Friday, April 26, 2013
My Return to Reporting
Although I've been writing for a blog, Succeeding in Small Business, that helps small business owners market themselves...
friend Debbie Gardner, editor of PRIME, co-erced me to return to arts and travel reporting after a 10 year hiatus.
My "comeback" travel article on New York:
http://www.primeontheweb.com/travel/ihappentolikenewyo/
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Help Kurn Hattin Sing Out on Together in Song
The big night for the live performance is this Sunday, April 28, 7PM.
If you're in Springfield, MA, watch the Kurn Hattin Select Choir perform live at the Paramount Theatre at 7PM.
If you're near a TV, watch the show live on WGBY.
If you're near a computer, stream it. Information at wgby.org
Help Kurn Hattin become an audience favorite. Remember KURN. Text it to WGBY during the broadcast.
Details here. http://togetherinsong.wgby.org/
Kurn Hattin and Together In Song
from The Brattleboro Reformer:
http://www.reformer.com/ci_23101675/kurn-hattin-choir-makes-lsquo-together-song-rsquo
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
How Kurn Hattin Made it to Together In Song
An incredible video with Kurn Hattin music director Lisa Bianconi and the kids in the choir.
https://kurnhattin.org/news/352-kurn-hattin-select-choir-chosen-to-perform-in-live-showcase-finale-of-wgby-tv-choral-competition-series-together-in-song
MassLive and Courant Feature on Suffield Academy Basketball Coaches Clinic
Organized by Jeff Depelteau and at Suffield on Sunday.
http://highschoolsports.masslive.com/news/article/-4189795857247681851/bob-hurley-among-high-profile-coaches-set-for-suffield-academy-clinic/
http://www.courant.com/sports/high-schools/blog/hc-boys-basketball-bob-hurley-sr-at-suffield-academy-clinic-sunday-20130424,0,2017849.story
Monday, April 22, 2013
Victor Acquista MD's latest syndicated article
Dr. Acquista's article on obesity appears in the April 23 issue of The Westfield News.
http://thewestfieldnews.com/health-wise-health-effects-of-obesity
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Kurn Hattin Media Release / Together In Song Finale
DATELINE: April 18, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Kurn Hattin Select Choir Chosen To Perform in Live Showcase Finale of WGBY-TV Choral Competition Series, "Together in Song" on Sunday, April 28
WESTMINSTER, VT.—The Kurn Hattin Homes Select Choir has been chosen as one of nine regional choruses to appear on the finale of the WGBY public television choral competition series, “Together in Song” on Sunday, April 28. After reviewing the performances of 36 adult and children’s choirs in various categories over four weeks, the judges announced their final selections April 16th. The 40-member ensemble from Kurn Hattin was selected for their competition entry in the children's gospel category. “Together in Song”, now in its third season, is produced and aired by Public Television member station WGBY in Western New England. The children will perform live on stage at the season finale showcase on Sunday, April 28 at 7PM at the Paramount Theater, 1700 Main Street, in Springfield, MA. The showcase performance will be broadcast live on WGBY.
The Kurn Hattin Select Choir, directed by Lisa Bianconi, is the first Vermont chorus selected to compete in the “Together in Song” series, which highlights non-professional children’s and adults' choirs in various musical genres. The children taped their performance at WGBY's studios in early February, and their selections aired on the show's season premiere on March 23. The 36 groups competed in nine categories according to age and musical genre. Kurn Hattin's selection as a Showcase Performer was determined by a combination of judges' scores and audience votes.
Bianconi, Kurn Hattin's music director since 1985, said, "This year in particular has been an amazing adventure for our students." Last fall, the choir performed on stage with Grammy-winning fiddler Natalie MacMaster at the Bellows Falls, VT Opera House. Earlier this month, Kurn Hattin’s best-known musical alumnus, jazz trombonist Dick Nash, returned to the campus to mentor students and share his talents in the school's Annual Jazz Invitational, which included performances by some of the most talented jazz ensembles in northern New England.
The live "Together in Song" showcase performance, hosted by Springfield Symphony Orchestra maestro Kevin Rhodes, will feature the nine selected ensembles, each representing one competition category. For further information on Together in Song and broadcast venues, visit togetherinsong.wgby.org.
