A day to show unity in the community

More than 5,000 were on hand for the 14th annual event, highlighted by fantastic weather and a barrage of patriotic sentiments.

By: Brian Shappell
   Residents of South Brunswick united for a day of fun at Woodlot Park Sunday for the annual Charlene J. Austin Community Unity Day despite Tuesday’s tragedy and the resulting low attendance.
   Still, more than 5,000 were on hand for the 14th annual event, held Saturday, highlighted by fantastic weather and a barrage of patriotic sentiments that included everything from people wearing ribbons and American flag shirts, to vendors hanging flags at their merchandise stands, to hearing songs such as "God Bless America" and "American Pie" blasting from the main stage near the tennis courts.
   "We felt in light of events of the week, it would be good to come out to support the community, wear our red, white and blues and count our blessings," said Barbara Trach, attending the event with her 6-year-old daughter Tessa and her 20-month-old daughter Nina. "It’s a nice time to be together."
   Community Unity Day began in 1986 as part of a township campaign against substance abuse. The event aims to provide information to residents, especially young people, about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It was named after Ms. Austin, who came up with the idea and planned the first three Community Unity Days.
   As usual, there was a wide variety of things to do to keep people occupied including children’s activities such as the 20-foot-high inflatable slide, a meditation booth with the Falun Dafa group, vendors selling everything from crafts to baseball caps and plenty of performances from local musicians and thespians.
   "A lot of people said it was time to start focusing on our everyday lives," said Art Roedel, the event’s organizer this year. "People who came really seemed to enjoy it."
   Among the spirited performers on the main stage, located near the basketball and tennis courts, were the South Brunswick High School Viking Band, fluorescent-green clad youths from the Just Dance troop and the New Jersey Repertory Theater.
   "It’s fun to come out because it’s great to entertain everyone," said two-year Repertory Theater member Liz Leone, after the group performed a medley of songs from musicals such as "Grease," "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Rent," among others.
   Brandon Solarana, also a two-year member of the group, said this performance was particularly important because it was the group’s last showing together and because of the added pressure of taking the audience’s mind off current events in New York and Washington.
   "This is a time when people need to be happy," said he said. "When people’s faces light up with smiles, it makes you feel like you did something special. It was moving."
   One of the residents who said he particularly enjoyed the musical performances during the day was Clayton Hulbert, who was stationed at the Lions Club booth selling the official Unity Day T-shirt.
   "It’s good stuff, especially with what we’ve gone through this week," said Mr. Hulbert, a vice president of the Lions Club.
   Of course, the foodstands were doing well, too. Whether the attendees had a taste for sausage and peppers, pizza, barbecue staples or ice cream, there was plenty to munch on.
   "It seems to me everyone is enjoying the day," said Kendall Park Pizzeria owner Vinnie Mattera, attending the event for the 10th time. "We’re just serving pizza in the park trying to help people be happy. It’s nice to be able to be out in the community."
   Erna Perl, with an American flag summer scarf draped around her neck, illustrated what Unity Day was all about — enjoying a day in the park with family, old friends and new friends.
   Ms. Perl came with a family entourage including five great-grandchildren, her granddaughter and her daughter.
   "It’s the children that really bring me out," said the Dayton resident. "I’m just trying to keep the kids’ balloons from going up in the air."
   "That’s been tough," she laughed.