BY LAURA SCHARF | Picture-perfect weather helped set a festive mood for Visiting Neighbors’ 22nd Annual Senior Talent Show, the highlight of the “Chelsea Eats” Street Festival which took place last weekend (Sat., April 30), on Eighth Ave., from W. 14th to W. 23rd Sts.
From a stage on the corner of W. 20th St., performers drew enthusiastic crowds, with people of all ages cheering for their favorites. Competition was fierce, but always good-spirited.
This annual event brings together New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds and talents. Performing artists share their talents with the community and vie good-naturedly for prizes. Two Asian dance troupes gracefully demonstrated traditional dances; an accomplished magician amazed the audience with his sleight of hand tricks; a belly dancer proved tastefully that age is no barrier to the ancient art of seduction; an a cappella singer shared Beatles favorites; and several Latin dancers inspired members of the audience to dance along in their places.
First prize went to Gloria Ortiz, who wowed the crowd with her dance moves. Second prize was awarded to Yung Kuen Wong and the Swallow Dance Troupe. Nick Kapochena won third prize with his a cappella renditions of Beatles favorites, and the congeniality award was presented to salsa dancer Maria Correa, who coached emcee Danny Morris on some of her moves. The judges said their decision-making was difficult, as all of the performers were outstanding.
The Jazzy Randolph Dancers, a crowd favorite from previous Senior Talent Shows, returned this year, but did not compete since they have already won several times. As the closing act, members of this amazing dance troupe helped celebrate the theme of the event: “Talent is ageless.”
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer spoke to the crowd, complimenting Visiting Neighbors on the event and on its mission of helping older New Yorkers to remain independent.
Visiting Neighbors’ Executive Director, Dr. Cynthia Maurer, praised the judges on their decisions, noting the difficult task they had of picking the winners. “All of our contestants are winners,” she said, adding, “This event helps us inform the community that assistance is available to seniors, and that more volunteers are always needed. We recruit volunteers and provide ongoing training and support to them. Our flexible schedules make it a very attractive volunteer opportunity, and our volunteers tell us they feel they get as much from the experience as the seniors do. We had many inquiries today from people who want to get involved, and from seniors who realize that they can use some help as they face the challenges of aging.”
Visiting Neighbors’ services are open to people 60 and older, living from 30th St. south to the tip of Manhattan. Services include friendly visiting to relieve isolation and loneliness, help with shopping and errands, escorts to medical appointments, health advocacy, and referrals to needed services. No fees are charged, but contributions are welcome. All contributions are tax-deductible.
For more information about Visiting Neighbors’ services, or to become a volunteer, call 212-260-6200 or see the website, at visitingneighbors.org. Note: Laura Scharf is Director of Community Development, Visiting Neighbors, Inc.
