Experiences of a rural DJ
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Chris Holman: Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2011 6:14 PM
  I do much volunteer work throughout the year, which includes a third of all my DJ work. My favorite community organization is the Cheshire Y. With offices based in Swanzey, this non-traditional YMCA operates Camp Takodah in Richmond, a day camp called Hornets Nest, New England and American Heritage Tours & other amazing programs in the area.  I began my experiences at Camp Takodah in 1987 as a Cherokee in the original Cabin 17 with a Greek cabin leader, Nick and my second years was with a New Yorker named Troy.  I returned to camp as a counselor in 1995 as a cabin leader for the Penacooks. All of my memories of the camp, Cass Pond, Elwell Chapel, and all of the wonderful events are among some of my favorites. I stayed the extra week for mini-camp that year, working with many neighbors that volunteer to help younger kids with the introduction to camp. It was at that time I learned how greatly we could affect the whole world by the amazing things that happen locally...   There were two young boys who had recently moved to the US to seek refuge from the Bosnian war. One of them was placed in my cabin and spoke very little english. To see him become integrated into the activities of the camp throughout the week was amazing and heart warming. One evening we had a strong thunderstorm and I had to comfort him while explaining that it was weather and not an attack. At the week's end, his parents thanked me graciously for having taken such good care of their son, while he thanked me by giving me a Republic of Bosnia flag. Many summers I spent at fun recreation programs provided by Fitzwilliam & Troy, but the amount of activities & abilities one can learn at camp is indescribable, & often not covered under municipal liability (boating, archery, etc). Please take a moment & check out the Cheshire YMCA website, sign up for playing or sponsoring the Golf Tournament & join our Cause on Facebook. SharePeople often ask me how I can spend so much time & money helping these important charities & I think it all comes down to each day's decisions. Of all of the benefits I do, I consider this organization one of the most dear to my heart. The people of the Cheshire Y have been part of my life for twenty-five years & I am very happy to be able to give back to the community by helping them and the hundreds of children they affect each year. tomorrow's festivities at 7 PM. |
Benefits, Local Businesses, Upcoming Gigs, Fitzwilliam Inn, Fitzwilliam, Fundraisers, Non-profits, Camp Takodah, Cheshire YMCA, Golf Tournament, Sponsorships
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CJ the DJ (Chris Holman): Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 3:09 PM
Fortunate as a child to be raised on the same road as Meadowood County Area Fire Department, I have witnessed how important it is for a community to help each other in times of need. MCAFD is a volunteer non-profit privately funded fire department and training center located in Fitzwilliam, NH. Generations of my family have played various roles in the department’s history. My father has been a member for forty years, and my parents had their marriage reception at the Assembly Hall thirty five years ago this past Valentine’s Day.  The members of the department have are a large part of my life and I have many memories of fire schools, auctions, spaghetti dinners, and more. Last year I enjoyed researching some of the history of the department, and learned about an aunt that sewed the first curtains and that my grandfather used to be one of the first janitors after special events. It is with this knowledge of how large of a role this non-profit venue has played in my family’s life that I am happy to create a new Super Special Deal to help raise money for the Meadowood County Area Fire Department. For $400, you can rent the upstairs of the building for graduations, birthdays, retirement parties, baby & bridal showers, and other non-alcoholic events and get up to four hours of entertainment by CJ the DJ. By discounting my services, $150 will go directly to MCAFD, doubling what they would normally make for an event while you save $200 from my regular DJ costs. It also saves you $75 from what a normal local event plus rental would normally cost… If you would like to use the downstairs and kitchen, there will be additional costs. Early reservations are recommended. To check upon the Assembly Hall’s availability, please call Winston Wright at 603-209-1367. To check on CJ the DJ’s availability, please call me at 603-852-6185 or send me an email to cjholman@hotmail.com . Working together, we can make a big difference supporting our hometown community organization. |
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Chris Holman a.k.a. CJ the DJ: Posted on Friday, February 11, 2011 5:14 PM
