January 24, 2014 (North Chili, NY) ─ There were decorations, cookies and presents, but the best holiday gifts couldn’t be wrapped at Westwood Commons this year. Community members brought cheer in many ways to the residents of the DePaul Senior Living Community in North Chili.

Christmas Brass, a group of musicians from Buffalo, Rochester and Batavia and led by Frank Panepento, performed Christmas sing-alongs on bugles, melophones, and contra basses while residents followed using sheet music. Together for 24 years, Christmas Brass performs in nursing homes and hospitals in western New York.

“It’s the season for enjoyment and for those who can’t get out and enjoy some of the great holiday music, we bring it to them,” said member Bob Wielgosz of Chili.

For Singing’s Sake, an all-female vocal ensemble has been a tradition at Westwood Commons for five years. With members from Spencerport, North Chili, Churchville and Gates, the group leads sing-alongs at adult care facilities about a dozen times a year.

“We all love to sing and we get great joy in seeing people’s faces light up,” said group member Christina Fenton. “They come up to us afterwards and hug us and invite us back. It’s that connection with the generation and the music that’s so important to us.”

Pictured here with For Singing’s Sake are Westwood Commons residents Mary McDonnell, Ginny Lockridge, Louise Mitchell.

Several Girl Scout Troops also brought holiday cheer to Westwood Commons. Girl Scout Troop #60578 delivered homemade cards and visited with residents. Girl Scout Troop #60651 from the Ogden-Chili area sang Christmas Carols and made crafts with the seniors.

Pictured left are members of Girl Scout Troop #60578 (front row, left-right) Erin Nichols, Emily Stryker, Erica Molner, (back row, l-r) Makayla Boff and Cindi Burns.

Pictured right are members of Girl Scout Troop #60651 Marianna Boff, Madison Zielke, Morgan Zielke, Nicole Mathewson, Sarah Cousins, Juliana Zampatori, along with Leader Regina Zielke.

Westwood Commons also gives thanks to groups including singers from the Slavic Bible Baptist who entertained with Russian Christmas Carols; St. Vincent DePaul in Churchville led sing-alongs, and Angel Furioso and friends volunteered their time singing with and for residents. Community members Bill Mickelson and Mary Chamberlin also spent time volunteering at Westwood Commons this holiday season.

For more information about Westwood Commons, please contact Administrator Karen Shaffer at (585) 293-2060 or visit us on Facebook.