Janice Fried is the featured artist currently on exhibit at the Rotunda Gallery at Borough Hall.  Her show, called "Modern Victorian", exhibits thirteen pieces of work that span a 10-12 year period of creativity.

Janice's illustrations are filled with color and beauty and provide an escape, a sanctuary.  On display though December 29^th, you'll find a bit of peace during the hectic holiday season there.

I met with Janice at the Winter Solstice Holiday Bazaar reception.  We spoke about her work and her life as an artist.

There were horses and fire engines, marching bands, tap dancers and scouts galore at the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce Winter Festival Parade on Sunday. It tipped off the holiday season with flair and fun on a perfect 60-degree day (there were plenty of Santa hats notwithstanding the Indian Summer feeling!)Stay tuned for all the news about upcoming town events right here on this site. May Santa grant you every wish you can think of!

Brewed Awakening recently announced that they will be hosting a Mom's Night Out on Monday, November 30, from 5-9 pm.  Local artisans and home-based business owners will be there to kick off the holiday shopping season.  Avoid the malls and enjoy snacks & refreshments while you shop.

Richard Linklater's critically-acclaimed adaptation of Metuchen author Robert Kaplow's book ME AND ORSON WELLES will open in New York and Los Angeles over Thanksgiving weekend. The following weekend the film will gain a wider release and be available for viewing closer to home.

As Evelyn Finck wrote in the Friends of the Metuchen LIbrary newsletter, "Garnering much advanced praise, including Roger Ebert's assertion that ME AND ORSON WELLES is 'surely one of the best films about the theater that I've ever seen," the film features an ensemble cast led by Zac Efron, Claire Danes, and Christian McKay. The story takes place in November of 1937, and it concerns one whirlwind week in the life of 17-year-old Richard Samuels who, through a combination of good timing and sheer audaciousness, lands himself a small role in Orson Welles' modern dress production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar."

Congratulations, Robert, and we wish you great luck with the movie! And, if you can, read the book before you see the movie--we highly recommend it!

From The Pumpkin by  John Greenleaf Whittier

Ah! on Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West,
From North and from South comes the pilgrim and guest;
When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board
The old broken links of affection restored;
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before;
What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye,
What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?
Then thanks for thy present! none sweeter or better
E'er smoked from an oven or circled a platter!
Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine,

Brighter eyes never watched o'er its baking, than thine!
And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express,
Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less,
That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below,
And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow,
And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky
Golden-tinted and fair as thy own Pumpkin pie!

From St. Francis Cathedral School:  

Sixty children sang, recited poetry and acted the roles of Native Americans teaching the colonists which crops would succeed in their new world and how best they could survive the coming winter. 

Visit Westerhoff School of Music and Art now through December 19th for a lovely view at work created by local talented artists, and pick-up a special holiday gift in the process.  The Winter Solstice Holiday Bazaar features work in a variety of mediums and for a variety of prices - something for everyone.  Gallery hours are Monday - Friday from 3-8 PM and Saturday 9-3, or by appointment. 

Los Angeles based Mike Marino brings his unique brand of comedy to the Forum Theatre Arts Center in Metuchen on Friday evening following Thanksgiving. Originally from New Jersey, Marino is affectionately known to thousands of fans as "New Jersey's Bad Boy".  His stand-up material ranges from cutting edge observations of everyday life to laughably examining his Italian family roots. His comedic style has landed him guest appearances on The Tonight Show as a regular sketch player.  He's also performed on The Martin Short Show and Comics Unleashed, to name a few.

North Edison/Metuchen Girl Scouts collected and made Turkey Boxes to help with the annual Hands of Hope Food Pantry Thanksgiving Drive. They were able to deliver 82 complete boxes and 9 bags of extra food to Hands of Hope.  They had 47 troops and 550 girls participate.  Marisa Redding, Independent Girl Scout, collected and delivered the boxes, which were distributed on Saturday, Nov. 21^st.  All the boxes contained enough food items to prepare a complete Thanksgiving Day meal, turkey included, and were decorated for the holiday and included a homemade card for the family.

