Stand-up comedy will be showcased
Farmstead Arts will present a Stand-Up Comedy Showcase Performance in the English Barn, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.
The performance features professional comics Randi Simon-Lupo and Lynne Emonds alongside local teens and adults trying their hand at comedy, some for the first time. The showcase is free.
Among the evening’s performers will be participants in the first-ever Stand-Up Comedy Workshop offered at the Farmstead. Instructor comedian Kurt Zimmerman characterizes the workshop as essentially a “comedy boot camp,” an intensive introduction to the techniques of writing and performing original material. By the night of Saturday, July 23, students will have attended a week of daily sessions during which they developed and polished material, worked on developing a dialogue with the audience, how to read laughter, or lack of laughter and getting comfortable in front of the microphone.
Headline performer Simon-Lupo has performed throughout the Greater New York area in clubs such as Comix at Foxwoods, The New York Comedy Club, Gotham Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club, The Metropolitan Room And Catch A Rising Star — Princeton. She will be joined by fellow professionals Lynne Emonds and teacher/comic Zimmerman. Student performers include Ridge High School junior Colton Biondi, Yustina Alexander-Himlan from Fanwood, Far Hills resident Nancy Barth, and Ed McCarthy from Bridgewater, who has been seen previously at the Farmstead in several Lord Stirling Theater Company productions.
Farmstead Arts is at 450 King George Road in the Basking Ridge section of the township. For questions, call Kathy Harris, operations manager, at 908-636-7576 or send an email to admin@farmsteadarts.org.
Funds for this event have been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program Grant administered by The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.
Annual tournament slated for July 29
Somerset County Park Commission will hold the Annual Roland A. Yates Pitch & Putt Tournament for boys and girls on Friday, July 29, at Green Knoll Golf Course Pitch & Putt.
The event begins at 3 p.m. The tournament welcomes girls and boys competing in age groups 7 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 15. The $10 entry fee includes greens fee and prizes.
Entry forms may be obtained at the pro shops at Green Knoll, 587 Garretson Road; Spooky Brook at Colonial Park in the Somerset section of Franklin; Quail Brook, New Brunswick Road in the Somerset section of Franklin; Warrenbrook on Warrenville Road in Warren; and the Neshanic Valley Learning Center, South Branch Road, in the Neshanic Station section of Branchburg..
For additional information contact Gary D. Wendorf at 908-722-1301 or gwendorf@scparks.org.
For information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities, visit www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200.
READ: NJ DogFest Raises Funds for Canine Companions
READ: Art by Raritan Valley Arts Association on display
READ: Matthew M. Welna Foundation remembers Sayreville soccer player
WATCH: A look at comic Loni Love
Swim team to hold tryouts on July 24
The JCC Bridgewater Tide Swim Team will be holding tryouts for the 2016-2016 Fall/Winter Short Course Season.
Tryouts for swimmers ages 6 to 18 will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Community Center (JCC), 775 Talamini Road. The JCC Bridgewater Tide is located at the JCC, and the team and its programs are open to the community. The short course season begins mid-September.
The Bridgewater Tide is a year-round competitive swim team affiliated with USA Swimming. The Tide provides instruction and training to a variety of skill levels, and the swimmers compete in a range of local, state and national meets. The team is composed of approximately 150 swimmers, ranging in age from 6 to 18, and ability ranges from novice through National level competitors. Swimmers are grouped based on age, ability and commitment level, with programs devised at each level to meet the needs of the team’s varied athletes. Practices range from 45 minutes three days a week for beginning level swimmers to nine 1.5- to 2.5-hour practices a week for the highest level group. The team competes in meets throughout New Jersey and on occasion in Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut. In addition to competing in NJ championship meets such as New Jersey Junior Olympics, swimmers also compete in regional and national level meets such as Sectionals, Eastern Zones and NCSA Junior Nationals.
The Fall/Winter Short Course Season runs September through March. The Spring/Summer programming runs April through July and includes USA Swimming Long Course and NJSDC Summer League Summer Tide Competition. For information on all team programs, contact Bridgewater Tide Swim Team Director Ward Weiland at 908-725-6994 ext. 252 or email jccswimteam@ssbjcc.org. Visit www.ssbjcc.org for additional information on the Bridgewater Tide Swim Team.
