A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES Thursday, December 19, 2013 Page 19 Birthday Box Ensures Day is Special for All WESTFIELD — Tamaques El- tion drives with various schools and ementary mothers Stacy Bergerman organizations in Union and Essex and Jennifer Wilner decided they Counties. Westfield’s Tamaques wanted to make a difference in their School hosts a Birthday Box donation community. After years of throwing bin year-round in the lobby to collect fun-filled birthday celebrations for items needed to be included in the their own children, the moms felt it birthday boxes, such as new gifts, was time to bring this happiness to forks, candles and wrapping paper kids who might not as fortunate. The and tape. Birthday Box was born. “Every month I make an effort to The non-profit organization works drop off something with my children, to ensure that children, regardless of whether it be leftover party favors, their families’ finan- wrapping paper, a cial status, can enjoy new book, or a their special day by present my child had receiving a box with a duplicate of from all the items needed his birthday party. I ALL STATE MUSIC…Following a competitive statewide audition process, six for a proper birthday think it’s a great way Westfield High School students were selected into prestigious All State musical party, including a to remind our chil- groups. Pictured, left to right, are: Kristin Hauge, Melanie Snyder and Katherine cake, candles, party dren how lucky they Ko – All State Women’s Chorus, who will perform at the New Jersey Performing decorations and new are, and that giving PAJAMA DRIVE…The children in the “Fours” Classes at St. Paul’s Day School Arts Center in February; Julian Mone and Kim Roth – All State Mixed Chorus, wrapped gift. back to others less in Westfield have collected pajamas in support of the Scholastic Reading Club who are scheduled to appear at NJPAC and previously sang at the NJ Teachers Ms. Bergerman The Birthday Box fortunate is critical,” Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive, a nationwide effort to help children in need, Convention in Atlantic City in November; and Alex DiFabio – All State Orches- especially those living in group homes, shelters, foster care and orphanages. tra/Percussionist, who also performed in Atlantic City. and Ms. Wilner work with local orga- said one Tamaques mother. nizations and agencies in Union, Essex Since it started in 2010, The Birth- Pictured, students display the generous donations from the St. Paul’s Day School and Middlesex Counties, such as tran- day Box has delivered almost 700 community. sitional housing facilities or after- boxes, 42 percent of them from this school programs, to identify a child year alone. Deliveries almost doubled who will likely not be receiving any this year versus last year. Addition- Sledding/Winter Sports In special recognition on their birthday ally, in line with a vision to help chil- due to financial and other constraints. dren not just in the local New Jersey Ms. Bergerman and Ms. Wilner then area, but around the country as well, Union County Parks create a customized package – based the organization started a division in UNION COUNTY — The Union least four inches of clear ice as mea- solely on a child’s age and first name Maryland in 2013. County Board of Chosen Freeholders sured by parks officials in accor- – which is anonymously delivered to Visit www.thebirthdaybox.org or invites residents and visitors to enjoy dance with widely accepted safety help ensure the birthday boy or girl email [email protected] for winter sports at designated areas in the standards. has a happy, tailored celebration. more information and to see what you Union County Parks System, with Several locations that were rou- To raise funds and obtain gifts, The can to do be a part of this organiza- safety in mind. tinely open for skating in the past Birthday Box holds events and dona- tion, Five areas are advised for sledding in are no longer available and the list of County parks: Briant Park (Summit), skating sites is being updated accord- Echo Lake Park at the “Summer Arts ingly. Skaters are advised to take note Hill” near Springfield Avenue of signs posted at designated areas. (Westfield), areas of Lenape Park that Winter sports at any county park are not close to waterways (Cranford), may be cancelled at any time if the Meisel Park detention basin area conditions of the park are such that (Springfield), and Unami Park the safety of the public is in jeopardy. SAFETY FIRST … Natalie Sokolov of Edison, Robert Dorsey of Colonia, Amelie (Garwood). For additional information regard- Leu of Metuchen, Hannah Yin of Scotch Plains and Zara Zaidi of Edison, Persons visiting the parks for win- ing winter sports visit ucnj.org or students at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School in Edison, participate in a safety ter sports should note that the Union call (908) 527-4900 from 8 a.m. to 4 exercise presented by The Sambulance Safety Squad. The Sambulance, spon- County park system is heavily p.m., Monday through Friday. For a sored by Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor and Outdoor Water Park, is an ambulance wooded, and the parks sit in proxim- recorded message at any time, call wrapped in fun colors and design, used as part of the program to introduce children to an ambulance, the first responders who operate them, and the various ity to roadways and bodies of water. the Union County Parks hotline, tools inside, such as oxygen units and back boards. The Sambulance Safety Squad Toboggans, bobsleds and other non- (908) 352-8410. offers