Nostalgia, Meeting, Shows This Week

By Elaine Van Develde

Happy cool … er Monday. Phew. Last week was a tough one to breathe through.

But when we (me and my imaginary assistant) did catch a breath, it was in Elsie's, and it was one that conjured up some intoxicating oil-and-vinegar scented memories of a submarine sandwich heaven where a sub is a sub and happiness is as simple as that sub. OK, so the heat got to me … But,  there were lots of others for whom such strong, slightly nutty feelings were evoked over the scent of a … sub.

So, maybe, in addition to bringing people back to the beginning of time for another simple downtown food treasure this week, we may just be around town asking what you'd do for an Elsie's sub. Could be interesting.

OK, off the sub talk and onto congrats to Hamilton Jewelers on what's actually it's 101st anniversary with 10 in Red Bank. What is your favorite piece seen at the store? Come on, you must have one. Tell us and we'll ask the folks at Hamilton all about it and how it was created.

On a day that it was a little more bearable to walk around town, we couldn't make it to Flavour's Food and Wine Walk, but would love to know how it went. Anyone have photos? We'd love to feature them.

The walk eased us into a new week. Aside from the business and nostalgia stories we'll be looking into, there's a Borough Council meeting in Red Bank this week on Wednesday. The agenda's not yet on the borough site, but we'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, it's time for some boating with the River Rangers and we're going to try to stop by, see what's going on and get a photographic view for you.

We'll (hate to leave out the imaginary assistant) will also be checking into the progress on West Side Lofts and whatever other planning and/or zoning issues may arise.

There are also some shows coming up. The Count Basie Theatre is featuring a few from Thursday on. Click here. But, I will tell you that we predict the show for John Edward is sold out. Wanna know how I figured that out? I closed my eyes, envisioned the schedule, opened them and there it was. Oh, right, I was looking at the website.

Phoenix Productions' Music Man closed on Sunday. Next is Damn Yankees in September. Hmmmm. Who is in the cast? The list, according to the website will be published soon.

Oh, darn, I forgot to audition. Well, Mike Kroll and Lindsay Wood are directing and producing. Hey, guys, if someone bows out and you need a stand-in for the Devil or the fan club lady … you know, the one Jean Stapleton played … I've got the stage voice and the heart … Hmmmmm (harmonica) … and we know "Ya gotta have heart!" You think I'm kidding?

Oh, well, until those two old (OK, 39-year-old) theater friends of mine beat my door down, I'll see you around town! Let us know if we've missed anything that's coming up this week in the comments below.