Metuchen Matters

Sharon Goldman's Hit Acoustic Nights Returning in September

By Jana Siciliano on September 2, 2010 9:26 PM | No Comments

Singer/songwriter Sharon Goldman had a couple of supersuccessful acoustic evenings over the summer and local photog Ernie A. captured all the fun. Here's Sharon's info on the upcoming September 19th gig (7:30-9PM):

On the third Thursday of September, I'll be holding court hosting two wonderful singer/songwriter/performers: Long Island's folk-rock stylist Joe Iadanza and New Jersey bell-pure-voiced songstress Christine Deleon. Plus I'll share a few of my own tunes.

Come down to Metuchen's beautiful Main Street for a fun event! Check out this link for more information on Sharon's work!

Final Metuchen Rocks! Concert of the Summer . . . With Fireworks!

By Jana Siciliano on September 1, 2010 10:38 PM | No Comments

From the Metuchen Recreation Commission:

"Metuchen Rocks!!," Metuchen's free outdoor summer concert series, ends the summer with a dance party and fireworks on Sunday, September 5^th. The Spidermonkeys will bring their eclectic mix of classic rock, blues, country, plus their own original tunes to the party. The band members include Metuchen's own Zack Leffand on lead guitar and Dan Cotton on drums, with Jim Toscano on guitar and vocals, Jason Jack on base, and the fabulous MR. FIN on trumpet, flute, keyboard and percussion.
The party starts at 7:30 p.m in the heart of downtown Metuchen on the corner or Pearl and Center Streets next to the Metuchen Senior Citizen Center (behind the A&P Liquor Store). The party ends at sundown with a fireworks display made possible by the generous support of the Metuchen Savings Bank.
The rain date for the party and fireworks is Monday, September 6^th, same time, same place.

Continue reading Final Metuchen Rocks! Concert of the Summer . . . With Fireworks!.

WARNING: Dangerous Ozone Levels Expected Today

By Jana Siciliano on September 1, 2010 8:57 AM | No Comments

From the National Weather Service:

An Ozone Alert Day is declared for September 1. Ozone levels are forecast to reach the unhealthy for sensitive groups category throughout New Jersey due to southerly winds, hot temperatures, and sunny skies. Sensitive individuals including the very young, the elderly, and persons with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon and early evening hours. Moderate fine particle levels are also forecast across the Garden State.

Metuchen Artisans Alliance Launch September 11-12 at Garden State Exhibit Center

By Jana Siciliano on August 31, 2010 10:16 AM | No Comments

Metuchen Artisans Alliance will officially "launch" at the NJ Home Show, September 11 and 12 at the Garden State Exhibit Center (80 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ). There, Amy Brooks, artist & designer at Paradise Custom Glass and Linda Vonderschmidt-LaStella, ceramic artist-owner of Earthsongs:Works in Clay, will have an opportunity to expand their client base beyond their local contacts, as well as meet with architects and others in the profession. While entrance to the Home Show is $9, the first four persons who visit the studio of either artist BETWEEN SEPT. 8 and SEPT. 10 WILL RECEIVE A FREE ADMISSION PASS TO THE WEEKEND EVENT.

"Forming an alliance with Linda has been very rewarding. The union of clay and glass has many unique opportunities for decorative pieces as well as one-of-a-kind functional creations, asserts Amy. "Combining our materials, creativity, and experiences is leading us in many new and exciting directions." Linda adds, "Both Amy and I seem to have a very similar approach to creativity and business practice, and so collaborating like this is very exciting. Beginning this project with Amy has added to my creative energy in the studio."

Route 27 Bridge Reopening Rescheduled

By Jana Siciliano on August 31, 2010 10:06 AM | No Comments

FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NJDOT)

Revised 14 Day Notice:

Due to rain delaying the deck pour last week, the opening of the bridge has been rescheduled to 9/10/2010 Tentatively.

The bridge will now be fully opened in the final configuration.

Work: Re-open Route 27 Bridge in the final configuration.

Location: Route 27 / NB & SB / MP 22.89 to 23.07

Municipality/County: Metuchen Borough / Middlesex County

Impacts: The Route 27 Bridge will be fully re-opened to traffic on 9/10/2010 in the final configuration.

