Community Corner
Make a Plan for A Great Family-Friendly Weekend
NJ Mom's Guide collects the best weekend programs for families, kids — and parents.
Spring is in the air and you're just as anxious as the kids are to get out of the house and find something exciting to do! Patch is pleased to have NJ Mom's Guide provided you with some great ideas for having fun this weekend. As always, check out www.njmomsguide.com for more info on other family-related programs.
UNION COUNTY HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where: Roosevelt Intermediate School, 301 Clark St, Westfield
What: Roosevelt Intermediate School will present the classic family musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Join Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they recreate some of the most lovable — and laughable — moments from their comic-strip adventures in the high-energy musical.
Why: How many people make it a tradition to watch Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang created by the late Charles Schulz never goes out of style.
When: 7:30 pm, Saturday
How much: $8 in advance; $10 ($8 for students) at door
Phone: Contact Judy Augustino @ judyandalan1@verizon.net.
World's Fair Open House at Sundance School
Where: Sundance School 401 Greenbrook Road North Plainfield
What: Travel around the globe with a multi-sensory, multi-cultural tour of the world in our 4,000 square-foot interactive exhibition. Visit more than a dozen countries, including Greece, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, India and China! Experience one of the many ways The Sundance School brings learning to life for 2-year-olds to 10-year-olds.
Why: An interactive exhibition where you and your child will learn about the cultures, customs and wonders of more than a dozen countries.
When: 9:30 am – 2 pm, Saturday
Website: www.thesundanceschool.com
Call: 908-561-5055
JUST FOR MOMS
China Anhui Traditional Orchestra
Where: Kean University Enlow Recital Hall, 1000 Morris Ave, Union
What: Kean University is hosting an evening with the China Anhui Traditional Orchestra. Since its inception in 1956, this 50-piece ensemble is one of the leading performers of traditional Chines music.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Esperanza Spalding Chamber Music Society
Where: Union County Performing Arts Center 1601 Irving St, Rahway
What: Best New Artist Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding performs in her only New Jersey appearance. Spalding will take the stage with her ensemble “Chamber Music Society” for an evening of eclectic and dynamic contemporary jazz.
Why: See this jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding has the talent to pull off the biggest upset in the history of the Grammy awards!
Where: Saturday, March 5, 2011 @ 8pm
How much: $32-$58
Website: http://www.ucpac.org/
Phone: 732-499-8226
St. Patrick's Day Dance with Irish Music and Dancers
Where: Roselle Catholic High School, 1 Raritan Rd, Roselle
What: Featuring: Wilie Lynch Band. Also appearing: Deidre Shea Step Dancers, Irish Pipe Band. Dinner includes corned-beef sandwiches, Homemade Irish Soda Bread, Beer, Soda, Tea, Coffee and "set-ups."
When: 8 pm–midnight, Saturday
Why: Come celebrate your Irish roots — or grow some!
How Much: $30/person (To reserve your table or purchase tickets, contact Erin Sweeney at Roselle Catholic via esweeney@rosellecatholic.org).
Phone: 908-245-2350
SUNDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Kids Carnival
Where: Temple Emanu-El 756 East Broad Street Westfield
What: Temple Emanu-El’s Early Childhood Education Program will host a Kids Carnival that will include games, prizes, food, face painting, crafts and other fun activities for young children and their families. Open to the public, it is ideal for children ages 2 -12 and their families.
When: 11 am – 3 pm, Sunday
Why: Kind of like a birthday party, only better!
How Much: Admission wristbands for children are being sold in advance at Temple Emanu-El for $13, or at the event for $15. Admission is free for adults who are accompanying children and $10 for walking children under age 2.
Website: www.tewnj.org
Phone: 908-232-6770
Train Show
Where: Mother Seton High School, 1 Valley Rd, Clark
What: The train show will feature movies, door prizes, a circus train exhibit; Lionel Train set that kids can operate; Model Trains and much more!
When: 9 am - 4 pm, Sunday
Why: Kids and trains, helllooooo!
How Much: Adults $5; Kids under 12 FREE
Phone: 908-208-2522
JUST FOR MOMS
Labyrinth Walk
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 11 Springfield Ave., Cranford
What: Walking the Labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice of prayer and meditation that is experiencing a reawakening in our time. The 11 ringed pattern painted on canvas is modeled after the 13th century Labyrinth at Chartre Cathedral in France. In Medieval times walking the Labyrinth symbolized the Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem for those who could not personally make the journey.
When: 1 pm – 4 pm, Sunday
Why: The rediscovery of this self alignment tool to put our lives in perspective is one of the most important spiritual movements of our day. Labyrinths have been in use for more than 4,000 years and walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight.
