The Collegian November 7,1985 Page Six “Six Strangers” have a home cooked meal by Janet O’Hare Collegian Contributing Writer It was a brisk, sunny October afternoon, leaves falling all around, as we arrived at the home of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Jamie Grimm. When the six of us arrived, “Dinner for Six Strangers” officially began. As we stood around, awkward ly nodding tentative “hellos” and “how are you’s,” our smiling hostess for the day asked if we would like a tour of her house. After general agreement and shed ding of jackets, the tour group assembled themselves into a boy scout-like field trip formation and followed Jamie around her three story, 65 year old, west side Erie showplace. Jamie’s home features five fire places (all operational), stained glass windows, solid oak ban nisters, and a player piano. As we walked slowly through the house, we openly admired what we saw, spouting comments like: “Jamie, this place is great! When can I move in? It must have taken vou weeks to decorate this place!” We had been there only fifteen minutes and already the six of us had something in common. We had an honest admiration for our hostess’ beautifully decorated home. Jamie led us back downstairs where one of her roommates treated us to a demonstration of Campus Ministry sponsors “Night of the Arts" by Karen Pastorik Collegian Staff Writer Penn State-Behrends’ Campus Ministry is presenting it’s third annual “Night of the Arts” an enlightening evening of entertain ment and appreciation of the arts. It will be held Friday Nov. 15 at the player piano. To the tinkling sound of the piano playing “Alex aner’s Ragtime Band,” we strangers mingled, exchaning our impressions of the house and stav ed off hunger by devouring the appetizers that were at our disposal. It was at this time that we were all formally introduced by our informally clad hostess. The overall mood of the gathering was friendly. The room was full of people displaying warm smiles and nods of greeting. Dinner was announced and we were told to be seated in the din ing room. It was an immense room with high ceilings, and huge fireplace, and a solid oak dining room with room enough for ten people to sit. Nasal sounding, twanging folk music drifted from two large speakers as we democratically decided where we would sit. The table was covered with what appeared to be an anti que hand-made lace table cloth, and each table setting was of fine bone china with a delicate design. It all looked too nice to eat from, but the grumbles and growls around the table indicated that none of us would really have any trouble eating, no matter how nice the table setting. After polishing off the salads that were set in front of us, weset to work at the task of putting away huge plates of steaming pasta smothered in spicy tomato 7:30 p.m. in the Gorge Cafeteria (Free Admission-conservative at tire requested-R.S.V.P. 898-6155). The show consists of the Gian Carlo Menotti’s a madrigal fable. “The Unicom the Gorgon, and the Manticore”, selections of sauce, topped with ball-sized meatballs. The sound of slurping mouths and forks scraping china, aling with people talking with mouthfuls of food was accented by the oriental-sounding folk music. It set the mood of a large family in the Middle East sitting down to an evening meal after a long day of work and school. Moans of, “Boy, am I full,” signaled the end of dinner. “What’s for dessert?” someone asked and they answered by the groans of those who’s bellies were stuffed beyond capacity. Two music from Renaissance madrigals, and contemporary chamber charale literature. Featured are the Fredonia school of music chamber singers, con ducted by Donald P. Lang. A reception with refreshments follow the program accompanied im, Asst. Dean of Student Affairs. people’ offered to clear the table already 4:30 p.m. We had arrived while the rest of us lugged our at 12:30! We had spent the entire bloated stomachs into the sitting afternoon together, unaware of room to stretch out, relax and the passage of time, facilitate the digestive process. Strains of the theme to “Hill St. Blues” started up in the piano room, where one “stranger” tried her hand at making music. Our hunger pangs gone, we sprawled out on the furniture and talked about Behrend. By this time our conversation was comfortable. We drifted from topic to topic, laughing and shar ing stories. Time had flown; it was with piano music by David Stuntz. To set a pleasant yet inspira tional mood the Gorge is decorated with tablecloths and silver candleabras. Says Pam Griesbach of Campus Ministry"...the reason why cam pus ministry has-this presentation is because we want to show that God’s gifts to individuals whether it be in art, music, or dance can be shared and appreciated in a col lege setting.” Every fall the Behrend Campus misistry organizes a similar pro gram. Past shows included string ed quartets, and artwork displays. This fall a unique production The feature In four hours we had managed to make a couple of new friends, eat some great food, get to know someone from the Behrend staff, and on top of all of that, we managed to have a great time. “Dinners for Six Strangers” was a great experience for all of us, and we would all agree that everyone should take the opportunity to participate in the program. Unicorn, the Gorgon and the Manticore was chosen. In this story creatures dually represent artistic ideas, and mans’ life stages- Townspeople ridicule the mans’ “pets” (artistic crea tions) and do not understand their value. As a creative means Menotti’s story utiliz metaphorical elements and • images. Griesbach added “...there all kinds of things involved in presentation...it should be a relaxing and cultural evening good food, music and entej ment... a night to fill senses.”
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