Volunteer Brings Culture And Music To Residents Of The Allendale Community Talent Show

Holiday Choir Performances Are Arranged by Local Student Who Enriches Lives of The Atrium’s Residents

When it comes to arranging big-scale cultural programs or helping residents with smaller tasks, Diana Wang is there to enrich the lives of residents at The Atrium, the supportive independent living senior residence at The Allendale Community for Mature Living. This month, she is bringing lively entertainment to The Atrium, with a talent show and choir performance on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20.
 
Wang, now a senior at Northern Highlands Regional High School (NHRHS) in Allendale, has been a volunteer at The Atrium for two years, and has created exciting programs and events that educate and entertain.

“Diana is a marvelous example of what our volunteers can do here at The Atrium,” said Mary Stampleman, Director of Therapeutic Recreation & Community Relations at the upscale residence. “She really thinks big, and has a marvelous relationship with our residents, who think the world of this special young lady,” she added.

Diana, who lives in Allendale, has called upon her talented classmates to put on a special NHRHS Talent Show for residents and the public on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Atrium Lounge. The program will be presented with the help of Diana’s fellow classmates Sandra Chung and Katherine Sandler. Area residents are invited to come see the students sing, dance and entertain in the free performance.

She has also arranged a holiday music performance, the Highland Voices Holiday Concert, in the Lounge the following week on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m., with musical direction by Thomas Paster. The choir will perform a variety of holiday favorites.

Two years ago, Diana approached Stampleman with an idea to develop a Chinese New Year program and celebration in honor of her family’s heritage, which was a huge hit with Atrium residents and staff. The honor student, a member of the National Honor Society, is a frequent Atrium volunteer and has also worked part-time in the Atrium’s Social Activities Department.

The Allendale Community for Mature Living, located at 85 Harreton Road off Route 17 South, offers three levels of senior residency on one campus. The Atrium, which encourages a more independent lifestyle, also encourages intergenerational programs and activities; the student volunteer corps is one way the generations are brought together. For more information about The Allendale Community, or its activities which are open to the public, call (201) 818-7979 or visit www.allendalecommunity.com.

Photo Caption:

The Allendale Community for Mature Living honored its volunteers including student Diana Wang for her dedication. During the celebration, each volunteer was awarded a certificate of appreciation. Pictured here with Wang are Atrium residents and sisters Helen Thomkiewicz, left, and Stella Dukes, at right.