2016 things to do in central new jersey

Summer 2016

THINGS TO DO

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� 2016 Things to Do

All the Summer’s a StageLive theater makes for a great time for the whole family

By Keith Loria

You don’t have to travel to New York, or pay Broadway prices, to see top-quality theater this summer. Provocative plays, fun musicals, and Shakespeare will all be on a stage near you this summer.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents classics at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison. The theater is opening its season with Noel Coward’s A Song at Twilight, directed by Paul Mullins, through May 29. The playwright’s final and semi-autobiographical play tells the story of a celebrated writer, his devoted wife, and a glamorous woman from his past — peppered throughout by piano music and Coward’s delicious quips. Veteran company member Edmond Genest appears in the leading role.

Fans of the Bard will want to check out Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, directed by Brian B. Crowe, July 6-24. The theater will present Exit the

King, directed by Bonnie J. Monte, Aug. 10-28.

The Shakespeare Theatre’s annual outdoor show at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown is a highlight of every summer. This year’s production is The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) on its outdoor stage, June 22-July 31. Jeffrey M. Bender directs.

“The 2016 season line-up of plays at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey contains a fabulous mix of classics and new work, all of which speak directly or indirectly to everything that is happening in the world around us,” says Bonnie J. Monte, artistic director for the theatre. “This season’s slogan is ‘mayhem’ and each of the plays being presented deal with mayhem in all its various forms — mischievous, malevolent, merry and mysterious — and each will provide audiences with incredibly thrilling theatrical experiences that delight, inform, provoke thought and

Alison Weller and Laila Robins in A Song at Twilight at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.


inspire a wonderful range of visceral responses.”

For more information or a complete schedule, visit shakespearenj.org.

The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania starts the summer off with Steel Magnolias, May 27-June 18, directed by screen and stage legend Marsha Mason. Based on the 1989 hit movie, which follows the lives of six distinctly different women at Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, the play tells the hilarious story of love, loss, and enduring friendship. It stars TV vets Patricia Richardson (Home Improvement), Susan Sullivan (Castle, Falcon Crest) and Jessica Walter (Arrested Development), as well as Clea Alsip, Lucy DeVito and Elaine Hendrix.

Next up at the Playhouse is Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, June 24-July 16, directed by BCP favorite Hunter Foster. The musical details the life of the legendary singer from his meteoric rise to fame in 1957 through his tragic death less than two years later. The musical features more than 20 of Holly’s most popular tunes.

Get ready for some laughs with Charles Busch’s The Divine Sister, playing July 22-Aug. 13, directed by Carl Andress. The entire original New York cast of Charles Busch, Alison Fraser, Julie Halston, Jennifer Van Dyck and Jonathan Walker will be performing.

BCP’s Youth Company will present The Sound of Music, Aug. 3-13, directed and choreographed by Jessica

Bostock. The one-hour version of this classic musical is uniquely adapted for

young performers.

The summer season ends at the theatre with Cake Off, Aug.

19-Sept. 10, directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch. The musical follows the hilarious events at the 50th Annual Millberry Cake Off.

For more information about BCP’s summer season, visit

bcptheater.org.

Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County C o m m u n i t y College in West

Windsor, has a diverse offering this summer, beginning with the Bard’s Hamlet, June 3-12.

The theater next presents Bonnie & Clyde-The Musical, June 17-26, presented by Pierrot Productions. Frank Wildhorn’s thrilling and sexy musical is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime.

Whet your sweet tooth with Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka: The Musical, July 1-10. Like the popular movie, the musical follows Charlie Bucket and a group of children on their visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory.

Kelsey Theatre’s summer season closes out with the Tony-winning Anything Goes, July 29-Aug. 7. Enjoy some of Cole Porter’s more noteworthy gems such as “De-Lovely,” “I Get a Kick out of You,” and “Anything Goes.”

For more information or a complete schedule, visit kelseyatmccc.org.

The Open Air Theatre at Washington Crossing State Park, opens its summer season with the hilarious Monty Python’s Spamalot, May 30-June 5. The musical is based on the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Expect to see the Knights Who Say Ni, killer rabbits, accused witches and other Python touches.

Next up is From Stage to Screen, a Broadway concert featuring popular songs from both stage and movie musicals, conceived by Louis Palena and Jordan Brennan, which runs June 10-12. Act 1 of this musical revue will feature songs that appeared onstage and then made it to the big screen while Act 2 will include songs that started on screen and traveled to the stage.

