October 2011 Archives
(Photo courtesy of Clare Puerzer)The Mayor's office just issued an order that the dangerous conditions on Metuchen's roads warrant a "stay home, stay safe" mentality today and tonight. There are downed trees and power lines all up and down our streets, including a huge tree down in front of Community Nursery School at the First Presbyterian and on Spear and Hollywood. The first power outages are being reported by PSEG, up to 2000 in our area alone. Downed power lines have been seen on Grove Avenue and in the Beacon Hill area.
The official message from Borough Hall reads: "Many, many trees and wires down all over town. Conditions are very dangerous. Call PSE&G at 800-436-7734 to report down wires and power outages. Please do not call the police for power and wire issues unless necessary. For emergencies only call 911.
Please stay home. Conditions are too dangerous outside. Do not walk, drive or park under large trees. Roads are starting to get slippery. Some reports of trees down. Call Metuchen Police 732-632-8500 to report trees blocking roads. To report power outages and downed power lines call PSEG at 800-436-PSEG (7734). Stay away from wires on the ground. Use 911 for emergencies only.
Please stay home. Conditions are too dangerous outside. Do not walk, drive or park under large trees. Roads are starting to get slippery. Some reports of trees down. Call Metuchen Police 732-632-8500 to report trees blocking roads. To report power outages and downed power lines call PSEG at 800-436-PSEG (7734). Stay away from wires on the ground. Use 911 for emergencies only.
CLOSINGS: The Forum is closed tonight so there will be no screenings of THE DEBT. The Haunted Bookshop at the Raconteur will be open TOMORROW but NOT TONIGHT--hours will be extended so drop in from 4-11 PM tomorrow.
KEEP IN TOUCH here for news on the Parade tomorrow. The Chamber of Commerce has announced that they need to call it by 11 AM so we will know then if the Parade is on or not.
From the Chamber: "The Metuchen Recreation Commission and the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce will be making a formal announcement by 11:00 AM on October 30th about the status of the parade.
Please check back on our website: www.metuchenchamberexchange.com, our Facebook page, and by listening to our office voicemail at (732) 548-2964. Thank you!"
For The Kids This Saturday October 29 at 11AM
Mr. Rays Halloween Happening Show & A Costume Parade ON STAGE!!!
Mr Ray Returns To The Forum Stage With His Not So Spooky, Halloween Show! A Show Filled With All Of Mr Rays Hits and Some New Tunes As Well.
There will be a costume parade on stage with MR RAY so come dressed in your best Halloween attire!!
All seats $14 and can be purchased at the door the day of the show.
Box office will open at 10AM
Mr. Rays Halloween Happening Show & A Costume Parade ON STAGE!!!
Mr Ray Returns To The Forum Stage With His Not So Spooky, Halloween Show! A Show Filled With All Of Mr Rays Hits and Some New Tunes As Well.
There will be a costume parade on stage with MR RAY so come dressed in your best Halloween attire!!
All seats $14 and can be purchased at the door the day of the show.
Box office will open at 10AM
From the Raconteur:The Haunted Bookshop. 7 - 11 PM, Sat & Sun Oct 29 & 30. See Gregor Samsa turn into a clacking, black bug; see Captain Ahab, mad with the hunt, hoist high his harpoon; see the long gnarled fingers and barked bones of Dante's tree suicides. Plus a consumptive Annabel Lee, a bloodthirsty Titus Andronicus, and a bound behemoth is jolted to lightning-induced life. $5.
Since there is a lack of pumpkins this year, with crops not surviving the horribly wet summer, there is no pumpkin float at Tommy's Pond. Instead, there will be a special Halloween Parade starting at the Senior Center at 3 PM on Sunday, October 30th. Check out this parade route map--vendors will be along the route, handing out candy and information about their services to the community.
Our sources tell us that there is also a Zombie Invasion planned but it WILL NOT START UNTIL 5PM! So clear out the kiddies and let the Zombies have the street after 5.
P.S. The weather report claims that there is a possibility of 3-5 inches of snow expected tomorrow--yes, in October! UGH! We will keep you updated about the weather and the parade throughout the weekend.
