Continuing On Our Screen Richard Gere in...ARBITRAGE

Friday & Saturday 7:30 Sunday 4pm

Arbitrage is both a tense thriller and a penetrating character study, elevated by the strength of a typically assured performance from Richard Gere.

When we first meet New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller (Richard Gere) on the eve of his 60th birthday, he appears the very portrait of success in American business and family life. But behind the gilded walls of his mansion, Miller is in over his head, desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the depths of his fraud are revealed. This mystery drama is one that will keep you on the edge of your sit from the get go till the very end! Rated R Running Time 107m

On Thursday November 1st @ 7:30pm, The Forum presents a FREE Film Event...

Frank Capras Classic Tale of Political Greed and Scandal before it was popular!...James Stewart, Jean Arthur and Claude Rains in: 

 MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)

Jefferson Smith: "I guess this is just another lost cause Mr. Paine. All you people don't know about lost causes. Mr. Paine does. He said once they were the only causes worth fighting for and he fought for them once. For the only reason any man ever fights for them. Because of just one plain simple rule. Love thy neighbor. And in this world today of great hatred a man who knows that rule has a great trust. You know that rule Mr. Paine and I loved you for it just as my father did. And you know that you fight harder for the lost causes than for any others. Yes you'd even die for them. Like a man we both knew Mr. Paine. You think I'm licked. You all think I'm licked. Well I'm not licked. And I'm gonna stay right here and fight for this lost cause. Even if this room gets filled with lies like these. And the Taylors and all their armies come marching into this place. Somebody will listen to me".  

Great turnout, approximately 35-40 people, including Walter Stochel & Mike Kruimer from the Edison Greenways Group who offered hard won advice and tips based on years of advocacy for the Greenway, Councilman Jay Muldoon, Borough Council candidate Allison Inserro and Metuchen Borough Planner, Jim Constantine.Lots of enthusiasmProductive meeting-We formed 4 subcommittees, including:

1. Policy & Infrastructure-charged with researching and advocating for policy initiatives that help promote a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly Metuchen

2. Safety & education-educate and promote safer biking and walking in town through town-specific initiatives, such as walking school buses, as well as partner with other local, regional and national organization to draw on existing resources

3. Events planning-organize events in and around Metuchen focused on biking and walking. Previous events include PARK(ing) Day and representation at the Farmers Market & Country Fair, and in the future may include organizing Metuchen participation in Bike to School Day (5/8/13), International Walk to School Day (Fall 2013) and other biking and walking events.

4. Communication & membership-focused on expanding membership, utilizing social media to promote Bike-Walk Metuchen (BWM) mission, potentially establishing BWM as a 501C3, promoting BWM events and initiatives that come out of the other committees.

Each of these committees will meet once before our next meeting on January 16, 2013

The Gallery @ the Rotunda in Metuchen's Borough Hall is pleased to present Beyond The Seven Seas, an exhibition of paintings of six women artists from North India.  There will be a reception on Sunday, October 21^st between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.  The artists from India will be on hand via Skype.  In addition to the artwork hanging in the gallery, the artists will show new work on a live video feed.  The reception is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be provided by Mimi's Restaurant. 

The Gallery is in the Rotunda of Metuchen's Borough Hall located on the corner of Main Street and Route 27 in Metuchen.  For more information, contact Rotunda Gallery director Preeti Sahota at preeti_saho@yahoo.com. 

Hi my name is John O'Connor, I am a father, outdoorsman and passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.  Over the past few years I have become more and more interested in hearing loss.  My father and grandfathers, who are and were all hunters, are affected by hearing loss.  I feel that there is a general lack of understanding around the issue and it is our job to spread awareness where we can.  Check out my new blog at bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com!

Choosing Hearing Protection Before Hunting Living with severe hearing loss can be difficult for both you and your loved ones.  Even though hunting may seem like a fun hobby, there are many safety measures that you need to take in order to be a responsible huntsman.  Protecting your hearing and the hearing of your group members is key to having a safe and fun trip.  There are a few ways that hunting can affect your hearing and why you should prevent hearing loss earlier on.

My father who has been into hunting for many years often times when out in the woods or practicing at the shooting range, neglected his hearing protection.  Now in his late 70's he is affected severely by hearing loss.  After meeting with his doctors he came to realize that hunting has taken a major toll on his hearing health.  Although no the only cause, it has played a major role in damaging his eardrums.  To this day he still likes to get out in the field and head to the shooting range but always remembers to have his hearing aids in and to bring the proper protection with him.  

The Principal, Mr. Bruce Peragallo, of Metuchen High School announced that

have been named (a) Commended Student(s) in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this (these) scholastically talented senior(s).

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

"Recognizing academically talented students plays a fundamental role in the advancement of educational excellence within our nation," commented an NMSC spokesperson.   "The young people recognized as Commended Students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program. We sincerely hope this recognition will provide them with the additional educational outlets and motivate them in their pursuit of academic achievement."

