IN THE ARTS
Compiled by Gloria Stravelli Designed by Eileen Russell Gerber

The third annual Dorothy Parker Day will be observed in Long Branch on Saturday, Aug. 16. The event is presented by the Long Branch Arts Council and the Long Branch Historical Association, in collaboration with The Long Branch Free Public Library, the West End Merchants Association and the Dorothy Parker Society. Parker was one of the most famous women of her day — a member of the legendary Algonquin Round Table, a tireless advocate for progressive social causes and a celebrated author. Although it isn't commonly known, Dorothy Parker was born in Long Branch, where a monument marks the site of the West End summer cottage in which she made her entrance as Dorothy Rothschild on Aug. 22, 1893.

Parker, who called herself "a true New Yorker," died in 1967.

The daylong celebration brings together a collection of readings, receptions and the ever-popular dog parade that kicks off with a blessing of the dogs at 10 a.m. and then departs from the parking area of St. Michael's Church on North

The 28th Asbury Shorts Show, an annual exhibition of elite, independent award-winning shorts, will take place at the historic Paramount Theater on the boardwalk in Asbury Park Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature a dozen short films with live music and a special guest host.

Two award-winning short films from director Jason Reitman will be included in the program: his most recent festival award winner "Consent" and his earlier Sundance Jury Prize Winner "In God We Trust." Also featured will be current festival awardwinning shorts "Spider" from director Nash Edgarton of Australia and "Super Powers" from filmmakers Jeremy Kip Walker and John Mitchell.

The overall lineup will include four Best of Show and Audience Choice award winners in a fast-paced evening combining the best in independent live action comedy/drama and animation.

Tickets $12, $10 for members of the Monmouth County Arts Council.

For ticket and show information, e-mail dougleclaire54@yahoo.com or call 718-510-6929 Lake Drive to the site of Parker's birthplacemarker. Other events: an Algonquin Round Table luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Jesse's Natural Foods Café at 139 Brighton Ave. in West End; readings and performance pieces at 2 p.m. at the Long Branch Free Public Library at 328 Broadway; an informal reception at The Mix Lounge, 71 Brighton Ave., 4 p.m. Visit www.dorothyparker.com.

An exhibit of jewelry by Helen Chen is on display at the Oceanic Free Library in Rumson through August. Designs by Chen, Holmdel, reflect her Chinese cultural background, happy childhood memories of growing up in Taiwan and the living environment. She casts her works in sterling silver or 14-karat gold decorated with precious or semi-precious gems or incorporated with bezel settings. Each is handmade and unique. Chen's jewelry has been shown at Brookdale's student and alumni art shows and were selected for the Monmouth Festival of the Arts. Oil paintings by Matthew Becker are also on exhibit. The library is located at 109 Avenue of the Two Rivers. Hours are Monday and Thursday, 1-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 732-842-2692.

New Jersey Repertory Company of Long Branch is the proud recipient of one of the 2008 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Awards for its current world premiere musical production of "The Little Hours" by David Bucknam. The play is an adaptation of five of Dorothy Parker's short stories: "The Little Hours" continues through Aug. 17 at the Lumia Theatre, 179 Broadway in Long Branch on Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Call 732-229-3166 for tickets or order online at www.njrep.org.