Lionel Hampton to Perform At Blockbuster Jazz Festival
Legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton will headline a star-studded lineup at the upcoming Jersey Jazz by the Lake festival sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The free festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, and will feature continuous music both days.
Known as the “King of the Vibraphone,” Mr. Hampton recently celebrated his 90th birthday at the White House. He played backup for Louis Armstrong in his younger days and later performed with Benny Goodman’s quartet. He still tours and records music.
In addition to music, the festival will offer a fully-supervised Kids’ Kingdom featuring children’s entertainment such as improvisational acts, theater groups, performers and area musicians.
Rides and games will also be available throughout the Kids’ Kingdom, along with educational and handson activities.
“We want this to be an event everyone can enjoy,” said Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan. “This
Students May Register At UCC for Fall Classes
Through September 15
For those who have been taken by surprise that many schools are beginning classes before Labor Day, Union County College (UCC) has a solution.
The college is opening its doors for fall semester classes before Labor Day, which falls on Monday, September 7. It is possible, however, to sign up at UCC through Tuesday, September 15, and still gain the full benefit of the fall semester.
Classes begin on Wednesday, September 2, but students may register later. Registration hours are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Included in these dates are Saturday, September 5, during Labor Day weekend.
In addition to traditional lecture and laboratory courses, the college also offers non-traditional opportunities through Telecourses and Interactive Television courses.
Students may register at UCC campuses in Cranford, Elizabeth and Plainfield, and are not required to sign up at the same location where they plan to study.
For more information, please call the UCC Admissions Office at (908) 709-7500.
Freeholders Consider Trail In Scotch Plains Reservation
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is considering a wildlife trail in the Ash Brook Reservation, located on the border of Scotch Plains and Clark townships.
At its Thursday meeting, the board heard Dean Talcott of the county’s Division of Engineering describe a plan to build a one-and-a-quartermile trail though part of the reservation.
Mr. Talcott said the project would consist of both a dirt walkway in the wooded uplands and a boardwalk in the swampy areas deep inside the reservation.
“This project would give residents the opportunity to enjoy nature in its most primal state,” stated Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who is freeholder Liaison to the county’s Division of Parks and Recreation.
“The county has many playgrounds and athletic fields, but this is a very different use; it would leave the site mostly undisturbed,” he added.
A 350-acre plot of woodlands and swamp, the reservation is one of the last undisturbed woodlands in the county, according to the Freeholder board.
While the county has not conducted a survey of the wildlife there, it is believed the reservation is home to deer, foxes and small animals, snakes and frogs, turkeys, many species of warblers, hawks, ducks, herons and egrets.
Similar boardwalk trails already exist at the Great Swamp in Morris County and Lord Sterling Park in Somerset County.
The reservation is bordered by the Martine Avenue Extension, the Ash Brook and Oak Ridge golf courses, and the John H. Stamler Police Academy and the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools on Raritan Road.
The trail would begin near the school so visitors could use the parkis something families can bring their
kids to, no matter what their ages. People can come for the afternoon, or enjoy a meal with the music in the evening.”
Space at the festival will be provided for area restaurants. Tents, tables and chairs will be provided throughout the site.
Featuring the theme “What is Jazz?”, the festival will bring together diverse musicians and musical styles, including blues, gospel swing, and acid-jazz artists.
Ample parking is available at Union County College, across from Nomahegan Park.
The Freeholders are presenting the jazz event with the sponsorship of Comcast Cablevision and Novartis, and with support from Dock Resins Corporation, NJ Transit, ShopRite, Meeker Sharkey, the United Way of Union County, the Elberon Development Company and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
ing lot, the Freeholder board revealed.
“We hope that a trail like this would bring a better appreciation for nature and wildlife to children and adults,” said Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan.
“With open space at a premium in this county, places like this are very important to our quality of life,” he observed.
Girl Scout Council Chorus Kicking Off Sixth Season
The Washington Rock Girl Scout Council Chorus, which is starting its sixth season of singing and service, recently received an Honorable Mention Award from the Colgate Youth for America Campaign for its contributions to the community and the nation.
