Toys With Love on TV!
I must admit that I find it very exciting when I see someone I know on national television. While doing some shopping today, I found out that Toys with Love in the nearby town of Chester is going to be on The Rachel Ray Show tomorrow.
Toys With Love
A little while back, the show sent producers to this toy store for a segment that will air on the show between 10am-11am on ABC (locally, channel 7). The staff was all very excited about this and couldn’t resist telling their customers with little signs posted in the store. If you are not familiar with this toy store in Chester, they have been in business since 1986 and offer a very wide selection of toys and games, as well as on-site personalization and free gift wrapping. Their philosophy that everything they offer must be playable and safe.
Be sure to tune in to see them on TV!
Cakes & Cookies!
If you haven’t seen the movie “Julie & Julia” this might not make sense to you but it totally got me pumped to right my blog today. Now that the movie is officially out on DVD, I stopped by the “Red Box” at ShopRite (love Red Box!) and was able to see it at last. It’s about so many things but mostly food. Which made me hungry…and made me think about two talented ladies I know.
Much like the stars of the movie, these ladies are both self-taught bakers and have a divine gift for making food not only look good but taste HEAVENLY. So, I would like to introduce you to two amazing women, mothers, wives, friends and Bernardsville residents who certainly know their way around the kitchen.
First, meet Jenn. She has three kids and when her oldest son, Jack, was found to have food allergies she went about finding a solution to the problem of cake at birthday parties. “I would try any baked good recipe that happened to be egg and nut free ” she explains. As she continued to experiment, she would bring a plate of her specialty cookies to all the parties that he attended. Jenn found herself receiving praise for the delicious taste & amazing decorative work on each cookie. Within no time, she has been lining up customers for businesses, baptisms and birthdays.
You will have to take my word for it. They are very, very, very good. Her daughter and my son are in Kindergarten together and she treated the kids to her sensational cookies for the Halloween party. When it was discovered that there were leftovers, the teacher, other moms and I all snuck some in our purses. I rationalized that I would give them to my kids. NO!
The next day, I found them in my bag and scarfed down both cookies without so much as blinking an eye. 
Jenn sells her cookies… and I am nothing if not resourceful. Because her cookies are 1) scrumptious, 2) great looking and 3) free of eggs and nuts, I have placed an order from her to share with my son’s class on his birthday at school.
The list of ingredients include: butter, cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, flour, baking soda, milk, corn syrup, food coloring. (They are NOT dairy free because of the milk, cream cheese, and butter.) Each cookie is $2 and upon request, they can be placed in individual bags with a bow for an extra 25 cents. You may reach Jenn via email at: jennscookies@gmail.com.
Now, for my next favorite subject…CAKE! Over the last several months, I have been having a lot of fun and working very hard to become more physically fit doing a local boot camp in the fresh outdoors, for anyone passing by on Mount Airy to see me sweat and look just plain silly. 
So, WHY am I writing about cake? Because, the gift of having four amazingly beautiful children and a perfect body were given to my trainer, Tracey, along with the gift of decorating cakes that make kids go “WOW!”
After making us do all kinds of squats, lunges and high-knees in her front yard one day, Tracey showed us some pictures of cakes she has made for her kids birthday parties. Each one was cuter than the next. She has been dabbling in this for a little while and feels ready to share her cakes with the community.
Because I have a little Jedi at home who talks about “Star Wars” 24/7, I asked Tracey to make a cake with “Captain Rex.” That picture will follow but be sure of this, every boy at that party was impressed. Tracey doesn’t just make killer cakes. She also makes them taste sensational with the philosophy that the frosting must taste good, cause you know that they often don’t when you buy them store-made.
