisted by Peggy and her assistant, Kerry Trenholm, who are both playing ukuleles in the ukulele orchestra and fully expect the orchestra to continue for years to come.At the moment they only have one Papa, but the director is certain that will change soon. The afternoon performance culminated with beautifully prepared trays of hors d'oeuvres prepared by the skilled kitchen staff of the Villa.

Happy St Patrick's Day to all you Irish Smuggers

Barry Ziegler,Dennis Wells,Hazel St.Amand, Leah Ziegler, Joanne Lord

After singing "Happy Birthday" to Leah this morning we honoured the Irish with a new rendition of "Toora Loora Loora" to be kept on file for a repeat next year at the same time.Lots of laughs and a good time was had by all there. We spent the rest of the morning drinking coffee and preparing for the Lions Club Seniors' Day in Hunter River next Saturday.

The Leprechauns on Parade

Half The Gang Having Good Fun

Another very small turnout at SMUG this morning as only about half our number were in attendance....an opportunity to snap some quick photos and closeups of those who were enjoying the participation. We had great biscuits, our very favourite,made specially for us by Hazel, and someone said the coffee was above reproach....I knew it was! A great morning but next time out it is time to get back to serious business.