Millburn-Short Hills Patch: Latest Articles

People Drawn to Millburn Blood Drive

2010-03-11T22:07:35-05:00

About 100 people donate blood each month at the Millburn Public Library

By Jennifer Connic

6:40pm

Of the people eligible to give blood in New Jersey, only 3 percent actually donate it. That means hospitals and other places in need of blood in the state have to import it from other places.

On one Saturday a month, though, locals are doing their part to donate blood at the American Red Cross' drive at the Millburn Public Library.

"We have a number of dedicated people, and this is a convenient place," said Malcolm MacKinnon, one of the chairs of the monthly drive for the Millburn-Short Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Millburn drive draws 80-120 people each month. Sometimes people come to donate but they're turned away because their iron is too low or have traveled to a restricted zone too recently. The goal is for 100 usable donations, and MacKinnon said they often reach their goal.

One of those regulars is Fern Bavosa, who has been giving blood for 12 years. She used to donate when she taught in New York City. She saw the signs for the drive in Millburn and thought it would be a good to donate blood again. She has O-positive blood, which is a universal type, which adds to her willingness to donate.

"It takes so little time and it doesn't hurt," she said of donating. "(Blood) is needed all the time. If you're healthy enough, you should do it."

There's a spike in the number of people who donate after a tragedy, such as the Sept. 11 attacks, but those donations can't be used for at least 48 hours, MacKinnon said. It's why people need to donate blood on an ongoing basis.

"We need a steady supply," he said. "We need a new flow of people, which is why we focus on the high schools."

Fifteen percent of blood donations come from high school students, and the Millburn-Short Hills chapter regularly holds drives at Millburn High School. Under new law, 16 year olds can donate blood now with parent consent.

Bavosa's son, who is now in college, is among those who donate. When he's home, he'll come donate with her at the local drive.

The high school's Red Cross Club also is active and its members volunteer for two-hour shifts or more at the monthly blood drive working in the canteen. Sarah Thompson, a high school student, said there's always a need for blood and its something she can always give. "You always have blood, and it doesn't hurt," she said.

The increase in the number of people who have donated at the Millburn drive has increased over time. MacKinnon said he started donating in 1993 when the drive was at the high school. "Hardly anyone donated," he said. "It needed to be more prominant to get more people."

He took over in 1994, and three times as much blood is donated today than then. MacKinnon attributes it to more blood drives and publicity. In addition to the notices in the local press, there are signs throughout downtown to alert people of the drive. People who donate also fill out a card to be mailed to notify them of the next drive when they are eligible to give again in eight weeks.

While many of the workers drawing blood are provided by the Penn-Jersey chapter, the Millburn-Short Hills chapter facilitiates the event and provides some volunteers. Peggy Arnold, who works with MacKinnon on overseeing the drives, facilitates the volunteers, including the high school students.

"(The volunteers) chat with people and make them feel comfortable," she said. "I think our donors come back partly because of the people here and the familiar faces."

She will be notified by the chapter when there are new volunteers after they've filled out an application and gone through a background check. Some poeple spend their entire days there or they stay part of it.

On this particular Saturday, former Police Chief Paul Boegenhausen greeted people as they came off the elevator on the second floor of the library. He guided them to the sign-in table.

People check in with their identification and tell the volunteers if they're a first-time donor. The donor receives a number that's color-coded based on if they have an appointment or not. They're then greeted by a volunteer who instructs them to read information about the process and restrictions on who can donate.

When the person's number is called, they give their medical history in a confidential area. The workers give them a mini physical, which includes taking their blood pressure, temperature and drawing a drop of blood. The blood determines their iron levels.

That's when the person moves on to the donation area. A donation can take as little as 10 minutes in drawing the 70 milliliters, or a pint.

Following the donation, the people head to the canteen area. Donors are required to sit for 10 minutes and have something to drink to rehydrate. There's also assorted food. That's when they're given the reminder card to fill out. Donors also receive a gift certificate for a free car wash at Millburn Car Wash as a thank you.

The next Millburn-Short Hills blood drive is scheduled for March 27 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church. The next drive at the library is scheduled for April 10 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make an appointment by calling 973-379-4198.

Editor's Note: March is Red Cross Month, and we will be profiling Millburn-Short Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross volunteers and services throughout the month.

