- [Joleene] Tonight on "WPBS Weekly: Inside The Stories," the Watertown Chapter of Guitars for Vets is changing lives creatively.

We'll tell you how.

And hospice takes care of patients at end of life, but they also take care of surviving family members.

Also, learn about a program in Kingston, Ontario that hosts community focused events for the deaf in an effort to raise awareness.

Your stories, your region, coming up right now on "WPBS Weekly: Inside The Stories."

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] "WPBS Weekly: Inside the Stories" is brought to you by the Watertown Oswego Small Business Development Center.

The J. M. McDonald Foundation.

And the Dr. D. Susan Badenhausen Legacy Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

Additional funding from the New York State Education Department.

- Good Tuesday evening, everyone, and welcome to this edition of "WPBS Weekly: Inside The Stories."

I'm Joleene DesRosiers.

Millions of veterans in the US suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

While some treat PTSD through medication or talk therapy, one particular organization takes a different approach through the healing power of music.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, WPBS producer, Luke Smith, visits the local Guitars for Vets chapter in Watertown to learn more about how a simple six string can make a big difference.

(upbeat music) (people cheering) (gentle music) - [Mary] These guys get a guitar in their hands, and they can't help but strum.

- [Luke] For Mary Corriveau and her husband Jim supporting veterans in the community is one of the reasons they formed the Watertown Guitars for Vets, a national nonprofit that puts the healing power of music in the hands of veterans.

- My husband and I heard about Guitars for Vets at a Tommy Emmanuel concert up in Canada.

Tommy is an ambassador for the Guitars for Vets program, and he was talking about it during the performance he was putting on.

And I wrote it down and put it in my pocket.

And when we came home, I did some research on it.

- When we were introduced to the business of Guitars for Vets, it was sold as a place for veterans to find some healing through music.

And we felt what better thing to do here in Watertown, New York with the 10th mountain in our backyard than to start this chapter up and run it.

- [Luke] For five years, Mary and Jim have helped veterans and active duty members alike learn how to play the guitar, either for leisure or for therapy.

One of the veterans they've helped is retired Army Colonel Dean Harrison.

(gentle music) - (laughs) I thought we were playing it slow.

(both laughing) - I'm sorry.

- I started as a student with Guitars for Vets about four months ago.

And when I heard about the program, I wanted to be a part of it.

I'm fascinated with the guitar itself, and it's very rewarding to go from strumming strings that make no sense to actually making music.

And over the 10 lessons in this program, that can happen.

- What we teach in our lesson plans that we put together here locally is 10 lessons.

And we give a three ring binder to every student, every veteran with those lesson sheets.

They're basically an orientation to all kinds of guitar technique.

Working with a pick, working with your fingers, how to tune it, where to shape chords, how to find a melody, where are the notes on the neck.

- Day one, our veterans receive a guitar.

They walk out with everything they need to practice and get ready for their next lesson.

- For these veterans, it's more than just a lesson, it's a journey.

And nothing compares to the feeling of holding that six string for the first time.

- There's no other instrument that is more popular and populous than the guitar.

It's portable, it's relatively inexpensive.

You can make all kinds of music on it.

But beyond that, they're gorgeous.

Just look at it, okay?

The finish, the shapes, the curves are sexy.

You put your hands on it, it all feels good, and that's before you play your first note.

And then you strike that chord, and those vibrations go into your body and your mind, and just lights up the pleasure centers into your brain.

And how can you beat that?

- Guitars for Vets has supported up to 5,000 veterans managing physical injuries, depression, and PTSD, whether it's through individual lessons, interacting with other veterans, or finding an escape through song.

(bright music) - I joined the Guitars for Vets program specifically to pick up kind of where I had left off learning the guitar before.

But by participating, especially in the monthly group sessions, I've seen what it can be for a broad range of participants, students in the program.

It is obviously different things to different people.

I've seen veterans come out of a shell through playing guitar.

I've seen veterans seem to open up and interact with their instructors more closely.

- We have had people in the program from as far away as Rochester, in Cortland, and Tully.

And they're willing to make the drive up here once a week to get a guitar lesson from our instructors.

So I think that speaks to the importance they feel that music will have in helping them heal.

- We hear the testimony from the spouses and the children that the music, the guitar changes that veteran.

It's a place of refuge.

It lowers the stress level in the home.

It deals with anger issues.

It's just a wonderful place to go that functionally works on most everybody.

And when you hear it from the family members, it really warms your heart.

- [Luke] Veterans can apply for Guitars for Vets on their website.

The program offers weekday lessons from the morning to the evening.

