|
|
 |
|
||
|
|
|
|||
 |
| "Despite sub freezing weather and a flu epidemic, over 700 people turned out to see Peter Yarrow and Tom Chapin perform in concert Saturday night, January 15th, at the Lawrence Middle School. The event was part of Friends of On Our Way's concert series. It was a celebration of Early Intervention which focuses clinical and educational attention on developmental delays in children from infancy to 5 years of age. The center is located in Far Rockaway, Queens. |  |
|
Mr. Yarrow, a member of the legendary folk trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, urged the audience to pay attention not only to the music, but also to the message of each performer. Yarrow shared master of ceremonies duties with On Our Way's Executive Director, Barry Nisman. Both individuals mentioned that it was clinically sound and economically prudent to take a proactive approach to suspected delays in development. Nisman said "It is the right of every parent to investigate and, if needed, have treated, all delays, be they dramatic or not. It is our obligation to every child to guarantee a life of grandiose opportunities, ensured by early intervention."
|
 |
The
concert continued with extraordinary performances. Tom Chapin, along
with his bass player, Michael Mark, performed a collection of songs
from Chapin's award winning CD's. Chapin's daughters, Lily 20, and
Abigail, 18, performed a moving version of of their late uncle, Harry
Chapin's, "Shooting Star." This marvelously blended harmony
literally brought the audience to its feet. Chapin and Mark continued
with a series of songs including a personal homage to Chapin's brother,
Harry. The audience stood with the completion of an audience participation
song, "Family Tree", featuring a sign language lesson for
the listeners. |
|
Yarrow then invited children on stage for an entertaining rendition of the classic "Puff the Magic Dragon", and then captivated the audience with a song written by Steve Seskin, "Don't Laugh at Me." Yarrow is presently engaged in a project that weds the song with a video that will be available to schools and youth groups this Spring. Consistent with the theme of the concert, Yarrow spoke about the importance of reaching children as early as possible; addressing issues such as peer ostracism and harassment, and the pain children experience, citing the violent tragedies experienced in schools across the country.
|
| Nisman remarked at the post concert reception that he was honored by the presence of the performers and was gratified by the reaction of the audience. "Peter and Tom are generous with their time and talent, but....very particular about their charities. Tonight they merged their artistry with social commitment, conveying the importance of early intervention" |  |
| The
Friends of On Our Way family has grown to include not only the performers
but members of other organizations committed to social issues. Sue
Leventhal, Director of World Hunger Year's Hungerthon as well as Artists
Against Hunger and Poverty, was stage director, assisted by Marsha
Garelick from Mondo Publishing. Radio celebrities such as Cousin Bruce
Morrow of CBS-FM and John Platt of WFUV-FM, gave free promotions on
behalf of the concert. |
|
Friends of On Our Way asks you to join them in their mission to provide all children with the opportunity to realize their potential. If you are interested in making a donation, please call Barry Nisman at 718.868.2961 or email at onourway@bigplanet.com. Donations can also be mailed to Friends of On Our Way, 264 Beach 19th Street,Far Rockaway, NY 11691 |