Ventriloquist keeps adult day center guests smiling

Brenda Stelzer and George Henry smile for the camera after a recent performance. Photo contributed by Ardent Manor

Brenda Stelzer, at right, entertains Ardent Manor residents earlier this month with one of her many sidekicks, "Yo-Yo." Photo by Dan Waite

A younger Brenda Stelzer holds her sidekick, George Henry, in this photo taken in the early 1970s. Photo contributed by Ardent Manor

Some people say that laughter is the best medicine … other people live it.

In October, Brenda Stelzer was featured in the Naples Daily News Business section for joining Ardent Manor as the staff nurse, where she provides caring and spirited nursing care to the guests of Ardent Manor. What was not mentioned is that Stelzer is an entertainer who keeps her audience laughing and smiling, no matter what age they are. Stelzer is a nationally recognized ventriloquist who uses her trusty sidekicks to bring out the kid in all of us.

Stelzer’s story of ventriloquism spans nearly 40 years. Having moved to Naples as a little girl in 1965 from New Jersey, she was intrigued when she saw her first ventriloquist on television. In 1970, it was destiny when Stelzer met George Henry, who has since become her sassy, mischievous sidekick.

Since Stelzer started her courtship with George (which George will adamantly deny), Stelzer has also introduced the world to Yo-Yo and Belle. Yo-Yo, an adorable pink alien who hails from “Io,” one of Jupiter’s moons, loves everyone and isn’t shy about her feelings. Belle is full of southern charm and her big blue eyes are known to make men blush. And finally, there’s Krystal, whose childlike kindness teaches people of all ages the “magic of manners.”

You may have seen Stelzer, George, Yo-Yo, Krystal and Belle doing their show around Naples, where they perform at local restaurants, libraries and have even made several appearances on Fifth Avenue South.

Dan and Helen Waite, the founders of Ardent Manor, the adult day center in Naples, said that “Brenda is exactly the kind of nurse that we were looking for, a nurse that can make you smile while ensuring that you’ve eaten your veggies and taken your medications.”

Stelzer also sees to the well-being of the guests of Ardent Manor, whether it’s taking their blood pressure, conducting their intake assessment, taking temperatures or facilitating stimulating activities.

“The faces of the guests at Ardent Manor light up when George Henry, Yo-Yo or any of Brenda’s friends come to visit. … It’s magical,” the Waites’ said.

During a recent visit to Ardent Manor, Yo-Yo helped brighten the holidays for the guests of Ardent Manor. One of the guests was even quoted as saying “I love you, Yo-Yo.” The guests become so engaged and Stelzer truly brings out the kid in all of us through the persona of her friends. Stelzer’s attitude, skill and knowledge is not something you can teach, it’s part of who she is.

Stelzer has raised her three sons with her husband and believes that ventriloquism and nursing has helped her truly make a difference in the lives of others and says that “I have become a better nurse by being a performer and a better performer by being a nurse. It’s all about making people happy.”

Ardent Manor and Naples are truly enriched by having Stelzer as part of our community. For questions about Stelzer (George, Yo-Yo, Krystal and Belle too) or Ardent Manor, please visit Ardent Manor’s Web site at www.ArdentManor.com or call (239) 435-9526. To contact Stelzer directly please visit www.brendavent.com or call (239) 514-2288.