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Shedding The Christmas Blues

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By LOIS KINDLE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 27, 2007

BALM - Listening to the voices of the 36-member choir, one could have imagined they were singing in a neighborhood church.

But this was no ordinary chorus. Instead of flowing robes, the women were dressed in Class A prison blues.

They were among more than 50 inmates at the Hillsborough Correctional Institution who participated in "Christmas in the Big House," a holiday presentation for about 100 community volunteers who work at the prison throughout the year.

"This is a character- and faith-based program, and y'all are its backbone," warden Michele Bateman said, addressing the audience prior to the Dec. 14 show. "We get a paycheck to do what we do, but you do it out of the goodness of your hearts."

Bateman said the annual Christmas program is a way for prison staff and inmates to give something back to the volunteers. The prison has had one the past three years.

"We couldn't do three-fourths of what we do without them," Bateman said.

"Christmas in the Big House," which took place in the prison's sanctuary, was written and directed by volunteer DeLaina Somma of Land 'O Lakes, daughter of Dianne Marchman, the facility's chaplain. Somma, 29, also choreographed and sang in the production.

"I do this because God has blessed me in so many ways that I can't help but give back," Somma said. "This is a ministry for me."

Somma's storyline is about women inmates rehearsing for a Christmas performance and a lead character who wants no part of it. As the story unfolds, the unbeliever is redeemed and ends up joining the production. "Christmas in the Big House" included sets and props made by the prison's art and carpentry programs and a surprise ending of falling snow.

"It was absolutely fantastic," said Jody Bridges, a volunteer from Brandon. "Everything Chaplain Marchman and her daughter do is first class."

"This was my first [Christmas program]," said Gerrie Glover of Riverview. "I thought it was wonderful. This is a way for the women to channel their talents in a constructive way, build their self-esteem and hopefully help them when they get out. It was all so positive."

The evening began with lines of volunteers singing Christmas carols as Santa and an elf handed out holiday bags to each of the prison's 288 inmates. The gift bags were filled with personal hygiene items, note cards, candy and popcorn — all donated by the volunteers.

As they walked by, the inmates waved and smiled. Some sang along with the volunteers.

"They really look forward to getting their Christmas bags," Bateman said. "I was in a dorm just this morning and one of the inmates said to me, 'This is the big day.'"

"This is a tough time of year for these women," Marchman said. "They're away from their families and community goings on. I started [the Christmas program] to give them some joy, provide a diversion and raise morale."

"I'm in the choir," said Shelli Stone, 34, who has served 10 years of a 34-year sentence for vehicular homicide. "I never sang before, but now I love to sing and praise the Lord. Coming here has changed my life. I'm a certified law clerk now.

"This [performance] gives me the chance to give something back to the volunteers and mentors who have helped me."

"I never ever thought about singing for God or changing my life until I came here," said Cheryl Anderson, 54, who is serving a five-year sentence for the sale and possession of cocaine, she's working on her GED. "I know I don't have to go back on the streets again."

Leading into the performance, Marchman named Nancy Williams of Sun City Center as the prison's volunteer of the year. Williams, who teaches wellness and self-betterment classes, held up the plaque and offered it to the crowd.

"We have a passion, don't we?" she said, "It's all about the ladies. I'm just so thankful we can change lives here, and we do."

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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