How Much: Free. Yay!
Website: http://www.firstprescranford.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Home
Phone: 908-276-8440
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Second Annual Taste of Cranford
Where: Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave, Cranford
Day & Time: March 6, 2011 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door. To order tickets, please visit website. (tickets can also be purchased at the Cranford Public Library, Cranford Family Care, Periwinkle's, Milk Money and Rockn' Joe).
Description: The event is being held to promote Cranford businesses and will benefit Cranford Family Care.
Why: A great way to taste some of the delicious fare from some of Cranford’s best desserts, wines and eateries.
Phone: 908-353-7171 ext. 138
Are Your Kids Safe?
Where: The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, 140 Mountain Ave, Westfield
What: The Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a workshop on cyberbullying.
When: 5 pm–9 pm, Sunday
Why: To combat cyberbullying, everyone must understand the devastating impact it can have on children, families and communities.
How Much: Free
Website: http://www.westfieldpc.org/
Phone: 908-233-0301
ESSEX COUNTY HAPPENINGS:
SATURDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Teen Nights!
Where: Caldwell Community Center, 1 Provost Square, Caldwell
What: Kids 11 to 15 are invited to hang out at the Caldwell Community Center’s Teen Night, which is held the first Saturday of every month! Swim, work out at the gym, and just have fun!
When: 7 pm, Saturday
Why: "There's nothing to do." "I am so bored." These are just a few common responses one hears from youths when asked about what there is to do. Well, those days are over…
How much: Free (all welcomed, no registration required)
Website: http://www.caldwell-nj.com/
Phone: 973-228-7665
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Nutley
Where: Parade starts at Holy Family Church on Harrison Street, Nutley
What: Nutley’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Join the party after the parade on Chestnut Street
When: 1 pm, Saturday
How Much: Parade is free; Party costs $25 for adults; kids 12-18 are $10; kids under 11 are free
Why: Erin go braugh!
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Where: Kings Studio, 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills
What: Learn some Irish recipes that you can put on the stove for St. Patrick’s Day! On the menu - shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, shamrock cake balls, and shamrock shakes.
When: 10 am – noon, Saturday
How Much: $50 per pair. Kids 7-9 are welcome with an adult.
Why: Think Irish cooking is all cabbage and potatoes? Think again.
Website: http://www.kingswebsite.com/cookingstudio/index.cfm
Phone: 973-258-4009
JUST FOR MOMS
Women's History Month Film Festival
Where: Rutgers University-Newark, Paul Robeson Student Center, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Newark
What: Working in conjunction with Rutgers-Newark's program of Women and Gender Studies symposium on religion, the international array of films all focus on the spirit of the divine that allows women to thrive and achieve, often in spite of harrowing conditions. Feature films include Jennifer Jessum's "Finding God In the City of Angels," an examination of religion in Los Angeles; Laslo Faria's "A Cidade das Mulheres," which, influenced by the work of anthropologist Ruth Landes, looks at Candomble in Bahia, Brazil; and Lisa F. Jackson's award winning "The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo". Panel discussions will follow "A Cidade das Mulheres" and "The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo," and interviews with the film makers will accompany the short films.
When: noon – 5:30pm, Saturday
How Much: Free
Why: Celebrate being a woman!
6th Annual Kids Extravaganza
Venue: JCC MetroWest, The Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
What: Kids 7 & younger can pose for photos with their favorite superheroes and cartoon characters. JCC MetroWest will provide disposable cameras for the event. All proceeds go to JCC MetroWest Early Childhood Programs.
When: 11 am - 2 pm, Sunday (Snow date: March 13)
Why: Play hooky from everything else you need to do and take the kids to this fun-filled day!
How Much: $18/child in advance; $25/child at the door. Children under 2 are free. Adults are $8.
Website: http://jccmetrowest.org/
Phone: 973-530-3520
Free Golf Lessons for Kids
Where: JCC MetroWest, Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange.
What: Free golf lessons teaching all the fundamentals for children ages 7-17.
When: 9:30 am – 10:45 am, Sundays in March.
Why: Because this very difficult game, which people can play for their whole lives, gets just a little bit easier when you learn at a young age.
Cost: Free.
Website: http://jccmetrowest.org/
Phone: 973-530-3425
Come Build Montclair in LEGO
Where: Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair.
What: Architect Stephen W. Schwarts of Building Blocks Workshops will be on deck to help families create specific Montclair buildings out of Legos! The models will then be placed in a 30×20 foot map of downtown Montclair.
When: 5 pm, Sunday
Why: The ultimate LEGO challenge for your kids.
How Much: $30 per family – four persons to a group, including at least one adult. Open to kids 5-14.
