by Anthony Rifilato
"It was a beautiful blending of voices," said King, who mouthed the words to each song.
Over 60 students performing in several different groups were on hand to sing, dance and help the center's residents decorate the Christmas tree in the lunchroom on Dec. 17.
Although initially expecting the high school jazz quartet (who didn't attend due to a scheduling mishap), the audience had the privilege of being entertained by the choir, the Baldwin High School Step Club, a high school barbershop quartet called Out of the Blue, and an a cappella girl group, the Sweet Adelines.
Just across the street from each other, during the holiday season, these two disparate generations connected for a brief but spirited moment.
"Some of the seniors don't have much family and it also gives them the chance to have more faith in the youth," said Barbara Riess, the advisor to the high school's Leadership Council, which organized the performances.
As a cacophony of rhythmic stomps and melodic cheers filled the room, the audience looked on intently as the girl's Step Club dancers, clad in red Santa hats and white shirts, showed their stuff and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
"It should cheer everyone up during the holidays," said step team member Courtney Milner, a senior.
This was the first time the two-year-old Step Club performed at the center. "I think they did a great job," said club adviser E. Scoyen, who added that the girls have been invited back next year.
Throughout the year, the Baldwin Leadership Council does a number of activities and performances at the center. Last year, students gave computer lessons, and do Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day events, as well as pancake breakfasts several times during the year.
After the choir's soothing performance, students walked the men and women to the Christmas tree in the center's lunch room and helped place decorations. Several students walked with the woman who had seniority over everyone in the room, 103-year-old Bea Schaefer, who has been at the center for 27 years. "I think they're great," said an articulate Schaefer. "We have a great generation. They've been here a lot of times and we enjoy them."
Schaefer noted some differences between her generation and the students. "I think they're more free to speak and do what they like. We were more restricted," she said.
Others were also in the spirit. "Okay, who wants to take the bride?" joked resident Jo Sinnot as she walked up to the tree arm-in- arm with Douglas Schwartz, a high school senior, where they placed an ornament.
When the exodus of students left and trekked back to school to finish out the day, many said they were happy to perform for their neighbors. "I had a good time," said Ben Gaddes, a junior who led the barbershop quartet and sang in the choir. "It's an opportunity for the youth to come down to entertain and wish them a happy holiday."
