By Jennifer Bradley, Packet Media Group
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Bringing the arts — through concerts and film screenings — to residents was a topic of conversation at the Township Committee meeting on Monday.
Committeewoman Jill Popko announced that she is in the middle of discussions with the Artist Alliance in Bordentown concerning the establishment of a committee to organize outdoor concerts within the township’s parks.
”I went to Bordentown (Regional) High School’s spring concert and I was surprised by how talented the kids were,” Ms. Popko said. “I think there are probably a lot of other talented residents. And, there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of culture here in Bordentown Township.”
The council seemed receptive to Ms. Popko’s ideas, but Mayor Karl Feltes was concerned with the availability of electricity in Bordentown’s parks since there is no electricity in the Northern Community Park gazebo.
The mayor was informed, however, that there is electricity available near either the pond or ball field in Northern Community Park. There is also electricity available near the pavilion in Joseph Lawrence Park.
According to Mayor Feltes, the concerts would not be very big or long, so the generator that was successfully used for community day in the past may also be able to be used for outdoor concerts.
Deputy Mayor Michael Dauber added the suggestion of showing outdoor movies in the parks for the community.
He said he was approached by a Bordentown resident who has the necessary equipment to show movies, so the township just needs to figure out how to pay the license fee.
Mr. Dauber said he thought the township could show horror movies to supplement the hayrides given around Halloween time.
The committee seemed very supportive of the idea of showing outdoor movies, but Ms. Popko said that license fees can be expensive.
According to Ms. Popko, documentary screening fees cost around $200, and other types of movies are likely to be more expensive. She also said that if the movie is shown to more than 50 people, fees tend to rise.
Police Chief Frank Nucera suggested the possibility of obtaining sponsorships to aid with paying fees.
While Bordentown citizens will have to wait to see if these new events for the arts at township parks come to fruition, Northern Community Park will next be the site of the annual Fish Derby, which will be held on July 4.
Registration for the Fish Derby is set for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday after a ceremony at 9 a.m. to mark the re-opening of the playground and basketball and tennis courts at Northern Community Park.