Tickets for the Together in Song Showcase live are priced $50 for cafe patron seating, $20 for general admission, and $5 for children ages 12 and under. For ticket information: 413-781-2801 or togetherinsong.wgby.org.
WGBY, Public Television for Western New England is a community-supported public broadcasting organization affiliated with PBS. For information on WGBY’s programs and services: wgby.org.
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit kurnhattin.org.
###
High-resolution photo downloads of the Kurn Hattin Select Choir are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Kurn Hattin Select Choir Chosen To Perform in Live Showcase Finale of WGBY-TV Choral Competition Series, "Together in Song" on Sunday, April 28
WESTMINSTER, VT.—The Kurn Hattin Homes Select Choir has been chosen as one of nine regional choruses to appear on the finale of the WGBY public television choral competition series, “Together in Song” on Sunday, April 28. After reviewing the performances of 36 adult and children’s choirs in various categories over four weeks, the judges announced their final selections April 16th. The 40-member ensemble from Kurn Hattin was selected for their competition entry in the children's gospel category. “Together in Song”, now in its third season, is produced and aired by Public Television member station WGBY in Western New England. The children will perform live on stage at the season finale showcase on Sunday, April 28 at 7PM at the Paramount Theater, 1700 Main Street, in Springfield, MA. The showcase performance will be broadcast live on WGBY.
The Kurn Hattin Select Choir, directed by Lisa Bianconi, is the first Vermont chorus selected to compete in the “Together in Song” series, which highlights non-professional children’s and adults' choirs in various musical genres. The children taped their performance at WGBY's studios in early February, and their selections aired on the show's season premiere on March 23. The 36 groups competed in nine categories according to age and musical genre. Kurn Hattin's selection as a Showcase Performer was determined by a combination of judges' scores and audience votes.
Bianconi, Kurn Hattin's music director since 1985, said, "This year in particular has been an amazing adventure for our students." Last fall, the choir performed on stage with Grammy-winning fiddler Natalie MacMaster at the Bellows Falls, VT Opera House. Earlier this month, Kurn Hattin’s best-known musical alumnus, jazz trombonist Dick Nash, returned to the campus to mentor students and share his talents in the school's Annual Jazz Invitational, which included performances by some of the most talented jazz ensembles in northern New England.
The live "Together in Song" showcase performance, hosted by Springfield Symphony Orchestra maestro Kevin Rhodes, will feature the nine selected ensembles, each representing one competition category. For further information on Together in Song and broadcast venues, visit togetherinsong.wgby.org.
Tickets for the Together in Song Showcase live are priced $50 for cafe patron seating, $20 for general admission, and $5 for children ages 12 and under. For ticket information: 413-781-2801 or togetherinsong.wgby.org.
WGBY, Public Television for Western New England is a community-supported public broadcasting organization affiliated with PBS. For information on WGBY’s programs and services: wgby.org.
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit kurnhattin.org.
###
High-resolution photo downloads of the Kurn Hattin Select Choir are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
WGBY Press Release on "Together In Song"
For Immediate Release: Contact: Myrna Flynn 413-781-2801, ext. 258; mflynn@wgby.org www.twitter.com/myrnaflynn
WGBY Announces Choirs to Perform at Live Showcase
Judges and viewers selected local singers of all ages for April 28 season finale.
Springfield, MA -- April 17, 2013 – After watching 36 adult and children’s choirs sing in various categories over four weeks, judges and viewers have selected just 9 of the groups to perform at the Together in Song Live Showcase on April 28. Here are the names of the ensembles along with the number of members in each:
Hampshire Young People’s Chorus Chamber Singers (43), Kurn Hattin Homes Select Choir (25), Edward P. Boland Elementary School Chorus (37), Deerfield Academy Chamber Singers (5), Pioneer Valley Chordsmen (13), Amherst Regional High School Chorale (25), Mak’hela: The Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts (40), The University of Massachusetts Chorale (100) and Lyrics (48).
Performance categories include gospel, secular classical, sacred classical, pop/doo-wop, folk/world and barbershop.
Kevin Rhodes, conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will host WGBY’s live production from Springfield’s historic Paramount Theater on Sunday, April 28 from 7-9:00pm. In addition to singing individual pieces, the choirs will perform together during the finale. They will sing the “Together in Song” theme composed, just for this event, by esteemed local musician Clifton “Jerry” Noble.
