Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey - A Faith In Action Program

January 14, 2008

Generations Come Together For Holiday Concert

GENERATIONS COME TOGETHER FOR HOLIDAY CONCERT
By Jo Ann La Russo



The generations came together in song at The Pines in Whiting.

Holiday spirit was in the air, as melodic voices could be heard throughout the hallways of The Pines at Whiting last week as a concert brought together the talents of the young and old.

Chorus members from Toms River High School North harmonized with members of the Pine Cone singers, a senior choral group, bringing the two generations together for a night of holiday cheer.

"The students were so amazing and came here with such energy and open hearts to our residents," said Melissa Clark, activity director of The Pines. "We want to close the generation gap and have more events like this for the seniors to share in. The students bring life with their enthusiasm."

The event was sponsored by the Caregiver Kids Program of Caregiver Volunteers of Central New Jersey.

The senior group has been singing together since 1995, with members of the Pine Cone singers living in The Pines independent living section. The average age of the 23 members is 80, while the High School North chorus members range in age from 14 to 17 years old.

"This is a lot of fun," said 16-year-old Amanda Cimo as she rehearsed with Jordan Schalhoub.

"The seniors are really good," said teen Justin Rivera.

Joseph Figueroa, and brother and sister, Rachel and Dave Bergman agreed.

"It's good for the holidays," said Rachel.

Senior singer, Penny Stott, called the students' voices inspiring.

"We are all alto singers so we all have something in common," she said.

"We all love to sing," laughed students Katherine Cosentino and Monique Jackovelli.

"It makes us feel good and it makes them smile," added choral member Maggie Walsh.

Decorated in red and green garland, a hush took over the hallways of The Pines when inside the concert room, the audience of about 75 seniors listened to the seasonal sounds of Pat Keating on the piano while HSN chorus conductor, Chris Loeffler, led the two singing groups in rousing renditions of old time favorites.

Freshman student, Brad Heaney, sang a bass solo in a medley of "When the Saints Go Marching In."

Fellow freshman Matthew Haake, 14, played piano accompaniment to "Ashokan Farwell."

"The students performed marvelously," Clark said.

Clark said she hopes to incorporate future intergenerational programs, "to help residents here enjoy a life that is rich, well rounded and fulfilling."

The event was "a unique opportunity to bring together two generations who enjoy music, but who would not normally perform together," according to Lynette Whitman of Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey.

"The concert is a wonderful way to bring holiday cheer to the seniors," Whiteman said.

"The singers have a terrific theatrical sound," said Pines resident Bill Ainley, whose two grandsons, Brent and Brian, are teachers in the Toms River School District.

"I'm enjoying the concert," said Ainley. "Pat is good at the piano."

After retiring from the New York Police Department in 2004 after a 20 year career, Keating now directs her attention towards uncovering the musical abilities of local talent.

As music director at St. Theresa's RC Church in Tuckerton, Keating also works with the Our Gang performers in Barnegat.

A love of working with seniors is her aim, she said.

"It's for people to have a good time, smile and have fun," said Keating.

"We want to close the generation gap," said members of the High School North Chorus, as the lights in the concert room dimmed and the lively show began.