Senior Moments sing for Christmas cheer

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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter

Although most of the seniors of Walpole’s Council on Aging have retired from the workforce, members of Senior Moments have pursued another career in singing. On December 16, the golden-aged choir visited the Walpole Public Library’s Community Room to perform the annual Christmas sing-along and spread holiday cheer.

Dressed in white tops and sporting red ascots and bow ties, the seniors sat before their audience, waiting for director Mary Lou Ragusa to lead them in song. Accompanied by Nancy Wakefield, the singers commenced the concert with “Joy to the World,” and continued with “Sleigh Ride” and the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock.”

“I am so proud of them,” said Mary Lou, admiring the passionate singers before her. “Aren’t they great? You know, some of us are in our 90s, 80s, 70s, and not all of us read music, but we have good ears.”

In the audience, Elm Street School’s kindergarten Girl Scouts of Troop 82080 watched the seniors perform, and chimed in during “Frosty the Snowman.” For Senior Moments’ next two songs, “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Mary Lou invited the Daisies to join them at the front of the room to sing.

Not only did the Daisies perform with the seniors, but they also prepared goodie bags filled with peppermint sticks, chocolates, and lollipops for each guest in order to earn a petal for consideration and caring.

“I love to have the generations come together,” said Melissa Rush, one of the Troop’s leaders. “A lot of us have lost grandparents, and it’s nice if some of the senior citizens’ children moved away or if they don’t have grandchildren. So, it’s just nice to spread the love between the generations, really.”

The seniors resumed the sing-along with two international holiday songs, “Feliz Navidad” and “Christmas in Killarney.” Of course, the sing-along would not be complete without songs like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” in which Senior Moments member Ed Damish soloed, and “Let It Snow,” whose lyrics provoke great controversy between snow enthusiasts and sorrowful shovelers.

There was no fuss, however, with the jovial lyrics of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” which wrapped up the Christmas sing-along and wished all a cheerful holiday and a happy New Year.