Swinging ‘Gates Spread Valentine’s Cheer to Local Elderly

Last Friday, the Swinging ‘Gates, Colgate’s all-female a capellagroup, accompanied the Max Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE) group known as “Banana Bingo” to give a special Valentines-inspired concert to the elderly group at Friends of Madison Lane Apartments. The group performed a short set of Valentines-themed songs for the residents that the “Banana Bingo” group plays with weekly.

Students at Colgate who participate in the group pay weekly visits to the Madison Lane Apartments to play bingo and socialize with the elderly folks who reside there.

“It’s like seeing your grandparents on a weekly basis,” co-leader sophomore Caitlin Sackrison, said of participating in the weekly visits, “except for the fact that they are extremely competitive which can often lead to drama and disputes, but always seems to end with laughter. Going down to Madison Lane is always the highlight of my week, and is often the highlight of the residents’ week as well.”

The Swinging ‘Gates performance was a collaborated effort between both student groups to provide an extra treat to the usual afternoon activities at Madison Lane. The ‘Gates thoroughly enjoyed performing for their elderly audience, and hope to sing for the residents again in the future.

Contact Amanda Golden at [email protected].