Canal Walk Newsletter
January 2015
From the Board of Directors
Happy New Year!
We hope everyone had a joyous holiday season and wish everyone a healthy and
happy 2015. We expect it to be a very busy year for the Board.
Election Results
In the election held on November 20, 2014 for two Board members, Jim Lyttle
and Bob Rossomando were elected to two year terms. The following day the Board met
in an organizational meeting. It was determined that the all Board positions would
continue as follows: Jim Lyttle, President, Bob Rossomando, Vice President, Nick Iorio,
Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, and Bernie Worst, Secretary/Assistant Treasurer. Jim and
Bob would like to thank everyone for their support in the election.
New Canal Walk Website
The Canal Walk Website has been in existence for many years. Skip Krals, a
resident with much website experience, has recommended to the website committee and
the Board a new design of the website with many additional features which the Board has
approved. This website will be up and running within several months. Some of the new
features will be announced by the committee. We want to increase usage of the site and
decrease the need to pick up flyers at the Clubhouse.
Canal Walk Google Group
The CW Google site is an extraordinarily helpful vehicle for many residents to get
useful information when it is used as intended. As we all know, the Google Group’s
purpose is: “To share and receive references or information about vendors” or “To sell,
purchase or borrow items.
It is: “NOT a public group,” “NOT for commercial or political purposes,” and
“NOT a vehicle for personal property (or group) property issues or complaints.”
Members of the Board generally refrain from posting on the site because the
above rules should be strictly adhered to. The Board does monitor the site and have
noticed that not only have some people misused the site, but they are often
misunderstanding issues and presenting facts which are in error or, to be kind, they do not
have all the information. We know this because residents are correcting one another on
the site, and sometimes both are inaccurate. Since it is a Canal Walk sanctioned site,
some residents accept what is posted as accurate and true. This raises many concerns for
the Board.
We are concerned with liability when and if someone posts negative remarks or
false remarks about an individual or group. And second, remarks that can be construed by
the Builder as inhibiting his ability to sell homes. (Comments on construction for
example). The Builder can exercise his right as a Board member to correct or eliminate
the site. This is written in the offering documents which we all have received.
Accordingly, we have asked the Google Group to be especially diligent in monitoring
content which they have agreed to do. We would appreciate everyone’s cooperation.
Holiday Decorations
The Women’s Club provided some wonderful decorations for both Clubhouses
this year, as they have for the last ten years. LMS, our landscaping and snow removal
vendor, supplied the Wreaths and Flowers at no charge.
Clubhouse Landscape and Benches
We are sure you noticed the updated landscaping and new benches in front of the
Clubhouse. This design work was done by Amy Wilmot, the owner of Spooky Brook
Landscaping. It is a nice improvement as we try to keep our community updated.
Transition
Transition is moving along. Stage I reports are in and presented to the Builder.
Stage II has been completed and is in review. Stages III and IV have been authorized and
work will begin shortly. These four stages include all of Canal Walk except Reserve
North. We coordinate all our inspections with the Town’s Inspectors.
We were trying to get the Builder to complete the paving of Saratoga and the
main Parking Lot but weather intervened. We now expect all paving to be completed by
the end of May.
Circuit Breakers
The Board has noted the conversations regarding circuit breakers tripping. We
asked the Builder and D&C to provide us with information. Here is what they say.
“Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) circuit breakers are a code required safety
item that protects the branch circuit wire and extension cords. It does so by opening the
circuit (aka “tripping”) when it detects electrical noise on the circuit with characteristics
of an electrical arc.
We install thousands of AFCI circuit breakers each year and overall we have very
few problems. Occasionally, we do get calls on nuisance tripping. In some cases the
problem is a one-time thing. Other times the homeowner’s appliance or equipment is the
cause of the problem. Vacuums are one of the main causes of nuisance tripping. My
understanding is that these motors operate within the range that the AFCI monitors as a
fault. Over time as the motor brushes wear, the noise on the circuit can be interpreted as a
fault by the AFCI. This is an industry known problem and the AFCI manufacturers have
improved the circuit breakers to combat it.
The intent of the AFCI is to open the circuit by tripping when an arc fault is
detected. Unfortunately some homeowners may experience nuisance tripping from time
to time. There are plug-in electrical noise filters available that can be used on the
homeowner’s utilization equipment that are helpful in reducing false tripping. This is the
device the homeowner refers to in the note you sent me.
Manufacturers like Eaton have been improving the AFCI since it was introduced a
few years ago. We are already on the third generation and we see less nuisance tripping
with each improvement.”
Please continue to bring any questions to the attention of the Canal Walk
Management Team.
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
This Newsletter also appears on the Canal Walk Website with a special
thanks to Howard Kliger of the Website Committee.
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
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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
Refunds will ONLY be given under the following circumstances:
• The resident is hospitalized.
• There is a death in the immediate family.
• Canal Walk Activities Director finds it possible to resell the ticket or bus seat.
• The event is cancelled by Canal Walk.
From the Enclave Board
WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR OF 2015! We hope you had a wonderful
holiday season.
We have established our community meeting schedule for this year, starting with
our Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2015. All meetings this year will start at
7 PM so that our working residents have time to get home and have a little dinner. Two
other community meetings will be held on May 21st and September 24th, so please mark
your calendars now. Questions should be submitted in advance; the forms are in the
Clubhouse. Please remember to sign your submission; anonymous questions will not be
addressed.
Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, the additional paper recycling cans
will be in place in the condo buildings and the signage adjusted so you can understand
what goes in each can. If in doubt about anything, please ask us or your building
representative, we’ll be happy to help. Our understanding is that the county has
postponed single stream recycling indefinitely, so our townhouse residents will need to
continue to follow the current rules for recycling.
Last year we initiated a cost savings project, for the common areas, through
alternate sourcing of our electric supply. We were successful in signing a one year
contract which yielded about a $5000 savings based on our usage. This year we are
looking at our gas supply and have started the bidding process. We hope it will result in
savings, but it may be a cost avoidance from fluctuations in variable market prices.
Nonetheless, we will look at our options and make a decision to either stay with PSE&G
or source from an alternate supplier. If any homeowner has additional suggestions for
cost savings, be sure to submit them to us using the “suggestion” forms in your Mail
Rooms or at the Clubhouse.
The Enclave landscaping contract also expires in September, 2015, and
competitive bids are now being requested. We will advise you of the outcome at the
completion of the process.
Sales of The Enclave continue to be brisk, and the Fairfax has 46 of the 48 units
sold, as of this writing. Keep in mind that two additional Board members will be needed
when 203 units close, which could be late 2015. As Uncle Sam says, “We Need You”!
A reminder to drive carefully in the winter weather and only drive in snow when
absolutely necessary. If there is a “snow emergency” declared by the State of New Jersey
you may not drive, so please do not leave your homes. If you have an emergency call the
police and they will assist you.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
ASSOCIATION ADVISORS
NON-EMERGENCY
732-294-8882
EMERGENCY
732-295-4617
Bernadette Lombardo and Brigid Brown
Covenants Committee
We hope everyone had a great holiday and a SAFE and healthy New Year. Yes,
the SAFE is capitalized because a major concern of the community is for residents and
guests alike to drive safely. Yet, time and time again, we watch residents, in particular,
go roaring through stop signs. You may not like the stop signs, but everyone needs to
respect them. We are trying to keep Canal Walk Blvd. from becoming a raceway. I am
sure that when the stop signs went up at the corner of Mettlers and Weston Roads
everyone stopped, probably because the new sign was RED, or OCTAGONAL, or you
could READ. I think you get the point, running stop signs in our community is just
waiting for an accident to happen.
Dave Lyttle
Activities and Announcements
CANAL WALK RESIDENT REFERRAL PROGRAM EXTENDED TO INCLUDE
GATEWAY AT ROYCE BROOK IN HILLSBOROUGH
With the help of our Canal Walk residents, sales at the ENCLAVE and
RESERVE have exceeded even our most optimistic projections.
As a token of our appreciation, Canal Walk residents who have introduced family
and friends to our community have received American Express gift cards of $ 2,500 for
each referral. These cards can be used anywhere the American Express card is accepted.
