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Wish House comes alive

Joseph Abraham
Posted 8/3/21

Cris Cirillo Spinner knows about creating content. The   retired music educator of almost four decades has a background in singing, performing and radio.

Following several years in …

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Wish House comes alive

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Cris Cirillo Spinner knows about creating content. The   retired music educator of almost four decades has a background in singing, performing and radio.

Following several years in Westchester, Spinner’s son Anthony, who has autism, came to the Center for Discovery in 2013. She bought a home in Monticello a few years later and made the full- time move in 2019.

She was only here for a short time before the world was turned upside down the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having wanted to create more content in retirement and needing a break from the quarantine life, one night Spinner decided to go live on Facebook and talk with friends. By the end of the hour someone asked if she could come back again.

After giving it some thought, she did.

Eventually that first Facebook appearance morphed into “Live from the Wish House,” which is the name Anthony gave Cris’ Monticello residence.

At the height of the pandemic, Spinner went live five nights a week, doing chat for three nights, sometimes interviewing friends, while spreading positive and inspirational messages. On Thursdays she’d alternate between Game Night and “Crack Pot in the Kitchen” where she’d talk to attendees about low calorie snacks, etc. And Fridays, of course, would be live music.

More and more people tuned in and it became more than just a show.

“Cris’ amazing concerts were such a pick-me up during this difficult time,” said Cecillia Wilson. “She is always very energetic and would include stories related to each song that she sang. It truly helped me and many others get through days and times when we were all struggling.   I know I always looked forward to her concert nights.   She seemed to know just what songs to sing on any given week that were relevant to people.”

Maryann Cook added, “I loved being part of the wish house family. Cris was there for so many of us during the darkest days of the pandemic. It was her infectious exuberance and wit that kept many of us going during those dark evenings. Cris had the ability to make us all feel that we were all part of a special family. I will be forever grateful to her. I loved her concerts.”

Since many restrictions have been lifted, Spinner recently lessened the amount of shows to 2-3 days a week, but she continues onward because it feels good to give back.

“It’s impactful when you feel like you’re contributing to the community and beyond,” said Spinner.

Currently she is working on a show that’d be performed in-person, as well as a podcast and more.

“Live from the Wish House” didn’t just allow her to do what she loves, but also helped her meet people which was tough for a new member of the community to do during a global pandemic.

And now?

“I truly feel like I’ve been hanging out with them for years,” she said.

She added that she believes Sullivan County is a great place to build.

“It [the county] wants you along with everyone else,” she said. “When people meet you, they truly want what you have to offer and it’s a great feeling.”

Viewers can still tune in on the show’s Facebook page, as well as on Instagram.

So tune in, you won’t regret it.

“You’re going to get a show where you’re inspired ... positive messages, entertainment and fun,” she said. “It’s a movement ... a lifestyle ... a brand of positivity.”

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