The Westfield Leader Newspaper
The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

WITH KERRIANNE SPELLMAN CORT Take the Stage

Pen and Ink

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN Touched By Rumors of Controversy,

CBS’ ‘Angel’ Determined to Prevail

Words are powerful tools. We know that saying the name “God” while praying has a different impact than screaming “Jesus Christ!” when we accidentally get our finger caught in a door and it blows up like the Good Year blimp. Nothing is sacred, not even the name of God. But, that name certainly knows how to stir things up.

“Touched by an Angel” on CBS, which stars Roma Downey, Della Reese and John Dye, doesn’t make any bones about professing the name of God and the real meaning behind His name. The triumphant trio tries to bring solace to lost and troubled souls when they suddenly light up like fireflies and reveal they are sent by God.

Apparently, such consistent mentioning of the “G” word has caused the blood of atheists such as the group led by the late Madeline Murray O’Hare, to boil. They don’t take these things lightly. They would rather watch the world go up in flames than change the channel if they disagree with the religious beliefs “Touched” is trying to convey.

I’m Roman Catholic. I’ve listened to people who call themselves “recovering Catholics” bash those who choose to have a faith and I’m fed up with it. If TV producers insist on feeding viewers a steady diet of violence, blasphemy and twisted, disturbing plots with sexual overtones (which represents 90 percent of television), then I should be allowed to

Actresses Kirsten Dunst and Roma Downey, who plays Monica, during an episode of “Touched by an Angel.”

Continued on Page 19

ARTIST OF THE WEEK

Georges Braque (18821963) “Marble Table” by Georges

Braque, cubist. By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

Cubist painter Georges Braque had an affinity for birds. Several of his paintings such as “White Bird” and “Les Oiseaux” evoke a strong sense of flight and freedom.

A bosom buddy of Pablo Picasso, Braque dabbled in Impressionism and Fauvism before turning to Cubism, a genre that both he and Picasso crafted together.

The Frenchborn Braque served in World War I and was unable to paint again until the age of 35 because of serious war wounds.

However, when Braque picked up his paintbrush again, he decided to mix some different elements into his paintings, particularly sand and torn pieces of paper, in order to create assorted textures and images.

1 1/ 2 tbsp. softened butter 2 c. unbleached, allpurpose flour 3 eggs 2 tsp. baking soda 1 1/ 4 c. oil 1 tsp. baking powder 1 1/ 2 c. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/ 2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 c. grated, unpeeled raw zucchini

Preheat oven to 350degrees. Butter 9x5 loaf pan. Beat butter, eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla until light and thick. Fold in grated zucchini. Sift dry ingredients together. Stir in zucchini mixture until just blended. Pour batter into pan. Bake on middle rack of oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until done using a cake tester. Cool slightly, remove from pan and cool completely on a rack. For best flavor, wrap in plastic when cool. Let stand overnight and serve the next day. Ingrid’s Zucchini Bread

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by Ingrid McKinley

Reprinted with permission from Highlights for Children

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

WESTFIELD – For Tamaques Elementary School student Drew Pecker, 8, of Westfield, having his poem entitled “I Opened A…” published in the August issue of

Highlights for Children and seeing his words and thoughts in print was an unforgettable reward.

Drew’s poem, which appears on Page 32 of the edition, reads: “I opened history and discovered George Washington… I opened the heavens and found love, dreams and laughter… I opened a book and found knowledge… I opened my heart and felt God’s love.”

“It was an idea that popped up in my head and it worked,” said Drew of the poem he wrote as a 6yearold in M i c h e l l e Crisafulli’s class as a school project.

“I thought the thoughts that he used were above and beyond what I expected of him,” said Ms. Crisafulli. “It was one of the best things he did all year.”

“It made me feel special,” Drew told The Westfield Leader and The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood

when asked about seeing his words in Highlights. The magazine, which dates back to 1946, has a circulation of close to 2.5 million and is geared toward children ages 2 to 12.

