Page 16 Thursday, November 27, 2003 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION ArtsArts && EntertainmentEntertainment TTidesides TTurnurn FFavavorablyorably WhenWhen GGrandma,randma, GGrandsonrandson TTeameam UUpp inin AAdvdventurenturee BookBook By MARYLOU MORANO write it the way I wanted to,” said For Joan, who lived Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Marco. in Westfield from 1940 WESTFIELD — A former “So I wrote a story “grandma style” to 1949, attended both Westfield woman’s love and concern and asked Marco to comment on it Grant School and Michelle H. Le Poidevin for The Westfield Leader and The Times for her grandson has turned the two for me,” Joan said. Westfield High School, of them into co-authors. Joan then tried to relate Marco’s and was married in The Picture in Poetry: “Autumn Glory” Joan Santomenna, and her grand- comments of her writing to the Presbyterian Church of Picture in Poetry: by Gladys Harp son, Marco criticism he was receiving from Westfield, the Carib- I am rich today with autumn’s gold, Santomenna, recently his teachers.” bean was the perfect All that my covetous hands can hold; released their joint ef- It was from this labor of love place for her story to fort, “Caribbean Ca- that “Caribbean Capers” devel- evolve. Frost-painted leaves and goldenrod, pers,” a middle-school oped. At one time she and A goldfinch on a milkweed pod, grade mixture of mys- “It didn’t start out as a book,” her husband, Roland, Huge golden pumpkins in the field tery and adventure that explained Marco. “It was my owned a charter-boat With heaps of corn from a bounteous yield, takes place on St. John grandmother’s way of teaching business in the Carib- Golden apples heavy on the trees in the United States me to write better.” bean. Now they spend Virgin Islands. From this writing exercise was part of each winter on a Rivaling those of Hesperides, It all began, accord- born 144 pages of exciting 40-foot sailboat docked Golden rays of balmy sunshine spread ing to Joan, when storyline that follows the esca- at St. Thomas. The rest Over all like butter on warm bread; Marco, who is now 16 years old, was pades of three pre-teen boys. The of the year finds the And the harvest moon will this night unfold having trouble in middle school En- book consists of two-self standing Santomenna’s at their The streams running full of molten gold. glish class. adventure stories geared toward the home on the Tom’s “He was having difficulty accept- middle grade reader. A good amount River in Ocean County. Oh, who could find a dearth of bliss ing the constructive criticism his of information about St. John, in- A graduate of Sarah With autumn glory such as this! teacher was giving him on his writ- cluding its history, culture and natu- Lawrence College in ten work,” said Joan. ral beauty, is intertwined throughout Canton, N.Y., Joan is “It was my essay and I wanted to the plots. also the author of Joan Santomenna and Marco Santomenna “Cruising Is a Breeze,” a “how-to” manual of sorts for those bareboat cruising. Pen & Ink:With Michelle Le Poidevin On who wish to embark upon Caribbean Marco, now a junior at Toms River Neil Young Reissues High School and a straight “A” stu- the dent, is currently an “advanced stand- Red, Amber, Green and Everything Holiday Concert ing” student in English. He is look- ing forward to attending college as a In Between in Primetime TV Land Beat Echo Political Flavor combined psychology/English ma- Community Band, jor. By MICHELLE Le POIDEVIN By ANDY ing his audience and critics alike Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times “Caribbean Capers” is published GOLDENBERG with his newest album, “Greendale” Specially Written for The EIS Scheduled by the Santomenna family publish- Solid television writers are Westfield Leader and The Times (Reprise Records) — a concept al- bum concerning a fictional town in WESTFIELD — The Westfield ing house, WindSpirit Publishing, a dime a dozen. It seems that Now that the holiday season has (www.windspiritpublishing.net) and California, it is not one of his stron- Community Band and the Edison since the late 90s, networks officially begun, music and DVD Intermediate School (EIS) Broad- is available from all online and local lovers should be aware gest albums, but it is have pushed more mediocre adventurous and com- way Singers will present their 14th bookstores. of some great early holi- Annual Holiday Concert, sponsored plots, canned comedy and day gift ideas for the fam- pelling listening none- hackneyed dramas through the theless. by the Westfield Recreation Depart- ily or themselves. ment on Wednesday, December 10, system, hoping viewers will Neil Young fans can Rhino Records re- leased a slew of great at 8 p.m. in the EIS auditorium, 800 just ease into numbness and finally rejoice over the Rahway Avenue in Westfield. recent release of four