Tabitha at Prairie Commons Rings in the Season with Local Concert
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Tabitha at Prairie Commons—Grand Island’s premier senior living community—invited friends, family and the public to share in the holiday spirit for its event, “Santa’s Singalong Spectacular.”
Visitors were treated to festive chorus, bell choir and dance performances featuring the talents of Prairie Commons’ very own residents. The show spotlighted well-loved Christmas tunes, including the original song, “8 Days of Tabitha”—a “12 Days of Christmas” spin off created by Linda Whiteley, volunteer choir director and pianist.
A Nebraska native and former elementary school teacher, Whiteley was recruited by Julie Bringelson—First United Methodist Church pastor and Prairie Commons resident—to lead the community’s choir. In addition to this year’s holiday performance, Whiteley has played a major part in the Easter, Independence Day and Veterans Day showcases.
“The people who live here are lovely,” said Whiteley. “They’ve definitely become friends to me. Plus, I love working with Christine to put on these programs—she is just amazing.”
Christine Hollister, Tabitha Life Enrichment Event Coordinator, conducts the bell choir, but the initial idea came from two of Prairie Commons’ first residents: Marlene Boyer and Linda Mowrey.
Boyer hadn’t been in a choir since performing duets with her sister at church in her youth, and Mowrey said she’d only been in her high school chorus. As lovers of music who wanted to participate in an alternate—but equally engaging—way, they brought the idea to Hollister, who assisted them in bringing their harmonious vision to life.
“Prairie Commons is just like a big family,” said Boyer. “When I think about our community, I think of the kindness of others and of the [Tabitha] team members. We come together to make things happen, and this holiday performance was our best yet.”
Tabitha’s values of exceptional senior care and local engagement shines through its full continuum of care services and variety of public events. Prairie Commons hosts monthly themed music bingo, community dances, dance lessons, pitch parties, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce events and much more.
“Christine helps us make every day so much fun,” said Mowrey. “Meeting new people and having a great time together has been a lovely part of life at Prairie Commons. Christine—and the other employees—are terrific, and it has truly been a great move for my husband, Larry, and I.”
“Intentional connections and joyful celebrations are important to us at Tabitha at Prairie Commons,” shared Hollister. “Residents guide their own lifestyles, but also have the opportunity to be a part of something greater during events like these. We’re grateful for everyone who joins in on the fun and makes our PURPOSE—empowering people to live joyfully, age gratefully—possible.”
To learn more about upcoming happenings or schedule a personal tour of this state-of-the-art community, visit Tabitha.org/PrairieCommons.