On November 4, 2011 a group of
Edison Branch Y staff members and volunteers representing the YMCA of Metuchen,
Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy leave for a much anticipated one week
visit to the YMCA of Bombay in Mumbai, India. Cindi Crane - Edison Branch
Executive; Lexy Anderson - Associate Branch Executive; Dinesh K. Karnani &
Lorraine Mulligan - Board Members are representing the YMCA on this mission
trip.
The group's goal is to further our international partnership, experience the culture of India, explore our common ground, exchange ideas for programs and services and develop a working relationship with our counterparts in India. Karnani, who Co-Chairs the Y International Committee together with Jacob Abraham, General Secretary of the Bombay Young Men's Christian Association, developed the ambitious itinerary that includes visits to several of the Bombay YMCA branch locations.
The Bombay Y began in 1875 and has grown to 8 branches, several program centers and a campsite over the course of 125 years. This year the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy celebrates 90 years of experience delivering lasting personal and social change to our community. They are the largest provider of child care services with 10 child care centers and serve the community during the summer months at our 12 day camps in Metuchen, North Edison, South Edison, Woodbridge, Fords, Colonia, Avenel, South Amboy and Piscataway. The Y also has 4 outdoor community pools in Fords, Port Reading, North Edison and South Edison. The Y is a volunteer driven organization with over 1,000 volunteers helping serve over 36,000 of your friends and neighbors.
Continue reading YMCA Travels to Mumbai for Intl Partnership Program.
Starts Friday on The Forum Screen Helen Mirren in:THE DEBT
Friday 8pm, Saturday 5 & 7:30 Sunday 4:30
In 1997, shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel and Stefan about their former colleague David. All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio tracked down Nazi war criminal Vogel in East Berlin. At great risk, and at considerable personal cost, the team's mission was accomplished - or was it? The suspense builds in and across two different time periods, with startling action and surprising revelations.
Congregation Neve Shalom presents the Donald and Ruth Kahn Book and Author Event on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at
250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen. Refreshments will be served at 9:30am and the program will begin at
10:00am.
For our 18th year this year's presenters are Alan Cheuse, Songs of Slaves in
the Desert, Jay Neugeboren, You Are My Heart and Other Stories, Talia
Carner, Jerusalem Maiden A Novel and Alicia Oltuski, Precious Objects: A Story of Diamonds, Family
and a Way of Life. Meet the authors of recently published books and hear
their compelling stories. Books will be available for sale and autographs by authors. This program is
free and open to the public. For
more information please contact Hazzan Levin at 732-548-2238 ext 14.
Beginning on October 28th, Downtown
Chamber Members will be decorating a scarecrow to reflect their business or organization. You just won't believe the plans they have....you'll have to see it to believe it!
Last year, we received over 700 votes! Who will be the winners this year? Can you guess which scarecrow belongs to your favorite merchant or organization? This event is fun, it's free, and it's a family outing for sure!
Be sure to visit downtown before November 18th to decide which scarecrow you like the best. Then go to www.metuchenchamberexchange.com and cast your vote. You might just win a $25 Chamber of Commerce gift certificate.
While in town, visit participating Chamber members and tell them how much you like their scarecrow. For more information, please call Angela Sielski at the Chamber office at (732) 548-2964.
The Garden
Club of Metuchen will be hosting their November meeting on November 7th from
7-9PM at St. Luke's Church in the Fryers Room in Parish Hall, 17 Oak Avenue
Metuchen, NJ 08840.
The planned program is "Proper Pruning Techniques" lead by GCM's own Richard Miller, Chair -Historic Horse Trough, Co-Chair Programming Committee, NJ Certified landscape Architect and Graduate of Cook College at Rutgers. Richard will discuss the proper methods and suggested time lines for pruning popular garden plants and shrubs. All are welcome to attend this free program, please RSVP to the Program Hostesses at 732-494-1436 or 732-494-1188.
Check out this link to see all the great companies whose creatviity, inspired by the County Fair's theme of "HATS," won accolades and prizes from the Chamber of Commerce.
From Paul Hirschfield:
It's a small Canon digital camera. It is light blue in color with silver buttons. The pictures, which are mostly of my daughter at ages 7 and 8 (and related family shots), are mostly saved on my computer, so there wouldn't be any problem with identification.
