Photo by Ken Odor
Music Director Kim Watts leads the visiting Byrd E.S. third graders as they sing carols to the Meadows Nursing Home residents.

0 Comments Email Article Tweet This Share

The 84 residents of the Envoy at the Meadows nursing home on Dogtown Road got a special visit last Friday, when third graders from Byrd Elementary School arrived for their annual visit.

Led by Music Director Kim Watts, 58 students arrived at 10 a.m. for a visit of about 40 minutes. They sang a selection of Christmas carols, accompanied by Watts on the guitar and encouraged the residents to sing along.

“We’re just going to spread the joy,” said Watts.

Third grade teacher Mandy Tickle said the tradition has been going on for more than 10 years now, started by retired Byrd E.S. teacher Ellen Robinson.

In addition to singing, the students brought Christmas cards and gifts for the residents.

“I look forward to it,” said Grace Mayo. “I love to hear the young folks sing.”

And the young folks like to hear their elders sing too, it seems.

“My favorite part was when they sang to us,” said third-grader Helena Somerday.

Sporting a set of holiday reindeer antlers, fellow student Jordan Livingston said the gifts they brought consisted of tissues, sugar-free candy and body wash.

Watts said Byrd grandmothers also make lap quilts for the residents that are distributed either at Christmas time, or in the winter months.

Activities Director at the Meadows Lisa Lloyd said the residents look forward to the annual visit.

“They smile when I come down to get them,” said Lloyd. “Some of them come on down on their own.”

Watts said the students benefit just as much.

“The students look forward to visiting the nursing home and it is a great for them to experience first hand the joys of giving,” she said. ” I believe we receive much more than we give when we visit the residents and staff at The Meadows.”

There are no comments for this entry