by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Anyone wishing to get into the holiday spirit needn’t have looked any further than the Walpole Public Library (WPL) on Saturday, December 15th. This is when the Senior Moments Chorus group held their holiday concert, which was free and open to all, courtesy of the Friends of the WPL.
This talented and unique chorus group is comprised of 35 members that range in age from mid-60’s to 100 years old, and they’re about to enter their 16th year singing together. Though they have performed at WPL previously, this was their first holiday concert post-covid, and it was packed! Every seat was taken by excited and festively dressed folks that seemed eager to share in the joy of the holiday season.
The hour and 15 minute program included both chorus-performed and sing-along songs, and anyone that forgot the words to the sing-along portions were helped out by a prompter behind the makeshift stage area. The set list included a wide variety of tunes that included themes of winter, Christmas, Hanukkah and peace. In one particularly touching moment, one row of audience members stood, held hands, and sang along to “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
“I’ve been with them for so long I can’t remember,” joked Mary Jones, when asked how long she’s been singing with the chorus. “I just love it. We rehearse every week, and we’re doing several events this month.”
Manager and Event Coordinator Gerri Russo agreed. “This is a great group. We love what we do. And now we’re entering this new chapter with a new director and accompanist, so it’s very exciting,” she said. She also added that the holiday concert at WPL was dedicated to one of their founding members, Louise Stapleton. Ms. Stapleton is celebrating a momentous year: her 100th!
Senior Moments meets to rehearse at the Walpole senior center weekly. Up next for them is a concert at the Norwood Senior Center on the 21st. For information on upcoming library programs like this one, visit www.WalpoleLibrary.org
