LIFESTYLES

Tips for
Summer Houseguests

Will you be visiting with friends or relatives this summer? If so, it might be worth a few moments to reflect on some tips for being good houseguests. Whether you're staying at Aunt Minnie's beach house or your college roommate's cabin in the woods, review these surefire ways to earn the "Houseguest from Heaven" award:

• Ask your hostess when it would be convenient for her to welcome you. Let her know if you will be eating on the road or if she will need to prepare a meal for you when you arrive. Don't show up unannounced or ring the doorbell with a fierce appetite if your host hadn't counted on feeding you.

• You may have heard the expression, "Fish and houseguests stink after three days." There's a reason for that little chestnut. Usually 72 hours is considered a reasonable visit unless you are dear, dear friends or close, close relatives.
  
  
• Bring a hostess gift. A food hamper, wines, home baked and nicely presented goodies, plants and restaurant certificates are always good choices.
  
  
• At some point, treat your host and hostess out to dinner. It will be a welcome and gracious gesture.

• Don't expect your hosts to accompany you to see local sights and attractions. Plan excursions so that your hosts can have some "down time." Just let your friends and family know in advance what your plans will be.
  
  
• Give your hosts some quiet time each day. Go out for a walk, take a nap, go off quietly to read a good book or offer to walk their dog.
  
  
• Help around the house. Make your beds, leave the bathroom clean, bring your own beach towels, clear the table and help to prepare meals.

Remember the Golden Rule: Do unto others… Refrain from taking advantage of the people you claim to love. If you can manage these good manners, you'll maintain a strong friendship and may even be invited to return for another visit next year!

Have any of you had "Houseguests from Hell?" What drove you the craziest? What are your thoughts on this topic? I’d love to hear from you. Contact me by e-mail at Maureen@highroadsolutions.com

Maureen

Editor's Note: Maureen Wild produces this monthly column for UPBEAT NEWS and welcomes your questions. Maureen is a certified etiquette and ethics trainer with credentials from The Protocol School of Washington and The Josephson Institute of Ethics. She has led seminars for many Fortune 500 companies and prominent colleges and universities. Wild has also been active in Meeting Professionals International and is a member of the National Speakers Association. Most recently she has been quoted in The New York Times Sunday business section "O," the Oprah magazine and Self Magazine. Recently, she was certified by the State of NJ to mentor small business owners. Maureen has been interviewed on matters of ethics and etiquette for national television and radio programs. You may reach her at: Maureen@highroadsolutions.com or 908-722-2077. When writing to her, please mention you read about her in UPBEAT NEWS.

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A tip o' the hat to the supporters of outdoor theatre...

SEUSSICAL
COMES TO
PLAYS-IN-THE-PARK

Middlesex County's historic summer theater, PLAYS-IN-THE-PARK, is pleased to announce its second musical offering of its 44th season SEUSSICAL. The production opens opens Wednesday, July 19th through Saturday, July 29th - Curtain 8:30 PM. This is no performance on Sunday, July 23rd.

The show runs for 10 performances at 8:30 pm each night. Admission is $5.00 for adults; $4.00 for seniors, 60 year of age and older. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Just imagine a world where anything's possible - "an elephant in a tree, a person too tiny to see, a heroic child and dreams running wild". Just think of a magical, musical world where helping a friend, never giving up and keeping a promise come alive in this amazing show that's for adults in their 90's down to kids in their two's! SEUSSICAL is a contemporary re-imagining of Dr. Seuss, which weaves together many of his most famous stories and characters in unexpected ways. The Tony-Award winning team of Ahrens and Flaherty has created a score that includes pop, gospel, blues and R&B. Come play with the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and Gertrude McFuzz in this wonderful PIP adventure!

The box office opens at 5:30 pm on the day of performances. Audience members must bring a low-back lawn chair, which may be placed on the lawn area immediately after purchasing a ticket. No chairs with backs taller than 40" are allowed, and chaise lounges/blankets are forbidden.

Plays-in-the-Park is housed at the Stephen J. Capestro Theater, formerly the Roosevelt Park Amphitheater, off of Route 1 South in Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ. Directions are available on the Theater's website.

This production of Seussical is directed by Trent Van Doren. Bernadette M. Baron is responsible for choreography while musical director Mark Baron offers up an eclectic range of music. Mike D'Arcy is the Set designer and Lauren Ahr designed the colorful costumes. Lighting designer Roman Klima lights up a vibrant stage.

The show stars Joe Riley of Jersey City, playing the role of the mischievous and hilarious Cat in the Hat. Jo-Jo, is played by Michael Restaino of Verona, Christopher J. Guell of Old Bridge plays the role of Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz is played by Kathleen Campbell Jackson of Far Hills, and Lisa Van Doren of Lebanon plays the role of Mayzie LaBird.

The Theater is handicapped accessible.

There will be a Sign Language Interpreted Performance on Wednesday, July 26th, with a rain date on July 27th.

Plays-in-the-Park is sponsored by The Middlesex County Department of Parks and Recreation, Ralph Albanir, Director and The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Freeholder Stephen J. "Pete" Dalina,
Deputy Director and Department Chairman of the Parks Dept.

For further information or questions, please call the theater between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday, 732-548-2884 or check the information on the Theater's website, www.playsinthepark.com.

Funding has been made possible in part by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission through a grant provided by the NJ State Council on the Arts/Department of State, and by the generous financial support of the Friends of Plays-in-the-Park.

JULY

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