CANAL WALK NEWSLETTER

December 2016

From the Board of Directors Here we are, it’s December and the Winter Solstice, marking the first day of winter, is only a few weeks away. Holiday preparations are in full swing and we look forward to the new year. As you know, this December Newsletter, written early in November, is the first issue after our Board Elections and Annual meeting which was held on October 27. After a very active and emotional campaign, congratulations are in order to Jim Lyttle and Bob Rossomando who retain their positions on the Canal Walk Board of Directors for the next two years. The Board instituted a new voting process of extended voting hours and mail-in directed proxy voting, both of which markedly improved the voting experience. This new procedure resulted in over a 50% participation in homeowner voting. While this level of voting is good, it also shows that almost 50% of our residents are complacent, either not caring or not interested in the management of their community, something we find hard to accept. We would rather believe that the “silent 50%” are happy and satisfied with the status quo. Well, luckily, for them, the “we’re happy,” the Status Quo folks, the election results will allow us to continue with the leadership that has been providing the sound financial conditions and physical environment which allow our residents to continue to have the life style they are happy with. The message: “let’s try to get everyone voting and show there is an overwhelming endorsement for the way our community is governed,” should be shared with your friends and neighbors and make next year’s turnout even better. On a more serious topic, early in November, there was a lot of speculation about the number of votes cast, number of proxy votes and actual voting tally by candidate. It is the policy of the Board not to divulge actual counts but defer the release of this information to the candidates themselves. Furthermore, each candidate had two inspectors present during the voting and counting. These inspectors took an oath to maintain secret all aspects of their role and experiences as inspectors. It was a great disappointment to see comments in emails that could have come only from those inspectors. As I reviewed the Directors Article of December, 2015, the following are highlighted: 2015: Transition continues into the third year. 2016: Transition engineering, construction and negotiation are completed. Agreement has been reached with our builder and is expected to be signed this month. 2015: 2016 budget has been approved, no increase in maintenance fee. 2016: 2017 budget has been approved, no increase in maintenance fee. This is the sixth year consecutive year without an increase in maintenance fees, something that is recognized and acknowledged by the industry as extraordinary.

Finances: As above, with the 2017 budget approved, with our five year financial analysis and plan, we do not anticipate any maintenance fee increase in the next two or three years. Construction: We have completed having the bicycle/walking path, within and around Canal Walk, repaired and repaved. This eliminated the unsightly cracks and, more importantly, eliminated the tripping hazards for which the Association would be liable. Work was planned for November/December on the Freedom Clubhouse to fix the construction defects discovered in our engineering evaluation. The cost of these repairs is taken into account in the “cost to cure” which is part of the transition settlement and is fully covered in the settlement amount. The builder is progressing with the 63 new homes planned for the area at the corner of Schoolhouse Road and Mettlers Lane. Registration by the builder of these lots is expected within a month or two. Other Events: We ordered and received new chairs for the Ballroom which will allow us to move the older chairs to other parts of the Clubhouse as well as replace the very uncomfortable chairs in the Freedom Clubhouse. The Board wishes to congratulate Lucy Taub and the Cultural Arts Committee for presenting their 70th concert. Great work, Lucy and Committee. Items of interest: The engine in the Jitney had to be replaced due to a broken main bearing. The new engine cost almost $8,800. The installation and repair of all locks on Clubhouse cabinets, lockers and storage rooms will provide all clubs and activities secure storage for their use. In closing, the holiday season is here, and we wish all our Homeowners, Residents, Guests, as well as our Management Team, a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy and Safe New Year.

Jim Lyttle, Bob Rossomando, Nick Iorio and Bernie Worst

CANAL WALK’S OWN WEBSITE Canal Walk residents can check on what activities are planned and sign up for

activities right from their home computer. Just type this address and you will get to our Canal Walk Website: http://www.canalwalkhoa.com. Our Website was developed by Skip Krals, who still helps us from Arizona. The Website is managed by Howard Kliger, Elaine Whelan, Mo Kim, Fred Ford and Susan Kobren/

TO SEE CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TV: NOW ON CHANNEL 8 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN HD CABLE BOX

OR USE CHANNEL 281 IF YOU DO HAVE AN HD CABLE BOX

Canal Walk Reservation Policy

• Sign-ups are required for most events at Canal Walk (unless otherwise stated).

• Each community sponsored event requires sign-ups and prepayment with check payable to C.W.H.O.A.A.F.

• Residents at Canal Walk will have first opportunity to reserve a space for an event.

• Events will be open to guests providing that the event has not been sold out. Notice will be given when the event is open to guests.

• As always, each event is first come, first served.

Canal Walk Refund Policy

• Effective July 1, 2016, the following revision to the Refund Policy is for any and all tickets, trips or reservations made for events arranged by the Clubhouse Activities, Cultural Arts and Trips Committees and the Activity Director.

• Once you register and pay for any event, you have the absolute right to admission for that event. There will be no refunds for any reason. The only exception is if there is a wait list and the Office is able to book a person to take your place. This policy is to properly manage our finances and is consistent with almost all performance venues.

• If you cannot use the reservation, you may sell your ticket or right to admission, or give it to someone else.

From the Enclave Board The newly elected and appointed Enclave Board has been in existence for approximately three months and has been working assiduously to engage the professionals necessary to begin our transition process with our developer. With the assistance and expertise of these professionals, and with the legal guidance of our attorneys, Cutolo-Barros, LLC, the Board will begin negotiations with the developer. We are hopeful that these negotiations will be fair, fruitful, and successful resulting in the enhancement of the Enclave Community. The Board was pleased to welcome our new neighbors residing in the newly-constructed Greenwich at the “Meet and Greet” on October 13th. The number of people attending was impressive and gratifying. After brief introductions and opening remarks by our president, John LoPresti, our vice president, Ben Caudo, spoke of life in our community, including highlighting some of the Rules and Regulations which we are all required to follow. Brief comments were also made by Barbara Goldstein, the Chair of our very active Covenants’ Committee and by our on-site property manager, David Papalia. And, thanks to David’s efforts, coffee and tasty cakes were then served. From the Enclave Covenants Committee

On behalf of the entire committee, I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. It seems like a good time to remind Enclave residents of the rules regarding holiday decorations. These apply to Enclave apartment style units and Townhomes.

HOLIDAY EXTERIOR DECORATIONS

1. Dates of Display: Holiday decorations and lights are permitted starting Thanksgiving weekend and must be removed by January 15th. Other holiday decorations are permitted 14 days prior to the holiday and must be removed five days after the holiday. Lights must be turned off no later than 11:00 PM.

2. Quantity and Moderation: The quantity of decorations and/or lights should reflect moderation and be sensitive to the close proximity of your neighbors.

3. Location of Decorations: In Townhomes the location of decorations shall be limited to the builder’s original mulch bed area, front doors, and garage door areas. No decorations/lights shall be permitted on lawns, driveways, rooftops, or Common Property, including side yards and backyards. Barbara Goldstein

The Enclave at Canal Walk Board of Directors Thank Enclave Volunteers

As 2016 draws to a close, and holiday celebrations abound, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for the work they have done this year. It is their tireless effort and generosity of spirit that helps make our community what it is, and for that we are grateful. Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Peter Crispino - Chairperson Susan Caudo Angelo Bonarrigo Marvin Lieberman Building Representatives/Block Captains

Ruth and John Goldstein Brigid Brown Juliet Graham Rachael DePirri Vicki Shoemaker Maureen and Steve Stavrou Fred and Izzi Frisco Building Fire Marshalls

Susan Caudo Brigid Brown Gerald Goldberg Rachael DePirri Vicki Shoemaker Barbara and Rich Murphy Maryanne Minischetti Prakash Gadkari Covenants Committee

Barbara Goldstein - Chairperson Elsie Kovacks Joan Mazzacco Kathy Elguicze Fran Johnson

Enclave Editor

Barbara Murphy Special Projects

Ruth and John Goldstein Sunshine Club

Susan Caudo

As another year draws to a close, most of you will be in the midst of preparations for this festive season. This is a very special time of the year as it gives us a break from the hustle and bustle of our everyday schedules. It provides many of us with some time to enjoy the company of family and friends that is all too often missing for the rest of the year. We should all take time to reflect during the holiday season on the relationships that we have cultivated over the past year.

At the same time, let’s not forget those who have suffered the sadness of losing a loved one or dear friends that are going through some difficult situations within their family. While keeping with the spirit of this joyous time, it is equally important to take a few moments and recall these other events and keep these people in our thoughts and our prayers.

The Board of Directors for The Enclave would like to send our sincere appreciation for your support and the pride you demonstrate in keeping our community one of the best senior living environments in New Jersey.