For Immediate Release:
When Metuchen's Board of Education publicized its Superintendent Search calendar, it seemed November 1st was an aggressive goal for the appointment of a new superintendent. Metuchen Citizens for Quality Education (CQE) was hopeful that the positive environment of our district (good students, great teachers and staff and supportive community) would attract many accomplished principals and supervisors looking for career advancement--which it has done.
The September 27 Superintendent Search Pool Report consisted of 24 completed applications, 21 of which met or exceeded the established criteria. Additional statistics are available on the district website: http://www.metuchenschools.org/metuchen/Superintendent%20Search/_top.
The Board has been interviewing candidates and, based on the calendar, will have invited a small number back for second interviews. We are now less than two weeks away from the hiring deadline.
CQE believes a strong leader with a vision for academic achievement is critical to help Metuchen achieve its fullest potential. The organization advocates that all students be academically challenged in every grade (K-12) and across every skill level. We also fully support ensuring a well-rounded educational experience to its students.
The Board has maintained its tight and difficult schedule and is close to completing the search process, without the need for an interim superintendent. Well done. For the good of Metuchen's students, we look forward to the Board completing the process, and appointing a new leader with the vision to help move Metuchen higher among its peers and begin a new era for the district.
There is a special business meeting to address the search for a new superintendent scheduled for Wednesday October 26th at 8 PM at Metuchen High School. It is open to the public, and CQE encourages everyone to attend and participate in this important decision.
Best regards,
Metuchen Citizens for Quality Education (CQE) --JoAnn Sabatino-Falkenstein, President Kathy Liss, Vice President; Jim Jaques, Vice President
Paul Piniero, current Curriculum Director and Principal of Moss School, has taken a position as Assistant Superintendent in the Westfield School system beginning in December. Here's some info. Best of luck, Mr. Piniero!
In the meantime, the search for a Superintendent for the district keeps moving along. There has been no further information on the 24 candidates that were interviewed although the town rumor mills are filled with stories ranging from no one was good enough to a few viable interviews were conducted. Metuchen Matters has requested information from the Board of Education members and hope that we will be able to update this story as soon as possible.
The First Presbyterian Church of
Metuchen, located at 270 Woodbridge Ave, operates a food pantry that provides
non-perishable food items to families once a month in the Metuchen/Edison
community. On an average at least 10 families a week are referred here from
social services regarding their need for food assistance.
The need for
assistance continues to increase during these economic times so the church's food
pantry is running low. Here is a list of food that is needed on a continual
basis for the food pantry--if you would like, please think about donating these
items:
All food donations are accepted at the church office in the Social Center during regular business hours.
From Maggie Glynn + Mary Lou Roma for the Band:
The Metuchen High School Marching Band is having a very
successful and exciting competition season on their way to the Orange Bowl. The
Pride of Metuchen has taken 1st place in all of their competitions
so far. It's an impressive record for the Brainy Boro Band.
This past weekend the band swept Group IIIA in the South Plainfield, NJ USSBA (United States Scholastic Band Association) Competition, including awards for the best visual and best effect. The band has placed first in the competitions at: Edison High School, JP Stevens High School, and The Bergen County Invitational in Bergenfield, NJ. The band has also received awards for high music, visual, effect, drum line and color guard.
The band members are working hard on their show and on raising money for their trip to the Orange Bowl and the community has been very supportive. But more assistance is needed. Coming up on Saturday, October 29th from 8am to 10am, is a Flapjack Breakfast at Applebee's on Route One (Edison Crossing) in Edison. The band members will be serving the meal and tickets are just $10.00. On November 6th from 8:30am to 1:30pm stop by the Bake Sale in the breezeway at St. Francis Cathedral.
And
wait to get your holiday haircuts at our Cut-A-Thon, on Sunday November 20th
from 10am to 3pm, at the John Anthony Paul Salon in Woodbridge. John (from the
original John Roberts) and his staff will donate all the funds from the day to
the Orange Bowl Fund. (The salon is at 201-205 New Brunswick Ave. in
Hopelawn). At Salon 212 at 214
Main Street in Metuchen get a blue hair extension for $12.00 and they will
donate the proceeds to the band.
