Geneva Belles spread holiday cheer

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, thanks to The Geneva Belles of Alexandria. The group has been performing Christmas songs throughout the community this holiday season, as it has done for the past five years.

The group got its start when local resident Polly Stephens visited a local assisted living facility and saw how the residents enjoyed some entertainment that was provided that day.

She then began asking her neighbors in the Geneva area if they were interested in starting a singing group. A group of about six women was formed and performed around the area. They called themselves The Geneva Belles.

The group has since grown to 18 members and includes women from the Geneva area as well as other women who have asked to join.

The group performs during the Christmas season, but also has programs for the Halloween, Valentine’s and spring/Easter seasons. They perform at other times as well.

“We are a music-ministry group and believe that we benefit more than the residents for whom we sing,” noted Stephens. “Our only request is a cup of coffee and cookie after singing, which gives us the opportunity to visit with the residents.”

The group sings familiar old tunes that the residents know and are able to sing along with.

Tags: variety, entertainment, belles, singers