George and Velma Sample Perform Heartwarming Music

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

George and Velma Sample are well-known musicians who live in Vegreville. They have been performing music at various places for around 20 years. They especially enjoy playing old-time music. Velma plays the violin; George sings and chords on the keyboard, and plays the harmonica and button accordion.

In 2019, George and Velma were one of the nominees for Senior Citizen of the Year at the Vegreville and Area Awards Gala.

George and Velma farmed in the New Buchach District, which is 11 miles north of Innisfree, until they retired and moved to Vegreville in 1998. The couple lives in their own home and have been married for 66 years. They have three children, five grandsons, and two great-granddaughters.

Velma said they have performed at the Vegreville Care Centre, Mary Immaculate in Mundare, Century Park, Vegreville Manor, Homestead Senior Citizen’s Lodge, Heritage House, and the Eagle Hill Foundation in Willingdon, Two Hills, and Myrnam.

George and Velma’s biography for the awards gala read that they have made many occasions special by playing music at seniors’ lodges or for other community groups which include the Vegreville Iron Runners Auto Club, the Ranfurly Senior Clubs, and the Red Hat Ladies.

“Then until a few months ago, George volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels in Vegreville for 15 years and he held a position on the Board of Directors for Vegreville and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) for many years as well. Even after we retired to Vegreville, every fall, he ran a combine for some old neighbors in the Innisfree area where we lived,” Velma explained.

Another passion that is close to the Sample’s heart is their antique and vintage vehicles which they volunteer to show at many parades and functions. They have also volunteered in the past by picking up people from their lodges or homes to take them for bus rides or pick them up to take them to an event or to have a meal at a restaurant.

George and Velma Sample have been performing in senior homes for almost 20 years and love every minute of it. (Submitted/Photo)

When Velma was asked why they volunteer, she replied playing music perks seniors up. She sees their eyes light up or their toes tapping. She believes music is good medicine. “When we see how they enjoy listening to the music, it blesses us.”

Velma took a refresher violin course that was taught by Heather Soldan. “Later, we formed a group called the Fiddlin’ Grannies which I really enjoyed,” Velma said.

Velma highly recommends volunteering, and said it can benefit everyone. “It is my way of doing something for God. Jesus wanted us to do good works and make others happy. In return, it makes us happy to see others being happy. Also, it is interesting as there is such a variety of volunteer work for people to do. We need volunteers. What would we do without volunteers? Volunteering really helps society.”