The Metuchen High School Marching Band and Color Guard, the only band chosen from the Garden State, will be performing in the Orange Bowl parade January 2nd and at the halftime show January 4th during the nationally televised 2012 Discover Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Donations to help offset the cost to band members are gratefully accepted. Checks (please note Orange Bowl in memo line) can be made out to MHS Band and Music Parents and sent to Metuchen High School, 400 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840 or on paypals find the link at www.MHSOrangeBowl.com.
From the Forum:
The Forum Theater Arts Center is
pleased to announce the Mr. Ray
Halloween Show 2011, Saturday, October 29th at
11am. Performances are at
the Forum Theatre Arts Center located at 314 Main
Street, Metuchen, NJ.
Recording artist and TV personality, Mr. Ray (aka Ray
Anderson) is
no stranger to the music scene. He has performed for over 20 in
his own
band, as well as with Meatloaf and Matchbox 20. Now he tours the
country
playing for children. His Halloween show includes a full band with kid
singers and talented friends. This hands-on Halloween experience will excite
kids and parents alike. Don't forget to come in costume for the
costume parade
on the Forum Theatre Stage.
For more information on Mr. Ray go to www.mrray.com. Tickets are on sale NOW! All seats are $14. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. For tickets or more information, contact The Forum at 732-548-5600 or www.forumtheatrearts.org
A message from The Beyond:
Are you prepared for an invasion... of ZOMBIES? A massive horde of groaning Zombies will stumble along Main Street on Sunday, October 30, 2011 in search of brains in the "Brainy Borough." Everyone feels like a Zombie from time to time; crabby teenagers, overworked parents, commuting professionals, travel-worn grandparents, tuckered-out toddlers... the list goes on. And dressing as the Undead can be easy - put a colander on your head, wear a baggy shirt, slump forward and you're ready to go. So, join us and we'll slog it out together and show some unity and understanding for what makes each one of us feel like a Zombie sometimes.
Zombies and any accompanying victims should meet at the Old Colonial Cemetery at 5:00 p.m. on Main Street next to the train station, or wait along Main Street for the horde to gather you up in its path.
All are encouraged to bring a canned good for the Borough Improvement League's Food Bank, and drop boxes will be provided. The invasion will end at the
From the Edison Wetlands Association:
The Federal Court reversed the dismissal of a suit filed by the environmental nonprofits NY/NJ Baykeeper, Edison Wetlands Association (EWA) and Raritan Riverkeeper against current and prior owners of the former National Lead Industries site to clean up sediment contamination in the Raritan River in Sayreville, New Jersey.
The original complaint charges that the defendants are in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Clean Water Act because past and present pollution from the National Lead Industries site has contaminated the Raritan River with arsenic, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc which pose an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment. The site is a 440-acre property where titanium dioxide pigments were manufactured between 1935 and 1982 for use in paints, paper, cosmetics, and other products.
Continue reading Edison Wetlands Association (EWA) Wins Appeal in Cleanup Dispute.
Adult Education classes will begin on Sunday, October 23rd 10:00am. The course will be presented by Rabbi Zelizer, "WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE". Marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the course will deal with the meaning and reasons for unnecessary suffering and what does Judaism say about life's frequent unfairness. For more information please contact Hazzan Levine 732-548-2238 ext 14.
Hazzan Levin will present PRAYER 101. The class will meet once a month. Does G-d hear us? For more information please contact Hazzan Levin at 732-548-2238 ext 14. All classes are open to the public. Non-member rate is $35.00 a semester for each class.
Continue reading Neve Shalom Presents Adult Ed Classes Starting Sunday October 23rd.
Given the dire economic circumstances of the present day, lots of people start doing things they didn't do before, like buy lottery tickets on a regular basis or open an Ebay store to sell off their unwanted stuff. What about fantasy football? Now that baseball season is almost over, the sports fans' mind turns to football--and fantasy football is very popular. Is this something you do? We'd like to know! If you've been part of a team, is it growing? Tell us about it here or on our Facebook page.
And for some additional info on stats around the world (for you world soccer fans), check out this infographic!
After a dramatic demonstration at the Metuchen Country Fair, the Black Belt Institute of Metuchen proved why mixed martial arts are becoming more and more popular as a form of exercise. Check out this infographic.
