The Singing Buddies - Spreading Cheer to a Community Near You

Even though it’s not the holiday season, residents at The Lodge at Cold Spring are always ready to spread a little joy throughout the community. The Singing Buddies, a group of residents at The Lodge, made a trip this past Wednesday to another retirement community to sing songs and spread cheer to other seniors.

The Singing Buddies performed songs such as “Singing in the Rain,” “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and “What a Wonderful World” for residents at The Gables at Farmington. Gables residents were also treated to a harmonica performance from Emilio Arcarese and a solo singing performance by Stephen Hudak, both members of The Lodge’s singing crew. Arcarese was joined by fellow singer Sue Dinucci for a skit during “Singing in the Rain,” where the two did a little dance under an umbrella.

The performance started off just like any other, but Singing Buddies participants say it turned out to be one of their best experiences yet, largely due to the reaction they received from Gables residents. The Lodge events coordinator Margie Girardi said that by the middle of the performance, Gables residents joined in with singing, and some even stood up to dance for a tune. “The place was just electrified, it was a blast,” said Girardi.

Lodge residents were also impressed by how gracious the Gables community was, and how big of a kick they got out of the singing. “I just thanked them for not falling asleep,” said Singing Buddies member Virginia Bouvier, who had a smile on her face the entire time she recalled the event. And how could she not? Residents, and even managers, of The Gables were so happy with the way the performance turned out, they hoped the Singing Buddies could return again near Christmas.

Upon returning to The Lodge, the group continued to sing as they got off the bus and entered the building. It was a fitting end to a great day of singing songs and sharing happiness.