Business notebook: Voice lessons, chic shack and acting out, one scene at a time

Warwick - There’s an interesting story behind the voice instruction offered by Warwick resident Sandra Mannis-Carson. To begin, Mannis-Carson is a professional singer who has performed in opera, concerts and musical theater both here and in Europe. She is a graduate of the world famous Julliard School of Music and she’s been teaching voice for 20 years. As a youngster, Mannis-Carson began her musical career as a violinist. She began singing in high school and then performed professionally at weekend club dates. “I was much more fascinated with singing than any other form of musical expression,” said Mannis-Carson. During her formative years, Mannis-Carson studied under approximately eight different teachers. Each one, she recalled, brought her to a different level and beyond, often to the point where she became confused. By chance, however, she came across “The Science and Sensations of Vocal Tone,” a book by E. Herbert Caesari, a famous traditional Italian voice teacher around the turn of the century. She and her husband Jim, also a singer, spent a year studying this book and other works by Caesari. They wrote to the publisher to learn more about the author. He had died but his daughter and student Alma, who was living in London, contacted them. Mannis-Carson and her husband flew to London and studied with Alma Caesari. “I learned a great way to teach people and to help them in many ways,” said Mannis-Carson. “I can pass this wealth on to my students.” Sandra Mannis-Carson offers voice instruction for both children and adults including preparation for the New York State School Music Association” (NYSSMA) exams. For information or appointment call 544-1902. Chic Shack A new store recently opened at 724 Seward Highway (Rt. 94) just before you enter Florida from Warwick. Formerly, the space was exclusively occupied by Jen´s Basement, a popular antique, collectibles and “gently” used items shop. Jen Ruffo, who lives in Warwick with her husband Anthony and their three children ages two, seven and nine, is still there. She’s changed the look of her portion of the store but still remains the only eBay drop off center in the Warwick area. The new Chic Shack, which recently celebrated its Grand Opening, specializes in vintage collectibles and antiques. The shop is owned and managed by two local artists; Elizabeth Pelella, a sculptor, and Barbara Nagel Wechsler, a painter and sculptor. Wechsler, who lives in Warwick with her husband Norman and their children ages nine and 10, is known for her Yoga Rolls which are a high-end patented item for the yoga enthusiast. The Yoga Rolls have been featured in Yoga Magazine. Pelella, who lives in Warwick with her husband Dana and their children ages nine and 11, is known locally for Tessanna Soaps from Nature. These are handcrafted, natural ingredient soaps and bath products that have been featured at Newhard´s and other local stores. Pelella also works as a Special Education teacher for Dynamics in Therapy and Learning in Florida. “We’re both artists,” said Pelella, “and in addition to our collectibles and antiques, we will also feature the works of local artists and craftsmen.” The Chic Shop is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Acting out The slogan is, “Building life skills one scene at a time.” According to Terry Odell, artistic director/owner, her recently opened Acting Out Playhouse, 6 High St., Warwick, is designed to help develop confidence and the communication skills children, grades K through 8, need in every aspect of their lives. Classes at the Acting Out Playhouse, she explained, encompass educational strategies and techniques to teach or reinforce verbal and listening skills while encouraging creativity, trust in self and others, sharing generosity and using their imaginations. Odell recalls directing neighborhood children when she was six. “I let the imagination and the creativity grow and took the theatre seriously.” Odell recently directed and choreographed the Sanfordville Elementary School production of Oklahoma Jr., Pine Island Elementary CPR concert and taught youngsters to put together a production of Godspell Jr., which was performed at the Lycian Performing Arts Centre. “Whether your child is on track to be a performer or not,” said Odell, “our classes provide training to grace the stage or build confidence to stand in front of a crowd and deliver a speech.” For registration information call 986-2429. Flavors of Fall This Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 - 22, Frazzleberries, 24 Main St., will host another “Flavors of Fall” event with in-store tasting stations featuring local wineries and restaurants plus Warwick’s own Lisa’s Cookie Shop. Frazzleberries will also offer extensive sampling stations from its country cupboard. And pianist Stephen Yates will perform selections from his newest CD release.