Ukraine Native’s Invincible Spirit Displayed In Artifacts

JACKSON – Pysanky eggs, nesting dolls, ceramic bunnies, and lacy, woven keepsakes tell the powerful story of Alla Long, the retired Jackson teacher whose objets d’art are on display through the end of May at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch.

The delicate, intricate, handcrafted artifacts of wood, ceramic, and fabric trace Alla’s life, from childhood in Ukraine to her more than 50 years in Jackson. They also symbolize the indomitable human resilience against oppression.

Her maternal grandparents were stripped of their possessions and banished to Siberia in 1928, but her family endured. “We left Ukraine in 1943,” she recalled, “crossing the Carpathian Mountains in winter with their belongings, two horses and a buggy,” sandwiched between opposing Russian and German forces.

“We crossed Hungary, Romania, and Poland. Then, we were placed on cattle trains that took us to pre-concentration camps. My mother and father were paid for by two separate families. I wasn’t allowed to stay with them. In 1945, we found an American displaced persons camp. We moved every year, city to city, camp to camp.”

The reunited family soon embarked to the United States, where Alla devoted her life to teaching, as her parents had done in their native land.

Many items are Alla’s own handiwork. “I learned knitting and cross-stitching from my mother,” she explained. The ceramic bunnies represent a bond between the two. “Every Mother’s Day, I bought one and gave it to my mother,” she said. Other items are mementos of visits to Ukraine, England, Spain, Belgium, France, and Italy. Strife that wracks her homeland prompted Alla to exhibit the finely-detailed pieces. They represent the uncertain futures of art forms that date back centuries, and also the hope that they will survive for new generations.

“I would die for America,” Alla said. “It has given me my life. But part of my heart is always there. When I stood on land that once belonged to my family, it took my breath away.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public, and can be viewed during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events, drop by the Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, or call 732-928-4400.

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Summer Camp 2023

JACKSON – Program dates: July 3 to August 18, Monday through Friday (no camp July 4).

Camp location: Jackson Memorial High School.

Registration will not be accepted after camp begins. Children must be registered to be engaged in any activity. There is not a nurse on site during camp. Registration fee is for the entire 7-weeks.

Children will be grouped as follows:

• K & 1st graders

• 2nd & 3rd graders

• 4th & 5th graders

• 6th, 7th & 8th graders (grade currently enrolled in)

Camp Only: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 1st child $500

• 2nd child $475

• 3rd child $450

With Morning Care: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 1st child $575

• 2nd child $550

• 3rd child $525

With After Care: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• 1st child $600

• 2nd child $575

• 3rd child $550

Full Day: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• 1st child $675

• 2nd child $650

• 3rd child $625

Trip information: trips are optional; trips are subject to availability; trip fees are not included in registration fee; no trip refunds - if child does not attend, disciplinary action, suspension or withdrawn from camp; trips are non-transferable; once camp begins trip sign ups can only be done at camp, if they are open. Payment must be made at the time of registration

Refund information: $10 fee per refund/deducted from refund; no refunds after program begins; if the township cancels a trip a full refund will be issued; refunds are done by voucher and take approximately 4 to 6 weeks; $5 credit card fee is non -refundable; refunds cannot go back onto your credit card; if you are notified that your child has to quarantine due to COVID, and was scheduled for a trip, you will be offered a credit or a refund for the trip(s) only

Register beginning march 1 at: register.communitypass.net/Jackson There is a $5 fee per transaction when paying online with a credit card - $25 additional fee for non-residents. After June 20, a $50 late registration fee per family.

South Knolls Theater Guild Presents “Broadway Meets Pop”

JACKSON – Members of The Four Seasons at South Knolls “Theater Guild” in Jackson are back in action. Yes, after a three-year pandemic vacation, The Theater Guild residents have been rehearsing for their upcoming show, named “Broadway Meets Pop.” This is a collection of song, dance and comedy that will bring a smile to their audience.

Performances will be 7 p.m. on April 28, 7 p.m. on April 29 and 3 p.m. on April 30. Members of The FSSK community may attend the Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m. and residents, their family and friends, may attend the Sunday show at 3 p.m. Good luck to the cast and please “don’t break a leg.”

Yard And Bake Sale

NEW EGYPT – The New Egypt Historical Society Yard and Bake Sale will be on May 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bring your own table. Set up by 7 a.m. For more information or to reserve a space call Margaret Neuman at 609-

758-7337. The museum will have a table and anyone who wants to donate to the table please bring between 7 and 7:30 a.m. They will be selling books and postcards. Museum will not be open for tours.

Indoor Color Guard & Percussion Region Championship

JACKSON – TIA Indoor Color Guard & Percussion Region 7/10 Championship will be on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jackson Liberty High School Gymnasium. Join and support these talented students as they compete for the title of Regional Champion. Performances include color guards, dance teams, and percussion groups. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors/children under 12.