With an unprecedented need for food donations this holiday season, the NEMGS responded with a service unit record. The Reddings not only organized the collection, but literally collected all the boxes at their home in Edison and delivered the boxes themselves to Hands for Hope. HFH coordinators were ecstatic with the turnout. The economic downturn has created many more unexpectedly needy families this holiday season.

Bring your appetite and love of all things delectable.  Mona Lisa Bakery is OPEN!  I stopped in this morning to say hello and the place was hopping.  Dozens of families were inside having a Sunday brunch and a there was nice line at the bakery counter.  The coffee is spectacular.  Stop by and say hello and treat yourself to a delicious meal or snack.  The bread counter is filled with perfect Brooklyn breads.  The owners are offering a 25% discount for holiday orders placed in November.  Click here for more detail on the family and the store. 

From Palmer Library press release:

Linda Vonderschmidt-LaStella of Metuchen will be presenting a selection of Ceramic Wall sculptures and Tile at the Palmer Museum through December 29^th, 2009. Ms La Stalla is an award winning artist, having devoted herself to art since receiving her MFA in Ceramics and Painting from Catholic University in Washington, DC.  She has had exhibits at many venues for almost 20 years.

 

The artist will conduct a hands-on workshop, "Creating Critters in Clay", on Saturday November 28^th from 2:00-4:00 P.M.  This will be followed by a "meet the artist" until 4:45 P.M. The Donald B. Palmer Museum is located in the Springfield Free Public Library, 66 Mountain Ave., Springfield. Hours of the exhibit are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10 A.M. to 8:30 P.M., and Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. For information call (973) 376-4930.

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CALLING ALL ARTISTS and any other interested persons to begin the long-range planning for the METUCHEN'S MYSTICAL MAGICAL JUNEBUG ARTFEST 2010!  

The annual Junebug Artfest, every Friday night in June, 6-10pm, brings artists of every sort to Main Street Metuchen and other nearby locations.  It features musicians, visual artists, actors, dancers, poets and other spoken word artists, in addition to interactive events for adults and children. 

The previous two years have been immensely successful, attracting numerous artists and many, many attendees.  We need volunteers to assist in the planning and organizing of this year?s Artfest.  Please consider joining us to help make this the best Junebug yet!

 For information on the next meeting or to volunteer for the committee, call Metuchen Chamber of Commerce:  732.548.2964 or e-mail:   metuchen.chamber@verizon.net 

From the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce:

On Friday, November 20^th, Metuchen Mayor Thomas Vahalla will join representatives of the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce for a grand opening and official ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming Tracy Martin, of Martin & Son Jewelers.  Join us at 418 Main Street at 4:00 pm as we welcome Tracy and her family to the Metuchen business community.

Martin & Son Jewelers is a three generation family owned and operated business that has been serving the people of New Jersey since 1939.  As the third generation in a family of jewelers, Tracy Martin knew not to take the many customer suggestions for various in store amenities lightly. "When the idea of relocating came to mind, I looked no further than to the town my mother and father always took me to as a child, Metuchen, New Jersey.  I've always had wonderful memories of the small town festivals and parades, shopping at Morris Stores for my Brownie uniform, and all the quaint neighborly shops of Main Street.  For me the choice was an easy one," stated Tracy.

JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK 5K

Team:  Aaron's Army

To benefit the Arthritis Foundation

To make a donation or to join our team (Aaron's Army) visit:

http://2009JBRWMetuchen.kintera.org/clare

DATE:               Sunday, December 6, 2009

LOCATION:    Novita Bistro & Lounge
                        25 New Street, Metuchen, New Jersey 08840

TIME:               8:30 am  Registration & Packet Pick Up
                          9:45 am  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
                         10:00 am  Start Time
                         11:00 am   Finish Line Reception

DISTANCE:    5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles)

PARTICIPANTS:  Over 400 participants and volunteers are expected.  Participants will receive a T-shirt, lunch, "Beat the Cold" goodie bag & bells!!