Like her counterpart (*sigh*) Tracey is self-taught. She loves matching the theme of her cakes with the theme of the parties she throws for her four kids. Asked to name her favorites, she said that the “Pebbles & Bam Bam” cakes she made for her twin boy & girl’s 2nd birthday party was pretty special. Just look:
Here are some more of her creative cakes: 
In case she doesn’t want to adopt you and throw you fabulous birthday parties, you can still have your cake and eat it too. She is now selling these one-of-a-kind cakes with prices varying upon your particular needs. Contact Tracey at : traceyscakes03@yahoo.com
–Thank you for indulging my desire to do a mini-tribute to the cooking blog world, where my blog idol “The Pioneer Woman” and others have turned it into an art form. Bon Appetit!
Christmas Time in the City
The Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce presents:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH 3:30-5:30 PM
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN & SANTA’S ELVES AT COLDWELL BANKER
4:00-5:00 PM TREE LIGHTING & SANTA’S ARRIVAL
THE READING OF “THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” TO THE CHILDREN WITH SANTA AT
THE BERNARDSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
YULETIDE CAROLERS & REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED
Driving through downtown Bernardsville on Wednesday afternoon I spotted the delivery of our annual tree. It was quite an undertaking to just put up my 6′ tree at home, so watching this was pretty awesome.
The arrival of the tree at the town center on Wednesday afternoon.
Knowing that Joe Rossi was on the scene and would have the answers, I contacted him for some additional information about this year’s tree. Here is what he shared:
Every year, since 1979, the Bernardsville Lions Club has erected and decorated Christmas trees as part of the Holiday display in the center of town. Previously, they would install and decorate three trees in the center of town. Last year, due to the redevelopment of the downtown, the Lions Club felt that a single, larger tree display would be more suitable. The new downtown streetscape is the perfect stage for this Bernardsville tradition.
The triangle at the center of town has hosted numerous Christmas trees over the years, but has never drawn the kind of attention as last year’s tree. Adorned with hundreds of hand crafted silk bows, the Lions Club Tree was admired by proud residents of Bernardsville as well as visitors from surrounding communities.
This year, the Lions Club decided to run an ad in the local paper asking any local residents to donate a tree for this year’s display. It was a great way to have the residents of Bernardsville to give back to the community. There were a number of positive responses.
Ultimately, the tree that was selected was donated by Clyde & Judith Mc Guire of Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville. It is a beautiful Blue Spruce tree that stands approximately 30 feet tall.
The tree was cut, prepared, shipped and installed by Statile & Todd of Far Hills. With the help of a crane donated by Garden State Engine & Equipment Company of Branchburg, the tree was hoisted into place, and set into the beautifully constructed base that was provided, last year, by Nat Conti of Bernardsville.
Basking Ridge Electric of Basking Ridge, NJ assisted in the decorating of the tree by donating the use of their bucket truck for the installation of the bows and the LED lights.
This year, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for 4 PM on Saturday December 5th. Frosty the Snowman will visit, as well as Santa Claus. Please refer to www.bernardsvillechamber.com for detailed schedule of events for tomorrow.
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Know what else? I think we might see some snow tomorrow…. If that doesn’t put you in the mood for holiday fun, then nothing will!
Stride to Thrive
Back in October I attended a magnificent event for the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (SHHRC) at The Virgin Spa at Natirar in Peapack. The event was titled “Equus XVIII, A Moroccan Fantasia.” It was a truly magical night with many people coming out to support a worthwhile cause in a very elaborate setting.
What impressed me the most, however, was the true dedication of the volunteers that night. Most of them are friends of mine and are very passionate about the important work that the SHHRC is doing to help children and adults who are physically, emotionally and cognitively challenged by providing a diversified equestrian program.
From now through April, they are selling raffle tickets at $100 each to win your very own 2009 1 Series 28i BMW convertible. Naturally, the winner gets the car and the SHHRC will benefit with funding for their important programs.
Can't you just picture yourself driving this beauty?
This hotrod is crimson red, with 6 cylinders and manual transmission. The retail value is $34,825.00. And YOU can win her for just $100! There will only be 999 tickets sold and the raffle will be held on April 24th, 2010. To learn more about the SHHRC, their events and programs you can visit: www.shhrc.org.