educational programming for schools and community groups designed to steerable devices are strongly dis- educate students about safety awareness, emergency situations, first aid, and couraged, and children should be water safety. Grades one and two participated in programs dealing with “stranger supervised at all times. Triskelion Presents danger” and safety awareness. Grades three and four had programs dealing with The park supervisor may suspend emergency situations and first aid. At the conclusion of each program, the sledding activities if there is not ‘A Child’s Christmas’ students were given a tour of the ambulance. enough snow to protect underlying SCOTCH PLAINS — Triskelion grass and soil, or if there are severe will present the beloved “A Child’s ice conditions. Christmas in Wales,” by Dylan Tho- POPCORN ’TIS THE SEASON…Evergreen Elementary School students had the opportunity Cross-country skiing is currently mas. There will be an accompanying to experience the true meaning of the holidays by teaming up with Second Chance permitted at Ash Brook Golf Course program of live Celtic music to be Toys to donate hundreds of their own gently used plastic toys. The toys were in Scotch Plains, Oak Ridge Golf performed by Fanwood resident “Out of the Furnace” immediately transported with the generous help of 1-800-Got-Junk? to New Com- Course in Clark, and the Watchung Tommy Lepano and Friends. munity Corporation Harmony House in Newark, a transitional housing facility, Come celebrate the season and And into the Cauldron of Controversy where Newark Mayor Luis Quintana and Steve Weatherford, punter for the New Reservation. York Giants, were on hand to distribute the toys to all the deserving children. There is no location in the park enjoy free Wassail and refreshments One Popcorn, Poor — Two Popcorns, Fair — Three Popcorns, Good — Four Popcorns, Excellent system suitable for downhill skiing. on Friday and Saturday, December Downhill skiing in the Union County 20 and 21, at 7 p.m. at All Saints’ 2 and ½ popcorns Petty accedes. You don’t have to have a Parks is strictly forbidden. Episcopal Church, 559 Park Avenue, By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER special gift for presentiment to know For ice skating, the County’s in- Scotch Plains. Film Critic what this bodes. door Skating Center at Warinanco Admission for adults is $15; kids One is brought to shuddering terror Way earlier, before older bro Russell Park is open for the season. Check under 15 and seniors $5. by the depiction of an insular, degener- knew he would be seeking to settle a ucnj.org/skate for more information Reservations can be made by call- ate, inbred population of mountain score with Harrelson’s evildoer, film- or call (908) 298-7850 for a recorded ing (908) 256-5704 or visit people frighteningly personified by maker Cooper inserts a glibly ominous message. www.triskelionstage.com. Woody Harrelson in director Scott chance meeting between the two when Skating on natural waterways in Triskelion is operating as a 501 (c) Cooper’s “Out of the Furnace.” While DeGroat carelessly bumps into him the park system is limited and is 3 not-for-profit under the aegis of the plot itself is a simple tale of revenge coming out of Petty’s lair. “You got a contingent on the availability of at Spiral, Inc. with nary a twist or turn along its pre- problem with me?” asks Russell. “I got dictable and violent path, the film is a problem with everybody,” snarls Holiday Hours At Union County’s Facilities fraught with haunting atmosphere and DeGroat. AREA — Trailside Nature and Sci- Thursday, Friday and Monday, De- deeply disquieting, sociological asper- Curiously less inspired, though, is ence Center will be closed Christmas cember 26, 27 and 30, and Wednes- sion. the patently sophomoric contrasts the and New Year’s Eve and new Year’s day, January 1, 2014 starting at 1 p.m. While the script written by Cooper director makes when Russell and his Day, Tuesdays and Wednesday, De- The public is invited to take part in with Brad Ingelsby is a stated work of uncle, Red (Sam Shepard), go deer cember 24, 25 and 31, 2013 and Open Public Skating sessions at: 10:30 fiction, replete with traditional dis- hunting. Merely a waste of time meant Wednesday, January 1, 2014. a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to claimer, intimation via the incorpora- to underline some primordial postula- Watchung Stables will be closed 5:30 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. and 8:30 to tion of a known geography in northern tion, it lengthens an already slow-mov- HOLIDAY CONCERT…Wardlaw-Hartridge Middle School students perform at Christmas and New Year’s Day, 10:30 p.m. Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. is New Jersey magnifies the alarming ing movie that seems much longer than their Winter Concert on December 12. The students performed under the direction Wednesdays, December 25, 2013 and a Family Session; children 17 and conceptions. It has stirred controversy, its 116 minutes. of Rick Fontaine (Instrumental Music) and Sharon Byrne (Vocal Music) with piano January 1, 2014 under must be accompanied by an with the flames fanned by a recent Because the retributive tale is the sort accompanist Mel Freda. Patrons were treated to a reception, courtesy of the Parents’ Warinanco Skating Center will close adult. article in the New York Post. of cop show fodder you can access on Association, in the Oakwood Room after the performance. at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New the parks reservation desk in Hence, whether disingenuously capi- TV any given night