In 1975, the Wyoming County Bi-Centennial Singers organized to promote musical and theatrical productions in rural Wyoming County NY.
As you can see by Itzl's concerned look, this group is for us to check in at to let people know we are alive, doing OK, and not affected by such things as heat, blizzards, floods, wild fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages, or other such things that could keep us off DKos. It's also so we can find other Kossacks nearby for in-person checks when other methods of communication fail - a buddy system. Members come here to check in. If you're not here, or anywhere else on DKos, and there are adverse conditions in your area (floods, heatwaves, hurricanes, etc.), we and your buddy are going to check up on you. If you are going to be away from your computer for a day or a week, let us know here. We care!
IAN is a great group to join, and a good place to learn to write diaries. Drop one of us a PM to be added to the Itzl Alert Network anytime! We all share the publishing duties, and we welcome everyone who reads IAN to write diaries for the group! Every member is an editor, so anyone can take a turn when they have something to say, photos and music to share, a cause to promote or news!
Ok, we do have a diary schedule. But, when you are ready to write that diary, either post in thread or send FloridaSNMOM a Kosmail with the date. If you need someone to fill in, ditto. FloridaSNMOM is here on and off through the day usually from around 9:30 or 10 am eastern to around 11 pm eastern.
Monday:
BadKitties
Tuesday:
bigjacbigjacbigjac
Wednesday:
Caedy
Thursday:
weck
Friday:
FloridaSNMOM
Saturday:
broths
Sunday:
loggersbrat
They are still active, producing entertainment in a variety of venues. Although many of the "Singers" have moved on, there is a traditional event in December I try to be available for; WinterSong. As small group of carolers the Singers travel the hallways of three elder care facilities. We will have guitar accompaniment sometimes and plenty of bells to jingle and share with the residents. We cram into elevators still singing and head to the next floor. We start right after the evening meal and continue to the final location, where they treat us to punch and cookies. (Wassail!)
Tonight is the night! We bring good cheer to shut-ins and staff alike.
Caroling started as wassailing; a small group of singers would travel from house to house, singing traditional tunes and hoping for treats of food and drink. Eventually the tunes developed a more christian message and with the coming of protestantism, the carols were sung within the church as well.
Growing up, our Christmas Eve service was a "carol service" with the congregation and the choir taking turns with the songs, as the leaders of the service did readings telling the story. It would end with the lights going down, but everyone taking a candle and passing the light from candle to candle until the room was bright again. The choir would lead in the singing of Silent Night, and all would join in. I think the service brought a sense of peace to those in attendance, a good thing after the flurry of activity.
As my family changed and moved away, it was harder and harder for me to find someone who would attend the night time service with me.
Do you have a holiday memory that you would like to share?