On behalf of the entire Board, we hope this holiday season brings health, happiness and prosperity. Sincerely, The Enclave Board of Directors

Covenants Committee

Please be aware of the rules and regulations for holiday decorating. In case you do not know where your Rules and Regulations are, they are listed below for your use. Dave Lyttle

Part VIII

A. Dates of Display

Holiday decorations and lights are permitted starting Thanksgiving weekend and must be removed by January 15th. Other holiday decorations are permitted 14 days prior to the holiday and must be removed five days after the holiday. Lights must be turned off no later than 11:00 PM. B. Quantity and Moderation

The quantity of decorations and/or lights should reflect moderation and be sensitive to the close proximity of your neighbors. C. Spotlights

One spotlight may be used in the front of the house provided it does not illuminate a neighboring house. D. Location of Decorations

1. The location of decorations and lights shall be limited to the following areas:

a. Builder’s mulch bed area located in the front of the house adjacent to the foundation.

b. Mulch beds that go around to the side entrance of a house. c. Front doors, windows and porches. d. Garage doors and the area around them, including the peak over the garage. e. Mulch beds adjacent to the foundation in side yards and back yards that face a

street or unoccupied open area. 2. Decorations and lights are NOT permitted in the following areas:

a. On trees/shrubs in lawn areas and in the mulch beds around them including those installed by the builder.

b. In mulch beds extending down the sides of driveways. c. On lawns, driveways, roof tops, roof edges (other than exception stated in D.1.d

(above) and Common Property. d. Any other area not specifically mentioned in paragraph D.1.

3. One deviation from the size of decorations is allowed for the holiday period only. Decorations may be up to 24” x 24” x 24” E. Violators will be subject to a $50 fine per day if they do not comply within 10 days of receiving a violation letter. Dave Lyttle

ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Indoor Pool Holiday Guest Schedule December 2016 Sunday, December 25, 2016 POOL CLOSED Monday, December 26, 2016 Guests & Children 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 Guests & Children 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 Guests & Children 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2016 Guests & Children 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2016 Guests & Children 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016 Guests & Children 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2017 POOL CLOSED Monday, January 2, 2016 Guests & Children 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

LOST AND FOUND The Lost and Found Box is now located in the coat room. If you’ve lost something or you find something, please… go to the box. It is overflowing with some nice jackets!

CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE A picture, and in this case pictures, are worth a thousand words. That’s how much could be written about this year’s Canal Walk Halloween Party. Mel, our DJ, delighted us with his musical array of songs and dances and the many guests who arrived in very creative costumes made for a really rockin’ evening. Fun was had by all! Our Holiday Brunch has always been a hit. Once again, Zee Best Bagels will cater this event, with their wonderful salads, spreads, bagels and lox. This is a wonderful time to just sit back and enjoy meeting and greeting new and old neighbors before the holiday crunch. Brunch is served this Sunday, December 4. Doors open at noon. See you there. Seena Allen

YOUNG AT HEART

Calendar: Monday, December 12th - Trip to LiGreci's in Staten Island for a Holiday Extravaganza - Show and Luncheon Wednesday, December 14th - Holiday Meeting Thursday, April 27th - Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Thursday, May 18th - Trip to West Point, Lunch at the Thayer Hotel and a Hudson River Cruise Happy Holidays to all of our members and their friends and families. December brings with it a hint of winter and an overabundance of wonderful ways to celebrate the season. Our trip to LiGreci's in Staten Island for Lunch and entertainment will leave Canal Walk at 10 A.M. returning around 5:30 P.M. - December 12th The regular monthly meeting will be on Wednesday, December 14th at 11 A.M. in the Arts and Crafts Room. Each member is asked to bring a plate of their favorite Holiday cookie to share with members. We will provide Coffee and Apple Cider. We have some lovely trips planned for the new year and we are in the process of planning others.

Joanne Polito, Jule Graham

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

CALENDAR: Tuesdays – 4 to 5 pm - Club Room

It is the perfect time to put our regular Bible study on hold and delve into the Christmas story. We will be showing a short DVD by Max Lucado prior to our conversation regarding this study entitled “Because of Bethlehem.” Even though the Christmas story is so familiar, it is exciting to share our own memories, perspectives, and dig deeper into what the Bible teaches. The birth of Christ truly affected the world and also affects us as individuals. Join us on Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Club Room. Should you have any questions about this wonderful group of women, feel free to contact Mimi Eachus at mpfaadt@eathlink.net, 732-356-8212 or Gail Tornquist at g.tornquist@comcast.net or 908-625-0526. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!! Gail Tornquist

INDO-AMERICAN CLUB DIWALI DINNER

Diwali, signifying the victory of good over evil, is a very important holiday for Hindus and people of other religions in India. It was celebrated on October 23 at the Canal Walk Clubhouse, where more than one hundred guests, both Indian-American and others attended the event. The ballroom and its outside areas were mesmerizingly adorned with lamps and traditional colorful Indian decorations by Sipra Lahiri and her team. To begin, the guests were treated to succulent traditional Indian appetizers like Mango Lassi and Masala Chai. The program then proceeded with a short introduction to Diwali by President Dr. Mohan Lal Lahiri. Jeet Sethi then took over as the MC, in his usual colorful style. This was followed by two amazingly fast-paced intricate dances from the state of Rajasthan, performed by sisters Madhu Bhandari and Sarita Shah. Then we watched short videos about the celebration of Diwali in India, as well as President Obama's Diwali message and the issuance of a Diwali stamp by the United States Postal Service. After a sumptuous Indian dinner, skillfully served by Pooja restaurant, the floor was opened to dancing, which included Garba from the State Gujarat, Bhangra from the State of Punjab, Bollywood music (fast, slow, and romantic) Rock and Roll, Fox Trot, Waltz, and other Western dances. Madhu Bhandari was asked to do an encore and she did not disappoint. Everyone seemed to be in a festive mood, and the event went late into the evening. Special thanks to the owners of Pooja restaurant, located on Easton Avenue, and their owners Shashi and Vijay Kumar for the excellent quality of the food and service they provided. Vikram Bhargava

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Well, we haven’t solved the tax problem(s), but Dan Glicklich has been trying to schedule a meeting with Richard Carabelli, the Franklin Township Tax Assessor. Dan has finally made contact with Mr. Carabelli, who has accepted our offer to address the community on Thursday, December 15th at 7:30 PM. Mr. Carabelli has vast experience as a municipal tax assessor and will provide significant insight into the process of developing tax assessments. As I’ve stated previously, all residents are encouraged to attend this important meeting in order to gain insight into the assessing process in Franklin Township. You will have an opportunity to ask questions of Mr. Carabelli about just how the assessing process works. Jim Heffernan

PICKLEBALL Pickleball has been going full force into September, October, and November. The single pickleball tennis court is being used by 10 - 14 players at least 3 mornings each week for mixed doubles play. Due to the number of players coming to play, we hold shorter games, enabling the rotation of players and giving all the opportunity for greater court time. The active players have noticeably improved their skills – our games are very exciting, fun, and competitive. Training sessions have been held on several days which has increased our roster of players. Some of the more skilled players have volunteered their time to train the beginners. A Canal Walk Pickleball meeting was held on November 2nd to explore our options for indoor play and discuss how we might increase playing capacity on the Canal Walk courts, given the number of players who have developed an affinity for the sport. The Board president, Jim Lyttle, was invited to our meeting and spoke briefly about expansion of pickleball in our Community. Colder weather has not stopped the group from playing. The group is finding indoor venues for pickleball play during the fall and winter months. These venues are either school gyms equipped with temporary pickleball nets, or existing indoor tennis clubs that are marking their courts for pickleball play. If interested in playing pickleball and joining this fun group of men and women, please contact Hank Goldenberg or Stan Spector. Hank Goldenberg

ARTS AND CRAFTS CALENDAR:

Tuesday, December 6th

, 11:00 – 3:00 Oil Painting Class, Holiday Candle, $35 The class will be taught by Mark Saenger who studied with the famous TV star, Bob Ross. You will receive all your oil paints, canvas, and instruction for $35. Please bring your own easel. There are easels for sale for $30 each. Questions, call Betty at 732-560-8387. Make checks out to CWHOAAF. Wednesday, December 7

th – 3 Glass Fusion Holiday ornaments $45 or Glass Fusion plate $65. Class will be held in Warren. Call Betty to reserve and confirm at 732-560-8387. We have not scheduled a Sunday painting class this month. Everyone enjoy the Holiday Season! Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah! We will have Tuesday and Sunday Painting classes in January! Submitted by Gerry Waegelein

BOWLING Our bowling was cut short by one week for the month of October due to Columbus Day, but we continue to have a consistent amount of people showing up every week. On October 3, Al Mattern bowled a 200, and Sal Saladini bowled a 201. There was no bowling on October 10, and on October 17, we had no 200 games to report. On October 24, Mike Palmieri bowled a 236. October 31, we did not have any 200 games, but we all enjoyed my Halloween cookies that day as a treat. Congratulations to all who bowled a 200 game this month. REMINDER: We will not be bowling on Monday, December 26, 2016, and also not be bowling on Monday, January 2, 2017. Joann Perzi

AN EMAIL GOOGLE GROUP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED This is an email discussion group whereby we can share information, using our own group email address. Currently, more than 500 residents are participating in the group. It has proved to be an efficient method for sharing information pertinent to the community. While having a Gmail email account is suggested, but not required, it does allow group members to view and search past postings. The purpose of this group is:

• To share and receive references or information about vendors, e.g., "I'm looking for someone to fix...;" "Does anyone know of a good dentist, dressmaker, plumber, etc."

