Hear the Bells

Golden bells!
What a world of happiness their harmony foretells! Edgar Allen Poe

The First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell welcomes The Rooke Chapel Handbell Choir from Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Penn., on Sunday, Jan. 9, from 7 to 8 p.m., in the church sanctuary. The 16-member college handbell choir, under the direction of world-renowned composer Dr. William Payn, travels the U.S. and abroad, delighting audiences with their musicality and handbell technique.

The group has performed with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Handbell ensemble, and was seen this holiday season on PBS in "A Bucknell Candlelight Christmas." The group participates in the traditional ringing-in-of-Christmas at Candlelight services in the University's Rooke Chapel each December. The popular performance, taped and televised by PBS for national distribution, was nominated for an Emmy in 1996 and 2004. Albany Records released a Christmas compact disc, featuring the Choir, in November 1995. The Ringers last performed in Caldwell in January 2010. Emily Stein, a 2007 James Caldwell High School graduate, West Caldwell resident and First Presbyterian Church member, performs with the group. Stein, a senior at Bucknell majoring in Economics and Psychology, has played with the group for four years.

A suggested donation of $5 will be taken at the door, with a reception to follow the concert. For more information, contact 973-228-0310.

Interfaith Luncheon

The Caldwell United Methodist Church will host the Annual Abraham Lunch for Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities, bringing together the various faiths to share traditions, build friendships, and develop an understanding of diversity and shared values. The event, sponsored by the Caldwell United Methodist Church, the West Essex Ministerial Association and the Interfaith Dialogue Center, will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, from noon to 2 p.m. Following a lunch of Turkish foods prepared by the Muslim members of the Interfaith Dialogue Center, attendees will watch parts of Talking Through Walls, a 2009 documentary depicting the successes and challenges of an interfaith coalition working together in Vorhees. PBS is currently broadcasting Talking Through Walls on its stations nationwide. A brief panel discussion will follow, featuring Rabbi Richard Hammerman of Congregation Agudath Israel, Father Anthony Randazzo of Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Stephanie Wethered of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Essex Fells, and Dr. Levent Koc, Executive Director of the Interfaith Dialogue Center.

The free event is open to the first 120 people to RSVP by Sunday, Jan. 16. For more information or to attend, contact Rev. Jeff Markay, senior pastor at the United Methodist Church, at revjmarkay@earthlink.net, or call 973-226-4410. 

The Greek Roots of Sicily

If you love the Italian culture and can't seem to get enough of everything Sicilian, stop by Caldwell College this month for Focus on Sicily – We are All Greeks, a lecture focusing on various aspects of Sicilian history and culture. Back by popular demand, Gaetano Salemi, a native Sicilian and expert tour guide for the National Italian American Foundation, will present an expanded overview of the history of Sicily, building on last year's discussion on heroes and antiheroes of the last 200 years in Sicily. This year, Salemi will explore the belief that the great civilization of Sicily was born of a Greek foundation.

Sponsored by Caldwell College, The Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey, and Graphic Imagery, Inc., the lecture will be held on Friday, Jan. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Caldwell College Alumni Theater. Dinner and the opportunity to continue discussion with Dr. Salemi will follow the program. The cost of the program is $48, including dinner, or $40 without dinner. The lecture, which is open to the public, is a wonderful way to network with others who have an interest in Italian/Sicilian culture. New Jersey Italian teachers can earn three professional development hours for attending the program. To register or for more information, call 973-618-3397. 

Sweet Winnings

Need a night out? Like to win prizes? Then consider Trinity Academy's Tricky Tray 2011. Held at the Trinity Academy Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 28, doors will open at 6 p.m. for the Candyland-themed event. Individual or group reservations are welcome, and tables will be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are $30 and include gourmet sandwiches, soft drinks, coffee, teas, and dessert. BYOB! So grab a few friends and head out for a night of fun, food and prizes. Guests must be at least 18 years of age. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website, e-mail info@trinityhsa.com, or call 908-499-4637. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on Feb. 11.