THb BIRNARDSVILLt NEWS OBSERVFR TRIBUNE bC HOES-SENTINEL, THURSDAY. MARCH 2, 1972 Pax Amicus Enters Its Second Year As an Arts Center for Young Adults By Al I.I N (ROSSI IT FLANDERS "There comet a time in d man's life where he either does what he Hunks is right, or slops talking about it 1 " I'oi Stan Barber and Bob I'indlay this meant leaving Successful teaching careers, and the security of tenure and the assured incomes of about $10,000 a year, and entering iiiin an aspect ol then lives where nothing is certain. A little more than a year ago these two young men left the teaching profession to found Pax Amicus. a center for the fine and performing arts for young adults. On Nov. Id, 1470, Pax Amicus was officially recognized as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization centered around workshops in drama, music, art. and Him. It has since been endorsed by major community, civic religious and educational organizations throughout Morris County. Pax Amicus has its headquarters in an old converted church building at |9J Flanders- Drakestown Rd. The original building was acquired for about $15,000, and almost an equal amount has been since spent on badly needed repairs including a new floor, improved parking facilities, the addition of lavatories, and genera! cleaning and painting. Contrary to what many believed, no grants or foundation funding helped to get Pax Amicus started, or have helped keep it going. Some local groups have helped, as some individuals have helped, but the organization has had to find ways to support its own activities. Almost every weekend there is something going on. Under the direction of these two men Pax Amicus has presented productions of "The Fantasticks," Albee's "The American Dream," "The Apple Tree," an adaptation of "Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris," four one-act plays by Tennessee Williams, and Masters' "Spoon River Anthology." Opening this weekend is a production of "The Miracle Worker," a 1959 Broadway success about the life of Helen Keller. This summer the organization will present "Man of La Mancha." In addition to drama, Pax Amicus has presented several programs ol tolk music and interpretive dance, as well as feature films. One of the most unusual programs was an International Food Festival, sponsored by the I'nends of Pax Amicus, an organization of "older people," parents and concerned adults who help support Pax Amicus programs of their own. Barber denied that the food festival was a subtle way to find a way to feed himself, but he did admit that there have been times when he has been hungry. Membership in Pax Amicus is limited to "young adults," (they are not referred to as "kids") between the ages of 16 and 23. At present there are about 100 members, mainly high school and college students. The door is always open, reports Barber, and there are only three rules which each member or guest is expected and required to respect. Alcohol, drugs, and violence are prohibited. "Here there is no judgment ever as to what a person once was," explained Barber, "The emphasis is on the here and the now!" One of the greatest values of Pax Amicus. according to Barber, is the creation of an environment where the tremendous potential of young people can come out. Barber is constantly ama/ed by what young adults can do when they are given the opportunity. Pax Amicus continues to need support, for there is still much work to be done. One way to offer support is to attend a performance of "The Miracle Worker." It will be presented each Friday and Saturday evening through April 1, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Those who attend will have the opportunity to learn more about Pax Amicus, and, if they wish, offer support in other ways. Pax Amicus, and its co-directors, Stan Barber and Bob Findlay, are committed to the arts and to young people, and through their deeds can clearly be seen their understanding of Pax Amicus. Peace. Friend FINLEY AVENUE SALON FEATURING MR. AL AND CINDY SPECIALIZING IN it Unique Frosting ie Organic Permanents if Coloring *Wig Care • Boys Cuts 125 S. Finley Ave. Basking Ridge 766-3441 Hours 9 Ml 6 Closed Mondays