• To sell, purchase, or borrow items, e.g. "I have a ticket for.... and would like to sell it;" “Can anyone lend me a baby car seat for the weekend, etc.”

• To discuss common issues with our personal property in order to seek other's opinions and share possible solutions.

The Group is:

• NOT a public group (It is for Canal Walk residents only)

• NOT for commercial or political purposes

• NOT to be used as a soap box or a vehicle to "vent" about the Board, the HOA, or the builder.

If you are not yet a member and would like to join the Canal Walk Google Group, send an email requesting membership to: canalwalk.group@gmail.com For more information or questions, please call Chickie Siegel (732-271-5266), Elaine Whelan (732-560-0140), or Evelyn Silverstein (732-650-8099). Submitted by: Chickie Siegel, Evelyn Silverstein, Elaine Whelan

ITCH'N' TO STITCH

Calendar: Every Thursday from 1 to 3 in the Arts and Crafts Room. Blessings to all at this joyous time of the year. Please join us every Thursday as we knit, crochet, cross stitch or use a needle for any creative work. Call me for more information about the stitching and needlework club. Gloria Sipos 732 535 9160

CANAL WALK QUILTERS

The Canal Walk Quilters met in November to try their hand at English Paper Piecing. A lot of fun was had trying to create the seven hexagon shapes that make one flower. The quilters will NOT be meeting in December due to the holidays. But, check out the January Newsletter for details about our Annual Quilt Retreat which will be held the last weekend in January. We will also have our holiday pot luck lunch during the retreat. New quilters are always welcome. Happy Stitching – Sue Watt

TRIPS

Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah &

Happy Healthy New Year!!

• Dec. 1st & 8th, The Bodyguard the Musical- Paper Mill Playhouse (SOLD OUT)

• Dec. 9th, NJ Devils vs St. Louis Blues- Prudential Center

• Jan. 7th, NJ Devils vs Edmonton Oilers- Prudential Center (tentative)

• Feb. 27th, NJ Devils vs Montreal Canadiens-Prudential Center

• March 19th, NJ Devils vs Columbus Blue Jackets ( Sunday Matinee)

• March 30th, Million Dollar Quartet- Paper Mill Playhouse

• April 4th, The Great Comet with Josh Groban- Imperial Theater

• April 25th, Sunset Boulevard w/ Glenn Close-The Place Theater

• April 27th, Miss Saigon & Beautiful

• May 4th, Hello Dolly-Shubert Theater (SOLD OUT)

• June 1st & 3rd , Mary Poppins- Paper Mill Playhouse

• June 14th, Hello Dolly- Shubert Theater

• June 27th, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory- Lunt- Fontanne Theater

Bill Corson

HADASSAH

CALENDAR: ∙ December 13, 7:30 PM Regular meeting includes Installation of 2017 Executive Board plus entertaining program called “What’s That Tune” with Bob Edwards. ∙ “Altar Boyz” at the Villagers Theatre, Sunday, February 5, 2:00 PM. Foot-stomping musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national tour. Tickets are $15 each. ∙ “American Son” at the George Street Playhouse, Wednesday, February 8, 8:00

PM. Highly charged drama portrays what happens when Jamal is pulled over in a certain part of town without explanation. Tickets are $34 each. Sue Nacson can take reservation for either of these performances at 732-564-1296. ∙Save the Date of February 14 for Hadassah’s next Luncheon/Card Party. Once again. We include a delicious catered lunch, snacks, door prizes and a great afternoon of cards and games. Look for flyers in the Clubhouse. The 2017 Mah Jongg card will be offered for sale at $9 for a large print card and $8 for the regular size card. Order forms will be available in the Clubhouse Lobby. Offered to everyone, tell your friends about the sale. Make checks payable to “Hadassah” and place in our Office mailbox. For more information, contact Lynn Cohen at 732-356-8787. Thanks to everyone who supported “Girls Night Out” In October. Judging by the laughs, the comedy routine of Robin Fox was a big hit. The proceeds raised will be directed to the Women’s Health Advocacy Initiative. ShopRite Gift Certificates are a great way to raise money for Hadassah with no extra expense or effort on your part. They are available in $25, $50, and $100 denominations. There is no expiration date. Contact Evelyn Lasky at 732-356-3593 or Janet Kliger at 732-469-6330. We welcome our many new members, most of whom are new Canal Walk residents. If you are interested in joining us, call Fran Musler or Marlene Glickman for information. We are looking forward to seeing you at a meeting. Edna Stone Communications Committee

Acting UP Hit the Stage on Friday December 2

Acting UP returned to the Canal Walk stage on Friday December 2, 8:00 PM. (of course if you are reading this on Dec 1 or 2, we are being clairvoyant) This year’s show included a classic Melodrama with the audience adding its OOOHs, AHHs, BOOOOs on queue. Re-enactment of Old time radio shows: “Jack Armstrong- All American Boy," "Easy Aces," along with a walk down “Allan’s Alley.” Rounding out the show were some short pieces: "Deuces," a poignant conversation between two retired Women Tennis players and "Mango Pickles," with quick, ‘punny’ dialogue. The performance was supported by the CWHOA, and a special thanks to Karen Anderson and her Team for their help with refreshments. Look for more details and pictures in the January CW Newsletter. You will also find a link to the Acting UP YouTube Video channel on the CW HOA website. (http://www.canalwalkhoa.com/Content.aspx?ID=32) Bruce Davidson

ACTING UP

CALENDAR: First Tuesday, 7:30 PM – Freedom Clubhouse

Acting UP-- where characters are welcome. Canal Walk residents gather the first

Tuesday of each month to read short scripts from plays, radio/TV shows and melodramas. We have a few laughs and contemplate the wonders of the amateur acting world. No previous stage experience is needed to join, just an open mind and a wish to have fun. In fact, most of us have never been on a formal performance stage before joining Acting UP but have overcome great fears to entertain our Canal Walk neighbors. Join us in Freedom Clubhouse the first Tuesday of each month @ 7:30 PM For information contact: Bruce Davidson or Marion Yudow. Submitted by Bruce Davidson

CANAL WALK IRISH AMERICAN CLUB

CALENDAR:

• December 8: Pot Luck Dinner in the Clubhouse – 6:00 PM After two successful outside events in June and September, our next two meetings

will be at home. By the time you read this, we will have held a general meeting on October 13th, primarily to approve our By-Laws. On December 8th we will hold a Pot Luck Dinner in the Clubhouse which will include entertainment. Information has been sent out to members.

There are other Irish cultural events which take place outside Canal Walk, and we try to keep members apprised of these. An example of this is the series of talks given at Princeton University. Keep your eyes out for e-mail information on these. For those without e-mail, we will get the information to you via phone or our mailbox in the Clubhouse Office.

We hope to see all our members out to support our 1st Pot Luck Dinner. Wishing all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Brigid Murphy Brown

TRAVEL CLUB

The Travel Club spent three days in Woodloch Pines in the Poconos, PA for some fall fun, abundant food, some snow and the company of friends and neighbors.

