The Chatham Press from Chatham, New Jersey • Page 4

The Chatham August 4 Editorial Viewpoint The Senator's Soft Shoe When ii comes 10 the soft shoe No one can compare To Senator James reeland He rivals Asiaire. With both and tango, Displayed is a nimble step, And al ballet and tap too, At all he's adept. One step over here, One step over there, Tho in different directions, Not the Senator's care! A splendid performance At the board meeting, other night, Tho the schoolies sat sullen, Not the Senator's fright. "Help us," cried the board people, "We've lost thousands of dollars," "It'll all be alright," Said Senator, "Don't holler." "But the kids," cried the schoolies, education's at stake," No funds, dead schools, There'll soon be a wake." But with baton-twist and toe-lap The Senator back-stepped And said, "I'll never raise taxes, On that you can bet." And then two steps forward. One left he bounded, And then he said this, These words he sounded, ''We'll just cut something else And not your aid, Some other Just give me a blade." Bui then came Fred and Ginger, Namely a Smith and a Nancy, A Mark and McDaniel, Who knew about dancing, And said, "You don't endorse taxes, And don't care for cuts.

Then where will the kids learn, In liny straw huts?" And for the first time that night The Schoolies did smile, They'd realized, a soft shoe," And knew for a while. That the Senator's steps Were only a dance, And his help would be limited And only a chance. And they knew deep down That all words may be feigned, So they got up and left, But went home entertained. AK On The Aisle With Simon Saltzman O'KeefeVWild Oats' Fortifies New Jersey Shakespeare Festival The New Jersey Shakespeare Festival recently served its audience a deliciously reconstituted "Timon of Athens," one of the Bard's rarely squeezed lemons. Not completely without merit "TimonV" altruistic virtues were ingeniously enhanced and its shortcomings cleverly concealed or minimized by director Paul Barry's wonderfully appropriate "roaring twenties" concept and guidance.

It was no small feat to turn one of Shakespeare's lesser and awesomely unpopular works into a "must see" event. Frames the principals with weathered farmers and tattered children who hang all over the rafters and behind corners peering in joyous wonderment at the raucous goings on. Less baudy than your average 18th century comedy, "Oats" forsakes cleavage for clowning and rakes for rascals, as it delightfuly spins an uproariously funny tale of a traveling actor who finds himself enmeshed in a tangled romance with a Quaker heiress. Gary Gloan may have landed one of the The entire company, including Tom Spackman's Harry Thunder, Don Steelman's bloated and forever ranting Farmer Gammon and Annie Stafford's uproarious two minute non-stop soliloquy as (I won't say who's) long lost mother help to reinstate "Wild Oats" as a nearly perfect comedy of errors, deceits, reconciliations and most of all romance. Make haste to the grainery.

Ron Steelman is Former Gammon ond Robin Leory is his daughter Jane in John O'Keefe's comedy "Wild Oats," playing in repertory now through Sept. 19 at the N.J. Shakespeare Festival in residence at Drew University in Madison. For tickets call 377-4487. Student Survival Kit Tips to Help You Get Through Your School Daze Without Defeat Tripping You Up, Down, and Out by J.G.

Barrett DEAR STUDENT SURVIVAL KIT: Sometimes I just like to lie around and stare out the window and daydream. But whenever I do, somebody in my family gives me a job to do or something to read. What's wrong with daydraming? Bill. 15 years DEAR BILL: Nothing. As long as you don't overdo it.

Jane E. Brody, Personal Health Columnist for the "New York Times," says: "Daydreams are not the idle fluff of an empty mind. They can help you Solve problems Ward off tension Relieve boredom Dispel fear Dissipate anger Lift depression "They can help to build self-esteem. "They may even increase your chances for success. (Many sports figures spur themselves on to victory by imagining the act of So.

Don't feel guilty about your daydreams. They can help you cope with your problems. SSK HAVE YOUR CHECKED YOUR COPING SKILLS LATELY? SOME TYPICAL PROBLEMS Love troubles. Family troubles. Problems with schoolwork.

Loneliness. Rejection. Failure. Self-doubt. The list goes on.

SOME TYPICAL REACTIONS TO PROBLEMS Confusion. Frustration. Anger. Sadness. Depression.

Defeat. Fear. And on. And on. If you cope well, 1.

You gain reasonably quick control over any of those reactions; 2. Then you deal intelligently with the problem. Easy to say. Not so easy to do. Think about this.

Your reaction to a problem can give you more grief than the problem itself. Too many teen-agers are caught' in that trap. And it's distroying their lives. Recognize any of these people? THE HOST1LES react to problems with anger. They swear mindlessly.

They sneer. They're rude. They're spoilers. And bullies. And vandals.

THE ESCAPE ARTISTS are afraid. They panic when faced with pressure problems. They escape their fears and panic with alcohol and other with obsessions (such as endless video-gaming or TV viewing). THE HOT-SHOTS are so arrogant! They strut. They swagger.