If you have any questions, please contact Denise Peck, Regional Manager, NJDOT, Community Relations at (609) 530-2853.

The Forum Presents . . . Movies, Mason and More

By Jana Siciliano on August 30, 2010 10:34 PM | No Comments

From the Forum Theater:

Starts Friday September 3, The Forum Theatre 314 Main St. Metuchen presents Julia Roberts, James Franco, Richard Jenkins and Javier Bardem in EAT PRAY LOVE. Friday at 7:30 Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 and 7:15 Running time is 140m Rated PG-13

Tickets can now be ordered on line for Jackie Masons new film ONE ANGRY MAN by going to www.forumtheatrearts.org click on FILMS at top of page and then CALENDER OF EVENTS at top right of page. JACKIE WILL BE HERE TO INTRODUCE THE SCREENING. All seats are $20.

Next Stars on Stage open house will be September 13 from 6-8pm. WILLY WONKA for grades 4-8 and GUYS AND DOLLS for grades 8-12. You can also call 732.548.5600 or email peter@forumtheatrearts.org to register and we will get back to you. Classes begin on September 19.

And . . . .coming this fall . . . Stroller Movies Monday mornings for Parents at 9:30AM. Stay tuned for more information on that series!

Have a safe holiday weekend!

NJ Monthly School Rankings Rate Metuchen Higher Than Previous List

By Jana Siciliano on August 30, 2010 9:39 AM | No Comments

The Metuchen school district has moved up to #54 from #86 this year in the New Jersey Monthly public schools listing. This is certainly good news for the district, considering the heavy burdens placed on it in this economy, particularly with New Jersey not getting any Race to the Top funding.

Are you excited by this change? Does this bode well for the district as it stands or is there still a lot of work to be done? What changes do you think were enacted by the district that caused this uptick? And, since Metuchen is placed well above Edison, does that give Metuchen any better leverage against the consolidations the Governor continues to pull for?

Metuchen's Marqus Blakeley Hits the NBA

By Jana Siciliano on August 30, 2010 9:16 AM | No Comments

The NBA is the pinnacle of success for a serious basketball player--but how many kids who dreamed the big dream actually make it there? For one hardworking player from Metuchen, that dream is now a reality!

Marqus Blakeley, Metuchen native, University of Vermont superstar, has found his way to the NBA, signing with the Clippers for two years. As an undrafted rookie, he has an uphill climb ahead of him but he's ready for it. Here's a recent interview with the up-and-coming star.

Blakeley is the rare player drafted into the NBA who is a four-year collegiate starter. As the best player for the last three seasons in the America East Conference, Blakely was the NCAA Slam Dunk Champion and his exceptional "work ethic and self-awareness" make him a much-vaulted proposition for big league success.

Go, Marqus! Enjoy the big leagues!

Route 27 Bridge to Open September 3rd

By Jana Siciliano on August 27, 2010 9:21 AM | 1 Comment

Check out this link from the New Jersey Department of Transportation!

According to this notice, the bridge at Route 27, which has been causing traffic uproar for the last five months, is about to open again! We know businesses in the area have been affected in a negative way during the construction so it is exciting for them to realize that their traffic is returning! And for those of us who live in the area, maybe some of the car traffic will be lessening!

Town Wide Garage Sale Makes a Green Fall Clean-Up

By Jana Siciliano on August 24, 2010 8:43 PM | 1 Comment

The Townwide Garage Sale is a great way to reuse, reduce and recycle elements in your house that you don't need anymore. And, if want to "go green," putting a couple of greenbacks in your wallet doesn't hurt, especially during this economy!

The Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 21st Annual Fall Townwide Garage Sale, Saturday, September 25th, 9am-4pm. Rain date is Sunday, September 26th. Metuchen residents can pick up registration forms at the Metuchen Train Station, Metuchen Public Library, Metuchen Savings Bank, What's the Scoop or the Chamber office on Main Street. Forms are also available for downloading on www.metuchenchamber.com. For more information, please call 732-548-2964.