Samantha Impaglia 
A Bergen County Girl Scout was recently recognized for her work with senior citizens. Yashvi Rateshwar, a junior at Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, received the Girl Scout Gold Award as she nears completion of her service project, Melodies4Memory. Read on for more about the project and what Yashvi is doing to assist local senior citizens in Bergen County and beyond.
Photo Credit: Melodies4Memory
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor in Girl Scouting, and Yashvi Rateshwar is the latest New Jersey resident to receive it. The Bergen County Academies student was presented with the award for her service project, called Melodies4Memory.
The volunteer-driven musical initiative is dedicated to enriching the lives of senior citizens through live piano performances, per a press release. With Melodies4Memory, Yashvi organized and performed more than 70 concerts across New Jersey and neighboring states, reaching nearly 500 elderly residents in nursing homes, hospitals, and memory care units. Her concerts are interactive, encouraging seniors to sing along, share memories, and engage socially.
Photo Credit: Melodies4Memory
Read More: There’s a New Independent Bookstore in Paramus: Meet Motif
As part of the project, Yashvi also conducted independent research on the therapeutic effects of music for individuals with dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions, using the findings to design concert environments that encourage memory recall, movement, and emotional expression.
“My goal was to bring joy, connection, and moments of clarity to seniors through music,” Yashvi said via a press release. “Music can unlock memories and uplift spirits. I wanted each performance to be a shared experience, not just entertainment.”
“For over five years, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Yashvi to Sunrise of Paramus,” Dez Pierantony, Activities Coordinator at Sunrise of Paramus, said. “Her performances bring tremendous joy and warmth. She’s gone above and beyond by involving guest musicians and volunteers to enrich the experience.”
Photo Credit: Melodies4Memory
Yashvi’s service project has also received national attention through collaboration with the Jazz Foundation of America — an organization partnering with hospitals, arts programs, and social service agencies serving vulnerable populations.
The project grew out of a decade-long tradition of performing at local senior residences, guided by her longtime piano teacher, Mrs. Pam Weiler of New Milford. What began as a single recital evolved into a mission to use music as a tool for emotional connection, memory stimulation, and mental well-being among seniors.
See More: Girl Scouts Install Beach Toy Bin in Asbury Park as Part of Silver Award Project
For more information, to volunteer, or to invite Melodies4Memory to your senior community, email [email protected] or visit the website.
Follow @thebergencountygirl on Instagram for the latest Bergen County updates, sign up for our email list here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 30+ events weekly to peruse.
