Spreading Holiday Cheer

A pair of performances carried carols and joy throughout the halls of the Westview community this past week. Westview Health Care Center and Country Living at Westview Commons enjoyed a vocal visit from The Woodstock Academy's Tri-M Honor Society choir. The performance was led by Woodstock Academy’s Band Director, Lauren Churchill, who has also celebrated this season with her performance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. From the Woodstock Academy website: “Tri-M Music Honor Society is a national honor society for high school musicians who have shown themselves to be academically capable and musically gifted. Through performance and community service, these students develop confidence, creativity, critical thinking, compassion, and a host of other leadership skills sure to serve them well in school and beyond.” The Tri-M Music Honor Society performed a delightful medley of holiday hits at both locations. Patients, residents, visiting families, and staff were all happy to join in the chorus during several of the songs.

At Westview Health Care Center, the singers provided a magnificent concert for a full house in our Formal Dining Room. The Tri-M choir members were further generous in giving their gift of song to Westview patients and residents by taking their talents down the hallways; walking to rooms of individuals who were unable to attend the performance.

Immediately following their concert at Westview Health Care Center, the students proceeded across the street to Country Living at Westview Commons to deliver their magnificent music to the residential community there. This performance took place in The Great Room of Westview Commons—and just as was the case at Westview Health Care Center, our adoring audience at Westview Commons was pleased to participate in the holiday harmonies.

In both locations, several of the students had family members that were either patients, residents, or staff members. This painted an even more poignant and priceless picture to those who observed this day’s tender times among kith and kin.

Woodstock Academy music educator Lauren Churchill smiled as she sang alongside the Tri-M choir throughout the performance. She expressed her elation in spreading the Christmas cheer with the students that she works with:

“The students and I were thrilled to visit and bring some holiday joy to the Westview community. Though we used to visit every year, this is the first time in several years that this was possible and we were so thrilled to be back! My co-advisor, Amy Ranta, and I are passionate about helping our students give back to our community through music. It is always amazing to watch our students discover how music can help them connect with people and, that something as simple as singing Christmas carols together can bring such joy to someone’s holiday season. One of my favorite parts of visiting Westview is having the opportunity to hear the stories of the amazing residents who live there. From teachers and musicians to soldiers and business leaders—I love when residents share parts of their story, allowing us to get even a glimpse into the incredible people who built this place that we call home. Thank you again to Westview for having us. We can’t wait to come back!”

Country Living at Westview Commons is a 75-unit independent and assisted living community conveniently located in picturesque Northeastern Connecticut. Affiliated with Westview Health Care Center, a nationally-ranked nursing facility according to CMS and U.S. News and World Report for the past years, Westview Commons is a 115,000 square foot catered living facility dedicated to a genuine 5-star experience including outstanding service, culinary expertise and professional in-house entertainment. Located in Dayville, CT, Westview Commons combines convenience, tranquility and comfort; providing a lifestyle that seniors deserve.