In Watertown for "WPBS Weekly," I'm Luke Smith.

- Continuing with more good vibes tonight, we share the power of hospice.

And how this service goes beyond serving patients ready to pass.

As part of WPBS's Aging Together in New York project, we introduce you to the other side of hospice care, the side that serves the family members.

Take a look.

(upbeat music) - [Leo] How about a spade?

- [Connie] Aha.

- [Joleene] Connie Rennie is at the end of her life.

You wouldn't know it with the spunk she has as she tosses hearts and spades across the table.

Diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, there's no telling when she'll take her last breath.

Husband for over 50 years, Leo Rennie, doesn't care if he wins or loses, as long as his wife is comfortable and warm.

For Leo, knowing Connie will soon pass is something he's accepted, and that's because he's not going through her end of life transition alone.

- It has been emotional several times.

(dramatic music) I think that I've benefited mostly, because of the care that Connie does that you receive from hospice.

I feel like I'm getting the care as well.

They're willing to help me understand and help do.

And that's important to me, and probably would be to most people.

- [Joleene] Back at the Jefferson County Hospice offices resource nurse, Andrea Paratore, manages various cases like the Rennies.

Part of her job is educating families on what to expect and reminding them that they're not alone.

- The transition with hospice care is really a shift in perspective, focusing more on the person and the family, and the family unit.

Once they learn about what hospice entails in making that transition, we hear two things.

One, "I should have called hospice sooner."

And two, "Wow, I really feel better."

You know, this sense of relief comes over them.

For so many years, in the role of a caregiver and a family member, it's a very lonely place to be.

- [Joleene] Down the hall, Jefferson County Hospice social worker, Stephanie Boon, prepares information to better educate families.

Having tough conversations while comforting them at the same time is something she's well versed in.

- We provide general emotional support to our patients and their families.

So we do a lot of validating their feelings.

We sort of normalize the experience that they're going through, because they don't think they realize that the emotions that they're feeling are very normal.

And a lot of people experience the same things.

So that's a big part of what we do.

But we also help them mentally prepare for the loss of their loved one, what their transition's gonna look like, what to look for, and how to support their loved one through the end of their life.

- Working in hospice is really special.

A lot of people are very hesitant to talk about death and dying in general.

It's a very taboo topic.

People don't like to talk about it.

So us as hospice professionals, when we go into the home, I feel that we're able to get very vulnerable.

They're able to get vulnerable with us.

You know, really share those feelings and stories that they have.

And really just being there, and holding that space, and listening to them.

- [Joleene] That's exactly what hospice nurse, Tammy Potter, does when she checks in with the Rennies.

- Thank you.

(chuckles) - [Joleene] Hospice nurses are a special breed.

They don't care for patients who are on the mend.

They care for those ready to cross over.

And while that's Tammy's primary role, she and the rest of the hospice team do so much more.

And none of it is lost on Connie.

- They're very comforting for Leo, because he knows that I'm gonna pass, but he knows that they're going to be there for him.

They've already mentioned that they'll be there for him, they'll be there for our daughter, they'll be there for our son.

They just want to be there to comfort.

And I feel like they have already.

- I think I've become a better spouse, more concerned with taking over the things that I need to take over, because Connie isn't able to do them.

I can do whatever I need to do, partially because of the hospice outlook on things that spend the way they've explained things to me.

- It can be everything from how to manage symptoms, how to give a bath, how to reposition in bed.

Because the thing with hospice care is that the patient is not in a restorative sense, where if they lose the ability to walk, that they're gonna walk again.

They're not.

So how do we deal with that?

It's a really hard loss and it's very emotional.

But at the same time, okay, shift that perspective.

- [Joleene] Leo is 79.

When Connie passes, the seat she occupies won't be empty.

While she won't be there to throw a diamond, or laugh at how he deals cards, his son will be.

And when the day comes that he needs extra care, he knows who to call.

In the meantime.

- [Leo] Thought about it.

Kanye has talked about it a little bit.

What am I gonna do?

I don't know.

I'll probably still be a hermit for the most part, 'cause we are.

We don't go places and do things anymore.

We even stopped going out to dinner, 'cause we couldn't find decent restaurants that we'd liked.

(Leo chuckles) We'd rather cook at home.

I won't be alone, because I have a son that lives with us.

And he's super helpful and all that, so.

- We encourage them to continue taking care of themselves, such as continuing to go to their own doctor's appointments, making that trip to the store, going out for coffee, or something as simple as just carving out time to take a shower to have a moment alone, and to just kind of process what they're going through, and feel their emotions, and just be with themselves.

