The holiday concert tradition continues

It is with much appreciation that I express thanks to everyone who attended our Holiday Concert held Dec. 12 and 13 at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Sussex County Community College. It was a weekend filled with musical delights, and a reminder of the joys the holiday season offers. I would like to make special mention of the three student choirs who were spectacular. The Wallkill Valley Regional High School Choir under the direction of Christine Molnar, the Newton High School Madigals directed by Butch Diminico, and The Halsted Middle School Chorus in Newton directed by Donna Socha. Their talents and amazing voices brought a special gift to the performances as they filled the theatre with music magic. Somers Dream Orchestra led by John Somers played, sang, and joked their way into our hearts for the second year in a row; and this year there was even snow falling in addition to reindeer and, of course, Santa. There are few words I can say to thank the exceptional talents of his orchestra including our own Sussex “grown” Keaton Douglas as a premier vocalist. The talents in the orchestra are too numerous to mention here, but drummer Wayne Dunton can also be heard playing drums on Broadway with The Lion King, and other artists in the orchestra have to their credit playing with some greats like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. We are also deeply appreciative and would like to thank our sponsors. For without them we would not have the resources to deliver such a brilliant celebration of the holiday season. Our major sponsor again this year was The New Jersey Herald, joined by Lakeland Bank, Renetco ShopRite, Caristia, Kulsar and Wade, Chelbus Cleaning Co., Unitarian Fellowship of Sussex County, Casagrande USA, Hinkley Auto, Bristol Glen, JC Grill, WSUS, Baker’s Pharmacy and the Sussex Skyhawks. In addition to sponsor contributions, Wayne McCabe shared his collection of historic county photos and books in the lobby. A huge thanks to The Sussex County Community College Foundation’s Executive Director, Barbara Wortmann, and Bryan Zellmer, the PAC’s manager, who shared with us their facility and talents, and to the college for its commitment to community outreach. Also to Events Manager Jennifer Smith, and all our staff and volunteers who contributed to this year’s success. God bless all of you, and it is with a grateful heart the staff, the foundation directors, and Julia Quinlan at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice say thank you. We could not have done it without all of you, Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel Director of Marketing Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation and Hospice