Using music to combat disease

July 2, 2016 at 5:15 a.m. | Updated July 2, 2016 at 5:24 a.m.

by Jeff Haldiman

Leroy Haslag plays electric violin at the Golden LivingCenter. Haslag used to play at the Ozark Opry; he now occasionally plays bluegrass music at the center where he resides.
Leroy Haslag plays electric violin at the Golden LivingCenter. Haslag used to play at the Ozark Opry; he now occasionally plays bluegrass music at the center where he resides.

Call it "bluegrass therapy."

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Marvell, 1937 This new 1937 Plymouth Two-Door Sedan was among the cars for sale at the Erwin Motor Company in the Phillips County community. The ad urged, “Trade in your present car. Easy terms.” A lot of people apparently took that advice. Nineteen thirty seven became the first model year in which the Chrysler Corporation built over one million automobiles. Send questions or comments to Arkansas Postcard Past, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203.

Since he was 15, Leroy Haslag played the fiddle and sang. For many years, he performed at the Lee Mace's Ozark Opry.

Now 76, Haslag has been battling Parkinson's disease, but his love of music is helping combat that disease.

On Thursday afternoon, Haslag joined fellow musicians Joe Boyer, of Jefferson City, Frank Procter, of Olean, Gene Steenbergen, of Jefferson City, and Dave Lepper, of Eugene, as they played for residents at Golden LivingCenter on Industrial Drive.

"The shaking stops when he starts playing," said Haslag's sister, Arlene Woods. "He still has a strong voice and does karaoke for the residents. It's therapy for him and the residents."

Barbara, Haslag's wife of 57 years, said, "You never forget the music. It's been his life."

Woods credits the staff at Golden LivingCenter for allowing her brother to continue his passion.

"The residents sing and laugh with him," she said. "God has a new chapter in his life. He never let Parkinson's define who he is. He is going to live out his life with integrity and not despair."

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