Page 18 Thursday, August 10, 2006 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION WF Teen Attends Paws, Claws, Scales and Acting Conservatory WESTFIELD – Westfield resident Tales Presents Plays in FW Connor Davis is participating in the Rutgers Summer Acting Conserva- By BRIDGET CORNWELL budget and friends of the library. Par- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times tory (RSAC), pursuing his dream of ents of the children in the play provide becoming a professional actor. FANWOOD – On July 24, the Paws, props, costumes, and backgrounds. RSAC, described as “a boot camp Claws, Scales and Tales Summer Read- In the first play, Who Will Bell the Cat Goo Goo Dolls Give Powerful for actors,” is a four-week residency ing Club at Fanwood Memorial Li- , nine girls performed: Katherine program run through July 30 on the brary had its eighth annual perfor- Celardo, Ashley Kayalo, Emma Sherry, New Brunswick campus and offers mance at Forest Road Park in Fanwood. Josie Dunning, Sonali Kamath, Caroline students an intense pre-professional At 3:30 and 7 p.m., the 17 girls, Culp, Theres Sigona, Rachel Zucker Performance, Candid Interview Who and wide-ranging acting and theater entering grades 5-10, acted out and Marina Dugan. This story of a town curriculum. Will Bell the Cat and Puss-in-Boots. of mice that had to outsmart a cat to live By CHRISTIE STORMS Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Connor, a Westfield High School The club presented the plays for younger “teaches lessons to the younger kids,” (WHS) student, has performed in children but welcomed parents, too. said Caroline Culp, who played a grain AREA – Twenty years is a long time to maintain success at any career many area productions, including This year, Camille Sigona produced vendor in the mouse town. Jesus Christ Superstar Evita Puss-in-Boots and can prove even more challenging , and the plays. Two of her daughters per- , which the children Plain and Fancy. He spent two years formed in this year’s plays. Mary enjoyed, had 12 girls performing: in the ever-changing youth dominated field of rock music. But when the at the Westfield Summer Workshop Everson and Ann Minski, who each Katherine Minski, Rosie Everson, for the Fine and Performing Arts and had daughters performing, co-directed. Alyssa Provenzano, Cassie Segulin, Goo Goo Dolls recently burst onto the stage at the PNC Bank Arts Cen- was awarded the Mark Hardy Schol- Parents helped out behind the scenes. Kaitlyn Magnus, Rose Sigona, Emma arship Award. Conner also runs track Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales is a Sherry, Sonali Kamath, Josie Dunning, ter in Holmdel, with their energetic new hit “Stay with You,” the sold-out and field at WHS. club that all children can join. “The Caroline, Trisha Magnus and Mariel Stacie Lents, Connor’s acting program is free,” Ms. Everson said. “It Mital. crowd was instantly on its feet and cheering. teacher, said, “He is constantly push- doesn’t cost the kids anything, so we The girls rehearsed three days a week ing himself in his acting work and feel good about that.” throughout the summer. “You learn how Co-founded by bassist/vocalist Robby Takac and guitarist/vocalist widening his emotional range. He is The program gets its “small” bud- to cooperate,” said Katherine Minski. simply a joy to teach.” get, according to Children’s Librarian “They’re like our best friends now,” John Rzeznik in 1986, the group has evolved from an alternative punk band “The hard work doesn’t seem hard and Summer Staff Program Director said Rosie Everson of the girls with because it’s so much fun,” said Susan Staub, from the reading club whom she performed. to mainstream rock musicians with platinum albums and hit after hit land- Connor. ing on Billboard’s Top 40 charts. Aleta Nadolny Receives And while the Goo Goo Dolls con- cert set featured several songs from Marc Hardy Scholarship their newly released album, Let Love WESTFIELD – Cranford resident In, they performed plenty of old fa- Courtesy: Warner Brothers Records, Melanie Nissen Aleta Nadolny, a seventh grader, was vorites such as “Slide,” “Iris,” and A BAND NAMED GOO...The Goo Goo Dolls’ Robby Takac, far right, spoke to the Westfield Leader and The Times about his tenure with the band, and his love for Pez. awarded the Marc Hardy Scholarship “Broadway” that drew a huge re- by the Westfield Summer Workshop. sponse. During the softer ballad night Show with Jay Leno.” Last fall, Rzeznik penned the sen- The presentation was made after “Black Balloon,” the crowd gently “I sleep