Courtesy photo by Robert Batt
The Bedford Council on Aging (COA) held its ninth annual Jacob Wren Throckmorton Art Show and Reception on Saturday. Jacob’s artwork, along with pieces submitted by local artists, aged 55 and older, were on display for the community to enjoy.
COA Director Alison Cservenschi welcomed their gathered guests and remarked on how Jacob’s love, care, and compassion flourished when he worked with senior citizens. Members of Jacob’s family were also in attendance to support this annual event and to help carry out his legacy through an established fund in his name.
Cservenschi announced that this year’s funds will be used to teach participants how to play the ukulele. This class will be taught by Daniel Metraux, who is currently teaching seniors in four other towns how to play this instrument. Fourteen years ago, Metraux started taking ukulele lessons at the Weston COA with seven other people, but after six months they lost their teacher; he was invited to lead the class, which grew from seven to 35 people.
Metraux said that ukulele lessons are good for seniors. When they attend the class, they sing and play songs and leave with a smile on their face. “For an hour a week, we are sixteen again!” He added, “There is no pressure as we just play for the fun of it.”
Courtesy photo by Robert Batt
Other activities held during the art show included painting Kindness Rocks and a Greeting Card Competition. This year’s card competition winners were Claire Anderson, Nancy Brown, Lyn DiBiase, Kathy Morse, and Bruce Fountain Stalker. The cards – depicting birthday wishes, happy holidays, and other events – will be mailed to Bedford seniors throughout the year.
Jacob Wren Throckmorton was a valued volunteer at the Bedford Council on Aging starting when he was in seventh grade. He enjoyed serving food and drinks at birthday parties and other events, but it was his smile and his willingness to just sit and chat that endeared him to the seniors. He wanted to be helpful and to bring a smile to their faces, in any way possible. He often brought his guitar and would sing while playing. When he was in high school, he brought his love of art by teaching art classes at the COA. He was looking forward to beginning classes at Lesley University College of Art and Design in the fall of 2014, and was pleased that he would be close enough to continue spending Saturdays with his senior friends. Jacob was 19 years old when he died unexpectedly in his sleep of myocarditis on July 22, 2014.
Jacob would be so proud and honored to be a part of this event that encourages and acknowledges the senior citizens of Bedford to enjoy their creativity and display their talents.
The hope is that more seniors will have the opportunity to experience the world of art that was so important to Jacob.
Following the second annual Jacob Wren Throckmorton Memorial Art Show, a fund was established in Jacob’s name. The Jacob Wren Memorial Art Show Fund accepts donations at any time during the year. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
To view portions of this year’s Art Show, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHSiTWdkxBk.
To make a donation or for other information, visit www.bedfordma.gov/518/Council-on-Aging.
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