By Janet Wetzel
Enquirer contributor

Harold Ryder has played violin as a hobby most of his life, but it wasn't until he retired and began playing for the sick, shut-ins and the lonely that he saw the power of music.

The joy he brings to others as he plays at hospitals and nursing homes several times a week makes the music even sweeter, said the Anderson Township resident.

"I love to look at the faces of the people listening when I play,'' said Ryder. "Some say what a nice sound it is, or how certain pieces make them nostalgic. Others come up and make requests, or tell me how my music made their hospital stay so much nicer."

Ryder lives with his wife, Barbara. They have six children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He retired in 1982 as foreman of toolmaking at Cincinnati Milacron.

Ryder started volunteering in 1983, when he and his wife went to Salem Woods Nursing Home (then Salem Park) daily to visit with her late mother, Ethel May Fowler. He began by reading poetry, reciting current events, singing, playing guitar and violin, even doing variety shows.

Now he goes there three times a week to play the violin during lunch. Tuesdays and Fridays he plays at Mercy Anderson. On occasion, he also serves as a strolling violinist at Mercy's Wellness Center.

Whether he's playing classical, show tunes, gospel, or his and his wife's special song, "I'll Be Seeing You," Ryder always draws a crowd.

Rada Mann, director of volunteer services at Mercy Hospital Anderson, said Ryder brings joy to many.

"When he comes here to play, patients, staff and visitors all congregate around the atrium to listen to him," Mann said. "Everyone loves his music."

Ryder has two special violins - an Italian one he's had since he was a young man, and a Carlisle violin he bought last year in memory of his recently deceased sister, Lillian Orchard. That violin, now his favorite, goes everywhere with him.

"I've found my niche," Ryder said. "I feel that I've been very blessed with my family, and I'm so happy to be able to give to others."

---

Do you know a Hometown Hero - someone in your community dedicated to making it a better place to live and helping others? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net, or fax to 513-755-4150.