FEES:  Registration Fee is $20 before November 6
            $25 starting November 7th through day of event

FOOD:  Morning snacks & drinks; Water provided on the route; Finish line reception courtesy of Novita Bistro & Lounge.
    
PLEDGES:  Runners and Walkers are encouraged to raise additional dollars for great prizes!

Borough Hall has issued the following schedule for the new Metuchen Taxi Service that will run a similar route to the Jitney--but it'll cost you $140 a month. Information is also provided here for riders with disabilities.

The Jitney is Dead! Long Live the Jitney!

Showtimes for Coco Before Chanel:

Thursday at  4:40 and 7PM

Friday and Saturday at 4:40 and 7PM

Sunday at  2:10, 4:40 and 7PM

Showtimes for New York I Love You:

Friday and Saturday at 9:10

All seats are $8.00 Seniors 65 and over $7.00

www.forumtheatrearts.org

732.548.5600

The Forum Theatre Arts Center is the only nonprofit New Jersey movie house for independent, foreign and repertory programming since 1983

From the Metuchen Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB)

On Sunday, November 22 at 2 PM, the Metuchen Public Library will offer 90 minutes of hands-on archery lessons. Metuchenites in grades 6-12 are invited to learn how to practice this lifetime sport using regulation compound bows and matching arrows.

Here's an update from Jirapon Rader-Chambers about the replanting of the 100-year-old vine rescued from destruction:

The Metuchen Garden Club with the help of D&S landscaping will be transplanting two of the individual grape vines to the Old Franklin School at the end of this month. The vine is quickly going dormant so it has a great chance of survival. We will also be taking many cuttings of the vine to ensure survival with some back up plants. At this time we will be offering a cutting to each individual or family that is interested along with directions on how to propagate the vine. Please have people respond to my e-mail if interested. I will compile a list and then get in touch with them as the time grows closer. We really appreciate all your help in this matter.

If you are interested, you can contact Jirapon through our site at info@metuchenmatters.com.

From The Project Graduation Committee:

Please join Metuchen High School Project Graduation '10 for the Eighth Annual "Evening at the Races" at the Pegasus Restaurant, Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, November 21st.

Project Graduation is a committee of parents who raise funds so that the present Graduation Class of 2010 can have a fun, substance-free overnight celebration with their entire class.

On Wednesday evening, Nov 18th from 7-9 pm at the Metuchen Senior Center:

• How can access to trails and open spaces be improved?
• How can Metuchen be more 'green' and sustainable?
• Is there interest in community gardens?
• What sort of pedestrian and bike trails are needed?

The Greenway is one of the coolest projects to be offered Middlesex County residents in years.  It is a project which seeks to blend healty lifestyle activities, nature, and green living and it will run smack through our town.  You have a chance to express your ideas and concerns about the project.  Join the Metuchen Environmental Commission at this Greenway Extension Planning Session.  If you are unable to attend but wish to be heard, send your email to metuchenenvironmentalcommission@verizon.net.

Via Email to:

Mayor Vahalla

Borough Council Members Dyas, Waldron, Manley, Weber, Cammarano and Morrison

Borough Administrator Boerth

                        Re: Continuation of the Jitney Bus Service

Dear Mr. Mayor, Council Members and Mr. Boerth:

I am writing to all of you with the hope that we can proceed with an energetic effort to maintain the jitney bus service on which many of our Borough residents depend.

I am among the 106 signers of the petition but had to be out of town last week and could not attend the Council meeting on November 2.  Fortunately, I was able to watch the MEtv recording of the meeting.

The most promising if temporary approach may be to seek agreement with New Jersey Transit to extend the current arrangement rather than return the bus at the end of December.  Councilman Morrison recommended this, and I would like to request an immediate effort to get such an extension, preferably for one year but for at least six months to give the Council and citizens an opportunity to review longer-term possibilities.  For the operating expense in early 2010, a number of options may exist. 

