Community Corner

Looking for a Family Friendly Weekend? Check Out These Events

NJ Mom's Guide's gives a rundown of the notable events in northern New Jersey.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Maybe an event with the kids in tow or something just for the two of you? Or maybe you'd just like some "me time." Patch and NJ Mom's Guide are here to hook you up. 

Every week, we'll be running NJ Mom's Guide's of weekend events around northern New Jersey. Check out this fun events and remember to check out NJ Mom's Guide for more information.

UNION COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SATURDAY FEB. 19

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KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Kidtoons
Venue: Rialto Theatre of Westfield 250 E. Broad St. Westfield, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 (Doors open at 9am for balloons, character greetings, and live MPAC entrance performances).
Cost: Free
Description:  Kidtoons is a charming continuous program of G-Rated films designed for children ages 3-7.  To kick-off the series, the Digiplex Rialto will show free shows, live entertainment, giveaways, snacks and more.
Featured Movies: 10 a.m., "Candyland;" 12 p.m., "My Little Pony."
Why: Take your munchkins to see these screenings.
Phone: 908-396-1367

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: February Festivities
Venue: Trailside Nature and Science Center 452 New Providence Road Mountainside, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 from 10:00am – 11:00am/1pm-2:30pm & 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost: $5/person for Union County residents & $6/person for non-county residents
Description: 10:00am – 11:00am: Investigate the similarities and differences of reptiles. Hold turtle shells and feel a shed skin from a snake. Learn the difference between a land tortoise and a water turtle. Then meet live snakes and turtles from Trailside’s collection. 1:00pm-2:30pm: The Journey of Sap to Syrup. See how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Nature’s Scavenger Hunt Using Trailside’s state-of-the-art exhibits, work with your family to answer questions about plants, animals and the natural history of the Watchung Reservation. Discover what “Nomahegan” means in the Lenape language, which bird built its nest atop a tulip tree snag and which mammal is hunting for crayfish.
Why: An educational filled day for the entire family.
Website: http://ucnj.org/community/parks-community-renewal/parks-facilities/facilities/trailside-nature-science-center
Phone: 908-789-3670

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JUST FOR MOMS: Fazioli Piano Loft Concert Series
Venue: Union County Performing Arts Center 1601 Irving Street Rahway, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Cost: $20
Description: The UCPAC transforms the Studio Theatre into the Fazioli piano loft, an intimate space that offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience a piano concert. You will be just feet away from the artist and the Fazioli grand piano.  You're practically on stage with the music.
Why: An extraordinary opportunity to experience the presence and voice of this hand-crafted instrument of remarkable sonic range and sensitivity.
Website: www.ucpac.org
Phone: 732-499-8226

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Two Staged Readings at Union County College
Venue: Union County College 1033 Springfield Ave Cranford NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: February is the month for couples....so we have TWO new plays for our February event! To A Point by Michael Z Murphy and Mask of Ethan by Ed Latar. To A Point - In the middle of the night, Smitty and Hack are having the 'big talk' about the state of their 7 month-old relationship when suddenly their pasts intrude and throw their future into question.  Mask of Ethan- Ethan is faced with having to dump Jane, the girlfriend he loves. But why? Has he found a new girlfriend? Has he realized he is gay? Ethan gives no simple answers.
Why: These script-in-hand performances offer the excitement and immediacy of actually sitting in on rehearsals with talented members of The Theater Project.
Website: http://www.thetheaterproject.org/
Phone: 908-659-5189 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Speed the Plow
Venue: Summit Playhouse 10 New England Ave. Summit, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Cost: Adults - $20/ Students - $15
Description: Focuses on the ruthless nature of Hollywood and the movie industry
Why: A glimpse of the business world through the eyes of David Mamet.
Website: http://www.summitplayhouse.org/
Phone: 908-273-2192

UNION COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SUNDAY, FEB. 20

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Kidtoons
Venue: Rialto Theatre of Westfield 250 E. Broad St. Westfield, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 (Doors open at 9am for balloons, character greetings, and live MPAC entrance performances).
Cost: Free
Description:  Kidtoons is a charming continuous program of G-Rated films designed for children ages 3-7.  To kick-off the series, the Digiplex Rialto will show free shows, live entertainment, giveaways, snacks and more.
Featured Movies: 10 a.m., "Care Bears;" 12 p.m., "My Little Pony."
Why: Take your munchkins to see these screenings.
Phone: 908-396-1367

