Dorothy Parker Day Oct. 14 in Long Branch LONG BRANCH - - The life of Dorothy Parker, world-renowned poet, writer and critic - and Long Branch native - will be celebrated in a unique way Sunday, Oct. 14. The Dorothy Parker Day Committee has announced plans for a daylong program that pays tribute to four things Parker herself enjoyed: books, luncheons, her dogs and cocktails: The Long Branch Free Public Library will present Parker's work; a Round Table luncheon will channel her spirit at local eateries; a dog parade will pass Parker's birthplace on Ocean Avenue; and a late afternoon speakeasy party will toast her wit and charm. In 2005 the birthplace of Dorothy Parker was added to the Friends of Libraries U.S.A. roster of Literary Landmarks. It was the first such designation for an author's birthplace in the state of New Jersey. A bronze plaque outside 732 Ocean Ave. marks the location. Dorothy Parker was born at her family's beach cottage on Aug. 22, 1893, in West End, a section of Long Branch. Her parents, Henry and Eliza Rothschild, were New Yorkers who vacationed in the seaside town. Parker, who died in 1967 in New York, was a bestselling poet and short story writer. She gained fame as a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a collection of writers, playwrights, actors and wits who lunched at the Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s. Parker was also an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, a playwright and the first female drama critic on Broadway. She also was a tireless fighter for social justice, civil rights and left-wing causes. The Dorothy Parker Day Committee is made up of members of the Long Branch Historical Association, the Long Branch Council of the Arts, the Long Branch Free Public Library, West End merchants and the Dorothy Parker Society. "Dorothy Parker Day is a nice tribute to an author with ties to the community, and we believe our activities pay tribute to her in a meaningful and fun way," said Beth Woolley, of the Long Branch Historical Association. The schedule for Dorothy Parker Day, Oct. 14, is: • 10:30 a.m., readings of selected Dorothy Parker works, Long Branch Free Public Library, 328 Broadway. Screening of "The Sexes," a short film based on Parker's 1927 short story. • 12:30 p.m., lunch "Round Table" in West End. Participating eateries will take the place of the famous Algonquin Hotel for lunch with friends. • 2:30 p.m., Dorothy Parker Dog Parade, St. Michael's Church, 796 Ocean Ave. Dog lovers are encouraged to walk their pets in a parade past the literary landmark where Parker was born. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs as famous literary characters. • 4 p.m. Speakeasy Cocktail Party, The Mix, 71 Brighton Ave., re-create Mrs. Parker's Vicious Circle. All events except lunch are free and open to the public. Must be 21 years old to attend cocktail party. For more information, contact Gabor Barabas at (732) 229-3166, e-mail gabor@njrep.org or visit dorothyparker.com.