Carolers Will Sing at 3 Retirement Homes

Carolers, professional and amateur, will travel to three retirement homes Sunday to bring a little cheer to residents this season.

The 15th annual holiday caroling will take accomplished singers and musicians to three sites in the Valley this year.

Organizers are looking for singers of all talent levels to help entertain.

“We want to bring happiness to the elderly and to bring enjoyment to the less fortunate residents,” said choral director and event organizer Vincent J. Leinen.

“And at the same time, we instill a higher awareness in the carolers that they should be appreciative of their health and what they have in life that they might take for granted.”

Celebrities joining in this year include actor/comedian Tom Wilson, who played Biff in the “Back to the Future” films; guitarist Joe DiBlasi, who performed with Frank Sinatra, Chicago and Pink Floyd; and pianist Joe Vento, formerly of “The Tonight Show” band.

Pop singer Alan O’Day will perform a special rendition of “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with the children who join the carolers, and Michael Miller, honorary mayor of Woodland Hills, will play Santa, handing out flowers and song books to all.

The carolers will visit Beverly Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 7940 Topanga Canyon Blvd., at 4 p.m.; Topanga Park Retirement Center, 7945 Topanga Canyon Blvd., at 5:30 p.m.; and Wilshire Retirement Center, 6833 Fallbrook Ave., at 6:30 p.m.

Leinen’s tradition of caroling for the elderly began in 1981 with 20 people, primarily friends and relatives. He said he expects as many as 150 carolers to join the group this year. Carolers wishing to participate may join the group at any of the retirement homes.