Councilman Morrison also recommended a citizens commission.  I support that and am willing to join it and offer some of my time toward a favorable long-term outcome.

A favorable outcome may involve any of the options that were mentioned at the November 2 meeting.  Broadly, I lean toward a user fee that would pay at least a portion of the operating costs.  The feasibility of that option was not discussed in any detail, although some quick calculations suggest that even a fee of one dollar per ride may suffice if New Jersey Transit provides a new bus, which apparently is its offer.

The results of the principal search survey regarding a new head at the Metuchen High School are available on the District's website. What do you think? What's your response to this note from a reader:

"The administration website has a sub-page on the principal search, which features the talking points and summary findings of the September session. The Proposed schedule was mysteriously updated on 10/20/09, pushing forward many of the original deadlines. There has been no other public information of which I'm aware.

 

After two months, enquiring minds would certainly be interested in the results of the public survey, the draft principal job description, and the intentions for posting the job.

 

Also, high school #29, Cranford, lost their principal during the summer and began their search in August. "

 

The trial of the tree cutters was held yesterday in Franklin Township.  (Click here for earlier stories on the incident). 

From a Metuchenite in attendance:

'Municipal Judge E. Ronald Wright, Franklin Township Somerset County, dismissed the case against The Woodwild Park Association. Nobody from the Borough of Metuchen (the complainant) appeared at the hearing, other than Metuchen Police officer Keane who was sent to testify. (Poor guy, it was his day off and nobody else showed up.)  Robert Devlin, attorney for The Woodwild Park Association, made a motion for dismissal which was then granted by Judge Wright.'

THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13th: 

The Metuchen Youth Development Service Board is presenting a HOLIDAY MAGIC SHOW this Friday evening at CAMPBELL SCHOOL (earlier announcements and tickets list Moss but the event location has been changed to Campbell).

Click the following link for a FREE TICKET.  Doors open at 7:30 PM and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

youth_services_board_nov2009[1].pdf

Given the vocal crowd that came before the Borough Council at their November 2nd meeting, it would seem that the commuters who take the Jitney from one of its appointed stops to the train station are verklempt about its imminent demise. They almost called the Mayor a liar when he quoted the DPW numbers on ridership (90+ per day split between morning and night shifts) and angrily demanded why had this issue not gone to the public sooner (they were reminded that it had--from the spring on, the jitney's upcoming end-of-term was under discussion and the public was made aware of it in the usual ways). It stands at present that the Jitney Bus service will end on December 31st. Another bus offered earlier in the year by NJ Transit had been declined but the Council members offered that another trip to NJ Transit to a) extend the amount of time we have to run the present bus for the Jitney and b) to reconsider the NJT's offer for another bus would be possible.

Running the bus costs $55K+ per annum--thus, running the bus at a cost to each rider of $1 per ride might help offset some of this annual payment (the Council considered this a less-than-effective way to cover costs).

A Family Concert

¬         Saturday, November 14th, 2009

¬         7:00 P.M.

¬         Old Franklin School (BIL building), 491 Middlesex Ave. (across from Borough Hall)

Suggested donation to benefit Metuchen EMS - $5/person, $12/family. This event is sponsored by the Metuchen Cultural Arts Commission. For more information, call MCAC at 732-632-8502 or Danny/Kim at 732-548-1779 or email: info@dannyandkim.com

Campbell walkers beware:  If you are selected for afternoon kindergarten at Moss School, you may spend the school year rushing from one school to another and chances are you won't arrive at one of them on time to pick-up your child as he or she is dismissed. 

A mom in this very circumstance has a meeting with Mrs. Sinatra to formally present her concerns.  Mirella Lomax invites parents in this situation to either join her at the meeting or email your thoughts to her and she'll present them to Mrs. Sinatra.  According to Mirella, "This has been an issue for years and now that I finally have Mrs. Sinatra's ear, I believe we can find a satisfactory resolution."  If you'd like to attend the meeting or would like to have your concerns heard, email Mirella at mimi825@optonline.net.