four feet from them on the timental “Better Days,” for a Target/ the final performance of the WSW wafted dark balloons back and forth bus, I play four feet from them on NBC Christmas album released in Theater production of Seussical on to the familiar melody that dates back stage, I’m four feet from them in the 2005, but the song became a huge July 27 at the Edison Intermediate to 1999. dressing room,” Takac explained sensation when CNN quickly picked School auditorium. Aleta played the In a phone interview with The from his hotel room overlooking it up as their anthem for Hurricane role of the Sour Kangaroo. Westfield Leader and The Times, the Manhattan. “Yesterday, I didn’t see Katrina’s recovery efforts. The Marc Hardy Scholarship, cre- charismatic, down-to-earth Takac re- anyone I travel with at all. Not be- “John wrote that song like in one ated in 1991, honors the memory of a NERDY…The Nerds will perform a free concert on Wednesday, August 16, at flected on his two decades with the cause I’m mad at anybody or any- evening, which is kind of cool,” Takac talented individual. The scholarship 7:30 p.m. in Echo Lake Park, on the border of Westfield and Mountainside. The Goo Goo Dolls. thing. But here, I get to throw my reported. “Very rarely can you sum was named for Marc Hardy, an ex- concert by The Nerds is part of the Union County Summer Arts Festival concert “It’s been a long process,” Takac suitcase all over and hang stuff from up an entire situation in 10 or 12 ceptionally talented young man from series. For more information call the Union County Department of Parks, said. “I don’t think there was ever a the lamps and do whatever I want for sentences, so there’s a lot of filling in Westfield who attended the Westfield Recreation and Facilities at (908) 527-4900. moment where I went, ‘Wow, I’m a a little while.” the blanks going on. It was sort of a Summer Workshop. He later became rock star.’ We’ve been lucky to keep The band also hires supplemental bigger example of what probably hap- a member of the Screen Actors’ Guild, our feet in it.” musicians for its performances. Cur- pens with most songs. It wasn’t writ- and appeared in the Cosby Show and The Nerds Rock Echo Lake He also realizes that it takes more rently, guitarist Brad Fernquist and ten for Katrina, but it seemed to fit it several television commercials. than just talent to keep the trio, which keyboardist/guitarist/saxophonist so well.” Recipients of this scholarship are consists of Takac, Rzeznik, and drum- Korel Tunador are on board for the The Goo Goo Dolls also hit the selected on the basis of talent, hard Park With Free Concert mer Mike Malinin (who replaced Let Love In tour, which features the mark with their newly released cover work, positive attitude, and the abil- WESTFIELD – The Union County the air-conditioned auditorium at original drummer George Tutuska in band performing at outdoor amphi- of Supertramp’s “Give a Little Bit.” ity to work well in a theater group. All Summer Arts Festival concert series Cranford High School, on West End 1995), together. theaters throughout the summer with “John sung that a few years ago in of these were qualities that Marc continues on Wednesday, August 16, Place off Springfield Avenue in Cranford “You have to respect people’s The Counting Crows. a GAP commercial, and we started Hardy himself displayed throughout with a performance by The Nerds, the at 7:30 p.m. For up-to-date concert/rain needs. It’s healthy to stay away from “The first time, we just hired our using it as an encore song,” Takac his performances and rehearsals. The popular Jersey cover band that enter- information call the Parks and Recre- people at times,” Takac said. friends. We’ll never do that again,” said. recipient of this honor is given a mon- tains music lovers from Cape May to ation hotline at (908) 352-8410 after 3 That may be considered easier said jokes Takac. “I think we’re a little The band performed it during a etary award to use in the pursuit of Carnegie Hall. The Union County Board p.m. on the day of the concert. than done when some of the band’s smarter now and know we have a very rainy concert for their 2004 “Live in further theater arts education. of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chair- For more information call the tours have comprised of more than specific need to fill. These two guys Buffalo” DVD, and it was so well The Westfield Summer Workshop man Alexander Mirabella, invites the Union County Department of Parks, 400 live shows as well as television fit that perfectly.” received, they