BURNHAM - Through the Juniata Valley YMCA, two local Christian singers want to offer a different kind of fitness to older generations.
The Burnham organization will host a concert specifically organized for nursing home residents to uplift them spiritually and tell them that they are important to the community.
The Rev. Bernard Carpenter, who serves on the YMCA board of directors, said his heart's desire has been to organize a religious program that would minister to the needs of everyone in the community.
He and Rick Alderton decided to reach out to nursing home residents who they said are sometimes forgotten.
Both Carpenter and Alderton credited their start in music to their nursing home visits.
"I never lost sight of where God gave me my first platform," Carpenter said.
When Alderton walks though the nursing home hallways, he said he notices that some residents never have visitors.
"We want to let them know that God has not forgotten them," Alderton said.
For Carpenter, nursing home residents' situations became a greater reality recently when he and his siblings decided to send their mother to a care home.
"I understand how hard that decision is," Carpenter said.
The concert, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. May 12 at the YMCA in Burnham, will feature a sampling of old songs like "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace." Performers will include Alderton, Carpenter, Dave Hartsock and Cindi Yoder. After the concert, there will be refreshments.
Though the concert is targeted to older adults, everyone is welcome, Carpenter said.
Carpenter thanked YMCA Executive Director John McCullough and the board of directors for giving the group the privilege to hold the concert at the YMCA.
