Magical Mystery NYC Trip

To start our wintry adventure in NYC on January 26th the Magical Mystery group met at the Mamaroneck Train Station. We traveled to Grand Central Terminal and visited the New York Transit Museum where they had a really neat Holiday Train Show display set up and we enjoyed taking in all the sights.

Next we walked down the street to TGIF Fridays where we had a great lunch before we hopped on the subway to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. There was so much to look at and some really interesting displays.

On our way back we stopped on wall street to take a picture with the Charging Bull. Once we arrived back to Grand Central we grabbed a snack and got on the train back home. Despite the cold weather we all really had a wonderful day.

Clash Mash Party

On Saturday January 25th South East held a "Clash Mash" dance party. Everyone came wearing an array of fun unmatching clothes to dance the night away. The dance floor was filled with stripes, plaids, polka dots, and even different shoes and socks. All that came had a great time spending the evening hanging with friends, snacking on tasty refreshments and dancing to the sounds the DJ was spinning.

A Motown Holiday

Twas the night of the Holiday Show and all through Heathcote

All the actors were stirring to a musical note

The decorations were hung on the stage with care

Friends, family and staff, everyone was there!

The audience was nestled all snug in their chairs

While visions of Motown danced in their stares

Mothers and Fathers lost their heavy winter clothes

When just a moment ago they were near froze

When out on the stage came a most angelic choir

All sprang to attention to see what was to conspire

The first number, ‘Santa Clause is comin to Town’

It tore the house down!

Onlookers let loose a joyous cry

As we listened to ‘Angels we have heard on high’

Coleen and Claire dazzled all, each spinning a hoop

This truly was a magnificent troupe

The first act ended as it had began

Energy high, all was going to plan

Before intermission, ‘ Chunnakah’s da bomb’

Lindsays dance solo was an absolute phenom

Back in our seats we were transported to a winter wonderland

With an onstage performance that was truly grand

Christian and Briana had a magical duet

So moving, so dear, take a look around, many eyes were wet

And then in a twinkling I heard in the aisle

A young elf named Alec with a most joyous smile

He came bearing gifts of candy canes and laughter

The show was in motion so we all thanked him after

At the conclusion we were welcomed to carols

With enough good cheer to fill several large barrels

It was an evening not soon to be forgot

To be looked back upon with much warm thought

We hope you spend your holiday in good cheer

South East Consortium looks forward to seeing you in the New Year

With the end of the season within sight

Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night!

Day on Broadway – White Christmas

It was a cold winter day, the perfect weather for our Day on Broadway group to see “White Christmas” at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. Shortly after being shown our seats and ordering from the menu, food started to come out, everyone enjoyed their dinners as they waited for the show to begin. This was a great time to converse with friends and enjoy the sights and sounds of the theatre.

Those who attended really enjoyed seeing the wonderful dance numbers as well as singing along to many beloved songs from the timeless “White Christmas” film.  The show ended with a big surprise! While the cast of the show sang “White Christmas”, snow started to fall from the ceiling. Everyone laughed and cheered as the snow fell all around us. A perfect end to a great day!

Bridgeport Hockey Trip

BRRRRRRRR!!! Was the general consensus of Sunday afternoon to all of those in attendance of South East Consortium’s Magical Mystery Tour.

The gang embarked from a chilly Mamaroneck train station in the morning arriving in Bridgeport Connecticut just in time for a delicious brunch at Barnum House on Broad Street. The group settled down with scrumptious food and delightful conversation. We could have carried on there the rest of the day but we had to leave the cozy confines of Barnum House for the main event of the afternoon; The Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey games.

With spirits warmed and the excitement level high the group bundled up and made the five minute walk to the Webster Bank Arena. The roar of the crowd could already be heard as we approached the rink. The Tigers were facing off against the St. Johns Ice Caps. It was sure to be a great game on the ice!

Tigers got on the board first at 7:00 of game play, the aftermath of a frantic scrum in the crease. The home team scored again at the 2:24 mark of the second period. They were owning the ice but not for long. The Ice Caps answered back scoring two goals before the end of the second period.

Slap shots weren’t the only hits made on the ice in the second period. Halfway through the second period a fist fight broke out between two players amidst a play. This pacifist never condones fisticuffs but the tussle did get the crowd on their feet and the blood pumping.

Unfortunately the rough and tumble Tigers could not hold out to grab a W on Sunday. The Tigers fell to the Ice Caps 4-3. Even with the defeat of the home team and the prospect of a frigid walk back to the train station the gang had a fantastic time witnessing the face paced excitement on the ice.

Additionally we did not walk away empty handed. Will Byrnes and Laura Howey were both able to snag t-shirts (mid flight) ejected from the t-shirt cannon after the first period. Lucky ducks!

Metro North carried us home peacefully as we all recounted the events of the day. Even with the howling wind and the dropping temperatures every last one us had a smile on our faces, warming our hearts and all of those around us.

Glow Party!

The biggest hit of the season was the SEC Glow Party with over 50 participants in attendance!!!

With face painting, a glow wall and numerous giveaways South East was glowing with excitement!

Everyone had fun dancing the night away under the black lights.

Teen Adventure's Trip To Norwalk Maritime Aquarium

Last Saturday South East Consortium took a glimpse under the sea at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium. The Teen Adventure group learned about the importance of conservation, the feeding habits of marine life and experienced the beauty and wonder of our finned friends.

The aquarium, situated in the Norwalk Harbor in Norwalk Connecticut, features marine life commonly found in the nearby Long Island Sound and along the eastern seaboard as well as tropical fish and even meer cats!

Our adventurers arrived just in time to see the seal feeding. The seals performed trick after trick for a fishy reward. Trainers informed us about the importance of seal training as it helps keep the mammals fit both physically and mentally. Training also helps move the seals in emergency situations such as a power failure.

The shark tank was the next stop on our aquatic adventure. This feeding was far more hair-raising as divers entered the shark tank to feed the silent sentinels of the sea with a pole. Aquarium staff assured us no harm has ever come to any divers while feeding the sharks. Even so we prefer the dry side of glass!

The “touch tank” was the last stop on our trip. The touch tank allows visitors to gently touch sting rays and nurse sharks (both harmless.) Our adventurers had a great time feeling the soft, smooth backs of the rays and the rough, sand paper scales of the nurse sharks as they sailed by.

As our adventurers loaded up on the bus to return home we looked out at the Long Island Sound to a whole watery world waiting to be discovered!