decided to record it in is a division of the New Jersey Work- public to attend this free concert, which Recreation and Facilities at (908) appearances, which recently included Rzeznik and Takac write a major- the studio for their new CD. shop for the Arts, a non-profit organi- begins at 7:30 p.m. in Echo Lake Park. 527-4900. their 15th performance on “The To- ity of the Goo Goo Dolls songs, both The city of Buffalo, N.Y., where zation. For more information on the The Nerds were formed in 1985 by individually and sometimes as a col- Rzeznik and Takac grew up and Workshop or its programs, please call four Jersey guys with a flair for Ber- laborative effort. formed the band, remains close to (908) 789-9696. muda shorts, polyester shirts and catchy Full Count Big Band Swings “There’s never really any set pro- their hearts. They left Los Angeles to tunes that energized beach parties and cess. I think it’s more one idea sparks return to Buffalo this past winter to Masterwork Chorus late night TV for decades. Wherever Into Sweet Sounds Festival another, and before you know it there write and record Let Love In. they play – from Ship Bottom and Point are words to it,” Takac said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 Holds Rehearsal in Sept Pleasant to convention halls and casi- WESTFIELD – The Full Count roads in Garwood. August 26 is the AREA – The 51-year-old Master- nos – The Nerds combine their enthusi- Big Band has a swinging summer night of the band’s return to Cross- work Chorus group is holding its an- asm for music with their inventive ren- planned for music fans who want to roads, a live music club presenting Lesher’s ‘Club 43’ Profiles nual rehearsal September 6 at 7:30 ditions of hit tunes to keep their audi- dance the night away. bands and live entertainment seven p.m. in the Xavier Center on the Col- ences dancing and singing along. This Tuesday, August 22, marks a return nights a week. The downbeat hits at lege of St. Elizabeth campus. Prospec- triumphant return of The Nerds to Echo appearance to the Sweet Sounds Jazz 7:30 p.m. and the band will play all 12 Remarkable WF Women tive members are invited to attend, and Festival in Westfield. This is the 10th night. By MARYLOU MORANO and experiences intersected with the highly experienced choral singers with Lake Park is sponsored by the Union Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times County Democratic Committee. anniversary of the Jazz Festival, which Kicking off September, one can paths these women traveled to make strong vocal and sight-reading skills Freeholder Chairman Mirabella occurs every Tuesday in the summer see the band on Saturday September WESTFIELD – Some people cel- their lives what they are today. are encouraged to audition. urges you to “bring the entire family, with four bands each night. 2 at the Annual St Bart’s Italian Fes- ebrate milestone birthdays by throw- Recently the author spoke at The Masterwork Chorus is an ac- pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs Full Count is performing on Cen- tival in Scotch Plains. This show will ing a party, taking a trip or buying a Westfield Memorial Library about claimed group of talented singers led or blankets to sit on, and enjoy an tral Avenue in front of Bombay Stores. feature Carolyn Nelson on vocals. new car. her experiences writing Club 43. by Maestro Andrew Megill of Rider evening of fun and energetic rock and There will be chairs for listening and Food and drinks and a carnival are In 1983, Westfield resident Tina She explained that she wrote the University. Its 2006-07 season will roll in Echo Lake Park.” The Union a big space for dancing. The band planned. The band is performing from Lesher celebrated her 40th birthday book in small sections using a narra- start with Rachmaninoff’s “Vespers,” County Information Van also will be at performing will be from 7 to 9 p.m. 7 to 10:30 p.m. by playing softball on a team com- tive style. Even the chapter about on Sunday, November 5 at St. Peter’s the concert site, with representatives Saturday night swings at The Cross- At each of these shows, Full Count prised of other Westfield women with herself is written in third person so as Episcopal Church in Morristown, and from the Division of Environmental will feature a mix of songs custom- whom she had one thing in common: to emphasize a “story telling effect.” end April 29 at Drew University. Health and Emergency Management Paula Long Honored ized for the evening, with music and they were all turning 40 that same Each chapter is liberally