Reserve your seat for the Live Showcase at the Paramount Theater now! Tickets may be purchased online at www.wgby.org/togetherinsong or by calling 781-2801, ext. 247. We look forward to seeing you as we continue to celebrate the rich choral tradition of western New England.
About WGBY
WGBY (www.wgby.org), a community-supported public broadcasting organization, connects the people of western New England to events, ideas and each other through national PBS programming and locally produced series and specials. With four digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region’s most accessible community institutions, providing lifelong learning opportunities for all. WGBY is available over the air on digital channel 57-1 and on cable throughout western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut and can be seen in high definition in western Massachusetts at Comcast 857, Time Warner 1807, Charter 782 and over the air on channel 57.
Recap: Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational
DATELINE: April 16, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Generations of Musicians Swing the Night Away at Kurn Hattin's 6th Annual Jazz Invitational
WESTMINSTER, VT| Jazz performers of all ages convened at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children on Wednesday, April 10th for a demonstration of both rehearsed and improvisational musical virtuosity. The annual event, held at Kurn Hattin's campus in Westminster, featured performances by select youth jazz ensembles from around the area. Among this year's special guests was world-renowned trombonist and Kurn Hattin alumnus, Dick Nash. The 85-year-old Nash was visiting his alma mater in order to take part in the concert and mentor students in the Kurn Hattin music program. Also on hand was the Keene Jazz Orchestra, led by accomplished tenor saxophonist, Scott Mullett. Master of Ceremonies was Eugene Uman, Artistic Director of the Vermont Jazz Center. Admission to the concert was free with canned goods collected by the Kurn Hattin Student Council for donation to the food shelf at Our Place in Bellows Falls.
Participating youth groups included jazz ensembles from Bellows Falls Union High School, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, Northfield Mount Hermon, Vermont Academy, and the Vermont Jazz Center.
Kurn Hattin Music Director, Lisa Bianconi, was thankful for the enthusiasm of the participants. "This concert has inspired and changed the lives of many people - myself included. I cannot express my gratitude for the hard work of the students and everyone who participated. I am confident that everyone in attendance will be bringing a bus load of people to this event next year!"
Guest of honor Dick Nash beamed, "To meet and perform with these students has touched me. Kurn Hattin has changed my life again."
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit www.kurnhattin.org.
###
NOTE to the media: High-resolution photos of this event are available for download below:
Dick Nash with Kurn Hattin Children, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Eugene Uman on Piano, Scott Mullett on Saxophone, Dick Nash on Trombone, Steve Cady on Upright Bass, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash with Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble brass section, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Kurn Hattin Homes for Children Jazz Ensemble Saxophone solo, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble at 2013 Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Photo credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble members entering Higbie Auditorium, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Co-Executive Director Tom Fahner, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational Rehearsal with Dick Nash, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash and kids conversing at Rehearsal, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Henry Mancini/Dick Nash Album autographed for Kurn Hattin, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Vermont Academy Director Steve Cady on upright bass, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash, Lisa Bianconi, and Eugene Uman, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Eugene Uman Master of Ceremonies, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash and Scotty Tabachnick, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash Trombone, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Keene Jazz Orchestra with Scott Mullet, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Tom Fontaine and Father Harlow conferring on lights, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo Director Ron Smith, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo Vibraphone soloist, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble Guitars and percussion, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Generations of Musicians Swing the Night Away at Kurn Hattin's 6th Annual Jazz Invitational
WESTMINSTER, VT| Jazz performers of all ages convened at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children on Wednesday, April 10th for a demonstration of both rehearsed and improvisational musical virtuosity. The annual event, held at Kurn Hattin's campus in Westminster, featured performances by select youth jazz ensembles from around the area. Among this year's special guests was world-renowned trombonist and Kurn Hattin alumnus, Dick Nash. The 85-year-old Nash was visiting his alma mater in order to take part in the concert and mentor students in the Kurn Hattin music program. Also on hand was the Keene Jazz Orchestra, led by accomplished tenor saxophonist, Scott Mullett. Master of Ceremonies was Eugene Uman, Artistic Director of the Vermont Jazz Center. Admission to the concert was free with canned goods collected by the Kurn Hattin Student Council for donation to the food shelf at Our Place in Bellows Falls.