Three Union Vicinage Probation Division staff received awards from the Chief Probation Officers of New Jersey (CPONJ) on Friday, July 22, at a statewide recognition ceremony.
The ceremony was conducted at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, 25 Market St., in Trenton.
Michael F. Jan received the Certificate of Meritorious Service. Jan is a court services supervisor 2. His selection is based on his contribution to providing quality customer service to internal and external clients.
Kevin Grimaldi received the Certificate of Outstanding Achievement. Grimaldi also serves as a court services supervisor 2. Based on his leadership, service to internal and external clients has improved tremendously. He has streamlined processes to increase efficiency across division lines.
Bertha Moran received the Career Achievement Award. Moran is a senior probation officer. Since 2002, she has served as a Union Vicinage Drug Court team member. She assists with the training of new officers. She serves as a resource for experienced staff. She works with clients through relapses, sanctions and counseling, with a focus on recovery and sobriety.
Celebration features artwork, singers and more
Artist Jaqueline Baker is hosting cultural event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Butler Lodge, 191 County Road, in Cliffwood Beach.
In addition to her work which will be on display, attendees can listen to solo guitarist Ernest Baker perform original music, along with duets from Izzy Gonzalez and Precilla Rodriguez Chenoa Donohue.
Camilla Baker will give a spoken word performance, and James C. Ellerbe, author of “Beyond the Event Horizon,” will be signing copies of his book. In addition, 10-year-old Alana Belcher will sing, and the event will include face-painting, henna art and more.
Water main work begins this week
Work to replace 4,340 feet of water mains from the 1940s on three different streets is scheduled to begin in Dunellen this week.
The aging 4-inch and 6-inch cast iron mains will be replaced with new 8-inch ductile iron pipes. New Jersey American Water is investing more than $1.16 million on this project that, when completed, should improve water service reliability and increase water flows for both household use and firefighting. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of September, though final paving will be completed this fall. The water main improvements are part of New Jersey American Water’s multimillion dollar program to accelerate the renewal of water infrastructure that is reaching the end of its useful life in more than 100 communities across the state.
The streets involved in this project are:
New Jersey American Water asks that pedestrians and drivers take caution in the vicinity of these work sites.
For more information on New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, visiting www.amwater.com.
Golf Classic to be conducted Aug. 1
The John J. Murphy Foundation will be holding the seventh annual John J. Murphy Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 1, at the Ridge at Back Brook in the Ringoes section of the township.
The John J. Murphy Foundation is dedicated to supporting and funding advancements in research and treatment for all types of cancer in children and adults. The Foundation works to fund improvements in treatment facilities, as well as family support programs for family members of those affected by cancer.
The John J. Murphy Foundation was founded in 2010 in order to pay tribute to John J. Murphy, who passed away in 2010 after a battle with colon cancer. To learn more about registering for the golf outing, visit www.givetohunterdonhealthcare.org/JJMFoundationmemorialgolf.
Caroline Hu recently began raising an assistance dog in-training for Canine Companions for Independence, a national non-profit organization providing trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities
Hu is a student at University of Delaware, and is a member of the schools Canine Companions for Independence at University of Delaware Puppy Raising Club.
Puppy Jonathan is a Labrador/golden retriever cross who will one day know over 40 advanced commands, and be matched with a person with disabilities.
Volunteer Puppy Raisers are critically important to the work of Canine Companions for Independence, established in 1975. Puppy Raisers take the pups into their home at eight weeks of age, raising them, teaching them basic commands and socialization skills. With the special yellow capes they wear, these dogs are permitted to go to many public areas that family pets aren’t allowed. When the dogs reach about a year and a half old, they are returned to the Canine Companions for Independence regional headquarters in New York. They begin six months of advanced training with the organizations nationally renowned instructors, before they are matched with a child or adult with disabilities.