Pack 15 is a small pack which provides personal attention to the boys while teaching them to "do their best".  We meet at the First Presbyterian Church Social Center on Woodbridge Avenue in Metuchen.  Our smaller size helps keep the meeting structured and under an hour.

The Cub Scouting program takes place at two levels.  Your son will be a part of a den; a small group of boys in the same grade level who meet on a regular basis.  All dens, from grades 1 through 5, make up a pack.  Once a month, the dens, with their families, are together at the pack meeting, where boys show off their new skills they have learned during the month and are recognized for the badges they have earned.

Upcoming Activities

Some activities already planned for this year are:

November - Overnight Camping Trip

December - Winter Parade

January - Pinewood Derby

February - Winter Camping Trip

May - Memorial Day Parade

June - Summer Camping Trip

Rabbi Zelizer and Nita Polay Levin of Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen, will be conducting a Saturday Morning Family Service on Oct. 27, 2012 - 10:15 - 11:45am for students grades 2-6 and their families in the Hayat Beit Midrash. For more information, contact Hazzan Levin - 732-548-2238 ext. 14 or can2r11@aol.com.

Healthfirst NJ and the New York Red Bulls Academy partner to hold a special youth soccer clinic at Metuchen Sports Complex on Sunday, October 7 from 10:00 am - 12 noon.  Made possible through a Healthfirst sponsorship of the New York Red Bulls for the 2012 season, the clinic will offer 75 children, ages 6-14, the unique opportunity to meet and interact with professional trainers from the New York Red Bulls Academy to learn about the fundamentals of soccer in a fun learning environment. Registration for the event is closed.

"This partnership with the New York Red Bulls fully aligns with Healthfirst NJ's mission to improve the health and well-being of underserved populations via community events and forums that promote a healthy lifestyle," said Terence L. Byrd, President of Healthfirst NJ. "Through our ongoing support to make these soccer clinics possible, we are assured that children throughout the state have the opportunity to incorporate through sports activities the practices of healthy living at an early age."

Children in attendance will receive a special visit by John Wolyniec, former New York Red Bulls player and current coach. The New York Red Bulls Academy aspires to help develop the best youth talent in the Tri-State area, assisting in cultivating future professional stars of the New York Red Bulls soccer league. Kids chosen to participate in the clinic will receive two-hours of personalized instruction from the Academy trainers, learning game strategies and rules, aspects of teamwork, and other soccer techniques that encourage pro-social skills to empower them in making more positive life choices. The clinic is a one-time event and free of charge. 

"Our academy is excited to work with eager and talented young players in the community. It is our hope that we can help motivate them to pursue a healthy lifestyle playing the 'beautiful game'", said Bob Montgomery, Red Bulls Academy Director.

For more information on the New York Red Bulls Academy, please visit www.redbullsacademy.com.

Basically, I am very happy with the response from the borough council in regards to attempting to address our concerns thus far... some steps have already been taken to deal with certain intersections, and they clearly understand that this is a serious safety issue - not just a "quality of life" concern like litter. With cell phone use, texting, life's distractions, the high volume of vehicles, and large trucks blocking visibility, the road is a dangerous place for people on foot or on bikes. You can see from all the groups holding events that there are a lot of people this affects locally, and I think the Town Talks being planned for traffic & ped. safety is just what is needed.

On Sunday, October 7 at 2 PM, graphic novelist George O'Connor will visit the Metuchen Public Library. Mr. O'Connor is the author/illustrator of Olympians, an ongoing graphic novel series which retells the classic Greek myths in comic form. The program will include a presentation by the author/illustrator in which he shows and tells how he takes a familiar story and transforms it into a new medium through his artwork and words. MM has had the distinctive pleasure of seeing Mr. O'Connor's presentations in person and can highly HIGHLY recommend your attendance at this event -- he is talented and charming and the kids will learn quite a bit! You might end up going home with a child who wants to be a graphic novelist -- Mr. O'Connor is that inspiring.

The author visit is a must-see event for anyone interested in art, illustration, mythology, writing or graphic novels. Copies of O'Connor's Zeus, Hera, Athena and Hades from his continuing series of graphic novels looking at individual Gods and Goddesses will be available for purchase and for the author to sign. All ages are welcome to this FREE program sponsored by the Young Adult Department of the Library, in collaboration with the Metuchen Public Schools.

Kathy Liss told MM, "I'm thrilled that the Friends have generously provided the books and that the teachers are excited about incorporating O'Connor's work in their classrooms. Having the opportunity to actual meet an author who was studied in class can be an inspirational experience for students."

The program is paid for by the Friends of the Metuchen Public Library.  In addition, the Friends paid for a class set of Athena which will be taught in anticipation of the author's visit in a number of classes at Edgar Middle School and at the Metuchen High School. For more information, call the Library on 732.632.8526 or write KLiss@Lmxac.org.