Premier Development has just opened its newest community in Hillsborough and is
extending the Canal Walk Referral Program to include residents at Canal Walk who refer
their friends or family to Gateway at Royce Brook, an upscale single family community
for residents aged 55+, featuring homes similar to the Reserve homes.
The referral program is simple and easy to qualify for. Introduce and sign-in a
family member or friend at our sales office or Gateway at Royce Brook Sales Office.
If that introduction results in a home sale, a gift card with a value of $ 2,500 will be
presented to you after the home sale closes.
Gift cards can be picked up at the Canal Walk sales office after your referral has
closed. We appreciate the efforts of all our residents who have successfully participated
and look forward to meeting more of your family and friends in the coming months.
Every referral from one of our home owners helps to build a stronger and more unified
community environment. Family and friends make great neighbors!
With our sincere thanks and hoping for continued success,
Canal Walk Sales Staff: Betsy, Abby, Marty and George
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Franklin Township passed an Ordinance authorizing acceptance of the public
access easement between the Canal Walk Developer and the Township for a “permanent
nonexclusive six foot wide continuous and perpetual easement” along the
bicycle/walking path fronting School House Road. Translated, this means the Township
will have the responsibility for the continuous maintenance of the path. The Ordinance is
unrelated to the proposed 63 single family units proposed by the Developer and the parcel
of land at the entrance to Canal Walk where the Developers trailer “sits.”
On December 9th, Franklin Township voters approved by a vote of 1842 to 1429
the $84 million referendum to construct a new elementary school and
reconstruct/improve several buildings. The count was different at our polling place where
the vote was 245 against and 140 for the measure. Regardless of the outcome, the results
indicate informed seniors get out and vote.
Jim Heffernan
CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
Tradition! Tradition! What would the holidays be without the Clubhouse
Activities Committee's Brunch? The gathering of friends and neighbors sharing a meal is
a delightful, stress-free way to start the festivities. The menu included a nice variety of
brunch goodies, desserts, and coffee. Door prizes were given out to the lucky winners in
the form of gift certificates to ShopRite and bottles of wine. Santa's helpers were there to
assist in serving a full house of Canal Walk folks.
Our next function is a Chinese Dinner, being held in the Ballroom on Friday,
January 16th at 6:30 PM. The cost is $12; desserts, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are
included. Seating is limited to the first 150 guests.
Joan Klimpl
Winners of the Door Prizes
GREAT DECISIONS
LAST CHANCE - Great Decisions – 2015
ENROLL NOW!!! This is your opportunity to meet with your neighbors and to
discuss 8 stimulating topics involving United States’ foreign policy. The 2015 agenda
includes "RUSSIA AND THE NEAR ABROAD,“ "PRIVACY IN THE DIGITAL
AGE," "SECTARIANISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST," "INDIA CHANGES COURSE,"
"U.S. POLICY TOWARD AFRICA," "SYRIA'S REFUGEE CRISIS," "HUMAN
TRAFFICKING IN THE 21st CENTURY" and "BRAZIL'S METAMORPHOSIS."
Great Decisions meets at 7:30 PM on Thursday evenings in the Club Room. The
2015 meeting dates are Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Mar. 5, Mar. 19, April 2, Apr. 16 and
April 30. Each meeting lasts about one and a half hours.
One topic is discussed at each meeting. The meeting starts with a 20 minute film
in which an expert outlines the issues concerned. Then it is up to you to express your take
on the subject. You will have read the background material contained in the book
published by Great Decisions. The cost of the book is $21 and can be obtained by leaving
a check made out to me and left in my mailbox at 4 Benjamin Street. I will deliver the
book to you in early January.
Join the over 1,000,000 Americans who participate annually in Great Decisions.
You’ll be surprised by the diverse opinions that emerge from our group. Call me for any
additional information at 908-229-5161.
Merrill Taub
YOUNG AT HEART
The Young at Heart Club will welcome in the New Year at their first meeting in
2015 on Wednesday, January 14th at 11 AM in the Arts and Crafts Room in the
Clubhouse. We will share Holiday stories and maybe even a few goodies left over from
our celebrations.
We will be sure to discuss our December 1st Holiday Party at the Staaten. We
had an absolutely wonderful day, and many expressed the desire to do it again in 2015. It
is something to think about. We will discuss our trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse on
March 24th to see Abie's Irish Rose.
We look forward to seeing our regulars and we always welcome newcomers.
Plan on staying a little after our meeting to socialize.
Joanne Polito and Jule Graham
WRITING OUR STORIES
Welcome all scribes – men and women alike. Nina Pesce, editor of the Staying
Healthy column, wants to journey together with you as we explore our own life’s stories.
If you enjoy writing, this eight week course begins on Friday, January 9 and ends on
February 27, from 10 AM to 12 PM in the Board Room of the Clubhouse. No previous
knowledge of writing is required in this casual, non-critical atmosphere with your peers.
There will be no A+ or B’s to worry about. The goal is to achieve your own sense of
satisfaction and accomplishment. Each week will be a different topic for you to write
about and share with the group. So come along and write just for yourself or to preserve
your memories for generations to come. Call 732-595-5813 to register. Limit 12.
Nina Pesce
CANAL WALK WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Most New Year’s resolutions involve cutting back on things – lose weight, less
busy-ness, less anxiety, less spending money on Christmas gifts next year, etc. This New
Year’s resolution focuses on “more.” Study more of God’s Word, pray more, be more of
a blessing to our neighbors, use more wisdom regarding food and finances, etc. We can
assist with some of these “more” resolutions each Tuesday afternoon in the Clubhouse
from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
Our studies continue on the book of First Corinthians in the New Testament. We
have also gained ‘more’ friendships, encouragement, and care for each other through
these studies. You are welcome to join us this New Year as we try to become ‘more’ of
what God has planned for our lives. You may contact Gail at [email protected] or
732-560-7246, or Mimi at [email protected] or any other attendees if you have any
questions. Have a happy and blessed New Year!
Gail Tornquist
CANAL WALK QUILTERS
At our December meeting, we enjoyed some holiday treats as we planned our
January Quilting Retreat and shared projects we have been working on. Due to our
Retreat on the 24th and 25th we will NOT have a meeting on January 12th.
The Quilters’ Retreat will be held at the Freedom Clubhouse. We are planning to
start about 8:30 AM and end around 4:30 PM. Some of the quilters will be trying their
hand at a ONE BLOCK WONDER. Others will be working on their own projects. New
quilters are always welcome. For further information, please contact me at
[email protected].
Happy Stitching,
Sue Watt
BOWLING
I can't believe that the holidays are behind us, and we are now in 2015. Hope
everyone had a joyful holiday season with friends and family.
We had more 200 game bowlers in November. On November 3, 2014, Al
Anderson bowled a 202, Sal Saladini bowled a 200, and Mike Palmieri bowled a 213.
Mike Palmieri also made the impossible 7/10 split. It might be impossible for the rest of
us, but it is no longer impossible for Mike, who showed us all how to make it.
On November 10th, Al Anderson had a couple more 200 games; this time it was a
245 and a 210. Mike Palmieri also had another two 200 games. He bowled a 241 and a
247. I think that these guys love to compete with each other in bowling 200. Mike
Palmieri, on November 17, bowled a 213.
Congratulations to all for these fantastic scores.
Just a reminder to all, there will be NO BOWLING on January 19, 2015, Martin
Luther King Day; and also February 16, 2015, Presidents Day.
If anyone is interested in bowling on Mondays at 12 noon, please call me at (732)
412-7350. We can take bowlers joining us along the way, since we are not a league, and
you only pay for the days that you do bowl. It is casual bowling, and fun is had by all.
Joanne 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 350 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 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.”
The Group is:
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NOT a public group (It is for Canal Walk residents only)
NOT for commercial or political purposes
NOT a vehicle for personal property issues/complaints
If you are not yet a member and would like to join the Canal Walk Google Group,
send an email requesting membership to: [email protected].
For more information or questions, please call Chickie Siegel (732-271-5266),
Elaine Whelan (732-560-0140), or Evelyn Silverstein (732-650-8099).
•
Elaine Whelan
TEXAS HOLD’EM
Our Quarterly Tournament was held in the Canal Walk Ballroom on Saturday,
November 22. 35 residents participated. Congratulation to the following winners:
1st place Gil Selvin; 2nd and 3rd place shared by Jerry Goldberg and Vinnie
Fenimore; 4th place Tony Anderson and 5th place Mike Mecca.
