Handbell concert at Lincoln Way Vineyards to raise funds for Caring Closet, West View seniors

Performing a benefit handbell concert at a winery wasn’t Janet Borton’s original idea, but she knew when she read about one in a magazine, she had an easy setup.

Her son Jim owns Lincoln Way Vineyards and offered to host. She recruited the players.

This year she will direct the third annual Christmas Benefit Handbell Concert Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the vineyards, 9050 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster. The Grace Ringers, Singers and Friends will perform mainly Christmas music along with some patriotic songs to pay tribute to the National Guard’s Dec. 13 birthday.

No tickets or reservations are required. Donations and silent auction proceeds will support the Caring Closet and West View Healthy Living Benevolent Care Fund.

The Caring Closet provides clothing and personal items for those in need including women and children transitioning from shelters, foster families, students, and others in the local community.

The Benevolent Care Fund helps residents at West View Healthy Living who have outlived their financial resources, ensuring they still receive the care, supplies and home they need.

Grace Ringers, Singers and Friends includes six players from the Church of the Cross handbell choir, directed by Janet Borton, and six ringers recruited from area churches.

“There are a few of us who are diehard bell players, and that’s why we try to do this,” Janet Borton said. “Some members played with the church’s choir when they were young, grew up and got married and came back for a short period of time to ring with us.”

Two of those young women play alongside their mothers in the group. The oldest player is 82.

“I’m always keeping my ears open for people who are handbell players,” Janet Borton said.

They represent the “friends” in the group. Four vocalists also joined the choir, which begins in September, practicing weekly for the benefit.

During the concert, audience members will be invited to sing along, and interspersed throughout the songs, Janet Borton will discuss handbell techniques. The concert will tell the story of Christ’s birth, she said.

Last year’s concert drew more than 200 people.

On The Rise Barbecue food truck will serve food from noon to 8 p.m. on the grounds, and the winery will be open for business.

Janet Borton has served as music director at Church of the Cross for 45 years. In addition to directing the handbell choir, she also plays the organ and piano.

“I’ve been flapping my arms for quite a few years,” she said of her directing experience. “It gets in your blood.”