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Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW To cap off the East Longmeadow Rotary Club's annual summer concert series, there will be a new event that will also benefit a well-deserving family in town. The town's first-ever variety show, and the finale to the concert series, will be held Aug. 16 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the East Longmeadow High School athletic field. Proceeds from the show will benefit East Longmeadow resident Cory Garwacki, who has been battling short gut syndrome since he was a child. Garwacki has been admired throughout the region for his positive attitude and his perseverance through more than 100 surgeries to treat his rare congenital gastrointestinal disorder. He currently is recuperating from his second gastrointestinal transplant operation. Hosted by the Rotary Club, the benefit variety show will feature several performances and will be headlined by "The Jazz Singer," a tribute to the music of Neil Diamond, performed by Dr. Louis S. Competiello. Competiello, who is a gastroenterologist in Enfield and is serving as producer and director for the event, as well, told The Reminder last week that this will be a very special performance for him. "I always wanted to do [my act] as a benefit," he explained. "I wanted to share it with other people." He said when he heard he could help someone with his music who also has an illness in his field of specialty, it was a perfect fit. Compatiello explained that there are more than a few parallels between his life and that of singer/songwriter Neil Diamond. They both were born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. One wanted to be a doctor but pursued a musical career. One was a musician but had a love for medicine. They bear a striking resemblance, as well. "I always liked his music," Competiello said. "I listened to it and liked it when I was in college in the 1970s ... and a lot of his songs bring me back to that time." He added that, now that he is older, the songs ring truer to him and he can relate to them on another level. "I really feel a connection there," he said. In addition to Competiello's performance as "The Jazz Singer," a host of other health care professionals and their family and friends will perform in the variety show. Competiello said he is excited for the show not only because it will help Garwacki and his family with their ever-mounting medical bills, but also because it is an opportunity for families to enjoy a show together, since all the acts are family-friendly and appeal to all ages. The show will be hosted by Dick McDonough of 94.7 WMAS and sound will be provided by Brian Fowler of New England Disc Jockeys. The performers, many of whom work in the Johnson Health Network, include stand-up comedy by Dr. Joseph V. Breton; junior Dan Kane singer Olivia Opal of Hampden; Dan Kane singer Lauren Roberts; and Jillian and Michael Turgeon and their father, Michael Turgeon Sr., who comprise the band, The Serenity Frame. The variety show will begin at 7 p.m. and attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. In the case of rain, it will be held the following night, Aug. 17, at the same time. Admission is free and donations will be accepted at the show. For more information about the performers and organizers, visit www.eastlongmeadowweather.org and click on Rotary Benefit Concert Variety Show Finale. | ||||||