Our next Saturday Night Tournament will be held in the Canal Walk Ballroom on
January 17th, 2015. Registration will begin at 6 PM, and food will be served at 6.30 PM.
We will have two Thursday Night games on January 8th and January 29th.
We welcome new players. (Residents only)
Carlo Melia
ITCH'N' TO STITCH
Happy New Year. This the time of year we make resolutions. Example: I
resolve to clean my closets; I resolve to lose 10 pounds; I resolve to become a better
person; I resolve to do works of charity. How about making a resolution to learn a new
craft such as needlepoint, or trapunto or knitting. Join us each and every Thursday at 1
PM in the Arts and Craft Room. We will help beginners. Call Gloria at 732 537 9160
for more information.
Gloria Sipos
TRIPS
February 6, 2015: NJ Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs
February 8, 2015: Fleetwood Mac – Prudential Center – depart CW 6:00 PM
March 6, 2015: Temptations & Four Tops – MPAC depart CW 6:00 PM
March 18th: Celtic Woman – NJ PAC – depart CW 6:00 PM
March 26th and March 28th: The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Paper Mill Playhouse –
depart CW 11:00 AM
April 11th: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – MPAC – depart CW 11:00 AM
April 28th: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time - NYC departing 3:00 PM
May 7th: Pink Martini – MAYO – depart CW 6:00 PM
May 12: The King and I – NYC Lincoln Center – depart CW 3:00 PM
May 30 – Ever After – Paper Mill Playhouse – depart CW 11:00 AM
Under consideration: Spring Spectacular at Radio City with the Rockettes and An
American in Paris. Please look for details in the upcoming months.
Happy New Year, and thank you for your tremendous support!
Bill Corson and Tracey Allen
HADASSAH
Happy 2015 everyone!! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are
prepared for the winter months ahead. Canal Walk Hadassah has several events planned
to help us enjoy the cold, snowy days that are forecast. Many of us will attend The
Buddy Holly Story, a musical being performed at Princeton's McCarter Theater on
January 26. To make it easier the theater will send a bus. They hope to encourage us to
get acquainted with their fine facility.
We do know about the great George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. Sue
Nacson has tickets available for The Whipping Man on Wednesday, January 21 at 8 PM.
The cost is $31 per person. Sue can be reached at 732-564-1296. Sue also has tickets for
Sweeny Todd at Somerset's Villagers Theater on Sunday, February 8, a matinee for only
$15 per ticket.
It is time to reserve for our Winter Luncheon/Card Party to be held on February
10 at 12 noon in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Join your friends and neighbors for a delicious
lunch catered by Lox, Stock and Deli and an afternoon of cards and games, snacks and
door prizes. If you don't have a game, we'll try to find one for you. This event is open to
all Canal Walk residents and costs $25 per person. Send your check, payable to Canal
Walk Hadassah, to Bev Robinovitz at 67 Bayard Road. For additional information
contact Rita Levy at 732-563-0081.
You haven't ordered your next MahJongg card yet? Contact Lynn Cohen at 732356-8787. They are $8 for standard print and $9 for large print. Use the form provided
so that the card will come directly to you.
Remember to buy ShopRite certificates available in $25, $50 and $100
denominations. At no extra cost to us, and with no expiration date, we are able to earn
money for our many medical, research, youth and advocacy programs. At Hadassah's
Medical Organization's two hospitals in Jerusalem, Jews and Arabs work side by side doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators - in a life and death struggle to heal the sick
and injured. Over one million patients a year are treated there, without regard to race,
religion, or nationality. Palestinian midwives, paramedics, emergency medicine and
trauma physicians are in critical partnerships with HMO to serve in the West Bank, Gaza
and East Jerusalem. Evelyn Lasky, at 732-356-3593, has the certificates.
Recently we have seen so many new women moving into Canal Walk, and we
look forward to meeting all of you. If Hadassah appeals to you, or if you want to know
more about us, contact Bonnie Shrager or Pamela Green. Our meetings are on the 2nd
Tuesday evening of most months, usually at 7:30.
Edna Stone and Anne Roman
Communication Vice-presidents
Taken on Thanksgiving Day 2014:
the first snowy Thanksgiving in this area for many years - ST
ACTING UP
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 need 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.
Suggestions are always welcome.
The Acting Up community performance is planned for the late spring.
Bruce Davidson
TRAVEL CLUB
Happy New Year to all.
The Travel Club will be going to the Outer Banks of North Carolina from April
14 to 17, 2015. The price is $459 per person for double occupancy and $628 for single.
If you are interested, a $25 per person deposit made out to CWHOAAF, and placed in the
Travel Club mail box in the Office, is needed. This includes roundtrip by motor coach,
most meals, hotel lodging and admission to places of interest. Some of the sites will be:
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island Festival Park
and Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Also under consideration at this time is a return to Woodloch Pines in September.
This is always a popular destination with our travelers. Come to the meetings the third
Tuesday of each month to get a head start on these and other trips. For more information,
call Roz at 732 563 0201.
Gloria Sipos
SPANNING THE GLOBE AT SUNDAY CINEMA
The Sunday Cinema November film showing of
the Alfred Hitchcock film, North by Northwest, was
warmly received as Larry Paul expertly led the group
discussion of this classic movie. Larry brought out
thoughtful key points regarding the production, film
images, music, cost ($4.5 million), trivia information
about the legendary Hitchcock and star Cary Grant and
insightful elements of this edge-of-your seat thriller.
Gourmet treats and sweets rounded out a well-attended
event.
Sunday Cinema meets once a month in the spring, fall and winter to view and
discuss interesting movies. The next Sunday Cinema showing will be January 25, 2015.
To be part of this discussion, entertainment and social event, email me
at [email protected] for email notification of film showings. Have a wonderful
and healthy 2015 and see you at the movies!
Marion Yudow
OPERA LOVERS CLUB NEWS
I am very excited to announce that, for the first time, the Opera Lovers Club and
the Cultural Arts Committee are presenting a joint event to be held on February 12th at
1:00 PM in the Ballroom.
For the occasion we have invited Mr. Peter Cancro, a devoted opera lover,
lecturer and commentator. Mr. Cancro will present a program of selections of operas by
Giuseppe Verdi which he calls “Verdi’s Show Stoppers.” The program will include
famous arias, duets, trios, chorus pieces, etc., all musically illustrated with added
commentary by Peter.
This is a unique opportunity to have an expert on the subject of opera come to
Canal Walk both for opera lovers and for those who may be inclined to take opera in
small portions instead of an entire meal.
Refreshments will be served after the lecture.
More information to come soon to the Office. Fliers will be displayed in
the Lobby of the Clubhouse.
Mark your calendars and let opera bring some warmth to the cold winter days of
February!
For questions, please feel free to contact me (Leonor Conzevoy-732-412-7654) or
Lucille Taub (732-271-1993).
Leonor Conzevoy
"BIG CHILL" WRAPPING PARTY
On December 8, a group of enthusiastic Canal Walk volunteers joined 150 others to
wrap presents at a special event sponsored by the Department of Recreational Services of
Rutgers University. The gifts were collected at the 12th Annual “Big Chill," a 5K race
held the Saturday before.
Runners in the “Big Chill” contribute a toy or gift for children rather than pay an
entry fee. There were 875 runners in the first Big Chill run in 2002. This year, the
12th Annual Big Chill, included 8,900 runners and generated over 11,000 gifts to be
wrapped … and the volunteers got the job done in less than 3 hours!!
We all enjoyed a morning of friendship and accomplishment and we plan to go back
and do it again next year.
Helen Hoch
Talk of the Walk
We accept short entries regarding significant/unusual accomplishments,
milestone anniversaries and birthdays, births, deaths
and acknowledgements.
• Congratulations to DEANA LUCHS of Patriots Way. She was elected to the
Board of Directors of the New Jersey Chapter of The Community Association
Institute for a two year term.
Cultural Arts
JANUARY 24 - YOU AND THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC
The new year is here and many of our friends have gone to warmer areas. For
those "stout hearted" people remaining (A song title from an operetta we are not
performing this time) we hope you will be cheered by the 4 young, world traveled artists
coming to CW. The first half of the concert contains arias from famous operas. You will
hear solos, duets and quartets. The second half of the show will brighten the darkness
with songs from Broadway musical shows, such as Kiss Me Kate, Les Miz, Camelot etc.
