Category Archives: April 2018

Artist of the Month: Maria Augelli-Grudeski

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Artist of the Month - Maria A_G

Maria Augelli-Grudeski is shown with her featured painting, Mount Sainte Victore, after one by Paul Cezanne.

By Maria Augelli-Grudeski

I began painting in 2013, when I joined the group at Dunmore Activity Hub’s class. I remember one January night in 2013, my friend Rosemary Barrett, who is one of my art classmates, invited me to join the Hub’s art class. She said, “I have something you’ll enjoy!”

Rosemary and I had participated on the library board and Mostly Opera, so this was our third venture together.

I met Rosemary at the class, and she surprised me with art supplies, and gave me guidance. What a new passion opened up for me, along with everlasting friendships.

Our art instructor, Jill Swersie, was, and still is, so personable and welcoming. She directed me to seek art ideas from life, nature (we have fresh air sessions outside), family, and places I’ve visited. Mostly she encourages us to have fun with it.

Two friends of mine, who are former art teachers, have served as an inspiration to me. One is Louise Ray Hoban, my high school art teacher, with whom I have recently reconnected. The other is Janice Nappi, a long-time friend who brought paints to my poolside.

My first painting in art class was a sunset in winter, which required a great deal of help from Jill. Since I enjoy Impressionism, I tried that in my feature painting, “Mont Sainte-Victoire,” originally painted by French artist Paul Cezanne (1839-1906). I like the free lines and expression. In sixth grade, my teacher brought a copy of this painting in to our class and I’ve been inspired since. I think we had to memorize the painting and learn about the artist. It had a sing-song title.

Also in the photo is “The Grand Jete,” a portrait of a ballerina inspired by The Nutcracker, probably in “The Waltz of the Flowers.” Finally, there is “Starry Night,” inspired by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh’s painting (1853-1889). What a production that was! My classmate, Pat Riley, came to my rescue with a paint spatula, which saw me through.

In sixth grade, my teacher brought a copy of this painting in to our class and I’ve been inspired since. I think we had to memorize the painting and learn about the artist. It had a sing-song title.

All in all, every class is worth it. The center provides a welcoming atmosphere. We have tea time and tasty snacks. Our center’s director, Alison Boga, is a breath of fresh air. She is so instrumental to the center’s smooth flow.

During the holidays we have a holiday party and in the summer we have a barbeque, along with fall and spring art shows which coincide with Scranton’s First Fridays.

Our spouses are invited, and my husband, John Grudeski, who is also a HUB member, enjoyed the events and meeting our class members.

This class is just a grand time for all!

Dunmore Class of 1976 Plans 60th Birthday Celebration

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DHS class

Members of the Dunmore High School Class of 1976 who are planning a 60th birthday bash on May 26 include, from left: Paula Kernan Makosky, Ann Lacertoso Berardelli, Renee Ragnacci Sheluga and Diane Genett Olivetti.

By Steve Svetovich

The Dunmore High School Class of 1976 enjoyed its 40th reunion so much two years ago that the class is planning a 60th birthday celebration this May.

The big event will be held Saturday, May 26, at the Waldorf Tiki Bar from 5 to 9 p.m.

Tickets will be $35 per person and will include food and entertainment. There will be a cash bar.

“Everyone had such a great time at the 40th reunion two years ago,” said class member Ann Lacertoso Berardelli. “So we all said, ‘Why wait?’ That’s how it all started. So we planned a combined 60th birthday party for all the class members.”

Committee members for the “60th birthday bash” include Ann Lacertoso Berardelli, Patty Rafalko Copeland, Roseanne McDonough Fisne, John “Rocco” Mandarano, Paula Kernan Makosky, Bill McAndrew, Sherry Rubino Nicholas, Jamie Decker Sleboda, Diane Genett Olivetti, Mary Ferguson Woelkers, Leo Woelkers, Renee Ragnacci Sheluga, Betty Buck Rozelle, Ann Genett and Patty Manci.

“Most reunions are every five years,” said Berardelli. “We decided why should we wait five more years to get together. So it was very easy to decide on a 60th birthday bash.

“It’s a class where everyone got along so well. And many of us stayed in touch and remained friends throughout the years. We want everyone to come out and enjoy the fun. It’s a fun group.”

Checks should be mailed to: Patty (Rafalko) Copeland, 827 Throop St., Dunmore, PA 18512. Checks should be made payable to: DHS Class of 1976.

Berardelli said the next meeting for the event will be Wednesday, April 11, at 6 p.m. in Calabria Pizza, Drinker Street, Dunmore.

“All classmates are welcome,” said Berardelli. “To keep things fun, Bill McAndrew has invited a special guest. It’s a surprise. He is not telling us who it is. We are inviting everyone to come out and join the fun that night. It is not too late to RSVP.”

Beradelli said the Class of 1976 is hoping for a near 100 percent turnout at the “60th birthday bash” celebration.

“Some invitations have been returned to us, so we want to make sure everyone is aware of the event. Information is posted on our class Facebook page, Dunmore High School Class of 1976.”

Berardelli said most of the class members can’t wait for the ” 60th birthday bash” next month. “We can all celebrate our birthdays together.”

In the meantime, Berardelli urged as many class members as possible to attend the April 11 meeting. “Come join us and find out who the special guest is. It is all going to be a fun, great time.”

 

West Point Saxophonist to Perform at Marywood

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Saxophonist Stacy Wilson,Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance department will host a Saxophone Recital and Master Class by principal saxophonist for the West Point Band, Stacy Wilson, and her accompanist, Yalin Chi, on Saturday, April 7. The recital will take place at 1 p.m., and the Master Class will take place at 3 p.m., in the Marian Chapel, at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life on the University’s campus. The recital and master class are free and open to the public

Staff Sergeant Stacy Wilson is the principal saxophonist in the West Point Band. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, with recent concert appearances in Japan’s Izumi Concert Hall, Amsterdam’s Muziekgebouw, and Mahidol University in Thailand.

Staff Sgt. Wilson was recently featured as a guest concerto soloist with the United States Army Band in Europe, giving concerts in Oftersheim and Eppelheim, Germany. Since joining the West Point Band in 2008, she has performed as a concerto soloist and was the logistical coordinator and organizer for the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference hosted by the band in 2011.

She has been a jury member for the NASA Young Artist competition, NASA Quartet Competition, and the Asia Pacific International Solo Competition. Staff Sgt. Wilson has been a featured guest artist at the Asia Pacific Saxophone Academy in Bangkok, Thailand, and has taught at Indiana University and Montclair State University. She earned degrees from Indiana University, Bloomington, and the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

Sergeant First Class Yalin Chi joined the West Point Band in January of 2008. Originally from Beijing, China, she gave her debut with the Central Opera Symphony Orchestra in 1997. In the same year, she moved to the United States and studied with Victoria Mushkatkol at the Interlochen Arts Academy. She has performed in prestigious venues including: Alice Tully Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Gardner Museum in the United States, and Kumho Art Hall in Seoul, South Korea.

Sgt. First Class Chi attended the Aspen Music Festival in the summer of 2006 with an orchestral piano fellowship. She attended the Taos School of Music, the Music Academy of the West, the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, and has performed in master classes for Arie Vardi, Richard Good, John O’Conor, and Boris Berman.

For additional information about the Marywood University’s free Saxophone Recital and Master Class, please contact Dr. F. David Romines, D.M.A., music, theatre, and dance department co-chair and associate professor of music education at Marywood University, at dromines@marywood.edu, or call (706) 255-9180.