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Clinic: What it Takes to Own a Horse
Venue: Union County Watchung Stables 1160 Summit Ln, Mountainside, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 from 9:00am – 11:00am
Cost: $20 (advance registration required)
Description: Any adults and children aged 9 and older who are interested in expanding their knowledge of horses and horse care.  Please Note: dress appropriately for the weather and for the barn environment.
Why: if you're unfamiliar with horses or have had no previous riding experience, this clinic is for you.
Website: http://ucnj.org/community/parks-community-renewal/parks-facilities/facilities/watchung-stable/winter-clinics-at-watching-stable
Phone: 908-789-3665

JUST FOR MOMS: Celebration of Arts and Crafts
Venue: Willow Grove Presbyterian Church 1961 Raritan Rd, Scotch Plains, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 from 11:15 to 3:00 pm
Description: Works include paint, drawing, sculpture, photography, knitting, needlepoint, quilting, models, video, woodcarving, ceramics and stained glass
Why: See how creative your community is. 
Website: http://www.willowgrovechurch.org
Phone: 908-232-5678

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Carmen
Venue: Oakes Center 120 Morris Ave. at Russell Place, Summit, NJ Phone
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 @ 3:00pm
Cost: $25
Description:   One of the most beloved operas of all-time takes place in Seville, Spain and is in 4 acts. Don Jose a soldier falls in love with the lovley tobacco girl Carmen.  But, Carmen rebukes him for the panache of the toreador Escamillo.
Why: Date time!  Bring your amour and enjoy the show.
Website: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze15nopw/
Phone: 908-665-1376

ESSEX COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SATURDAY, FEB. 19

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Peter Rabbit
Venue: Westminster Arts Center, Bloomfield College, 467 Franklin St., Bloomfield, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 11:00am
Cost: $10; Children $8.
Description: Join Peter and his friends as the mischievous little bunny gets in and out of trouble in this musical adventure filled with singing, dancing and laughter. Why: Take the kids to see one of their favorite literary characters come to life.
Website: http://www.bccommunity.org/s/177/index.aspx?sid=177&gid=1&pgid=444&sparam=peter%20rabbit&scontid=0
Phone: 973-677-0631

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Girl Scouts Heart of NJ: Designing Divas
Venue: East Service Center, 120 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ
Date & Time: February 19, 2011 from 10:30am-12:00pm OR 12:30pm-2:30pm
Cost: $15/girl
Description: Interested in fashion design? Learn how to sketch and design clothing and drape fabric like a pro with the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ! Please bring an 18-inch, soft-bodied doll (American Girl dolls or something similar work perfectly). (girl scouts in grades 4-5)
Why: Calling all Girl Scouts… or girls thinking of joining…discover a new skill.
Website: http://www.gshnj.org/
Phone: 973-746-8200, ext. 155

JUST FOR MOMS: The Robber Bridegroom
Venue: SOPAC
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Cost: $15
Description: A rousing, bawdy Southern fairy tale set in eighteenth century Mississippi, "The Robber Bridegroom" is the story about the courting of the only daughter of the richest planter in the country and a rascally robber of the woods. A rollicking country romp!
Why: Seton Hall's first theatre production of the New Year, a Robin Hood-like musical.
Website: http://www.sopacnow.org
Phone: 973-313-2787

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Classic Albums Live The Beatles: Abbey Road
Venue: NJPAC One Center Street, Newark, NJ 
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Cost: Price varies, please visit website for seating availability and ticket price
Description: Our exclusive series of rock recitals continues with this cut-for-cut, note-for-note performance of The Beatles' Abbey Road.
Why: Rock on with an electrifying recreation of Abbey Road-from "Come Together" and "Something," all the way through to "End" and "Her Majesty."
Phone: 888-GO-NJPAC

ESSEX COUNTY EVENTS: SUNDAY, FEB. 20

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Basic Ice-Skating LessonsVenue: Richard J. Codey Arena 560 Northfield Ave. West Orange, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 @ 1:00pm
Cost: $100 plus $4 skate rental
Description: For ages 4 and older with seven half-hour lessons in groups based on age and ability.
Why: A fun and inexpensive outdoor winter activity for kids and parents to enjoy together.
Website: http://www.essex-countynj.org/
Phone: 973-731-3828

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Beauty & The Beast
Venue: Studio Playhouse 14 Alvin Place (off Valley Road) Montclair, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 @ 1:30pm OR 3:30pm
Cost: $8
Description: A fun and comedic adaptation of the beloved tale. Forests, castles and magical gardens await in this entertaining story about a young girl who finds an unlikely friend in the dreaded Beast. Enchanted and enchanting characters help our young heroine discover the truth about love and loyalty, and the gift that kindness brings. Lots of surprises, hilarious characters, and some unexpected twists make this an event that will appeal to boys as well as girls.
Why: A Disney classic with a twist.
Website: http://www.studioplayhouse.org/
Phone: 973-744-9752