FEBRUARY 12
We join the Opera Club of CW in a one day program of the great composer
Verdi's operas. The class will be presented by a teacher from RU-ALL (Rutgers
University Adult Lifelong Learning). You will see scenes from well-known as well as
his beginning operas. See the fliers for more information.
MARCH 14 - VINCE GIORDANO AND THE NIGHTHAWKSKnown everywhere as a musician's musician, Vince brings his 11 piece band to
our stage for an evening of ragtime and prohibition era songs, also known as music of the
20's and 30's. Vince is a musical director and performer on Boardwalk Empire, the long
running TV serial as well as for the movie hits The Aviator, Finding Forrester and The
Cotton Club. He currently is playing in several NY nightclubs and with Michael
Feinstein at Lincoln Center.
APRIL 25 - SWING INTO SPRINGTraveling all around Europe or Australia each year, Warren Vache and Nicki
Parrott are always in demand. Warren is one of the finest cornet players ever heard in
music circles; Nicki is talented, beautiful, and charming and plays a mean upright bass
plus doing the vocals. Joining them will be the fabulous pianist Tomoko Ohno. They
will fight the winds of March- and they will win! Whether "hot" melodies or love
ballads, this trio gives a terrific evening.
JUNE 6 - THE SOUNDS OF JAMES TAYLOR –
From Toronto, Canada to Canal Walk, Neil Donell and his band bring the
favorites of this great artist. Neil is known as "the voice of Canada" because of the
hundreds of recordings he has made there and with American artists. The delightful
songs of Taylor, such as Country Roads, I'm Goin' to Carolina in My Mind, and others is
a great way to start the summer.
Don't get locked out; buy your tickets early. And after the concerts join us for a
beautiful dessert reception.
Lucille Taub
Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Trio
Women's Club
HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
Our Annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting was held Saturday, December
6, 2014, and it was a great success. This is the Women’s Club way of thanking the Canal
Walk Community for their support all year long. Everyone had a wonderful time
listening to the Chorus and enjoying delicious desserts. The spirit of the holiday season
was abundantly evident with Bernice Lashen reciting a prayer while lighting the
Menorah, Marie Lyttle lighting the first candle on the Advent Wreath representing the
beginning of the Advent season and Bernadette Lombardo lighting the Christmas Tree.
This is our tenth anniversary of the Canal Walk Women’s Club. At our tenth year
anniversary charity event, we honored Mary Jo Gaughan, founder and first President of
the club. It was decided that at this year’s tenth Holiday Event, we would honor those
members who so diligently, and without seeking recognition, work hard to do their part in
making our club a success. Eleanor Fakelmann and Annette Martino agreed to head
the program collecting and shopping for “Adopt A Family” with the assistance of Sal
Martino when the Women’s Club started. Annette and Sal still do “Adopt A Family.”
Marion Zotti participated and volunteered her time for various Women’s Club activities
and events and never looked for any recognition.
Over the years, Jackie Weighart, Director of the Chorus, Carmela Maresca,
Arranger/ Pianist for the Chorus and Bernice Lashen, Pianist, have provided outstanding
choral programs for our Holiday Event.
Bernice Lashen recited a prayer and lit the Menorah for Hanukkah, Marie
Lyttle, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer lit the Advent Candle and was in charge the Block
Ads for our Fundraiser, Bernadette Lombardo, Second Vice President of the Women’s
Club and President of the Enclave Board, lit the Christmas Tree.
Darlene Mecca has decorated our lobby tables for our Christmas/Hanukkah
Event for eight years. In addition, Darlene was in charge of refreshments for the event.
(Darlene had two anonymous helpers to help set up and set out trays while she was
Committee Chair of the Holiday Event.)
Cathy Vaccaro and Tracey Allen were also recognized for all that they do for
the Canal Walk Women’s Club and Community throughout the year.
We also want to thank Gloria Sipos for donating her time to shop for the holiday
decorations for the Freedom Clubhouse and also for lending her talents to decorating the
Freedom Clubhouse and the Main Clubhouse. We also want to thank her committee for
the wonderful job they did.
This year we want to give a big shout out to Karen Anderson and her committee
who set up the lobby and Arts and Crafts Room tables for our Holiday Event and to
Joanne Perzi and Nina Perzi who make the most delicious coffee. Thank you ladies for
all that you do throughout the year at our monthly meetings and functions.
At our future monthly meetings, we will be honoring those members who for the
past ten years have contributed to the success of our club. Please join us in honoring
them.
As we begin our new year monthly meetings, we will be asking our members to
please help with heading different committees. We will hold meetings with the heads of
the committees so that they will have a better understanding of what their committee is
about.
This year’s Souper Bowls will be held February 11, 25 and March 11, 25.
Mary Jo Gaughan
Fran Ruggiero
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
January 21- Bingo
February 11 – Souper Bowl
February 18 – Sheriff (Somerset County) – Personal and Home Protection
February 25 – Souper Bowl
March 11 – Souper Bowl
March 18 – Family Feud Game
March 25 – Souper Bowl
April 15 – To Be Announced
May 20 – Tea with Alisa Dupuy
June 17 – Pot Luck Dinner
2015 DUES ARE $10 FOR THE YEAR AND ARE DUE IN JANUARY. CHECKS
SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO CWHOAAF (EARMARKED WC DUES). THEY CAN
BE PAID AT ANY MEETING OR DROPPED OFF IN THE MANAGEMENT
OFFICE. NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
Marie Lyttle
Veterans’ Club
On Wednesday, December 3rd, we enjoyed our Annual Holiday Party for
members and their wives and guests at the Girasole Restaurant in Bound Brook.
Chaplain Sal Saladini delivered a wonderful invocation. The meals were delicious and
the service was excellent. The ladies were presented with poinsettias. Awards were
presented to Al Miller and Chet Trechock in recognition of their service as past
Commanders. Kudos to Chet and Gloria Trechock for making the arrangements and for
all of their good work on behalf of the Veteran’s Club.
On December 8th, we made our semi-annual trip to the Lyons VA Hospital
accompanied by the Canal Walk Choral Group who entertained with a fine selection of
holiday tunes. I don’t think anyone got lost this time!
At our January 28th meeting (2 PM), we will be announcing the months that the 7
PM meetings will take place, hoping to accommodate members who are unable to attend
our afternoon meetings.
Hoping all had an enjoyable holiday season. Happy and Healthy New Year to
everyone!
John Tighe, Secretary
Operation Shoebox
Once again we are approaching the year’s end, and the holiday season always
reminds those of us who served away from home what is was like to receive a package
and note from home. It did dispel the loneliness for a while. On Saturday, Dec. 6, there
was a packing at the Hillsborough YMCA with a target goal of 1000 packages for the
troops. I was very pleased to have another $200+ in donated funds from our community
which covered the postage for 8 boxes (32 packages).
Just as an aside, this community has, once again, exceeded $3000 in donated
funds which is unmatched by any other community of our type in the area. "Way to go"
Canal Walk.
As troop assignment continues to change, we need new names, addresses and
deployment dates. During the holiday season, as we return to our old neighborhood to see
friends and relatives, we may find that sons and/or daughters are newly assigned or reassigned overseas. If you can get us the above information, we can see that they are on
the mailing list and start receiving packages of goodies. Your input is vital to our mission
of bringing some joy to a soldier.
Linn H. Smith – for Operation Shoebox
Men’s Club
January 2015
•
•
•
HAPPY NEW YEAR! We welcome the New Year and our newly-elected board
members for 2015. The candidates were unanimously voted on with no other challengers
from the floor. They (were and still) are: Bruce Davidson, President; Dave Lyttle, VicePresident; David Gelfand, Treasurer; Tom Brucker, Secretary and Jeff Green, Asst.
Treasurer/Secretary. Congratulations and thank you for your continued willingness to
serve our Club and its members.
We bid the year goodbye with our Holiday Party held last Dec. 8th. The pasta
night was well attended, well served and, needless to say, well consumed by our
members in good standing. A good time was had by all.