'Smokey Joe's' Opens April 7

2010-03-11T15:21:30-05:00

The performance will run through May 2 at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

3:21pm

As "Lost in Yonkers" holds its final performances this weekend, the Paper Mill Playhouse is preparing for its next production in April.

"Smokey Joe's Cafe," directed by Paper Mill artistic director Mark Hoebee, is slated to be at the theater April 7 through May 2. Performances will be Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Single tickets are on sale and range in price from $25 to $92. Student rush tickets are $20 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or by visiting the Paper Mill box office or online at www.papermill.org.

Smokey Joe's Café, the songs of Leiber and Stoller, features a live band that will have you bopping along to classics like "Hound Dog," "Stand by Me" and " On Broadway." The show is the longest running musical revue in Broadway history.

The cast includes Felicia Finley, who performed in the Broadway productions of "The Wedding Singer," "Aida," "The Life," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "Smokey Joe's Café." She previously appeared at Paper Mill Playhouse as Pinky Tuscadero in "Happy Days - A New Musical."

Bernard Dotson recently performed in the Broadway production of "Finian's Rainbow." Jackie Burns was recently seen on Broadway in "Hair" and "Rock of Ages."

Devin Richards Broadway credits include "Carousel," "Victor/Victoria," "Smokey Joe's Café," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "The Life," "Seussical: the Musical," "Wonderful Town," "Pajama Game," "110 in the Shade," "Tale of Two Cities" and "Finian's Rainbow."

E. Clayton Cornelius was in the Broadway productions of "The Music Man," "The Lion King" and "Kat and the Kings."

Carly Hughes recently performed on Broadway in "Ragtime" and "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Andrew Rannells was in the Broadway productions of "Hairspray" and "Jersey Boys."

Eric LaJuan Summers was in the Broadway productions of "The Little Mermaid," "The Wedding Singer" and "Aida." Summers performed in Paper Mill Playhouse's production of "Pirates!."

Maia Nkenge Wilson performed on Broadway in "9 to 5," "The Color Purple" and "Rent."

Choreographer Denis Jones returns to Paper Mill Playhouse where he last choreographed "The Full Monty." He also choreographed Paper Mill's productions of "Disney High School Musical" and "Meet Me in St. Louis."

Jonathan Spencer will serve as the scenic designer. Costume design is by Brian Hemesath. Lighting design is by Charlie Morrison. Sound design is by Randy Hansen. Mark Adam Rampmeyer is the hair and wig designer. Tom Helm will serve as musical director. The production stage manager is Andrea Cibelli. Casting is by Alison Franck.

Speed Humps Coming Back to Township Committee

2010-03-11T13:00:37-05:00

The committee will hear about a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee.

By Jennifer Connic

1:00pm

News is coming on the township's speed humps. It'll be before the Township Committee on Tuesday night.

The Public Safety Committee will have a recomendation on the speed humps to bring to the Township Committee during its meeting. But Township Administrator Tim Gordon would not say what it is because paperwork had yet to be sent to all Township Committee members.

The Township Committee is scheduled to meet at 8 p.m. on Tuesday in Town Hall.

At the last committee meeting on March 2, its members heard again from residents complaining about the speed humps, including Barbara Curvin, who spoke out against speed humps in January.

The Glen Avenue resident again expressed her disastisfaction with a hump that is in front of her house and wants it removed, also saying she is disappointed and angry with how township officials have proceeded with speed humps.

"You say you'll look into it, but that should have been done before it was installed," she said. "You knew how I felt in November... It takes a day to put it in and a year to get rid of it."

Township officials still are working on a policy governing the installation of speed humps on the township's roads. A draft of the policy was presented at the January committee meeting.

The Weekender: Swinging Into the Weekend

2010-03-11T09:50:08-05:00

A look at what there is to do in and around town this weekend.

By Emma Stein

10:00am

If you're a music lover, there are plenty events for you this weekend.

To kick your weekend off with a swing, on Friday at 6:30 p.m. the Hilton Short Hills will host Big Band Night, a fund-raiser for the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Inverstors Savings Bank. The night will feature John Nobile's Summer Swing Orchestra, a 17-piece big band. Along with the music, guests will enjoy dancing lessons, wine tastings, a buffet dinner and auctions. Cost of attendance is $79 per person or $700 for a table of 10 people. For information or to reserve seats, call 973-379-1198.

For those who'd prefer a play, Maplewood's Community Theater—The Strollers—will present "Indian Blood" by A.R. Gurney. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. More information and tickets can be found here.

