ANDREWS CHRISTMAS PARTY 2010

Yesterday, Andrews of Stratford held the annual Christmas party for the residents and their families, where all had a rare opportunity to hear and see Andrews Strummers in action. Accompanied by Andrews choir, under the direction of Betty Folland, and with Shirley Beck on piano, the choir rendered twelve Christmas songs to the delight of those attending.Solos were performed by Jean and Chuck MacKeen ,as well as Sterling Squarebriggs. We were also privileged to hear Chelsea Sanderson sing "O Holy Night" as well as perform an Irish Jig to "Christmas in Killarney". Edward Herring gave a trumpet solo " Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and the concert wound up with four great renditions by The Andrews Strummers.

Of course the highlite of the party was a brief visit from Santa Claus who brought along gifts for everyone. We were then treated with a welcome lunch of sandwiches and sweets from the kitchen of Andrews. The attendance at the Christmas Party grows each year as Activity director, Sharon Woods-Bryenton, continues to make life interesting for those who live at Andrews.

The Strummers have been playing together now for two months and it is amazing how much great music they can provide and add to the enjoyment of living at Andrews. We are privileged to have members of SMUG, Dennis Wells, Kendal Godkin, Darlene Acorn and Leah Ziegler on our teaching staff, who meet every week with the Andrews Strummers and jam in the activity room for about an hour. The ukulele is the easiest instrument in the world to play, as well as the most fun. Andrews Strummers are
a testimony to that fact. We have had as many as 12 residents out to jams over the past fall months.Ukuleles are being supplied by Andrews and Dennis Wells, but several of the Strummers have purchased their own personal ukulele. All residents are encouraged to turn up for the weekly jam on Wednesday mornings at 10:30.


ANDREWS STRUMMERS

ANDREWS CHOIR

CHECKING HIS LIST

SANTA ARRIVES.....FINALLY

FIRST VISIT TO CORRIGAN HOME

SMUG played their final Christmas Concert of the season yesterday at Corrigan Home. The small community-care facility in the heart of Sherwood had asked several months ago if we would come and play for them, and we chose our Christmas program to do so. We discovered only a dining room available that would be large enough to accommodate SMUG and an audience, and only with the tables removed. However when we arrived there yesterday with 14 Smuggers, we soon discovered that "Small is Good", and we had a warm welcome by director Terry Howatt and her staff, along with most of the home's residents. As we went through our program there were many enthusiastic ladies and gentlemen who sang along and appreciated our effort with fine applause. Everyone agreed that a return to Corrigan Home would be in the making soon. One of the residents was kind enough to let us use her room adjacent to the dining room to put away our coats, cases and all of the necessary junk we seem to travel with.Very kind and warm words from many of the staff and residents who attended left everyone there with the warm feeling of Christmas.

SANTA CLAUS COMING TO BEACH GROVE HOME

There seems to be something special about SMUG performing at Beach Grove. Ellen Blair and all of the staff are there participating, the activity room is always full and everyone gets us in the mood to put in a little extra effort. We were well received today with 16 Smuggers out to bring some extra Christmas atmosphere to an already Christmas charged group. Ellen said she could feel the warm breezes in Hawaii as we worked our way through 22 Christmas songs and carols.Thanks to everyone there for their warm hospitality.

TURKEY DINNER WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS

Host and Hostess Bobby and Darlene give the "Ready" Barry agrees.

Our humble little group of SMUGGERS was invited to present some Christmas music during the monthly dinner held for the local neighbourhood folks at First Baptist Church in Charlottetown last evening at 5:30. It was a wonderfully large turn out of about 160 for the Turkey Dinner, and they fed another 17 of us SMUGGERS besides. A big production for the kitchen staff who seemed ready and took the whole thing in stride. In about an hour everyone ate their meal, had dessert and coffee or tea,sang along with SMUG and the crowd had dispersed and most of the tables were put away by the time we left. Many hands make light work, and what a happy group they were.

It was great for some of us to see many old friends among the workers and guests and a completely new experience for SMUG who occupied ALL of the stage. Again several queried if we had a CD out.....but alas...not yet. It has everyone thinking I would say. Indeed everyone was pleased with our performance and the way those assembled as well as the workers sang along, it was obvious our presence was enjoyed.

SMUG IS READY

THE BASS IS READY?

THE GUESTS HAVE ARRIVED

THE TABLES DECORATED AND READY

THE KITCHEN PRODUCTION...BIG JOB...MANY HANDS

CHRISTMAS CHEER AT ANDREWS RESIDENCE

SMUG did their second Christmas performance at ANDREWS of STRATFORD on Thursday, Dec 2nd, for a large group of the residents there who clapped and sang and offered much praise to our group following the performance. We offered some 20 songs and carols during the one hour performance and alluded to the fact that the ANDREW'S STRUMMERS would be performing their Christmas program next Friday afternoon along with Andrew's Choir under the direction of Betty Folland. We are most appreciative to Activity Director, Sharon Woods-Bryenton, for introducing the group and taking a very large number of photos, too numerous to publish here. Sharon and the residence graciously provided cookies, tea and coffee following the performance.
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

CHRISTMAS BEGINS AT 501 SENIORS RESIDENCE

SMUG played a rousing one hour concert for the residents of 501 Queen Street last night,to kick off our Christmas appearances for 2010. 20 Smuggers dressed in their more formal black and white attire, complete with Santa hats, played and sang Christmas songs and carols. The small group of residents showed their appreciation through the performance and joined in singing most of the songs we played.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN SMUGGERS AND GOBLINS

This is what we have to put up with when we are trying to be serious and practice for our Christmas performances. They arrived at our coffee time, "Rippen Ray", "Mello Maurice"," Voluptious Vera" and "Ready Ralph" ready to join the ghosts and goblins on the morrow....the very idea,and I hear others were supposed to arrive as well but over slept.It's no secret that was probably "Articulated Al"as he has been keeping late hours.(The editor had some much more discriptive adjuctives, but felt they may not look so good in print!) All of those who preferred Auction Sales in Summerside are well behind in the Christmas program, but never mind, they have time to catch up.For your information , the Christmas Program is now etched on paper for 2010.
Happy Halloween everybody.....we love you all and it's all about the good times. The next Smugulele will be more serious, but the Christmas party is booked for December 18th.......any new ideas?

Rippen Ray, Mellow Maurice, Voluptious Vera and Ready Ralph
The Instigator Mello Maurice(Isn't this something to Behold?)