Christmas Concert at Indinapolis Miller's Merry Manor

It has become a tradition of sorts. Members of of the Fellowship Baptist Church frequently provided entertainment and Church Services to the residents of Miller's Merry 1651 N. Campbell Road in Indianapolis. Miller' has provided skilled nursing care to the community since 1984. Pastor Gary Pitcock has been coming to the facility several times a month to provide Church services. And, for a great part of that time Janey Hair , Pam Davis, And Gene Hoover have been visiting the resident and trying to make their quality of life better. Christmas Day Janet and Pam visited the residents in their rooms and handing out jingle bells and prayer rocks, cross word books and much more. Many of the residents do not have family so a visit on Christmas day is a special blessing.

Janet hosted having Helena Zahara in concert. Helena arrived for concert and sing along for the residents in a Sexy Santa Suit. As Helena went up and down the halls many of the residents smiled and waved. The red suit is such a Christmas icon, and it always seems to bring smiles from people who see the suit. Helena is quiet at home in the costumes nd the nursing home. Helena's job experience has included Activity Director, Social Services Designee and owner of a Party Time Telegrams. So, this afternoon she combines all her expertise in these areas.

Helena started the concert with traditional songs that reflected the birth of Jesus and the Reason for the Season: Little Drummer Boy, .Away in a Manager and Go Tell it on the Mountain. She progressed to traditional songs like White Christmas, I'll Be Home for Christmas. She ended with I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Helena said she her that is was that most request song on the radio this year. It's so silly you have to smile. Helena said her favorite is O Come All Ye Faithful because it is one of the few she remembers in Latin from her own childhood. Helena handed out instruments to have residents play along. Some of the residents seem to wanted to keep them. Helena Laughs and thinks it's okay, heck it is Christmas.

Helena has done several concerts at Miller's recently. She has done a sing-a-long program as Mae West, Patsy Cline, and several dance programs. She said that several of the residents seem to enjoy her Connie Frances impersonation today. Helena said that when doing presentation int he nursing home it is important to gear the some to the residents. Twisted sister may have some fun Christmas songs but the resident will get agitated. Though they may shed a tear or two to I'll Be Home for Christmas, there is a chance that they would have shed those tears even if they were home. Those tears are often mixed with favorite Christmas memories. Sometimes Helena cries with them.

Helena discussed with Janet having the her Gypsy Dance Troupe The 7th Caravan of Zott perform. The group has performed at the Terre Haute Senior Citizen Center, Hooverwood in Indianapolis , and Windsor Estate in Kokomo this year and is always well received. One of the troupe members father was ill and could see her perform at the Fisher's Renaissance Festival, so the group brought the show to him at the rehab. One gentleman has been to many authentic Rom events and cited he thought they well really Rom.

The resident's dance along even if it's just in their chair, and clapping is good exercise for the spirit as well as the body. Helena will often but historical pieces in a program. In a program on Israeli dance at Hoover wood, she used the classic song Dona, Dona. Residents were surprised to learn that the Rom were also in the concentration camps and that famous song about freedom was the one sung when the refugees left the camp.

Helena is always open to theme events for the nursing homes and has done Cinco De Mayo, Luaus, St. Patrick's Day, and 4th of July events in the past. The more colorful and lively the more residents seem to like the events. Helena said that is you are interested in booking her or the dance troupe for and event you can call 317-357-8858.