Little Women, based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, hits the stage from June 17-26. The story follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, with music by Alan Menken, plays July 8-24; followed by the musical Heathers July 29-31; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Aug. 5-Aug. 21; and Cabaret Aug. 26-Sept. 4.

For more information on the Open Air Theatre season, visit dpacatoat.com.

Off-Broadstreet Theatre in Hopewell has finished its renovations and is ready to present dessert theater again, beginning with The Dixie Swim Club, running through June 11. It tells the tale of five members of a school swim team who meet each August for a week at a beach in North Carolina.

Next up is Sherlock’s Veiled Secret running July 1-30, following the infamous Sherlock Holmes who comes out of retirement for a very special case. The musical Summer Stock Murder runs Aug. 19-Sept. 17, which follows a string of bizarre murders that take place as a summer stock theatre.

For more information, go to off-broadstreet.com.

Jessica Walter will star in Steel Magnolias, opening May 27 at the Bucks County Playhouse.

6 2016 Things to Do

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� 2016 Things to Do

Summer Poconos

By Donna Adinolfe

Snow-covered mountains with skiers and snowboarders racing to the bottom are what comes to mind when you think of the Pocono Mountains.

But when the snow melts and temperatures rise, things sure do heat up in the Pennsylvania resort area.

From family fun to couples-only resorts, the Poconos has something to please every interest and budget.

If you’re feeling lucky, take a chance at the Mt. Airy Casino, 312

Woodland Road, Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. The Mt. Airy Casino offers 1,800 slot machines as well as the excitement of live table games. The hotel features a spa and golf course as well as luxuriously appointed rooms and world-class restaurants. For more: 877-682-4791 or mountairycasino.com.

If lady luck isn’t on your side, maybe you’ll be lucky in love. Touting itself as “The Honeymoon Capital of the World,” the Poconos was the hot destination for newlyweds in the 1960s with its heart-shaped tubs and champagne tower bubble baths. But the romance is still alive for

at the

Yep, the famous resort is open and ready for fun during the warm monthsThe indoor water park at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions offers fun for all ages.


new couples as well as those who want to rekindle that spark with their sweetheart.

The heart-shaped tub was invented in 1963 by the former owner of the Poconos’ Cove Haven, which is still attracting lovebirds to its resort. Visitors to the all-inclusive Cove Haven, Pocono Palace, and Paradise Stream enjoy cozy fireplaces, an outdoor pool, unlimited breakfast and dinner as well as nightly entertainment. For more: 888-963-3052 or covepoconoresorts.com.

Share the love with your family at one of the Poconos’ family resorts. Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, 193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, Pennsylvania, features a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark as well as an outdoor waterpark featuring thrill rides and a wave pool. Camelback Lodge also features a mega-arcade, indoor laser tag, a three-story ropes course and rock climbing. The lodge offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and spas. For more: 570-629-1665 or camelbackresort.com.

Plan a guys or girls weekend at one of the area golf resorts. The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, 100 Shawnee Inn Drive, Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania, features a 45-hole course along the Delaware River. The resort offers golf lessons, a golf shop, as well as stay-and-play package deals. After you’re finished hitting the links, pamper yourself in the spa and treat yourself to a meal at one of the four restaurants. For more: 800-742-9633 or shawneeinn.com.

If you have the need for speed, check out the Pocono Raceway, Long Pond Road, Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Known as the Tricky Triangle, the Pocono Raceway hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, and one INDYCAR race. Infield camping areas and a Trackside RV area are available. For more: 570-646-2300 or poconoraceway.com.

Additional Resorts:Kalahari Resorts and Conventions250 Kalahari Blvd.Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania877-525-2427

Indoor waterpark, spa, guestrooms and suites, fitness center, restaurants, retail shops, conference center, family entertainment center and arcade

The Inn at Pocono ManorOne Manor DrivePocono Manor, Pennsylvaniapoconomanor.com800-233-8150

Well-appointed guestrooms designed to keep with the period of the hotel. Packages include breakfast buffet and four-course dinner. Golf, horseback riding, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa. Manor Sports Lodge offers fishing and clay shooting.

Great Wolf Lodge1 Great Wolf DriveScotrun, Pennsylvania570-688-9899greatwolf.com

84-degree indoor waterpark containing thousands of square feet slides to zero-depth entry playgrounds; dragon battles in MagiQuest; adventure ropes course and Northern Lights™ arcade.

