2011

Monday, May 23

Asa Packer Elementary School

PRESENTS

Once again, Asa Packer proudly welcomes Kira

Wiley to share her many talents. Kira began her

career teaching yoga to children in New York City.

The experience inspired her to compose her own

yoga and meditation music for children. Her debut

CD, “Dance for Sun: Yoga

Songs for Kids,” has become

widely popular with Dell Com-

puters using one of her

songs in a marketing cam-

paign. For more on Kira and

her multifaceted career,

please visit

www.firefliesyoga.com.

For

Making

Arts Day

A

Success

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

~Pablo Picasso

Each and every one of our stu-

dents here at Asa Packer Elemen-tary School is a budding artist in some capacity. For some, the talent lies in the visual arts, such as the ability to manipulate a medium into

a masterpiece; in the kinesthetic, including martial arts, dance, yoga, or gymnastics; in literature and story craft; or in the musical, Arts Day allows the children to explore artistic options and find their own niche that they can carry through life either as a career possibility or as a means to self ex-pression and gratification.

Our Arts Day presentations are conducted by tal-ented artists from our own community who have so generously offered their time to ignite a flame of passion for the arts in our children—a flame which will continue to glow in Asa Packer students for a lifetime.

This enlightening day was made possible by the successful fundraising and planning efforts of the Arts Day Committee, the artists who graciously donated their wares for the auction, our talented students who took the stage at the talent show, and our Asa Packer families who attended the event in support of art education.

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not give special thanks to our teachers who continue to spread the enthusiasm for Arts Day and who so willingly adjust their schedules and classrooms to accommodate visiting artists. Your support and flexibility are greatly appreciated.

Linda Kondikoff, Art Teacher

Jonathan Horvath, Principal

2011 Artists

Marnie Clearie – Actress / Make-up Artist

As an accomplished actress

holding a BFA in Musical Thea-

ter, Marnie will be working

through some theatrical exer-

cises with the students of Asa

Packer in the hopes of prepar-

ing those interested in taking

the stage with the NMS Drama

Department, as well as local

theater. Marnie’s notable

achievements include a Drama Desk nomination

for her role in “Yours, Annie,” and recent endeav-

ors along side of her son, Ben, in the PYT pro-

duction of “The Christmas Doll.” Marnie is also an

exceptionally talented, well renowned make-up art-

ist, offering her services on a freelance basis. De-

spite her professional success, Marnie’s greatest

pride comes from her two boys, Ben, fifth grade,

and Caden, second grade.

Sally Delisle – Yoga Instructor

In 1993, after spending 22 years in a dance stu-

dio, Sally took her first yoga class. It was instant

love! What a gift to discover that the joy of

movement and expression was available in a non-

judgmental atmosphere! "I've been hooked ever

since. My hope as a yoga teacher is to share the

message that where you are today is exactly

will be teaming up with Mr. Pizzuto on bass for an

all out rhythm jam presentation.

Robert Villafane – Martial Artist

Sensei Robert Villafane has 26 years experience

training in martial arts, and he

became an instructor at Tiger

Schulmann’s in 1996. He has

trained police officers, FBI

agents and members of the

armed forces in the art of

self-defense. He has spent the

last six years training pro

MMA fighters.

Between 2000 and 2007, Sensei Villafane com-

peted in and won more than 100 national grap-

pling competitions, and was undefeated in grap-

pling in 2001.

Keranie Whipple – Craft Artist

Keranie is the proud mom of Asa graduate,

Kailyn, and first grader, Will. Keranie enjoys creat-

ing unique children’s craft ideas and looks to in-

spire children to broaden their imaginations and

express their individuality through art. During the

past four years, Keranie has served as the Child-

care Coordinator at her church, and as a faithful

Asa Packer volunteer. Keranie earned her BA in

telecommunications from Kutztown University.

Kira Wiley – Children’s Yoga Instructor

and by teaching herself jewelry-making and wood-

working. Carol uses her extensive travels and ex-

periences, which include climbing Mt. Fuji by

moonlight and swimming with piranhas in the

Amazon, as inspiration for her work. This year’s

Arts Day presentation will include a geographical

and historical lesson on African beads, after which

she will demonstrate necklace making.

