PAC to host free concert for charity

MILLSTONE - Some area children have earned the honor of having their artwork displayed during an upcoming concert at the Performing Arts Center.

The Christian Center for the Arts, an endeavor sponsored by the Community Christian Choir (CCC), will display the winning entries for its PeaceArt andWriting Challenge and present awards to the winners at the CCC's concert on May 4 at the Millstone Performing Arts Center.

"We had over 50 entries in the contest and each was a beautiful interpretation of peace," Pat Weitz, director of the Community Christian Choir, said. "The art displayed at the Millstone concert will add a special quality to the concert. We hope everyone will come out to see what these young people have done."

Patricia Proniewski, an art teacher at Northern Burlington Regional High School in Columbus, judged the art entries and Joan Ruddiman, a reading and writing specialist who lives inAllentown and works in theWestWindsor school system, judged the writing projects.

Cullen Lloyd, of Howell, won first place in grades 3-4 for art, Robert Anderson, of Robbinsville, won first place in grades K-2 for art and second place for writing, Colin O'Neill, of Yardville, won second place in grades K-2 for art and Brianna Davison, of Robbinsville, won first place for grades K- 2 for writing.

EmilyAnderson, of Robbinsville, earned second place in grades 5-6 for writing, Victoria Seymour, of the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold, earned second place in grades 3-4 for writing, Danielle Caruso, of Chesterfield, won first place in grades 7 and up for writing, Emma Lages, of Allentown, won first place in grades 5-6 for writing and Elizabeth Anderson, of Robbinsville won second place in grades 3-4 for art.

Other area children who will have their art on display at the concert are Cayla and Callie Lloyd of Howell, Stacey Labissiere of Bordentown, Erin O'Neal of Yardville and Austin Poll of Allentown.

The concert will benefit the Millstone Interfaith Quiet Fund, which helps needy families in theMillstone area, and will feature a musical program entitled "Center- Peace" by the Community Christian Choirs.

"The concert will feature four divisions of the children's choir: Alpha, Omega, Credo and Legacy," Weitz said. "There will also be selections performed by our adult choir, principal choir and genesis for those with less time to commit to rehearsals."

The concert will include both traditional and contemporary Christian music, Weitz said.

"Often we hear that people thought it would be a hymn sing," she said. "How wrong they are."

The event will also feature artist Mark Demel, of Chicago, who will create moving art with sand to the music of the choirs.

The event starts at 3 p.m. Although there is no admission charge, a free-will offering will be collected for the fund.

Performing benefit concerts for local charities since 1997, the CCC has raised over $115,000 for charities. The CCC was founded in Bordentown in 1995 and is a multi-denominational contemporary Christian choir with a mission of excellence in choral ministry. With over 130 members ranging from age 5 to adult, the choir has performed for 27 seasons.

For additional information call (609) 587-7076 or visit www.ccchoir.com.