From the Raconteur:

8 PM, Fri. Nov 6
EMILY MANN
Playwright/Artistic Director of McCarter Theater
Reading/Signing
MRS. PACKARD
This year Emily Mann celebrates her 20 year anniversary as the multi-award winning Artistic Director and Resident Playwright of McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, where she has overseen some 85 productions. Her new play, Mrs. Packard, premiered at McCarter in May 2008. A recipient of the prestigious Hull-Warriner Award and the Edward Albee Last Frontier Directing Award, Ms. Mann is a member of the Dramatists Guild and serves on its Council. She recieved an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Princeton University. Both Ms. Packard and a collection of her plays, Testimonies, will be on sale at the event. Click HERE for more info regarding the McCarter Theater. FREE! Complimentary wine

New York, I Love You, an omnibus featuring an all-star cast in vignettes about love stories set in the city, will be running at the Forum this weekend, their first foray into movies since they've reopened. Catch it every November Friday and Saturday nights at 7PM and 9:25PM, as well as Sunday at 5 PM and 7:25PM. You can buy tickets on the Forum's website.

New York, I Love You is a collective work of eleven short films (running times for each segment are  approximately 10 minutes). Actors include Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Orlando Bloom, and Irrfan Khan,  with each shooting their part in one of New York's five boroughs. Similar to the previous film, Paris, je t'aime, the shorts presented together will not relate but will all tie into the common theme of finding love. It's been a big hit on the festival and independent film circuits.

Office of Emergency Management chief James Graziano presented information at this week's Borough Council meeting in which he outlined the local response to the H1N1 flu epidemic. This information came just as another New Jersey resident has died from swine flu. 775,000 vaccines have been shipped to New Jersey, more than half the 1.4 million that have been ordered and the families of children in our school district recently determined whether or not their children would be allowed to receive the vaccine, which is due to be administered the week of November 12th.

State Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard said the 42-year-old Middlesex County man was hospitalized with underlying medical conditions. No other details were provided. At least 20 people in the Garden State have died from the H1N1 virus. State officials confirmed last week that a 17-year-old student who attended Rancocas Valley High School in Burlington County had died. The commissioner says swine flu has been confirmed in all 21 counties and that New Jersey is one of 48 states where the virus is considered to be widespread.

From Councilman Richard Weber:

"I would just like to extend my gratitude to the people of Metuchen who have put their confidence in me to elect me for a third term.  I have also tried to do what is best for Metuchen  and will continue to do so as we struggle through this economic downturn.  I  am optimistic that we will be able to work with the new leadership in Edison on more shared services to accomplish additional cost savings.  I also look forward to serving on the Council with Sheri Rose and all the other members to attempt to come up with solutions to issues that will confront us into the future."

FYI: New Council member Sheri-Rose Rubin will talk to Metuchen Matters later today.

Antonia Ricigliano becomes the first woman Mayor in Edison's history. The Democrat has lots of plans for the town--some of which might include Metuchen and shared resources.

The three council candidates on Ricigliano's ticket were also elected--they include incumbent Councilman Robert Diehl with 11,483 votes, Thomas Lankey with 11,099 votes and Charles Tomaro with 11,313 votes.

Question: How much does gender matter in politics? And how will Ricigliano change the way we work with our "doughnut" town??

Chris Christie is the winner of the gubernatorial race over incumbent Jon Corzine but check here for all up-to-date election returns on the state and federal levels.

What does this mean for our usually blue county? That Middlesex County went red for Christie? Is it property taxes only or is it something else? What do you think?

The jovial atmosphere at Hailey's just got more excitable  as METV has announced that the new Borough Council members are the Democratic candidates. The party at Hailey's is sure to continue throughout the night as everyone watches anxiously for the Gubernatorial race to be decided.

