Finding time to investigate happenings in Williamstown isn’t the easiest of tasks. I will probably start a new blog eventually, but for now this one is on hold.

If you wish to contact me to perhaps try and change my mind, you can leave a comment here, and it will be forwarded to my e-mail.

Thanks for reading for the past few months!

I’m supposed to end this semester by letting you know if I’ll continue this blog, or end it right here. Unfortunately, I am known to be bad at making decisions. This is tough!

Next semester I am taking on 5 classes, continuing as the Features Section Editor for The Whit, and continuing working.

For now, I think it is safe to say that I will try my best to continue this blog. There are so many things I’d like to write about that I haven’t talked about yet.

I’m sure there’s going to be plenty of empty toy cardboard boxes lining every curb the day after Christmas, which would make for an awesome photo blog post. In January there’s going to be a career and college conference at a local community center in Williamstown. As the weather gets a little warmer, I’d love to stop by Cross Keys Airport and maybe snap some photos of skydivers.

Will the posts be as often? Maybe not, but I’ll try. Thanks for reading!

Owner Linda Wallace, licensed cosmetologist, and resident of Gloucester Township, has always owned the salon, from its early days in January 1989. She graduated through the State Board of Beauty Culture in 1983.

She says that the salon is most busy in the afternoon, or afterschool hours.

As you walk through the front door you are immediately greeted by someone at the front desk. To your right, you will find the small waiting area, surrounded by hair products for sale. The salon is ready for the holidays, with wreaths, ribbons, and lights.

 There are approximately 24 employees. I had the chance to meet a couple of the employees while they were doing what they do best.  

You’ll find Marcia Ammirato tending to customers’ nails to your immediate left when you walk through the doors. Ammirato has been doing nails now for 21 years, and has been with The Last Tangle for 5 years. Customer Nicole Davenport, a 20-year-old resident says she’s been getting her hair and nails done at the salon for the past 4 years.

Mostly all of the other employees have been with the Last Tangle for many years. Lisa Keesler has been doing skin, hair, nails, and makeup at the salon for approximately 11 years. Marcy Iannacone has been with the salon for 8 years. Full cosmetologist, Diane Schnarr had originally rented the salon, when it was two separate stores. Half of the business was a beauty store, the other was the salon. She has been a cosmetologist for 25 years. Jennifer Krug started at the Last Tangle with the intentions of it being a part-time summer job, and is still with the salon 16 years later. She is one of the managers on staff. Wallace says that Melissa Cantore, “is my right arm.” She made a point to mention how grateful she is for Cantore, and all that she does. Cantore lives in Sicklerville and grew up in Williamstown.

Most of the employees rotate from their jobs as cosmetologist, to front desk clerks. You may find any one of them answering the phone and greeting you with a smile.

The Last Tangle offers more than just hair cuts. Their array of services include hair and scalp conditioning, hair coloring, nail care, makeup applications and lash extensions, massage therapy (starting at only $35), full body waxing, facials, retexturizing, and airbrush tanning.

Wallace says that they host their own line of cosmetics and sell hair products by top names like Sebastian, Pureology, and Aquage to name a few. They also sell nail products by OPI, Zoya, etc.

Guys and kids aren’t excluded! They also offer gift packages for the holidays, bride and groom, or simply for yourself. Stop in and take a peek!

HOURS: Open 7 days a week. Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

My first post welcomed you to this blog, letting you know that Williamstown had finally made it to the Weather Channel‘s radar map.

If you decide to head out this week, count on wearing your coat. The temperatures are going to be as low as the 20′s in the mornings, and only about 37 degrees on Thursday, Dec. 17!

This is a picture I shot with my cell phone back in the Winter of 2006.

Project Graduation is hosting “Santa Saturday” and “Craft Bonanza” this Saturday, Dec. 12!

SANTA SATURDAY DETAILS:

Every child will be able to have a picture taken with Santa! There will also be story time and fun games! Light refreshments will be available.

Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Williamstown High School’s Lobby and Media Center

Admission: $5.00

CRAFT BONANZA DETAILS:

Local vendors will be selling homemade items, crafts and other holiday gifts!

Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Williamstown High School’s Lobby and Media Center

Admission: FREE

While driving home from class today, I witnessed a handful of people who were outside decorating the pathway leading to the Pfeiffer Center. It’s aligned with garland, lights, and several other Christmas decorations. Strewn across the face of the building, a gigantic sign reads: HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Unfortunately, I will not be attending the event, but I’d like to tell you what will be happening. If you celebrate Christmas, you’ll most likely find this interesting. It beats playing on Facebook or watching TV, while the kids are playing video games, or maybe just taking part in some good old-fashioned sibling rivalry.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s offered at this event:

• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Christmas songs
• Speech made by Mayor Gabbianelli
• Short movie inside the Pfeiffer Center (movie TBA)
• FREE hot chocolate and FREE photos with Santa!

The event will start at 7 p.m and end at 9 p.m. It’s hosted by the Monroe Township Department of Community Affairs.

Have a good weekend!

Blackwell, who has been directing for 15 years, says he has not faced any problems yet. “The actors know what is expected of them and they deliver beyond my expectations. I let the actors find their characters within my outline of how I think they should be portrayed. They usually surprise me with their interpretations,” said Blackwell.

The two lead actors are being played by Roy Wilbur (Felix), and Damian Muziani (Oscar).

Wilbur has been involved with the performing arts off and on for 35 years, with his most recent production as Merlin in “Camelot” at the Plays and Players Theatre in Philadelphia, Pa. He has worked with several theater groups across the country, from Michigan, to Florida, and New Jersey.

 Wilbur became interested in acting for this play because he enjoys performing in comedic roles. “I’m having a really great time. It’s a role I really didn’t see myself in. I like to do comedy.” 

Muziani, 40, has been involved with theater for roughly 6 years, but has mainly appeared on television. He can be seen on PHL17’s morning show, “Better Philly.”  His most recent performance before this role was also in “The Odd Couple,” at the Devon Theatre in Northeast Philadelphia, Pa.

 He found interest in taking part in this production because it is enjoyable for him. “I like theater a lot. It’s a lot of fun and great playing Oscar. I enjoy coming.”

Wilbur and Muziani are glad to be working together. “I couldn’t have asked for a better person to work with,” said Wilbur. 

 Muziani thinks that an older crowd will most likely be attending the show. “There are gonna be old people. We want to make them think they saw a show in Philly or New York.”

The Grand Theatre has been hosting plays since it opened its doors in 1927. The Road Company Theatre Group has made the establishment it’s home in the past few years.

According to Blackwell, people from the surrounding communities, including people as far away as Philadelphia and Delaware have attended productions at The Grand Theatre.

Wilbur said, “I hope people take a new perspective away with them,” noting the comedic approach toward the seriousness of divorce portrayed in “The Odd Couple.” 

“If we could touch one person it’s worth it,” said Muziani.

Tickets are now on sale, at $18.00 for adults, and $ 15.00 for seniors , children under 12, and students with a valid ID and can be purchased online at mycommunitytickets.com

For directions:

View Larger Map

Thanks!

According to operationmedicinecabinetnj.com, New Jersey residents dropped off 9,000 pounds of expired/unwanted medication last weekend. As stated in one of my posts last week, Williamstown residents had a chance to drop off their expired/unwanted medicine to the Monroe Township Police Department.

There has been no word on when the new Checkers restaurant is going to start construction, or if the township has spoken to the state in order to fix what will become a tricky parking lot situation.

**On a side note; I had wanted to make a post talking about the Monroe Township Public Schools cancelling their sports for the year. However, when I sent an e-mail to Superintendent Charles Earling regarding this, he said, “This is a bad rumor. No way will this happen,” on Thursday, Nov. 19. Should this become an issue down the line, you will find out as soon as I do.

The economy is taking its toll on families this year and the Parish is asking for a little help from their neighbors.

The below named non-perishable items are suggested for donation:

Canned vegetables, fruits, soups, tuna, coffee, juices, boxed cereals, pasta, entrees, tea, cocoa, peanut butter and jelly, baby formula, diapers, food, flothing, men’s new underwear, personal care items, coats and clean blankets.

They can now be left in the vestibule of the Church or dropped off at the Parish Center.

The Parish also asks that if you would like to make a cash donation, be sure to place it in an envelope, marked “Thanksgiving,” and place it in the collection basket.

Lastly, if you are donating chickens, turkeys, canned hams and roasts, please be sure to drop off on Monday, Nov. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Assumption Hall.

All are welcome to help make the Thanksgiving baskets on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 6:15 p.m. Basket making should be complete by 8 p.m.

If you have any questions contact Our Lady of Peace Parish at (856)-629-6142.

For location information, see below: