Singers:

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It was a stroke of serendipity that led Perwo to the Island Singers. He stumbled upon the opening to direct the choral group while perusing postings on the Ocean County Guild of Organists. The choral group was in the midst of an interim period after their long-term director retired.

“When I saw the posting, I realized it was for the town I grew up in,” said Perwo. “I grew up in Forked River and graduated from Lacey High School in 1997.”

The Island Singers formed as a non-profit community chorus in 1972 and typically performs a Spring Concert and a Winter Concert. Nine of the members are men, and one of the female singers began performing with the group more than four decades ago.

“Our members come from all age groups, from the 20s and up,” Perwo shared. “They all love to sing, and some have music degrees.”

Andrew Van Buskirk joined the Island Singers as an accompanist in 2016. He appears to be a valuable asset to the group, complementing the cohesive sound that has become the hallmark of the Island Singers. Depending on the musical selection, the Island Singers occasionally enlist the accompaniment of other instrumentalists.

The Winter Concerts generally have a touch of holiday with Christmas and Hanukkah music. The group is currently gearing up for its first spring performance on June 17 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beachwood.

“We’re doing a real big mix with a theme we call American Tapestry,” said Perwo. “It’s American composers, American folk songs, and American spirituals.”

The passion and dedication in just the group’s two-hour rehearsal appear to be a teaser to their upcoming concerts. Some of the singers started as complete strangers and now create a synchronicity of powerful music.

In addition to their performance at St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Island Singers will also perform at Community Reformed Church in Whiting on June 24 at 2 p.m. Their final Spring Concert is on June 25 at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Beach Haven on June 25 at 4 p.m.

Rehearsals end in June and preparation for the Winter Concert starts in September.

This year, the Island Singers received support from a grant administered by the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State.

Murder Mystery Luncheon

TOMS RIVER – Come join for an afternoon of fun presented by the H.C.B. First Aid Auxiliary. An interactive comedy murder family style.

It’s a family affair when the most powerful players in (da pizza pie business) have a sit-down. But this time they are bringing the true bosses: Their wives. Do you think there could be trouble?

The Murder Mystery Luncheon will be on August 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Holiday City West Clubhouse, 45 Cabrillo Boulevard, Toms River.

Lite lunch, dessert, soft drinks, BYOB. Cost: $38 (no refunds). Ticket information call Linda Maddalena at 609-325-1125. Tickets can also be purchased at the following:

HCB Clubhouse #1 Tuesdays 12 to 1 p.m. on June 20 and July 18

HCC Clubhouse Library Thursdays 12 to 2 p.m. on June June 15

HCS Clubhouse Fridays 9 to 11 a.m. on June 23 and June 30

HCW Clubhouse Wednesdays 4:30 to 6 p.m. on June 21, July 5, and July 12.

Pasta Supper

WHITING – Need a night out? Need a night off from cooking? Join us at Whiting UMC for a Pasta Supper on June 17 at 5 p.m.

Your reservation includes pasta, marinara sauce, meatballs, tossed salad, garlic toast, dessert, coffee or tea and a drink. Tickets are $15 per person and must be reserved in advance. Reserve your tickets by calling Mary at 732-350-4704 or Robin at 774454-1032. Leave your name, phone number and how many tickets you are ordering. You will pay for your reserved ticket when you arrive at 5 p.m. No walk-ins.