Deck the halls with boughs of ivy….
The Danube Seniors Leisure Centre was filled with the sound of carolling on Wednesday morning, as BWG Seniors Association members and residents of both The Elden and Holland Gardens retirement residences gathered for the annual 'Sing along with Officer Elisabeth.'
South Simcoe Police Special Constable Elisabeth Aschwanden - Officer Elisabeth to both the seniors and students in her various outreach programs – first launched the tradition several years ago. It was an opportunity for seniors to get together and sing favourite carols and holiday-themed songs, from Silent Night to Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
This year, Officer Elisabeth was joined by ‘Friends’ from the South Simcoe Police – including Auxiliary officers, Police Constable Mark Colucci, Special Const. Karen Markus, and Inspector John Van Dyke. They sang, they danced, and they acted out the lyrics of Frosty the Snowman – especially the verse, “He led them down the streets of town, right to the traffic cop. He only paused a moment, when he heard him holler STOP!”
It was a small but enthusiastic group of seniors who braved frigid temperatures to come out for the carolling. The Elden provided snacks, Holland Gardens sent plates of Christmas cookies and cupcakes - as well as a gift basket for one lucky participant, and staff members to join in the singing - and there was a choice of coffee, tea or hot apple cider for all of the singers.
In between songs, the officers provided ‘fun facts’ about Christmas celebrations around the world.
Like the fact that India has 25 million Christians – but the country is so populous, that they make up only 2.3 percent of the population.
Or the fact that in Japan, it has become a tradition to enjoy a special meal at Christmas: KFC.
And in Ireland, said Inspector Van Dyke, instead of leaving cookies and milk for Santa, “it’s all about Christmas pudding made with Guinness and Irish whiskey.”
There was plenty of cheer at the Danube Centre, as the seniors shared Christmas memories, and sang songs of the season with the help of South Simcoe Police.