Andy Thom – Cartoonist / Supervising Director at

Curious Pictures

A graduate of NCC and Joe Kubert School of

Cartoon and Graphic Arts, Andy has worked on

story boards for various Cartoon Network shows,

Marvel Comics, and is most noted for his work on

the Disney Channel’s “Little Einsteins,” “Maya &

Miguel,” and “Harold and the Purple Crayon.”

When he’s not entertaining the masses, he’s just

plain Dad to kids Maya, at NMS, and Joey, fourth

grade. Asa warmly welcomes Andy as he presents

some of his tricks of the trade to students.

Kevin Vasquez – Drummer

"Mr. Kevin,” to which he is fondly referred here at

Asa Packer, is our head custodian

and has worked for the district for

more than ten years. He has

played drums for a number of lo-

cal bands including, Midevil, which

entertained crowds at Arts Jam

and other local venues. Mr. Kevin

where you are meant to be, and that place is

beautiful." Sally has completed the 200-hour

teacher training program at The Yoga Loft, as well

as the Child Light training for teaching yoga to

children and teens. She has a degree in Fine Arts

and Dance, and BA in Psychology. She moved

from Maine to PA in 2007 with her husband and

two sons. As a family they love to travel, hike,

play sports, and spend time on the water.

Bary Engler – Pianist

Barry has been tickling the ivories since he’s been

in elementary school him-

self. Now a father of two,

Emilee, who is now at NMS,

and Katie, who is in Mrs.

Crim’s first grade, Barry still

finds himself behind the

keyboard as a back-up pi-

anist at Zion Lutheran Church. This year, Barry will

introduce the lower grades to reading the music

for the Happy Birthday song, and giving each

child the opportunity to perform the song for the

group.

Kristen Gardiner – Writer

Kristen has enjoyed putting pen to paper since

writing for the Freedom High School literary maga-

zine nearly 20 years ago. A Moravian College

graduate, Kristen earned her B.A. in English and

secondary education and spent time teaching in

the Bethlehem and Easton School Districts, during

which time she returned to Moravian, working to-

ward an MEd in curriculum and instruction. Since

taking a break from teaching, Kristen has been

devoting her time to her two children, Maggie, 10,

and Sean, 6. Kristen has continued to write

throughout the years, achieving publication in na-

tional education journals, literary magazines, and

various other mediums. For Arts Day, Kristen has

prepared a special creative writing workshop, fo-

cusing on the writers’ concept of show, don’t tell.

Rosemary Geseck – Fine Artist

Rosemary, a Moravian College Art De-

partment alumna who proceeded to

earn her MFA from the University of

Arizona, has been sharing her pas-

sion and creative energy for more

than 20 years. As a teacher at the

Baum School of Art, Allentown, she

instills the importance of self expression in her

students. As an artist, Rosemary adds her own

unique flair to drawings and paintings both large

and small (one of her accomplishments include a

120 foot long mural). This year, Rosemary will be

working with students, assisting them in creating

their own oil pastel masterpieces.

Donna Haney – Portrait Artist

that there is an artist in everyone – and she defi-

nitely has the passion and skill to bring out the

best in her students. Her primary interest lies in

still life drawing and painting, a talent she will

share with Asa students this year with an exercise

in creating self portraits.

Eric Santana – Musician

Eric, an instructor with Hawk Music, Westgate Mall,

will be holding a rhythm workshop with students

using hand drums and shaker

eggs. Eric will also touch upon

stringed instruments, including

the guitar, sitar, and mandolin

and the rhythmic relationship

between percussion and strings.

The demonstration will end with

a student performance.

Carol Smith-Nichols – Artist / Jewelry Designer

Carol earned a PhD in theoretical physics and

carries a background deeply rooted in the sci-

ences. After spending time abroad, Carol accepted

a faculty position with Cornell University. In time,

Carol moved on to become Associate Dean of

Engineering at Lehigh University. While at Lehigh,

Carol decided to take a few art courses; this is

when she discovered her true passion. She retired

from Lehigh and pursued this passion by studying

drawing and painting at the Barnstone Studios,

learning to throw pottery at the Banana Factory,

An Comisiun le Rinci Gaelacha. An Comisiun is

the largest and most recognized Irish Dance Or-

ganization in the world and is home to dancers

such as American born Michael Flatley, Jean But-

ler and many Riverdance and Lord of the Dance

Troupe Members. This Year’s Arts Day presentation

will be based upon the philosophies and traditions

that serve as the foundation of the academy: re-

sponsibility, honesty, fairness and teamwork in the

overall development of the student as dancer and

young adult.

