Make a difference in your community

By Sue Baldani

Founded in 1938, the Rotary Club of Fanwood-Scotch Plains has been helping support local communities, our neighbors, and those in need around the world through a broad range of educational, humanitarian and cultural programs. Its mission: To provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

“The club was formed to get together and be a force to do good,” says Mary DePaola, who became a member back in 2009 when she was serving on the Scotch Plains Township Council (she later became the mayor).

Its 47 regular members and six honorary members come from all walks of life and professions and have many different passions. “If you have a passion, come to the Rotary,” says its president and former Scotch Plains mayor, Al Smith. “We have the group that can help you get it done.”

The club is always looking for new members who want to carry out its mission. The group meets four times a month and at different times of the day and evening, so it’s convenient for all schedules. To learn more and/or become a member, go to FSPRotary.org.

Upcoming events:

El Centro Food Pantry in Plainfield– food distribution the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of every month

Mental Health Crisis and How You Can Help presentation at Darby Road on February 28 at 6:30 pm

50/50 Raffle – Tickets sold at various locations around town from April through May

Find more details about these events on its Facebook page
Facebook.com/FSPRotary?ref+ts

Written for Scotch Plains Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

By Sue Baldani

Xplosive Entertainment has been providing upscale DJs, games, and “event enhancements” for fun and unforgettable events for almost 20 years. While it offers a wide variety of options for every kind of celebration, it’s best known for producing bar and bat mitzvahs leaving guests, young and old, with cherished memories for years to come.

“In our world, there are dozens and dozens of competitors, but they’re not all on the same level,” says Michael Langsner, vice president and self-described event ignitor, who has also spent years as a DJ and former banquet manager. “What makes us different is a level of polish, class and charisma, that we put forth based on our experience and how selective we are in who we hire and how we train.”

In addition to its DJs, its talent pool includes MCs, dancers, and live musicians. Behind the scenes, experienced technicians handle the lighting and sound and help make the magic happen.

Xplosive also offers a fun inventory of games. “There’s everything from air hockey and foosball to ping pong tables,” he says. But, there are many unique custom-built items such as giant-sized versions of these standard games, like a 20-person foosball table or an LED illuminated pong table.

The company’s Photo-tainment is also a hit, and uses the latest technology to produce high-quality photo booth experiences. Audio guest books are also hot right now. “Imagine a voice recorder disguised as a retro rotary telephone to record guests messages which are shared with the hosts later on.”

Novelty food kiosks are another unique offering. These may include fun foods from the venue itself, or favorites from popular chains.

For bar and bat mitzvahs, having a nationally-recognized magician, or mentalist, during the cocktail hour is a highlight for both kids and adults. Xplosive also offers what’s called a “Silent Disco” where guests wear provided headphones. “We always jump on the trends of what’s cool, but this is also a great solution for two different scenarios,” says Michael. “One is outdoor parties with noise ordinances, and two, for parents who may have very different musical interests than their kids.”

Xplosive provides entertainment all over the tri-state region as well as out of the area. “We’ve found ourselves in around 15 different states and three countries so far.”

Every detail is tailored to the preferences of the host or guest of honor. Michael and his extraordinary staff consider themselves industry experts, as they host a podcast with over 100 episodes called “Mastering Mitzvahs” and they’re often asked to present at conferences and trade shows.

Its upcoming event expo is NJ’s largest mitzvah party showcase taking place on Sunday February 11th in North Brunswick at B’nai Tikvah.  “It’s a live, interactive opportunity for families to come and try the games, experience the photo booths, win prizes and join a live mock mitzvah.”  Register at SuperBowlShowcase.com

Whether your party is for 50 or 500, Xplosive Entertainment guarantees to elevate expectations. 

XEevents.com

Written for The Showcase Magazine in New Jersey.