SAVE THE DATES
Jan. 12: The first meeting of the new year will be followed by a presentation from Glenn
LeBoeuf of “Let History Live.” Glenn is a passionate student of the Civil War. His talk
will center on “The Fifteen Mistakes made by the Confederacy at the Battle of
Gettysburg.” Sounds interesting? See you at the meeting.
Jan. 13: ROMEO restarts for the year. Watch your emails for the details and RSVP
evites.
March: The next AARP Driver Safety Class will be held sometime in March. Final
dates will be announced at a later date.
MEMBERSHIP
Do you really need another reminder? Here it is again: if you haven’t already,
please pay your dues at the next meeting ($25 - pay to CWHOAAF) or you can drop it
anytime at the Clubhouse marked “CW Men’s Club 2015 dues.”
If you’re not yet a member, join the club. Enrollment is open all year round for
new members. Call Charlie Okun at 732-377-3401 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/.
ONGOING COMMUNITY PROJECTS
News Flash! We conducted another successful end-of-the-year campaign for the
Franklin Township Food Bank. The Dec. 6th drive resulted in collections of 3,557
pounds of food (with a year’s total of 4,800 pounds!) including 2 hams and 8 turkeys plus
$ 1,340 in cash donations (exceeding last year’s!). We didn’t quite break all the records
but, nevertheless, thank you, Canal Walkers, for your generous giving. And many thanks
to all the Men’s Club volunteers who did the door-to-door pickup of the food baskets.
The Franklin Food Bank volunteers were very appreciative of the results and our efforts.
Together we CAN feed those in need especially during the holiday season.
From left to right:
Nancy LaCorte (Franklin Twp. Food Bank Volunteer),
Paul Walitsky & John Tighe
Filled to capacity,
necessitating a second van
for the Enclave food donations.
The Franklin Township Food Bank is always in need of our generous support. Other than
our annual food drive in December, you can donate food items to the Franklin Food Bank
anytime by dropping them at the Clubhouse’s Cafe. Our support is always appreciated.
Check donations to the Food Bank can be mailed to:
Franklin Township Food Bank
P.O. Box 333
Somerset, NJ 08875-0333
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.
GOLF
ATLANTIC CITY GOLF
I know it is January, but because we decided to schedule this event in early summer
instead of early May, it was necessary that I book it now to lock in the courses and teetimes. So, for 2015, we are playing Ballamor Golf Club on Tuesday, June 9, with teetimes starting at about 10 AM. On Wednesday, June 10, we are back at Twisted Dune at
about 9 AM. I can book rooms at the Tropicana which is being refurbished. (Carmine's
anyone??)
Cost for golf only about $185; room cost TBA based upon single or double
occupancy. An RSVP would be appreciated. A deposit of $100 per golfer is due by
2/1/15. Final payment is due by 5/1/15. Non-CW residents are welcome.
As always, all comments, suggestions, and questions are welcomed and
encouraged.
Ron Lerner
SOFTBALL
WANTED: Looking for able or semi-able bodies for our 2015 softball team. If
you’ve played in a past life and have an urge to get out onto a dusty infield or green
pasture outfield, call me (732-302-0088).
Ron Lerner
GO GREEN
The Hazardous Waste Days and Operation Secure Shred for Somerset County
residents are closed for the winter. The first hazardous waste day for 2015 will be on
March 21st. Details to follow.
Electronics recycling is accepted at Newtech Recycling located at 600A
Apgar Drive in Somerset. They’re open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00
PM and on the first Saturdays of the month from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Call 732-5643110 for more information.
Proper Disposal of Medicine: Safely dispose of your unwanted, expired or unused
medicines including prescriptions, over-the-counter and pet medicines (excluding
syringes). We can help prevent crime, help keep our drinking water supply safe and help
prevent harming wild life and the environment.
Individuals are asked to keep medicines in their original container, use a marker to
cross out their name and place the medicine in a clear plastic bag. Medicines that are no
longer in their original container should be placed in a plastic bag with the name of the
medicine written on the bag.
Medicines can now be dropped off at two locations:
1. the drop box at the lower level of the Somerset Administration Building located at
20 Grove St., Somerville, NJ 08876, near the entrance to the Sheriff’s Office and
2. the drop-off box in the lobby of the Public Safety Building at 495 DeMott Lane,
Somerset, NJ 08873 (Franklin Township Municipal Complex).
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
HAPPY NEW YEAR (BUON CAPODANNO) to all our members. Here’s
hoping that the new year brings you healthy, prosperous and fun filled months ahead.
I would like to personally THANK all who donated to our Christmas Fund. Your
generosity for a family in need was extraordinary. I’m sure we made a difference for
some people in need and helped them to enjoy their Christmas holidays.
We had our Annual Christmas Dinner & Dance on Friday, December 5, and it
was spectacular. The food was great; the music of Gary Morton was terrific and the
company excellent. Everyone had a wonderful time and didn’t want the evening to end.
We took the jitney to Kip’s Castle for a beautiful candlelight tour and enjoyed the
desserts and hot coffee afterwards. Due to great numbers responding to the trip to the
Sands Casino and the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA, we were able to get a large bus
for the trip. A great time was had by all who attended, and those who won in the Casino
had an even better time. I lost twice … in the Casino and when my wife shopped in the
outlet stores.
There will NOT be a regular meeting in January, so we will be seeing you in
February.
I plan on having more jitney trips in January so be sure to check your emails and
the Clubhouse for flyers regularly.
Annual dues will be collected this month, and please remember that all our profits
go to scholarships for local high school seniors. Again this year we expect to offer 3
scholarships of $2500 each.
Ciao, Mike Palmieri
Italian-American Club Dinner Dance
Singles Club
Happy New Year! Here’s wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2015. The
Singles Club has some exciting events planned, so look forward to a fun 2015.
The Singles Club had a busy November. Our bus trip to the Renault Winery in
Egg Harbor, NJ was a great success. Our wine tasting luncheon was wonderful with a
different Renault wine incorporated into every course. Yum! There was a fine selection
of wines for tasting, and it really was all you could drink. Lots of laughs and lots of fun.
The last formal meeting of the year in November offered a photo review of the
year’s activities and a rousing game of Wheel of Fortune. There will be more fun games
in 2015, so get your thinking caps on.
Reminder: There is a special Singles Box in the Clubhouse Office (on your left
as you walk in the door). When dropping off reservations and check payments, please, no
cash, to ensure the validity of our records. Singles Club annual dues are $20. For
new members (only new members) who join after June 30, membership dues for
2015 will be $10.
Coming Events:
For reservations or questions regarding any event, please contact Susan
Kropiewnicki at 732-560-1596 or Phyllis Chiavetta at 732-412-7679. For information
about the Singles Club, please contact Susan Kropiewnicki at 732-560-1596. And look
for flyers at our meetings or in the Clubhouse. Meetings are always the 2nd Wednesday of
the month at 7 PM in the Ballroom. Dinner events begin earlier at 6:30.
• January 14, 2015 (Wednesday) – First Meeting of the New Year: Mystery
Re-Gift Exchange – 7:00 PM Save the Date – Paid Members Only
Did you receive something for the holidays or have something hanging around the house
(unused) that you would classify as your “White Elephant?” Wrap it nicely, bring it to
the meeting and join in the “Mystery Re-Gift Exchange.” You may go home with
something you really like! If you don’t bring a gift, you can’t play, so look around the
house for something you would love to part with. Don’t miss the fun as we kick off
2015!
2015 membership dues ($20) will be collected at this meeting. Only checks
made out to CWHOAAF will be accepted, no cash. You can bring your check
to the meeting or drop it off in the Singles Box in the Clubhouse Office.
Please write membership dues on the check.
• February 11, 2015 (Wednesday) – Wine and Cheese Party – 7:00 PM
Save the Date
Welcome prospective new members. Current members bring a bottle of wine to be
shared, and we’ll provide the cheese and goodies. Check for flyer at the Clubhouse and
RSVP.
FYI- We realize that in a community such as ours, there are folks who may be married,
but have a spouse who is, unfortunately, no longer able to live at home. We welcome
you to join us.
• March 11, 2015 (Wednesday) – Meeting/Program TBD – 7:00 PM
Save the Date
Program in planning stage. Additional details to be provided at a later date. Check for
flyers at the Clubhouse.