Here is a little bit about their history:
Sketch of original property
Since 1972, Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center has endeavored to improve the quality of life for children and adults who are physically, emotionally and cognitively challenged by providing a diversified equestrian program. SHHRC offers recreational riding instruction for individuals with disabilities, equine-assisted occupational, physical and speech therapy, otherwise known as hippotherapy, therapeutic driving, an integrated summer camp and school and vocational programs. The facility operates six days a week, twelve months a year.
SHHRC was founded by Octavia Brown on her Bedminster, New Jersey farm and was one of the first centers of its kind in the United States. It has grown considerably from the original three horses and six riders. In 1994, with a grant from the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the organization was able to purchase a twelve-acre farm in Oldwick, New Jersey. SHHRC initiated a capital campaign in1996 and began construction of the new facility in 1999. The completed 15,000 square foot facility, consisting of a fourteen-stall stable, tack room, indoor arena, storage area, offices and education center, became fully operational in September 2000. The success of the first phase of the capital campaign, which raised $578,000, is testimony to the fact that SHHRC is a vital organization and supporters are confident in the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Since 1996 the number of riders served by SHHRC has doubled. The expansion of SHHRC’s activities indicates that the organization is satisfying a need in the community. The significant support, both in financial contributions and volunteer commitment, SHHRC enjoys indicates that the organization also has a high approval rating in our service area.
Initially, SHHRC offered one program, therapeutic riding. Therapeutic riding is a recreational program where clients participate in adaptive horseback riding lessons. The purpose of therapeutic riding is to provide physical activity and emotional benefit through the acquisition of horsemanship skills. In the spring of 1995, the organization expanded its services to include equine-assisted physical therapy. Today, clients have access to diversified equine programs, including: therapeutic riding, three equine-assisted therapies: physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, therapeutic driving, vaulting, an inclusive day camp, school and vocational programs.
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At this time of year, there are so many worthwhile causes in need of our help. To have your fundraiser or cause highlighted, please contact me at bvilleblogger@yahoo.com. Share as much information as you can and I will do my best to post it here.
A Sparkling New Addition to Downtown Bernardsville
As I continue my tribute to places for which I am thankful, I would like to highlight and congratulate Edward & Faina Shapiro on their beautiful new location in downtown Bernardsville. Their wonderfully renovated store has all the class and charm of the finest jeweler stores you might find in Paris or Milan. Each time I visit, I always feel as though I have been treated like royalty. In this holiday season, I would highly recommend a stop to see them for yourself or…someone else.
Having been a customer of theirs over the years, I thought I knew them both fairly well. Today, however, I spent a few minutes browsing their website and was riveted by the story of their lives. I copied it straight from the site because it is written so beautifully. Enjoy.
The “American Dream” – we’ve all heard it, but to most of us it’s history; a dusty illusion from days gone by. However, for Edward and Faina Shapiro, their “American Dream” is alive and well and aptly named Diamond Dream Fine Jewelers.
Entering America in 1979 with ninety dollars and two suitcases, Edward Shapiro and his parents knew no English, but were familiar with the illusive “American Dream”. As a boy growing up in Kiev, Ukraine, Edward somehow knew that life might hold something special for him. Though not sure what that special something was, Edward held onto that feeling. After attending the University of Minnesota and studying English as a second language, Edward returned to New York where he met a jeweler to whom he became an apprentice.
Soon Edward realized with certainty that the dream forming in his mind and heart would come true. Watching the rough stones and metal take shape to become artful treasures inspired Edward to continue toward that treasured dream. As an apprentice, he learned practical knowledge of jewelry, then became an established diamond setter, and studied further at the Gemological Institute of America. Coupled with this jewelry knowledge was Edward’s deep respect of old-world values; respect for people; doing a job thoroughly; and taking pride in everything that is done.