Participating youth groups included jazz ensembles from Bellows Falls Union High School, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, Northfield Mount Hermon, Vermont Academy, and the Vermont Jazz Center.
Kurn Hattin Music Director, Lisa Bianconi, was thankful for the enthusiasm of the participants. "This concert has inspired and changed the lives of many people - myself included. I cannot express my gratitude for the hard work of the students and everyone who participated. I am confident that everyone in attendance will be bringing a bus load of people to this event next year!"
Guest of honor Dick Nash beamed, "To meet and perform with these students has touched me. Kurn Hattin has changed my life again."
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit www.kurnhattin.org.
###
NOTE to the media: High-resolution photos of this event are available for download below:
Dick Nash with Kurn Hattin Children, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Eugene Uman on Piano, Scott Mullett on Saxophone, Dick Nash on Trombone, Steve Cady on Upright Bass, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash with Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble brass section, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Kurn Hattin Homes for Children Jazz Ensemble Saxophone solo, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble at 2013 Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Photo credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble members entering Higbie Auditorium, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Co-Executive Director Tom Fahner, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Kurn Hattin Jazz Invitational Rehearsal with Dick Nash, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash and kids conversing at Rehearsal, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Henry Mancini/Dick Nash Album autographed for Kurn Hattin, Photo Credit Jeff Woodward:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Vermont Academy Director Steve Cady on upright bass, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash, Lisa Bianconi, and Eugene Uman, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Eugene Uman Master of Ceremonies, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash and Scotty Tabachnick, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Dick Nash Trombone, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Keene Jazz Orchestra with Scott Mullet, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Tom Fontaine and Father Harlow conferring on lights, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo Director Ron Smith, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Stage Combo Vibraphone soloist, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble Guitars and percussion, Photo Credit Tobias Gelston:http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Suffield Academy Basketball Coaches Clinic April 28
DATELINE: April 16, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Maeve Ryan
Director of Marketing & Communications
Suffield Academy
860-386-4466
Jeff Depelteau
Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
Suffield Academy
860-386-4445
SUFFIELD ACADEMY HOSTS THE 2013 NEW ENGLAND BASKETBALL COACHES CLINIC, SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM.
Suffield, Connecticut—Jeff Depelteau, Head Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach at Suffield Academy has organized the 2013 New England Basketball Coaches Clinic, to be held on Sunday, April 28, from 10AM to 4PM on the campus of Suffield Academy, 185 North Main Street, Suffield, CT. The Coaches Clinic is open to basketball coaches of all levels.
The Coaches Clinic will feature Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley Sr. of Saint Anthony High School (NJ), USA 16U and 17U National Team Coach Don Showalter of Iowa City HighSchool (IA), 2-Time Division Three National Championship coach Dave Hixon of Amherst College, and Nike Scout and International Basketball expert Terry Layton.
According to the New England Coaches’ Clinic Director Jeff Depelteau, each coach will showcase some of his favorite drills, which they run with their own teams. They will conclude their programs with a question and answer session.
Clinicians will also be providing instruction in the following: Bob Hurley Sr – Building Team Defense; Don Showalter – Ball Screen Offense; Dave Hixon – Four-Out Motion Offense and Terry Layton – Bringing the International Game to Your Team.
2013 New England Basketball Coaches Clinic costs are: $70 for individuals, $60 per coach for staffs of 3 or more, or $85 per person payment at the door. Space is limited. People are advised to register in advance, either by calling Jeff Depelteau at 860-386-4445, via email at jdepelteau@suffieldacademy.org
Suffield Academy, founded in 1833, is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school for boarding and day students in Suffield, CT. Suffield Academy has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic and leadership building programs. For information on Suffield Academy’s programs and services:www.suffieldacademy.
