Two Gala Fundaisers for Student Scholarships, and a Student's Accomplishment

Basking Ridge-based Notables Singers invite bassist for scholarship benefit concert:

Notables Singers Inc., based in the township, announced the group has engaged popular bassist Hal Slapin of Basking Ridge to perform with a benefit concert scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday to fund scholarships for music students.

The concert is scheduled to be held on April 10 at The Bickford Theatre in Morristown. A champagne reception will immediately follow the performance, according to the announcement.

Slapin, a resident of Basking Ridge, attended The Juilliard School and after graduating from that institution in 1973, played Broadway shows and performed with jazz artists, orchestras and chamber music ensembles in the New York City  area. Slapin conducts jazz workshops with prominent New Jersey jazz musicians, and often performs at Shanghai Jazz in Madison, according to the Notables announcement.

Notables is a nonprofit group comprised of about 20 women who sing what they describe as "America’s Favorite Music" from Broadway, jazz and pop. Since 2004, the group has been bringing its lively, upbeat renditions of classic tunes to venues primarily in Morris and Somerset counties that include libraries, senior citizen homes, condominiums and corporate events. The group's peformances blend songs by American’s great songwriters and lyricists: Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer and more.

Notables is led by professional musical director, Barbara Cornelia, of Mount Arlington (formerly of Morristown.). Cornelia was trained in opera at the Julliard School and then taught with the Morris School District for more than 30 years. The piano accompanist, Roberta Smith, is a musician with the Wilson Memorial Church in Watchung.

Proceeds from the concert tickets and ad sales will support the Notables Fund, which awards annual music scholarships to select high school seniors who plan to continue their musical studies in college.

During the past two years, four students – from Basking Ridge, Mendham and Randolph have been recipients of the scholarships.

The Group Director and founder Ellen Heffes, of Basking Ridge, said of the event, "We look forward to again working with The Bickford Theatre and the community to produce a benefit show that will fill every one of those 312 seats to assist our scholarship fund and help some young people in pursuing their dreams."

Heffes added that the group is "thrilled to welcome Hal Slapin to play with us for this benefit show."

Tickets are available by calling 973-543-2139 or 973-222-6565. Advertising in the ad book that will be given out at the concert and contributions for the reception that follows the performance are welcome. To advertise or contribute to the reception, call 973-605-1056 or visit the Notables website. 

 “Education for All” Dinner Dance to Benefit Academically Gifted Youth:

The annual fundraiser for Platinum Minds, a 501c3 not-for-profit based in Chester since 2006, is set to take place next Thursday April 14, from 6-9:30 p.m. at in Basking Ridge.

Platinum Minds specializes in providing academically gifted young men ages 11-17 with educational opportunities for professional and personal growth.  

A feature of the evening at the inn, 225 Rt. 202, Basking Ridge will be Platinum Minds scholars peaking about the learning experiences that the organization has provided for them.  The “Education for All” fundraiser will feature elegant seated dinner, a silent auction, and live music provided by the Dimension Band, a multi-piece band of accomplished musicians.

Tickets for the evening are $100 per person, and may be ordered online. Elegant attire is recommended for the evening.

Youths who take part in the programs are selected from economically disadvantaged areas, taking them out of challenging neighborhoods and providing them with better education and social opportunities so they can grow and become positive influences in their respective communities. Platinum Minds programs include leadership development workshops and events, reading instruction for boys in grades 1 to 5, a “Connect to Your Dreams” education initiative for those in grades 5 to 8 and their parents, scholar mentoring, and a summer camp program that includes academic course work, leadership development, and health and life skills education. “In a time when school funding and teachers are being cut, it becomes even more critical to support outside ventures that can make a positive difference in people’s lives,” stated the Director, Yvonne Young.  “Platinum Minds has a four-year track record of success in that regard, and we would welcome your support, as we provide you with a splendid evening out in return.”

Ridge Graduate on College Dean's Honor List:

Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., has announced that Harrison Fonteix, class of 2014, earned dean's list standing for the 2010-2011 fall semester. The Dean's Honor List includes students who carry three or more course units and attain a 3.50 QPA or higher. Fonteix graduated Ridge High School in 2010.