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Westfield, NJ

Sep 1, 2010 WESTFIELD – Troupe of Friends and the Westfield Recreation Department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Westfield (Windsor)" for their annual Labor Day production at the gazebo in Mindowaskin Park in Westfield. Joseph Penczak directs this production, set in Westfield in 1961. The story follows Sir John Falstaff as he tries to woo two wealthy Westfield wives. The wives take advantage of the knight’s over-confidence and find unique ways to humiliate him and also keep their husbands’ jealousies in check. The farcical, slap-stick humor balances the embarrassing predicaments and keeps everyone in a “merry” mood. Performances will be held on Friday, September 3rd and Saturday, September 4th at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, September 5th at 2:00 p.m. All performances are free and no tickets are required. We do encourage you to bring a blanket or a chair for the outdoor performances. In the event of rain, the performances will be held in the Community Room located in the Westfield Town Hall located at 425 East Broad Street, Westfield. For more information, visit www.troupe-of-friends.com or contact Joe Penczak, (908)301-0228. 1283357214
Aug 31, 2010 Union County IT Department apologizes for the mis-communication: "Berkeley Heights - The Township has notified their employees that as of August 30, 2010 at 7:00 a.m. in accordance with the County of Union Electronic Mail Management Policy, all email on the server that are dated prior to and including May 31, 2010 will be purged." -------update------ I received a telephone call late yesterday afternoon from Councilwoman Elaine Perna of Berkeley Heights asking me to explain how an email of mine was posted on the Union County Watchdog Association web page. Mrs. Perna advised me that she was calling on behalf of Mayor Woodruff. The Mayor requested that the article and email be removed from the website as well as a retraction printed because officials from Berkeley Heights never notified its employees that their email was going to be purged and that the email was sent to Berkeley Heights employees in error by the Union County IT Department. Further, I have attached an email that was sent to all Berkeley Heights employees on Monday morning from the Union County IT Department apologizing for the mis-communication and I am hoping that you will put this up on your website to explain what happened. Sincerely, Robin Greenwald 1283265665
Aug 31, 2010 Union County Hiking Club (UCHC), (http://uchc.nynjtc.org/) lists upcoming events open to all. UCHC is 600 folks who enjoy the outdoors - hiking, biking and skiing vacations.

September 30, Thursday -- Darlington/Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah Picnic Hike, bring lunch and water.  Hike 2 hrs to a lunch spot, eat lunch and hike 2 hrs back to the trail head, for further information and to register call: 973-328-7599 okcarol@optonline.net

October 7, Thursday Buttermilk Falls/India Brook, Mendham Picnic Hike, bring lunch and water.  Hike 2 hrs to a lunch spot, eat lunch and hike 2 hrs back to the trail head, for further information and to register call: 973-538-0756; jrmmckay@verizon.net

October 14, Thursday -- Rockaway River WMA/Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Jefferson Picnic Hike, bring lunch and water.  Hike 2 hrs to a lunch spot, eat lunch and hike 2 hrs back to the trail head, for further information and to register call: 973-627-4046; CELL: 973-713-3066; dwiller34@gmail.com

October 21, Thursday -- Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area/Garvey Springs to Sunfish Pond Picnic Hike, bring lunch and water.  Hike 2 hrs to a lunch spot, eat lunch and hike 2 hrs back to the trail head, for further information and to register call: Ed Mancuso 973-744-4788; emancuso7@aol.com

October 28, Thursday -- Raccoon Ridge/Camp Mohican, Blairstown Picnic Hike, bring lunch and water.  Hike 2 hrs to a lunch spot, eat lunch and hike 2 hrs back to the trail head, for further information and to register call: 973-328-7599; okcarol@optonline.net 1283263454
Aug 31, 2010 Westfield 911 - The Town of Westfield will observe the 9th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with a community gathering on Saturday, September 11, 2010, at the September 11th Memorial site on North Avenue at East Broad Street. The commemoration ceremony will begin at 10:00 A.M. with opening remarks from Mayor Andrew K. Skibitsky. Local clergy will offer prayers of commemoration followed by the presentation of the ceremonial wreath by an honor guard. The ceremony will conclude with a period of quiet contemplation as those in attendance stand united as a community to support each other and those who lost loved ones. The ceremony will be held rain or shine. 1283251513
