Desert Half Notes Go Caroling in Mesquite

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

Under the direction of a spirited Marie Palmer, the Desert Half-Notes singing group went a-Caroling on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 14, in a quest to bring Christmas cheer and remembrance to others in the community.

The singing group started about 26 years ago, as part of the Desert Dames ladies’ social club. Eventually the group they separated from the club and continued singing as a group for their own pleasure and at community events. The group has grown over the years and now numbers 34 women and 15 men.

The first stop on the caroling party was the Mesquite Senior Center for the lunch time rush. Diners were treated to the sounds of Christmas carols from both the women’s and men’s choirs.

The second stop in the adventure was at Mesa Valley Estates assisted living facility. The men’s group sang first and amused the audience by donning headbands and eye patches for a song about a pirate helping out Santa.

“I have been singing with the men’s group for about one year now,” said group member Jerry Selbo. “Most of us men also sing in the choir at our respective churches.”

The ladies group puts out a lot of energy, and it is plain to see that they love singing. “The Hands that Held Mary’s Child,” was a tender song that seemed to stir the audience members.

The third and final stop was at the Highland Manor of Mesquite nursing home facility. The residents here seemed to react the most to the singers and they wanted to sing along.
“The whole group enjoyed bringing these songs to others,” Palmer said at the close of the experience. “I want to give a shout-out to Silver Rider for the special agreement with Half-Notes making the caroling possible.”

All in all, a good day for the Half-Notes and their audiences.