By Linda Elissalde
Gerry Lang and entertainers presented an annual Christmas Sing-A-Long to Arboretum of Winnie Nursing and Rehabilitation Center residents from 2006-2020. Then Covid crept in to stop such a gathering. Arboretum Activities Director Lindsey Mills welcomed the idea of bringing that tradition back. Lead Organizer Gerry joined Rita Moseley, Susan Shafer and Pastor Valerie Hudson to create a band. I rounded up volunteers to sing. Together they became, “Bay Vue Church and Friends”. We planned a 45 minute program to entertain Arboretum folk.
Entertainers arrived for the program on December 6, 2025. The band begin to play. Rita Moseley and I tap danced (sort-kinda) to,“Jingle Bell Rock”. Some Bay Vue Christmas Singers spread out among inhabitants. Pastor Valerie Hudson’s glorious rendition of,“Oh, Holy Night”, enchanted everyone in the room. As the music swelled, that old magic that happened in the past happened again. Residents begin to sing, tap their feet and clap their hands to recognized carols. Some who seemed asleep opened their eyes and joined in with remembered words. Hands reached out to touch entertainers. Hugs were given. Over and over more folk contributed as smiles and nods showed understanding.
How quickly 45 minutes passed. “Silent Night” closed the program. All voices joined together in that international canticle of peace and hope. The audience clapped in appreciation. The band and singers clapped in gratitude for all those heartfelt Christmas moments.
Entertainers had arrived to give a gift of music to Arboretum residents, and the residents responded with a gift of happiness to the entertainers. Christmas joy shared by everyone because of THE MAGIC OF MUSIC.