Meanwhile, another young immigrant was pursuing her own goal of earning a degree in accounting from Brooklyn College. Born in Minsk, Belarus, Faina was raised with the same old-world values. She was gifted with a wonderful sense of style and fashion which began to thrive in the New York environment. Upon meeting Edward, her sense of style became centered on his love of jewelry. Armed with their respective educations and a love of serving people, Edward and Faina opened their first shop in the American Way Mall in Fairfield, New Jersey in 1985.
From that point on, northern New Jersey became their home with several shops in the area. Today, Edward and Faina are the proud owners of their newest Diamond Dream Fine Jewelers at 10-12 Mine Brook Road in Bernardsville, NJ. Diamond Dream Fine Jewelers has built its excellent reputation by treating its customers with individual care. By knowing their customers, Edward and Faina are able to cater to their specific needs and adding product lines that are sure to bring customers back again and again.
Inside the store, the customer will find internationally recognized brands such as Penny Preville, Marco Bicego, Chimento, Baume & Mercier, Bedat & Co., Artcarved, Montblanc, Philip Stein, Alex Soldier, Me & Ro, Michelle Watches, Buccellati, Roberto Coin, and more. Diamonds and diamond pieces are hand selected by Edward and Faina themselves. To insure individual satisfaction, Diamond Dream Fine Jewelers is pleased to offer custom designs. Value in jewelry is far more than its price; it is quality and complete satisfaction at a cost that is fair. This concept of value is at the heart of Diamond Dream Fine Jewelers’ philosophy. A “Peace of Mind” written guarantee is offered with every purchase. Edward and Faina believe, “Customers are our business; without a customer there is no business.”
Because an “American Dream” came true for Edward and Faina, they wish to make your “Diamond Dreams” come true. You are invited to visit Diamond Dream Fine Jewelers at 10-12 Mine Brook Road in Bernardsville, New Jersey.
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On another note, the Claremont Tavern is continuing to make great progress and I have been promised some new pictures soon. There are job openings available. For those interested in applying, please email Jackie Cutaneo at jackiecutaneo@comcast.net.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Three Cheers for “Peter Pan” and our student blogger…Sofia Torrens
REVIEW OF PETER PAN
by Guest Blogger, Sofia Torrens
The Bernard’s High School play “Peter Pan” was remarkable and very fun to watch. The flying that the students were doing on stage was amazing. It took my breath away. I would definitely see another production from the Bernard’s High School.
What did you think of the stage (set)?
The sets for all of the parts were amazing. How the stage was formed for each scene was great. I think that the kids did a good job putting the stage together. The set when they were in the nursery looked like we were looking into someone’s house. In Neverland the trees were so realistic. The pirate ship set was also amazing; is actually looked like a real pirate ship.
What was the most interesting part of the stage?
I think the most interesting part of the stage was the fact that there was a desk off to the side. That was the narrator’s desk. He talked throughout the play and was a part of almost everything in every scene. While other scenes were going on, he sat at that desk and pretended to write with a quill pen.
Did you like the show?
I absolutely loved the show. It was fantastic. One of the best parts was when the actors were flying. The actors had looked like they were having a good time while they were acting. They were very good chosen characters. I thought that they did a good job on picking the lost boys because they were funny and charming, and also sweet. They really did a good job with the flying. I found out after the play that students were actually doing the stage flying behind the scenes. The play was really cool. I definitely would go and see another play!
What you was your favorite part of the show? Why?
My favorite part of the show was the mermaid scene with lots of mermaids in the water. I liked it because of how beautiful the water was. All of the pirates came and tried to find Peter Pan. This scene was my favorite because it really expresses how everybody was feeling and how they were having such a good time.
Who was your favorite character?
My favorite characters were Peter Pan, Wendie and Hook.
Please describe the costumes and tell which one was the best.
The costumes were exquisite. The best costume was for Hook. It was gold silk jumpsuit and a red jacket with lace cuffs, pirate boots, a black wig, a hook, mustache, and to top it off a two cigar smoking device that allows him to smoke two at a time. (But they were fake.)