Aug 31, 2010 Fanwood - The opening fall show of the Fanwood Performance Series will be held on September 11, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Kuran Cultural Center (The carriage house). The performance will feature Peirson Ross with a short opening set by Brian Celardo. Singer Songwriter Peirson Ross is crossing the boundaries of traditional folk music with his experimental, world-influenced melodies - called “poet with six-string's vocals - a cross between Dave Matthews, Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake”. Brian will be performing a selection of acoustic blues and country/folk from his 20 year partnership with the late great Mike Higgins of Angst for the memory. Refreshments will be sold during the intermission. The suggested donations are $7, $5 for seniors and students. See www.fanwoodperformanceseries.org Funded in part by Union County. 1283250190
Aug 31, 2010 Summit - Suburban Vegetarians has set a date for its annual "sunflower-blooming party" and vegetarian potluck supper. Every year the group has a vegetarian potluck supper in a local garden to celebrate the blooming of 24 beautiful sunflowers. This year it'll be Sunday, September 5th, at 7 North St. in Summit from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. Musical instruments are welcome if anyone wants to jam. For more info call (908)-277-1833 -- leave messages 24 hours, e-mail themari@comcast.net 1283248894
Aug 30, 2010 Westfield - The Paul Jackson Fund will be holding its first annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 9, 2010. Money raised will be used to assist families facing financial crisis due to catastrophic illness or disability. The 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk are wholly contained within Oak Ridge Park - a USATF certified 500 point NBGP race. The event also includes a wheelchair-friendly 2 Mile Walk and a Kids Fun Run for kids age 2-11 with distances from 25 to 200 yards. Participants may register online at www.pauljacksonfund.org. The Paul Jackson Fund was created in 1991 to benefit Paul Jackson who was paralyzed due to spinal cord surgery. When he no longer depended on finances from The Fund, Paul decided to help others. He created a charity of last resort for people in financial crisis due to catastrophic illness or disability. Paul passed away in 2009, his dream and only wish was for the work of The Fund to continue. The proceeds from The Paul Jackson 5K will assist those most in need. Contact: Mary Boland, Development Director (908) 233-6110 www.pauljacksonfund.org 1283197563
Aug 30, 2010 Westfield - Welcome back to all the members of the Westfield Area AARP Chapter 4137. Our first meeting of the 2010-2011 year will be on Monday, Sept. 13 at the Scotch Hills Country Club, Jerusalem Rd. and Plainfield Ave. in Scotch Plains. All meetings begin at 1:00 P.M. Our program for this first meeting is entitled “How to Start Your Genealogy Research”. Ms Beverly Yackel will speak to this interesting topic. She is past president of the Monmouth Genealogy Society and Chairperson of the Education Committee and has lectured throughout the state of New Jersey. Prospective members interested in joining our chapter are welcome to attend. A trip is scheduled to LiGreci’s Staaten on Staten Island on Wednesday, November 3 to see the show Three Irish Tenors. The cost is $70.00 which includes transportation, luncheon, show and gratuity. Details will be available at the meeting. The membership year runs from Sept. to June, same as our meeting year and dues of $5.00 may be paid beginning with this first meeting. Refreshments will be available at the conclusion of the business meeting. 1283191394
Aug 30, 2010 Roselle - The Occupational Center of Union County, 51-year-old non-profit organization, will host a Casino Night Fundraiser at the Gran Centurions in Clark on Friday, Sept 24. “The Center has been at this location (Located at 301 Cox Street) since the 1970’s and still most of the county has no idea we exist,” says Fundraising Chairman, Victoria Raleigh. “Our goal is to build a strong relationship with the surrounding communities in hopes to increase donations during these rough economic times.” "Like the rest of America, this recession has hit us hard and we are going to try everything we can to continue to offer our services to the disabled individuals of Union County.” OCUC suffered a thirty percent budget cost this year and fears they face an uncertain future if they are unable to increase donations. “We feel once we educate the public on all our organization offers they we see how vital it is that we stay open” The Casino Night Fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. Tickets cost $50 per person. Guests will receive $50 in playing chips, buffet dinner, and have a chance to win an array of prize baskets. For more information, call the Occupational Center of Union County at 908-241-7200. 1283178120
