The Songbird Volunteers at Cedar Ridge Senior Housing Center

On February 21st, the Basking Ridge members gathered at the Cedar Ridge Senior Housing Center to join Tzu Chi Foundation NJ for the 2017 Chinese New Year program.

Out of all of the volunteers in Songbird, a majority of the members are from Basking Ridge, as the Songbird was founded there. When Songbird was first established, the group started off by serving the Basking Ridge community.

This has been Songbird’s second year coming to Cedar Ridge. All of the Basking Ridge members from Songbird were excited to be with the guests once again. Last year’s service was an unforgettable moment, when the members joined hands with the seniors, sharing a warm bonding moment during the cold weather. Now, in 2017, the volunteers promised to spread more love, and push higher than ever before.

The director of Songbird, Bright Lin, is a long term resident of Basking Ridge. She brought the Songbird members over to Cedar Ridge for the performance. In fact, her family has been coming to Cedar Ridge to serve for the last four years. Now, this is the fifth year. From putting on concerts at the Oak Ridge Senior Housing Center to adopting Finley avenue, the Songbird ties with Basking Ridge have only strengthened as the seasons go by.

To start off, the Songbird performed a festive lion dance, symbolic of the new year. In the midst of the upbeat, yet traditional music, the lion pranced to the beat. Two middle schoolers members from William Annin Middle School, Humphrey Chen and Dawson Deng, donned in fluorescent orange, yellow, and green, matched the colorful lion to a tee. As a finale, the Lion romped around, while holding a sign that wished everybody prosperous Happy Chinese New Year.

In addition, the members of Songbird brought their musical instruments to the stage, including flute and cello. The flutist, Tina Dong, and the cellist, Charlize Chen, are students from Ridge High School, and both of them currently play in their respective school ensembles. As the delicate notes of the flute filled up the room, the piece, Meditation, provided a serene atmosphere, which the seniors thoroughly enjoyed.

Another member from Songbird that offered the seniors tender care was Benny Sun, from William Annin Middle School. When the seniors were being massaged, Benny took the extra time to make sure the seniors were comfortable. As he massaged their backs, he chatted with them about their day. Benny's strong connection with the seniors reflected Songbird's message of treating others with care.

While the instrumental selections were exceptional, some were brought to tears by one member, Humphrey Chen, singing Lupin Flower. The song Lupin Flower is dedicated to all of the mothers, whose unconditional love will never be forgotten. The touching lyrics of Lupin Flower brushed upon the hearts of those listening to the singer, and the performer himself. Ultimately, the sweet melodies brought the seniors and the volunteers together.

Furthermore, the Tzu Chi organization shared their videos with the audience. These videos contained short clips of Tzu Chi providing relief to areas of disaster, volunteers street fundraising in sub degree weather, and the importance of doing good deeds. The seniors were touched by Tzu Chi’s selfless willingness towards those in need.

In reality, the goal of Songbird is similar to Tzu Chi’s motive to offer assistance to others. Both volunteer organizations strive to benefit the community as a whole, by helping the environment, caring for people regardless of their age or status, and reinforcing the importance of acts of kindness.

As the program came to a close, the Songbird danced with the seniors to music, and wished them a happy new year. The program at the Cedar Ridge Senior Housing Center is the conclusion to all seven of the Chinese New Year programs the Songbird has participated in the last month. Throughout each activity the Songbird has taken part in, every member put in their heart and soul into dedicating their time for the service.

Over the course of Chinese New Year, the Songbird has not only partaken in musical performances, but volunteer services related to culture, including the dragon dance, the lion dance, the Chinese New Year 15 days celebration skit, folk dance, and Chinese yo-yo. The Songbird strives to promote Chinese culture, as it is one of their main goals.

The significance of the Songbird coming to the Cedar Ridge Senior Housing Center is because the Songbird puts the community first. Above all, a community is what makes an individual stronger, as each person contributes to a cause. While spending the day at Cedar Ridge, the real message of Songbird shone through.

By allowing the Basking Ridge volunteers to serve at Cedar Ridge for a second year, the Songbird establishes the connection of the community and spreads the message of love. As the Songbird progresses in their flight, the members expand their understanding of what it is like to serve with appreciation.