Please Welcome, Mike "The Music Man"

Ladies and gentlemen, Mike has left the building. His name is Mike Mazzarino, though some may know him as Elvis. To many, he is affectionately referred to as Mike “The Music Man.” This nickname has accompanied him for over 40 years. Mike is a resident of a program within the division of Integration & Community Living (ICL) which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mike has been an entertainer since childhood. Growing up in East Springfield in a musical family, his cousin Jimmy is a professional musician, and Mike's father introduced him to music, teaching him how to play the accordion.

While Mike's first instrument was the accordion, his favorites are the drums and the double keyboard organ, which he taught himself to play. His passion for music is well-recognized by others at MHA. He actively participates in the annual Talent Show and the Wellness Classic golf tournament. As a big Elvis Presley fan, Mike performed as Elvis at last year’s Talent Show, winning a trophy for his performance. “I love performing in front of everyone,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm. He can also be seen performing in MHA’s new agency video. “He’s a showman. He loves performing. I remember when we first visited Joan Street; he put on quite a concert for us, playing songs for about half an hour. We loved it,” said Fred Destromp, Director of ICL Residential Services.

When Mike isn’t entertaining a crowd, he spends his time at MHA’s Joan Street residential program. He usually spends his days either reading in the living room or working in his "workshop" in the basement, where he develops his skills and works on his next composition.

Mike’s charming personality fosters strong bonds with everyone he meets. During his time with MHA, Mike has built meaningful relationships with his housemates and staff. He and his closest friend and housemate, John, enjoy spending time together and can often be seen hanging out in the living room. Afia, an MHA staff member who supports Mike, has witnessed the growth of John and Mike’s friendship. “John is very nice and friendly. They understand each other; they talk in the morning and tell each other about their day. They enjoy watching TV together,” said Afia.

Afia and Mike have also cultivated a strong friendship. When you see Mike outside of the office or at the program, he is usually accompanied by Afia. Although their friendship has developed in a short time, it is evident that they share a special bond. “We have a great relationship. If I’m not going upstairs to say hi, he comes downstairs to see me and always asks, ‘What’s going on? How’s my friend doing?’” Mike joked, adding, “I always ask her, ‘What’s your wisdom today?’” The bond that Afia and Mike share is something she holds close to her heart. “I care for Mike. I want to see his smile. Every week, we go out for breakfast and take trips to the library. It’s important to do your best to understand and get to know the person you care for. When I come here [to Joan Street], I am greeted with so much love.”

Outside of the program, Mike frequently visits the local library and spends his weekends visiting the nearby Fire Station and hanging out with the firefighters. He receives monthly visits from his older sisters, during which they go out to eat and stop by the dollar store to satisfy Mike’s sweet tooth. His cousin Jimmy also makes occasional visits, usually bringing along a musical instrument in need of repair for Mike to tinker with.

Fred Destromp has known Mike since he first arrived at MHA in 2019 and believes that Mike has found peace there. He expresses that Mike’s love of music defines his life. “He’s enjoying his retirement, his twilight years. The time he spends in his “workshop” is like someone who goes golfing every day. It’s what he loves.” Mike himself says that playing music is therapeutic. “It helps me relax. It relaxes my mind,” he said.

Mike practices with his four-member band, and even though he knows the members are fictional, it doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves. “A lot of the music he listens to has people talking about their bandmates while they're playing, ‘give it up for Louie on the sax and Bonnie on the keys.’ His father and cousin were in bands, and for him, this is his band,” explains Fred. 

Fred mentioned that Mike has received care from MHA and other agencies over the years, forming close connections with various people who come and go in his life. While this journey hasn’t always been easy, one constant for Mike is his band and his passion for music. "His band serves as a way for him to mitigate that because there’s always Lisa on the keys and someone playing guitar—they are always there for him.”

Mike's uplifting personality and showman attitude make him truly special. Everyone knows him, and he expresses himself through his music. Mike loves his home and cherishes the people who are close to him. If you haven’t heard of Mike yet, you will soon; he is getting ready to take the stage again at the MHA Talent Show and Wellness Classic this year. "I love living here; I wouldn't change a thing," Mike says.

MHA’s ICL division serves individuals referred to by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). These programs assist individuals with a developmental and intellectual disability through independent and community-based residential supported care services. To learn more visit, www.mhainc.org/shared-living.