The Lakeside Carolers started up five or six years ago when a group of friends realized how much they missed caroling at Christmas time. The group decided to carol at some of the Lakeside convalescent/independent living homes and has continued to do so one day each December.
Each year a few more people have joined in as people “spread the word.”
Lakeside Carolers have no rehearsals, unless you count the warm-up song or two at the Little Chapel by the Lake before traveling to the first home. And participants can pick the times that suit their own personal schedule. There will be song booklets for the carolers and song sheets for the residents of the homes. Groups who do practice are welcome to join in and to sing or play some of their own presentations.
Reading music or having a “professional” singing voice are not required.
Many of the carols sung are “oldies,” as well as requests. Each performance lasts about 30 or 40 minutes, after which residents of the home are greeted. In the past, some group members have seen fit to present resident with small gifts, candies, or cards.
The 2013 caroling date is Thursday, December 19. Belva McIrvin de Velazquez of the Little Chapel by the Lake is responsible for the music and Kay Borkowski of Christ Church is handling the administrative details.
The group will gather at the Little Chapel at 1:15 p.m. for a brief practice before their first performance at Casa Nostra (Santa Margarita 8, Riberas del Pilar) at 2 p.m. From Casa Nostra, the group will travel to Alicia’s Convalescent Home, (Paseo del Lago 7, La Floresta) for a 3:30 p.m. sing-a-long.
Anyone interested in sharing Christmas spirit with those in assisted living should simply show up and wear Christmas garb. For more information contact Borkowski, 766-2495, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..