Woodloch Resort731 Welcome Lake RoadLackawaxen, Pennsylvania1-800-966-3562woodloch.com

Six-sided rock climbing wall, indoor and outdoor pools, bumper cars, go karts, bumper boats, kayaking, nightly entertainment including a Broadway-Style Theme Show, golf. Spa.

10 2016 Things to Do

served basis. The boat has a 15-person capacity.

Marina hours of operation are Saturday, May 21; Sunday, May 22; Saturday, May 28; Sunday, May 29; and Monday, May 30, from noon to 6 p.m.; and from June 15 to Sept. 5 (Labor Day), Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The marina will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the summer. The marina boat rental will be closed Saturday, June 4; Sunday, June 5; Saturday, June 11; Sunday, June 12; and Saturday, June 18, for events on Mercer Lake. 00226672.0527.04x4.45.Starr.indd

Summer at Mercer County Park

The marina at Mercer County Park offers a boat ramp for small boats, dock space, and rentals for kayaks, pedal boats and rowboats.

The summer season at Mercer County Park is opening May 21 and May 22 with activities designed for the whole family.

“The marina on beautiful Mercer Lake and the surrounding picnic areas and playgrounds is one of our most popular destinations,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Come and see why Mercer County Park is one of the best parks in the state.”

The marina has a snack bar that’s open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, featuring hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream, soft drinks, coffee and more.

The marina will offer affordable fun beginning Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22. Pedal boat and rowboat rentals are $18 per hour for Mercer County residents and $20 per hour for non-residents. Single-person kayak rentals are $18 per hour for Mercer County residents and $20 per hour for non-residents; and double-person kayaks are available for $22 per hour for Mercer County residents and $24 per hour for non-residents. Pontoon boat lake tours will start on Saturday, May 21. Prices for Mercer County residents are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 62 and older, and $6 for children 11 and under. Prices for non-residents are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 62 and older, and $8 for children. The pontoon boat rides are a weather-permitting 50-minute lake tour on Saturdays and Sundays, May 21 through Labor Day (June 4, 5, 11, 12 & 18 excluded; marina will be closed for events on Mercer Lake). Tours begin at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. and are offered on a first-come, first-

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YMCA at Sawmill in Hamilton7/18 - 7/22 8/15- 8/19 (Must apply at YMCA)

Half Day $200 Full Day $325Free before & after child care • Lunch and T-shirt

All boat rentals are weather permitting.

Mercer Meadows, Rosedale Park District in Hopewell Township, also offers residents a beautiful setting for a variety of outdoor activities. The park is a prime fishing location as its 38-acre lake is stocked with trout and features a public-access boat launch open to rowboats, canoes and boats with electric motors. Rosedale also has a picnic area, two playgrounds, 5-acre off-leash Dog Park and an extensive network of hiking trails.

For more information on activities at Mercer Lake and the marina, please contact the Mercer County Park Marina at 609-448-4004.

Also upcoming at Mercer County Park:

Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship, June 3, 4 and 5 on Mercer Lake.

U.S. Rowing Youth National Championship, June 9, 10, 11 and 12 on Mercer Lake.

Paddle for Pink Dragon Boat Races, June 18 on Mercer Lake.

Freedom Festival, the annual Independence Day fair, Saturday, June 25, from 3 to 11 p.m. at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds.

Summer Concert Series at the Festival Grounds: Saturday, July 23, 6 to 10 p.m. featuring Blue Meanies and Satisfaction; Saturday, July 30, 6 to 10 p.m., featuring Local Legends; Saturday, Aug. 6, 6 to 10 p.m., featuring The Prophets and 80’s UnderCover; Saturday, Aug. 20, 6 to 10 p.m., Human Wheels and Best of the Eagles.

For more information about guidelines and prices at the marina, please visit the Mercer County Park Commission website at mercercountyparks.org.


THeATeR

Princeton Summer Theatre, Murray Dodge Hall on the Princeton University Campus. Assassins, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, June 16-26; God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, June 30-July 10; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard, July 14-July 31; Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, Aug. 4-14; www.princetonsummertheater.org.

CHILDReN’S THeATeR

Junie B.’s Survival Guide to School, Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Presented by Theatreworks/USA, June 4. $12, $10 seniors/children; www.kelseytheatre.net; 609-570-3333.