On Saturday October 27^th from 8AM to 3PM FUSP will hold their 1^st annual International Gift Fair at the Metuchen High School in conjunction with the Local Non-Profit, Breaking the Chain.  The fair offers a unique opportunity for citizens to invest in their world by shopping fair trade.  Fair trade works to provide low-income artisans with a living wage for their work, ensures environmental sustainability and safe and healthy working conditions.  This is a better alternative to the many products made in sweatshops or other unsafe working environments.  

The purpose of the sale is to return to the true meaning of gift giving and receiving by offering gifts made from the heart and by human hands.  We can avoid supporting sweatshops and other unjust trade practices by buying fair trade.  "The gifts we have for sale are truly unique and knowing that they help support some of the most disadvantaged people around the world make them even more special," says sale organizer, Jason Simmons.  "By holding this sale we are giving people the chance to help others feed, clothe and educate themselves and their families by ensuring that they receive a fair wage for their work." 

Metuchen High School Educator Evan Robbins engages students in learning about fair trade, economic issues, and child slavery that is occurring in many parts of the world.  Students will be displaying information about social justice issues affecting people around the world such as AIDS, poverty, hunger and information about fair trade.  The youth will also be selling food and wrapping gifts as a fundraiser.

Visitors can enjoy a free cup of fair trade coffee, shop and learn about their power as consumers.  The event is free and open to all.

Sales like this one, sponsored by FUSP, owe their success to dedicated volunteers who set up the crafts, serve as sales clerks, educate shoppers and clean up following the event.

For more information about the International Gift Fair, contact Jason Simmons at Jason.simmons1@gmail.com or 609-713-7272.

The Child Care Services Branch of the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is hosting the 4^th annual Tot Trot & Youth Fun Run on Sunday, October 14^th at Metuchen High School.

This charity event will help us support families from our communities with scholarship assistance when they are unable to pay the full cost of child care. The fund also provides aid to families in crisis and allows us to temporarily provide tuition assistance in the event of a family emergency. The Tot Trot & Youth Fun Run is sponsored by Metuchen Savings Bank. Metuchen Savings Bank has sponsored the Tot Trot since its inception in 2008 and is a long time supporter of the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy.

Event Details:

Sunday, October 14

Metuchen High School Track

Tot Trot races begin promptly at 11am

Entry Fees:

$12 pre-registration by 10/10/12

$15.00 after 10/12 and on race day

All participants will receive a race medal and tee shirt

The Tot Trot for ages 2 to 5 years, will begin promptly at 11AM. Races are organized by age group, with each age group running their own race.The Youth Fun Run for ages 6 to 12 years is a 400 meter event and will begin promptly at 11:30 AM. Registration and sponsorship forms available at www.ymcaofmewsa.org. For more information on the Tot Trot & Youth Fun Run, contact Rose Cushing at 732-516-9200 x1109

To Be Continued Book Boutique and Café in Metuchen, will be host to the first public reading and signing event for HEARTLESS CRUELTY, the debut novel of the Mr. Bachman series by Richard Goffman, on Friday evening, October 5, from 7-9pm.
Set in 1983 in the fictional beachfront town of Atlantis, NJ, HEARTLESS CRUELTY tells the story of a teacher who looks for an absent student but instead discovers the horribly mutilated body of the boy's father. The boy is missing, and everyone, including the police, the mayor and the press, believe the teenager committed patricide. Everyone except the teacher, Mr. Bachman.



Jazzmyn Perez, a young Metuchen jazz singer, will be performing before and after the reading.

Mr. Bachman, the teacher-hero who doesn't believe in heroes - he only believes in protagonists, and the more he tries not to be one, the deeper he becomes involved - is a character who reminds readers of that special teacher they once had, and reminds teachers of their best selves.

Called "fast-paced, well-plotted and cleverly written," HEARTLESS CRUELTY is a crackling mystery, a passionate love story, a desperate race to save a motherless child who may not want to be saved. This is the first book in the Mr. Bachman series. The next Mr. Bachman mystery, a prequel, is coming in 2013.



About the Author: 

Richard W. Goffman is the author of two college textbooks on writing and reading, as well as magazine articles, novels, short stories, plays, screenplays and poetry. He writes, teaches and lives in New Jersey.

For more information about HEARTLESS CRUELTY and public appearances by the author, please visit www.richardgoffman.blogspot.com or contact the author directly at 201-736-9517.

Neve Shalom will hold a Blood Drive - In Memory of Michael Allan Thompson, Sunday, October 14, 2012, from 8:00am - 12:30pm - Miller Ballroom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen, NJ. Anyone age 16 and over can give blood. Come and save a life. Contact Matthew Bonus at neveshalomblooddrive@yahoo.com or 732-968-4489