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Sofia Torrens is 9 years old and a 4th Grade student at Bedwell Elementary School. She loves to draw and write in her free time and plans to become a fashion designer when she grows up.
Many thanks to Sofia for this excellent review!!!! I will be at the show this evening and based on Sofia’s review, I have good reason to be excited.
Bernard’s High Presents…Peter Pan
See Peter fly across the stage!
Peter Pan and his companions really will fly in the Bernards High School production of “Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up,” to be presented at the school’s Performing Arts Center in Bernardsville this weekend.
“More than 50 students actors have been working on the production since September, and another ten have worked on the technical crew,” said Lynn Weltler, the school’s drama teacher, who has been working on the production along with Judi Martin, Latin teacher.
“The crew has come up with a technique for photographing the fairy Tinker Bell (senior Rebecca Pomeranz of Bedminster) and projecting her image onstage,” Weltler said.
Thanks to internationally known flight instructors at Flying by Foy, the character of Peter Pan will actually fly from one side of the stage to the other. Peter Pan will be played by freshman Lauren Cetnarowski of Bernardsville.
“Although this version is suitable for children, the drama also develops the characters before bringing the show to a heartbreaking and heartwarming conclusion,” said Weltler.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20– 7pm
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21– 7pm
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22– 2pm
Tickets (please buy in advance!!) Call 908-531-8234
Adults– $15
Students/Seniors– $10
This is the beloved story of Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, Captain Hook, Smee, the lost boys, pirates and the Indians, and of course, Tinkerbell, in their adventures in Never Land.
Storyteller……………….Sean Welsh Brown
Peter Pan…… ………….Lauren Cetnarowski
Captain Hook/Mr Darling..Michael DePodwin
Mrs Darling………………Claire Taylor
Wendy Darling…………..Leah Ableson
John Darling……………..Carter Olsen
Michael Darling…………..Michael DiLeonardo
Liza………………………Lydia Anthony
Nana…………………….Andrew Gallo
Tinkerbell………………..Rebecca Pomeranz
Slightly…………………..Samantha Ferrara
Tootles…………………..Kate Pellegrino
Nibs……………………..Eric Craft
Curly…………………….Katie Jo Prendella
Twin 1…………………..Justin Meyers
Twin 2…………………..Sam Grubb
Cecco…………………..Francesca Marsh
Bill Jukes………………..Max Littman
Cookson………………..Alex Manley
Gentleman Starkey……. Kara Wilson
Smee……………………Bryce Wilson
Skylights………………..Alex Hutson
Noodler…………………Jake Rogers
Mullins………………….Camille Durant
Pirates…………………Serena Wu, Stuart Foley, Ben Ferrara, John Hull, Kelsey Buesing, Natasha M, Scott Gunderson
Tiger Lily……………….Andrea Abello
Great Big Little Panther..Kevin Borges
Lone Wolf……………..Courtney Schumn
The Piccaninny Tribe…..Raymer Steinfeldt, Madeline O’Brien, Allie Pisano, Sally Redling, Jordan Smith, Morgan Blain, Kindle Bingham, Sybil Engleby, Wendy Autenreith, Emily Smith
Mermaids………………Patty Howell, Nicole Simmons, Elizabeth Elkind, Sarah Feus, Kaitlyn, Nicole Friend
Jane…………………..Jordan Smith
The new version of the classic tale has been lovingly and painstakingly researched and restored by Caird and Nunn to Barrie’s original intentions:
“Of Peter himself you must make what you will. Perhaps he was a little boy who died young, and this is how the author conceived his subsequent adventures. Perhaps he was a boy who was never born at all– a boy whom some people longed for, but who never came. It may be those people hear him at the window more clearly than the children do.”
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Credit for the content of this blog came from various online media outlets: www.somersethillsinnewjersey.com, Recorder Newspapers and Facebook. (Due to concerns about this form of “social media”, my requests to conduct interviews and obtain show information were denied. )
“Y” We Are So Lucky!