 On Valentine’s Day, my parents celebrate their 35 anniversary and my grandparents celebrate their 59. If my paternal grandfather were living, his 74 wedding anniversary to my Grandma would have been last week. The strength of their relationships has been the most influential part of my life. In college, I studied civil rights, never missing an opportunity to meet people influential in fighting for marriage equality. When I began my work as DJ for a nightclub when I turned 21, I also started side work for friends entertaining their commitment ceremonies. My first was for dear friends of mine, one of the first civil unions of Vermont; a decade later, their son, one of my schoolmates at MRHS, was my first second generation wedding. No matter what legal standing the unions have been given through this process of achieving equal rights, I have considered each wedding as equally important and meaningful. There are now more than 1300 wedded same-sex couples in New Hampshire and many more that have been making plans to wed. The increased amount of ceremonies has created a boost for the wedding industry and its vendors, as well as tourism and marketing within the state. The ability for partners to be able to share policies and receive benefits associated with that right is another factor to why we are considered one of the healthiest states in the nation. We have created a community of acceptance that has provided all of our neighbors’ similar rights. With the political changes in Concord, those rights are being threatened through legislation with hearings beginning this week. For those of us in Fitzwilliam and Richmond, we are being represented by Richard Dwinell (Cheshire 5) who has no political record on this matter. I strongly urge my friends and neighbors in this area to call him (585-9225) and let him know how you feel, hopefully supporting equal rights for everyone. You can also email him at rjdwinell@myfairpoint.net ; please include the NH Freedom to Marry info@nhftm.org as a recipient or email them to let them know how your conversation went. It is particularly important for small business owners (florists, caterers, venues, anybody who is self –employed and providing services …) and our religious leaders to help this important cause. I am attaching two different forms to collect information about how you can do that. Please take the time to look at them and fill them out; every caring voice in support of equal love can make a difference in this argument. For those interested in getting more involved, this Thursday will start the hearings for HB 437. Supporters are encouraged to meet at the Barley House at 132 North Main Street at 9 AM to prepare for testimony that begins at 10. Having pre-written statements (24 copies for the amount of representatives on the Judicial Board) helps the process. Anybody interested in either attending or doing phone banking is encouraged to contact Mike at 340-6604. Share In the meantime, let’s spread the word to our friends and family on Facebook. Let’s ask our neighbors to stand with us, as popular opinion has been showing in current trending surveys. Let’s create discussions with our politicians on every level to prevent us from having to repeat this civil right battle. Let us gather, have fun and donate to the non-profit institutions that help protect these rights like the NH Freedom to Marry www.nhftm.org . This Sunday, starting at 4 PM, I shall be hosting a Valentine’s Day Tea Dance at Inferno in Brattleboro, Vermont. The beneficiary of money raised from the cover, raffles, etc. will be NH Freedom to Marry, who will be joining us with current literature. |
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DJ Chris Holman: Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2011 4:23 PM
Referral Incentive Program Save HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS on your next event!! Referrals are the cornerstone to building a good entertainment business. Especially when dealing with once in a lifetime event, it is important to know that your DJ is dependable, engaging, able to adapt & prepared for any type of emergency. It is through personal referrals that most people pick vendors for their weddings, anniversaries, fund-raisers, and other special event plans. As an individual, I recognize how time consuming writing these referrals for websites can be and I wanted to create a rewards system for the people and businesses that take that time to recommend my business to others. For up to ten websites that you give positive reviews of my services, I shall give you a gift certificate of $10 per review. REPEAT CHARITIES WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE THEIR NEXT EVENT FOR THE LOW COST OF $100!! My recommendation is to write one overall reference that you can copy and paste, and do all ten from the list below at once. When finished send an email to me (cjholman@hotmail.com) and I shall email you the coupon. For less than an hour of your time, you can save $150-$200 on your next party or get a coupon to give to a friend or family member for their party. For venues, vendors (photographers, caterers, restaurants, bars, etc.) with whom I collaborate that provide the ten references, I offer to entertain a company holiday party or summer workplace outing for the low cost of $200 (Sun.-Fri.). Again, let me know that you have submitted the reviews and I shall be glad to respond with reviews of your services or industry as well. This is a great way to do company parties that recognize the value of your employees. I appreciate the great teamwork I have experienced with many wonderful venues & their staffs. For brides & grooms, the most important referrals for a DJ, I also add the possibility of doing an anniversary party (Sunday-Friday) for $200. These certificates will not expire, so you can use it to celebrate your first, fifth, or twentieth anniversary. Due to the new nature of the program, I shall honor all referrals, even for weddings done more than a decade ago. If you have any questions, please let me know. I enjoy deeply the strong, long-lasting relationships I create with my couples and would be honored to help reunite the friends and family that attend your unions and receptions. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email or call me. I sincerely appreciate your help with this important step in my business development. Below there is a list of websites with which I advertise that reviews can be left: 1. Facebook (CJ the DJ fan page) 2. Eventective 3. Wedding Wire 4. Thumbtack 5. PartyBlast 6. Eventful 7. Yahoo 8. Purple Unions 9. LinkedIn 10. Email me for use on my personal website. (**Additional Bonus** $50.00 off your next event total or added to coupon if you provide 5 pictures or video highlights of your event for promotional use) |
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Chris Holman: Posted on Monday, January 31, 2011 11:22 PM
 One of the great benefits of my work is that I get to network with a large variety of wonderful people and businesses, like Jessica Van Der Kern from The Vintage Rose Boutique & Botanicals. To help raise money for five of my upcoming charity gigs, she has agreed to sell flowers, donating a portion of each half dozen to the philanthropy you chose.  So, for example, you can have her bring a dozen roses to Saturday night's dance at the Winchendon Legion. It is $50 for the dozen, but $10 will be donated to your cause - which may be the Winchendon Legion. Not only are you surprising your sweetheart with a great gift, but you are helping with additional fundraising! Or you can call and place the order for another day delivery; she will explain any additional delivery charges. The information that will be gathered when you call in your order will be: 1. Payment information (Visa, MC, Discover or by check & cash in store or at gigs) 2. Delivery information (location, time, etc.) 3. Card message 4. Charity of choice Individually wrapped flowers (roses, sunflowers, etc) will be available for sale at the events, with the proceeds going to the charity. The events Jessica will be at: Wed. 2/2 Dog Park Fundraiser - Fitzwilliam Inn ShareSat. 2/5 Winchendon American Legion Fri. 2/11 Jaffrey American Legion
She may be stopping by additional events. Show somebody that you care by sending them flowers with more meaning.... |
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Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 5:21 AM
With multiple colleges and universities in our region, the owners of the Fitzwilliam Inn have decided that they would like to have a night each month to recognize the students, staff, and alumni. As a graduate of Franklin Pierce University Class of '99, I am very happy to be hosting these events. We shall have karaoke and dancing for everyone to enjoy, as well as dinner and drinks specials. Rooms are available at the special rate of $100 per night and include breakfast. The Fitzwilliam Inn has been hosting families from all of the local educational facilities since they have been founded, and traditionally has no vacancies on homecoming, graduation, & other event weekends. It was very exciting returning to the newly named Cheshire Tavern for December's World AIDS Day benefit. Despite very cold, dreary weather that prevented us from doing an outdoor candlelight vigil, we still had good attendance and raised money for the Twin States Network.  The first Wednesday charity event for January 5th is to benefit the local Troy Fireman's Auxiliary. These volunteers support our volunteer firefighters by bringing blankets and stuffed toys to victims in accidents and fires. They bring food and drinks to the firefighters during fires that they often rush to fight, sometimes spending many hours doing so. If there is snow on the ground and the night is clear, we shall also be having a campfire outdoors, so please dress warmly if you would like to enjoy it with us. |
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Boston Pride: Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2010 12:06 PM
 Boston Pride closes 40th Anniversary year by throwing a seasonal celebration for the whole LGBT Community. On Saturday, December 4 at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Pride will host A Not So Silent Night Holiday Event, a seasonal celebration for the whole LGBT Community. The event will feature casino favorites like Texas Hold ‘Em, Black Jack, and Roulette as well as a 50-50 raffle, and dancing. A Mystery Buy-a-Box component will replace the traditional silent auction giving guests a chance to get some holiday shopping done. “The holidays are a perfect time to bring everyone together. Just for fun. Just to relax, unwind, mingle, network, dance. That’s what the Boston Pride does in June and that’s what we want to do in December. If the LGBT Community can be considered a big family, it’s not enough to get together just once a year. So, we’re hoping to get the family together for an annual Holiday Party too!” Comedian Chantal Carrere, voted one of Curve Magazine’s Top 10 funniest Lesbians, hosts andDJ Chris Holman will be spinning all night. Tickets $10 in advance / $15 at the door and includes chance to win door prize. The party, dice, and dancing get rolling at 7pm. Tickets on sale now at www.bostonpride.org/holiday .
Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Proceeds from the event will benefit Boston Pride’s year-round activities, including development of new educational and human rights programming. |
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CJ the DJ: Posted on Sunday, November 21, 2010 11:45 AM
 There are many heroes in our everyday lives, but it is the bravery of our American armed forces that deserves to be recognized. As an active Son of the American Legion, I enjoy working at many of the VFW's and legion locations around New England. In Jaffrey, I often entertain with karaoke and dancing. My next event there will be on Friday, December 10th. There will be a 50/50 raffle. The event is free for members, $5 for non-members. Aside from these fundraisers for local chapters, I also provide discounts for other events and members of the armed forces and their families. I have been entertaining welcome back parties for our soldiers for almost a decade, as friends and neighbors return home from service and war zones abroad. Thanks for all of your sacrifices and commitment to American values. Please be sure to mention which discount you would like to apply to your next function. |
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Chris Holman: Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2010 10:48 PM
 The Fitzwilliam Inn has been a consistent part of my entire life. As a child, I learned how to swim in her pool & had Shirley Temples at the bar on report card nights. I learned how to play Scrabble with weeknight games Jim Kennedy organized there in Junior High and in high school, I taught kids in the summer recreation program how to swim there. At one point, I was performing in murder mystery dinners there, too. Five years ago, I enjoyed bartending at the Fitzwilliam Inn for the Kelly family. Now, I am very happy to be returning to the Fitzwilliam Inn regularly with the new owners. Already known for their commitment to live entertainment on weekends, they are going to be open on Wednesdays starting in December, with a limited bar menu. Their first Wednesday night open and our first karaoke night will be December 1st, which is also World AIDS Day. Rather than charge a cover, we have decided we would like to take donations for a different charity each month. For the first month, we shall be donating the money raised to the Twin States Network.I shall be hosting karaoke from 7-11 PM and truly hope that there will be a good attendance for the Fitzwilliam Inn's grand re-opening on Wednesday nights. If you know of a community organization that would like to be the hosts and recipients of a Wednesday night karaoke, please let us know. |
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Chris Holman: Posted on Tuesday, November 09, 2010 3:02 PM
Hi Everyone! I am very excited to announce that I shall be starting a DJ Blog. Each week I meet wonderful people, often seeing old friends & working at memorable events. More than a third of my work is for non-profits & charities, raising money for worthwhile community endeavors & promoting social education, business networking & other important causes. Although I enjoy sharing information through social sites like Facebook, there are limitations to the amount I am able to convey. By creating this independent blog on my website, I hope to better convey the emotions, energies, & details of the events with which I work, while also creating more dialogue to provide tips for people planning their first weddings & marketing for local businesses. This will be my fourteenth year as a DJ, though the variety of experiences are much more broad than the years alone represent. From drag shows to karaoke bars, elegant costume balls to woodland keggers, I have had such a great amount of experiences that has taken me across this country & back. I sincerely hope that you will check back & see what is happening often, recommending to your friends to "Like" CJ the DJ (DJ Chris Holman) on Facebook to follow the exciting events as they unfold in 2011! |
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