2016 SUMMER THINGS TO DOD&R Greenway Land Trust and Hopewell Borough invite the public to rock and roll for the 125th anniversary of Hopewell Borough, June 18, 4-11 p.m.. Family events include children’s music and crafts, Amazon bounce house, self-guided tours and nature events, 4-7 p.m. Music schedule: 4 p.m. Hopewell Valley Children’s Chorale, 4:15 p.m. Vox Central Jazz, 5 p.m. Gwynne Alden Band, 6 p.m. Castle Lane Band, 7 p.m. Thomas Wesley Stern, 8 p.m. Michael Falzarano Band, 9 p.m. Danielia Cotton, 10 to 11 p.m. Strange Rovers. Food from local purveyors, including pizza, ice cream and desserts, will available for purchase. A beer garden for adults ages 21 and up will take place 7-11 p.m. Admission costs $20. Funds raised will go toward Hopewell Borough 125th anniversary events and repainting the Hopewell Train Station. Information about the festival and to register for the Beer Garden: www.hopewellblockparty.org.

emily Newton, soprano, collaborating with Tyson Deaton, pianist and conductor. Pennington United Methodist Church, 60 S. Main St., Pennington. Program titled Midsummer Night’s Songs, with works by Strauss, Wagner, Korngold, Santoliquido and more, June 26, 4 p.m. Tickets cost $20, $15 advance; www.pumcnj.com; 609-737-1374.

The Old Barracks Museum Taptoe Concert Series. Old Barracks Museum, Trenton. The Taptoe recreates a summer evening in 18th century Trenton, when the musick and the guard would march through a garrison town signaling the time for the taverns to close their taps and for the soldiers to return to their barracks. A selection of military tunes will be followed by “A Tuneful Felicity”, opera and concerto selections by Handel, Arne, Purcell, Hewitt, and more performed by professional musicians and singers, including John Burkhalter on the English flute. Beginning at dusk, the evening will be illuminated with dramatic lighting by torches, candles, and spotlights, July 8, July 29, gates open at 7 p.m., music starts at dusk. Tickets cost $25 for reserved balconly seating, $10 lawn seating; www.barracks.org.

25th Annual JazzFeast, Palmer Square Green, Princeton. The JazzFeast event is an open-air jazz festival that swings with the joy of great music and food. Featuring performances by some of the industry’s best jazz musicians and showcasing many of the area’s finest restaurants, the one-day festival draws thousands of people to downtown Princeton, Sept. 18, noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free, food vendors charge accordingly; www.palmersquare.com.

ART

Princeton University Art Museum, on the campus of Princeton University, Princeton. By Dawn’s Early Light: Jewish Contributions to American Culture from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War, through June 12. Women, Art, and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise, through July 10. Surfaces Seen and Unseen: African Art at Princeton, July 2-Oct. 9. A Material Legacy: The Nasher-Haemisegger Collection of Contemporary Art, July 30-Oct. 30.

MUSIC

Palmer Square Summer Music Series, Palmer Square Green, Princeton. Musicians to be announced, bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free and open to the public, Saturdays in July and August; www.palmersquare.com.

Singer-Songwriter Showcase, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Original songs and covers performed by singers and songwriters from Central New Jersey in a showcase hosted by Rich Bozic of Bozic Voice Studio. Local favorites including Helen O’Shea, Garry Pearsall, Faith Chambers and the acoustic duo Autumn Dragonfly will be featured, June 5, 4 p.m. For more information: princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Sustainable Jazz ensemble, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. The Princeton-based ensemble featuring Steve Hiltner, Phil Orr and Jerry D’Anna performs (mostly) original jazz. Part of the Listen Local Series, June 17, 7 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Community Day Music Festival, St. Michaels Farm Preserve, Hopewell.

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Color - Line - Space, The “A” Space, 37 W. Bridge St., New Hope, Pennsylvania. Show and sale featuring four local artists, June 4-30. Opening reception, June 4, 5-8 p.m. Hours: Thurs.-Sun. noon to 5 p.m. For more information contact [email protected] or [email protected].

AMUSeMeNT PARKS

Crayola experience, 30 Centre Square, Easton, Pennsylvania. More than 60,000 square feet of adventure, featuring 26 attractions that allow kids to explore art and technology, express their creativity, and experience color in a whole new way. The Crayola Experience was re-imagined in 2013. www.crayolaexperience.com.

