Rallying for the park

On Christmas Day in 1776, General George Washington and his troops made their famous crossing of the Delaware to attack the Hessians at Trenton, a victory that marked a turning point in the war for independence.

The attack was launched from a site on the Pennsylvania side of the river that is now Washington Crossing State Park.

Now, unfortunately, the park is under attack, not from the Redcoats but from Pennsylvania state parks budget cuts forced by the recession. The cuts could mean the closure of the park.

To stave off this assault, several area artists have created paintings and other works depicting scenes around the park for a special exhibition, "Rallying the Troops," at the Canal Frame-Crafts Gallery in Washington Crossing. Some of the proceeds from the sale of these works will go the the Friends of Washington Crossing State Park, an organization that is attempting to ensure that this historic site stays open to the public.

In this week's Good Times cover story, Fine Arts columnist Janet Purcell writes about the exhibition and some of the beautiful works created especially for it. Several of the works are reproduced in the section, many of them in color. Anyone with an appreciation for either art or history should check out this exhibit.

Elsewhere in the section, theater columnist Ted Otten writes about the new production of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre in West Windsor. This production transports the story from Victorian London to modern-day New York.

Classical music writer Anita Donovan tells us about the Philadelphia Simfonia, an orchestra composed of talented young musicians, which is giving a concert Sunday afternoon at the Trenton War Memorial.

"Backbeat" columnist Lisa Rich tells us about High Hearts, a band that puts an upbeat spin on life's trials and tribulations, performing Saturday night at Mitchell's Cafe in Lambertville. Oh, and whether due to modesty or journalistic objectivity, Lisa didn't mention that she's opening for the band herself that night!

Susan Yeske reviews Jester's Cafe Restaurant and Bar in Bordentown, and Steve Whitty gives a thumbs-up to the new Leonardo DiCaprio thriller, "Shutter Island."

Check out all the great stuff going on in the Trenton area this weekend in Good Times or by going to nj.com and