April 8, 2015 (Wednesday) – Meeting/Program TBD – 7:00 PM
Save the Date
Program in planning stage. Additional details to be provided at a later date. Check for
flyers at the Clubhouse.
Be sure to check future Newsletters and flyers in the Clubhouse for
additional trips and events.
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. Please submit your
articles on time. All submissions must be emailed with the author clearly stated. The
deadline for the February Newsletter will be January 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 [email protected].
Recipes and What's Happening sent to Ronnie Bayer at [email protected].
Home Hints and photos sent to Sid Toby at [email protected].
Club Activities and Announcements and Poetry sent to Susan Smith at
[email protected].
Articles about pets and questions for Design Solution to Judy Gottlieb at
[email protected].
Staying Healthy sent to Nina Pesce at [email protected].
Meet Your Resident Artist sent to Frank Catalina at [email protected]
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. Carryovers 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, Sid, Susan, Ellen, Judy, Nina, Frank
In the Beginning…
In the beginning there was the land, then there were the roads, then a lot of
Bridgewater Red dirt, lots and lots of construction equipment, and then finally there were
the homes.
On a very cold day in February of 2003, we moved into our home on Stryker
Road, just a few minutes after Dick and Nina Dunkle moved into theirs on Tallman Lane.
Now there were two! Little by little others began moving in.
The Clubhouse didn’t officially open until November 21, 2004, so we pioneers
took it into our own hands to get things up and running.
As prospective “active adults,” we couldn’t wait for a year to get our enthusiastic
new neighbors involved in something so they could start to get to know each other. I
called the Somerset County Park Association and set up our first Annual Picnic for
Tuesday, September 23, 2003. (No weekends were available and most of us were totally
retired.) 95 hale and hardy Canal Walkers came and we enjoyed great BBQ. We
brought some tablecloths to dress the place up and lawn chairs for comfort. Even decks
of cards. The Park Association graciously provided extra tables and benches as our
picnic grew from year to year. That was the first of 8 Annual Picnics held at Colonial
Park. We asked local restaurants to donate gift certificates (which they generously did),
and were given a cash donation from the Association and went shopping for bottles of
wine and other spirits to add to our growing list of door prizes. 50-50s were also held
(had to call them Dark Horses since gambling was prohibited); and it seems as if
everyone went home with not only a smile on their faces and new friends, but a prize as
well. With the help of Florence and Abe Kleinberg and Gloria and Chet Trechock, we
managed to grow our original 95 attendees to 161 in 2005; and then the largest number of
190 was in 2008. Each year, our wonderful husbands sprayed the park for bees. From the
beginning in 2003 until 2009, the weather cooperated beautifully but on Sunday, August
22, 2010, we experienced our first nasty weather day. No problem! Elmer’s Catering,
who had been with us from the beginning, moved their BBQ truck to the Clubhouse
kitchen entrance, erected a tent-like covering and 88 of those hale and hardy residents
moved to the Clubhouse and had a ball. Cathy Vacarro arranged lots of fun games, and
we went on as if it wasn’t pouring outside.
…..No Clubhouse yet so….. The first unofficial party was held on December 7,
2003. Florence and Abe Kleinberg and Gloria and Chet Trechock planned a Holiday
Party at the Embassy Suites Hotel complete with a band and good food. Over 100 people
attended. Florence gave the welcome speech and, as usual, Canal Walkers were happy
campers.
…..No Clubhouse yet so.….On March 21, 2004, the Trechocks arranged a Spring
Party which was held at the Elizabeth Avenue Firehouse with 96 people attending. We
were not going to let grass grow beneath our feet if we could help it.
There was no stopping us! The next party was held in 2004 at Bridgewater
Manor with 250 neighbors in attendance. Also arranged by the Kleinberg’s and the
Trechock’s. So you can understand why we are now such a dynamic Active Adult
Community. We couldn’t wait to get started.
Abe Kleinberg, a truly wonderful guy, unfortunately no longer with us, also
published the first Newsletter, with me acting as Editor, and called it “Canal Walk
Neighbors Talk of the Walk.” A group of us hand-distributed them to all the neighbors,
as there were no mailboxes at that time. Florence and Abe also wrote the first Restaurant
Review.
Prior to the Clubhouse’s opening, we held our first election of 2 residents to the
Canal Walk Board, and 5 Committees were set up by the Association Advisors. In the
following months, the first Board members and the members of the Committees will give
you a brief history of the evolution of the Board and the Committees.
Submitted by Marge Heffernan
Meet Your Resident Artist
At the time of this article's writing, early in December, if one were to visit the
Franklin Township Library on DeMott lane, he or she would once again find a featured
local artist whose paintings grace the Library's walls. And, once again, Canal Walk
residents would be proud to see that the artist is one of our own neighbors. The artist is
Genevieve "Ginger" DeLuca. Her work will be on display until January 16, 2015.
Ginger and her husband Frank have been living in Canal Walk for eight years.
They moved here from Clark, New Jersey, where they had resided for some 23 years. As
with so many of the artists around us, Ginger was always interested in drawing from her
earliest childhood. Even as she worked in her career as a secretary (Ginger is now
retired), she took lessons in art in the Rutgers Extension Program at the University's
campus in Newark.
Two years after coming here, Ginger began taking lessons in painting from wellknown Canal Walk resident, Jacqueline ("Jackie") Weighart, who has taught quite a few
of our neighbors to paint. Some of them, including Jackie herself, have previously been
featured in this series of artist profiles.
Although quite accomplished, as the pictures shown here demonstrate, Ginger
continues to study her preferred medium, which is watercolor painting. She favors
landscapes, buildings and country scenes. The pictures she has chosen to share with us
demonstrate both her interest in those topics and her manifest talent. Perhaps that talent is
genetically transmittable. She informed me that her youngest daughter has a degree in
graphic arts.
I usually ask each artist whether he or she has a personal favorite artist or school
of art. Ginger's answer was interesting and provided me with a nugget of information I
previously hadn't been aware of. She told me she favored the work of a turn of the
century artist named Maud Humphrey, a name I didn't know. She then informed me that
the woman was none other than Humphrey Bogart's mother! Ginger had collected and
displayed in her lovely home a number of Humphrey's works.
The artist specialized in idealized portraits of beautiful young girls, reminiscent of
the Shirley Temple look. These girls are dressed in gorgeous, little girl dresses and are
shown in various poses, invariably having fun. They are depicted in watercolors,
drawings, greeting cards and posters and are quite lovely.
Anyone interested in the object of Ginger's appreciation can Google Maud
Humphrey, and you will immediately find numerous samples of prints that can be
purchased and collected.
By: Frank Catalina
Winter Stream
Greek Stair case
The Animal Corner
Middlebush Farm
English Manor
.
YOU WANT TO HELP BUT COMING IN CONTACT WITH RABIES
HAS SERIOUS EFFECTS. The Somerset County Department of Health is warning
residents that a stray kitten found in our area has tested positive for rabies. “Pet owners
should maintain a close watch over their pets – dogs, cats and other animals – to ensure
that they do not come in contact with stray animals when outdoors,” said Somerset
County Health Officer Dr. Paul Masaba. To prevent exposure to rabies, do not feed or
handle unknown animals, and stay away from animals that are acting strangely. Wild or
feral animals, including dogs, puppies, kittens and cats, should not be brought into the
home as they can be infected with the rabies virus that is transmitted through animal bites
or saliva that can enter the body through cuts or scratches. See www.co.somerset.nj.us for
more info.
LISTEN UP - FIDO IS TALKING TO YOU. Much like us, pups communicate
with body language, using their faces, tails, and ears, says trainer Justin Silver, author of
The Language of Dogs. “Understanding a dog’s posture and signals gives you a fast
track into predicting their next move.” For instance, a cute, tilted head may mean your
pooch heard a sound he likes (such as car keys or a familiar word). “Dogs generally
squint when in pain, not feeling well and if feeling fear, and big bug eyes (when the eyes
are big and fixated on something), means aggression could be on the way.” A polite dog
going out of his way to let you know that he comes in peace when he looks away when
you look. But a dog avoiding eye contact altogether may consider you a threat or lack
confidence. Dogs have learned that it’s okay to look people in the eye but when a dog
looks directly into another dog’s eyes, it is often the equivalent of fighting words. Learn
more about Fido’s behavior at www.aspca.org.