Drew, who is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Howard Pecker, added that his teacher thought the poem was unique enough to be submitted to

Highlights for publication. Ronna Pecker, Drew’s mother, later noted that once it was submitted, it took approximately one year to be considered for the “Our Own Pages” portion of the magazine.

Linda Rose, Assistant Editor of

Highlights in Honesdale, Pa., told

The Leader and The Times that the overall criteria for choosing pieces for publication calls for work that “represents our readership with children of all different ages and a wide variety of subject areas as well.”

However, Ms. Rose admitted that she was impressed by Drew’s poem which she said was “deeper than most.”

“It struck me that a child of such a young age would come up with so much about different areas of life,” she noted. “The reference to history and George Washington shows a wisdom beyond his years, that he is open to finding knowledge and learning about new things.”

Arts & Entertainment

Published Poetry Is Real ‘Highlight’ For Drew Pecker of Westfield

WYACT Troupe Brings Scottish Legend

Brigadoon To Life at NJPAC

Continued on Page 19

By KERRIANNE SPELLMAN CORT

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

WESTFIELD — Like the phenomenon that the Scottish legend reveals in its delightful story, The Westfield Young Artists’ Cooperative Theatre, Inc. (WYACT) and The New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Summer Youth Performance Workshop’s production of Brigadoon was nothing short of a miracle — a sheer, breathtaking miracle.

The writing team of Frederic Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner brought us exceptional works such as My Fair Lady, Gigi, Paint your Wagon

and Camelot. Their first collaborative hit was Brigadoon and the subsequent film version starred the extraordinary Gene Kelly and his wonderful dance partner, Cyd Charisse.

The original production of

Brigadoon opened on March 13, 1947 at The Ziegfield Theater in Manhattan and ran for 581 performances.

Brigadoon is a treasured standard American musical that has become a staple of summer stock and community theaters. It has several memorable songs to which everyone in the audience can sing along. Based on an old German story, “Germelshausen,” the play is about a mystical town in Scotland that has been blessed with a miracle.

With such stunning musical classics as “Almost like Being in Love” and “From this Day On,” the musical tale tells the story of an enchanting Scottish village that appears only once every 100 years. In an attempt to protect the indigenous people of Brigadoon from the evils of the modern world, a wise old Minister prays to God to allow his people to fall asleep every night as if nothing has changed. When they awake, however, it is 100 years later. The people of the town have not changed and their customs and beliefs remain the same, yet the outside world has moved ahead 100 years.

Clearly, this unusual miracle makes it very difficult for outsiders to stumble upon Brigadoon, but, when two American travelers do fall into the mystical town one fateful day, the story begins.

I cannot say enough about this production at NJPAC. Brilliantly directed by WYACT Artistic and Stage Director Cynthia Meryl, this talented group of fine young actors expertly took the audience on a journey they will not soon forget.

This was exceptional, passionate work. Every single actor on the stage was thoroughly committed to what they were doing, regardless of the size of their role. The principals and ensemble members all deserve accolades. There was not one moment of feeling that you were in an audience watching a play. You were simply transported to Brigadoon.

Rich McNanna, in the role of Tommy Albright, the American tourist who falls in love with Fiona, a local lassie, was out of this world. This performance knocked my socks off. This fine actor can sing and dance with the best of them

and is just a delight to watch onstage. His professional performance was exceptional and the type that all actors should strive for. I have seen many productions of Brigadoon in my career and I have never seen the role of Tommy played so beautifully.

In the leading role of Fiona, Abigail Sparling was magnificent. This ethereal, radiant actress was simply perfect. Her unprecedented soprano voice agilely handled the difficult music and her acting just shined. Ms. Sparling is an honest, sincere performer and has an amazing career ahead of her. It was an absolute joy to watch this young lady at work.

