Christmas bells rang through the corridors of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art this past week during their 43rd Annual Festival of Trees event. The Middlewoods of Newington Bell Choir, called “Ringing in your Ears”, spread the holiday spirit through this festive event by playing a variety of Christmas tunes for visitors. Large crowds enjoyed the music while they toured the many Christmas trees displayed throughout the museum.
The residents of Middlewoods of Newington, an award-winning independent and assisted living community, had the idea to play some patriotic tunes on hand bells for the Fourth of July this past summer. From there, more and more residents joined in on this new and exciting hobby, and before they knew it, they were performing for the public! John Buccini, Activities Director at Middlewoods, explains, “Our resident bell choir was so excited to learn how to play Christmas songs! We’ve been practicing two to three times a week for the past two months in preparation for this show.” The residents were thrilled to be selected to perform at this well-known holiday event and they certainly did not disappoint! John continues, “We are now thinking about where to go from here. New songs, new venues…it’s an exciting time for our residents!”
Stacy Kesl, Executive Director at Middlewoods of Newington, shares more about how the bell choir has made an impact. “The opportunity to learn something new, find a new hobby, or be part of something like this offers our residents the chance to be active in the community, maintain connections with others, and find meaning and purpose. What may seem like ‘just a bell choir’ can be a source of inspiration and strength throughout the challenges of aging, which is really amazing. We are so proud of our residents.”
To learn more about the choir or to schedule a performance by “Ringing in your Ears”, contact Middlewoods of Newington at 860.667.1336. This community offers award-winning assisted and independent living options and is affiliated with the UConn Health Center. The community is located at 2125 Main Street in Newington and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization based in Shelton, CT. To learn more about senior living at Middlewoods, visit www.middlewoodsofnewington.org
