LAYTON --After taking organ lessons for going on one year, George Clay of Bountiful is hooked. The 83-year-old performed in recital along with other senior citizens last week at a day-long Lowrey organ program at the Davis Conference Center, here. "I never knew anything about chords, rhythm, or how to read music," Clay said after playing a rendition of "How Great Thou Art" before a packed audience. "I just love it. I have so much fun with these people." He and "his harem" of several other regular attendees of the Golden Years Senior Activity Center in Bountiful attend weekly organ classes at the Piano Gallery in Riverdale. "I've not missed one lesson. I highly recommend it for any senior," he said.

Organ program director Cindy Hartley said about 150 senior citizens participate in the program. The classes are free and participants can try an organ, keyboard or piano in their home free for three months. Lowrey offers the program around the country and in several foreign countries.

"We have people participating from their early 50s to the early 90s," she said. "It makes them feel better, some saying it adds years to their lives."

Clay is a 37-year veteran of Kennecott Copper, having worked as a smelter operations foreman. "Most of the people I know from there who retired are dead after 2-1/2 years. For many of them, all they do is sit and watch the boob tube."

He not only enjoys playing the organ, but is involved in a variety of activities, including lathe work, for which he has earned numerous awards, to helping the Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP). Clay also calls bingo at the Golden Years Center and plans on helping out at the upcoming Senior Expo at the South Towne Expo in Sandy, later this month.

"This has given me a new outlook on life," he said, adding, "I love to keep learning."

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com