For more information about becoming a Puppy Raiser, visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
Golf academy to debut its programs
The new Forsgate Golf Academy, located on the grounds of the renowned Forsgate Country Club, will debut its wide array of programs for golfers of all abilities and ages during its Grand Opening Celebration from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 24.
Golfers are invited to “Meet the Pros” and enjoy complimentary clinics, demonstrations, and games while learning about all of the opportunities available at this innovative academy. To learn more, call 732-656-8953 or visit www.forsgategolfacademy.com for details.
The Forsgate Golf Academy's “Five Star” team includes:
From year-round elite training and performance coaching to individual lessons and fun junior programs, The Forsgate Golf Academy covers every element of the game, customized for each individual’s skills, priorities, and goals.
For those looking to optimize their experience, Forsgate Golf Academy Memberships start at $149 for juniors and $199 for adults. An Academy Membership includes discounted lessons and group clinics as well as the added benefit of select club access to dining and golf at the Forsgate Country Club.
Options also include purchasing ala carte lessons or attending clinics based on individual needs.
The Forsgate Golf Academy will also offer comprehensive programming for junior golfers, expanding Forsgate Country Club’s “Future Stars” summer camps into year-round opportunities.
In addition, the Academy will offer Forsgate Elite Junior Camps. Designed for the competitive junior golfer, these camps feature concentrated instruction with small student-teacher ratios, on-course time, and training for national junior competitions. The program’s record of success has enrolled juniors scoring 14 wins and over 30, top-5 finishes in U.S. Kids Tour, Philadelphia Jr. Tour, and International Junior Golf Tour events.
To learn more about the Grand Opening Celebration, Academy Memberships, the staff or the services, call 732-656-8953 or visit www.forsgategolfacademy.com.
Co-editor to hold book presentation
Janet Brennan Croft, Rutgers-New Brunswick faculty member and co-editor of "Perilous and Fair: Women in the Works and Life of J.R.R. Tolkien" (Mythopoeic Press, 2015) will conduct a presentation about the book.
The presentation will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, at Archibald S. Alexander Library, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 169 College Ave.
Following the presentation, Croft will take questions and sign copies of the book. Rutgers’ Office of Summer & Winter Sessions will sponsor a drawing for 10 free copies and additional books will be available for purchase, courtesy of the Rutgers Barnes & Noble.
Despite the decades of conversation, most academics accept the customary view that women in Tolkien’s works are simply idealized or marginal characters, acting only as support for the cast of more fully realized male heroes.
"Perilous and Fair" aims to correct this narrative. In this volume, co-editors Croft and Leslie A. Donovan bring together seven classic articles and seven new studies from leading scholars in the field to show that women are essential in both the works and life of Tolkien. These essays utilize such diverse approaches as literary source study, historical context, feminist theory, biographical investigation, close-reading textual analysis, Jungian archetypes, and fan-fiction reader-response.
Croft is head of access and delivery services and associate professor at Rutgers University Libraries. She is the author of "War in the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien" (Praeger, 2004; winner of the Mythopoeic Society Award for Inklings Studies) and several book chapters on the Peter Jackson films; has published articles on Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Joss Whedon, and other authors and topics in Mythlore, Mallorn, Tolkien Studies, Slayage, and Seven; and is editor or co-editor of seven collections of essays on Tolkien, Lois McMaster Bujold, T.A. Shippey, C.S. Lewis, and others. She edits the refereed scholarly journal Mythlore, for which she compiled a book-length annotated index, and serves on the board of the Mythopoeic Press, for which she has indexed and annotated several titles.
AuthorTalks is a series of talks co-sponsored by Rutgers University Libraries and the Office of Summer & Winter Sessions. Featuring Rutgers faculty authors, these book readings and discussions are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.libraries.rutgers.edu.
Works by Dalal on view at gallery
Works by Alka Dalal will be on view from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, to Sunday, July 24, at the Alfa Art Gallery, 108 Church St.
The event will host more than 100 people and 50 art pieces with talks by several artists from the Central Jersey area. The pieces will be a mixture of oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media.
