95-year-old brings smiles to those in Warren

Perhaps the most beloved sign of spring at Heritage Pointe of Warren is a joyful sound accompanied by a welcome sight.

Mark Anson, a resident of the senior living community, is a year-round musician, thrilling friends, neighbors and people throughout the downtown Warren area with his trumpet playing.

As soon as the weather permits, the 95-year-old takes his trumpet out onto the second-floor balcony, where he enthusiastically shares his music.

Mark, a lifelong farmer, grew up with a special love of music. “The man who lived across the road from me didn’t have any children of his own and found out I wanted to be in the school band when I was 10,” he recalled. “He gave me a trumpet, and that’s what I played for 30 or 40 years until I got a new one. That’s how it all started.”

While Mark never performed professionally, he played in local area bands for fun. Now he plays frequently for his fellow-residents at Heritage Pointe of Warren.

Mark said that his music sounds better outside where there’s no ceiling. Furthermore, he said, “it attracts passersby. They’ll gather and sometimes call out requests,” he said, adding that a favorite is “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”

“People can’t wait for him to play. They especially love patriotic songs,” said Kelly Jones, residential activities manager.

Not only does Mark’s trumpet playing make people happy … but it’s also likely responsible for his good health.

“I’ve played to entertain myself and others, but when my doctor found out, he told me it’s probably responsible for my good lungs,” he said.

It’s, without question, responsible for a lot of joy, according to Heritage Pointe of Warren.