And maybe this over-confidence is a reaction to self-doubts? WHAT ABOUT YOU? When something goes wrong in your life, do you let your reactions overwhelm you? And here is a special SSK coping trick: Sit down and write about your feelings. Spill out your troubles on paper. Let the pencil shout for you. And keep writing until you've lei off enough steam to think calmly and clearly about your problem. Joining Shakespeare's "Timon" and "Twelfth Night" in repertory is another play which had, no fault of its own, fallen into relative obscurity during the past century.

John O'Keefe's high spirited farce "Wild Oats," although a popular hit with 18th and 19th century audiences, had mysteriously eluded scrutiny in this century until the Royal Shakespeare Co. production in 1976 followed by director Christopher Martin's New York revival at C.S.C. Rep. in 1979. Whether we are seeing Christopher Martin's original staging or not I don't know, but I would suspect that by bringing Mr.

Martin to the Festival this summer to re-direct this forgotten gem is one way of saying "you did it magnificently the first time, why not come out and repeat your triumph again." "Wild Oats'' is a chef d'oeuvre of convoluted plotting. Mistaken identities, an abandoned child, a Quaker heiress and a love-sick minister join other colorful and extraordinary types in a rondolay of "who's fooling whom," and "how long can I get away with this" shananigans. Trusting his fine company of actors to hilariously mock their own profession but never losing the reins to total abandonment, Mr. Martin finds the perfect balance in O'Keefe's comedy between the gentle ribbing of the louring actor's affectations and richly deserved respect for the actor's ability to survive a difficult life with uncanny prowess. Working within Ann E.

Gumpper's darkly atmospheric Early American grainery setting, replete with periodic deluges of cascading grain, Mr. Martin plum roles of his career with the part of the actor Jack Rover. Making the most of the character's playfulness when quoting appropriate lines from Shakespeare whenever the situation gets a little out of hand, Sloan remains at all times an attractively good souled gentleman even when certain roguish inclinations pop into his head. You don't have to be a Shakespearean scholar to relish in Mr. Sloan's brilliant and side splitting cameos of Hamlet, Richard III nor to enjoy his own zany interpretation of a road company thespian.

Berlina Johnson is a delectable Lady Amaranth whose Quaker proprieties thinly veil her desire to be wooed and won by this dashing young actor. J.C. Hoyt as a briney and toothless old sailor and Don Perkins as the pompous sea captain cum matchmaker, Sir George made a formidable duo. Continually in amorous pursuit of a young farm girl, a pasty faced minister, played in dead pan hilarity by Patrick Husted, addled our little "not to the manner born" wench in pig tails (Robin Leary). Miss Leary had a field day of her own as she strugged with etiquette and good manners in the stye of a vixenish Judy Canova.

The entire company, including Tom Spackman's Harry Thunder, Don Steelman's bloated and forever ranting Farmer Gammon and Annie uproarious two minute non-stop soliloquy as (I won't say who's) long Ion mother help to reinstate "Wild Oats" as a nearly perfect comedy of errors, deceits, recon- ciliations and most of all romance. Make haste to the grainery. Letters Beloved Brother and Son To the editor: As long time residents of Chatham, our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the multitude of kind public servants, professional people, and friends who have assisted us for the past 38 years throughout the life of our beloved brother and son, David Grierson. To the American Red Cross for early- on transportation; the Volunteers of the Chatham Emergency Squad for perpetual promptness and skill; the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at Overlook Hospital and St. Barnabas Medical Center for total devotion to duty and beyond; the dedicated experts at St.

Barnabas and Pinebrook Dialysis Centers for their constant care and concern; friends at Madison Masonic Lodge, Madison Red Cross, Madison Area YMCA, Beneficial Management Corporation at Peapack and all others who donated blood; our faithful, unfailing Pastor and warm family of friends at Ogden Memorial for continual affection and comfort; and all of you who always extended the strong hand of friendship, we are sincerely and prayerfully grateful. The Family of David Grierson Chatham When an Alcoholic Pleads for Help New Jersey companies are discovering that helping alcoholics overcome their problem is not only good employee relations, but sound business sense. "Companies pay a very dear price due to employees who drink excessively," says Paul Bills, manager of Overlook Hospital's Priority Systems for Employee Assistance. "Studies show that the typical alcohol abuserts responsible for almost $1,500 more a year in medical care than the nonabuser. This not only means higher insurance premiums for the employer, but countless more dollars wasted because of absenteeism, mistakes in job execution and lowered productivity." Bills also points out that if an employer decides to dismiss a worker with a drinking problem, it can cost up to a third of a worker's salary just to train the replacement.

And some key employees are not easily replaced. For reasons like these, adds Bills, more and more companies are making genuine efforts to delect alcohol abusers as early as possible and help them get the proper treatment, instead of sweeping the problem undei the rug or firing them outright. The chief vehicle for I his movement has been employee assistance programs which help troubled employees receive professional and confidential help. While some of these programs are run by companies themselves, others like Priority Systems, New Jersey's largest employee assistance program, are operated by outside organizations and contracted for by corporations which make them available for all their employees. Surprisingly, the National Council on Alcoholism points out that most alcoholics are employed and many may be undiscovered.

