Lagmans Turn Seat At Piano Into Saugus' Friendly Voices

For eight years, Lynnfield residents Ben and Lourdes Lagman have led weekly sing-alongs at the Saugus Senior Center. “The day the Lagmans first stepped foot through our doors was the day the Saugus Senior Center became a better place,” noted Joanne Olsen, Director of the Saugus Council on Aging.

The couple first arrived to participate in another offering of the Center, but when they saw the piano in the corner of the hall, they knew instinctively that they could offer something that would bring joy to the seniors there. Olsen explained, “Lourdes sat down at the piano and filled the space with beautiful music that everyone could sing along to. Before we knew it, Ben was conducting a chorus group. They selflessly volunteer their time and talents, and so many people benefit.”

What started with five or six participants has grown to nearly two dozen regulars who faithfully participate every week, many of whom look forward to this more than anything else in their week. When they hear music from their youth -- from snapshots of the lives -- they are transported, and for at least a little while, memories are sharp, friends and spouses who have been long gone are there with them again, and the wheelchairs and walkers disappear. Now this chorus group has dubbed themselves “The Friendly Voices of the Saugus Senior Center” and aside from their weekly singalong, they offer presentations to entertain Center audiences several times a year.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Ben and Lourdes were joined by their brother-in-law Bob Strickland; retired physician Jose Angeles; and professional musician Kook Lowry in a musical presentation, that included personal compositions by Dr. Angeles, Caribbean favorites, and familiar standards that all could join in on.

The singalong takes place every Tuesday from 12:30-3 pm at the Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central Street, Saugus. All are welcome to join in.

Photos by Marie Lagman. Joanne Olsen (Executive Director, Town of Saugus Council on Aging, Jose Angeles, Lourdes Lagman, Kook Lowry, Bob Strickland, and Ben Lagman.; Lourdes Lagman at the piano; Jose Angeles on guitar and Bob Strickland on bongo drums; Kook Lowry on guitar.