Aug 30, 2010 Cranford - The officer's for the Crane's Ford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were installed June 2010. Please see photo here. Pictured, from right to left, are: the Regent, Carolyn Youngs, 1st Vice-President Bonnie Cierowski, Chaplin Bonnie Turner, Treasurer Betty Duckworth, Corresponding Secretary Helen van Gelder and Registrar Patty Campanelli. For more information, please call Crane's Ford Chapter, 908-276-7104 1283168813
Aug 29, 2010 Westfield - Firefighter Jim Pfeiffer Funeral Ceremony photographs, see: Album 1 - Album 2 - Album 3. For the story, see here 1283104800
Aug 27, 2010 Westfield - Troupe of Friends and the Westfield Recreation Department will present William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Westfield (Windsor)" for their annual Labor Day production at the gazebo in Mindowaskin Park. Joseph Penczak directs this production, set in Westfield in 1961. The story follows Sir John Falstaff as he tries to woo two wealthy Westfield wives. The wives take advantage of the knight's over-confidence and find unique ways to humiliate him and also keep their husbands' jealousies in check. Performances are Friday, September 3rd and Saturday, September 4th at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, September 5th at 2:00 p.m. All performances are free. Please bring a blanket or lawnchair. In case of rain, the performances will be in the Community Room at 425 East Broad Street. For more information, visit www.troupe-of-friends.com or contact Joe Penczak, (908)301-0228. 1282940093
Aug 26, 2010 Westfield – Mindowaskin Park -A fall clean-up & planting has been scheduled for Mindowaskin Park on Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Volunteers & organizations are encouraged to participate and bring gloves, rakes, and tools to trim shrubs and for planting. All volunteers should meet at The Bandstand, located in the center of the Park. For more information, please call 908-233-0028 or email info@mindowaskinpark.org . The Friends of Mindowaskin is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, founded in the early 1990's to revitalize and preserve the park. The mission of The Friends of Mindowaskin Park is to ensure the long-term enjoyment of this public park by the Westfield community. Currently under way is a fundraising campaign for the 'Memory Walk' at the Bandstand. Granite pavers with your inscription are available for purchase from The Friends. For further information please visit our website www.mindowaskinpark.org or call the above number. Board members for 2010 – 2011 include: Deborah Burslem, Robert Burslem, Jane Curtis, David Foltz, Fontaine Gatti, Elizabeth List, B. Carol Molnar, Paul Nazzaro, Marilynn Shields, Gail Smith, Craig Stock, Barbara Vincentsen, and David Williams. 1282844027
Aug 26, 2010 Clark - The Gran Centurions Swim Club, a private swim club, located at 440 Madison Hill Road in Clark, NJ will be hosting a 2 day Swim Club Open House on Saturday September 11, 2010 and Sunday September 12, 2010 from 12:00pm - 6:00pm. This event is free and open to the public. Bring your bathing suit and towel and see what our family friendly facility can offer you and your family next summer. There will be incentives and discounts for all new members who sign up during the open house for the 2011 summer season. For more information, please call David at 732-382-1177 or send an e-mail to thegrancenturions@gmail.com or visit our web-site at www.gcpool.com. 1282818328
Aug 25, 2010 Share the Joy of Singing with The Masterwork Chorus Audition for the 2010-2011 Season STATE – The Masterwork Chorus, one of New Jersey’s finest symphonic choirs, announced auditions for its 2010-2011 season. Highly experienced choral singers who are interested in auditioning are invited to attend the first rehearsal of the 2010-2011 season on Wednesday, September 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Xavier Center on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, NJ. During the rehearsal, potential members may schedule an audition with Music Director Andrew Megill for the following evening (Thursday, September 2) at the Xavier Center. Choral singers with strong vocal and sight-reading skills are encouraged to audition. 1282773982
