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Retirees in Franklin DJ digital radio show 'Radio Recliner' during pandemic

Posted at 7:58 AM, May 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-21 09:03:58-04

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Social distancing is hard on everyone, especially people in senior living communities. DJing on the radio is helping some Franklin retirees pass the time.

The digital radio station is called Radio Recliner. Fourteen residents at Somerby Franklin Senior Living Community are DJing on the platform right from their homes.

"It gives them time to sit there and think about 10 or 15 songs that they just loved, and why they loved it," said Linda Hart, of Somerby Franklin. "Did they dance with their loved one? Did their kids dance with them growing up? It just takes them back to happy times."

Luckie, an Atlanta marketing agency, created the station to engage and connect seniors with their neighbors and families.

"Oh my kids thought it was so funny," said 76-year-old Lois Pixley, DJ Miss Fancy Pants.

On Pixley's first show she talked about social distancing and being confined.

"Sitting in our apartment has been hard, but I know they are doing it for our good and so why complain about it," she said.

Pixley never considered a career in radio, or for that matter, any job that involved public speaking.

"In fact, I was so shy in school that I always got a stomach ache if I was even going to present a paper in my class," she said.

Yet her message on her show to take this time apart and make something of it came off crystal clear.

"To you out there in 'radioland,' try to look at the good things in your life and appreciate what you have," she said.

A new show airs every weekday at 11 a.m. and all other shows rotate online 24/7. You can make a request or dedicate a song by calling 855-863-0050.