sprinkled Notably, the group will also perform on hand to answer questions and offer vocals, which will demonstrate the year. with quotes of the Handel’s “Messiah” during the Christ- information about public health is- For Work In the Arts big band sound that audiences of all It was to be a fun woman being pro- mas season at Carnegie Hall. For tick- sues, recycling, and important services WESTFIELD – Families and Com- ages will love. way to celebrate filed. Having each ets and information visit available to Union County residents. munity Together (FACT) honored For more information about The the passage into woman tell her www.masterwork.org, or call (973) The other free concerts in the Sum- Westfield’s Paula Long, the Arts Pro- Full Count Big Band including a com- middle age. What story through 455-7008. mer Arts Festival series include per- gram Coordinator for the Union plete performance calendar, visit resulted was the quotes was, said formances by Ed Palermo Big Band County Division of Cultural and Heri- fullcountbigband.com. formation of Mrs. Lesher, the Just Bead Yourself with Rob Paparozzi, sponsored by tage Affairs, with their Creative Arts friendships that most important Schering-Plough Corp. on August 23 Award on June 13 for her work with Concert Series Features have lasted for aspect to writing Opens in Westfield and The Party Dolls, sponsored by children through the arts at their “Sec- more than two de- Club 43. WESTFIELD – Westfield recently ConocoPhillips-Bayway Refinery on ond Annual Hats Off to Kids” gala Bennie and the Jets cades. While the back- celebrated the grand opening of Just August 30. hosted by Schering-Plough, SCOTCH PLAINS – On August Mrs. Lesher grounds of each Bead Yourself on 254 East Broad In case of rain, concerts will be held at Kenilworth. 17, Greg Ransom will perform with called the women woman are differ- Street. Ms. Long administers the NJ State his band, Bennie and the Jets, at the “Club 43” after the ent, several com- This new store is based around Tues. Jazz Festival Council on the Arts Local Arts Grant 27th annual Summer On The Green year of their births. monalities exist creating jewelry, from rings and neck- Program, which provides funding for Concert Series in Scotch Plains. The For their 50th between them. laces to bracelets and earrings, with Showcases Local Bands art projects throughout the County, performance starts at 8 p.m. birthdays in 1993, “All of us had the help of trained and experienced WESTFIELD – The “Sweet Sounds and was recognized for her dedica- For more than 10 years Greg Ran- the group, which strong mothers,” bead specialists. Downtown” Jazz Festival, sponsored tion and passion for developing pro- som has been the front man of Bennie had swelled to 20 explained Mrs. Just Bead Yourself offers a variety by the Downtown Westfield Corpo- grams for youth. She created the and the Jets, a national touring Elton members, held an- Lesher, adding of activities from birthday parties to ration (DWC), continues its 10th an- Union County Youth Arts Consor- John Tribute Band from Massachu- other softball game that their strength ladies night out classes; there’s some- nual season with performances on tium, which provides a networking setts. The front man frequently per- and feted each has been “our” thing for everyone. Call (908) BEAD- sidewalks and street corners in down- exchange of ideas and programming forms wearing Elton John’s 80s-style other at a dinner legacy. 411 for more information or to make town Westfield from 7 to 9 p.m. for the organizations that serve youth regalia including a spangled uniform where they ex- Several of the party reservations. On the night of August 15, perfor- in the county. Ms. Long, a life long and outsized sunglasses. changed gifts. women profiled have survived breast mances will feature: Terraplane Blues resident of Westfield, was active with That was the year a large two-piece cancer. Many either have or have had String Quartet (Central Avenue in front of The Bombay the Westfield Parent Teacher’s Orga- Celebration Singers 5 -0 sign began appearing on lawns professional careers. Two women are Company), Ron Kraemer and the Hurri- nization Fine Arts Committee and all over Westfield. The sign would former nuns. Presents at Kean canes (lawn in front of the North Avenue served as Chairman. Rehearse for Concert materialize on the morning of each Several black and white photo- UNION – As part of the New Jer- Train Station), Christopher Dean Band Families and Community Together CRANFORD – On August 29, the member’s 50th birthday. graphs