Fourth-graders from Lakeview Elementary in Negaunee sing to residents Thursday morning at Eastwood Nursing Center. Their song list included well-known and lesser-known holiday songs. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

NEGAUNEE — The younger generation entertained the older generation in a festive, holiday way Thursday morning.

Fourth-graders from Lakeview Elementary School sang holiday carols to residents of Eastwood Nursing Center as part of several Negaunee Public Schools youth activities that took place the week before Christmas. Following the concert at Eastwood, the students were to sing at the Teal Living Senior Living Community in Negaunee.

Emily Fitzpatrick, music teacher at Lakeview, lined up the youngsters, who were dressed in neutral black outfits, in front of the Eastwood Christmas tree. Her mother, Kathy Strazzinski, was the accompanist.

The students were well prepared for the concert.

“Eight of the songs we’ve been practicing all fall,” Fitzpatrick said.

Their repertoire included not only traditional Christmas fare such as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Little Drummer Boy,” but songs such as “Hanukkah Again Is Here.”

“They’ve been working really hard on the music and love any chance they can get to share it,” Fitzpatrick said. “We talked this morning about how important it is to come out and share our music with people who can’t otherwise get out and enjoy the Christmas festivities.”

Fourth-grader Peyton Black had no problem singing his heart out for the residents.

“I like singing because it just makes me happy when I sing, and I like to make other people happy,” Peyton said.

Liv Johnson was another Lakeview singer.

“I like singing,” Liv said. “It makes me happy. I like making other people happy too and we bring them Christmas cheer.”

Fitzpatrick introduced the students to the Eastwood residents before they began singing the carols.

“We had our Christmas program at Lakeview last week, and our theme was ‘Around the World in December,'” Fitzpatrick said. “So, we have songs from different cultures to share with you this morning. Some will be familiar to you, some will be new.

“If you hear a song that you know and love, feel free to sing along.”

The Eastwood residents, of course, enjoyed the holiday concert.

“I think it’s great,” Marilee Burdick said. “The kids are so good.”

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.