On October 22nd , two
girls from Metuchen G.S troop 80743 will be working on their Silver award. The
project is for hunger and they will be doing a gleaning and looking for
volunteers from the community to help out. A gleaning is the act of collecting
leftover crops from farmer's fields after they have been commercially
harvested. The gleaning will take place at Von Thuns farm, 519 Ridge
Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ at 9:30 AM. This will take place rain or shine. All
proceeds will go to Hands of Hope. If you would like to support us, or have
more questions contact us at gleaning1234@gmail.com.
Metuchen Matters has made a commitment to our area to bring local news to the community on a daily basis. Is this important to you? Did you know that hyperlocal news is becoming a more and more important element in our daily information sources? Check out this graphic to see how trends are changing throughout the U.S.
Local
musician Matt Wong's debut album, Fly Me
to the Moon, will be released next week. The CD has 12 tracks of original
tunes and arrangements by Matt. The album will be available on his website
and in digital format on other sites (CD Baby, iTunes, etc.) for downloads.
Fourteen year old guitarist Matt Wong discovered his passion for the guitar at age six and has been playing ever since. His genre? Classical, Jazz, and a bit of rock. An aspiring performer, Matt has played at several professional venues throughout New Jersey and has recently played at a private party at The Bog Restaurant in West Windsor, New Jersey. Matt has finished recording his debut Album, Fly me to the Moon, which will feature several popular songs such as "Fly me to the Moon" by Bart Howard and "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin as well has his original tunes. The CD will be released on October 20, 2011.
Matt's counts among his influences The Beatles, Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Ulli Bogershausen, Adam Rafferty, and Joe Robinson. To promote his debut album, Fly Me to the Moon, he is booked to perform at Brewed Awakening on December 17th. Check out his webiste for more information at this link.
From the EWA: DON'T LET EDISON GIVE AWAY OUR PROTECTED PARKLAND!
SPEAK OUT TO KEEP YOUR FAMILIES SAFE & TO KEEP YOUR HOMES FROM FLOODING! Help defeat this absurd development proposal & join your neighbors for a public rally on: Thursday, October 13th @ 12 pm. Meet at the baseball field at the intersection of Alexis Lane and Talmadge Road in Edison.
A politically-connected developer is proposing to clear-cut woods and pave over wetlands on State Green-Acres preserved parkland adjacent to Alexis Lane to build a sprawling center.
If this project on the Visco wetlands is approved, it will:
•
Significantly increase traffic and parking problems in neighboring residential developments, causing danger
to children who play in the area.
•
Increase flood damage for
neighboring families. Floods that already plague our neighborhood will worsen
drastically.
•
Destroy the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area, which provides our crowded region's only nature trails and
significant wildlife habitat.
Can't make the rally on Oct 13th? Don't miss this second chance to have your voice heard:
The Township of Edison will be hearing the Visco proposal on Thursday, November 3, at the Edison Municipal Building at 100 Municipal Boulevard at 6 p.m. Join us for a rally at 5 p.m. that day, before speaking out against this proposal at the hearing.
*Visit NJDismalSwamp.org for more information.*
The Metuchen High School
Marching Band and Color Guard has been invited to perform in the 2012 Orange
Bowl held in Miami, Florida. They are the only group invited to represent New
Jersey in this national event! They will be announcing additional fundraising events in the coming days but here's a quick reminder of what they're up against . . .
The per student cost of
the trip is approximately $1,200.00 with airfare and ground transportation. The goal is to send all 90 members of the MHS Band and Color Guard to the Orange
Bowl. In order to significantly reduce the financial responsibility to families
sending one or more students, your donation can help. The Band and Music
Parents, along with the MHS music staff, supervisor, and principal of MHS, would like you to join them in making this dream become a reality.
Help send the MHS Band and Color Guard to perform at the Miami Orange Bowl by making your donation to the MHS Band and Music Parents at this link.
"A Play of GIANT Proportions"
The Forum Theater Arts Center is pleased to announce Jack And The Beanstalk presented by A Kids Forum on Saturday, October 15 & 22, 2011 at 11am and Sunday, October 16 & 23, 2011 at 2pm. Performances are at the Forum Theatre Arts Center located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ.
