|
Visalia Volunteer Singers needs voices to entertain at convalescent homes
Pat Schneider pumped a lively tune out of the piano at Westgate Gardens Care Center in Visalia, all the while singing a merry Christmas carol that had audience members tapping their feet.
She was joined by others clad in holiday red, twinkling lights and even reindeer ears as they serenaded residents of the skilled nursing facility.
They had passed out music sheets to the residents so all could participate, just as the Visalia Volunteer Singers always do.
Founded about 40 years ago, the singing group is completely volunteer and sings at nursing and convalescent homes in Visalia.
It is made up of people who are 55 or older, though that may change as the group seeks more participants, said Al Aguilar, the leader.
"We're losing people due to age and health-related problem. People don't volunteer like they used to do," he said.
History of singers
Just a few years ago, the singing group had enough members to visit about 35 places a month throughout Tulare and Kings counties.
Sometimes singers would volunteer as many as five days a week, visiting multiple centers in a day. Now, they stick to Visalia, though they still volunteer up to three days a week.
Though their numbers have dwindled, the singers still continue to put smiles on the faces of those at the homes they visit.
"I'll talk for all of us: We love them. We wish they could come more often," said Westgate Gardens resident Mary Luiz.
Virginia Adams, activities coordinator for Westgate Gardens, said she loves having the singers visit because their music can reach a place in some residents' minds that nothing else can touch.
"Music takes you back. You'll see them smile and notice they've probably gone to a better time, a happier time, in their minds," she said.
It's also something that helps the volunteers stay active, especially those who are older and don't have as many reasons to leave home, Adams said.
Schneider said she volunteers because she remembers how her mother, who was once in a nursing home, always wanted to participate in musical activities at the home.
She took note of her mother's joy and now spreads joy to others.
"[The residents] are the gift. They make you feel so good when you sing and they smile at you," she said.
Group routine
Most of their visits are made during the day, which is one of the reasons they don't have as many volunteers as they could.
A lot of people who are older than 55 are still working or went back to work after retiring, Aguilar said.
So now the group has lowered the age limit to anyone who is 18 or older.
Because the singing group was previously sponsored by the city of Visalia, it was required to have only senior-aged members.
The group is currently independent, so it is welcoming anyone who has a heart to share music with others.
"We would have to love more singers, or another piano player," Schneider said.
Aguilar also said volunteers don't have to commit to come every time the singers have an event.
"We're open to part time," he said with a smile.
By: Hillary S. Meeks
Visalia Times-Delta Staff Writer
Published Tuesday, December 22, 2009
|