and you know Year’s Eve, Tuesdays, December 24 Westfield will be closed Tuesday, De- talizing on literally centuries of myth things are all just heading to the final Wardlaw-Hartridge Students Showcase and 31, and will be closed Christmas cember 24, through Wednesday, Janu- and fable or just coincidentally picking showdown, it makes the doings even Day, Wednesday, December 25, and ary 1, 2014. this specific landscape as his formi- slower. But then this is a film of aura Talents at Art Show and Winter Concert will open at 1 p.m. New Year’s Day, Visit the Parks Reservation Desk in dable wellspring of horror, director and characterization, the latter often EDISON — The Upper School Art Michael Olano and Alex Barbet, “To Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Extra Elizabeth or call (908) 527-4900 for Cooper has certainly created a conve- wrought more than is necessary to the Show and Concert on December 5 Drive the Cold Winter Away” and public skating sessions will be held assistance. nient and utterly evil enemy. Mr. narrative. featured the best work of Wardlaw- “For All We Know;” Concert Band – Harrelson, who has limned his share of Mr. Cooper wants to say something Hartridge School students in the fine “Joy,” “Psalm 42” and “Take 5;” Jazz loose cannons and profligates, even about America, but doesn’t seem to be and performing arts. After perusing Band – “Stolen Moments,” “Tuxedo JUXTAPOSE GALLERY outdoes himself this psychologically able to put it in any cogent series of paintings, drawings and sculptures in Junction” and “Listen Here;” Con- twisted go-round. His Harlan DeGroat paragraphs. Or, maybe favors instead the halls, patrons entered the AP cert Choir – “If Music Be the Food of is characteristically immoral. that we interpolate his albeit deeply felt Room for a hour of music. Love,” “Ki Mi Tziyon” (Hebrew Folk Widening the socioeconomic pro- abstractions about violence and where The concert included performances Song), “The Pink Panther” and Due Sorelle Jewelry nouncements and lamentations of the goeth the American Dream. from the Percussion Ensemble, “Magnificat.” story, his bad guy is juxtaposed with All of which makes me wonder if his MadJazz, Concert Band, Jazz Band Guests from the audience joined the sort of working class hero first feature length diatribe about mills clos- and Concert Choir. The following is the Concert Choir and Concert Band Christmas Trunk Show identified in Michael Cimino’s “The ing, dwindling morality and a discon- a list of pieces performed by the for the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the tra- Deer Hunter” (1978). Christian Bale is nect from the principles championed instrumental and vocal groups: Per- ditional finale to the winter concert. solidly credible as Russell Baze, a salt by the Founding Fathers is actually a cussion Ensemble – “Etude for Per- After the performance, refresh- of the earth mill worker. He accepts his muckrake hidden within fiction…its cussion Quartet; MadJazz – “Ola! o ments were served in the Oakwood fate and culture. And, despite the purpose also mysteriously elusive. che bon eccho!” featuring solos by Room courtesy of the Parents’ Asso- gloomy circumstances confronting him That Cooper expressly thumbs his Julia Linger, Nikki Mugambi, ciation. in rural Braddock, Pennsylvania, he nose at political correctness and essen- maintains an ethical creed. tially summons controversy further However, his younger brother, darkens the murk and misery that en- Rodney, a veteran of four tours of Iraq velops this very disturbing update on urgently played by Casey Affleck, rails the American experiment. Even review- against his blue collar station with des- ing it gives you the heebie-jeebies. perate angst. Whether due to some But, if its stark, naturalistic propound- pang in his upbringing, posttraumatic ing is ugly, it is, to invoke an oxymoronic stress or an inherently vexing devil, apology, a beautiful ugliness full of he’d rather try making a buck in back- untidy and gnawing thoughts about yard, illegal prizefighting of the what went wrong on the way to our bareknuckle variety. ideally humane civilization. Thus, the This of course puts him in regular best we can hope is that, by tossing touch with all manner of unsavory char- “Out of the Furnace” into the crucible acters, the first one we meet being of introspection it invites, maybe the Willem Dafoe’s small town bar owner, exercise will proffer a clue about the Saturday, December 21st • 11am - 5pm John Petty. A backroom fixer of such pervasive violence that confounds fights and gosh knows what other illicit humankind’s better instincts. The Perfect Gift for Christmas activities, he is a study in contradiction. … He’d like to protect his star pugilist. “Out of the Furnace,” rated R, is a But when Rodney’s fortunes are played Relativity Media release directed by out locally, he petitions his Fagin to Scott Cooper and stars Christian Bale, arrange a fight in the Ramapough area. Woody Harrelson and Casey Affleck. 58 Elm Street • Westfield He’s heard it’s lucrative. Petty fervently Running time: 116 minutes BEST OF THE BEST…The Wardlaw-Hartridge Upper School Art Show and 908-232-3278 warns him against it, although, success Concert on December 5 featured the best work of students in the fine and could mean the clearing of a debt to his See it all on the Web! performing arts. Pictured, Chase Levitt of Scotch Plains, Charlotte Sweeney of www.juxtaposegallery.com scurrilous, boxing promoter counter- www.goleader.com Cranford and Caroline McNamara of Westfield perform in the Upper School part, Harlan DeGroat. Rodney persists. band.