Warm Up To Some Good Ideas for N.J. Excursions

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Saturday Outdoor Adventures: Early Spring Hike 
Where: Trailside Nature & Science Center 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
What: With spring here (allegedly), today’s hiking theme is “green.” Hike the Green Trail in the Watchung Reservation in search of budding leaves, evergreen trees, ferns, moss, and other greenery.
When: 10 a.m., Saturday    
How Much: Admission is a donation 
Why: Hiking and fresh air a great way to welcome Spring! 
Log On: www.ucnj.org/trailside
Call:  908-789-3670

Enrichment and Awareness Fair 
Where: Trinity Episcopal School, 205 North Ave. East, Cranford 
What: Trinity Episcopal Day School (TEDS) is sponsoring a children’s Enrichment and Awareness Fair. A variety of entertaining activities and demonstrations will be featured i.e. Fun Bus, Karate, Yoga, Spanish and Sign Language. There will be an opportunity to talk to a fireman and see a K-9 Rescue Dog. Screenings and developmental health information will be provided i.e. speech development, vision, nutrition
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday 
How Much: Free! 
Why: Ideas anyone? For enrichment programs for your kids?
Log On: http://www.trinitycranford.org/ 
Call: 908-276-2881

JUST FOR MOMS
Beginner Belly Dance Finger Cymbal Workshop 
Where: The Next Step in Fitness, 29 Alden St., Cranford
What: This is an introductory workshop in the use of finger cymbals. Learn basic Middle Eastern rhythmic patterns. Begin to play along with exotic Middle Eastern music. We will also begin to tackle the challenge of combining finger cymbals with simple foot patters. No dance or finger cymbal experience is necessary. Join us in a safe supportive environment. $40 finger cymbals included.
When: 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Saturday
Why: In an exercise rut? Try something new…
Log On: http://www.sharonfit.com/index.html 
Call: 908-370-8882

PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Willie Nile 
Where: JCC of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains
What: Willie Nile is a songwriters’ songwriter and his live performances are legendary.  The New York Times called him “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years. 
When: 8 p.m.–11 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $25 in advance; $30 at the door
Why: Willie Nile, acclaimed singer-songwriter who is known for his legendary live performances and who has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen and The Who, will rock the house at the JCC!
Log On: http://www.willienile.com 
Call: 908-889-8800, ext. 214

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Following George Washington’s Trail in New Jersey 
Where: Miller-Cory House, 614 Mountain Ave., Westfield
What:  Learn about the first president during this Sunday program. 
When: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 
How Much: Free! 
Why: Hikers, get in step on the George Washington trail! 
Log On: http://www.millercoryhouse.org/html/event_schedule.html 
Call: 908-232-1776

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Couples Retreat
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, 37 Church Mall, Springfield
What: During this 3-hour workshop, couples will gain an understanding of mindfulness and incorporating it into the relationship; explore current love habits and specific ways to improve upon them; enhance listening and communication skills; develop a vision for your relationship and for your own personal goals.
When: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 
How Much: $25 per couple
Why: A way to reconnect with your loved one.
Call: 201-919-8984, ask for Sandra
Email:  ptspin@hotmail.com

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
GoNewark HoopFest
Where: The Championship Plaza, Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry St., Newark
What: Calling all college hoop fans: head to a festival of free, family-oriented, basketball-themed activities through Sunday. FanFest includes live musical performances, guest DJs, interactive basketball games, agility and skills challenges, Pop-A-Shot, coaching sessions, face painting, temporary tattoos, and more.
When: noon--6 p.m.
How Much: Free
Why: Slum dunk on fun!
Log On: http://www.gonewark.com/HoopFest/ 

Chinese Acrobats of Hebei
Where: SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange 
When: 4 p.m. and  7 p.m. 
How Much: Visit website for ticket details and to purchase tickets 
Why: Watch gravity-defying acrobatics combined with the discipline of martial arts. 
Log On: http://www.sopac.org 
Call: 973-275-1114 