- I think hospice alleviates the sadness and the loneliness, simply because they're there, they want you to know that they're there.

They tell you constantly if you need anything at all, just call.

- I never thought I was gonna die.

I never thought that Connie was gonna die.

But it's gonna happen to everybody.

I thought I was invincible.

Nobody is.

- I love you.

- [Tammy] I love you too.

- In Jefferson County for "WPBS Weekly," I'm Joleene DesRosiers.

This interview was part of WPBS's Aging Together in New York project, and is produced in association with the New York State Office for the Aging and the New York State Education Department.

For more interviews and stories on senior isolation, please visit wpbstv.org.

Sign language is the bridge connecting us to the world of the deaf.

To promote inclusion, organizations need to remove language barriers by sharing information in sign language.

SignAble Vi5ions, a business developed by a Kingston woman, teaches American sign language within businesses in an effort to bring inclusive communication practices into the workplace, or in ASL.

(upbeat music) (people chattering) - [Gail] It wasn't until 2019 that the Accessible Canada Act recognized American sign language, Quebec sign language, and indigenous sign languages as the primary languages of deaf people in Canada.

Sign language is the bridge that connects us to the world of those who are deaf.

Amongst other things, to promote inclusion, organizations need to remove language barriers by sharing information in sign language.

- [Voiceover] We need our languages to be recognized officially, so that they're considered on equivalent to English or French.

Recognition means that for access, it's providing interpretive services basically for the government.

But for businesses, that is not yet mandated.

Medical, there's not enough happening for that.

So if it's officially recognized, then that can transform how people view, as well as empowering the deaf community to be able to get more access.

- We say we're inclusive, but are we if we're not allowing people who are non-verbal, or who use American sign language, or indigenous sign language to not be part of the community?

And I really think that as a community, we have to include everyone in all intersections.

- [Gail] Governments and the private sector are beginning to recognize the need to increase accessibility for the deaf.

However, before making any attempts, organizations need to understand what is required from a deaf perspective.

- [Voiceover] There's so many myths and misconceptions out there about deafness.

We are not expecting mainstream communities to learn sign language, but provide some tools for inclusive communication strategies for businesses.

And that can be things like writing, providing visuals.

There's a host of things that can be done that you can meet halfway, and that is the best approach.

- When I have in the community have encountered someone who's deaf or harder hearing.

They're asking me for help.

They're meeting me halfway.

And it's no different than if I meet somebody who's speaking another oral language.

Like if I meet somebody who's Spanish and they're asking me for help, they're meeting me halfway.

And from my experience of that oral person who's speaking Spanish, we find a way to communicate, right?

It's the same thing I really believe with someone who's using a sign language.

- [Gail] Providing inclusive community events is one way to meet halfway.

In 2015, Leah and two other women started a grassroots organization, S5 WAVES in Kingston, to not only provide inclusive events, but promote deaf culture to the community.

- [Voiceover] We noticed that there were no access to community events.

We were left out, we were isolated.

We didn't understand what was happening, and what was being said.

So we decided to found S5 WAVES to expose the community to diversity.

During the summer, we do host an ice cream social, and that is to provide the exposure of diversity to showcase deaf performers, deaf artists, our language.

We also host a yearly Signing Santa Christmas time.

And again, it's not only the deaf people that can visit Santa, it's everyone.

So that you develop that sense of belonging.

- [Gail] Inclusion and belonging ignited SignAble Vi5ion, a business where Leah teaches courses in American sign language and workshops for inclusive communication practices in the workplace.

Inclusion communication doesn't only affect those who are deaf.

By replacing misconceptions with meaningful human-centric interaction, we can all better communicate and lead the way towards a more equitable world.

- [Voiceover] Previously, when I was teaching families and parents of deaf children, I was noticing a same story from all these families.

They're frustrated over the systems.

They would go to a doctor's appointment.

The doctor wouldn't provide interpreters.

Or maybe the family was going out shopping, or to a service provider.

And those businesses would refuse to talk to the deaf child, and rely on the parents instead, which isn't teaching them independence.

Growing up, I had seen this over and over again.

I'm now in my 40s, and it's the same story.

And that's where I decided, no, it's time to change.

Need to expose the businesses to a reframe of how they're thinking.

So I founded my business for inclusive communication strategies training.

It's great for their businesses, their client base, customer traffic.

It's a benefit to their staff.

But as well, all of that, is going to lead to huge improvements.

- There are people who want to know.

I think how SignAble Vi5ion will grow is more awareness.

It's more awareness that we need this.