This adaptation of "Jack and the Beanstalk" written by Bert Bernardi is a crisp, snappy, musical re-telling of the boy who follows the Bean Girls search of fame and fortune! Delightful characters, zany one liners and lots of laughs! You might find yourself dancing in the aisles with your kids. A Kids Forum is one of the many programs offered at the Forum Theatre. Dawn Ward-Lau, Director of "Jack and the Beanstalk" said, "Children will laugh and parents will laugh harder at Bert Bernardi's witty take on these well known characters, as well as a few new ones thrown in for good measure. This is my second time mounting this show and I am thrilled to revisit these hysterical characters and funky music of the 1970's!! A fun day will be had by all!"
Tickets are on sale NOW! All seats are $14 with discounts for groups of 20 or more. For tickets or more information, contact The Forum at 732-548-5600 or www.forumtheatrearts.org
As we bid farewell to the wonderful Metuchen Farmers' Market, which this year expanded to great acclaim and in its participation of both vendors and community members, we can leave you with one caveat: Janna Morishima's great school lunch presentation. Using products from the Farmers' Market, she presented great ideas on how to make kids' lunches more fun AND healthier! Check out this link for the info. Thanks, Janna! And thanks, Farmers' Market1 We will miss you during the winter months!
Having been cheered by NPR, The New Yorker, and Salon.com, Director/Writer Jim Mickle (and Star/Co-writer Nick Damici) will screen and discuss their New York Times Critic's Pick, Stake Land, a smart, pitch perfect horror thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world somewhere between Romero and The Road with a special onstage conversation between Mickle, Damici, and Fangori and Fear Mongers host Clay Mcleod Chapman. All tickets are $15 - at the Forum, October 25th.This program is resented by The Raconteur in conjunction with The Forum and Crystal Plumage Films.
The Forum and The Raconteur have a history of successful collaboration, co-presenting a series of special guest film screenings which have included visits by such notable directors as Todd Solondz (Palindromes), Ariel Schulman (Catfish), 2008 Oscar winner Pamela Boll (Born into Brothels) and 2010 Oscar winner Alex Gibney (Gonzo, Taxi to the Dark Side).
From the Borough of Metuchen:
The Diocese of Metuchen 10th annual Blue Mass for police officers will be held at St. Francis Cathedral on Wednesday, Oct 12 at 10:00 AM. Main Street will be closed from Rt. 27 to Maple Avenue from 9:00 AM until Noon. Please note that the ceremony will include a 21 gun salute using blank rounds, but possibly loud.
Neve Shalom Sisterhood invites you to join us in the Sukkah for "How Much do You Know?" A potpourri of not-so-trivial trivia to test our Jewish knowledge of our terrific timeless heritage. Monday, October 17, 2011- 7:30pm at Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Nancy Shlossman at 732-321-4081
From Neve Shalom:
Free Jewish Rock Concert & Open House at Neve Shalom on Sunday morning, Oct. 16 between 9am-11am. Come hear Rick Recht - one of today's hottest Jewish performers. (Our Hebrew School children will be on stage to sing some songs with him too!) We invite anyone in the community to come join us for this free and fun event. The concert starts at 9:40am, but will be having our Open House from 9am-11am, so you can learn about our egalitarian conservative synagogue, featuring a NAEYC accredited nursery school, a "Framework for Excellence" Hebrew School, award-winning Youth and Adult Education Programs, active Sisterhood and Men's Club. For more information, please contact the office at 732-548-2238.
Join the Neve Shalom Simchat Torah Celebrations - Saturday evening, October 20th at 7:00pm, Sunday morning, October 21st at 9:30am. Torah reading, Aliyot for everyone (including kids), flags, funny hats, parades & apples. On Simchat Torah morning there will be a special stuffed cabbage luncheon. Contact information Hazzan Levin - 732-548-2238 ext. 14.
From the Board of Education website:
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH POOL REPORT
September 27, 2011
As of the close of the inquiry date (September 9), we received forty- nine requests for applications in response to our advertised position for Superintendent. While applications were sent to all who requested it, there were twenty-five who did not complete the process.
There are twenty-four completed applications in our pool - two withdrew. Twenty-one meet or exceed our criteria.
Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents - 10 Principals, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals - 9 Directors, Supervisors - 4 Others - 1
There are twelve candidates with earned doctorates. Twenty-three candidates are from New Jersey and one is from Ohio.