School House Rock
Where: Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Ave.,West Orange 
What: Musical based on the Saturday-morning educational cartoon series, performed by students in grades 2-6. 
When: 8 p.m., Saturday 
How Much: Kid Stars: $13, members/students/seniors; $16, general admission; Mini Stars: $8, members/students/seniors; $10, general admission
Why: Conjunction Junction, what’s your function? Remember that?
Log On: http://www.jccmetrowest.org/ 
Call: 1-800-494-TIXS 

Green Eggs and Ham and The Sneetches
Where: SOPAC Loft, One Sopac Way, South Orange
What: Enjoy a performance of two Dr. Seuss classics with acclaimed mezzo-soprano Lori Mirabal, award-winning actress Emily Zacharias, and members of Columbia High School Special Dance Company. These stories are great way to get kids thinking about fairness, discrimination, and how to work together to solve problems.
When: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Saturday
How Much: Free, but space is limited, so call ahead!
Why: I do so like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-am 
Log On: http://www.twotowns.org/
Call: 973-761-6116, ext. 6

Tropical Party
Where: It’s Sew Crafty, 1860 Springfield Ave., Maplewood
What: Get a little summer in your winter! Play limbo and tropical activities! Lay on a beach towel and pretend you’re sunbathing in the warm summer sun! Pizza and tropical beverages will be served and make your own Tropical Sundae
When: 5 p.m., Saturday 
How Much: $35 for 1 child; $30 each, for two or more
Why: Warm weather awaits in this fun activity! 
Log On: http://www.itssewcrafty.com/ 
Call: 862-205-7239 

JUST FOR MOMS
Seasoned Music series 
Where: New Jersey Arts Incubator, 495 Prospect Ave., West Orange 
What: West Orange-based vocalist Jae Dillard has graced the stages of the Rainbow Room, Cipriani’s and Lincoln center to name a few.  Featuring her favorite tunes and your recollection of melodies past for this musical escape.

The Seasoned Music series will feature performances by sophisticated, mature musicians. Guests will be treated to a variety of musical genres throughout the year including a night of smooth Jazz & R&B, Brazilian Jazz, R&B Soul and even a night of dancing with the Groove Gallery Orchestra.
When: 8 p.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 
How Much: $15
Why: A musical treat for your ears and soul! 
Log On: http://www.njai.org/ 
Call: 973-669-0602.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Rogues Company: The Brothers Booth 
Where: Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin St., Bloomfield 
What: James Karcher’s original play explores the complex relationships of father-to-son, brother-to-brother, and the other possible motives for the assassination of a president.
When: 8 p.m., Saturday 
How Much: $20;  $15, students/seniors 
Why: A compelling storyline set on stage. 
Log On: http://www.bccommunity.org/westminster 
Call: 973-748-9008, x279 

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Sleeping Beauty
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, One Center St., Newark
What: Part musician, part poet and part expert actor, he returns this season with a thoroughly unique rendering of the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty, a new work (co-commissioned by NJPAC) that backs this performer’s mesmerizing narrative skills with live piano accompaniment and captivating video imagery. Any Gonzalez performance gives young audiences a funny, fast-paced introduction to the power of words—and features plenty of audience participation to make kids feel as if they’re part of the story. This FamilyTime event is recommended for ages 8 and up.
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
How Much: Visit website to ticket information 
Why: “Sleeping Beauty” will win your heart whether you’re a lover of fairy tales, a romantic at heart or the young at heart. 
Log On: http://www.njpac.org/ 
Call: Box Office – 1-888 GO-NJPAC

Egg Dying the Natural Way
Where: Montclair Historical Society, 108 Orange Road, Montclair
When: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $20 for adult & child, includes the cost of supplies. 
What: Dye and decorate eggs using recycled natural materials and then enjoy a tour of the 1796 Israel Crane House. Wear your egg-dying clothes for a fun experience at a great old house. (grades 1-6)
Why: Give the Easter bunny a run for his money by dyeing Easter eggs the natural way… 
Log On: http://www.montclairhistorical.org/mhs-calendar.html 
Call: 973-744-1796

JUST FOR MOMS
The Dalton Gang at Trumpets Jazz Club 
Where: Trumpets Jazz Club & Restaurant, 6 Depot Square, Montclair
What: The Dalton Gang offers something that’s very much needed in these difficult times: old-fashioned musical fun. The band mixes jazz, Latin and R&B, delivering instrumental sounds that get your juices flowing, make you tap your feet and start smiling.

