County Family Roller Skating Rink Opens

 MIDDLESEX COUNTY— Residents of all ages and abilities can now take advantage of the County’s open-air, family roller skating rink in Roosevelt Park in Edison, the latest recreational offering from the Middlesex County Department of Parks and Recreation.

The rink is open now through June 28. It will be closed July and August and reopen Sept. 4 through Oct. 25.

“The roller rink proved to be a big hit with our residents in its first two seasons and we expect to have an even bigger season this year,” said Freeholder Director Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, chair of the County’s Parks and Recreation Committee. 

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Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Celebrates Earth Day

Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Celebrates Earth Day—Residents, staff members and volunteers at Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center all pitched in to help plant flowers to celebrate Earth Day. Pictured left to right are: Anna Vircik, Activities Director Bridget Baldwin and Stella Bialoglow.  In addition to planting flowers, Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has made many efforts to make their home greener, including replacing pumps to reduce water waste, using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and recycling many products from cardboard to ink cartridges. (Photo courtesy of Clark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center)

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“State of Play” …and of Confusion – 2 & ½ popcorns

 By Michael S. Goldberger, film critic  

Save for one twist, one turn and one cliché too many, “State of Play” makes for fairly engrossing entertainment of the nail biting kind. But while perching at seat’s edge as reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) tries to find out if the killer is a military contractor, a congressman or Jeff Daniels’s majority whip, you really aren’t buying. 

It’s more like, “OK, so it isn’t ‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995), but I’m in the mood for a whodunit-intriguer…so I might as well go along for the ride.” Your equivocating fealty is paid back in kind. Via scenes a mite too dark and cloistered, there are thrills and spills. But alas, dear reader, you’ll find no genuine, mind-blowing, conspiratorial chills.  

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Remembering the Past: Fords Memories

 by Diane Norek Harrison

WOODBRIDGE-Here are a few memories from Jim Kacmarsky, in response to my Feb. 6 column on the Perth Amboy and Woodbridge clay pits.  

“I grew up in Fords section of Woodbridge, and the clay pits were part of my life. They were at the end of my street (Carlton Street) in Fords. There were many ponds, where I used to catch sunfish and frogs. The main pond was called ‘Catfish Pond’, although I never caught any catfish in it. There were also lots of ponds with green water, that we called ‘acid ponds.’ No life in them – probably toxic waste. There was a ‘No Trespassing’ sign outside with ‘Mc House Clay Company’ on it, and also a US Government Reservation – ‘Keep Out’ sign outside the woods. Last time I visited, there is now a highway through the whole place.

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Powerbar Mayor’s Race Applications Available

 RAHWAY—The ninth annual PowerBar-sponsored Mayor’s Trophy 5K Run, One Mile Fun Run and Health Walk and 100 Yards Pee Wee Run will be held in downtown Rahway on Memorial Day, rain or shine. 

The first event at 9 a.m. will be the One Mile Run/Walk followed by the 100 yards Pee Wee Run (for ages 6 and under). The main event, the ninth annual PowerBar Mayor’s Trophy 5K Run, will follow at 9:45 a.m. Pick up an application at the Recreation Center or online at www.cityofrahway.com or by calling 732-669-3600.

Entry fees is $15 pre registration and $18 day of event for the 5K Run and $12 pre-registration and $15 day of event for One Mile Run/Walk. Custom made T-shirts for all pre-registered runners in the 5K and One Mile, post registration while supplies last.

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