Also at the Burgdorff Center this weekend is "Blues and Jazz Connection" as part of the Music for Kids series. The educational program will be on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Kids will learn about jazz and blues. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. More information can be found here.

For those with a creative knack who like to perform or those who simply like to watch, then this Saturday night's Open Mic Night at the 1978 Arts Cafe is a perfect night out for you. Performers will have 10-15 minutes on stage. Sign ups begin at 7:45 p.m. and the show is 8-10 p.m. A $5 donation is requested but not required.

If you have ever been curious of the value of a work of art in your house, this Sunday the Millburn-Short Hills Arts Advisory Committee will host an appraisal day. The event is co-hosted by Nye and Company and will be held at the Millburn Public Library. The event is scheduled for 1:30-4 p.m. Admission is $10 and all proceeds will go torwards the Art Advisory Committee scholarships for Millburn High School students. Your price of admission will allow you to have two pieces appraised.

For those who would like to see a film, the New Jersey Jewish Film Festival is entering its second week. Tickets for all shows are $10 for the general public and $9 for students and seniors. On Saturday at 8 p.m. "He's My Girl" will be screening at Lowes East Hanover. More information about the film can be found here. Additionally, the film "Five Hours From Paris" will be showing on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Leon and Toby Cooperman JCC in West Orange. Desserts will be served after. Directions, tickets, and more information can be found here .

Looking for some live music and food? Rockn' Joe in Millburn will be hosting singer/songwriter David W. Jacobsen. Come out this Friday night to watch this former Columbia High School student perform.

Singer Returns to Suburban Essex Roots

2010-03-10T23:33:59-05:00

David W. Jacobsen will play locally on Friday.

By Lois Cantwell

7:00am

Years after leaving the area, Singer/songwriter David W. Jacobsen has been returning to his suburban Essex County roots participating in local Song Swaps and appearing at venues such as Rockn' Joe.

"I've always tried to write real music, I've been composing since I was 13," he said. "I went through a phase of studying music that was more involved than what you hear on the radio. It gave me understanding and perspective. I really love the music that made me love music. That's what I've made my way back to."

The South Orange native and Columbia High School graduate will be playing Rockn' Joe Friday night.

He calls his musical influences diverse including folk singer Phil Ochs, Dead Kennedys and The Smiths. "Phil Ochs had a great sense of sarcasm, he made a point by being over the top, by saying outrageous things that made people think," he said. "Folk can be pigeonholed as 'war is bad' but Ochs was in your face about any number of things."

Jacobsen points to the song "Outside Of A Small Circle Of Friends" as an example of one of Och's more cynical and sarcastic tunes. Ochs sings about events, one more terrible than the next, that are ignored by the general public. The dark lyrics are juxtaposed with a jaunty tune. You can hear Och's influence on Jacobsen in Christmas in Jersey City, a snarky song about someone who steals his girlfriend's car and crashes it. He winds up having to ask for her help in being bailed out.

Jacobsen is one of the new breed of self-publishing musicians. "A lot of people out there are like me, independent artists," he said. "I have a Web site and CDs. If this were 1998, when all this was more difficult to accomplish, you'd be really impressed. It's just so easy now. I do all my audio recording at home on my computer."

But there's a flip side to ease of recording and getting one's music before the public he said. "With so much out there, it's harder to find someone specific in the sheer quantity of independent work. While that makes it harder for anyone to be really big, it's easier to have small groups of fans. People buy my albums online all the time. I have fans everywhere. There are people who just spend time online looking for quality stuff, things that they'll like."

He offers a tip to songwriters. "If you name your songs after people or places, or give them the same name as other popular songs -- people will check the songs out. I have a song called 'Trenton,'and people Google the place and find the song. Same thing about people looking for songs with their boyfriend's or girlfriend's name."

He said he's planning to put out an album that looks like a Madonna or Pat Benatar cover album but has all original songs. "You can't copyright a title." Meanwhile, his latest CD is Walking Away From Wonderland .

Jacobsen lives with his girlfriend Jennifer in Jersey City along with their four guinea pigs named after members of the Jersey Shore cast.

State Officials Warn of Possible Art Funding Cuts

2010-03-10T19:42:58-05:00

Cultural leaders testify at the Assembly Tourism and Arts Committee meeting at Paper Mill about the importance of the arts to the state's economy.