Stefon Pizzuto – Asa Packer AI Faculty / Bassist

Asa’s own Academic Integration

teacher, Mr. Pizzuto is shutting

down the Macs and turning up the

amps with a bass guitar demonstra-

tion. Mr. Pizzuto will be joining

forces with Mr. Kevin for a rhythmic

demonstration that is sure to en-

courage budding musicians to form

a band!

Li-hsien Price – Fine Artist

Although Li-hsien has retired

from teaching art in a formal

setting, she still enjoys teach-

ing art to and inspiring crea-

tivity in children, especially

her two grandchildren, Gavin

and Ashlan. Li-hsien believes

Michele Harvilla - RN / Crafty Mom

Michele, a mother of two: Ben, who attends NMS;

and Gabby, a fifth grader at Asa, works as a reg-

istered nurse for St. Luke’s Hospital in the Mother

Baby Unit. When she’s not tending to the needs

of newborns, Michele enjoys spending quality time

with her family, especially when engaging in arts

and crafts projects including drawing, painting and

scrap-booking. This year, we are pleased to wel-

come this active Asa parent back to the Arts Day.

Michele, along with her mother Marie Mayer, will

be working with the children to create their rock

garden art.

Lara Hurysz

Lara is a mother of two students at Asa Packer.

Her daughter, Madison, is a third grade student in

Mrs. Scomillio's classroom, and her son, Simon, is

a morning Kindergarten student in Mrs. Gawlik's

class. Lara is a former elementary school teacher

who volunteered her time to the Arts Day Commit-

tee and the program today because she believes

that art, music and movement should be an inte-

gral part of every child's education.

Charles Kim – Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do, literally translating to The

Way of the Fist and Foot, is

a Korean martial art which

teaches self-defense, disci-

pline, and respect. The art

of Tae Kwon Do trains the body and mind to

reach maximum potential through forms, sparring,

high-flying kicks, and punches. Students learn

patience and self-motivation through Master Son

Yong Kim’s unique blend of traditional and mod-

ern teaching methods which are based upon the

five tenants of this form of martial arts: Courtesy,

Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomita-

ble Spirit. Master Kim and his students will be re-

turning to Arts Day to perform form, self-defense,

and board-breaking demonstrations. For more in-

formation on Kim’s Black Belt Academy, please

visit www.kimsblackbelt.com.

Joe Kortbawi – Martial Arts

Joe Kortbawi joins us from Leading Edge Martial

Arts Academy. Senior instructor of the Bethlehem

LEMA school, Sensei Joe began teaching along-

side Sensei Rob in 1991. While honing his own

martial arts skills, he also learned the skills and

intricacies of conveying and sharing his vast mar-

tial arts knowledge with others. His well rounded

martial arts background along with his energetic

teaching style combine to create a fun and dy-

namic learning atmosphere.

Marie Mayer

Marie has studied art and creates in many medi-

ums: pastel, water color, charcoal sketching and

pen and ink. She was a member of the

Bethlehem Palette Club for many years. Retired

from Moravian College she now enjoys taking

care of her large garden, bird watching, reading,

theatre, and her 11 grandchildren.

John Nestor – Folk Dancing

Asa’s newest music teacher, Mr. Nestor, will be

sharing his love of music and movement with a

folk dancing presentation.

Laura Neiman – Fine Artist

Laura earned her BA in Studio

Art from Moravian College and

proceeded on to a successful

career as an artist of custom

murals. After producing her most

precious works of art, her two

daughters: Sarah, a first grader

at Asa, and Lillie, age four,

Laura’s art is limited to freelance

and personal work. This year,

Laura will demonstrate and assist students in the

art of monoprints.

O'Grady-Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance – Irish

Step Dancing

Founded in 2005, the O'Grady-Quinlan Academy

of Irish Dance, is the result of a merger between

the Lehigh Valley’s two leading Irish Dance

schools: The Maureen O’Grady School of Irish

Dance and The Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance.

O'Grady Quinlan is proud to be the only certified

school in the Lehigh Valley that is registered with