On a Tuesday afternoon at Cedarhurst of Canton, a familiar phrase echoed through the room: “But I can’t sing.”
It was a sentiment shared by many of the nine residents who would soon become members of something much bigger than they ever expected, a choir built not on perfection, but on courage, connection, and joy.
Leading them was 15-year-old Portia Landon, a Girl Scout with a vision rooted in both heart and purpose. Inspired by her passion for music and a desire to better understand dementia and memory loss, Portia created Melodies for Memories as her Girl Scout Gold Award project—the highest achievement in Girl Scouting.
Her idea was simple, yet powerful: create a memory choir where older adults could sing familiar songs, spark memories, and build meaningful connections through music.
What began as a concept quickly became something more.
Finding Their Voices
At first, the residents were hesitant. Some worried about their hearing. Others doubted their ability to sing at all. The early rehearsals were less about performance and more about trust—getting to know one another, sharing favorite songs, and rediscovering the simple joy of music.
Portia met them exactly where they were.
With warmth, patience, and a natural sense of empathy, she introduced vocal warmups, taught conductor movements, and encouraged each resident to find their voice again. And slowly, something remarkable began to happen.
Each practice, once filled with uncertainty, transformed into something residents looked forward to. They practiced twice a week, building not just a repertoire of songs, but a sense of confidence in themselves and each other.
“They always say they can’t sing,” said Samantha Seitz, Life Enrichment Director at Cedarhurst of Canton, “until we play back a recording—and they’re surprised at how good they sound.”
For Portia, the transformation was just as meaningful.
“When they are singing, you can see the joy in their eyes,” she said. “That’s what my program is all about.”
Over time, the choir became more than a weekly activity. It became a place of belonging.
The residents, ranging in age from 73 to 94, formed a special bond—not only with one another, but with Portia herself. They greeted her with smiles, encouraged her as she grew in confidence, and showed up for every rehearsal with a shared sense of purpose.
Samantha saw that transformation firsthand.
“The connection the residents have developed with Portia has been incredible. They don’t want to let her down. They support her, and in turn, they’re building confidence in themselves.”
One Moment Captured the Heart of It All
After taking a short break from rehearsals, Portia returned to find the choir waiting for her. As she walked into the room, they began to sing “You Are My Sunshine.”
“It brought tears to my eyes,” she said. “It made me feel loved.”
That same sense of love and connection carried through to their performance on April 17, when the choir took the stage during a community spaghetti supper attended by families, fellow residents, and local Girl Scout troops.
What they delivered was not just a performance, it was a celebration. A celebration of growth, resilience, and trying something new, even when it feels uncomfortable.
At Cedarhurst of Canton, that spirit is intentional.
“We want residents to know they’ll always be supported in trying new things,” Samantha said. “There is no such thing as failing when you make the effort to try.”
The choir embodied that belief in every note.
Through Melodies for Memories, residents discovered more than just music. They found renewed confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a reminder that their voices still matter.
For Portia, the experience left a lasting impact as well.
“Directing the choir has really improved my confidence,” she said. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
In the end, what began as a Girl Scout project became something far greater—a shared journey between generations, where learning flowed both ways.
As one resident simply put it: “Together, we can sing.”
And at Cedarhurst of Canton, that joyful noise sounds beautiful.
This story will appear in the Summer 2026 issue of Flourish® Magazine.
About the Author
Ryan Davis is the Corporate Communications Manager at Cedarhurst Senior Living and the writer behind every story in Flourish® magazine. He holds a Communications degree from Indiana University and brings 19 years of experience to his role, which he began in January 2024. Ryan is passionate about storytelling, especially sharing the meaningful lives of Cedarhurst residents, families, and staff. He hopes each published story becomes a treasured legacy for loved ones.
