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May 21, 2004

May 26 Event Celebrates Residents Living 65+ Years in Woodbridge

Veteran radio-TV personality Joe Franklin, the self-proclaimed "Wizard of Was", will highlight a gala Senior Citizen Month party Wednesday, May 26 from 1-4 p.m. at Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street.

The occasion is part of the Township's Senior Citizen Month activities and will honor residents who have lived in Woodbridge Township 65 years or more. In addition to the special appearance by Franklin, DJ Steve Berger will spin hits from the 1940s, '50s and '60s with a "Dance Down Memory Lane" theme paying homage to Franklin's weekly WOR-AM radio show Memory Lane.

"This is a great way to recognize the contributions our seniors have made and continue to make to the cultural fabric of Woodbridge," says Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. "Joe Franklin is a true broadcasting original, and his life and career exemplify the vibrant spirit of this generation."

Recently honored by The Museum Of Television and Radio, Franklin pioneered the modern TV talk show with his first broadcasts in 1950 on New York's WJZ-TV (now WABC-TV). During the 40-year run of The Joe Franklin Show, Franklin interviewed an estimated 200,000 guests and gave early exposure to performers such as Woody Allen, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand, Bill Cosby and Liza Minnelli. In the late 1960s, singer Bette Midler and her accompanist Barry Manilow served as Franklin's in-house musical talent.

Franklin has been a mainstay at WOR-AM since 1967, promoting his creative blend of musical nostalgia through recordings, movies, celebrity memorabilia and a midtown Manhattan restaurant. Never reticent about his place in broadcast history, he describes himself as "the King of Entertainment" and believes his program remains popular "because millions of people live for it!"

Councilwoman Caroline Ehrlich says all seniors are welcome to attend the admission-free event, whether they are long-time Woodbridge residents or not. "A lot of Senior Citizen Month activity focuses on serious matters such as health and finance," says Ehrlich. "We wanted an event like this to celebrate the lighter side of their golden years."

Senior volunteer George Vassiliades is chairing the event, and catering is provided by Albert Jasani of Royal Albert's Palace. "Dance Down Memory Lane with Joe Franklin" is free and open to the public. For information call the YMCA at Woodbridge Community Center, 732-596-4170.