Goodtimers show pride

Kim Karmelin and Robin Gonzalez drove more than two hours to watch their mom perform at the Orange County Fair on July 19, as they have done for the past three years.

Their mother, 84-year-old Marie Carriere, sang, danced and whistled her heart out as one of more than 50 members of the Singing Goodtimers, who performed on the Main Mall stage for more than 30 spectators.

“They’re adorable,” Gonzalez said.

“They really couldn’t be any cuter,” Karmelin agreed. “It means a lot to my mother to have this.”

The singing group is based at Rodgers Senior Center in Huntington Beach and its members range in age from 63 to 89.

They practice weekly and have four to five monthly “gigs” at nursing homes, schools and convalescent homes.

“There’s a therapy with singing. It just lifts your spirits,” said director and conductor Wally Benton.

“We get just as much out of it as the people we sing for,” four-year member Norm Saslow said.

Each month, the group changes the theme of its music, selecting patriotic songs such as “God Bless America,” “Yankee Doodle” and the “Marines’ Hymn” for the fair performance in recognition of the Fourth of July.

“I think they’re great because they’re singing our songs,” said Gerrie Evans, who walked to the fairgrounds from her Costa Mesa home for the performance.

Sporting his American Legion cap, LeRoy “Bud” Miller also enjoyed the melodies as he sang on stage, though he has other motivations for being in the group.

“I like to sing with them because it is mostly women, and I like women,” he said.

For Dianne Shirley, the youngest member, the group offers camaraderie and a fun activity following retirement.

“We may be a little crotchety and old but we have a lot of spark left in us,” she said. “You can tell by the smiles on our faces.”

Anyone, regardless of experience, is welcome to join the Singing Goodtimers without an audition. Rehearsals are 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Rodgers Senior Center, 1706 Orange Ave. For more information, call (714) 536-9387.

For a video, click here.