Festival coming to Lakewood

LAKEWOOD- The Festival of Senior Arts Committee of the historic Strand Theater announced that it has extended its registration period for seniors (age 60 plus) who wish to perform at the theater's upcoming Festival of Senior Arts, taking place June 24-26.

The Festival of Senior Arts is a celebration of the spirit and talent of senior artists from central New Jersey. The event is sponsored by Harrogate, a not-for-profit lifecare community designed for adults 62 years of age and older.

This year's festival will once again be free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and will feature a "variety show" style of revue composed entirely of senior talent, with performance categories including vocal, theatrical, dance, comedy, musical instrument and poetry.

Seniors wishing to perform may still obtain a registration form by calling the theater at (732) 367-7789. Registrations are limited and will be taken on a firstcome, first-served basis. There is no registration fee. The deadline for registration is May 5.

In addition to the performing arts revue, the festival will feature an exhibition of the winners of the 32nd annual Senior Citizens Arts Exhibition.

Seniors wishing to enter the Senior Citizens Arts Exhibition may still call the Academy at (732) 255-0400, ext. 2380, for more information on how to enter the exhibition.

Intermittent exercise sessions in yoga, Pilates and tai chi will also be conducted throughout the days by fitness professionals from Ocean Medical Center, the Holistic Health Department of Georgian Court University and The Pines of Whiting.

A special health and wellness lecture will be presented by Rosemarie Poverman and will take place on the festival's last day, June 26, at noon. The topic of discussion will be the positive power of humor on aging.

Every day throughout the festival there will be special extended performances by popular senior performing arts groups such as the Oceanaires Barbershop Chorus who are scheduled to appear on the festival's first day, June 24, at noon.