FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2004
CONTACT: Faith Jackson
Office of University Relations
908-737-NEWS
Senior Night Out at Kean University
UNION, N.J. – – Kean University proudly announces a new program for New Jersey’s senior citizens living in Elizabeth, N.J. In an initiative led by Dr. Dawood Farahi, president of Kean, who partnered with City of Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, the City of Elizabeth Bureau of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the City of Elizabeth Office on Aging, the University is offering free tickets to several of the stellar performing arts events held at Kean’s Wilkins Theatre. The excursions include transportation and boxed meals, which are provided by Elizabeth’s governmental agencies.
“Senior citizens are very important to our communities,” said Farahi. “As a leader in education, it is imperative that Kean University uses its resources to work in conjunction with local organizations to include seniors in the wonderful cultural offerings on this campus.” He added that, while planning this new program, Kean polled seniors living locally to find out what kinds of outings they would enjoy. The overwhelming response was for performing arts. “We have great programming that we can share with our seniors. I know this plan will be especially beneficial for those living on a fixed income who might otherwise not be able to see events of this caliber as much as they would like,” said Farahi.
Bollwage, who worked closely with Farahi on this new project, has long
been a supporter of Elizabeth’s senior citizens. During his time
as mayor, he has created 119 new units of affordable senior-citizen housing
throughout the city and has instituted many services and programs, such
as the Elizabeth Fix-it program, through which eligible seniors can receive
free minor repair work on their homes. “I want to continue to honor
seniors by helping to enrich their quality of life with various cultural
and educational opportunities,” said Bollwage. “Kean University’s
vicinity and impressive performing-arts programming is a perfect partner
for the City of Elizabeth in this effort.”
Senior citizens interested in attending the following performing-arts
events should call the City of Elizabeth Office on Aging at (908) 820-4045.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown - March 21, 3:00 p.m.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown, presented by Windwood Theatricals, is the
spirited tale of the exploits of Molly Brown – a funny, light, uplifting
and uniquely American musical.
Catskill Klezmorim – March 28, at 2 p.m.
With their own contemporary flair, the group explores the rich heritage
of Jewish folk music, which found its way to America via the great waves
of immigration at the turn of the 20th century.
Ars Vitalis: The New Jersey New Music Forum - March 31, 7:15
p.m.
A critically acclaimed concert, Ars Vitalis showcases the best of contemporary
music performed by leading New Jersey-area composers, including Guggenheim
Fellow Robert Aldridge.
Springtime Showcase: Music From The Stage – April 19, 8
p.m.
This concert will feature works from Broadway and opera in chamber music
arrangements including the world premiere an arrangement written especially
for Kean’s Affiliate Artists by Latin Grammy-winner Carlos Franzetti.
