| Canadian Progress Club Progression On-line |
February 2002 |
Western Region: Alberta South |
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| The
Christmas Traveling Road Show
The 2001 edition of the Traveling Road Show took place on the evening of December 13th. Singers from Bow River and City Centre met at Bottlescrew Bill's Pub for pre-concert refreshment to loosen up our vocal chords. From there, Bow River's own Santa, Ed Cooke, loaded us into his 15-passenger sleigh and whisked us off to the Bethany Care Centre, where we met up with our horn section: Todd and Neil Gow, both local musicians. After some last minute preparation-specifically handing out song sheets-we met with our designated representative at the Centre and were led to the auditorium where our audience was eagerly waiting. After completing a 14-song performance, the carolers visited with the seniors individually. Based on our experiences to-date, the holiday season can be a very lonely time for those in homes and care centres. Visitors, especially during this time of year, are made most welcome. And once again, as has been the case every year, all those in attendance enjoyed the time we spent visiting and entertaining them-despite our limited vocal talent. One of the more memorable quotes of the evening came from an older gentleman sitting in the back of the room. "You guys look like you're having a lot of fun," he told us, "and we really appreciate you coming … but your singing needs some work." So much for aspirations of Broadway! After wishing our gracious audience Merry Christmas, we were returned to the North Pole (a.k.a. Bottlescrew Bill's) by our fearless sleigh driver. There we reflected on the evening and the general spirit of the season, and shared more good cheer-this time of the liquid variety! We're now looking forward to the 5th Annual Traveling Road Show and heartily encourage other clubs across the country to consider a similar event. For a minimal investment of time, you'll add joy to the Christmas season-for both the seniors and yourselves. It truly is a heartwarming experience-and you'll have some fun with your fellow Progressians! Members of the 2001 Traveling Road Show:
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Throughout
the year the Calgary Progress Clubs make a number of contributions to
Calgary's youth through the support of Big Sisters & Big Brothers.
But in December of 1998, the Bow River Boys recognized another 'age
group' that also needed some attention. That year, we formed the
Christmas Traveling Road Show, the purpose of which was to visit
seniors' lodges in the city and spread Christmas cheer through some good
old-fashioned caroling. After one year of going it alone, we realized
our musical talents were limited, so we enlisted the assistance of the
City Centre ladies to add some harmony to the "choir". An
annual tradition was begun!