Aug 25, 2010 The Essex Water Color Club, New Jersey's oldest organization devoted to the art of watercolor painting, will be hosting a demonstration by award-winning watercolorist Sandra L Jones on Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 2-4 PM at the Livingston Senior Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue, Livingston. 1282770383
Aug 25, 2010 Trenton - Race To The Top: Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce: "It is not surprising that the usual roadblock to educational reform, the leadership of the New Jersey Education Association, has provided its expected dose of negative input. Rather than be a part of the solution and contribute to improving our school system, they have continued to put their self interest ahead of the students." - regarding the Obama Administration’s Department of Education decision that New Jersey would not be receiving funding from the federal government’s Race to the Top grant program due to an administrative error. 1282767272
Aug 25, 2010 Westfield - Arrangements for Westfield Firefighter Jim Pfeiffer: James Christian Pfeiffer, 30, passed away on August 22, 2010. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 10:30 AM at St. James the Apostle RC Church, 45 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield. Mr. Pfeiffer was a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Westfield Fire Dept. He was an award recipient from the 200 Club of Union County. Mr. Pfeiffer received an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Union County College. Born in Summit, he lived in Springfield before recently moving to Mountainside. Mr. Pfeiffer is survived by his wife, Christine M. (Klaskin) Pfeiffer, his daughter, Carly Noreen Pfeiffer, his parents, James Thomas and June Pfeiffer, his sister, Lyndsey Pfeiffer, his sister-in-law, Nancy Ulizio and her husband Wilmer, his brother-in-law, Peter Klaskin and his wife Christine and his five nephews, Taylor and Corey Klaskin and Brandon, Nicholas and Jonathan Ulizio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Carly Noreen Pfeiffer Scholarship Fund. c/o Westfield FMBA PO Box 2895 405 North Avenue W Westfield, NJ 07091 1282752143
Aug 24, 2010 Newark - The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, for its first subscription program of the 2010–11 season, presents Beethoven’s immortal Ninth Symphony. Performances take place on Friday, September 24 (8 p.m.), and Sunday, September 26 (3 p.m.), at NJPAC in Newark and Saturday, September 25 (3 p.m.) at the Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown. For more information, mention to Victoria McCabe you learned about this at goleader.com. Call 973.624.3713; vmccabe@njsymphony.org 1282672160
Aug 24, 2010 Fanwood - Presbyterian Church Thrift Shop will reopen for the fall season on Wed. Sept. 8th at 10 a.m. in its newly redecorated premises. There will be a large selection of clothing for all ages and sizes, kitchen supplies, jewelry, small furniture, pictures and frames, as well as other decorative items. The church is at the corner of LaGrande and Martine Avenues, and the entrance is on the side, on McDermott place. There is plenty of parking space. All the workers are volunteers and will welcome you with a friendly smile. The proceeds all go to local charities. 1282666132
Aug 23, 2010 Westfield - Firefighter Jim Pfeiffer, a Mountainside resident and a member of the Westfield Fire Department, passed away last night at University hospital in Newark following a fall while trimming a tree at his home on Sunday. Mr. Pfeiffer, 30, leaves behind his wife and young child. He has been a member of the fire department since 1999. In 2005, Firefighter Pfeiffer received national acclaim for rescuing a small child who had fallen into a narrow hole. - Read article. 1282573298
Aug 23, 2010 Scotch Plains - The Scotch Plains Fanwood Soccer Association (SPFSA) announced a 10-week program for 7th and 8th grade students (public, private and parochial) residing in the Scotch Plains Fanwood School District. The program will feature Mondays Skills Training and Friday Night Lights Games. Online registration opens on Tuesday, August 24 only at www.scotchplainsfanwoodsoccer.com. The program is expected to begin on Monday, September 13. The fee is $45 for children currently in SPFSA programs and $90 otherwise. The SPFSA is non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization founded in 1977 that serves more than 2,000 children annually. 1282568152
