By MIKE CAPUTO
Stage fright did not discourage Palley, whose family was always the only audience to ever listen to her sing.
When she stepped into the room with her new chorus mates, Palley's initial shyness was quickly alleviated. Soon after, she performed with the Stardust singers for the group's annual concert.
"I always liked to sing, but as far as being a singer that's a whole different thing," said Palley, a Woodmere resident. "Without them I would have never had the nerve to go up and sing."
The Stardust Singers, whose members' ages range from the mid '70s to the '90s, were passionately practicing at the senior center in Woodmere only days after their annual Lido Beach concert on July 15. Despite the physical problems that come with old age, the singers perform with an energy that some would mistake for agelessness.
"I feel that just because we get older, doesn't mean we are old," said Laura Edelstein, also a member of the Stardust Singers.
Edelstein, a Woodmere resident, joined the Five Towns Senior Center earlier this year after the passing of her husband Stanley. As she browsed the activities, Edelstein knew the Stardust Singers was the right program for her.
Although she considers herself a newcomer, Edelstein has a resume filled music and theater. To this day, Edelstein still attends auditions and often lands roles for commercials.
"Being involved with people, never growing old and having a wonderful attitude that life is for the living and you never say never and you always keep on going, that's it," she said. "You always keep on going, because if you look ahead, there are always great things ahead of you.You always want to do more."
If you ever get to speak to a member of the Stardust Singers, Sonny Kirshner's name will certainly be mentioned in the conversation. Henrietta Wallace, who did not consider herself a singer before she joined the group, was inspired by Kirshner's energy.
"What appealed to me is that man Sonny," she said. "He is always joking and the other gentleman are always joking around and make you feel comfortable."
That is because Kirshner serves as the group's motivator, clown and inspiration. Assisted by a breathing device, Kirshner, 88, helps lead the group in song from his usual seat in the front row.
"It is a family group," Kirshner said. "A real warm, congenial, caring group."
Like many of his colleagues, Kirshner, a lifelong Far Rockaway resident, only performed on the stage inside his home. And his family was always a tough audience.
"I sang in the house and my kids used to say 'Don't sing daddy," Kirshner said. "I think it is beautiful."
Even with the on-stage experience he gained with the Stardust Singer, his family members remain lovingly critical.
" What do they say now?" he said, "'Don't sing.'"
Kirshner sits next to Al Rosenblum, who at 94 years old continues to boom out notes like he is still an 18-year-old performing at summer resorts in the Catskills.
"He sings like Al Jolson," Kirshner said.
Rosenblum, who is modest, has been married to his wife Bea for 69 years. Bea has been ill, and her husband and children have to take care of her. For Al Rosenblum, a Lynbrook resident, the Stardust Singers are a social outlet that keeps him from being confined to the house.
"It is a great thing for me," he said. "Unfortunately my wife is not well, we can't go out to many places. So I need an out: One day I play cards, one day I sing."
The singers often joke that Stanley Chertok, a North Woodmere resident, is too young for the group. Chertok, 77, is not so sure about that notion.
"Is that too young?" he said. "I don't know."
Even though the group prepares for its annual concert, Chertok likes the fact that there are no rules to abide, or skill levels to achieve.
"I like the fact that there is no great pressure" he said. "I like the informality."
For Wallace, who joined after last brother died, needed encouragement to boost her confidence, and appreciates every bit of it.
"Whether you are good or bad, they always clap," she said. "They are encouraging. I look forward to it."
The Stardust Singers practice on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. in the Five Towns Senior Center, 124 Franklin Place, Woodmere.
Comments about this story? Mcaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 201.
