By Angel Perkins Editor
A retired surgeon performed for a group of nearly 40 guests at the Matchett Square Senior Center but there was no anesthesia involved. Rather, the relaxation and good spirits were brought about by his dexterous hands expertly managing a flute.
Dr. James Rimel of Plymouth said he has been playing since he was 10 years old, carrying on the love of the wind instrument through high school and two years of college. Once he was invited to perform for Uncle Sam in 1941 his presentations consisted of caring for the wounded.

He came to Plymouth in 1955 and began working for the local hospital (which then was called Parkview Hospital). There he met a lovely nurse, Betty, who later became his wife.
In 1980, after learning a Methodist minister who had a parsonage nearby was a flute instructor, he decided to brush up on his skills and return to his musical aspirations. When he retired in 1989, Rimel found he had even more time to spend playing his flute for area seniors, weddings and church attendees to enjoy.
For the group gathered in Bourbon, Rimel played a variety of soothing and uplifting songs, from "Loving that Man of Mine," "Castle on a Cloud" from "Les Miserables," and "Moon River," to more current favorites such as "A Whole New World," theme songs from the movies "The Godfather," "Love Story" and even the television shows "Cheers" and "Star Trek" to recorded musical accompaniment.
"I choose songs that first of all, I feel that are of my capability—classical, religious and popular," Rimel explained. "The bigger music stores carry sheet music and I decide what I want. Also, there are CDs you can purchase that include the flute (as lead) with the accompaniment and also without the flute so you can play along with it or without."
He said that he chose two CDs and recorded them onto his computer's hard drive, then "burned" those selections he wanted to use onto another CD. The seniors in Bourbon gave him a standing ovation after Rimel's concert and invited him to return any time he was available to entertain, proving he can "operate" jut as well outside of the hospital room.