The band was formed in 1979 by guitarist, compose and arranger Willy Dalton, 56, a New York native and longtime Paterson resident.
When: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 
Why: Jazz is ALIVE in Montclair!
Log On: http://www.trumpetsjazz.com/main.html 
Call: 973-744-2600 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Maplewood Restaurant Week
Where: For participating restaurants, visit website information 
What: Get ready to taste even more of what’s delicious in Maplewood! This year, restaurants and food establishments all over town are serving up special Prix Fixe menus and great discounts. It’s your chance to try new restaurants or visit old favorites for less.
When: through Sunday 
How Much: Visit website for pre-fixe menu
Why: The most delicious part of Spring! 
Log On: http://www.maplewoodrestaurantweek.com 
Call: 973-762-4556 

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
James and the Giant Peach
Where: Growingstage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey;  7 Ledgewood Ave., Netcong
What: A magical peach! An imprisoned boy! Insect friends! An incredible journey! Roald Dahl’s story comes hilariously to life in this dramatization that reveals the wickedness of some, the goodness of others, and the indecision encountered by many when they are faced with crises.
When: 4 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $18, adults; $14, children/seniors 
Why: A musical fantasy on stage.
Log On: http://growingstage.goes.com/?page_id=187
Call: 973-347-4946

Marvel Comics writer Fred Van Lente & artist Ryan Dunlavey signing 
Where: Dewey’s Comic City, 13 Park Ave, Madison
What: Meet Marvel Comics writer Fred Van Lente, (Power Man & Iron Fist, Amazing Spider-man, Incredible Hercules, Marvel Zombies) and more, and artist Ryan Dunlavey (Modok: Reign Delay, Action Philosophers and Comic Book Comics) 
What: 1 p.m.–3 p.m., Saturday 
How Much: Free 
Why: Whenever there are heroes, there are fans and when there are fans, there’s a book signing! 
Log On: http://www.deweyscomiccity.com/ 
Call: 973-593 0042

Learn to Skate
Where: Florham Park Roller Skating Rink, 192 Ridgedale Ave., Florham Park
What: Learn to skate the safe way.  The comprehensive curriculum has 8 levels.  Certificates, patches and/or medals will be awarded at the end of each level.        
When: 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., Saturday
How Much: $8 per class, per skater
Why: Start your skating lessons on the right foot. 
Log On: http://www.rollerrink.net/hours.html 
Call: 973-377-0465

JUST FOR MOMS
The Taming of the Shrew 
Where: Brundage Park Playhouse, 2 Bungalow Lane, Randolph
What: The Taming of the Shrew” is one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies and tells the story of a relationship between Katherina (played by Claire Bochenek of Netcong) and Petruchio (Played by David Chullanandana of Belleville).
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $10
Why: One of William Shakespeare’s most clever and sophisticated comedies.
Log On: http://brundageparkplayhouse.org/
How Much: 973-989-7092 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT
“Chopiniana” and “Romeo and Juliet” 
Where: The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South St., Morristown
What: Watch two classic ballets performed by Russia’s elite dancers. Mikhail Fokine’s Chopiniana is a stylized interpretation of romantic themes and moods based on Chopin’s Seventh Waltz. Shakespeare’s timeless tragic romance Romeo and Juliet is given a dynamic new interpretation, based on original choreography by Marius Petipa and a Tchaikovsky score.
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
How Much: Visit website for details
Why: A double delight!
Log On: http://www.mayoarts.org/index.htm
Call: 973-539-8008

