Retired carnival worker returns to the midway

aadmin — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:56:01 +0000

George Fania, 68, recently had his wish to return to an Amusements of America carnival granted, thanks to national nonprofit, Twilight Wish Foundation. Fania, a resident of Summit Ridge Center in West Orange, spent over 40 years of his life working as an electrician, with many of them spent with Amusements of America, working on traveling carnival rides and machinery.

He was forced to retire due to back issues, but misses work, his co-workers and former boss, Morris Vivona very much. Fania faithfully reads Carnival Magazine to stay abreast of the industry, but still misses that part of his life.

Fania’s volunteer advocate at his nursing facility, Audrey Larsen, submitted the wish application on his behalf. Throughout his life, Fania gave back to his community, often donating his services to those less fortunate.

He was also a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts for many years. His wish to revisit an Amusements of America traveling carnival was granted on June 18, 2013 when he was transported from his nursing facility to the St. Gregory the Great carnival in Hamilton Square, NJ.

Fania spent the day with several former co-workers, including former boss, Vivona. Special thanks to Lifestar who donated the transportation of Fania to and from the carnival.

According to Larsen, who attended the wish granting, Fania was overwhelmed by the event. “They (his former co-workers) were unbelievable; they spent the entire day with him,” said Larsen. “

George was overjoyed to re-connect with his career and co-workers and hopes to maintain connections with his carnival family.”

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96 year-old woman sees Broadway play for the first time

aadmin — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:48:38 +0000

For as long as she can remember, Ann Isacoff wanted to be on stage, performing. But, as often happens, life pointed her in another direction, raising a family and working in the legal field. However, she never lost her love of the theater and music and, though she always wanted to see a Broadway show, she never had the opportunity.

At last, at the age of 96, Isacoff’s wish to see a Broadway show was granted when she and daughter Marilyn Weinberg attended a matinee performance of “Jersey Boys” on stage in Boston, thanks to national nonprofit Twilight Wish Foundation.

Isacoff and her daughter traveled via a chauffeured limousine to Boston on March 3rd, where they were treated to special seats, courtesy of Parentgiving.com, who generously donated the tickets.

Although unfamiliar with “Jersey Boys,” Isacoff researched it ahead of time and spent the performance clapping along with the songs that she recognized from the 50’s and 60’s.

“What can I say,” said Isacoff, “Except that it was a dream come true. Thank you, Twilight Wish, for a wonderful day.”

Isacoff, a resident of Langdon Place in Dover, New Hampshire, shares her love of the theater with others in her care center. Last year, she began organizing a variety show, “Senior Moments,” at her facility. Many of the other residents also perform, with Isacoff organizing rehearsals for the troupe. According to Isacoff, this year’s production will feature routines from many famous old time comedians such as George Burns, Jack Benny and Abbott and Costello.

A woman of many talents, Isacoff is described by Activities Director at Langdon Place, Linda Jarvis, as a prolific writer. In fact, she has written four books about her memories and life. According to Isacoff, she mostly writes so that her grandchildren will know what life was like before their time, before electricity and other modern conveniences.

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Retired carnival worker returns to the midway

96 year-old woman sees Broadway play for the first time