illustrating important dates in sey Chapter of the American String (corner of East Broad Street and Pros- is a non-profit organization dedicated adult choir of the Celebration Singers By the time 2003 rolled around, the her life accompany each woman’s Teachers Association’s (ASTA) sec- pect Street), and Dave Leonhardt Trio to assisting the children of Union of Cranford starts rehearsals for its number of members of “Club 43” had vignette. Artist Linnea Weis Rhodes, ond annual Chamber Music Institute Band (Elm Street in front of the Baptist County who have multiple needs that anticipated annual December concert, dwindled to 12. Some women had a profiled member of “Club 43” acted (CMI), the internationally renowned church). For more information call the include mental health, academic, vo- scheduled for December 8 and 9 at moved away from Westfield, while as an informal assistant editor, and Borromeo String Quartet will per- DWC at (908) 789-9444. cational, social or other needs. the Harvest Training Center, 69 others had opted out of participating compiled and arranged the photo- form in concert on Thursday, August Myrtle Street, located in Cranford. in a 60th birthday celebration. graphs. Mrs. Rhodes’s painting of the 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Kean University’s This year’s program will open with To commemorate this milestone, group appears on the cover of Club Wilkins Theatre. Tickets are $15 for Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera, Amahl “Club 43” organized a “60 for 60” 43. the general public and $10 for ASTA and the Night Visitors, under the di- walk in which each of the 12 mem- In addition to Mrs. Lesher and Mrs. members. The concert will include rection of Tom Pedas. Both the adult bers walked five times around the Rhodes, the ten other Westfield works by Beethoven and George and children’s choirs will take part in bandstand at Mindowaskin Park, rais- women profiled in the book are: Su- Crumb. the beloved, Christmas story. During ing over $15,000 for the Susan Komen san Carovillano, Charlotte Clevenger, The Borromeo String Quartet de- the second half of the show, the choirs Foundation. Penny Dinger, Mary McEnerney, buted in 1989 and became one of the will each perform traditional songs Fascinated by the backgrounds of Diana McGonigle, Lesley Robins, Dr. most sought-after string quartets in of the season from various cultures. the women who shared her birth year, Cathy Rock, Dr. Madeleine Sullivan, the world. The members on cello, Sean Berg, director of the adult Mrs. Lesher, a professor of journal- Judi Thompson and Loretta Wilson. viola and violin perform more than choir, will hold auditions for adult ism at William Patterson University Mrs. Lesher holds a doctorate in 100 concerts each season across three male voices only, on August 22, at the in Wayne, wanted to honor them by English education with a specialty in continents. United Methodist Church, Walnut St., writing about them. She compiled the the teaching of writing from Rutgers The CMI includes two consecutive, Cranford from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Anyone stories of the twelve women into a University. She is a 2006-2007 residential, one-week music camps fo- unable to audition on August 22, may book titled Club 43, which was pub- Fulbright Scholar and has twice served cusing on chamber music performance come to the church on August 29 at 7 lished by AuthorHouse in June. as the president of New Jersey Press for young people, as well as several p.m. Mr. Pedas will start the Children’s Mrs. Lesher’s anthology of stories Women. musical concerts. The camp sessions Choir rehearsals and conduct audi- is a compelling snapshot view of the “Club 43” is available at the Town culminate in a public concert featuring CHILD’S PLAY…Thelma Smith, executive director of the Westfield Commu- tions for the Choir and for Amahl and lives of some of Westfield’s most Book Store in Westfield. Mrs. Lesher student ensembles. All of the CMI con- nity Center, left, and Richard Hlavacek, executive director of Families and the Night Visitors in September. For fascinating women. It is an entertain- welcomes reader feedback; she can certs are open to the public. To order Community Together (FACT), honor Paula Long, arts program coordinator, further information, call (908) 241- ing and informative look at the ways be reached at tickets, visit www.wilkinstheatre.com center, for her work with children through the arts. 8200. the uniquely female decisions, choices [email protected]. or call 908-737-SHOW.