JUST FOR MOMS: Mercy and the Firefly
Venue: Luna Stage 555 Valley Road West Orange, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 @ 2:00pm 
Cost: $25
Description: A nun drives non-stop from LA to Pittsburgh, back to the home and family she fled. She returns with a spirit in need, a troubled young girl, and a secret that could endanger those who love her. Developed as part of Luna Stage’s new play program, Mercy and the Firefly is a story of finding forgiveness, even in the midst of darkness.
Why: A chilling tale and long journey through neglect, rage, loss, forgiveness and love.
Website: http://www.lunastage.org/
Phone: 973-395-5551

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Sweet Charity
Venue: Montclair State University 1 Normal Ave. at Valley Road Montclair, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 @ 2:00pm
Cost: $15
Description: Sweet Charity is a tender, poignant and consistently funny look at the misadventures, in the ways of love, encountered by a gullible and guileless Times Square Taxi dancer. Charity continues to have faith in the human race despite apparently endless disappointments at its hands, and hope that she will finally meet the nice young man to romance her away from her sleazy life. Big on dance, with a book by Neil Simon and a score that includes Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and There's Gotta Be Something Better than This, this is a bright, brash and sophisticated show in every sense.
Why: A realistic story about a young working girl living in New York City, who happens to have a very positive outlook on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Website: http://www.montclair.edu/arts/dept/theatredance/thdn05b.html
Phone: 973-655-5112

MORRIS COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SATURDAY, FEB. 19TH

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: New Exhibit Opens at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
Venue: Museum of Early Trades-Crafts 9 Main St, Madison, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: Adults $5.00/Children 6 & older and Seniors $3.00/Members free
Description: The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts invites visitors to explore the high seas with the new exhibit, Mariners, Merchants & Pirates. This exhibit will explore Early American seafaring techniques, tools and methods. Visitors will learn about the nautical navigation system of the time and take a close look at the wide variety of artifacts on display that were used in this direction finding process.
Why: Shiver me timbers and avast me hearties!
Website: http://www.metc.org/
Website: Phone: 973-377-2982

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Writing & Binding
Venue: Jockey Hollow Tempe Wick Road Morristown, NJ Phone:
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Cost: Free
Description: Basic instruction on writing with a quill, at Wick House
Why: Kids will have fun learning how to write with a feather as colonial kids did.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/morr/index.htm
Phone: 973-543-4030

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Ferdinand the Bull
Venue: Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Road Morristown, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 12:30pm & 2:30pm
Cost: $9 for Morris Museum members/$10 for non-members/$8 for groups of 20 or more
Description: The story of the bull that wouldn't fight is told by giant puppets in a narrated ballet with a larger-than-life bull, masked dancers, and specialized mechanical figures. Includes an on-stage demonstration of techniques to resolve problems without fighting. (ages 5-8)
Why: Kids will shout a hearty Ole!
Website: http://www.morrismuseum.org/
Phone: 973-971-3700

JUST FOR MOMS: Bronx Boy Jake
Venue: Cornerstone Coffee House 94 Fairmount Ave. Chatham, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Cost: $15 includes coffees, teas, cakes, and cookies.
Description: Everyone is welcome at our next coffeehouse, featuring Bronx Boy Jake (Madison resident Elliot Fischer), who plays Blues guitar and is a member of Shanghai Jazz & Beyond.
Why: After doing errands, taking the kids out to their activities, grab a girlfriend or 2 and relax to the sweet sounds and enjoy refreshments and sweet treats.
Phone: 973-635-7723

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Dover Little Theatre proudly presents a staged reading of FOUR DISTANT CONVERSATIONS A Play by George Castellitto
Venue: Dover Little Theatre 69 Elliott Street, Dover, NJ 07802
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 from 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Cost: $5.00
Description: “Four Distant Conversations” is a play that portrays four men who grew up in the 1960's and who have some very specific and not always commendable attitudes toward God, marriage, women and society in general. The characters in the play are based on people from the author’s youth when he was growing up in Jersey City.
Why: Support your local community theatre!
Website: http://www.doverlittletheatre.org/
Phone: 973-328-9202

