The members of the Claremont Pilgrim Place devote themselves, their talents, and their resources to strengthening the entire community of Claremont. This intention can be seen in dozens of the activities and organizations that the Pilgrim Place hosts. One of these activities is the monthly community oriented show, entitled The Variety Show, that was put on with the help of the Senior Citizens Brigade Club in the Pilgrim Place. However, with the new year, the event has transitioned in its authority from the Senior Citizens Brigade Club to the CHS Key Club following the Senior Citizen Brigade’s abolition. The Senior Citizens Brigade Club created The Variety Show last year and is honored to see how far it has come in its popularity. It is a show that is not to be missed because of its creativity and sense of community. The next Variety Show will be held on Feb. 26 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

At the Variety Shows, the senior citizens of Claremont come to watch students coordinate and perform with their talents in the show. These performances mostly include music, dancing, and singing. In addition to the entertainment, members host interactive games and dances that the seniors take pleasure in participating. Since the Claremont Key Club took over the Variety Shows, they still plan to manage and host the entire event on a monthly basis, just like the year before.

“Going to the Pilgrim’s Place several times was very fun because we got to interact with the senior citizens and connect with them. They enjoy us playing music and games,” Senior Brigade and Key Club Member junior Xochitl Montero said.

The Claremont Key Club has consistently been involved in community events that bring the locals together. They are well-known for always providing wonderful and entertaining events for the Claremont community. With the Key Club taking over, the event has become even larger since the Key Club has over 50 members willing to help. This year’s monthly Variety Shows is looking to include new surprises that will be expected to premier in each upcoming show.

The first Variety Show of this new year premiered on Jan. 29. In this show, they played the game “Guess Who” with a 50’s type of theme for the senior audience as they attempted to guess the famous person who said the quote. Also, a senior citizen stricken with Parkinson’s disease was honored for her talent as she steadily sang the Amazing Grace. Even though the Variety Shows have changed in authority, the shows’ format has remained exactly the same and continues to genuinely entertain the senior citizens.

“Playing for senior citizens was a great experience because I get to see them happy and entertained. Seeing them enjoy the performance, singing, and laughing, made me feel better,” junior Stella Huh said.

“It is a very fun experience to play for senior citizens just because I never really get the opportunity to interact with them,” junior Antonia Perez said.

The Variety Shows are, and will always be, a free, community-oriented, and entertaining, way for the younger generation of Claremont to spend time and connect with the senior citizens of Claremont. The Variety Shows are a refreshing experience and a special opportunity for people to interact with others.