Last week strange sounds erupted from a large gathering room at Maple Crest - the booming of a bass drum, peals of laughter, shrieks and screams and infectious giggles.
What in the world was going on in there? "The Drum Guy" (Russ Welker) was leading a drum circle for residents, and everyone was responding to his enthusiasm.
Welker has played drum "on the side" for most of his life, but since 2009, he's been involved in a "dream job" - playing around with drums as his sole employment and seeing his love for "the beat" bring joy and relaxation to others.
Welker, of Piqua, comes to his drum events dressed casually, with a hat of funky fake hair covering his bald head. He soon reveals the truth about that, which brings a big laugh, and then he's handing out drums of all sizes and kinds to every person present.
No matter if someone has never touched a drumstick before, each one is soon engrossed in following the simple rhythms of "The Drum Guy," or beating the drum only when Welker's foot hits the floor or playing a drum game with him like "Simon Says."
In between the drumming segments of his program, Welker shares little anecdotes and encourages belly laughs and planned moments of screaming, which all reduce stress and increase the sense of comfortableness and fun.
Without realizing it, each person is suddenly ready to "take center stage" and do a drum solo, with pizzazz and a smile.
While Welker's stepfather (and biggest fan), Tom Hynes, collects the drums and packs up the gear, Welker serenades the group with guitar-playing and singing of old-fashioned favorites. Toes tap, voices join in song, and everyone goes home happy.