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! Free apps
lets you see Fido and Fluffy in action where they can speed up
time and use the time-lapse photography to inspire wonder and
amazement. It’s pretty simple: place your smart phone in a
stationary position and images are captured at regular intervals,
such as once every second. When strung together and played as
a film or video, you see a sped-up version of reality. It looks
like magic and it’s film magic you can make of those cute pet
jumps and antics. Apple has even included time-lapse
capabilities in the built-in Camera app for iPhones and iPads.
The Hyperlapse app, available for free for iOS, allows you to
use your phone to create a type of time-lapse video known
as hyperlapse. In hyperlapse videos, the camera is moving,
rather than stationary, which means the time-lapse
technique is able to condense both distance and time into a
few seconds – watching Fluffy scale the drapes and Fido
attacking those ‘evil’ socks. Compiled from the Star
Ledger.
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! Yes, January is savings
time at ShopRite’s Can-Can Sale, Stop & Shop’s Stock Up Sale and Weis’
(Hillsborough) Special Savings Event for pet foods. Sure, there’s not much money left
after the holidays, but can you spare some small change to purchase cans of dog and cat
food for the Franklin Township Animal Shelter? This no-kill shelter houses many dogs
and cats waiting for forever homes and is always in need of your generous help. Thank
you.
LICENSING YOUR DOG - All dogs seven months or older must be licensed.
According to NJ law, proof of rabies vaccination is needed before a license can be
issued. Dog licenses can be obtained in the Township Clerk’s Office at the Municipal
Building. The license fee includes a metal ID tag. All dog licenses must be in by January
31. And don’t forget the DOG RABIES CLINIC (FREE) on January 10 from 8-10 AM
at the Shelter. You can license Fido for the year 2015 at the same time. Not forgetting,
Fluffy, there is a FREE RABIES CLINIC coming up on March 14, 2015, from 8 to 10
AM. While you’re at the Shelter, feel free to donate dry dog/puppy/cat/kitten food and
toys, clean/worn towels/blankets/sheets, paper towels/sponges, flea medications, Q-Tips,
catnip and bleach. You can visit the Shelter: Tuesday – Friday, noon to 3 PM and
Saturday noon - 6 PM. There is now an easy way to drop off your generous donations
at the Shelter when it’s closed. A large wood box to the left of the Shelter front door is
available for after Shelter hour’s donations. 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
[email protected]. Please add your name and address to the package for a
tax contribution response letter. The Shelter appreciates Canal Walk residents’ very
generous contributions and so do the animals. Thank you for caring and sharing.
Judy Gottlieb
Staying Healthy
Supermarket Sleuth
A New Year! A New Me. I am a changed woman! I have become a
supermarket sleuth, for better or worse. Yup, you got it! My old trip to the supermarket
has now turned into a voyage. What used to be an hour has now become two or three.
Why, you may ask? Well, it all began quite innocently. There I was reading the
February 2014 Family Circle Magazine that helped my Girl Scout granddaughter get that
teddy bear she wanted for selling over 100 magazines. Thumbing through the pages, I
came upon an article. The title read, “What To Look For First On The Label” – Follow
these rules of thumb when evaluating nutrition facts panels and you’ll make smart
selections every time.” Feeling the immediate need to learn all I can about nutrition, so
that I could inform my fellow Canal Walkers, I read on with interest.
When reading labels, it is advised to look at the calorie content first, and how they
fit into your daily calorie budget. I didn’t even know I had a calorie budget! It went on
to explain that the term “light” can have several different meanings. For bread, it may
indicate fewer calories. For sugar, it could mean lighter in color. With sodium, it
typically means a lower amount, whereas “light” olive oil is usually lighter in flavor and
texture, but not in calories. Oh, I didn’t know that! The fat number is next. Experts say
reasonable targets are 20% or less of total calories from fat and 10% or less calories from
saturated fat. Did you know that lard has less saturated fat than butter, so it is no worse
than butter but somehow has a worse reputation? Who knew? Then there is the fiber
content. We all know how important fiber is in our diet and just three grams per serving
or higher is a healthy amount to look for. What about the sodium that we know can
cause high blood pressure? Look for, at most, a 1:1 ratio of milligrams of sodium to
calories in a serving (100 milligrams per 100 calories, for instance.) Oh, OK! And then
there is the serving size. The article indicates that one should “gauge if it’s a reasonablesized serving.” Now this, of course, is debatable – yes?
Then on the other hand, one must watch out for the “Ingredient Red Flags” that
were mentioned.
“Think twice before putting an item in your cart that contains any of the following
ingredients.”
Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are sources of artery-clogging trans fats,
which are in most processed foods and are considered “Franken-fat” and should
be eliminated.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and similar flavor enhancers which can cause
headaches and other unpleasant symptoms in those who are sensitive.
Preservatives, like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) which are possible
carcinogens.
Artificial colors which are unnecessary and could cause adverse reactions.
Caramel coloring, found mostly in breads and sodas, and now considered a
possible carcinogen.
Bleached flour which is highly processed and is not a whole grain.
So now do you get the picture? It’s a challenge to be a supermarket sleuth, but if
you have a few hours to kill and want to come along with me, just give a holler. Oh, and
by the way, wear comfortable shoes!
Submitted by Nina Pesce
Design Solution
This month, Ted Levine’s residence is
being showcased as a beautiful reminder of
spring to come and how imagination is
interpreted into a spectacular home and garden.
Stop at the driveway of Ted’s Concord
model home to appreciate the artful sculpture of
the Japanese threadleaf miniature maple with the
deep russet leaves on the path to the front door.
Pillows of lilac rhododendron blossoms peak out
from the boxwoods, and a scattering of colorful
begonias round out the picture. Walk around the
side path of the house filled with lush bushes and
trees to his late wife, Iris’ breathtaking back
garden, one that was dedicated to her last year
among family and close friends. This natural
world of greenery, flowers, topiaries, quirky and
fun planters and objects creates a shaded oasis of
relaxed harmony with nature. Miniature Norway
spruces, cryptomeria evergreen trees, Siberian
spruces, a weeping Norway spruce, and a dwarf,
ornamental Scotch pine ‘Pom Pom’ tree play
host to flowering rose bushes, clematis, dahlias,
petunias, double begonias and Iris’ irises. The
tall irises abound with colorful ceramic and
metal objects, small and large butterflies and
birds that are strategically placed among the plants.
The focal garden area starts with a wall of bountiful annuals – colorful and
fragrant. But then there’s the show-stopper: Ted skillfully pruned a large, weeping
Norway spruce into an imaginary, fanciful, seven foot high, horse/deer topiary that holds
center stage next to a free-standing clock and weather vane pole – outstanding! There’s
even a permanent plaque under the topiary explaining its origins.
Glorious nature is of the utmost importance to this super gardener and it’s
incorporated into smart decorating inside the house. The foyer holds the first surprise; the
wall facing the entrance door has a large fresh water fish tank set into it. African
Cichlids, in neon colors, swim lazily among the rocks, plants and shells in mesmerizing
harmony. So different and peaceful – a sea life ‘painting’ truly coming alive, and
adjacent to the dining room where lucky visitors can appreciate this relaxing view. Wow!
A glass top console table, under an ornate mirror, holds an anniversary clock and a vase
of flowers – simple and appropriate to allow the fish to take center stage. The dining
room has a vintage, soft green glazed, Sligh French-style hutch on one wall filled with
family patterned plates behind the wire mesh grilles inside the glass doors, and its shape
is reflected in the soft light of the antique French chandelier with beaded voile shades.
Tall green chairs to complement the hutch surround the antique, oval wood dining room
table – refinished expertly by Ted. A large butterfly clock on the window wall adds a
light touch to the room (a clock collection is evident throughout the house and brings
sound and movement in each room), while plates from visits to Turkey and Italy are
displayed on the adjacent hall wall. The living room holds Ted’s mother’s round, marble
coffee table in front of a softly curving, plush, striped fabric couch. A spectacular
enameled and lacquered folding screen, covered in cranes and birds, stands next to an
authentic 1964 World’s Fair Baldwin Acrosonic spinet, a petite piano in a honey toned
wood. The walls are covered with vacation acquisitions and family treasures, including a
mirror and clock from Spain, a Turkish camel bone painting, Ted’s mom’s Torah
painting, fans from China, a mirror from Puerto Rico, an ornate mirror with painted irises
on the border, a wood mantle clock and items from local art auctions. A tall Chinese
planter with lush greenery rounds out this international space.