Incumbent Councilman Richard Weber has maintained his seat and Attorney Sheri-Rose Rubin has taken Richard Dyas' open spot on the Metuchen Borough Council. Long months of campaigning paid off for the two candidates, who now keep the Council evenly split party-wise, three Democrats and three Republicans.

 In the meantime, congratulations to our new Council members!

Although we will be updating throughout the night, at present the following stand as the election results from Metuchen voters:

In the governor's race, Chris Christie has 2133 to Jon Corzine's 2207 votes with Daggett taking only 386 votes. With 9% of the vote across New Jersey in now, Chris Christie has taken a 44,000 vote lead.

In the General Assembly vote, incumbents Diegnan (2467) and Barnes (2570) are well ahead of any the other candidates.Polos and Rios lead in the Freeholders race at present. The two-year term for Freeholders finds Barrett (D) leading Greaux (R).

In the Borough Council race, Sheri-Rose Rubin has 2594 votes, incumbent Councilman Richard Weber has 2643 and Joe Vassallo, the lone Republican candidate, has 1338.

The Green Acres issue is supported by 1825 votes in Metuchen--the no's are 1413 right now,

Keep checking back for final tallies! Good luck, candidates!

Exercise those all-important rights as an American citizen and get out and vote today, from 6AM to 8 PM at your proper polling place in Metuchen! There are many races that need your attention today, including the Governor of New Jersey and our own Borough Council. Here are some links to help you make sure you're in the right place at the right time armed with the right information:

Voting411.org

New Jersey State Polling Place Locator

New Jersey Division of Elections

New Jersey Citizens Guide to Government

For further information on our local candidates for Borough Council, check out this past MM post:

http://www.metuchenmatters.com/2009/10/council_election_2009_democratic_ticket_answers_a_few_questions.html

If you've been downtown lately, you may have noticed the heavy traffic around 400 Main. It looks like the proprietors have very handily filled a niche that our town really needed filling! New business owners Chris & Jodi Flynn totally transformed Sawadee's into Hailey's Harp & Pub, an Irish public house.  The pub, named for their daughter Hailey, promises to be filled with good friends, good food and good spirits.

While Hailey's doors are already open, on Tuesday, November 3rd, representatives of the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce will be joined by Metuchen Mayor Thomas Vahalla for an official Grand Opening celebration. Join them at 6:00 pm as the ribbon is cut. Samples from some of their menu items will be served.

From Metuchen Savings Bank and The Chamber of Commerce:

Metuchen Cares: an Economic Forum for local businesses

When:    Thursday, November 5th 8:00 am to 9:30

Where:   Council Chambers at Metuchen Borough Hall, 500 Main Street.

Topic:     Identity Theft Awareness and Prevention

Who:      Open to all members of the community.

A recent episode of SID THE SCIENCE KID on PBS prompted a reader to send us this information--an episode about him getting a vaccine for "the new flu virus" at school with other school kids uses music to explain what the process is and why it's happening to them.

We gratefully list these times when it will be rebroadcast and on what PBS local channels:

•    Sun 11/1 8:30AM - 9:00AM, CH 131 13KDS
•    Sun 11/1 8:30PM - 9:00PM, CH 131 13KDS
•    Tue 11/3 8:30AM - 9:00AM, CH 131 13KDS
•    Tue 11/3 9:00AM - 9:30AM, CH 13 WNET
•    Tue 11/3 9:00AM - 9:30AM, CH 713 13HD

For Immediate Release:

The Metuchen Recreation will be conducting a 2 day Robotics workshop during the public school holiday, Thursday and Friday, November 5th and 6th, from 9:00 - 4:00pm.

This workshop will be under the direction of the Scientational  Workshops Inc, and is available to youngsters ages 7 -12.

Advanced Robotics -The Ultimate Experience - Participants  be building and taking home the Jungle Robot, an advanced level robot. There are many steps in the assembly  process, one of which is the gear box. Learn how different types of gears mesh  and are driven by a motor. Participants will connect the motor, battery and microphone to a circuit board, which will program a sound activated (clap of the hand) robot.