From Firefighting to Ballet, Some Area Teens Use Summer to Follow A Dream

For some youths, going back to camp as a counselor, or doing lawn work, or pet-sitting, is an ideal way to fill the summer months. But for others, following their passion may mean participating in something unusual or unique or creating an opportunity for themselves.

Take Aaron Gelber. The 18-year-old Avon resident has always been interested in firefighting, starting with an infatuation at age two with fire engines. His mom, Loren, recalls driving him to local fire departments on a regular basis. Growing up, he attended fire department parades and open houses and was often dressed in a fire helmet and boots.

At age 15, he became a cadet in the Avon Volunteer Fire Department. Weekly drills, marching in parades, responding to calls and, sadly, attending funerals for fallen firefighters became his passion.

“He wore a beeper and we would drive him to the station before he could drive himself,” said Loren.

This year, he was elected Fire Explorer of the Year and was named captain of the cadet program. When he turned 18 in January, he became a probationary member of the fire department and in May, he was made a regular member. He is now an external firefighter, fighting fires from outside buildings, on the ground and on ladders. He also has Red Cross training and is certified in CPR.

“When you help someone in their worst moment … it’s a great feeling,” said Aaron. He added that he doesn’t get nervous around fire because “if you learn how to respect it, you won’t be afraid.”

Aaron is now training at the Hartford County Regional Fire School. Upon completion, he will become an internal firefighter — able to enter burning buildings. This month, he graduates from the Hebrew High School of New England in West Hartford. His future plans include an EMT class and exploring different college options for a degree in fire science.

How do his parents — Dr. Joel and Loren Gelber — feel about their son being exposed to potentially dangerous situations?

“My parents are very supportive because I am helping out others in a worse situation than me,” concluded Aaron.

Back to camp

Noam Kessing, just finishing his sophomore year at Hall High School in West Hartford, will be back for another summer at Camp Laurelwood in Madison, Connecticut, where he was a camper for four years. Unlike many of his friends, he won’t be working as a counselor. He has signed on to do maintenance work at the overnight camp.

His responsibilities include fixing bunkhouse malfunctions such as clogged toilets, general plumbing, fixing leaks in window screens, trash removal, Mess Hall maintenance and general upkeep of the camp and grounds.

“I like hands-on work,” said Noam, who said he is not “really worried about hard work,” despite the fact he will be on call 24/7. “Not much happens at night,” he said, adding that as a camper, he never heard of any major problems, so he hopes all will be routine work.

“I couldn’t be happier because he’ll learn a lot of great skills such as plumbing and repair work,” said his mom, Lori Kasowitz Kessing. Dad Shaddy Kessing thinks Noam will especially enjoy riding around camp in a golf cart, although he can't drive the cart because he doesn't yet have his driver's license.

Bright lights, big city

Deena Cohen, daughter of Louis and Debra Cohen of West Hartford, has been invited to participate in The Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive Program, in New York City.

A student of tap, jazz, ballet and pointe with “Miss Lisa,” the 15-year-old Hall High rising sophomore will study in New York for three weeks — four classes a day. Her program will include ballet, pointe and pas de deux, plus electives such as modern, jazz or contemporary ballet, yoga, pilates, dance history and health and wellness lectures. She’ll be dancing about six hours each day.

Said Deena, “I’m looking forward to improving my ballet and jazz skills, and learning more about other types of dance. The program is meant to be intense, and I’m excited.”

In addition to world class training with master teachers, Deena will have the opportunity to attend performances by the American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet and other major dance companies.

Deena, who started dancing at age three and has worked with Hartt graduate Kristen Himmelberger in senior ballet and pointe classes, auditioned for the program in March. Auditions were held throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

“In addition to tights and leotards, she needed three pairs of Russian Pointe shoes for the three-week program,” said her mother Debra, adding, “The shoes she wears are hand-made in Russia, and she has a collection of her worn-out shoes hanging like trophies in her room.”

For the love of theater 

All the world’s a stage for Trevor Pierce of Canton. The 2010 Canton High School graduate has undertaken an ambitious summer project — he’s starting a youth summer theater program in Canton.

For the past four summers, the actor/singer/dancer participated in different regional theater programs, starring as the “Cat in the Hat” in the musical “Seussical” with the River Valley Theater Collective in West Hartford and as “Javert” in “Les Miserables” with the Avon Summer Theater Program.

Canton doesn't have a summer theater program for youth. So, Pierce, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, has set out to start one.

“I knew the town needed an opportunity like this,” he said, adding that one of his goals is to have middle school students be exposed to theater before they get to high school.

He wrote a detailed proposal and submitted it to the Canton Parks and Recreation Department. The proposal included a budget — for rights to the show, costumes, salaries for technical and music directors — and a full plan for a summer program which will culminate in the show, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

The show will be performed Aug. 12-14 at the Canton Town Hall auditorium, a special place for Trevor, the only child of Joanne and Michael Pierce.

“For his Eagle Scout project, he raised money and got a grant to renovate the auditorium and buy new chairs,” said Joanne Pierce. The floors were re-done, the room was painted and the crowded back stage area was cleaned.

Posters are up all over town in Canton seeking youths aged 10-16 to sign up for Pierce’s seven-week program, known as the Canton Amateur Summer Theater (CAST). Prospective actors don’t need to live in Canton to participate. There will be auditions for the lead roles, but the first 35 people to sign up will be guaranteed to be in the show, said Trevor.

Trevor will be director and producer of the show. He is a “very driven kid,” said his mom. “He will give 150 percent when he is passionate about something.”

He and his colleagues are “all incredibly passionate about theater,” Trevor told a reporter.

A talented pianist, he has worked as a music director and a piano accompanist for theater companies at auditions. At UPenn, he has been involved with musical theater, including a Gilbert & Sullivan production. Trevor played the bassoon and clarinet and is studying voice. At Canton High School, he not only got involved with a revived theatrical group, he also started a show choir called the “B Sharps,” sort of a “Glee-like choir with dancing,” said Trevor.

The deadline to sign up for auditions for “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” is June 22. Auditions begin June 29 and the CAST program starts on July 5. For more information, contact the Canton Parks and Recreation Department.