al- late 70s and early 80s lap up the lunacy. Without titles, including bril- The Westfield Community Band, bums that had yet to see under the direction of Elias Zareva, primetime jewels like the light of day on CD. liantly remastered ver- “Friends,” “Frasier,” “Ed,” sions of the punk band will perform a collection of classic FOX Television “Hawks & Doves,” “Re- holiday favorites including “A Christ- “Everwood,” “Hack” and “The The cast of FOX Television’s “The O.C.” actor,” “American Stars ‘N Bars” Television’s “Marquee Moon” and “Adventure.” Awaited mas Festival” and “Have Yourself a District,” we would have to surmise that aliens descended upon TV and the legendary “On the Beach” Merry Little Christmas.” A historical (Reprise Records) span 1974 to by Punk Rock and guitar enthusi- Get Outta writers and sucked their creativity out with a straw. asts, “Marquee Moon” is one of the family favorite, “Twas the Night Be- 1981, and are a fascinating time fore Christmas” will be performed, ABC carries the most offenses with flat sitcoms like “I’m With Her,” capsule in terms of Young’s politi- most interesting releases of the 70s and a great linear album from start joined by the band’s “Uncle” Steve The House cal and creative mindset at that time. Schoeman. STOP! “On the Beach” perfectly cap- to finish, as is “Adventure.” How- By CAROL F. DAVIS ever, Adventure sounds Two featured selections for the Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times tures the social malaise evening will include “Shalom!” a Yes, Dear (CBS) Still Standing (CBS) Everybody Loves during Watergate and a bit too polished. New Jersey wineries will be Fear Factor (NBC) Two And A Half Men (CBS) Raymond (CBS) Nixon’s resignation and Rhino also continues holding a Holiday Wine Trail Las Vegas (NBC) Joe Millionaire (FOX) I’m With Her (ABC) those themes resonate its great Elvis Costello Weekend, Friday, Saturday and Average Joe (NBC) 7th Heaven (WB-11) Whoopi (NBC) throughout the album. reissue series with “Get Sunday, November 28, 29, and The Guardian (CBS) 8 Simple Rules (ABC) Happy Family (NBC) “American Stars ‘N Happy,” “Punch the 30, from 12 to 5 p.m. A variety My Wife and Kids (ABC) Clock” and “Trust.” of wineries will be offering lots Judging Amy (CBS) Good Morning Miami (NBC) Bars” was a more per- Karen Sisco (ABC) The King of Queens (CBS) It’s All Relative (ABC) sonal album for Young “Get Happy” features of specials, including wine and 20 high-powered tunes Smallville (WB-11) Survivor (CBS) Becker (CBS) as he struggled to fuse food pairings, wine cellar tours, Threat Matrix (ABC) with the standouts be- wine education, and free gifts. Angel (WB-11) Married to the Kellys (ABC) the perfect blend of Hope & Faith (ABC) country music with the ing “The Imposter’ To help you explore New Jer- 10-8 (ABC) L.A. Dragnet (ABC) more primitive rock sound he had “King Horse” and the acoustic, sey wineries, the Garden State Life With Bonnie (ABC) cultivated with Crazy Horse. From “New Amsterdam.” “Punch the Wine Growers Association has Good, But Needs Improvement the subtle beauty of “Star of Clock’s” greatest tunes include the put together suggestions for day Cold Case (CBS) Bethlehem” and “Will to Love,” to epic “Shipbuilding” with Chet trips for each area of the state. Gilmore Girls (WB-11) Less Than Perfect (ABC) George Lopez (ABC) the all-out rockers “Like A Hurri- Baker on trumpet and the hit single, Use these or design your own Tru Calling (FOX) One Tree Hill (WB-11) Navy CIS (CBS) cane” and “Bite the Bullet,” the “Everyday I Write the Book.” trip to your favorite wineries. Scrubs (NBC) The West Wing (NBC) Will & Grace (NBC) album is almost a perfect blend of “Trust” is probably the most con- Visit http:// JAG (CBS) Joan of Arcadia (CBS) Miss Match (NBC) these two facets of sistently brilliant of the www.newjerseywines.com/ The Handler (CBS) Life According to Jim (ABC) Alias (ABC) Young’s personality. bunch and features winetrails.html. Remember to “Reactor,” which was members of Squeeze on Elias Zareva be cautious if you are the driver. Go, Go, Go! harmony vocals. If the done with Crazy Horse, suite of Israeli folk songs by Phillip * * * * * Everwood (WB-11) Law & Order (all series) (NBC) The Bachelor (ABC) was full-on rocker with great sound on these NYPD Blue (ABC) The O.C. (FOX) Extreme Makeover (ABC) discs was not reason Spark and “Hallelujah Chorus” from This weekend, November 28 the standout tracks the Oratorio “The Messiah” by Frasier (NBC) CSI: Crime Scene Hack (CBS) “Shots” and “Southern enough for celebration, to 30, as well as for the next George Frederic Handel. two weekends, the Model Rail- CSI: Miami (CBS) Investigations (CBS) The District (CBS) Pacific.” “Hawks & each album contains a ER (NBC) second jam-packed disc The EIS Broadway Singers, di- road Club will present the American Dreams (NBC) The Practice (ABC) Doves” saw Young con- rected by Kristine