SUNDAY CINEMA

CALENDAR:

• December 18: Michael Clayton

• January 22: Tea With Mussolini

• February 26: Bagdad Café (Oscar Party)

• March 26: Waking Ned Devine

• April 30: Midnight in Paris

• May 21: Day of the Jackal

• June 25: Remains of the Day

THE STRINGS OF THE RED VIOLIN BECKONED SUNDAY CINEMA

MOVIE LOVERS. The film drama, The Red Violin, was an instant hit with the Canal Walk residents as they followed the story of the mysterious instrument as it spanned four centuries and five countries telling the story of its passage and its many owners. One of the movie’s main ideas is that humans in all times and places are powerfully moved, or threatened, by the possibility that with our hands and minds we can create something that is perfect. Rhoda Wolfskehl expertly moderated this 1998 Canadian film. Residents enjoyed tasty appetizers and gourmet sweets while socializing before and after the film. Many thanks to movie lover, Gloria Sipos, for her generous gift of DVD/DVR films and related items for other Sunday Cinema members to enjoy. The 2007 film, Michael Clayton, will be presented on December 18th. Sunday Cinema’s exciting movie lineup welcomes all Canal Walk residents to relax, view, socialize and discuss classic and independent films. Sunday Cinema meets each month in the fall, winter and spring, and offers as well, special showings with visiting movie producers and Rutgers film professors. We gather in the Ladies Card Room at 1:30 PM

for a 2 PM film start. Please check the calendar above, the Canal Walk TV station, Website, Lobby poster, and Newsletters, for the entire schedule of all upcoming movies. To be part of this discussion, entertainment and social event, email Marion at myudow@gmail.com for email notification of film times or room changes, and showings. Please bring a snack to share. See you at the movies! Marion Yudow and Judy Gottlieb GREAT DECISIONS – 2017

CALENDAR: 1/26, 2/16, 3/2, 3/16, 4/13, 4/27, 5/11, 5/25 – Ballroom – 7:30 PM

Great Decisions is a discussion group about major issues of U.S. foreign policy. There are thousands of these groups throughout the United States, all sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association. We meet eight times a year on a formal basis between January and April and periodically throughout the rest of the year. We want members who are interested in foreign policy and are willing to spend an evening in serious discussion. Great Decisions produces an annual publication which covers eight topics of foreign policy concern in a magazine format. In addition, they produce a DVD, which is shown at the beginning of each meeting, which gives an expert’s opinion on the topic of the evening. One topic is discussed per evening. The eight topics for 2017 are The Future of Europe, Trade and Politics, Conflict in

the South China Sea, Saudi Arabia in Transition, U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum, Latin America’s Political Pendulum, Prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Nuclear Security. Our meetings for 2017 are scheduled for 1/26, 2/16, 3/2, 3/16, 4/13, 4/27, 5/11 & 5/25. We meet in the Club Room of the main Clubhouse at 7:30 PM on the days listed. The magazine this year sells for $23. It can be ordered by placing your check for $23, made out to me in my mail box, between now and January 1. I will deliver it to you sometime during the first week of January, 2017. Please call me at 908-229-5161 if you have any questions. Merrill Taub - 4 Benjamin Street

Talk of the Walk We accept short entries regarding significant/unusual accomplishments,

milestone anniversaries and birthdays, births, deaths and acknowledgements.

• MERRY RESNICK of Hardenbergh Street would like to share some good news about her granddaughter, CASEY TEPPER. CASEY has teamed up with a group of three others and formed a website which has gotten great reviews. CASEY creates all the art work for the project. She is a freelance artist and majored in digital computer work. She recently graduated from Union College, New York. We wish her well.

Cultural Arts We step aside for the month of December for the residents to celebrate the holidays just ahead. But come January, we are back to bring the best in music to you and your guests.

• JANUARY 21 - FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE The chill winds may blow, but inside our Ballroom you will be warm and cheered when the HARMONIA STRINGS AND PIANIST PHILIP PETROV join for a beautiful and romantic evening of the music of Russian composers, magically played by these Russian performers. The composers lived in the time known as the Romantic Period. Do not think this will be a tedious and unknown set of pieces you are afraid to tackle. The string quartet by Borodin will surprise you when the melodies of Baubles, Bangles and Beads, Stranger in Paradise, and This Is My Beloved stir your soul. The themes were made into pop songs for the Broadway musical, Kismet. Tchaikovsky's familiar ballets, such as The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliette, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty will delight you. Folk songs, including Moscow Nights, will be recognized. The only new piece is one in which all the musicians perform a very romantic quintet by a sorely unknown composer named Aransky. The highlight of the evening is a solo by our first violinist, Boris, accompanied by Philip. I have never seen a bow race across the strings like his did when I watched them recently. He plays a waltz so beautifully scored. After the concert, our lovely reception will feature some Russian pastries to end the evening with our theme of the night. Join us for this special event!

• MARCH 4-JOHN CAPES

From the long-running hit show, Les Miserables in New York, to the title role in Phantom of the Opera in London, from concert halls to television, John knows how to

deliver a performance of the highest caliber. He will take a journey of the highlights of his career with songs from Kiss of the Spider Woman, Carousel, Candide, 110 in the Shade, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and other memorable musicals. "Reminds one how thrilling a voice can be"- The San Francisco Chronicle.

APRIL 22- SWING TIME A celebration of the Big Band Era, the Golden Age of Broadway, and a commemoration of the "Greatest Generation" through the music of the 1930's-1950's. The NJ Festival Orchestra, conducted by the great David Wroe, and featuring 3 singers, come to our Ballroom. We have tried for several years to coax them to perform here since they only do concerts in their venues. We are thrilled they have agreed to come. Charming British maestro, David Wroe, will take us through the years in his artful choice of this era's song hits and the ballads of the Great American Songbook. You will not want to miss this special evening. JUNE 3- THE BROTHERS FOUR Our concerts vary each month so that the year brings a style to please everyone. We have searched for a few years to find a great folk group to perform here at CW. Seeing the Brothers Four on a TV show recently, we approached them to do our June show. They come from Washington State, so in order to travel here at a fee we can afford, they have been arranging a tour of the east coast. Their close harmony evokes a sweet sound. They have recorded more albums than most performers do in a lifetime. Remember Yellow Bird, Green Leaves of Summer, Your Land is my Land, and hundreds of equally haunting melodies? Start the summer with these marvelous singers, and of course, our annual ice-cream and watermelon social! Again, we mention that we need volunteers to help us at the end of our evenings. An hour of your time will assist us so very much.

Lucille Taub

Women's Club CALENDAR:

December 3: Annual Christmas and Hanukkah Celebration – 7 PM In celebration of these two holidays, we will be lighting the Christmas Tree, the Advent Candle and Menorah. The Canal Walk Chorus, directed by Jackie Weighart and accompanied by Olga Epstein, will entertain us with Christmas and Hanukkah songs. Refreshments will be served.

January 18: Essential Oils Jennifer Poulson from Essential Oils will share with us how to use essential oils in our everyday life. Come and enjoy this special event by relaxing and getting your oil on! Our Women’s Club events have been great fun. The Bunko game on October 19th was well received, and all participants had a great time. Many thanks to Gloria Sipos for organizing and running the event. The Holiday Vendors’ Fair was a huge success on November l2th. Ronnie Bayer was the Chairperson of the event, and thanks go to her and her helpers who made this special for all. Each activity sponsored by the Women’s Club has provided merriment and joy which has readied us for the holidays. A message of cheer and happiness is sent to all as we celebrate the holidays! Submitted by Marie Simone

The Grandparents’ Group

CALENDAR: Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Dec. 18 – 11 AM - Ballroom

The Grandparents’ Group Committee wishes to thank the over 200 adults and children who participated in our Halloween Parade on October 30. We had fun planning it and were so glad you enjoyed it, too. Onto our next big event –Santa Claus Is Coming To Town! This year we will be offering a brunch on Sunday, December 18 at 11:00 AM in the Ballroom. Our menu will include scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, mini bagels and muffins, coffee, tea and juice. Please see flyers in the Lobby for more details, and sign up soon for this festive event. Nina Pesce

Veterans’ Club CALENDAR: December 28 - Arts and Crafts Room - 2 PM There were two major areas of interest at our October meeting, and neither had to do with Halloween. First and foremost, our nominations for Commander and Executive Officer were presented by Ken Morrison, who, after due deliberations and considerations, announced the selections were Sam Pesce for Commander and Mike Sabo for Executive Officer. Since there were no nominations from the floor, or by e-mail, the secretary was asked to cast one vote for each candidate and keep the ballot in his records. Next, we got reports on the upcoming Veterans Day observance and dinner, which was on November 11. Veterans gathered in the Arts and Crafts Room at 5:00, and we began the ceremony shortly thereafter. We had a full house and a marvelous evening. Decorating was in the afternoon, after our attendance at the Franklin Ceremony at the Municipal Memorial. In November we also traveled to the VAMC with the Canal Walk Chorus for Holiday songs and snacks. This event is always popular with the veterans who now live in the Assisted Living Unit, both men and women. It is hard to believe that four years have gone by, and now my terms as Commander are completed. It has been an interesting time with many additions to our group’s activities; for instance, the new flag pole at the Clubhouse with spot lights, and also the patriotic holiday flags that line our entry drive. It has been a good and memorable time, with many new members/friends who have added to the enjoyment of the Club. I am very grateful for the support of each and every one of you; you made my job enjoyable. I send my best wishes and thoughts to our new Commander and his Executive Officer and all of his staff. I thank all my Officers for their attention to detail and knowing they always "had my back." Finally, I must acknowledge my Chaplain, Sal Saladini. Your hard work made every holiday, memorial and meeting memorable for all of us. You found the right words for each occasion. Thank you for your work and creativity. Linn H. Smith Commander

Operation Shoebox Once again, the big Holiday Packing got bumped and was held a week later than scheduled. It’s always interesting to me how the loyal packers are able to shift gears and meet Rod’s schedules. As usual, everyone set about their assigned tasks and got large sized baggies filled, to the proper station, and then into the many awaiting boxes for packing. The goal was 500 boxes (about 100+) packages and off to the post office. I noticed the cash collection jars were being filled, and Rod was very grateful for the Canal Walk contributions, especially the collection we made at our Veterans’ Day observance.