Long Valley Pub & Brewery
Where: Long Valley Pub and Brewery, 1 Fairmount Road, Long Valley
What: A special midday event.  Come watch and hear music from 2 Big 2 Fail Band.
When: noon – 5 p.m., Saturday
Why: Take a drive through this beautiful area, enjoy lunch and live entertainment.
Log On: http://www.restaurantvillageatlongvalley.com/rest_home.php?restid=1
Call: 908-876-1122

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Story Magic for Kids
Where: Sages Pages, 300 Main Street, Madison
What: An introduction to creative writing from the Writing Circle.
When: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Sunday
How Much: Free!
Why: Introduce your child to the creative process of writing and plant the seed with an interest for the written word.
Log On: http://www.sages-pages.com/index.html
Call: 973-377-7777

JUST FOR MOMS
The Writers Circle for Adults
Where: Sages Pages, 300 Main St., Madison
What: An introduction to creative writing from the Writing Circle.
When: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sunday
How Much: Free!
Why: Whether you’re into journal writing, personal blog writing, family history writing or creative writing there will come a day when you find yourself staring at a blank page stumped by the dreaded writers block.
Log On: http://www.sages-pages.com/index.html
Call: 973-377-7777 

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Almost Maine
Where: The Barn Theatre, 32 Skyline Drive, Montville
What: As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above the town of Almost, its residents find themselves falling in and out of love in whimsical and often unexpected way.
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $15
Why: A romantic comedy that explores the “quirks” of being in and out of love.
Log On: http://www.barntheatre.org/index.asp
Call: 973-334-9320

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
BASF’s Kids Lab
Where: Liberty Science Center
What: If your family likes to learn together and is curious about what causes ‘stuff’ to be, well, stuff, sign up for the BASF Kids Lab at Liberty Science Center and enjoy fun, hands-on experiments! Families can even take many of their creations home. (Ages: 6-11).
When: 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., Saturday
How Much: Free w/paid admission
Why: Helps develop family “chemistry”.
Log On: http://www.lsc.org
Call: 201-253-1310

JUST FOR MOMS
Charity Fashion Show for Dress For Success
Where: NYC-JC Luxury Guest Suites, 70 Greene Street – 44th floor, Jersey City
What: Join the fashion, beauty, and entertainment communities as they come together to benefit Dress For Success, an organization that provides interview and work clothes for disadvantaged women.
When: 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $75 in advance, $85 after March 1st, and $100 @ the door.
Why: Women unite!
Log On: http://springingintosuccess.charityhappenings.org/
Call: 917-685-7071

KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Hairspray: The Musical
Where: Hoboken High School, 800 Clinton St, Hoboken
What: Come see Hoboken HS rendition of the Tony-winning Broadway musical from the cult John Waters movie of the same name.
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $10
Why: The students of Hoboken High School are no strangers to stardom and this spring, they’re hoping to steal the spotlight from Carlos Bakery to garner their own local fan base.
Log On: http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/index.php?q=node/24
Call: 201-356-3700

JUST FOR MOM
Ladies Spinning and Styling Dance Workshop
Where: Salsa Fever Academy, 83 Franklin Street, Jersey City
When: noon – 2 p.m., Sunday
Cost: $20
Why: Ladies, learn to dance with elegance and grace!
Log On: http://salsafeveron2.com/
Call: 201-792-1616

In Real Time: Music By, For, And About Women: Angela Blasi, Olga Vinokur & Wendy Warner
Where: New Jersey City University- Ingalls Recital Hall, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City
When: March 27, 2011 @ 3:00pm
How Much: Free!
What: Join NJCU as they present a free concert featuring music by, for and about women with Angela Maria Blasi (Soprano), Olga Vinokur (Piano), and Wendy Warner (Cello).
Why:  Enjoy a concert of chamber music.
Log On: http://www.njcu.edu/
Call: 201-200-2000