Greenbelt Singers wrap up first year with Mutual 5 show

by Crystal Housman

LW contributor

Leisure World’s traveling troupe of talented karaoke singers drew the curtain on its first season Oct. 28 as the Greenbelt Singers of Leisure World performed in Mutual 5.

More than 60 Leisure World residents, mostly from Mutual 5, gathered along a Cedar Crest Lane greenbelt to listen to music and enjoy fellowship, a block party and a potluck coordinated by Mutual 5 resident James Farr.

Mutual 1 resident Kenny Notorleva started the Greenbelt Singers in January as a way to share his passion for music with Leisure World residents who are unable to drive or would not otherwise travel to a clubhouse karaoke concert.

“I’m overwhelmed at how successful it is,” Notorleva said. “People love listening to music they know and love. They sing along, they dance along, and they want us to come back.”

Over the past 10 months, the group has grown to more than two dozen singers and has coordinated 27 pop-up performances at clubs and mutuals within Leisure World.

“I can’t believe how it just grew. It’s so much fun for us, and for all of the residents,” Notorleva said. “They don’t have to leave. They just walk out on the front porch in a chair.”

Mutual 5 resident Judy Secor, who lives diagonally opposite of the chosen green, brought over a small folding chair with a cloth backing embroidered with the words “Grandma Judy.”

It was her first time seeing the Greenbelt Singers and provided an opportunity to dance and meet more neighbors.

“I thought it was great. I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I especially enjoyed watching people. Some of them went and did their dance moves really good.”

“I tried,” Secor said with a laugh, “but off in the corner where nobody would see me.”

The Greenbelt Singers are on hiatus through the holidays and winter. Notorleva plans to revive the singing group in the spring for a second season.

Mutual 2 resident Anna Lam sings "I Will Survive" Oct. 28, at a Mutual 5 potluck and performance by the Greenbelt Singers of Leisure World.

Crystal Chatham Housman

Greenbelt Singer Ray Geierman of Mutual 1 sings "Ain't That a Kick in the Head."

Crystal Chatham Housman