Just so everyone knows, I may have left the Commander’s job, but I am hanging on to Operation Shoebox. Chet gave it to me seven years ago, and I'm getting used to it! Linn H. Smith for Operation Shoebox

A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO A TRUE VETERAN

Linn Smith, Commander of the Canal Walk Veterans Club for the last four years, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 11. Dressed in his Canal Walk uniform, he died doing what he loved the most -- being with his fellow veterans on the way to the Franklin Township Municipal Building’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Linn’s passion was Operation Shoebox and to the men and women in the Armed Forces who welcomed gifts of food and toiletries all over the world. Married to Sue Smith, Editor-In-Chief of this Newsletter, for over 51 years, they were one of the original homeowners living on Bayard Road. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our community owes Linn a debt of gratitude, not only for his years in the United States Navy, but for his dedicated service to the veterans of Canal Walk. Our condolences to his wife, children and grand children as we bid our Commander a final farewell.

Men’s Club From the Men’s Club President’s Desk: The holidays will soon be upon us, and we at the Men’s Club will be continuing our tradition of philanthropic giving. We donate approximately $2000 to local charities and our local first responders to say “Thank You” for the excellent job that they do for our community. I would also like to thank the Executive Board and the Committee members for helping make this another great year for the Club. Not to be forgotten, thank you to the CW community for your generous giving to our two Food Bank Drives each year. Coming up, our 2017 evening programs will be new and exciting. Please come and join us! David Gelfand

MEN’S CLUB CALENDAR. December 3: Holiday Food Bank Drive collection day. Bags will be distributed during the November Men’s Club meeting for dissemination to the community. On collection day, the filled bags should be placed by your mailbox before the 9:00 AM pickup time. Pasta, cereals, canned goods of any kind, vegetables and meats are needed. Baby food and formula are also in demand. No expired items or anything in glass containers, please. Together, let’s help make this season a little easier for families and individuals who depend on the Food Bank for support. December 5: RSVP deadline for the Holiday Party. Please respond to the evite in a timely manner so you can be fed. December 12: The Holiday Party starts at 5:45 PM! Our meeting and dinner party will feature a presentation by Walter Choroszewski, more popularly known as Walter C. for obvious reasons. It is entitled “Classic Comedy of Radio & Television.” Walter is also a well-known photographer whose images launched the iconic first state tourism campaign: NEW JERSEY & YOU: Perfect Together! Walter has published 18 photographic books and numerous wall calendars about the state and region and has promoted NJ pride for 35 years. Furthermore, Walter is a popular lecturer with an active schedule of approximately 250 annual presentations to libraries, schools, organizations and senior communities. He recently presented this program to the personnel of the Somerset Library System to hilarious laughter and rave reviews. January 9: Our first meeting of the new year will be followed by a presentation by Frank Hasner. He is the Executive Director of the Franklin Township Food Bank, a non-profit 501c(3) corporation that has been in operation for more than 25 years. Mr. Hasner has been the Executive Director for 9 years and is responsible for overseeing the day to

day activities of the Food Bank. Come and learn more about the Franklin Food Bank which Canal Walk supports. TEE TIMES Looking forward at 2017, we expect to schedule the same events as in the past with dates to be determined. These include Atlantic City, Beaver Brook, Royce Brook, CW Ryder Cup and Somerset Walker’s Cup. See you all at the links in the spring.

Ron Lerner

MEMBERSHIP & DUES

We are collecting your annual dues for 2017 during all monthly meetings. Make your $25 check payable to CWHOAAF. You can also drop your check in the Men’s Club mailbox in the Clubhouse. If you’re not yet a member, join the club. Enrollment is open all year round for new members. Call John Tarantino at 732-584-6104 for more information. Come join us at our next meeting, and see what we’re all about. You can also find out more about us by going to our Website at http://canalwalkhoa.com/. AARP Driver Safety Class

The next daytime class will be in February 2017. Look out for the flyer and notice sometime January. ONGOING COMMUNITY PROJECTS

The Good and Welfare Committee sends get well cards to members. Please let

Gil Selvin (732-356-3269) or Sal Saladini (732-271-5110) know about members who are

ill, hospitalized or recuperating.

GO GREEN

Hazardous waste days and Operation Secure Shred are done for the year. The next dates will be announced in the spring of 2017. Electronics recycling will now be:

A. 1st Saturdays of the month at the South County Public Works (8:00 AM to 2:00 PM), 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.

B. weekdays at the South County Public Works (7:30 AM to 3:00 PM), 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 and North County Public Works, 411 Chimney Rock Road, Bldg. B, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

Proper Disposal of Medicine: Expired and unused medicines can be dropped off at the Franklin Township Police Department, 495 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 (Franklin Township Municipal Complex) or at five other locations in Somerset. Please visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle/medicalwaste.html for more details. CFL Recycling: Year-round, the Men’s Club collects used compact fluorescent light bulbs and brings them to Home Depot for recycling. Please place them in the box in the Clubhouse Arts & Crafts Room and help preserve the environment. Jay del Prado

Italian American Club CALENDAR

December 5 Business Meeting

December 10 CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE

December 13 Bus Trip to Longwood Gardens

In October, we had our annual Pasta Night, and although it wasn’t a Guinness record, we had 280 meatballs, 140 sausages, 20 pounds of pasta and 28 loaves of Italian bread and still had room for dessert! The Joey Armenio Variety Show was very entertaining, and all who attended enjoyed an evening of music and song. In November, we had our regular business meeting. Bingo was held on Nov. 17 using our new larger sized, reusable cards, and the result was a fun evening. A jitney trip to the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ was made by popular demand and the tour was exceptional. The Italian Speaking Group has proven to be both an educational and enjoyable voyage so far. Comparing dialects and learning new words and meanings has proven to be quite humorous. We do have some members who are fluent in Italian, and they have broken off into an advanced group. The rest of us are slowly learning and having fun at the same time. Membership is open to anyone who wants to join the group. We meet every other Tuesday. Sal Saladini has included the following for the members: “Se ci sono qualche membri di IACC che deserano unirsi al nostro gruppo linquistico, sia principiante o correntemente italiano, vieni con noi il Martedi, 11/15 alle 19:00 presso la Clubhouse Liberta. Ci incontramo ogni altro Martedi. Vi seguro che altro la lezione ci divertiamo multo.” Janice is collecting dues for 2017 and please be sure to include the increase, your phone number and email address on any payments. Many times we have events coming up and email is the only method of reaching our members. NOTICE: Dues have increased to $15 per person if paid before March 31. After March 31, the dues will be increased by a $5 late fee to $20. We WILL be checking if membership is current for all MEMBERS ONLY EVENTS. Christmas is fast approaching, and this year we will be collecting monetary donations for a needy family in our area. Please make checks payable to CWHOAAF and in the memo line put Italian American Christmas Fund. PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT--------------------

WE SAY “MERRY CHRISTMAS”

Ciao, Mike Palmieri

Pasta Night “Where’s our dessert?”

Singles Club CALENDAR: December 4, 2016 (Sunday) – Holiday Brunch

(Save the Date)

The Singles Club Holiday Brunch will be a lavish “Best of the Best Award Winning Brunch” at the Stoney Brook Grille in Branchburg. The brunch will include both breakfast and lunch items as well as house made desserts and beverages. The cost of the brunch is $30. Check for flyers at the Clubhouse for details and reservation information. For information concerning this event, please contact Phyllis Chiavetta at 732-412-7679 or Susan Kropiewnicki at 732-560-1596. For information about the Singles Club, please contact Susan Kropiewnicki at 732-560-1596. Phyllis Chiavetta

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE The Canal Walk Newsletter is published monthly to keep the residents informed

about events at Canal Walk.