The chorus has invited any
SONG OF THE SCOUTS…The Washington Rock Girl Scout Council Chorus is a multi-generation ensemble. Pictured, left to right, are: front row, Callie Gravanis, Kayley Graham, Erin Klein and Briana Redmount; second row, Natalie Allcock, “Skip” Adams and Carina Gerveshi; third row, Dipal Patel and Harriette Koved; fourth row, Jessica Cunningham and Louise Wanzer; fifth row, Heather Schwendeman, Marie Mankowski, Phyllis Cunningham and Helen Grayce; sixth row, Arlene Zegan, Christine Migton and Rebecca Mason, and top row, Jennie Zegan, Chris Gerveshi and Judy Klein. Not pictured are Carly Athan, Rachel Chech, Carly Goldberg, Claire McNamara, Jenny Mannino, and Mariel Rosen.
girl or adult interested in singing with the chorus to register and join as soon as possible. There are several mother/daughter pairs in the chorus, and two senior citizens.
For more information, please call the Washington Rock Girl Scout Council at (908) 232-3236.
P.A.L. Cheerleaders Seek Raffle Donations
WESTFIELD — The 1998 Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) Cheerleaders are asking local business owners to donate goods or services to be raffled off at the ninth annual FestiFall Street Fair in downtown Westfield.
Festifall will be on Sunday, September 20, from noon to 6 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, September 27. The money raised will be for youth activities sponsored by the Westfield P.A.L.
To make a donation of goods or services, sleave a message at (908) 233-7105. All donations will be picked up by Saturday, September 12.
All other donations may be made to: Westfield Police Athletic League Cheerleaders, P.O. Box 873, Westfield, 07090.
Preschool Program To Begin October 6 At Green Forest Park
SCOTCH PLAINS — A recreational program for preschoolers age 4 and 5 will begin on Tuesday, October 6, at the Towne House in Green Forest Park in Scotch Plains.
A variety of games, arts and crafts, tumbling and storytelling will be featured. The children will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m., once a week, for six weeks on Tuesdays.
Volunteers are needed for the program. Interested individuals may offer their services when they register their children.
This program is strictly limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents may register starting on Tuesday, September 8, at a cost of $25 per child; space permitting, nonresidents may register for $30 starting on Monday, September 14.
Pet Adoption Slated Sunday in Township
SCOTCH PLAINS — Wag N’ Bark Pet Adoption has announced that Baquiera, a loving, three-yearold, purebred German shepherd, will be available for adoption on Sunday, August 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at “It’s A Dog’s World,” 1818 East 2nd Street in Scotch Plains.
Baquiera is fully vetted and neutered, and prefers to be the only pet in the home, according to Wag N’ Bark.
There will be many other dogs, both small and large, as well as cats available for adoption at Sunday’s event.
All the animals are spayed/neutered and are fully vetted. For further information, please call (908) 2455949.
Marching Band Invites Community to Attend Special Event on Sept. 3
SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD — The Raider Marching Band of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School has invited the public to an evening of music, fun and games next Thursday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Field between Evergreen Elementary School and the high school.
The marching band will conclude two weeks of practice and preparation for this year’s show with a musical performance and an invitation for friends and supporters to join them on the field.
All ages are welcome, and refreshments will be served. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs.
This event is being offered by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Music Boosters Association and the high school’s music department.
School of Dance Offers Morning Youth Classes
The Westfield School of Dance, 402 Boulevard, will offer morning classes for children ages 3 to 6 years old, according to new owner Joanne Carey.
Miss Carey is best known for her work with young children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, and a Master’s Degree in Dance Education from New York University.
She is also a Middlesex and Mercer County Substitute Certified teacher.
Miss Carey has taught at several nursery schools and is the Director and owner of the Turning Pointe Creative Arts Center, which freelances dance instructors for nursery schools.
Classes, will be held on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Tots, for 3 year olds, will be held from 9:15 to 10 a.m. For 4 and 5 year olds, there will be ballet from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and tap from 10:30 to 11 a.m. For 5 and 6 year olds, ballet will be offered from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and tap will be taught from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Fall registration at the school will take place Tuesday through Thursday, September 1 to 3, from noon to 8 p.m. For further information, please call (908) 789-3011.
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