Smith-Morasso, Ed (NBC) fronting the peace and of bonus tracks. Sound and Light Show. It may Sony/Columbia Legacy has re- are a select, extra-curricular choral be time to follow those signs love generation with support for group that performs in local nursing “Married to the Kellys,” while CBS comes in a close second with the Reagan’s defense plan, although he cently released great jazz-fusion on Route 22, and finally stop from Santana, continuing its slow homes, Children’s Specialized Hos- in at the Club Building on stale comedies like “Yes Dear” and “Still Standing.” There’s an old rule would later criticize the Republi- pital and other venues. can administration’s economic but steady reissue of this legendary Jefferson Avenue in Union. in the television industry that advises networks and producers to let band. While the first three albums Concluding the evening’s concert, Show times are 5 to 7 p.m. on policy in interviews. the Westfield Community Band will programs run their In 2003, Young is again confound- Continued on Page 15 Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. on Sat- join the Broadway Singers in per- urdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on course but leave the au- forming Irving Berlin’s “White Christ- Sundays. Ticket prices are dience wanting more mas” and “God Bless America.” nominal: $2 to $5. Call (908) before becoming bored. This event is free to the public, and 964-9724. This is where “Every- refreshments will be served after the performance. * * * * * body Loves Raymond” The Westfield Community Band It’s time for Santa’s arrival at tunes in. The show has is sponsored by the Westfield Recre- the annual Christmas Tree enjoyed deserved suc- ation Department, Bruce Kaufmann, Lighting Ceremony in cesses, but could be- Director. Westfield. Bring the family to come dry like a Thanks- For more information, please con- the North Avenue Train Station tact (908) 789-4080. lot at 5 p.m. on Sunday, No- giving turkey if it vember 30, to get a glimpse of ABCTelevision doesn’t quit while it is the man in red, listen to music George Lopez as himself and Masiela Lusha as ahead. “7th Heaven” has From Heaven’s by the Westfield Community Carmen Lopez in ABC’s “George Lopez.” insulted my intelligence Band, and watch the lighting through overly-sweetened dialogue and directionless storylines. ceremony. Throne Planned And, bless John Ritter’s heart, “8 Simple Rules” can simply not go * * * * * on without him, even At Area Churches Another scintillating annual though he may have event is the Six Flags Winter SCOTCH PLAINS – Torn Cur- Lights - Drive Thru Adven- wanted it to. Nothing tain Productions will present a ture. This winter wonderland can replace his pres- free dramatic musical based on features over 200 custom-made ence and command of the first Christmas and birth of light displays, a holiday vil- Jesus Christ on Saturday, Decem- the craft. lage with gifts, sweets, carol- Season by season, ber 13 and Friday, December 19, ers, photo-ops with Santa, and at Evangel Church in Scotch Plains more family fun. Call (732) some shows have and at Calvary Tabernacle in 928-1821 or log onto slipped and, with a little Cranford on Sunday, December www.sixflags.com. boost, could be back in 14, and Saturday, December 20. * * * * * the saddle again. Doors open at 7 p.m., with a NBCTelevision curtain time of 7:30 p.m. Attendees It’s that time of the year when “Gilmore Girls” has dis- The cast of “American Dreams,” pictured, clock- should arrive early for best seating. Duke Farms in Hillsborough appointed me with some wise, are: Rachel Boston as Beth, Vanessa Lengies A “Church Without Walls” is open to the public. Tours are anti-Christian barbs and as Roxanne, Will Estes as JJ, Brittany Snow as project, the musical will also scheduled twice daily, Wednes- rocket-speed delivery of Meg and Arlen Escarpeta as Sam. address the presence and role days through Sundays, through of angels in the Christmas story. December. Tours are limited to well-written dialogue that can get lost on its audience. “JAG” Evangel Church is located at 30 people. For hours of opera- could beef up its storylines and ABC might have some “Must See 1251 Terrill Road and Calvary tions, fees and reservations (a TV” of its own with comedians Jim Belushi and George Lopez if Tabernacle is located at 69 Myrtle must), call (908) 722-3700. If the writers put a little more mind muscle into the scripts. Those Street in Cranford. For more in- you haven’t had the pleasure of two are on their way. formation, please call Evangel at touring the indoor, themed-gar- (908) 322-9300 or Calvary at dens, don’t miss the opportu- Rumors have been circulating that “Frasier” might live past this (908) 709-9600. nity. season, although it was set to take its final bow. I pray it stays. This is Continued on Page 15 CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK