Commun ty Matters Fulton Presbyterian Manor
May 2015
Judy and Harvey Morts are Older “Get into the Act” Americans Getting Into the Act Older Americans Month 2015:
Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. By promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and inclusivity, more Americans than ever before can “Get into the Act.” While Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America campuses provides quality senior services guided by Christian values to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the homeand community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in those communities.
Throughout the month, Fulton Presbyterian Manor will be conducting activities designed to highlight the contributions of seniors to the greater community.
Both Harvey Gene and Judy “Sunflower” Morts discovered their calling as musicians in grade school. Back then, Judy would dance and sing on a stage she created with her mother’s cedar chest and a mirror at the age of four. Harvey Gene started pounding on everything in the house in fourth grade. His mother put him in band, and he was first chair in drums from then all the way through high school. Today, the married couple of 22 years Judy “Sunflower” and Harvey Morts enjoy shares their musical talents together as making people feel good. a way to have fun and provide an entertaining experience for others. “We do everything we can to make people feel good. Harvey and I are both people persons. We like to help others and make them happy,” said Judy, who has been going by “Sunflower” since she started performing in 1979. One way the musicians make people happy is by performing for them. From county fairs to the VFW and communities such as Fulton Presbyterian Manor, Harvey and Judy take turns singing songs and telling jokes. “Harvey throws in a lot of blonde jokes” at Judy’s expense. When they’re not performing in front of others, Harvey and Judy work to help others in their full-time jobs. Judy works at the Busy Corner Café and Harvey works at Westake Ace Hardware. “To me that’s how you can serve a lot of people in the community – you can help them, make them feel good. That’s what we try to do. It’s just the way we are,” said Judy. At one point in their relationship, Judy and Harvey lived in Florida where they owned the radio station WBAR for nine years. The two won a number of awards while there. They also have a CD out called “Reflections.” “People like music, like to be entertained and have company,” said Judy. Look for the duo to entertain residents at again in the future.