Jewish Senior Living magazine 2011/2012
Volunteer Stephen Katten’s flair on the piano has Jewish Home resident Lillian
Mishel and Anna Stepp, Resident Programs & Services assistant (right),
clapping along and getting in tune with Broadway hits.
The man tickling the ivories and leading the songfest is volunteer Stephen Katten, who has been entertaining residents for the past two years. Similar to many other volunteers, he is quick to proclaim that he gets more than he gives from his weekly sing-along.
Stephen Katten usually begins his volunteer stint at the Home following an eight-hour shift managing a supermarket liquor department. He may arrive at the Home feeling rather spent, yet once he is here, “I feel invigorated,” he says.
Stephen usually begins his volunteer stint at the Home following an eight-hour shift managing a supermarket liquor department. He may arrive at the Home feeling rather spent, yet once he is here, “I feel invigorated,” he says. “You get this wonderful feeling when you walk into the building. Everyone is so nice. It just feels great.”
He is always surprised by the response to his music. Some people sing and others may simply mouth the words, but, he notes, they are engaged. He mentions one resident who, he was told, had not left her room for quite some time. When she heard him playing, however, she came out to listen. He observed that there were several songs she liked, so he plays them whenever she is a part of his audience.
Stephen grew up in a family that was strong on public service and volunteerism. In fact, he first played the piano in the Jewish Home’s garden café more than 30 years ago as a teenager. “I never forgot that experience,” he says. He was inspired to offer his talents again when he heard newly elected President Obama touting the importance of volunteerism. “It gave me the final push.”
Music has been an integral part of Stephen’s life since he was a youngster. He began piano lessons at San Francisco’s Conservatory of Music when he was just six years old and had many years of violin lessons, but, he admits, he gave up the latter instrument because he did not enjoy practicing. He participated in community theater as a young adult and briefly considered pursuing acting as a profession.
Calling himself “a bit of a perfectionist,” Stephen says playing for seniors at the Jewish Home is helping him become comfortable with the idea of performing in public and possibly, one day, being paid for his talent.
At the Jewish Home, Stephen’s repertoire is varied, including songs from Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, and lots of Rogers & Hammerstein. His gigs last about an hour and he always ends each one with a rousing rendition of New York, New York.
“Stephen’s a gem, with an amazing voice,” says Anna Stepp, the Home’s Resident Programs & Services assistant. “He takes the time to personally engage with each resident and he has the talent and ability to make the residents smile. We’re blessed to have such a wonderful volunteer in Stephen.”
Realize the difference you can make in the lives of others by volunteering at the Jewish Home. Contact our Volunteer Services department at 415.469.2229 to discuss the range of opportunities.
