Motors put therapy in overdrive

Jarrett Harris, one of the therapists for Wilcox Memorial Hospital’s long-term care activities facility, flitted between clients as he helped them with the project that engrossed them.

The clink of wrenches making contact with bolts punctuated the music and bustling activity.

“They really get into this,” Harris said of the clients as he checked their progress.

Jan Johnson, supervisor for the activities program, said that they started the program of rebuilding motors a couple of months ago, and the male clients have taken to it like bees to pollen.

“It’s hard to find projects for the men to do,” Johnson explained.

The motor rebuilding that Johnson labels “mechanics” involves the clients in numerous constructive areas, including fine motor problem-solving. For many, it brings back memories, she said.

A staff member donated the first motor, Harris noted. M. Kawamura Farm Enterpises donated the second motor, and the third came when Harris “found” it at the Hanapepe transfer station.

However, Johnson said they have more clients than motors and would appreciate the donations of at least two more small engines or motors.

Harris pointed out that the second motor came from a rotor tiller, and the clients had fun taking the engine apart and cleaning up the different components before applying a coat of bright paint.

The motor that Harris obtained from the transfer station was in the process of being cleaned recently, its various components now free from grime and oily residue.

“Bright visuals,” Harris said as Gilbert Amaral applied the wrench to bolts securing a manifold to the small engine before him.

Amaral looked up from his project and, with a mischievous smile, responded to a query about his age: “24!”

Staff photographer Dennis Fujimoto can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253).