Diggerland, 100 Pinedge Drive, Berlin. Construction-themed amusement park with 25 attractions. Drive full size backhoes, dig giant holes with real excavators, and operate just about every sort of construction machine you might imagine. For more information, go to www.diggerlandusa.com.

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari. 1 Six Flag, Blvd., Jackson. Amusement park featuring rides, attractions, games, a safari ride and more. New this year is the Joker roller-coaster in which riders soar outside of the track in wing cars facing other riders. Also in the park is Hurricane Harbor water park (separate admission). For more information, go to www.sixflags.com.

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne Pennsylvania. Sesame Street-themed amusement park with rides, shows, and parades. sesameplace.com.

DANCe

Dancing and Dessert. Plainsboro Recreation Office, 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro. Coffee, dessert and ballroom dance lesson, June 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Register at recreation office or at www.plainsboronj.com.

Dancing by the Peddie Lake with Candace-Woodward-Clough. 112 Etra Road in Hightstown. Summer session will offer instruction in Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz and Latin dancing, June 2 through June 24. Beginning classes start at 7:30 p.m., intermediate classes will start at 8:30 p.m. $60 for four-week session. Register at [email protected] or 732-995-4284.

Dancing Under the Stars, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Members of Central Jersey Dance give demonstrations and lead others in an evening of dancing, June 24, 7:30 p.m. Continues twice monthly through September at Hinds Plaza, weather permitting; or Community Room; princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

FAMILy FUN

The Spirit of Princeton Memorial Day Parade. The parade begins at Princeton Avenue and Nassau Street and then heads down Nassau Street to Princeton Monument Plaza, where the ceremony will take place. The parade features veterans groups, marching bands, civic and youth groups, all marching to honor those who have died in military service to their country. All current active duty or veteran service men and women throughout Central Jersey are encouraged to walk in the parade, May 28, 10 a.m. Dedication at Princeton Monument Hall (former Borough Hall), 11:15 a.m. www.spiritofprinceton.org.

2016 SUMMER THINGS TO DO

Hervé Tullet, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. The best-selling children’s book author/illustrator presents his latest book “My Stencil Kit,” an imaginative activity book that encourages aspiring young artists, and all children, to express themselves with art. He will also demonstrates his craft and answers questions. For children 2-10, June 13, 5 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Jazams Summer Block Party, Palmer Square, Princeton. A weekend of family fun and entertainment, June 17-19; www.palmersquare.com.

Summer Movies on the Green, Palmer Square Green, Princeton. Family-friendly movies under the stars: June 18, July 16, Aug. 20. Movies to be announced, screenings will start at dusk. www.palmersquare.com.

Summer Crafternoon: Memory Book, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Make a memory book in the shape of a flip-flop at this intergenerational crafting event led by Janie Hermann and Linda Willimer. For those 10 and older. All adults must be accompanied by a child. Registration required through the library’s events calendar, June 23, 3 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Montgomery Fireworks Celebration. Montgomery High School, 1014 Route 601, Skillman. Games and vendors including grilled foods, drinks, and the ever-popular kettle corn and funnel cakes. Get there early to get a great picnic spot under the stars! Feel free to bring a blanket or chairs, June 30, beginning at 6 p.m. The band Just Duet will perform, beginning at 7 p.m. After the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner, the fireworks will begin at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.) www.montgomeryfireworks.org.

LITeRATI

Kate Siegel, 122 Nassau St., Princeton. Based on the wildly popular Instagram account @CrazyJewishMom, Kate Siegel’s essay collection, “Mother, Can Yout Not? (And you thought your mom was nuts…)” is about life with the woman who redefined the term “helicopter mom.” Join a reading and conversation with the author of this hilarious (and tender) book, May 28, 11 a.m. www.labyrinthbooks.com; 609-497-1600.