Website: http://www.montclairartmuseum.org/
Phone: 973-259-5153
Book Maker’s Dozen
Where: Sparkhouse, 15 Scotland Road, South Orange
What: Meet a group of children’s book authors and illustrators, some of whom have been on the New York Times 2010 Bestsellers list. They will host workshops, demonstrations and readings of their work. Some of their artwork will also be for sale.
Why: Met any good authors lately?
When: 4 pm, Sunday
How Much: Free
Website: http://sparkhouse.net/
Phone: 973-821-5227
Three Classics by Mercer Meyer
Where: SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange
When: 2 pm, Sunday
What: The Omaha Theatre Company will be presenting an original musical production about three fears children have and how they learn that there’s nothing to be frightened of.
Why: A vivid and imaginative musical where the Alligator under your bed, the Nightmare in your closet and the Thing in your attic become your best friend.
How Much: $20
Website: http://www.sopacnow.org/full.html
Phone: 973-313-ARTS
JUST FOR MOMS
The Grapes of Wrath
Where: AMC Theater in Essex Green 495 Prospect Ave. West Orange
What: Screening of the 1940 film followed by discussion; part of the West Orange Classic Film Festival.
When: 2 pm, Sunday
Why: Literary Club, Scrapbooking Club, now Classic Movie Club—a social gathering with you and your girlfriends.
How Much: $10/ $8 for members of the W.O. Arts Council
Website: www.amcentertainment.com/EssexGreen/
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Once On This Island
Where: Jim Wise Theatre 154 Summit St. Newark
What: Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea
When: 2:30 pm, Sunday
Why: Based on the novel by Rosa Guy, “My Love, My Love”-- A beautifully written story that channels Anderson's "The Little Mermaid".
How Much: Students/Senior Citizens: $10/ General Admission: $12
Website: http://theatre.njit.edu/index.php
Phone: 973-596-3457
The Last Cruise of the S.S. Minnow"
Where: Pianos Bar and Grill, 36 Broad St., Bloomfield
Description: Interactive murder mystery, with dinner buffet.
When: 4 pm, Sunday
Why: If you were a fan of "Gilligan's Island," "The Love Boat," "The Poseidon Adventure" or "Titanic," then this hilarious mashup is the show for you.
How Much: $35
Website: http://www.pianosbarandgrill.com/
Phone: 973-743-7209
MORRIS COUNTY HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Bring Your Own Art Show
Where: Community Children’s Museum, 77 East Blackwell Street, Dover
What: Any child Kindergarten through 6th grade may enter one of their favorite works of art. The maximum size for an entry is 20” x 24”; any medium allowed, but must be able to be stapled to the wall without falling or protruding more than 3 inches and 3d free-standing works will be accepted. All works must be mounted so that there is at least a 1” border all around so that we do not staple the artwork, just the border. Each work must be labeled and titled on a 3”x 3” card to be affixed to the front of the artwork and include the artists name, age and residential town as well as what medium(s) they used to create the art. On the back of the art please include the name, phone number and email address of the parent. Drop-Off: Please drop off your work of art from 10 am to 5 pm, through Saturday.
When: 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday
Why: Hey, you can take your kids' artwork down from the fridge and and show it off to a new audience!
How Much: Free
Website: http://www.communitychildrensmuseum.org/
Phone: 973-366-9060
"Guys & Dolls"
Where: Chatham High School, 255 Lafayette Ave, Chatham
What: Chatham High School students will take on the Broadway classic "Guys & Dolls," a winner of six Tony Awards.
When: 7:30 pm, Saturday
Why: Watch this youthful dynamism to this rather dated show, which is set in the thirties and first hit Broadway in 1950.
How much: $10 for students; $12 for adults
Phone: email kspadaro@chatham-nj.org
JUST FOR MOMS
BeauSoleil’s 35th Anniversary Tour
Where: Community Theatre, 100 South St, Morristown
What: Come out and party with these Grammy-winners whose inventive spin on Cajun music not only preserves its traditions but keeps it vital, modern and downright fun! Featuring special musical guests including Big Chief Monk Boudreaux.
When: 8 pm, Saturday
Why: Listen to the unique southern Louisiana culture and music revived!
How Much: Prices vary, please visit website
Website: http://www.mayoarts.org/indiv/indiv_Beausoleil.html
Phone: 973-539-8008
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
"Distracted"
Where: Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre 33 Green Village Road, Madison
What: What: In this play, a mother and father find that their 9-year-old son may have ADHD. As his parents navigate the complicated world of possible treatments, they realize that Jesse isn't the only one who's distracted.