Starts Saturday October 8 -- THE GUARD , a comedy/thriller
Starring Brendan Gleeson & Don Cheadle
"Popping with glorious, bright color and off-color jokes, "The Guard" is an Irish comedy and almost incidental thriller, though mostly it's something of a bait and switch. The tasty bait (and reluctant buddies) are Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle, two of the best utility players in contemporary English-language cinema". The New York Times
Saturday 6 & 8pm Sunday 4 & 6pm Admission $10 Seniors 65 and over $9 Rated
Running time is 96m
Visit Us At The Metuchen Country Fair Saturday October 15 to win tickets to: Jack And The Beanstalk : a musical Live On Stage For The Kids! A crisp, snappy, musical re-telling of the boy who follows the Bean Girls search of fame and fortune! Delightful characters, zany one liners and lot's of laughs! You might find yourself dancing in the aisles with your kids!
Performances: Saturday October 15 & 22 11AM Sunday October 16 & 23 1:30 All seats $14 with discounts for groups of 20 or more
October 29 at 11:30am Mr Rays Halloween Happening! Mr Ray Returns To The Forum Stage With His Not So Spookey, Halloween Show! A Show Filled With All Of Mr Rays Hits and Some New Tunes As Well. General Admission $14
Tickets Are Now On Sale For All Events at www.forumtheatrearts.org 732.548.5600
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT A SPECIAL MEETING FOR THE TV AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE OF THE BOROUGH OF METUCHEN WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 6, 2011 AT 8:00PM IN THE BOROUGH CONFERENCE ROOM,BOROUGH HALL, 500 MAIN STREET, METUCHEN, NJ 08840 TO DISCUSS THE RFQ'S FOR THE MUNICIPAL WEBSITE. NO OFFICIAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.
The Borough of Metuchen does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. Those individuals requiring auxiliary aids and services where necessary must notify the ADA Coordinator of the Borough of Metuchen at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the meeting or scheduled activity.
KATHRYN HARRIS Municipal Clerk
As their Bronze Award, Junior Troop 80417 is creating a living historical document about Metuchen and Girl Scouting to celebrate the Girl Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary this coming year. In order to do so, they need women who have been either Girl Scouts themselves or leaders in and around the Metuchen area (and if you were a Girl Scout somewhere else and then came to Metuchen and used that experience as a leader, even better!)If you choose to participate with the girls, all of whom are local residents, 10-11 years old and will be doing the work of "History Detectives" during the project, you will be interviewed on camera about your experiences. Anything you wish to share is acceptable (Girl Scouts are upstanding citizens and, no matter what decade you participated in, we know you will have many great memories to share!)
If you would like to share your stories and experience with the Scouts, please contact Jana Siciliano at scamozz@optonline.net and you will be matched up with a History Detective to take down all the fantastic details of your time in the green and brown! Thanks!!
Check out this link of the incumbent Mayor and the Republican Candidate for the position discussing their platforms. Who are you going to vote for?
On Oct. 8, 3 PM, at Hailey's Harp, Metuchen resident Tom Davis will unveil his first book, A Legacy of Madness, about his family's battles with mental illness. He will be reading and signing at The Raconteur that night at 8PM. A Legacy of Madness is released today (Oct. 3). The book will be available for sale at the Raconteur that night.
Tom describes the book for us here: "A Legacy of Madness is the story of my mother, Dorothy Winans "Dede" Davis, as she had worried, fussed, and obsessed for the last time. Her heart stopped beating in a fit of anxiety, soon after her wobbly legs gave way. Helplessly self-absorbed and severely obsessive compulsive, Dede led a tormented life. She had moved from nursing home to mental institution in recent years, but what really caused her death? The story of a loving family coming to grips with its own fragilities, A Legacy of Madness relays (my) journey to uncover, and ultimately understand, the history of mental illness that led generations of [t]his suburban American family to their demise.
From Neve Shalom:
On Friday evening Oct. 7 prior to the chanting of the mincha service before the official Kol Nidre, Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen, will present 'A SPECIAL INTRO TO KOL NIDRE" at 5:45pm. Our member, Andrea Colby and a professional cellist will perform the classical version of the Kol Nidre music for cello and piano by Max Bruch. Immediately after the instrumental musical selection, the mincha service will take place in both the Ballroom and Sanctuary without instruments. You will need a ticket to attend this service. Please contact the synagogue office at 732-548-2238 ext. 18 to purchase High Holy Day tickets.
