Celebrating Christmas with the Seniors: Much Dancing at Cluster H

It was a very warm, calm morning in Vineyard Town, Kingston, and I arrived early for the JN Foundation’s annual Christmas treat for the residents of Cluster H at the Golden Age Home. Music was playing, and the seniors were getting themselves organized. There was an atmosphere of quiet expectancy. Next door to the Cluster, there was another event being prepared. “Big tings a gwaan,” I thought. It was a separate treat, that included children, and the Minister of Social Security as it turned out later.

Underneath that big old almond tree... — Underneath that big old almond tree…lovingly painted white and draped in Christmas lights. All photos mine unless noted.

A patriotic tree outside Cluster H. (My photo) — A patriotic tree outside Cluster H.

And indeed, it turned out to be an exceptionally lively morning. The residents emerged in twos and threes, looking very smart, and settled down under the spreading almond tree. That tree gives beautiful shade in the centre of the cluster – a roughly square arrangement of buildings which includes a small office as well as the residents’ living quarters. Jamaican almond trees are untidy, with knobby branches and big papery leaves that cover the ground – but that is part of their charm.

When the good people from JN Foundation arrived, bearing gifts, the residents were seated on benches, in wheelchairs and wherever there was space, waiting for the action to start. And once the formalities were over (prayers and short speeches), it didn’t take long for the “vibes” to start flowing.

There was the singing. The young volunteers did a good job. (Singing bravely along with the Christmas carols, I realized that my voice has gone “off” considerably; the days of singing alto in the school choir back in west London are long gone, sadly).

And then – oh my – the dancing swiftly followed, and the music swelled in volume. We were competing somewhat with the event next door, so there were overlapping waves of music (I told you it was lively, didn’t I!) A lady named Dorothy (my grandmother’s name, I always love it), who had earlier recited an entire psalm for us in a strong, firm voice, got up to dance – and stayed on her feet. It was a quiet shuffle. Another lady who had been clapping along enthusiastically was easily persuaded to get on her feet. One gentleman recalled a dancehall song from a few years back; and demonstrated all the moves. It was Elephant Man‘s “‘Pon Di River, ‘Pon Di Bank.” In case you’re wondering!

Volunteers distributed the beautifully-wrapped gifts in shiny red paper, and then…time for lunch.

But wait – this year there was “brawta” (that means an extra something, in Jamaican patois). A choir from the Alpha Primary School arrived (some of them looked a little surprised at all the noise we were making by that time!) and calmed us down with some spiritual performances. The excitement was raised a few notches, however, by the young soloists – two girls and a boy – who threw heart and soul into their performances. We might be seeing them competing in “The Voice” (or its equivalent) in, say, twenty years’ time! Of course, the residents enjoyed the performance thoroughly.

As I was leaving, the music (two layers of it, including a very good roots reggae band next door) shook the air. The residents were still in the swing of it.

Congratulations, as always, to the JN Foundation and its volunteers, who do a marvelous job. You can find out more about them and their work on their Facebook page and contact them on Twitter @JNFoundation.

And if you know an elderly person who is lonely, depressed or in need – or maybe simply a little bored – do reach out over Christmas. Pay them a visit, give them a call, drop by and cheer him/her up!