Dalal has been painting for 30-plus years, was a president of the Raritan Valley Arts Association. She also taught classes for local students and at the Michael's Craft Store in Bridgewater. She is a resident of the Somerset section of Franklin, and lived for 30 years in Bridgewater.
More details of her artwork can be found at http://alkasuniqueart.com/art-series/.
Cooling centers open this weekend
Perth Amboy’s Office of Emergency Management has designated cooling centers in two Perth Amboy facilities due to high temperatures:
Alexander F. Jankowksi Community Center, 1 Olive St., open Saturday and Sunday 4 to 9 p.m.
Raritan Bay Area YMCA gymnasium, 357 New Brunswick Ave., Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If anyone sees a person who needs help, they are urged to call the Perth Amboy Police Department at 732-442-4400. If needed, transportation will be provided by local emergency responders.
Youth Bike Rodeo to roll in on July 23
A Youth Bike Rodeo will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at PAAC Community Garden.
Attendees will learn and practice bike safety and win prizes. Limited bikes and helmets will be available for use. Call Vanessa Cepin at 732-324-2114, ext. 114, or email vanessa.cepin@jrfnj.org. Rain date is Saturday, July 30.
PAAC Community Garden is at the corner of Alpine Street and Dillman Lane.
Join the motorcase of 'extreme Jeeps'
A convoy of “extreme Jeeps” is heading to Perth Amboy, and owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles can join the motorcade.
More than 250 Jeeps are rolling into Perth Amboy for the “Xtreme Jeep Show” in City Hall Park at noon on Saturday, July 23, Rain date is Saturday, July 30. Everyone is invited to view vehicles from all Jeep Classes, speak with owners and take selfies by “tricked-out” machines during the event. The event runs until 5 p.m., people can also enjoy food and music, checkout vendors and visit Perth Amboy’s nearby waterfront and shopping district.
The Jeep display is organized by the City’s Business Improvement District (BID), Jeanette Rios, BID Secretary, and the Perth Amboy Jeep Club. Jeep owners can register their vehicles up to 11 a.m. on the day of the show and pay the registration fee of $20. For more information, visit the BID Facebook page or call 732-442-6421.
Members of Jeep Clubs from across New Jersey are bringing their “Best in Class” vehicles to the “Xtreme Jeep Show.” Participating Jeep Clubs include: Los Tainos, Mendez, Trenton, Jeeperos Unidos, Independientes, Solo, Los Desobedientes, Los Amigos Unidos, Jersey Jeep Flow, Angel Suzuki and 365 Jeeplife.
The most outstanding jeeps in the show can earn first, second, or third place trophies. A panel of judges will check each vehicle’s interior and exterior and look for custom modifications, body kits, and one-of-a-kind components.Trophies will be awarded in many Jeep Classes: CJ-5, CJ-7, TJ and YJ Wrangler, JK2, and JK4 and Open Class as well as Suzuki.
Mayor Wilda Diaz will present the top award — a three-foot-tall “King of Kings” trophy — to the owner of the most “Xtreme Jeep” at the event.
Event sponsors include the All Stars Academy in Perth Amboy.
Have a kick with soccer classic
The second annual Welna soccer classic will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at the Sayreville soccer complex.
Matthew M. Welna died on March 20, 2015, at the age of 25 after being struck by a dump truck in Monroe. There will be entertainment for children, food and drink all day and two trophies will be presented. This year, 28 teams will be playing and all 28 teams wearing Welna's number 20.
The Sayreville soccer complex is at 4441 Bordentown Ave.
'AIDA' performed at middle school
The Woodbridge Community Youth Players will perform "Aida" at the Theatre at Woodbridge Middle School.
Winner of four 2000 Tony Awards, Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country (Amneris), an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23; and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24. The production will take place at the Theatre at Woodbridge Middle School, 525 Barron Ave.
Purchase advance tickets at https://wcypnj.booktix.com and www.woodbridgecommunityyouthplayers.org. Preview Woodbridge Community Youth Players performing Aida at https://youtu.be/AOPqFzVkqXo.
To support the WCYP and to learn how you can be a “Patron of the WCYP” visit www.woodbridgecommunityyouthplayers.org.