By Jennifer Connic

March 10, 2010

While arts and tourism leaders emphasized how their industry makes significant cultural and economic contributions to the state, Assembly Tourism and Arts Committee members told them to be prepared for state aid cuts.

The newly formed committee held its first meeting at the Paper Mill Playhouse on Wednesday afternoon, calling witnesses from several arts and tourism organizations. Among them was Paper Mill Executive Director Mark W. Jones. Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, R-21, who represents Millburn-Short Hills, serves on the committee.

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Cryan, D-20, said often people lose perspective on how important the arts are to New Jersey. State officials focus on return on investment, and one of the strongest returns on investment is in the arts.

The restaurants in downtown Millburn thrive when the Paper Mill is busy, he said, and his brother's business in South Orange does well when SOPAC has a performance.

Committee Chairman Matthew Milam said the arts and tourism industry generates billions of dollars to the state's economy and creates at least 500,000 jobs. And there are indirect benefits to the local businesses.

Jones said Paper Mill's success can be seen in the community because the theater creates jobs, brings income to the many shops and restaurants downtown and adds to the tax base in the state. Paper Mill alone adds $25 million to the state's economy. And the theater brings in an audience from outside New Jersey—7 percent of subscriptions are from outside the state.

"There is no greater return on the public funding dollar than investing in the arts in New Jersey," he said.

He warned that the downturn in the economy and cuts in state funding "imperil every publicly supported charity that relies on the (state arts council) as the lynchpin for its programs and other funding."

Jones cited Paper Mill's hard financial times, which almost closed the theater and lead to the sale of the property to the township in 2008. Since then the theater's leadership has worked hard to change the way it approaches its finances.

When he first became executive director, the Paper Mill had a $19 million budget and was operating at a $5 million loss. But it had an additional $3 million loss from grant and contributions. That meant half the budget was missing, Jones said. But now Paper Mill will present its first balanced budget at $15 million with the need for $4 million in grants and contributions.

The playhouse also has cut back on its season from six to five performances and the number of weeks from five to four. Jones said there was a time when the theater could afford to run performances for eight weeks.

Today's ticket prices—with a top price of about $93 for a Saturday night—don't cover all of the costs of a performance. Jones said the Paper Mill performances would cost much more—$125-$130 per ticket—if they were produced on Broadway. The playhouse has no intention to raise ticket prices, he said, but it means the theater will need to raise more money.

Munoz, though, cautioned there are difficult financial times in New Jersey, and there may need to be cuts to state arts funding. It's not that state officials do not support the arts if they make a "difficult decision" to cut funding. The decisions are to make New Jersey a stronger state.

"We still support the arts even if it may be painful for a year," she said.

Gary Chiusano, R-24, a committee member, said the assembly is facing long-standing financial problems from across the state. As an example of questionable practices the state may no longer be able to afford, he cited the example of five public employees retiring in New Brunswick who have cashed in their unused sick and vacation time for $1.4 million.

"There are a lot of things we need to fix and will benefit everyone," he said.

A part of the discussion centered on improving arts education throughout the state.

Robert Morrison, of the New Jersey Arts Education Partnership, said New Jersey's education is at a crossroads, and some students aren't even being educated. A census of art programs shows 72,000 students in New Jersey public schools do not have access to art education. Only 3 percent of elementary schools give the art education required through sixth grade through state mandates.

Munoz questioned how districts could get away with not providing art education to elementary school children as required.

Morrison said there is no accountability on curriculum. Students are tested, and the score results are posted in the newspaper. But there's no measure for instruction to ensure every student has equal access to art.

He would recommend another census in 2010-11 to see if there have been any changes in arts education since 2005-06. Plus New Jersey needs to catch up with other states in its data systems detailing what districts have included in their curriculum.

Jones cited the playhouse's efforts in every New Jersey county working with 130 schools on education programs, including artist in residency programs. School districts should be working with more artists, who many times need work, to supplement their education programs.

Credit Card Payments Now Accepted at Downtown Parking Machines

2010-03-10T15:53:08-05:00

People can use their credit cards at the parking pay machines instead of quarters.

By Jennifer Connic

March 10, 2010

The waiting is over for credit card use in the downtown parking pay machines.

Credit card use is now up and running in the machines and have been tested with Visa debit cards. The machines also accept Mastercard.

New instructions have been posted on the machines. Police Sgt. David Bonney said the process starts just like when someone used quarters by typing in their parking space number. People then insert their credit card into the machine, facing down with the stripe on the right, and remove it like they would at an ATM.

