Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah
On May 15, 2010, I had the privilege of being the DJ for Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah at Keneseth Israel Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. This was particularly special for me as I have known the family for many years now, and I’ve seen Lauren grow up through the years. It all started about eight years ago when I was Lauren’s driver to a small summer camp called Indian Valley. Melanie (Lauren’s mom) was pretty nervous at the time about having her little girl starting a camp and being driven by someone she didn’t even know. As the summer went on, Melanie got more comfortable with me, and we began to talk fairly often. Lauren was comfortable with me from the beginning, and she wasn’t shy… she would chat away for the entire van ride. The next summer, Melanie began working at Indian Valley as our nature specialist and that is where our friendship really blossomed. I became friends with the entire family as Lauren and AJ (Lauren’s brother) both attended camp and Anthony (Lauren’s father) started playing softball with our counselor team. I would like to add that Anthony is one of the funniest guys I have ever spoken to. We all became friends and our friendship continued as we worked together for several more years.
When I received a call from Craig to see if I was available for the date, it was a no-brainer that I would be the MC for Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah. It would be my pleasure. The entire family was very laid back with all of their planning as I told them “Cutting Edge” would take care of everything the day of the event. Most parents are very nervous for their first Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but as I tell all of my clients “Let me take care of all the worrying for you.” Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah felt like a camp reunion of sorts, as a few counselors that I worked with, as well as a few campers were there. My disc jockeys Steven “Foltz” and Matt “Dirk” were former campers and friends with the D’Orazios as well. I even got to work with Chad Kramaroff, (the Director of Indian Valley Camp), who did digital photos.
My staff had an amazing time!I It was a pleasure to work with my DJs, and my dancers (Nate, Q, Ashley, Brittany and Elana), as well as an amazing family. We had a great time with the guests who were up dancing and partying with Lauren and her family. The kids followed along with whatever the dancers did and played all of the games with us. Mom and her girlfriends were out on the dance floor for the adult and kids sets. Anthony even danced for one song (if I called him out any more, he might have hurt me). I couldn’t have asked for the party to go any better!
As always, it was great to work with Barnett and Alfie from Hy Paul Studios, whose photos you see here.
I’m looking forward to AJ’s Bar Mitzvah in a few years, which I’m betting it’ll be a hockey theme. More importantly, although Indian Valley is now closed, it will be great to spend with the summers with them again at Camp America Day Camp where we will be working together again.
Mazel Tov Lauren!!
-DJ Marc Mednick
Photos courtesy of Hy Paul Studios – www.hypaul.com
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Just wanted to say what a wonderful job everyone from Cutting Edge did for Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah. All the guests had a great time, and like Marc said, I didn’t worry about a thing, even as a first time Bat Mitzvah Mom. It was truly a special day, and I am glad that my friends at Cutting Edge were a part of it. Thanks again,
Melanie