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Writers Room, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Writers receive constructive feedback at these sessions, during which participants read their work and members offer suggestions. Works read are usually less than 15 minutes long, so there is time to discuss a number of pieces during each session. While nonfiction has been a focus in the past, fiction writers are welcome. Participants range from published authors to those looking to improve their skills. The group is led by Loretta and Fred Wish, June 7, 21, 7 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. The author discusses his book “The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America,” which explores the criminalization of black males in America. Muhammad is executive director of New York Public Library’s Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture, and a professor of history, race, and public policy at Harvard Kennedy School. He is also the Suzanne Young Murray Professor at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Registration required, June 8, 7 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Writing Workshop, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Writers who are working on book-length work are invited to the Writing Workshop to receive helpful, constructive critique aimed from peers. The group is designed so that writers can help other writers of fiction and book-length non-fiction to strengthen characters and story structure. Participants range from published authors to those looking to improve their skills. Workshop leader is Don Donato, June 9, 23, 7 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Poets at the Library, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, essayist and literary critic Vijay Seshadri reads from his works. He has worked as an editor at The New Yorker and has taught at Bennington College and Sarah Lawrence College, where he currently directs the graduate non-fiction writing program, June 13, 7:30 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

The Write Space, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Led by local author Christina Paul, this group focuses on the encouragement of writing, finding your voice, and the producing of words through guided prompts and other writing exercises. All levels of writers welcome for these drop-in workshops, June 14, 28, 7 p.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

FARMeRS’ MARKeTS

Princeton Farmers Market. Hinds Plaza next to Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Seasonal produce from local farmers, flowers, crafts and a variety of edibles. Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music from 12:30-2:30; princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market, Vaughn Drive Commuter Lot in West Windsor. Sixteen regional farms, 12 artisan food and natural product vendors, weekly community groups, live music, special events and cooking demonstrations, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. westwindsorfarmersmarket.org.

COMMUNITy eveNTS

2016 SUMMER THINGS TO DOBeth el Synagogue of east Windsor 7th Annual American Barbecue Carlebach (ABC) Shabbat, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor. Kick off the Summer Season with outdoor services featuring tunes of Shlomo Carlebach followed by a BBQ dinner, June 17, 6 p.m. $10 adults, $8 children. RSVP by June 6: [email protected]; 609-443-4454.

Knit in Public Day, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton. Bring your knitting and crocheting projects and join in this four-hour celebration of Worldwide Knit in Public Day. Drop in any time and knit for as long as you please. Bringing a chair is suggested. Knitters of all experience levels are welcome to attend. Pins & Needles and library staff will help beginners get started, but no formal instruction is planned. Hinds Plaza, weather permitting, or Community Room, June 18, 11 a.m. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

The 12th Annual eTS Firecracker 5K Run/Walk, eTS Campus, Rosedale Road, Princeton. Proceeds from the race will benefit the YWCA Princeton’s Bilingual Nursery School Program, June 21, 7 p.m. Register online or support the Nursery school at www.ywcaprinceton.org/5k.

Reading Getaway, Community Park North, near the amphitheater, Elm Road and Route 206, Princeton. Grab a book and a blanket or chair, and maybe even a picnic basket, and join friends, neighbors and Princeton Public Library staff for an hour of silent reading at Community Park North. This is the first of three Reading Getaways designed to promote Princeton’s love of reading, the park and the importance of gathering as a community, June 29, 6 p.m. All ages are welcome. princetonlibrary.org; 609-924-9529.

Waiters Race, Palmer Square, Princeton. Waiters and waitresses from Princeton restaurants will race to complete a course around Palmer Square while balancing two full glasses on their trays. Fundraising event presented by Princeton Merchants Association, July 14, 4-7 p.m. www.palmersquare.com.

Palmer Square Sidewalk Sale, Princeton. Three-day event featuring great deals from some of your favorite stores around the Square, Aug. 5-7; www.palmersquare.com.

MISCeLLANy

The enduring Tale of Peter Grimes. Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Marianne Grey, a docent at the Princeton University Art Museum, will give a lecture will include literary and artistic examples of how WWII changed the arts of the mid-20th century, as well as the inspiration behind Peter Grimes, June 16, 7 p.m. Register at [email protected] or 609-989-6920. For more information, go to www.mcl.org.

The Rocky Brook Garden Club Wonderland in the Gardens. Alice in Wonderland-themed tour featuring seven private gardens in Hightstown and Cranbury. There will also be refreshments at the UnBirthday Party. June 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain or shine. Advanced tickets cost $12, $5 children and can be purchased at Weichert Realtors 417 Route 130, East Windsor. Day of event tickets cost $15 and will be sold at East Windsor Historical Society, 164 North Main St., Hightstown. For more information, go to www.hewhs.com or call 609-448-8388.


