From Program Assistant Tanya Kutukdjian at Park Plaza Senior Apartments in North Hollywood, CA:
This month’s spotlight is on Khachik. He is one of Park Plaza’s talented singers. When I first met Khachik, he had recently lost his wife and was understandably in a sad place in his life. He was always very kind, but also very sad. He would attend the song and dance events, sitting in a corner with a few of the other gentlemen. He would just sit quietly and listen to the music — his love for music was evident in his eyes. Finally, one of his friends let me in on the secret: Khachik loved to sing! I asked him if he would perform a song for us, and with a little cheering on from his friends, he agreed. The rest is history. Khachik not only began singing, but would also accompany the women in dancing. Now, he will never refuse an offer to dance.
He also began participating in the Senior Olympics, in the athletic as well as talent arena.
Through the opportunities provided by Engage at Park Plaza, he was able to have much to look forward to and to be proud of, giving him purpose after he felt there was none left.
Now, Khachik is always a guest singer at the events we hold. Everyone knows that he will give them at least two beautiful trips down memory lane with his selection of songs. There is no doubt Khachik will always feel the void from the loss of his wife, however, he has found joy through his performances.
From Sarah Jacobus with Timeslips:
We had a wild storytelling session at Park Plaza in April—eight women, the largest group yet, two of whom were newbies—and a story that turned racy and elicited raucous laughter and so much back and forth that even Tanya was having a hard time keeping up with translation. One of the participants gestured around the group and told me, “See? We’re all happy!” Several women commented after that the session had been “refreshing” and “therapeutic.”
~ Elizabeth Sampson, Program Director
