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Pianist Jack Coleman and Linda Lemmon
Gift to Westview resonates with residents and patients
DAYVILLE --- In the key of legacy, the gift of music sustains at Westview Health Care Center through the generosity of Linda Lemmon and her late companion, Robert “Bob” Gomes. She recently reached out to Westview to offer a magnanimous, melodic contribution to their entertainment space: A beautiful black-lacquered grand Kawai piano. Linda felt that this refined instrument, played by Bob’s hands at their home for many years, could continue to provide peaceful piano moments and performances for years to come in a new home.
Westview delighted in hearing about her considerable gesture, and arranged for this set of ivories to be placed in the facility’s Formal Dining Room. This is Westview’s primary event location for Therapeutic Recreation, performances, parties, family gatherings, and meal service. Notes from the room will continue to echo though the halls at Westview as they ring from this beautiful gift. Pleasant tones will reverberate in perpetuity from this special space of sound, singing, and smiling.
Following delivery, Westview had a brass plaque affixed to the piano as a gesture of remembrance and honor, reading: “Donated in Memory of Robert ‘Bob’ Gomes.” A commemorative celebration was held recently. Pianist Jack Coleman joined Linda and Westview residents, patients, and staff to inaugurate the piano with an afternoon concert. The performance began with Jack playing “As Time Goes By” —Bob and Linda’s favorite song. Residents and patients appreciated additional seasonal holiday standards and familiar songs to sing along with as Jack Coleman entertained the audience at the skilled nursing facility. Many Westview staff members also enjoyed witnessing this presentation as a wonderful example of the long-lasting impact of a treasured musical heirloom passed forward through generations.
Hearing Bob’s piano again brought Linda sentimental satisfaction. She spoke to what this piano represents to her and what it can offer to listeners: “Remember the old saying about how tossing a pebble into a pond creates ripples? That crossed my mind when Bob’s piano came to life again at its inaugural concert at Westview. I feel those notes—and every note after that—will send out waves of joy, inspiration, and peace. Music is the universal language. And like the pond, the listener cannot help but be changed.”
Westview Executive Vice President and CEO David T. Panteleakos has known Linda through many community connections over the years, and greatly appreciated when she contacted Westview about her wishes for Bob’s piano. In talking with Linda, Mr. Panteleakos valued their mutual interest in music and expressed his gratitude for her generosity: “We are so grateful to Linda for thinking of others when determining the best disposition for this amazing gift! It just so happened that we were on the hunt for a new piano at the time, and she called out of the blue. It was pure coincidence and I cannot think of a better Christmas present for our residents than the amazing gift of music. We will always cherish that this piano was provided in such a loving way; ensuring that Bob’s legacy shall continue as time goes by.”
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