Neve Shalom welcomes the community to attend their Yizkur Service on October 8, 2011 at 1:30pm.- 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. Please call the office at 732-548-2238, ext.18 to obtain a ticket.
From Tracy Miller and Barry Sopher:
October 2, 2011
To Members of the Board of Education:
We are writing to follow up on the two public forums held on the Superintendent search. We each attended one of the forums. While we appreciate the opportunity the Board afforded to parents to attend and comment, we write to express our concerns shared by many parents at both forum sessions.
Aggressive Timeframe for the Search. Parents at both sessions expressed grave reservations about the extremely aggressive timeframe for the search. Indeed, it is hard to fathom why the Board would seek to fill the single most important position in the school district in an eight-week search, unless a crisis exists that cannot be managed on an interim basis. Although Ms. Thorton reiterated many times that it is a "search not a settlement" we want to convey a sense of widely shared alarm that this timeframe will invariably compromise the search results.
Lack of Transparency in the Search Process. At the first forum, parents requested the opportunity to see the essays submitted by candidates. Parents also requested the chance to see the report or even just the summary prepared of the public sessions. Ms. Thorton responded that the Board had no obligation to provide this information and there was no time in light of the timeframe for the search for parents to comment further or even review the summary.
Questions for the Board. We understand that the Board did not attend the public forums to give parents more latitude to comment. We would have hoped, however, that in addition to those sessions the Board would have held at least one session to have a genuine dialogue with members of the public--to hear from people directly and to respond openly to the many questions the community has. (The chance to attend a Board meeting with a full business agenda and come to the microphone for a minute at 10:30 or later is neither an invitation from the Board for a real dialogue nor an opportunity for one) Since that has not happened, and you have not planned any such session, we ask the following questions and would appreciate a prompt reply.
1. The consultant reiterated that the job description is boilerplate and not meaningful. This means that the community has no statement from the Board about what it seeks in the search. What are the Board's leading criteria for the next Superintendent that will be used to evaluate candidates both initially and in the final interview process?
Continue reading Open Letter to Bd of Ed Re Feedback from Superintendent Forums.
From the Metuchen Municipal Alliance:
Metuchen's Third Annual Recovery Month Town
Hall Celebration opened to a full house at Borough Hall on September 20,
2011. Metuchen Municipal Alliance
chairperson and coordinator Irene Morris-Nann noted that "More than fifty years
ago the American Medical Association added addiction to their list of chronic
diseases, and yet today addictions are still shrouded in stigma and myth. If I tell you that my loved one has
cancer, you add them to a prayer list and bring me casseroles. But if I tell you that my loved one is
an alcoholic or a drug addict, you shun me and act as if we were never
friends. History tells us that
prejudice is born from ignorance and that knowledge is power, so tonight we are
here to debunk myths, to gain knowledge and to celebrate recovery."
The first guest of the evening The
Honorable Mayor Thomas Vahalla was introduced, Mayor Vahalla welcomed the
crowd, introducing members of the Municipal Alliance in attendance and thanking
them for all that, they give to the community. He acknowledged the members of the Borough Council who were
present as well as the Borough's prosecutor and public defender. Mayor Vahalla
read and presented a Recovery Month Proclamation to the Municipal Alliance and
then spoke about the fact that addictions left untreated have devastating
effects on the community at large as well as on individuals and families. Mayor Vahalla's voice normally robust,
cracked slightly as he said I am sure almost everyone in this room has felt the
effects of addiction, acknowledging he has personally witnessed the effects of
drug addiction on families. Mayor Vahalla then introduced Metuchen
resident, his longtime friend and
colleague, the Honorable Senator Barbara Buono. Senator Buono was joined by
Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan and together they presented a Joint Legislative
Resolution to the Municipal Alliance. Senator Buono told the crowd she
understood personally the toll addiction can take on families and gave her
heartfelt congratulations to all members of the recovering community in
attendance. Assemblyman Diegnan
added that he appreciated Morris-Nann's comments about the stigma still
associated with addictions, and acknowledged the important role the Municipal
Alliances play in helping to reduce stigma.
Continue reading Municipal Alliance Recovery Month Town Hall Celebration Wraps Up.
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