Today begins a new series! In this season of Thanksgiving, I will be writing about people, places and things that are assets to the community and deserve our thanks!
Somerset Hills YMCA, Mt. Airy Facility
As a member of the Somerset Hills YMCA, I can hardly think of an institution that provides more services for families and individuals. Just looking at the current program guide, there are so many classes and programs that are offered for all ages. It is an absolute a credit to the entire YMCA staff for working so diligently to provide a multitude of creative offerings. One glance through its pages and you will find preschool & youth programs, family programs, dance, sports, arts, swimming, wellness, martial arts, special needs and mind-body programs.
Since the time my kids were babies, the YMCA has been a safe haven for me. I will never forget the day another mom at church gave me her leftover babysitting card. Until then, I had no idea that they offered childcare so I could enjoy a workout (and possibly even a shower!). That introduction to the Y opened a door for me and my kids. They honestly love going to play with all the toys, being with friends and the staff couldn’t be any sweeter. As soon as the kids were old enough, I began enrolling them in art classes, swimming, gymnastics, soccer, Tot-kwon-doe, and pretty much everything I could find to enrich their lives. What the Y does for kids to inspire confidence and a healthy lifestyle is impossible to fully describe.
One new thing that I noticed in the Program Guide is something that I might have to nominate for the Nobel Peace Prize….”Drop and Shop” at the Riverwalk facility. On four upcoming dates, you can place your children in a fun and safe environment while you holiday shop, take older children to dentist or doctor appointments or have some time for yourself. From 12:00 to 3:00pm and$25 per child, kids will receive lunch and create a craft. The dates are:
- Friday, December 11th
- Monday, January 4th
- Monday, February 15th
- Monday, February 22nd
There are also great Friday Family Nights at the YMCA that include a theme, family movies and dinner for just $15 per family. On December 4th, they are going to have a “Family Twister” game night. How fun is that?
What the YMCA does for the youth and families is just one of numerous components that are making a difference. Even though I am young and super-fit (ha!), it is when I watch our active older adults that I am the most inspired. They offer an incredible combination of fitness, social and educational programs from Y-walkers, to swimming, yoga, a Phase 4 Cardiac Rehabilitation program and Senior Trips. Moreover, to make the Y more accessible to our senior population, their membership fees are 30% less than regular adult memberships. I think that is just great!
As most people know, the YMCA underwent a huge renovation over the past 5 years and they are not done yet! The expanded Mt. Airy Facility features three pools, including a leisure/recreation pool with slides, gymnastics area, dance studios, expanded state-of -art-wellness center, a cafe, teen/community center and more. Thanks to strong financial assistance and donations, we are blessed with a YMCA that has the staff, volunteers, and equipment that is the full package for anyone who walks through their door. I have to agree with their motto that it is…”One of Life’s Best Investments.”
Show Your Red, White & Blue this Veteran’s Day
No generation gap here. My son and one of our local heroes.
I come from a family where American patriotism is a very serious thing. Both of my grandfathers (now deceased) served in World War II and my own father retired as a Colonel from the US Army. As an Army brat, I had a chance to live in and visit foreign countries as a representative of the United States. It was about the time I was 13 and we moved to Berlin, Germany that my mom made me understand and realize the significance of what it meant to be an American. NOT an ugly American.
Living in what was West Berlin at the time, I grasped that not everyone in the world experiences the same freedoms we enjoy in the United States. I visited East Berlin, traveled through Russia during the Cold War, and have also stood at the crossroads of the DMZ at the border of North and South Korea.
So, take it from me…do not take freedom for granted. It is VERY easy to drive around Bernardsville caught up in the glory of the seasons between Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and totally forget that there are men who have died for our country and more that are overseas dying right now. I’m not trying to be morbid or heavy-handed but I really want everyone to take pause on Veteran’s Day and give thanks for all our soldiers, all our freedoms and blessings because of the sacrifices so many have made on our behalf.
