Art saves lives

Show makes performance an alternative to drugs

By:Lisa Tarriff
Some of Hillsborough’s most talented performers will strut their stuff at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the township’s sixth annual Art Saves Lives Community Talent Show.
To be held at Hillsborough High School, the show is sponsored by the Hillsborough/Millstone Municipal Alliance, a community-based volunteer group that works to prevent substance abuse.
The proceeds will support drug and alcohol abuse prevention and education programs in the schools.
Programs sponsored by the alliance include puppet shows and Red Ribbon Programs to promote drug awareness.
“The talent show is a good cause. It allows us to do more programs,” said Diane Handwerk, an alliance member.
She said the alliance believes involvement in the arts often prevents young people from turning to drugs and alcohol.
“Through the arts, people are able to express themselves,” Ms. Handwerk said. “It’s a healthy alternative to drugs.”
There will be more than 20 acts, with performers ranging in age from about 8 to 80. Last year about 400 people attended.
Joe Rampula, creator of Art Saves Lives, will sing “Old Man River,” from the Broadway musical “Showboat.” Local chiropractor Hirsch Kalman will sing a selection of songs by Frank Sinatra.
The Hillsborough Rockettes, a senior citizen dance group, will perform, as will a group of five seventh-grade boys from Hillsborough Middle school, who will sing “Bye Bye Bye” by N’Sync.
Also performing will be a young violin ensemble and the Hillsborough Line Dancers.
“We have a nice variety,” Ms. Handwerk said.
Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at Kathleen’s School of Dance, Memory Lane, Super Sundaes, Tae Kwon Do Elite, Provident Bank, Plaster Piece and the Board of Education Office in the Municipal Complex.
Tickets also will be available at the door.