Singing to benefit Civitan

Published 1:14 am Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Following a tradition that began several years ago, there will be a Christmas community singing on Monday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m.

Schwayn Bradley is leading this year’s event, which will be held at Christ Kingdom Ministry Center.

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A $5 donation is requested for those who attend. Most of the proceeds will be given to the Civitan Club.

“After participating in several community singings in the past, I was approached and asked if we were going to have it this year,” Bradley said. “It is always a joyous occasion to get together and sing the beautiful songs of Christmas, while having good fellowship.”

The Civitan Club is the sponsor of the event this year and it will be held at Christ Kingdom Ministry Center, located on Douglas Avenue near the old Winn Dixie building.

“We are calling the event ‘100 voices of Christmas,’ and we’ll include some of the newer Christmas songs as well as the traditional Christmas hymns,” Bradley said. “There will be fun songs as well as the classics. We plan on having something that will appeal to everyone.”

Some of the participants will include Anthony Turk on the keyboard; Warren Ringsdorf on guitar; Larry McCullough on bass; and Joe McCorvey Jr. on drums. Singers will include Bruce Moore, Jennifer Blunt, Monica Fountain, William Stallworth, Marilyn Bradley and Lauren Bradley.

The sponsor of the singing program is the relatively new Civitan Club. Not only will attendees enjoy some good singing, but they will also be helping some of the community’s residents.

The Civitan Club is a service club of individuals and community needs, and focuses on persons with development disabilities.

“People who are disabled sometimes miss out on things and we are trying to help,” Civitan president Michael English said. “With spending cuts, many programs have had to be cut back or even discontinued. Even the Special Olympics have been canceled. We hope to get that program up and running again. W.S. Neal Elementary School has been able to put up a playground for special needs children, but they have no ramp in place to enable those who can’t walk. We are planning on putting a ramp into place.

“Last year, employees of DHR used some of their own money to finance a Christmas meal for those who are in the Southwest Alabama Mental Health Program,” English added. “We plan on having the meal for them this year. There are so many who do not enjoy what the rest of us take for granted, and that is what Civitan Club is all about.”

Schwayn Bradley will direct the singing and will also play the piano. If anyone would like to join the choir call him at 363-9028. If anyone would like to join the Civitan Club or donate to their cause, call Michael English at 236-2010.