Students entertain at Blackburn

By Rick Rouan

About 40 students sang Christmas carols to the ladies of the Blackburn Home.

The kindergarten students from Dobbins Elementary School injected a little youth and a lot of Christmas cheer at the Blackburn Home for Aged People in Poland.

About 40 students sang Christmas carols to the ladies who live at the home during a Monday morning performance that also included a presentation of homemade cookies and Christmas cards.

The students were choreographed for the nine Christmas carols, touching their noses during “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and pretending to sleep during “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” They wore sweat shirts with painted Christmas trees that were made at school.

“On the whole, they were wonderful,” said Ruth Eddy, a resident at the Blackburn home. “Just listening to the kids sing and watching the expressions on their faces.”

Asked what his favorite part of the program was, kindergarten student Nathan Johnson said “I think two parts: saying Merry Christmas and giving out cards.”

After they finished singing for the Blackburn Home residents, the students handed out Christmas cards they made in class.

The Dobbins carolers were the third group to visit the home this week. Adult carolers came through on Sunday to entertain the 15 women who live at the home, said Connie Daugherty, activity director.

“We’re always looking to bring groups together,” she said. “Seeing those smiling faces of the kids and the energy they have brings it out in the ladies.”

Kindergarten students from Dobbins have been visiting the Blackburn Home for about 28 years now, but only in the last four years have they come to sing Christmas carols, said Elaine Fabrizi, a kindergarten teacher.

“It’s basically a great form of community spirit to show these kids want to give to the community at Christmas,” said Stephanie Mateja, a kindergarten teacher.

rrouan@vindy.com