Joseph Harrington was also a treasure in the role of Jeff Douglas, Tommy’s best friend. The role of Jeff is sarcastic and wary, a true devil’s advocate type of character. Refusing to fall into the romantic mysticism that his friend has, Jeff is cocky and faithless. Mr. Harrington was a riot. He played this comical role to the hilt without going overboard and that is the mark of a fine, accomplished actor.

I really enjoyed Ms. Meryl’s decision to utilize the character of Jeff in some of the musical numbers, which is seldom done. Mr. Harrington sings and dances expertly, particularly in “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean,” where he and Mr. McNanna treat the audience to a dance sequence that made you think you were watching young Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.

Jimmy Kilduff is romantic and heartwarming in the role of Charlie Dalrymple, the local lad who is marrying Jean, Fiona’s younger sister. Mr. Kilduff is earnest and genuine in his portrayal and sings the strenuous tenor role quite well. He is also terrific in “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean.”

The lovely Tina BrinckLund is a splendid Jean, conveying all the emotions of a young girl in love. She is an exceptional dancer and has an elegant presence on the stage. The role of Jean tends to fade into the background, but not in this case. Ms. BrinckLund is hard to ignore.

I adored Oscar Castillo in the role of Harry Beaton, the disillusioned local lad who is the only

Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader and The Times BALLOON DRAGON EATING A BALLOON?... The 18th Annual Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning, held July 2830 at Solberg Airport in Readington, welcomed balloons of all shapes and sizes. “Oggy the Dragon” came face to face with the Williams Scotsman balloon in the bright blue sky which was also dotted colorfully with other gorgeous varieties. See story below by Suzette F. Stalker.

Kerrianne Spellman Cort for The Westfield Leader and The Times READY, SET... BRIGADOON!... Theatergoers wait outside of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center before entering to enjoy the performance of Brigadoon by the Westfield Young Artists’ Cooperative Theatre.

Continued on Page 19

Balloon Festival Brings Array of Color to Skies

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times

READINGTON -Up, up and away! Swells of color brightened overcast skies last weekend as more than 100 hot air balloons dazzled visitors to the 18th annual New Jersey Festival of Ballooning held at Solberg Airport in Readington.

Sponsored by Quick Chek and GPU Energy, the event drew thousands to the sprawling airport grounds for multiple balloon launches, musical entertainment, breathtaking air shows, children’s activities and an array of vendors’ wares.

With all ages eagerly watching, the balloons, bearing the logos or design of participating corporate partners, were inflated and launched to form a floating parade across the horizon. On Saturday evening, the inflatable giants were illuminated to create a special display in the launch area known as the Balloon Glow.

Among the most majestic were Quick Chek’s American Eagle, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cone and the GPU Polar Bear. Other impressive entries included Oggy the Lake Serpent, Smokey the Bear, a huge balloon in the shape of a can of Mountain Dew and an Energizer Bunny stretching 10 stories tall.

Three popular bands took the stage in the GPU Family Fun Pavilion during each night of the festival, beginning Friday evening with America, best known for such 70s hits as “Horse With No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair.”

On Saturday, the Beach Boys saluted the glory of sun, surf and that famous Tbird during a jubilant concert which drew throngs of fans. The musical festivities wrapped up Sunday with an afternoon performance

by The Nerds and Parrotville during the Budweiser Beach Party.

Barnstorming pilots and daring airplane wingwalkers were also crowd pleasers as they demonstrated their skills in the skies. The ETeam Elvises of the Sky, an ensemble of skydivers

dressed as the King, proved an additional delight as they parachuted to the fairgrounds.

There was also special entertainment for the youngest festivalgoers, notably “Richard Scarry’s Busytown Express Tour,” based on the children’s books.

The show, performed several times a day during the festival, showcased some of the author’s most popular characters in a program which incorporated musical entertainment and safety tips.

Throughout the weekend, crafters and vendors offered merchandise ranging from Tshirts and other souvenirs to handcrafted clothing and jewelry to cosmetics and pet items.

Continued on Page 19

Photo Courtesy of Phyllis Stalker Photo Courtesy of the Pecker Family