Aug 22, 2010 Mercer County - Park West Picnic Area: Central Jersey Walk for PKD, Sunday, Oct. 3 at 10am. Take part in a 1.5 or 3 mile walk around the park with friends and family while raising funds to find a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). We'll have a Penny Kids Dash before the Walk. Meet Scorch from the Trenton Devils. Enjoy ice cream courtesy of The Bent Spoon. Visit www.pkdcure.org/CentralJerseyWalk for details. Stacey Trzesinski, centraljerseywalk@pkdcure.org, 1282504034
Aug 22, 2010 ASBURY PARK: The Asbury Park Oysterfest returns Bigger & Better on Lake Avenue Saturday September 11, 10am to 8pm Sunday, September 12, 10am to 5pm Free entrance 2 Day Event, Rain or Shine Children's Rides and Entertainment Musical Entertainment All day Beer & Wine Available with Proper ID Oyster Eating Contest Huge Variety of Festival Foods Over 100 Gift & Craft Vendors Hosted by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce and The Passion Group. www.AsburyParkChamber.com / 732-775-7676 1282472732
Aug 21, 2010 Gloucester County - Freeholders trouble. State Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D), is also Director of Gloucester County Board of Freeholders. Judge named to oversee Gloucester County freeholders Thursday, August 19, 2010 By Christina Paciolla cpaciolla@sjnewsco.com Judge John A. Sweeney, no relation to Freeholder Director Stephen M. Sweeney, was officially named the overseeing monitor Wednesday by Superior Court Judge Francis J. Orlando Jr. Orlando ruled last month the freeholder board had violated the Sunshine Law in the past and a court-appointed monitor must be hired by the board. "Gloucester County is committed to creating an unparalleled level of openness in our government," said Freeholder Director Sweeney recently (State Senate President Sweeney). "We have taken bold steps that go above and beyond the laws in our state to ensure that there is a high level of transparency in our actions." Later on Friday, August 20, Sweeney promised to resign sometime this year from his position as Gloucester County Freeholder Director. He will stay on as State Senator. 1282399570
Aug 21, 2010 Scotch Plains Day will take place on October 3, 2010, which will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Park & Bartle Avenues this year. The event will feature food, rides, music, a street fair and a car show. For more information, contact the Recreation Department at (908) 322-6700 x1221 or 1223. - steved@scotchplainsnj.com 1282399306
Aug 21, 2010 Scotch Plains Recreation Commission is sponsoring “Senior Day at Scotch Hills” on September 23, 2010. “Senior Day at Scotch Hills” is open to all Scotch Plains senior citizens, at the Scotch Hills Country Club, located at 820 Jerusalem Rd. Seniors will have a free round at the mini-golf course at any time that day. Seniors can enjoy golf for free that day as well, on the 9-Hole course. A barbecue will be held at the Scotch Hills Country Club from Noon to 2 pm. For more information, please contact the Scotch Plains Recreation Department at (908) 322-6700 x1221 or 1223. steved@scotchplainsnj.com 1282399245
Aug 21, 2010 Westfield Symphony Orchestra 2010-2011 Program Guide can be downloaded here. The season begins Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 8 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, NJ with The Joseph DeAlessandro Memorial Opera Concert; MURDER – IT’S NO LAUGHING MATTER; Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci; Pietro Mascagni, Ruggero Leoncavallo - Feel the passion in this double bill of earthy treachery and tragedy. Verismo tales of jealousy, betrayal and cold-blooded murder suggest that all politics are local. Call 908.232.9400 1282399088
Aug 21, 2010 Elizabeth - The Irish Business Association (IBA), will host its 2010 Golf Outing at the Basking Ridge Country Club in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, on Monday, September 27. Cost: $250 per golfer / $975 per foursome. $100 for cocktail reception and dinner only Sponsorships available - $100 for a Tee/Green sponsorship; others available. There is a 10 percent discount on all for payment by September 1. Registration – 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start – 12:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception – 5:30 p.m. Dinner – 6:30 p.m Contact: Kate Conroy – Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce Tel: 908.352.0900 / Fax: 908.352.0865 Or send check or money order to: Irish Business Association PO Box 300 Elizabeth, NJ 07207-0300 1282398899
Aug 21, 2010 Rahway - AARP will hold its monthly trip to Atlantic City’s Showboat Casino on Thursday, September 2, 2010. The cost is $22 with a $30 cash voucher. The bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. To reserve a spot call Irene at (732) 499-7740. 1282398505