We accept articles submitted by Canal Walk Residents subject to the following

guidelines:

We do not accept any articles expressing political or religious opinions.

We do not accept any articles that resemble an editorial.

We do not accept any articles that advertise for profit.

Paid advertising is available through our Publisher, About Our Town.

The deadline for all material is the 8th of the previous month at 6 PM. Please submit your articles on time. All submissions must be emailed with the author clearly

stated. The deadline for the January Newsletter will be December 8th. LATE

ARTICLES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Please send us articles about past events as well as future plans for your group or club. In addition, send photos to go with your articles. Items for Talk of the Walk, theatrical reviews, restaurant reviews should be sent to Ellen Catalina at ecatalina2@verizon.net. Recipes and What's Happening sent to Ronnie Bayer at ocrbayer@aol.com. Home Hints sent to Jeff Shpiner at opticsjs@verizon.net

Club Activities and Announcements and Poetry sent to Susan Smith at lhssps@comcast.net. Articles on Pets and Animals sent to Judy Gottlieb at bagelsandhoney@comcast.net. Staying Healthy sent to Nina Pesce at pesnia2@yahoo.com.

Meet Your Resident Artist/Neighbor sent to Frank Catalina at fecatalina@gmail.com

Photos sent to Jay del Prado at jaydimm@comcast.net

All articles received by any member of the committee are acknowledged either by email or phone. Please note: If you didn't get a confirmation, it means that we didn't get it. Carry-overs may not be included. You should submit a new article each month. We reserve the right to edit, condense, or reject submitted material. Do NOT submit serious looking material from the Internet unless it has first been checked as authentic with Snopes.com or a similar web-checking site. Ronnie, Susan, Ellen, Judy, Nina, Frank, Jay, Jeff

Staying Healthy So Long, Sick Days!

Cold and flu season usually sticks around through March, so now is the perfect time to charge up your immune system. Here are some tips from a January Homes and Gardens Magazine article I have saved. Start With A Clean Slate - Gail Reid, M.D., assistant professor at Loyola University School of Medicine, states, “Make sure to scrub all over your hands and between your fingers with warm soapy water for 20 seconds. Think of hand sanitizers as a last resort. They do kill some germs, but they won’t physically remove dirt, which can harbor bacteria.”

Power Up With Purple Produce – Brand new research shows that fruits like red grapes and blueberries have potent anti-germ properties. Adrian Gombart, PhD, associate professor at Linus Pauling Institute states, “We discovered that two compounds in those fruits – resveratrol and pterostilbene – spurred the production of a bacteria and virus-killing protein, and when those compounds are combined with vitamin D, the results were even stronger.” Get D-Fensive – Vitamin D also prompts your immune system to produce proteins that get rid of bacteria and viruses. “But come winter, three-fourths of us don’t soak up enough sun for our bodies to make sufficient D,” says Adit Ginde, M.D., associate professor at Colorado School of Medicine. He advises taking 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day, which can help ward off colds and flu. Get your levels checked via a blood test at your next doctor appointment.

Think Zinc -“Zinc is crucial for promoting a strong immune system that can fight off foreign invaders,” states Melissa, a nutritionist found at bnask-thenutritionist@gmail.com. “The body has no way to store this mineral, so it depends on a daily supply through diet. Zinc supplements are a good idea, but the zinc found in food is always more absorbable. The best food sources of zinc are oysters, eggs, lamb and beef, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.” When this writer feels a cold coming on, my go-to is Zicam Rapidmelts. They work every time for me. Walk With Your Pooch - “People who do brisk walking or other medium-intense exercise for 30-45 minutes, five days a week, have 40 to 45 percent fewer sick days than

those who don’t,” says David Nieman, Ph.D, professor at Appalachian State University. “Exercise increases the activity of important immune cells, especially the ones on the front line, which are destroying germs the moment they enter your body.” Well, there you have it folks! Follow these rules and you may soon be saying, “So long, sick days!” I sure hope so! Stay healthy.

Nina Pesce

The Animal Corner WHAT TO GIFT THE GRANDKIDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK? How does FREE sound? An animal themed book is a great gift for the holidays and Amazon/Kindle is offering free unlimited downloads (or $3 to buy) of the following great stories to read to the children (Cats and Dogs; Max Book Series; Leonard the Lion; Howard the Owl and many more animal themed titles). Costco has an 18 picture book box set ($23) of the series: Animal Tales. For the littlest children, check out Baby Touch and Feel Animals ($6) on Google. Don’t forget Fido and Fluffy with the Great Choice Electronic Bug Cat Toy ($4), the Flattie Cow Dog Toy ($3), or to protect sensitive paws from snow and ice – the Pet Paw Disposable Paw Pads ($6+), all at PetSmart. Don’t forget to gift yourself with a cat or dog mug ($3) at Christmas Tree Shoppes. DOES FLUFFY HAVE THE NIGHT CRAZIES? Cats are known for sleeping long hours, but when they’re not snoozing, they can be very active. Those periods of activity often happen during the night. If your cat attempts to wake you after you’ve gone to bed, she may want to play, eat or simply enjoy your company. Young cats under one year of age in particular can drive their owners crazy from sleep deprivation! The good news is that cats can learn to let their owners sleep in peace. Rule out medical problems first. If Fluffy restlessly wanders around your house at night meowing or crying, she may be suffering from an underlying medical problem that causes pain or discomfort. If you think this may be the case, take your cat to the vet to rule out medical issues-especially if you notice that she meows excessively during the day as well as at night. To prevent Fluffy from disturbing you while you sleep, try the following suggestions. Schedule a few interactive play sessions with Fluffy during the evening. Try using toys that can mimic the movement of mice and birds, such as toys that dangle and wiggle. Games with ping-pong balls, soft balls and furry mice toys are great for cats that like to fetch. Play until Fluffy seems tired. Feed her a main meal just before your bedtime. Cats tend to sleep after a big meal. But make sure you reduce meal sizes so that Fluffy doesn’t gain weight. Playful cats sometimes unintentionally injure their sleeping owners. For instance, Fluffy might notice your eyes moving under your lids as you sleep and swat at your face in play. If she tries to play with you or wake you while you’re sleeping, you might need to shut her out of your bedroom at night. If she cries and scratches at the door, you can discourage her by placing something in front of the door that she won’t want to step on, such as double-sided sticky tape or aluminum foil. Be patient – and you and Fluffy will have a good night’s sleep. Compiled from www.webmd.com. TAKE A PILL! Some dogs will eat anything and everything but some are reluctant

patients. Here are some tips about humane pilling techniques. When available, request chewable medications: they’re flavored and taste just like treats. Mix the med into a meal: tucked in a soft treat, slice of cheese or meat. Try following a regular soft dog treat with a tucked in med and then another regular soft dog treat. Dogs that enjoy catching treats might take the pill when tossed to them. Keep an eye on Fido for a couple of minutes after successfully giving him a treat as some dogs learn to hold the pill in their mouths and then spit it out (Fido is very smart!). Compiled from www.costcoconnection.com and www.aspca.org. NOTE THE DATES AT THE FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP ANIMAL SHELTER: December 10 – FREE DOG RABIES CLINIC – 8 AM to 10 AM (dogs should be on a leash) December 10 (check with Shelter as date may change) - SANTA PAWS

January – Stock up on pet food sales at ShopRite’s Can-Can, Stop & Shop, Weis, and Wegman’s

January & February – Licensing of dogs due January/cats due February. See Dog and Cat Licensing Information (Municipal Code Chapter 115, Article Ii) for exemptions/fee waiver at www.franklintwpnj.org. WHAT TO ANSWER WHEN YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY GUESTS ASK WHAT TO BRING? Why not suggest that, in lieu of a hostess gift or a green bean casserole, your guests bring an item for the homeless animals at the FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP ANIMAL SHELTER, located at the Municipal Complex on DeMott Lane (732-873-2500, ext. 6255). Your guests can choose from dry dog/puppy/cat/kitten food and toys, clean/worn towels/blankets/sheets, paper towels/sponges, flea medications, Q-Tips, catnip and bleach (monetary contributions are always welcome). You can visit the Shelter: Tuesday – Friday, noon to 3 PM and Saturday noon - 6 PM, or drop off contributions in the outdoors container anytime. If you cannot get to the Shelter, please contact me for help in getting your donated items to the Shelter at (732) 356-0023, or at bagelsandhoney@comcast.net or drop off at my home at 110 Canal Walk Blvd. Please add your name and address to the package for a tax contribution response letter. Thank you for caring and sharing.

Judy Gottlieb

Design Solution This month, the Danbury model home of Judy and Ken Brenner is visited and showcased as a perfect example of the blending of functional and family friendly design, with designer touches, architectural details, visual color interest and spectacular furnishings. Enter into the spacious foyer and rest a moment on the cream and cranberry tapestry fabric settee - alongside the mahogany demilune English chest that sits under the oval art piece of a floral vase on a gold foil background. A delicate lamp echoes the picture’s flowers interpreted into glass petals. A painted wood, pedestal plant stand reinforces the grouping with a tall vase of silk flowers. Jake, the Brenner’s furry rescue cat, enjoys this sunny spot, resting on the multi-sized porcelain floor tiles. The unusual shape of the half bath across the room became a designer’s dream with white wainscoting on one wall, topped with a crisp chair rail and glass mosaic tile above it. The remaining walls have the glass tile halfway up with the pedestal sink topped by an oval beveled glass mirror.

Creative, functional and wonderfully interesting – and all designed and installed by Ken. The living room is a quiet retreat to read a book while sitting on the camelback sofa dressed in soft shades of cranberry tapestry fabric across from pin-dot fabric on the delicate silhouette of the Martha Washington chairs. Smart design pairing a large print with a small print – blends beautifully. The round, four-pillar pedestal dining room table surrounded by round back spindle chairs – a vintage set passed down by Judy’s parents - sits on a thick wool rug and is illuminated by a spectacular frosted glass and wrought iron chandelier. The Brenner’s lighting throughout the house, including the great room’s wall sconces, kitchen island pendant lights and dramatic double height foyer chandelier, are all coordinated – smart design. An antique weathered planter holds a flower arrangement and sits on a silk and wool scarf Judy artfully arranged on the table. Straight ahead is the kitchen that Ken renovated by opening up the shared dining room and kitchen end wall for easy open access. The top-of-the-line appliances in stainless steel, along with the granite countertops and tiled backsplash set on the diagonal, coordinate with the delicate floral wallpaper over the chair rail and subtle tone-on-tone wall covering below. Ken added interest above the new wall opening by duplicating the wallpaper’s floral border directly above the door molding – so creative. The L-shaped island has panels inset with antique tin ceiling tiles that Ken fabricated – smart design to bring interest to a plain area. The breakfast room beyond has Ken’s parent’s Federal style round table and chairs that sits in front of the spectacular antique hunt board hutch with heavy wrought iron hardware. Judy wisely chose the correct scale and dimensions for the piece while visually reduces its size with carefully selected pottery and flowers – well done! The adjacent sunroom holds a vintage desk and a comfy Ethan Allen loveseat for the Brenner’s sweet Labrador Retriever, Lacey, to sun herself – good pet parents for a really friendly furry family member. The walls are painted in a subtle tone-on-tone paint, as is the great room’s fireplace wall. The subtle box-style tapestry loveseat fabric is repeated in the sofa in the adjacent great room. And it’s quite a great designed room. The double height fireplace with its antique wrought iron fireplace fender has a massive traditional gold leaf mirror as an over-mantel. Guests can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace while choosing a beverage from the open wire doors of the cellerette beside it – a fabulous statement piece of furniture. Comfy armchairs and an oval glass top, wood and iron base coffee table, topped with an inlaid wood box, provide a backdrop to the television sitting on a painted wood console. The master bedroom holds a deep cherry wood, Louis Philippe inspired bed with wood ‘rattan look’ woven inserts, along with leather strapping and pewter medallion inserts – fabulous! Silk shades bordered with delicate rope cording top the urn shaped porcelain crackle lamps on the end tables, setting the tone for a room to relax and recharge. A delicately patterned wool staircase runner with brass stair runner rods lead you to the loft and guest rooms that overlook the great room below. It’s here where Judy and Ken enjoy a quiet game of chess with the Civil War painted chess pieces on the inlaid wood chess table, while their five grandchildren relax on the oversized settee and spider back side chairs. A vintage spool leg wood console table and a cherished painting of a family scene sets the relaxed tone of the area, while Judy’s mother’s wood inlaid blanket chest brings warmth and storage to the guest bedroom suite.

Judy and Ken Brenner have created a home that feels both elegant, easy going and sophisticated, and yet livable. This creative and talented couple is to be congratulated for their accomplished design. Well done! This was a wonderful year! 2016 show homes started off with: Marilyn Melnick’s (and sweet rescue, Lady) creatively classic home; to the stylish home (and mini homes) of Mary Ann Ratzman; to the love embraced home of Deanna Lerner and Vic Abramowitz; and the classic elegant design of Phyllis Rich’s home; onto the spectacular art filled home of Betty and Vinnie DePinto; then the warm and welcoming home of Helen Hoch; to Gloria Sipos’ cultural homage and aesthetic; then the cosmopolitan decorating of Eve Hoffman; onto Josephine and Tony Iannella’s creative family decorating upgrades; to Norma Whiteside’s gracious honoring history design; to sisters Joanne and Nina Perzi (and rescue super dog, Riley) stylish interpretation of form and function; and finishing with Judy and Ken Brenner’s (along with rescue cat, Jake and adorable Lab, Lacey) clever transformation with style. Bravo to all and thank you! And so, I would like to thank all the showcase homeowners that welcomed me each month for the past five+ years into their homes. These homeowners’ gracious acceptance of allowing all of us at Canal Walk to ‘peek’ into formerly blank walls transformed to stylish, fashionable, sophisticated, modern, traditional, tasteful, elegant, attractive, refined and cultured welcoming homes, is most appreciated – and on behalf of all of Canal Walk, thank you most sincerely. And my heartfelt thanks to all the Canal Walk residents that took the time to express how much they enjoyed this column. It has been a wonderful journey that is now completed, and in closing, please allow me to leave you with one last design thought: When you buy the best, you only cry once. Judy Gottlieb

Editors’ Note: Judy has been a valued member of the Newsletter Staff for many years. We will miss her as she moves on. However, rest assured that she will be writing her wonderful ANIMAL CORNER every month. Thanks Judy, for all you’ve done - we will miss you. Sue, Ronnie, Nina, Jeff, Jay, Ellen, Frank

Home Hints It's all about the water heater, part two. Because there have been questions about replacing hot water heaters, I thought I'd add some new information to the topic. In 2013, the government announced that all water heaters had to have more insulation. The heaters became larger; even though the tank size remained the same. This explains why a new water heater may not fit in a closet as well as it did before. The heater may also require a larger flu pipe, as well as a larger drain pan. The other question asked quite often is whether the system requires an expansion tank. According to the Franklin Township Plumbing Inspector, this depends on the type of home you own and when it was built. The plumbing codes change every three years, so there have been several updates since the first homes were built in Canal Walk. The best thing to do seems to be to get estimates from whomever you wish, and then call the inspector and get his opinion. He's the man who will do the final inspection, so when it's done you'll know it's done right. The Plumbing Inspector is Mr. Rossi, and he can be reached at the Municipal Building at 732-873-7283. If you have any questions I can research for you, please contact me at opticsjs@Verizon.net. Jeff Shpiner

Autumn Colors by Leonor Conzevoy

Potpourri, Jokes, Food for Thought CREDO AT CHRISTMAS At Christmas I believe the things that children do. I believe with English children that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.

I believe with Swiss children that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love. I believe with Italian children that La Befana is not an ugly doll, but a good fairy who will gladden the hearts of all. I believe with Greek children that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread will bring good luck to anyone who finds them. I believe with German children that the sight of a Christmas tree will lessen hostility among adults. I believe with French children that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl will rekindle life in people who have lost hope. I believe with Dutch children that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky and fill the earth with joy. I believe with Finnish children that parties held on St. Stephen’s day will erase sorrow. I believe with Danish children that the music of a band playing from a church tower will strengthen humankind. I believe with Bulgarian children that sparks from a Christmas log will create warmth in human souls. I believe with American children that the sending of Christmas cards will build friendships. I believe with all children that there will be peace on earth. Attributed to Daniel Roselle, co-founder of Safe Passage Foundation

Submitted by Gloria Sipos

Quote for the Month Coffee never knew it will taste nice and sweet, before it met sugar and milk. We are good as individuals but become better when we blend with the right people.

The world is full of nice people, if you can't find one, be one.

The richest wealth is health and wisdom.

The strongest weapon is patience.

The best security is faith.

The greatest tonic is laughter.

And the greatest force is love.

