Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Performing Arts, "Afternoon of Performing Arts With Friends" a Success

The following information was provided by the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Performing Arts Program hosted “An Afternoon of Performing Arts with Friends” on December 2nd.  It was an exciting way to introduce the program to the Community and with the help of local craft artisans, culinary chefs, and artwork displayed by theScotch Plains-Fanwood High School art students, they did just that!  The festivities began with participants enjoying various dishes from local eateries, including delicious pizza from Nick’s Pizza & Deli of Fanwood; wonderful Chicken Marsala and Penne Vodka from Pantagis Renaissanceof Scotch Plains; tasty spinach pie from ScotchWood Diner of Scotch Plains; and yummy appetizers from T.G.I. Fridays of Watchung. Everyone was then invited to view artwork on display from Ms. Aker’s Airbrush class from the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

Highlighting the celebration were performances from the New Jersey Youth Theatre (NJYT) as well as the Y’s Dance Company, a group of dancers ranging in age from 7 to 12.  These young dancers, some of whom have never danced before, take three to four dance classes a week, then rehearse for two hours each Saturday. Dance Company participants Sean Chukwu, Whitney Chukwu, Aloka Nanayakkara, Elizabeth Parvin, Elizabeth Rehwinkel, Madeline Rehwinkel, and Amy Walejewsky demonstrated their dedication and love of dance as they performed selections from “The Nutcracker Suite” for the assembled guests. 

The New Jersey Youth Theatre (NJYT) performed a number of musical numbers including “Some Things Are Meant To Be” sung by Jamie Asreen; “I Love Paris” sung by Kelly Plescia; and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” sung by Samantha Tropper. Accompanist Ryan Kiel also gave us a beautiful rendition of “All I Want For Christmas” on the piano.

Also on display and available for purchase was the work of local craft artists such as Meghan Whitney of Purse and Pouch displayed custom handmade fabric bags; Gailmarie Sprague offered custom-made chocolates; Jennifer Seganish presented botanically based skin care products; and Sydney Hopen of Just Bead Yourself displayed her own jewelry creations. 

The afternoon concluded with the presentation of two door prizes, a $25.00 gift certificate fromGigi’s Dancerwear of Rahway and a $100.00 gift certificate from Just Bead Yourself of Westfield.  The event was a great success and a fun way to introduce the performing arts program being offered at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. 

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For information on membership or programs, or to request a schedule of classes, please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit the Y’s website at www.fanwoodscotchplainsymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.