Saturday, May 27, 2000

Songs spice up soup kitchen

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Children serenade needy

By Andrea Tortora
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        COVINGTON — Guests of the Parish Kitchen were treated to a “concert in the courtyard” Friday.

FIRST GRADERS FROM BLUE ASH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SING AT PARISH KITCHEN IN COVINGTON. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        The big voices of little children sang of friendship, of love and of marching ants as customers waiting for lunch clapped and cheered.

        The sing-along was part of a partnership between the Parish Kitchen and Blue Ash Elementary School. A class of more than 30 children serenaded the patrons in an outdoor area behind the soup kitchen.

        Robert Burton, of Covington, said he was pleasantly surprised.

        “I didn't know I was going to get a concert in the park with my lunch,” he said.

        As the students marched in place and pumped their arms to the words of “Ants Go Marching,” Mr. Burton and Sonny Hinkle joined in.

        Parish Kitchen director Molly Navin said the partnership is a way to teach students about the entire community. In the winter the class collected hats and gloves for Parish Kitchen clients.

        “We try to tell the kids that we are all part of the same community, and each of us has different skills and gifts,” Ms. Nevins said. “Even those without material things are still a part of our family.”

        The students' enthusiasm proved they had no qualms about singing for strangers.

        Alese Packer couldn't stand still. She danced to every word she sang. Her friend, Mona Patel, exclaimed: “We love singing.”

       

       

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