MORRIS COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SUNDAY, FEB. 20

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Three Environmentalists who marched to their own drum
Venue: Frelinghuysen Arboretum 353 E Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 from 2:00pm–4:00pm
Cost: $5.00 (Preregistration Required).
Description: If you are looking for a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon, join us for thought-provoking, environmentally-themed movies and some excellent snacks. Movies are shown on the big screen, in the warm and comfortable Haggerty Education Center Auditorium. (ages 13 & up)
Why: Shhhh. Don't tell the kids, but these movies are not just fun to watch, they're good for them.
Website: http://www.arboretumfriends.org/
Phone: (973) 326-7600

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: Celebrating Friendship 7
Venue: Community Children's Museum 77 East Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 from 11:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $5.00/person
Description: Various activities for kids celebrating Friendship 7.
Why: Kids can learn about Friendship 7, the first American manned spacecraft to orbit the Earth.
Website: http://www.communitychildrensmuseum.org
Phone: 973-366-9060

JUST FOR MOMS: Girls' Afternoon Out
Venue: Hennessey's Washington Bar, 140 Morris St, Morristown, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Description: So the SuperBowl is over and Baseball isn't here... yet. Why does this matter to you girls? Well, you've lost your boyfriend or guy friends to the bar almost every Sunday since football started, shouldn't THEY lose YOU to the bar for once? And we want to thank you for letting them come out on Sundays too.  Drink specials of course, but as a thank you for letting the guys come out on Sundays, we are giving back to you with:
Why: Grab your girlfriends, enjoy your typical food bar fare and enjoy the time catching up.
Phone: 973-292-0400

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Couples Spa
Venue: Ethereal Day Spa & Salon 300 New Road Parsippany, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011
Cost: Please visit website for detailed information and type of services.
Description: Two can share the experience of a facial, massage, or both in the Airlea suite.
Why: Escape the cold for a couple of hours and rejuvenate yourself along with your spouse. 
Website: http://etherealdayspa.com/
Phone: 973-882-3400

HUDSON COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SATURDAY, FEB. 19

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS: The Attic Junior Series Presents: Who is Philip DeBlanks?
Venue: The Attic Ensemble, 83 Wayne Street Jersey City, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 1:00pm
Cost: $5 Kids / Adults - Free
Description: A classic, comic, "this is your life" tale, with a twist. The first ten minutes are Mad-Libs style, where the audience provides key nouns, verbs and adjectives — all of which the cast then incorporates in the telling of the story.
Why: An interactive afternoon that allows your child to use nouns, verbs, and adjectives in a way that creates a funny story.
Website: http://www.atticensemble.org/

JUST FOR MOMS: Smell the Roses
Venue: Right Angle Gallery 320 Washington St. Hoboken, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2010
Cost: Free
Description: View the works of American Impressionist artist, Lisa Palombo.
Why: As per Lisa Palombo, "Georgia O'Keefe once said, 'the way to get New Yorkers to stop and take notice was to paint large floral paintings'," Ms. Palombo  wanted the works in this collection to capture the magical moments in nature that are often overlooked in today's fast-paced, smart-phone world.
Website: http://www.rightanglehoboken.com/
Phone: 201-420-8262

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: The Rocky Horror Show
Venue: Monroe Performing Arts Center 720 Monroe St. Hoboken, NJ
Day & Time: February 19, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Cost: $25 adults/$20 students & seniors/$45 couple
Description: Complete with sass and an array of audience participation, this deliberately kitschy rock 'n' roll sci fi gothic is more fun than ever.
Why: You can join in the fun or just enjoy the show!
Website: http://www.thetheatercompany.org/index.html

HUDSON COUNTY HAPPENINGS: SUNDAY, FEB. 20

JUST FOR MOM: NJ Spring Home Show 2011
Venue: Meadowlands Exposition Center 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 from 10:00am – 6:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: The Home Show is an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Each event includes hundreds of exhibits with merchandise, product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes.
Why: Whether you are a new homeowner, or someone who has lived in your house for years, anyone with an interest to update, enhance, and create a new look or amenity for their home will enjoy the Home Show.
Website: http://acshomeshow.com/HGExpo/whyattendHGE.html
Phone: 201-330-7773

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Sunday Night Film Forum
Venue: The Attic Ensemble @ The Barrow Mansion 83 Wayne Street Jersey City, NJ
Day & Time: February 20, 2011 @ 3:00pm
Cost: $15 - $20 (visit website to purchase tickets or purchase by phone)
Description: It is 1936 and Boy Willie arrives in Pittsburgh from the South in a battered truck loaded with watermelons to sell. He has an opportunity to buy some land down home, but he has to come up with the money right quick. He wants to sell an old piano that has been in his family for generations, but his sister is more formidable than he anticipates.
Why: A compelling play about a brother and sister who are fighting over the fate of a piano…
Website: http://www.atticensemble.org/
Phone:
201-413-9200


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