  |
Paul Lasky, left, and Rob Michael Lasky,
sing at Old Bridge Manor. SHEILA SPRINGSTEEN photo |
Entertaining for the holidays Published in the Home News Tribune 12/16/00By RON GEORGE STAFF WRITER Santa, accompanied by a Rudolph the red-nose reindeer mascot and an Elf, were part of the entertainment package provided by Blue Mantle Entertainment for the event at the Route 18 facility. The Trenton-based musical group delighted about 40 nursing-home residents and staffers who sang and danced to such holiday standards as "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas." "I liked the music," said resident Maria Leto, after her dance with Rudolph. "I'm having a good time." The party was organized and planned by Blue Mantle as a goodwill gesture aimed at increasing volunteerism. "The goal of Blue Mantle is to provide entertainment for charities and worthy causes," said Gene Zita, the group's program coordinator. "We found that by entertaining people, they forget their problems and the negative things in daily life." The entertainment group also has launched Charity Performance Concepts, a new program aimed at building a network of musical and theatrical entertainers willing to give free performances. The concept, according to Zita, is to provide a listing for organizations, such as nursing homes, seeking entertainers willing to perform for free. "Its a means for musicians to give back to the communities that nurtured their careers while encouraging others to do the same. It also gives new performers a chance to gain experience," Zita said. "There is no money involved. The reward is just the smiles on the faces of people you have entertained." New Jersey musicians who register with the organization receive two free hours of recording time and a 10 percent discount at Argon Recording Studios in Trenton. [Webmaster's note: Although true at the time of publishing of this article, Argon Recording Studios is no longer in business.] Performers seeking further information can e-mail the group at BlueMantleEnt@aol.com. Zita said the organization's Web site should be fully functioning in a month. Ron George: (732) 246-5500, Ext. 7347. E-mail: rgeorge@thnt.com from the Home News Tribune Published: December 16, 2000 Go Back |