"Very few companies offered help until about live years ago," explains Bills. "Employers are now realizing that there is an alternative to firing workers with drinking problems. And aside from humanitarian considerations, it can save employers a good deal of money and headaches in the long run." Bills, who helped launch Kaiser Per- manenle's highly acclaimed alcohol treatment program in California in the mid- 70's, stresses that employers may be in a belter position to help the alcoholic than other segments of society. "If family members say something to a problem drinker, chances are it is ignored," notes Bills. "Since most people want to keep their jobs, when an employer confronts them with their drinking problem, there is much greater impetus to do something about it." In New Jersey, problems with alcohol have had tragic consequences.

Of fatal auto accidents in New Jersey counties, an average of 49 percent were alcohol related. Morris County had the highest rate in the state 68 percent of fatal accidents. During the past seven years, more than half of those Morris County fatalities involved young people between the ages of 17 and 24. Early intervention can make a tremendous difference. The mean number of years for detection of an alcoholism problem is 14, according to Dr.

Arthur S. McLellan, vice president of community and environmental health for Overlook Hospital. That figure has fallen dramatically in recent years, he adds, noting it can be expected to drop still Further as employers improve their ability to detect and help problem drinkers. The warning signs include: unexplained absences from work for vague reasons. good work record characterized by an increasing number of mistakes and missed deadlines.

lunch hours at w.ork. being where one is supposed to be at a given time (also known as 'on-thc-job absemeesim'). Once a problem drinker has come forward. Priority Systems will typically conduct a thorough and completely confidential assessment of that individual's problem, make the appropriate referral when necessary to a professional treatment program, carefully monitor that person's progress, and conduct follow-ups. Sometimes the alcoholic will need a reliable in-patient program such as is provided by the Center for Addictive Illnesses in Morristown.

"With the right kind of help," says McLellan, "people can ac- quire skills to cope with the stressors in their lives creative rather than destructive approaches." The people of New Jersey are seriously concerned about the toll from drunk driving and a number of organizations such as the "Coalition for 21" and government officials are working to raise the legal drinking age to 21. The Action Committee-Youth Alcohol and Substance Abuse is working to encourage legislation that will provide funds for education in primary and secondary schools and for rehabilitation. "Employers are now getting the message that alcoholics can recover, regain respect at work and become productive again," says Bills. "Both the individual and the company will benefit most when alcoholics are reached early. Thai's where employers and their employee assistance programs are proving invaluable." Cfje Cfjatfjam $ress i CHATHAM BOBOUGH ond TOWNSHIP SINCI Published in the interest of Chatham Borough ond Township since 1897 Publications No USPS 101200 Second-class postage paid at Chatham, N.J Member New Jersey Press Association ond Ouolity Weeklies of New Jersey.

Inc. Issued every Sunday by The Chathom Press ot 417 Main St Chathom, N.J 07928 Subscription S10 per yeor Editor: Adam Kirechtaer Editorial Office: 635-7000 Classified Business Office- 273-4000 THIS OLD circa 1790, 21 Summit Avenue, is survivor from lower Main Street, at Roosevelt Avenue, were it was built by Mathios Swain. Mathias, a staunch Methodist, built there in order to live the Union Church by the river. Its present location is not inappropriate since Summit Avenue, known as "New Road," was one of Chatham's first side streets. Your Horoscope ARIES Match 21-Aprt 20 KMP Involved In acttvHlM thai require mort than cost Give much attention to younger than yourMlt this weak.

The weekend It excellent tor travel. TAURUS April 21-May 21 Home Hfe KXOIIM this weak. you IneM on being stubborn, you won't gain any ground In creating harmonkMM atmosphere there. Find a compromlte by the weekend. GEMINI May 21 Keep to yourtelf this weak.

Don't make tor otheri at work. Double-check details In all paper work. CANCER JUM 22-Juty 23 The week beautifully. You gel to much you anxkxn to atari new HoM oil lor a while and collect your to what youreally want. Relax this weekend.

LEO Jury 24-Auguat 23 i This Is good week you are on a writ-deserved high cycle until Friday. You shine socially and gain ground professionally. Rest (Ms weekend. VIRGO Auguat 23 Mske sure your facts correct before you begin or present new idea. That which looks good on paper, may not work as In Go slow and stsy calm throughout.

LIBRA 24-Od. 23 For the most part of the week, your support of others In demand. Put personal protects on hold until Thursday when you begin a high cycle. SCORPIO Oct. 24-Nov.

22 Don't give problems a chance to grow handle them right away. Instinctive solutions work quickly now. not to alienate loved one. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23-Osx.

21 Things tend to assume an order this letting you relax and trust lo Your ment good now and you more In control. CAPRICORN DM. 22-Jan. 20 You have an opportunity this week to continue with something you thought was IMshed grab It. relationships flourish ft you work at compromises.

AQUARIUS Jan. 19 Combining busmen with pleasure this week may not be your Intention but It works. Famfiy and who can help you advance Take advantage of this weekend PISCES Feb. 20-March 20 Troubles on the front am trying but not necessarily lasting It you an open mind and heart. A new friend a greet advisor.

Now is time to to the advice of AUGUST 15-AUGUST Ji.