The machine automatically will add $.25 to the total for 30 minutes. People can add more time by pressing the blue button for $.25 or 30 minutes. The yellow button is for the maximum time, except in Lot 5, which has a three hour limit. The yellow button is for a $1 in Lot 5.

After adding how much time people want, they then press the green button to end the transaction. That is when the machine will call the credit card company to apply the charge to their account.

Bonney said there will be a delay when the machine calls the credit card company to authorize the charge. The delay can be 30-45 seconds, and there will be a series of beeps as the machine calls. People will receive two receipts at the end of the transaction—one for the parking space and one for the credit card transaction.

If people have problems, they can call the Millburn Police Department Traffic Bureau at 973-564-7001.

The Township Committee agreed to the upgrade at a meeting in December, and it's expected to cost $835 for all six machines with an additional $1,080 in yearly fees for the service. The agreement came after business leaders persisted in asking for something to be done about the machines, citing complaints from customers.

Millburn High School Has 12 Merit Scholar Finalists

2010-03-10T11:20:16-05:00

They now compete for part of $51 million in scholarship funds.

March 10, 2010

Millburn High School has 12 National Merit Semifinalists, and they all have been selected as finalists in the 2010 Competition for National Merit Scholarships.

They are Julianna Brunini, Amy Chen, Maia Cole, Michael Davis, Angela Du, Rachel Finkel, Caleb Kao, Marisa Karchin, Timothy Matchen, Mayabea Shechner, Andrew Spelman and Caroline Tan.

More than 1.5 million students in nearly 22,000 high schools across the country entered the program as juniors by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of 16,000 Semifinalists included the highest scoring entrants in each state, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

To become finalists, these twelve students had to maintain a record of very high academic performance, be endorsed and recommended by their school principal and earn SAT scores that confirm their earlier qualifying test performance. They also submitted a detailed scholarship application, which included a self-descriptive essay and information about the student's participation and leadership in school and community activities.

The selection of approximately 8,200 merit scholarship winners from the group of more than 15,000 finalists is now in progress. The merit scholarship awards, worth roughly $51 million, will be announced in the spring.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the academic competition, is a privately financed, not-for-profit corporation established in 1955. Merit Scholarship awards are underwritten by NMSC's own funds as well as by approximately 500 business organizations and higher education institutions.

Openings, Closings and Movings: Curate, Schultz and More

2010-03-09T23:33:48-05:00

There are new businesses opening downtown, but one has moved out of town.

By Jennifer Connic

March 10, 2010

A walk through downtown will uncover new businesses opening, but one has closed and another has moved to South Orange.

Millburn Feed has closed on Millburn Avenue, but downtown won't be without a pet store. Maplewood Pet Shop is moving into the space and will change its name.

Down the block, Signal Graphics has closed in Millburn and moved to South Orange. They're located at 15 Village Plaza in South Orange. Gina's Bakery of Montclair has submitted an application to the Planning Board to move into the storefront.

Schultz Exclusive Fur has moved, but only temporarily. The store has moved across the street temporarily until renovations can be complete on the shop. The temporary space was once home to Deborah Gilbert Smith.

Ling Ling has changed its name to Ms Lin on Main Street.

But new stores are moving into downtown too.

Curate, advertised as a gift shop, has a sign up in the store next to Suki's on Millburn Avenue. It's expected to be open April 1.

Harold Klein, Downtown Millburn executive director, said a baseball card and antiques shop is expected to open in the space last occupied by Sheep on a Cloud, which closed at the end of January. Also a new store has leased space in a shop at the corner of Millburn Avenue and Spring Street.

It brings the number of downtown vacancies to 12, Klein said.

Video: Deerfield Students Learn About Culture Through Music

2010-03-09T18:26:26-05:00

They learn about other cultures by learning to sing their songs.

By Jennifer Connic

March 9, 2010

Students at Deerfield Elementary School are learning about different cultures through song, and people got a taste of it Monday night.

The fifth grade chorus sang two songs they've learned through their music class—one in Latin and one in French—to show off what they've learned during the Board of Education meeting. It was part of a demonstration of how culture and language are expressed through music.

Courtney Nelson, a Deerfield teacher, showed off the songs students learn from around the globe including a song from India for fifth graders and one in Spanish in second grade, which is when students start taking Spanish. Other students learn about African instruments when they learn about songs from there.