AULD LANG SYNE
We'll take a cup of kindness yet .
by Margaret Williams

And that's just what happened on December 22 at the Escondido Care Center. Some residents came to this holiday party that Sunday afternoon in wheel chairs; others with paraphernalia necessary for their comfort or physical conditions, yet with smiles for these few hours of entertainment.

All of the residents received gifts and, as usual, enjoyed the singing and caroling. Over a dozen local karaoke singers and Santa's helpers (who can usually be found at the Welk lounge in Escondido) brought their voices as well as cookies, cakes, and other Christmas cheer. For the last show of the season they brought Santa Claus with them who, of course, sang "Holly Jolly Christmas" even better than Burl Ives!

Through the benevolence of Bertrand's Music Mart in Rancho Penasquitos, the
residents now have a premium Voco Pro Karaoke player and collection of music.
The Karaoke group was especially impressed by Jeff Bertrand's generosity.

One of the singers procured 200 live plants from her employer, The Euro
American Propagators of Bonsall. Linda Germaine of K-Mart graciously donated
a large microwave oven. Jack Ault, manager of Sav-On Drugs, Escondido, sent a case of Teddy Bears that brought smiles to many of the wheel chair bound residents. Local Costco and Big Lots stores contributed over a hundred dollars which allowed the group to purchase slipper socks for all of the residents. Last but not least Marjorie Cutting, of the Elite Costume House Escondido, gave Santa his suit for a song, literally!

This volunteer Karaoke group from "the house that Rocky built," led by Mike
Richman, has for several months been serving its community with the gift of song. This concern for their neighbors made for a wonderful Christmas performance and party at this local nursing home on Mission Avenue in Escondido. They have truly been welcomed by the residents who so much need the exposure to the outside world, and are able to once again remember their world through a lasting gift of music.

The folks at Glen Eden Sun Club in Corona adopted 2 families. A Spanish speaking staff member Santa and his elves delivered 4 bikes, dolls, toys, food, clothing, and cash to these 2 local families with 4 children each (plus a few more little friends).
Then the G.E. members' New Year's Eve celebration capped off the holidays with a fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing and, of course, singing to herald in the New Year. The Karaoke schedule will resume on February 8 with guest KJs until Rod Marshall returns from his travels in April.

I heard it through the (Karaoke) grapevine that there were over 200 happy, enthusiastic and beautiful party revelers at The Welk Resort in Escondido, ready and eager to welcome in the New Year. After a multi-course gourmet buffet dinner complete with champagne, the bubbly crowd was ushered into the Champagne Room and was greeted there with strains of dance music from Welk's own Karaoke DJ, Rocky Baldino, and his able volunteer assistant, Mike Richman. People danced and made merry to everything from waltzes, polkas, and swing to rock'n roll. They were two-stepping, line dancing, and yes, there was that Latin rocking Conga line winding its way amongst the tables, at the end of which people found themselves dancing with different partners! What a fun way to meet and make new friends. With the crowd counting down the final seconds of 2002, the New Year was heralded in with hugs and kisses; the sounds of noisemakers, the singing of Auld Lang Syne, cheering and the popping of balloons as they drifted down to the floor. Fast-paced music continued and everyone was hugging, wishing each other well and dancing with whomever!! It was a fun-filled evening of fine dining, music, dance and warm camaraderie, memorable even without karaoke.

And so we start a new year with greater resolve to make 2003 another milestone in the life of karaoke and its supporters for San Diego and surrounding counties!

A special thanks to my talented roving reporters who contributed to this article (Mike R., Sherri H., Gigi E. and photos courtesy of Gigi E.)

I always appreciate receiving your thoughts and ideas. "You can reach me by
e-mail": fritzysox@aol.com