-30-
Monday, April 15, 2013
Jane Brody at Kurn Hattin
Vermont Public Radio interviewed New York Times columnist Jane Brody, who speaks on issues of aging on 4/16/13 at Kurn Hattin Homes. Her appearance is part of Westminster Cares. http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/98141/jane-brody-encourages-end-life-planning/
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Kurn Hattin Mystery Writing Contest
DATELINE: April 9, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Kurn Hattin’s mystery writing contest helps middle-schoolers explore the mysteries of their own lives
April 8, 2012 | Westminster, Vermont – On April 4, 2013, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children held its 12th Annual Ziggy Ostrowski Mystery Writing Contest Banquet. The two contest winners, 7th grader, Brianna Loiacono and 8th grader Evany Rodriguez, each received a $25 cash prize for their mystery stories. Also honored were finalists, 7th graders, Kayley Rogstad and Connor Towsley, and 8th graders Jahyde Bullard and Krysta Gottfriend, along with 8th grader D’Leanne Solovei, who won the 2013 Paul Gordon Memorial Prize, for her love of reading and writing. This year’s stories took themes inspired by the poetry of Robert Frost. The students and teachers were joined at the banquet by special guest poet, photographer, and Landmark College professor emeritus, Dr. Robert Fay.
Twelve years ago, writing coach Ziggy Ostrowski began the contest for middle school students at Kurn Hattin Homes. Ostrowski enlisted the help of English teacher, Kristie Lisai, and the two developed the contest with the goal of showing students that they can rise to challenges and achieve things which at first may seem out of reach. In 2005, when Ostrowski was ill with terminal cancer, he had an important task for Lisai, “Please keep the contest going.” Lisai has honored that wish, renaming the contest in honor of Ostrowski, and inviting many well-known authors, such as Archer Mayor, Karen Hesse, Jesse Haas, and Katherine Paterson, to attend the banquet and inspire Kurn Hattin’s young authors.
This year’s contest prompt, the first to involve poetry, was suggested by Dr. Fay, a personal friend of Robert Frost, who has been working on poetry and literature with Kurn Hattin students for the past year. The students chose one of five Frost poems and developed a mystery story around its theme. Lisai says the contest allows students to express themes that are close to their own hearts and experiences. Contest winner Evany Rodriguez chose “The Road Not Taken” and wrote about a young woman on the verge of making a difficult choice in life. “She has a secret, and no one knows,” said Rodriguez, “Inside, she wants to run. She takes that road at first, but then decides to come back and face everyone and be honest.” Finalist Kayley Rogstad said of the challenge of mystery writing, “It wasn’t too challenging; I liked it. My life has been kind of a mystery so far.”
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Its mission: Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. www.kurnhattin.org
Twelve years ago, writing coach Ziggy Ostrowski began the contest for middle school students at Kurn Hattin Homes. Ostrowski enlisted the help of English teacher, Kristie Lisai, and the two developed the contest with the goal of showing students that they can rise to challenges and achieve things which at first may seem out of reach. In 2005, when Ostrowski was ill with terminal cancer, he had an important task for Lisai, “Please keep the contest going.” Lisai has honored that wish, renaming the contest in honor of Ostrowski, and inviting many well-known authors, such as Archer Mayor, Karen Hesse, Jesse Haas, and Katherine Paterson, to attend the banquet and inspire Kurn Hattin’s young authors.
This year’s contest prompt, the first to involve poetry, was suggested by Dr. Fay, a personal friend of Robert Frost, who has been working on poetry and literature with Kurn Hattin students for the past year. The students chose one of five Frost poems and developed a mystery story around its theme. Lisai says the contest allows students to express themes that are close to their own hearts and experiences. Contest winner Evany Rodriguez chose “The Road Not Taken” and wrote about a young woman on the verge of making a difficult choice in life. “She has a secret, and no one knows,” said Rodriguez, “Inside, she wants to run. She takes that road at first, but then decides to come back and face everyone and be honest.” Finalist Kayley Rogstad said of the challenge of mystery writing, “It wasn’t too challenging; I liked it. My life has been kind of a mystery so far.”
