Lily Li, who is the Music Director at FPC and piano teacher, arranged a musical performance with Johnny Irish (age 9) and Henry Irish (age 7) as well as her piano student, Elliana Leone (age 8) and special guest, Gordon Carmen (aged 18 months).

Last month, members of Fredonia Presbyterian Church made their way to Fredonia Place.

Their mission, to spread joy by sharing their musical talents. Lily Li, who is the Music Director at FPC and piano teacher, arranged a musical performance featuring not only her own remarkable talent, but that of her two sons, Johnny Irish (age 9) and Henry Irish (age 7) as well as her piano student, Elliana Leone (age 8) and special guest, Gordon Carmen (aged 18 months) to help improvise a piece.

All of the children are members of the Fredonia Presbyterian Church Children’s Program and were delighted to share the gift of music. Each performer played to a packed room of Fredonia Place residents who were thrilled to spend the afternoon enjoying not only the performances, but also the company of others.

Following the performances, Lily shared a personal story of how Fredonia Place has impacted her outlook on care for the elderly. Lily was first introduced to Fredonia Place a little over nine years ago when she was pregnant with her son Johnny. It was at that time that her family was grappling with the need to find more support for her father, who lives in China and was diagnosed with dementia. Lily’s mother was dealing with her own health concerns at the time and had doubts.

Lily, who was living in Fredonia, half a world away, was struggling to envision the type of facility her father would be entering as elder care facilities are a relatively recent development in China. She was encouraged to go to Fredonia Place to get a better idea of assistive living facilities. Lily planned a visit and played piano for the residents. Lily said that this experience gave her a sense of peace with the decision to move her father to a facility that turned out to be the best choice for her father and family. She expressed her gratitude and sincere love for the residents and care provided at Fredonia Place.

Lily ended the visit by encouraging others to share their talents with their community. She believes that if you are blessed with a gift, you should use it to bring joy to others.

After the performance, Parish Associate Zoe Milliman and Parishioner Ned Divine, whose mother is a resident at Fredonia Place and recently celebrated her 100th birthday, served cookies and brownies made by Zoe and Bridget Mackowiak. The residents enjoyed their desserts while kids played and danced.

If you are interested in sharing time and talent with the residents at Fredonia Place, contact the activities director Alania Perry at 716-679-2250 .