The great room houses Ted’s collection of fossils, mineral and geode rocks and
structures that are strategically placed so each can be enjoyed. Sit on the vintage, soft
leather, classic wing chair with button tufting and nail head studs, and enjoy the unusual
two-piece geode designed by Mother Nature over a few million years of cooling
following a Mt. Etna eruption. Ted placed his large, wood desk at an angle to the patio
doors to give a continual view of the garden during all the New Jersey seasons. (Smart
decorating with floating a piece of furniture away from a wall.) And, as an extra special
treat, the walls are covered with the Levine’s collection of clocks, including an iris design
clock, a Tartan clock, a clock from Alaska, Steampunk train clocks, an East Europe agate
clock, a clock from Russia, a Turkish ‘evil eye’ clock, a ship’s brass portal clock, and
porcelain, metal and hanging pendulum clocks, all in balance with the large, floor
standing Westminster grandfather clock. This collection began more than 25 years ago
when Iris designed a crewel clock following group class instruction. Smart design to
incorporate an interest in a hobby into a collection that can become a focal point in a
home.
Ted Levine’s home is warm and interesting – a place that holds fond memories,
enjoys life and nature to the fullest and welcomes family and new friends to share its
bounty.
Design thought for January: Never underestimate the restorative power of a
luxurious pillowed bed or a vase of tulips on a wintery day.
This column is for your home decorating questions and to celebrate your own
design solution. Each month, Canal Walk residents may submit a decorating question
and get a Design Solution in the Canal Walk Newsletter. You can even be featured each
month with a decorating solution that you’ve already accomplished. Email me at
[email protected] for your Design Solution!
Judy Gottlieb
A WONDERFUL RESOLUTION FOR THE NEW YEAR
What amazing gifts the new year brings!
An entire year’s worth of wonderful opportunities, given to us one sunrise at a time.
Many of the moments ahead will be marvelously disguised as ordinary days, but each one
of us has the chance to make something extraordinary out of them.
Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life.
The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can. Have
pages on understanding and tales of overcoming hardships.
Fill your story with enthusiasm, adventure, learning, and laughter.
And make each chapter reflect time doing those things.
Follow your dreams. Work hard. Be kind. Do what you can to make the door open on a
day that is filled with inspiration in some special way.
Remember: Goodness will be rewarded. Smiles will pay you back. Have fun.
Find strength. Be truthful. Have faith. Don’t focus on anything you lack.
Realize that people are the treasures in life, and happiness is the real worth.
Have a diary that describes how you’re doing your best, and…the rest will take care of
itself.
Douglas Pagels
Submitted by Nina Pesce
The Poetry Corner
A NEW JERSEY POEM
It’s winter in New Jersey,
And the gentle breezes blow,
Seventy miles an hour,
At thirty-five below.
Oh, how I love New Jersey,
When the snow’s up to your butt,
You take a breath of winter air,
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
So I guess I’ll hang around.
I could never leave New Jersey,
‘Cause I’m frozen to the ground.
Source: The Internet
Submitted by Nina Pesce
Recipes
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
1 lb ground meat
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 T milk
2 T minced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1 Combine all ingredients above.
2. Form into 40 meatballs.
3. Brown. Cover and cook on low heat 5 minutes. Drain fat.
Sauce
2/3 cup chili sauce
2/3 cup Smuckers grape jelly
Combine above 2 ingredients and heat until melted. Simmer 10-12 minutes.
Theatrical Reviews
METROPOLITAN OPERA LIVE IN HD THEATERS
My husband and I recently had a wonderful musical and theatrical experience
attending a live performance from the Metropolitan Opera, which we viewed at an AMC
HD theater. We spent three glorious hours watching Il Barbiere di Sivigia (The Barber of
Seville). This opera, written by Gioachino Rossini, is so incredibly humorous and filled
with beautiful and memorable music. We so enjoyed the HD experience for a variety of
reasons not the least of which is that the theater was extremely comfortable. It had
fabulous comfortable seats and a huge screen which made you feel as though you were
actually at the Met. You can feel the excitement and the tension in the theater as the
audience is filling up and the orchestra is tuning up. But even better, you are now brought
backstage and feel the excitement of all the preparations before the performance begins.
Later, during intermission they once again bring you backstage and you watch the stars
being interviewed, a real bonus! Once the curtain opens, you are close up on the stage
and see all that goes on and catch every facial expression of all the performers as well as
capture every little nuance. Naturally, they have every word translated at the top of the
screen so you always know what is happening. The cost of this amazing afternoon was
about $25 a person. We have been to see two or three operas at the Met in New York, and
we paid at least 6 times that amount and did not enjoy it half as much as we did that day.
It was so easy to go online and look for Metropolitan Opera Live in HD theaters. In
minutes you have the schedule for the year (2014-2015) and can select whichever opera
or operas you want to see, and you will see them Live from the Met conveniently at a
theater not too far from home most likely. All our children, as well as our selves, gave
this as a gift to my mother-in-law. So she will see four operas this way and each family
will be taking her to a different opera. So far she has seen The Marriage of Figaro, The
Barber of Seville and will be seeing The Merry Widow on January 21st with our son and
daughter-in-law. We loved it so much we will probably get tickets and join them on the
21st of January.
Ellen Catalina
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 [email protected].
Restaurant Reviews
I am sure that many of you go out to dinner from time to time -We would like to
hear from you so that we can pass on your good or not so good recommendations. Many
of us come from all over New Jersey and others from out of state and do not know the
area or where to dine - your input would be so very helpful. Please try to include the
following: Name of Restaurant - Address - Telephone Number and Prices. Submit to
Ellen Catalina at [email protected].
What's Happening
WHAT'S HAPPENING
NJ STATE THEATRE
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick – (732) 246-7469
Jan 8
3 PM
Warner Bros. Presents: Bugs Bunny at the
Symphony
Jan 9
8 PM
David Cassidy
Jan 10
8 PM
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Winter Festival:
Lacombe Conducts Romeo and Juliet
Jan 16
8 PM
Lewis Black – The Rant is Due: Part Deux
Jan 25
3 PM
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Winter Festival:
West Side Story with Sarah Chang
VILLAGERS THEATRE
415 DeMott Lane, Somerset – (732) 873-2710
Jan 16 – 25
Red
(Fri & Sat 12 & 3 PM; Sun 12 PM)
GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE
9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick – (732) 246-7717
Jan 20 – Feb 15
The Whipping Man
(Tue – Sat 8 PM; Sun 7 PM; Matinees: Sat & Sun 2 PM)
CIRCLE PLAYERS
416 Victoria Avenue, Piscataway – (732) 968-7555
Jan 16 – Feb 1
Body Awareness
(Fri & Sat 8 PM; Sun 3 PM)
PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE
Brookside Drive, Millburn – (973) 376-4343
Nov 26 – Jan 4
Elf
Jan 21 – Feb 13
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
(Evenings: Wed &Thu 7:30 PM; Fri & Sat 8 PM; Sun 7 PM; Matinees: Tue, Sat & Sun
1:30 PM)
RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
State Route 28 & Lamington Road, North Branch – (908) 725-3420
Jan 30
8 PM
Broadway’s Next HIT Musical
MASON GROSS SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS
85 George Street, New Brunswick – (732) 932-7511
Nicholas Music Center
Jan 30 – Feb 8
Opera at Rutgers “Lak me” by Delibes
(Nightly 7:30 PM except Sun; Sun 2 PM)
McCARTER THEATRE CENTER
91 University Place, Princeton – (609) 258-6500
Matthew Theatre
Jan 6
7 PM
Gideon Kremer/Daniel Trifonov
Jan 16 – Feb 15
Sizwe Banzi is Dead
(Evenings Mon – Thu 7:30 PM; Fri & Sat 8 PM: Matinees Sat 3 PM & Sun 2PM)
BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE
70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA – (215) 862-2121
Jan 21 – Feb 1
Menopause the Musical
(Weeknights 7:30 PM; Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM; and Matinees 3 PM)
Submitted by Ronnie Bayer