BURRILLVILLE – Bradford Court in Burrillville was the setting for some holiday cheer as residents and area youngsters joined together singing several rounds of well-known Christmas carols this week.
Members of Pascoag’s Boy Scout Troop 1 and Cub Scout Pack 1, led by Flo Stevens, along with performers from Harrisville’s Assembly Act, took a break from the cold weather Monday evening to continue a much anticipated yearly tradition.
“I’ve been caroling here since 2003,” Stevens says, noting that the pack has been caroling at Bradford even longer in their effort to brighten holiday spirits.
The troupe, along with their audience, sang hits such as “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Lyric sheets, Santa hats, and bells were passed out to audience members so everyone could join the festivities. At the end of the mini concert, cookies and juice were passed out for all to enjoy.
“It’s fun,” said Cub Scout Jaxson Phelps, who was decked out in a Santa hat strewn with Christmas lights.
That feeling was extended to audience members, including resident Claudia Caruso.
“They were all very good,” Caruso said. “It brings back memories of your own children.”
For the first time, the scouts were joined by members of Assembly ACT, the Assembly Theatre’s in-house production company. The theatre, located at 26 East Ave., has hosted events such as Godspell, Little Women, and Junie B. Jones, the play where the Assembly ACT and the scouts became connected.
Stevens has long believed in the program Scouting offers.
“I like giving back to the community and like teaching kids to give back,” she said.
Their biggest community service project is Scouting for Food and the food donations that follow. This year, scouts had a drop off location at the Pascoag fire station. The town of Burrillville collected over 5,000 pounds of food, delivered to area food pantries, as part of a collaborative effort with other packs and troops in town.
She says Troop 1 and Pack 1 continued fundraising efforts and were able to donate 29 turkeys, plus many more pounds of food, to the Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry.
Troop 1 and Pack 1 have also participated in activities such as camping, hiking, bike rides, and fishing, as well as their yearly Bradford Court visit. Stevens said she likes teaching the kids about the community and world around them, while they’re having fun and don’t even realize they are learning.
When she asked Cub Scout Kevin Perez why he likes to come caroling, he replied, “Because I get to hang out with you.”
