On Valentine’s Day, the Calamity Singers gave out chocolate kisses and warmed hearts with serenades at Bee Hive Homes and the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Every month, this group of about 16 mostly senior volunteers show up at senior facilities around the valley to perform the good old songs such as “Sugar in the Morning,” the trademark song of the McGuire Sisters in the 1950s. While this group may not harmonize like the McGuire Sisters, residents of the care facilities appreciate them just as much, according to Tomi Peterson, activities director at Bee Hive Homes.

“They entertain us with great music and do dances,” Peterson said. “They’re animated, and they’re super entertaining. They’re very, very fun.”

Carolyn Pfrimmer, 80, a member for 20 years, said the performers have just as much fun as the residents. A retired teacher, Pfrimmer was excited to rejoin the Calamity Singers’ circuit of care facilities after a few weeks off following surgery.

“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “Not many people quit once they start.”

Bev Managhan, now sidelined by serious health issues, started the group as a committee of the Whitefish Women of the Moose Lodge. They started out informally caroling at Christmastime from a horse-drawn sleigh.

Pfrimmer, also a Moose member, joined shortly after the group formed. She recalled that the name came from someone asking Managhan about the group, and she described it as a kind of calamity.

“Then Bev said, ‘That’s it! The Calamity Singers,’” Pfrimmer said with a laugh.

She added that they appreciate how much work Managhan put into running the singing group. Pfrimmer said three or four people now do what she did on her own. 

Managhan’s legacy of the Calamity Singers has come full circle to cheer her at a local care facility.

“We’ve gone to sing for her about four times,” Pfrimmer said.

The group’s performances at nursing homes began as visits to elderly members of the Whitefish Moose residing in Whitefish Colonial Manner, now called Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center. Pfrimmer recalled that about 10 members would sing in the hallways.

Other residents heard and enjoyed them, leading to invitations to sing to all the residents. At first, the Calamity Singers came just for special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, but demand increased that to regular monthly visits.

As more facilities opened in Whitefish, Columbia Falls and the rest of Flathead Valley, more activity directors called and invited the group to entertain during their September to May active season. The veterans home, The Springs at Whitefish, Immanuel Lutheran Home, Buffalo Hill Terrace, Bee Hive Homes and many more joined the list.

“Now we’re up to 12 places,” Pfrimmer said.

The Calamity Singers vary in number but usually include 16 singers and piano players Kathy Murphy and Ken Larson. Pfrimmer stressed the importance of the pianists’ role.

“Without them, we wouldn’t be singing,” she said.

No one tries out for this group. Pfrimmer said the only qualification is that  people like to sing and want to sing. 

“We do practice on Fridays,” she said. “Some of the new people don’t know all the songs.”

Their ages span people in their 50s to several in their 80s. They all get credit for volunteer hours through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. 

The most notable change recently has been the addition of male members. Pfrimmer counted six singers, including Kenny Eyre, Duey Hartman, Hank Olson, Mark Hinrichs, Tony Lew and occasionally Rod Bartleson of Great Falls. 

Pfrimmer said the men have added new dimensions for performance fun with men and women singing back and forth in the song “Daisy Bell.” They also make welcome partners for impromptu dances as they did on Valentine’s Day.

They sing for about 45 minutes and reserve fellowship time before or after they perform.

“We like to visit with the people,” Pfrimmer said.

Their audiences vary from a dozen people to more than 50, depending on the size of the facility. Residents range from people with physical disabilities to those with dementia. 

Pfrimmer said some of the most rewarding experiences happen in Alzheimer’s units. Music brings back patients’ youth and happy times.

She recalled one lady who must have been a music teacher because she sat in her wheelchair directing them with a huge smile on her face.

“They might not be able to talk to you, but they know these songs and they’ll sing,” she said. “That’s what we love.”

People interested in learning more about the singers may contact Carol Leitz at 862-5294.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.