Forever Summer at the ShoreBoardwalks, beaches, and a new hotel are open and ready for a season in the sun

By Donna Adinolfe

Oct. 29, 2012 is a date that forever will remain etched in the minds of many New Jersey residents and business owners.

That mid-autumn date was when Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New Jersey and surrounding states causing deaths and widespread destruction to homes and businesses.

Hit particularly hard were New Jersey’s shore towns, which depend on tourism as their main sources of revenue. Beaches and boardwalks were destroyed and permanent homes as well as rental properties were damaged beyond repair or completely obliterated.

But as the slogan “Stronger than the storm” implied, the state bounced back and was ready for its summer tourists. And now, almost four years later, some shore towns in Northern Monmouth County have completely rebuilt and are thriving despite the deadly storm that impacted so many.

Monmouth County is home to 10,500 seasonal second homes, 420 of which were lost after Sandy, according to Monmouth County Freeholder

This summer, Asbury Park is celebrating the opening of The Asbury Hotel, the community’s first new hotel in 50 years.

Continued on page 20.

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Director Thomas A. Arnone. A total of 9,672 homes in Monmouth County sustained flood damage and 1,444 homes suffered structural damage.

Asbury Park faced a $1.2 million in clean-up; $4.5 million in boardwalk repair; $3.3 million in sewer repairs; and $800 parking meter repairs, Mr. Arnone said.

In Keansburg, 645 homes flooded; 76 homes had major structural damage; Keansburg boardwalk was completely destroyed including all the rides from the amusement park, he added.

In addition, the Atlantic Highlands marina was completely destroyed. The dock of the Seastreak Ferry, which travels to New York, was destroyed, as well as the Shore Casino. Many businesses and homes were completely flooded.

It took months of tireless work, but the shore towns, restaurants, and attractions were ready for summer 2013 visitors following the storm.

According Mr. Arnone, all waterfront towns have rebuilt boardwalks and seasonal second homes have been rebuilt or repaired and are currently back in inventory. Beach replenishment has been completed along the entire oceanfront in Monmouth County.

Keansburg boardwalk has been rebuilt. Keansburg Amusement Park replaced all the rides and games of chance. In January 2014, Keansburg began construction on a new roller-coaster; they also have added a new wave swinger and reinvented the fun-house. All of these improvements were completed by May of 2014.

Keansburg Amusement Park features and outdoor waterpark,

Runaway Rapids, with attractions for all ages and thrill levels. The little ones can enjoy Toddler’s Reef and the Frog Slide, while the more daring can take in Volcanic Revenge uphill water slide where riders plunge downhill and are propelled back uphill and then down again. For a more tranquil experience relax in a tube on Castaways Creek.

“It has been a slow but steady recovery for the borough, but progress is moving along,” said Keansburg Mayor George Hoff. “We have added several new businesses to town since the storm including Chilango’s La Playa at the Beach at Main Street and Beachway as well as the Traveling Tortilla on Carr Avenue. A new 189-unit high-rise will be added to our beachfront development — ground breaking will be this July — which will feature stores and a restaurant on lower level.”

Asbury Park has rebuilt the damaged boardwalk, replaced its parking meters and made the necessary sewer repairs, Mr. Arnone said. In May 2016, Asbury Park will celebrate the opening of its first new hotel in 50 years. The Asbury Hotel will feature 110-guest rooms including family rooms and suites and bunk rooms that can sleep up to eight. A ground-floor lounge will become Asbury Park’s rec room, with ping-pong, pinball machines, and board games. A communal table will be available for travelers who can’t leave their work behind. A rooftop garden, theater and concert venue, and Beer garden, featuring food and beer trucks are planned.

Atlantic Highlands has rebuilt the marina area, Mr. Arnone said. Seastreak Ferry service to New York City is back. The borough has a public fishing pier and public launch ramp and offers fishing charter and party boat services. In addition the Shore Casino has been rebuilt.

Photo courtesy of The Asbury Hotel.

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21centraljersey.com

By Keith Loria

The sun is shining and soon people will be flocking to the Shore for some summer R&R. One of the great things about the season in our area is the host of wonderful musical concerts taking place

— many free in the community.

And it doesn’t matter what your musical style, there’s something for everyone this summer season. From rock to classical to blues to country — concerts this summer can satisfy every generation and genre lover.

