Today, the happiest parents in the U.S. are, without a doubt, the parents of 29-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard. Eighteen years ago, Jaycee Lee was kidnapped near her California home, never to be seen or heard from again. Yesterday, the nightmare ended when her mother received an unbelievable phone call from the FBI. She was told that Jaycee Lee was alive and ready to return to her family.
When I heard this remarkable story yesterday, my heart skipped a beat. My daughter is 11, the same age Jaycee was when she disappeared; and although it’s a blessing she is alive, it’s sickening to imagine what Jaycee’s life has been like living in captivity. Her story resonated deeply with my husband, Anthony. Eighteen years ago, as a reporter for America’s Most Wanted, Anthony, was in California with Jaycee’s parents just after their little girl disappeared. Today, he is on the story again with CBS news. At 6 a.m., Anthony received a phone call from Jaycee Lee’s dad, Carl; they rejoiced together about Jaycee’s homecoming, and talked about their meeting long ago. Anthony remembers that tragic day:

In the late summer of 1991, I flew out to Sacramento and drove to Jaycee’s home. Together with “Most Wanted” correspondent Lena Nozizwe, we talked to Jaycee’s parents, Terry and Carl Probyn. They were devastated and desperate. They knew the national exposure on “Most Wanted” would help law enforcement and possibly lead to information about Jaycee or her abductors. We sat in the backyard of the couple’s home, under a canopy of pine trees, and talked about the morning she disappeared.
It was a routine day, nothing out of the ordinary. Terry had left the house before Jaycee walked to the bus stop. Tears flowed throughout the interview. Some were mine.

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Are you game to get on stage to sing, hum, and move your body like a wet noodle,while wearing comfortable shoes? Then you may want to audition for a part in the production of UNCIVIL WARS this fall at Montclair State University’s Kasser Theater.

*Community Chorus Auditions: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 — 3:00-5:00pm, Alexander Kasser Theater @ Montclair State University. To RSVP, email Carrie Urbanic at urbanicc@mail.montclair.edu or call 973-655-3069.
Auditioners must be able and willing to: memorize rhythm sequences, bend, turn, move backward, forward, talk, sing, hum. You may be asked to do two or more of these at once. Please bring a photograph and wear comfortable clothing and rubber-soled shoes.
The chorus will have a stage presence for the entire piece — availability for all rehearsal and performances dates is important (see below). Those cast will be asked to provide their own black clothing and dark shoes for performances.

Rehearsal schedule, after the jump.

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For years I have driven up Bloomfield Avenue passing Verona Park, but never took the time to stop there. Only recently did I discover how lovely it is. The Olmsted-designed park offers a shady path meandering around the perimeter of the lake, an arched footbridge and a beautiful canopy of trees. There are tennis courts, a flower garden, a modern playground, and a charming old boathouse where you can rent various floating devices, have parties, and…eat waterside. But that’s another story, on Food.

During the last dog days of summer, police are taking a licking from an elusive robber they call the “Ice Cream Bandit.” In the last week, this guy has robbed ice cream stores in Livingston, Madison and Hanover. Get the whole scoop, here, and watch the video, from NBC New York, below..

The Young Eagles Rally, a day of free fun, flying, and food for kids 8-17, takes place this Sunday at Essex County Airport in Fairfield. Organizers are hoping Danny will blow over leaving clear skies for the festivities to go on as scheduled, 10a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All the details,on Barista Kids.

There was quite a commotion at Montclair Public Library last week, when a young boy got his finger stuck in a desk. A flock of emergency personnel descended on the library within minutes to set him free.
According to a report from Montclair Police, a young boy, 8-10 years of age, was at the library with his younger brother on August 19. At around 3 p.m., police, the fire department, and MVAU were called to the South Fullerton branch. Apparently, while seated at a desk, the child reached into a compartment used for running power cords through the desk, and one finger got caught in a plastic grommet. (Maybe he was reading Hans Brinker?)

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Last weekend, Hurricane Bill wreaked havoc on my beach plans, and it’s not looking much better this weekend for the Jersey Shore. Tropical Storm Danny is approaching New Jersey with whipping winds and dreary downpours, says the National Weather Service. Storm trackers can keep tabs on Danny here. Today’s downpour and occasional T-storms are just a preview. How’s the weather going to affect your plans?

Taro is no more. Tipsters wrote us, wondering why the eclectic Asian eatery closed its doors. We’ve learned that the owner, Charlie Tsung, who became involved with Taro in 2003, is planning to go back to Taiwan. He cites the economy/higher rents as creating a difficult environment for his business.
The new owners have already put up a sign for 32 Church Street and they are behind a group of restaurants: Mojave Grill, Isabella’s American Bistro and Theresa Restaurant in Westfield, as well as Theresa South in Bayhead, which opened to crowds last summer.

Bullies and the effect they have on kids can be serious. Find out what an expert suggests on Barista Kids.