Monday Morning Joy: Dancing great at 98

Monday Morning Joy is a video series of uplifting moments from the daily lives of the people of Southwest Florida.

This week's moment features former USO entertainer Karlein Berberich, 98, and her love of dancing. "Music goes into my soul and I can't sit still," says Berberich, who lives in Hidden Oaks Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Residence in Fort Myers.

On most Thursdays, Berberich joins fellow residents in Hidden Oak's community room to enjoy the sounds of local singer Keith Atkins. "I like the way he presents his music," she says of Atkins' smooth delivery of radio hits from yesteryear.

Monday Morning Joy: Voices so 'Bright'

Many of the songs, Berberich says she performed too at USO events on an U.S. Army base in Connecticut, during her late twenties. "I'd sing and dance and goof around on stage. I did that just for the joy of it and people really enjoyed being entertained," Berberich reminisces recently.

And, though she can't dance like a wisp of smoke around a fire anymore, Berberich refuses to let the rhythm die inside her.

"The music hits me, it goes inside and it has to come out," she said.

If there is a person, group or topic you would like to see featured, let me know at kmoroti@gannett.com, my Facebook page (Kinfay Moroti) or on twitter @Kinfay and #ShareTheJoy.