Music filled the hallways and rooms of the Adult Health Day Center at VA Butler Healthcare on Monday.

As nurses dished up bowls of ice cream, fruit and cookies, veterans tapped their hands on their tables or knees. Some tapped their feet.

At the front of the room, Tony “Washboard” Frochio played drums while Jack Covert strummed a guitar and sang.

This week, it was a selection of country music favorites.

Before the men started playing, Frochio joked with the veterans, calling Covert, clad in a black shirt and pants “the man in black.” The pair then swung into “Happy Birthday” in celebration for one of the veterans.

Covert and Frochio come to the adult center, 325 New Castle Road, twice a month to play for the veterans. For Frochio, it’s a way to give back.

The Butler man has played in bands most of his life, but a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer stopped him in his tracks a few years ago.

Now, cancer-free, he wants to celebrate life and bring joy to others.

“It’s been a curse, but it’s also been a blessing,” he said of his diagnosis. “I want to get out and give something back to the community.”

Frochio said he just likes to see the veterans enjoying the music and likes bringing a bright spot to their days.

Wearing a red, white and blue flag-inspired cap and scooping the last bites of ice cream from his bowl, John Bilanich of Butler said he looks forward to the days when Frochio and Covert play.

“It’s pretty good,” he said, “They play my style of music. They do a good job with it.”

The pair plays “everything but polkas,” according to Frochio.

While the music played, LPN Stacy Zarnicky, busily filled bowls with ice cream.

She said the Adult Health Day Center is open until about 2 p.m., and its staff has a full slate of activities, ranging from games, music and pet therapy for the veterans to enjoy.

Alice Miller of Cabot sat at the table near the front of the room. She said she comes to the center three times a week and loves to hear the music, especially country.

“Sometimes they’ll play gospel songs,” she said. “I really like the music. I look forward to it.”

Frochio and Covert incorporate some non-traditional instruments, such as washboards, kazoos, spoons and even a train whistle into their music.

Tim Smith of Connoquenessing borough recalled lending Frochio his keys during one performance since the musician had forgotten the pick for his washboard.

“I think it’s great,” said Joe Moyer of Karns City. “Not many people come around like that anymore.”

But no matter what style of music Frochio and Covert focus on there is one song they never fail to play.

They close each performance with “God Bless America.”

“The vets get a kick out of it,” Frochio said. “When I see the smiles on their faces, I feel so good about what we do.”