When: 8 p.m., March 5, 2011 @ 8:00pm
Why: When does a child have a learning disability and when is he just being a rambunctious kid? That’s the question posed by Lisa Loomer’s “Distracted.
How Much: $30; $25 for seniors and students
Website: www.dreamcatcherrep.org
Phone: 800-838-3006
Wines of the Americas supporting the New Philharmonic of NJ
Where: Marketplace 1 Giralda Farms, Madison
What: Taste wine from North and South America and enjoy the food of the Hibiscus Restaurant while listening to jazz pianist, Jerry Vezza.
When: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Saturday
Why: Uncork all the wine possibilities of North & South America!
How Much: $50 in advance, $55 at the door
Phone: 973-267 0206
SUNDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Pippi Longstocking
Where: Mayo Center for the Performing Arts • 100 South Street, Morristown
When: 1:30 pm, Sunday
What: This original musical based on Astrid Lindren’s popular children’s story follows the outrageous exploits of the spunky pig-tailed redhead with a knack for adventure and mischief. Perfect for kids 5 & older
How Much: $12
Why: This freckled face red head is not only a hero to children around the world, but strongly appeals to the child inside us all.
Website: http://www.mayoarts.org
Phone: 973-539-8008
From the Ground Up (Cabin Fever Movie Series)
Where: Frelinghuysen Arboretum 353 E Hanover Ave, Morristown
What : DIRT! The Movie: Introduces viewers to dirt’s fascinating history in this 80-minute documentary released in the fall of 2010. Four billion years of evolution have created the soil that recycles water, gives us food, provides us shelter, and can be used as a source of medicine, beauty, and culture.
The Farmers of Gaho: What happens when you have no dirt and no rain? Over the generations, the farmers of the village of Gaho in southern Ethiopia have developed unique farming techniques that enable them to successfully grow crops in their arid environment. This 21-minute documentary was filmed in 1998, when climate changes had just begun to capture international attention and acknowledgement.
When: 2 pm – 4 pm, Sunday
How Much: $5; pre-registration required
Why: Got Cabin Fever? Here’s a thought-provoking event for your older kids.
Website: http://www.morrisparks.net/
Phone: 973-326-7601
JUST FOR MOMS
Spa Day
Where: The Urban Muse 82 Broadway Denville
When: Sunday
What: A spa and store rolled into one.
Why: Relax on your own or schedule a spa party with your girlfriends.
How Much: Check site for details
Website: http://www.theurbanmuse.com/index.html
Phone: 973-627-3455
FUN FOR PARENTS
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
Where: Dover Little Theatre 69 Elliott St. Dover
Description: This comedy-drama is less one story than many short stories — the fight between a husband and wife; the fear of an overly shy young girl on going to a dance; the problems of an introverted little boy who feels that the whole world, including his family is against him; the outwardly peaceful and inwardly corroding marriage of Cora's rowdy sister; the tragedy of a military school cadet whose mother has never provided him with a real home.
When: 2 pm, Sunday
Why: A semi-autobiographical tale of a family in crisis.
How Much: $15
Website: http://www.doverlittletheatre.org/index.html
Phone: 973- 328-9202
HUDSON COUNTY HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Music by Hell Yes
Where: The Warehouse Café, 140 Bay Street, Jersey City, NJ
What: A Steinway piano and guitar are permanently fixed at the cafe for our Jazz & Classical musicians.
When: 2 pm – 4 pm, Saturday
Why: Live music and tasty treats from where the café shares traces of their travels tasty treats from Leyte, Istanbul, Catalan, Manila, Cebu, Mexico, France and Tarragona.
Website: http://www.thewarehousejc.com/
Phone: 201-420-8882
SUNDAY
JUST FOR MOM
Meet up for Tea
Where: Babo Tea House 10 River Drive South, Jersey City
What: Babo Tea House offers up tea with an Asian flair. A traditional tea menu is available as well as dumplings, sandwiches and snacks, bubble teas (pearl tapioca), milk shakes, smoothies, and a huge selection of gelatos with exotic flavors. Babo's motto: making food fun to eat, but adding to the fun factor is an entire wall of toy vending machines...filled with miniature toys and collectibles.
When: Sunday
Cost: Varies
Why: Looking for something out of the ordinary? Here it is!
Phone: 201-626-6006
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
4th Street's 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off
When: Parlay Studios 161 2nd St. 6th Floor Jersey City
What: Fill your belly with chili goodness from the best resident chefs and local restaurants Jersey City has to offer, plus music and fun.
Where: 2 pm, Sunday
Why: Take ground beef, habanero and chipotle chilies, Tabasco, onion and garlic and what do you have? One prize-winning chili.
How Much: $5
Phone: 201-459-9044