The surest assurance is hope in God

And the source of our strength is the joy of the Lord

Surprisingly, all are free.

Submitted by Jay del Prado

Seven Wonders of the World:

A group of students were asked what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders of the World.” Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes.

1. Egypt’s Great Pyramids 2. Taj Mahal 3. Grand Canyon 4. Panama Canal 5. Empire State Building 6. St. Peter’s Basilica 7. China’s Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there were so many.”

The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated, then read: I think the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ are:

To See To Hear

To Touch To Taste To Feel

To Laugh And To Love

The room was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop. The things we look at as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous.

A gentle reminder that the most Precious things in Life

Cannot be built by hand Or bought by man.

Submitted by Jay del Prado

Recipes Bowtie Pasta/Basil, Cilantro, Spinach & Goat Cheese - (My recipe) 1 lb. Bowtie Pasta 1 C. lightly packed fresh basil leaves ¾ C. packed cilantro or mint leaves ½ C. frozen chopped spinach, well drained ½ C. Parmesan cheese 2 T. softened butter 2 cloves minced garlic ¼ t. pepper 1-l/4 t. sea salt Process all above till smooth. Add: 6-8 oz. goat cheese to processor and some cooking water from pasta to make a creamy consistency. Start with ¼ C. water. This is a fantastic sauce and nice for company. Submitted by Marge Heffernana Sage Pesto and Chicken Sandwiches: ¾ C. sage leaves washed and chopped ¼ C. parsley leaves washed and chopped 1 clove garlic ¾ C. pine nuts or toasted walnuts

¾ C. oil Blend all above ingredients and mix in some Parmesan Cheese Ciabatta roll 1 side with mayonnaise 1 side with pesto Sliced Fuji apples Grilled chicken cutlet Submitted by Marge Heffernan

Theatrical Reviews

WANTED: Reviews of all kinds are wanted from the residents of Canal Walk! Please send your

submission with your selection, your opinion of it, and any other information you feel is

pertinent. Send to ecatalina2@verizon.net.

Restaurant Reviews Destination Dogs 101 Paterson Street New Brunswick 732-993-1016 For a fun and delicious casual dining experience, Destination Dogs is the place to go. My daughter in law had suggested we go there for lunch, and when she told me the menu was composed of 13 different types of homemade sausages, I was skeptical. The wait staff is terrific, explaining each thing on the menu. They are also happy to split dogs to share for a more varied taste experience. Usually, one dog, served with their home made chips, is sufficient for a meal. The spice level depends on the type of sausage and the condiments and toppings chosen. There are approximately 27 suggested combinations, or you can choose your own additions. For the faint of heart or palate, there are grilled chicken sandwiches and salads available, as well as appetizers and side dishes. The prices are reasonable, ranging from $6.95 and up for a combo. The large, well-stocked bar makes it a go to place for drinks. Having been there several times now, I can truly say that part of the fun is just picking your dog. From experience, I can recommend The Oscar: Los Angeles (LAX) (chicken, sausage, avocado, cabbage, tomato, chipotle mayo and scallions), or The Achilles Meal, Greece (ATH) (lamb, sausage, tzaziki sauce, red onions and tomatoes). The duck sausage, beef hot dog, Chorizo and Italian wild boar got rave reviews as well. I'm still not ready to try the Python, Kangaroo or Alligator and Shrimp sausage. However, for a different dining experience and really good food, try Destination Dogs for lunch, dinner or drinks. Submitted by: Sheila Beberman

We so enjoy sharing restaurant reviews with our Canal Walk community. Most of us

enjoy reading them and getting to learn about some new and interesting restaurants to

explore. However, we have been getting very few reviews lately, and we are hoping to stir

up some interest amongst our readers to take a little time out and send us a review of a

restaurant you have recently enjoyed. Just give us the name, location and phone number

of the restaurant and delight us with some of your favorite entrees along with some

prices. It doesn't have to be long. So, hurry to your computers and become a restaurant

reviewer. Please send them to ecatalina2@verizon.net.

Ellen Catalina

What's Happening

NEW JERSEY STATE THEATRE

15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick – (732) 246-7469 Dec 1 8 PM Ralphie May’s White Trash Christmas Show Dec 2 – 4 1 & 6 PM Elf the Musical Dec 6 & 7 8 PM Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas – The Symphony Tour Dec 8 8 PM Blue Oyster Cult/Jefferson Starship Dec 9 8 PM Blood Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Rice Dec 10 8 PM Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis Dec 11 & 12 A Brown Bear, A Moon & A Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle – Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Sun 1 & 4 PM; Mon 10AM & 12 PM) Dec 16 – 18 Nutcracker – American Repertory Ballet (Fri 7:30 PM; Sat & Sun 1 and 4 PM) Dec 23 8 PM Glen Burtnik’s Xmas Dec 28 – 30 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Wed and Thu 7 PM: Fri 2 & 7 PM) Dec 31 6 PM Salute to Vienna – New Year’s Eve Concert HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE (Dinner Show)

88 Route 173 West, Hampton – (800) 447-7313

Nov 1 – Dec 21 A Playhouse Christmas 2016 – A Festival Holiday Revue for 2016 (Mon – Sat 11:30 AM & Sun 2:30 PM) Nov 9 & 27-30 A Branson Country Christmas 2016 (Mon – Sat 11:30 AM) VILLAGERS THEATRE

415 DeMott Lane, Somerset – (732) 873-2710

Dec 10 – 18 A Christmas Cinderella (Sat 12 PM & 3 PM; Sun 12 PM)

GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick – (732) 246-7717

Nov 29 – Dec 24 Daddy Long Legs (Fri & Sat 8 PM; Sun 3 PM) PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE

Nov 25 – Jan 1 Bodyguard (Various Times) RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

State Route 28 & Lamington Road, North Branch – (908) 725-3420 Dec 4 2 PM Shadows of the 60’s – A Holiday Tribute to Motown Dec 9 4 & 8 PM The Great Russian Nutcracker – Moscow Ballet Dec 11 2 PM A Christmas Carol – Nebraska Theatre Caravan Dec 13 2 & 7 PM This Wonderful Life – Jeremy Kendall THE SUMMIT PLAYHOUSE

10 New England Avenue, Summit – (908) 273-2192 Dec 14 – 18 Oliver (Fri & Sat 8 PM; Sun 2 PM)

MASON GROSS SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

85 George Street, New Brunswick – (732) 932-7511

Nicholas Music Center

Dec 3 2 PM Rutgers Percussion Ensemble Dec 5 7:30 PM Rutgers Jazz Ensemble II: “A Tribute to Thelonious Monk” Dec 8 7:30 PM Rutgers Symphony Band: “American Sounds” Dec 9 7:30 PM Rutgers Wind Ensemble Dec 10 2 PM Rutgers Brass Ensemble: “Brass and Percussion Spectacular” Dec 11 7:30 PM Rutgers Jazz Ensemble I Dec 13 7:30 PM Rutgers Symphonic Winds: “Wild Knights” Philip J. Levin Theater

Nov 30, Dec 2 & 3 The Virgin Woods (Wed &Fri 7:30 PM; Matinees: Fri & Sat 2 PM) Dec 1, 3 & 4 Carlo at the Wedding (Thu & Sat 7:30 PM; Matinee: Sun 2 PM) Victoria J. Mastrobuono Theatre

Schare Recital Hall Dec 12 6 PM Tuba Studio Recital Richard H. Shindell Choral Hall

Dec 3 7:30 PM Rutgers Chamber Jazz Ensemble

Dec 4 2 PM Sounds of Chamber Music Dec 4 7:30 PM Rutgers Chamber Jazz Ensemble Dec 13 7:30 PM Rutgers Chamber Jazz Ensemble Kirkpatrick Chapel Dec 14 7:30 PM Rutgers University Choir Voorhees Chapel

Dec 3 5 PM Voorhees Choir Dec 6 7:30 PM Rutgers Baroque Players Christ Church

McCARTER THEATRE CENTER

91 University Place, Princeton – (609) 258-6500

Matthew Theatre Dec 9 – 31 A Christmas Carol (Various Times) Berlind Theatre Dec 16 8 PM Stewart Goodyear Dec 17 4 PM Pizzarella with J. Molaskey SOMERSET VALLEY PLAYHOUSE 689 Amwell Road (Route 514), Hillsborough – (908) 369-7469 Dec 2 – 18 It’s a Wonderful Life (Fri & Sat 8 PM; Sun 2 PM)

BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE

70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA – (215) 862-2121

Dec 9 – 31 Murder for Two: Holiday Edition (Various Times) PLAINFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Plainfield- (908) 561-5140 Compiled by Ronnie Bayer