THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 22, 1994 TAG: 9412200107
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MELISSA GUNDEL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Holiday traditions may vary in different parts of the world, but at the Suburban House all nationalities celebrated the holidays the same way - with its first Christmas and religious sing-along.
Though the group holds an annual Christmas party and a couple of socials a month, many residents favored this more.
Nina Sulcer, a 36-year Norfolk resident, enjoyed the party because of ``the spirit and unity of coming together.''
``There are not only Christians here, there are Jewish people and Russians,'' she added cheerfully.
Retired government worker Doris Barnes, dressed in a red sweater adorned with a snowman, agreed. She liked the togetherness and felt this party was ``more festive'' than others in the past.
The ceremony began with a brief prayer from Minister Charles Furrow. Then the audience was led into brief expeditions by foreign residents who recited and sang renditions of Italian, Spanish and Russian holiday songs.
Margaret Semel shared the history of the Syrians along with Hanukkah and the lighting of the menorah. She sang some Hebrew songs as people clapped along.
Carmen Gonzalez discussed the beliefs in Puerto Rico - there really isn't a Santa Claus - rather they celebrate the three kings. Audience members shared inspirational poems, prayers and songs as well.
The idea of the party at a Thanksgiving dinner in the home, where approximately 170 senior citizens and disabled people live.
Audreynell Robinson, a resident of the home, sang a hymn and everyone almost fell out of their chairs, recalled Katie Gundrum, a resident and one of the coordinators of the party.
``The people said they needed a revival,'' said Robinson, the other coordinator of the party.
``We wanted to get the love and the harmony in the building and with all the nationalities that live here, we want them to understand us and we understand them,'' said Robinson.
Robinson and Gundrum want the residents to feel at home not just during the holidays but always.
A lot of people don't have families here. For some of them, this is all they have, said Gundrum. ``We don't want this to be a senior citizens house, but to be a home.
``A home with love, peace, caring, sharing and safety,'' she added happily. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
From left, Joan Bryant and Bill Barone of the Cradock Music Club
perform for residents of the Suburban House.
by CNB