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Its mission: Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. www.kurnhattin.org
###
For a high-resolution photo downloads of this event, visit Kurn Hattin's online media resource center.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Dick Nash Interview
Dick Nash is an alum of client Kurn Hattin and returns to campus on Wed. for their jazz invitational.
http://www.hip-bonemusic.com/b2p_nash.html
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Media Release: Kurn Hattin's Jazz Invitational
DATELINE: April 2, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Mark G. Auerbach
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
(W) 413-733-7095 (C) 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com
Kurn Hattin Homes to host Annual Jazz Invitational featuring trombone legend and KHH alum, Dick Nash
WESTMINSTER, VT| Kurn Hattin Homes for Children welcomes the public to attend its Annual Jazz Invitational Wednesday, April 10th at 7:00 pm, with performances by the Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble, Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Ensemble, Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble, and Vermont Jazz Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. The event will be hosted by Eugene Uman, Director of the Vermont Jazz Center, and the evening will conclude with a performance by the Keene Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Scott Mullett.
This year's program features special guest Kurn Hattin alum Dick Nash, Class of 1942. Nash first learned to play the trombone at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, and then went on to gain recognition on the world jazz stage during the swing and big band era. He was Henry Mancini’s favorite trombonist and is featured on 15 of Mancini’s albums, as well as those of other jazz greats, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. Nash's trademark smooth trombone sound is featured on the soundtrack of Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), and in the solo in the title theme track from the John Wayne film, Hatari! (1962). Mr. Nash said of his Kurn Hattin roots, "Without my time there, my life would have been totally different. The music teacher at Kurn Hattin handed me a trumpet when I was 10 years old. That's what started it all."
***Interviews are available with Mr. Nash, and credentialed media are invited to attend and photograph the event. Interested media are asked to contact Jaimie Scanlon at jaimie@raptcreative.com or at 802-490-2164 to reserve a spot before the event.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Jaimie Scanlon
Rapt Creative
(W) 802-490-2164 (C) 802-579-8545
jaimie@raptcreative.com
Mark G. Auerbach
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
(W) 413-733-7095 (C) 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com
Kurn Hattin Homes to host Annual Jazz Invitational featuring trombone legend and KHH alum, Dick Nash
WESTMINSTER, VT| Kurn Hattin Homes for Children welcomes the public to attend its Annual Jazz Invitational Wednesday, April 10th at 7:00 pm, with performances by the Bellows Falls Union High School Jazz Ensemble, Kurn Hattin Jazz Ensemble, Northfield Mount Hermon Jazz Ensemble, Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble, and Vermont Jazz Center Youth Jazz Ensemble. The event will be hosted by Eugene Uman, Director of the Vermont Jazz Center, and the evening will conclude with a performance by the Keene Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Scott Mullett.
This year's program features special guest Kurn Hattin alum Dick Nash, Class of 1942. Nash first learned to play the trombone at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, and then went on to gain recognition on the world jazz stage during the swing and big band era. He was Henry Mancini’s favorite trombonist and is featured on 15 of Mancini’s albums, as well as those of other jazz greats, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. Nash's trademark smooth trombone sound is featured on the soundtrack of Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), and in the solo in the title theme track from the John Wayne film, Hatari! (1962). Mr. Nash said of his Kurn Hattin roots, "Without my time there, my life would have been totally different. The music teacher at Kurn Hattin handed me a trumpet when I was 10 years old. That's what started it all."
Kurn Hattin's current music director, Lisa Bianconi, said of the upcoming visit, "The whole Kurn Hattin community is excited to welcome Dick Nash back home to Westminster, Vermont. He'll be performing with our children as a member of the Kurn Hattin family."
This event is open to the public. Admission is a canned/dry good or cash donation for the food shelf at Our Place in Bellows Falls. The concert takes place in Higbie Auditorium in the Mayo Memorial Center at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster (www.kurnhattin.org). For more information, contact Lisa Bianconi at (802) 721-6931.
This event is open to the public. Admission is a canned/dry good or cash donation for the food shelf at Our Place in Bellows Falls. The concert takes place in Higbie Auditorium in the Mayo Memorial Center at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster (www.kurnhattin.org). For more information, contact Lisa Bianconi at (802) 721-6931.
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Its mission: Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever.
###
Monday, April 1, 2013
NY Times Columnist Jane Brody to Speak at Kurn Hattin
NY Times columnist Jane Brody launches the 25th anniversary Westminster Cares series, April 16 at Kurn Hattin. http://www.ibrattleboro.com/sections/health/ny-times-personal-health-columnist-jane-brody-kicks-westminster-cares-“speaking-agin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)