Fans of orchestral music will delight in the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra performing “Scores: New Orchestral Works” at the Richardson Auditorium in Princeton on July 16, under the baton of conductor David Robertson. For more information, visit njsymphony.org or call 973-624-3713.

The popular Music in the Park series at Weeden Park in Lawrence takes place from June 23 to Aug. 25, beginning with The Lawrence Community Concert Band, which will be celebrating its 24th anniversary under the leadership of Lawrence music educator Ron Taglairino. The band consists of 35 accomplished amateur and professional players who live locally and engage in a variety of occupations.

Highlights of the series include the jazz/funk/fusion RGM Project on July 7, Ed Goldberg and the Odessa Klezmer Band on July 14 and country rock artist Sun Dog on July 28. Others performing include rockers Kindred Spirit on Aug. 4, jazz artist Olive Joseph Giles on Aug.

Sarah Donner will be featured during a singer-songwriter showcase at the Princeton Shopping Center, Aug. 18.

The sounds of summer will fill the air all season long

Continued on page 22.


11, acclaimed guitarist BD Lenz on Aug. 18, and the British Invasion-inspired Carnaby Street on Aug. 25.

The night of each performance, a Concert Café will be set up where Main Street and local restaurants will offer an a la carte dinner in the park starting at 6:30 p.m. For a complete schedule, visit lawrencevillemainstreet.com/events/musicpark.htm.

The Princeton Arts Council will present its 31st annual free Thursday night Summer Courtyard Concert Series from June 23-Aug. 25, at the Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N. Harrison St.

The series kicks off on June 23 with a tribute to Ray Rodriguez after his untimely passing, with salsa favorites Swing Sabroso remembering his spirit and legacy.

Others gracing the series include singer Lindsey Webster on July 7; world fusion artist AJOYO on July 14; R&B-inspired Grace Little and the Grace Little Band on Aug. 11; and blues greats the Chuck Lambert Band on Aug. 25. Sarah Donner will host a singer-songwriter showcase, Aug. 18. For more information, go to artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Grounds for Sculpture presents its annual Courtyard Concert Series beginning with the musical project Sha’ar, a celebration of Israel culture, on June 23. Award-winning songwriter Avi Wisnia performs on Aug. 25. Admission for both concerts costs $15. For more information, visit groundsforsculpture.org.

Palmer Square in Princeton holds its free Summer Music Series every Saturday in July and August on the Green from 2-4 p.m. A scheduled of acts will be announced shortly. Visit palmersquare.com for more information.

The Garden State Jazz Orchestra, along with the Manville High School Jazz Band will be performing as part of the fourth annual “Jazz Under the Stars” concert to be held sometime in June, in the courtyard at Manville High School, 1100 Brooks Boulevard, Manville. Tickets cost $20. The evening will be filled with a repertoire of big band and swing music. Check out the orchestra’s Facebook page (facebook.com/Garden-State-Jazz-Orchestra-148385881839331) for an exact date.

The 75-member Blawenburg Band will present its annual Summer Concert Series at the Hopewell Train Station, under the baton of conductor Jerry Rife. Free concerts are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, June 27, July 11 and Aug. 15. For more information, visit blawenburgband.org.

Some of the local vinyl and collectable stores are also getting into the act. Randy’s Now Man Cave (mancavenj.com) will welcome Steve Forbert, best known for the ’80s hit “Romeo’s Tune” on June 3. Meanwhile, The Record Collector (the-record-collector.com) has Christine Ohlman and the Rebel Montez on May 28 and the Eliot Lewis Trio on June 11.

For those looking for more mainstream talent, the State Theatre (statetheatrenj.org) once again has some of the biggest tours of the summer heading its way. The Keb Mo’

Band plays May 21; Mary Chapin Carpenter hits the stage on June 15; and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds performs on July 8.

McCarter Theatre (mccarter.org) also has a diverse selection of musical acts this summer, with everyone from Todd Rundgren (May 21), to the Concordia Chamber Players (June 10), to Benjamin Britten’s first full-scale opera, “Peter Grimes,” (June 18, 23 and 26) gracing its stage.

Over at the New Hope Winery (newhopewinery.com), Al Stewart plays June 11-12, Joe Purdy on July 7, and the Johnny Winter All Star Band comes to the winery on Aug. 20.

With so much on tap this summer season, there’s no reason not to get out and enjoy some live entertainment.

BD Lenz will play a free concert in Lawrenceville, Aug. 18.

Continued from page 21.

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