It's, you know, like a show like this, just putting it out there, right?

And just say, "This is how we communicate.

There are other forms of communication."

- [Voiceover] We belong, we're no different.

We're part of society.

We should not be looked down upon.

We should be viewed as equals.

Because with access for all, everyone wins.

- With SignAble Vi5ion and how she teaches, it just really, it's inclusive.

- [Gail] For "WPBS Weekly," I'm Gail Paquette.

- Finally tonight, a musician from Fort Drum who will stop you in your tracks with a voice that delivers a southern blues rock flavor like a smooth glass of wine.

He is JayP.

And he shares his original tune, "Indescribable," with us tonight.

(upbeat music) - My name is JayP, I'm a singer-songwriter.

(bright music) I decided that I wanted to be a musician when I was elementary school.

I was eight, and they had a music day of pick your instrument, and go from there.

And I was just like, "I wanna pick the biggest instrument I can find."

I was eight, and I had chose the standup bass.

So that went well.

And then later, when I was 11, I got my first guitar.

I did that because my brother at the time, his name is Johnny, picked up all the girls with his guitar.

So it was just like as a 11-year old, I was like, "I wanna do that."

So I started playing, and I realized that's not what happens.

But I loved it, so I kept doing it.

My song, "Indescribable," is about a girl.

I wanted to make a song that I genuinely poured my heart into.

It is not a very complicated song.

It doesn't hide little nuances.

Everything about that song is upfront.

Because I wanted people to experience what real love really felt like.

And a lot of the times, people don't know how to describe it, because it's almost this mystical feeling.

And so the lyrics in that song have you ever touched the stars?

No, I haven't.

But I bet it would be amazing.

Have you ever kissed the moon?

No, I don't think anyone ever has.

But it's probably incredible.

And that's the point.

It's indescribable.

I'm JayP, and this is my song, "Indescribable."

(bright music) ♪ When I close my eyes, I see a goddess in disguise ♪ ♪ When I hear your voice ♪ ♪ My heart, once broken, finally rejoices ♪ ♪ But there's only one way ♪ ♪ I can convey this ♪ ♪ Have you ever touched the stars ♪ ♪ Have you ever kissed the moon ♪ ♪ Have you ever tasted the sweet love ♪ ♪ Have you ever flown high ♪ ♪ Or heard a silent room ♪ ♪ It's indescribable, just like you ♪ ♪ When you take my hands ♪ ♪ You look in my eyes, our hearts, they understand ♪ ♪ When you kiss my lips ♪ ♪ Planets and stars align, a beautiful eclipse ♪ ♪ But there's only one way ♪ ♪ I can convey this ♪ ♪ Have you ever touched the stars ♪ ♪ Have you ever kissed the moon ♪ ♪ Have you ever tasted the sweet love ♪ ♪ Have you ever flown high ♪ ♪ Or heard a silent room ♪ ♪ It's indescribable, just like you ♪ ♪ Now I'm finally free again ♪ ♪ I know you were always part of the plan ♪ ♪ And I give you all of me ♪ ♪ My heart will be yours eternally ♪ ♪ Have you ever touched the stars ♪ ♪ Have you ever kissed the moon ♪ ♪ Have you ever tasted the sweet love ♪ ♪ Have you ever flown high ♪ ♪ Or heard a silent room ♪ ♪ It's indescribable, just like you ♪ (bright music) - And that does it for us this Tuesday evening.

Please join us next time for a fresh look inside the stories.

The Senior Director of Farnham Family Services in Oswego talks opioid addiction and treatment for our young people.

And Johnny Spezzano hosts local legend, Frank Gorri, in the kitchen.

Will Frank share the family recipe for his famous sausage?

You're gonna have to tune in to find out.

Meantime, we want to tell your story.

If you or someone in your community has something meaningful, historic, inspirational, or educational to share, please email us at wpbsweekly@wpbstv.org, and let's share it with the region.

That is it for now, everyone.

We will see you next time with more great stories.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Goodnight.

- [Narrator] "WPBS Weekly: Inside The Stories" is brought to you by the Watertown Oswego Small Business Development Center, a free resource offering confidential business advice for those interested in starting or expanding their small business.

Serving Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego counties since 1986.

Online at watertown.nysbdc.org.

Additional funding provided by the J.M.

McDonald Foundation, the Dr. D. Susan Badenhausen Legacy Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation, and the New York State Education Department.

♪ Free again ♪ ♪ I know you were always part of the plan ♪ ♪ And I give you all of me ♪ ♪ My heart will be yours eternally ♪ (bright music) (upbeat music)