To the editor:
On behalf of the Pennington Dance Company, I would like to extend a big thank you to all the Pennington Day volunteers for all their hard work on Saturday, May 21. The individuals whom we worked with directly executed everything with warmth and efficiency.
Chairman Andy Parsons did a fabulous job coordinating and implementing the event. Over the past five years, he has provided the graphic design and installation of the large banners that help identify different Pennington Day activities, including a proscenium for the Crossroads entertainment area.
Jen Tracy, the booth chair, was wonderful to work with. She was instrumental in getting online registrations up and running. Brett Margulis, the entertainment chair and stage manager, provides quality sound equipment and support for all entertainers. He created a great roster of acts and provided for everyone’s needs. He is a master of ceremonies par excellence.
Once again, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church graciously offered our young dancers a space for costumes changes during our performance.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Pennington Day chairs: Hannah Williams and Janet Pressel for food vendors; Wendy Ward for media; Margret Vanvuuren for Green Street Sustainability; treasurer Christina Blackwell; Joe Lawver and Will Compton for grants; Nancy Breland for the quilt show; Steve Friedman, “Pennington’s constable,” and Rachel Torpey, an executive board member for over 10 years and liaison to Pennington Day’s biggest sponsor, the Pennington School.
Pennington Day means a lot to me. Thirty six years ago I watched the Pennington School’s O’Hanlon Hall burn to the ground. I could see the blaze seven miles away. Later that spring the first Pennington Day organizers asked me if the Pennington Dance Company could provide entertainment for a fundraising event. With gratitude and joy, the Pennington Dance Company has performed at Pennington Day annually ever since. Countless Pennington Dance students have performed over the years. The event has given students the opportunity to develop self-confidence and self-esteem while contributing to their community. It does not get better than that.
So great thanks to all of this year’s Pennington Day volunteers, and to all those over the years who have contributed to exceptional community spirit!
Nancy Warner
Founder/Director
Pennington Dance
Editor’s note: Ms. Warner announced in April the closing of the dance school. The school’s last annual recital will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at Rider University’s Yvonne Theater in Lawrenceville.