Enjoy life to the fullest and how about this for a challenge…say “thank you” to a soldier or veteran!!!!
Here’s an easy way you can do that…. Every morning at 8am and every afternoon at 4pm this week, there are a group of veterans gathered at the Bernardsville Post Office to raise & lower the flag. They do it in tribute to their fellow soldiers and in remembrance of time served in the Armed Forces. (They only do this for the weeks of Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day.)
The local Heartworks group first came to recognize these Vets through the very caring & always open-hearted Megan McDowell. She noticed them and it gave her pause, even in the midst of her own busy life. Through her efforts, Heartworks provides meals during this week of remembrance as a way to say “Thank you” to them. Thanks to Megan’s awareness, many other area families have begun to attend as well…. and you oughtta see how great that makes these very special (but often unrecognized) Veterans feel!
If you feel moved to join us, we’ll be there at 8am and 4pm to support our local Veterans and let them know that we remember, we care, and we will never forget the sacrifices that they have made for our freedom. It is definitely NOT easy to get up early and drag your kids to the post office at 8am or force them to go there straight from the bus after school…but you know what? Those Vets sacrificed so much more… and that is a lesson worth teaching a younger generation.
On a final note, I took a short hiatus and visited one of the U.S.A.’s finest cities this past weekend–Nashville, TN. Along the way, I rekindled my love for country music and went crazy for this song called “Chicken Fried” by the Zac Brown Band. The lyrics midway through the song are actually fitting for this blog:
I thank God for my life
And for the stars and stripes
May freedom forever fly, let it ring.
Salute the ones who died
The ones that give their lives so we don`t have to sacrifice
All the things we love
Happy Veteran’s Day Y’all!
How A Town Works Together
Comedian Joe Piscopo Appearing in Bernardsville on November 15th
This is how people work together for the greater good of their community, schools, sports, children and families. The members of the Somerset Hills Athletic Facilities Fund (SHAFF) are sponsoring a fundraiser on November 15th, with a live comedy show featuring Joe Piscopo. Ever catch re-runs of him on “Saturday Night Live”? Hilarious stuff. Not to mention all the other film and television he has done throughout the decades.
Without going into specifics, supporters of the Bernards High School athletic programs have been embroiled in a battle for years to make upgrades to the track and field. The result was that the high school is paying for the track and the controversial new turf field is being funded through private donations to SHAFF. Through fundraising appeals, pledges and contributions were made to cover the costs of both the turf and litigation. Some of the pledges were not fulfilled due to the economic downturn and at the same time, costs increased.
According to SHAFF member Mary Smoot, “Because SHAFF was determined to get the turf installed, seven members of the community signed a personal loan to cover the remaining costs. We now have a $95,000 loan to pay off.”
Working together to pay down the turf loan, they rallied their resources and lined up Joe Piscopo as the headliner for this fundraiser. Piscopo is a friend of City Council Member Joseph Rossi who made the connection possible. Committee members further rallied local restaurants who are supporting this endeavor by providing a %15 discount on dinner orders with the proof of a ticket stub. If you ask me, that’s a win-win.
Here are the details for a fun-filled evening sure to provide laughter and a uniting community experience.
Joe Piscopo
Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 5pm
Bernards High School Performing Arts Center
Orchestra $55, Rear Seating $35
For more information, contact Pam Cembrook: pamela.cembrook@yahoo.com
After the show, bring your ticket stubs to any of these participating restaurants, and receive 15% off your dinner check (Drinks Excluded) Good for Sunday Only.
Station Pub & Grub, Due Terre Enoteca, Mia Sorella Ristorante, Sette Cucina Italiana, Asian Delight, Bamboo Grille, Bernards Deli, Equus Restaurant, Marianna’s Pizza Cafe, The Olde Mill Inn, Lenny’s Pizza, and The Vine Restaurant (Vine only–15% discount on Monday 11/16).
