Shady Rest Documentary, Fanwood Skatepark Meeting, Assisted-Living Project Presented This Week

Shady Rest documentary to be screened again: The Friends to Preserve the Shady Rest are proud to announce a second showing of the documentary film, “A Place for Us.” This film tells the story of Scotch Plains's Shady Rest Golf and Country Club history and golf pro John Shippen. The film will be shown on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at St. John's Baptist Church.

Fanwood skatepark meeting: The Fanwood Recreation Commission will be hosting a public meeting about the possibility of building a skateboard park in Fanwood's Forest Road Park on Thursday at 8 p.m., at the Forest Road Park community building. All interested Fanwood residents who want to hear more about plans for the skateboard park and/or want to ask questions are invited to attend. Interested parties can also visit fanwoodskatepark.com to find out more information about the proposed skateboard park.

Assisted-living group proposal for Parker Gardens: Representatives from Shelter Development will present their proposal for an assisted living development on the Parker Gardens property at Tuesday's Scotch Plains Council meeting. 

Fanwood screenwriter's movie premiere: The world premiere of the film, “Sitter,” written by award-winning screenwriter and Fanwood resident, Jennifer Harrison and starring accomplished actress and Scotch Plains resident, Lainie Ventura, will screen at the Westfield Rialto Theatre on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Adopt a new pet at Parker Gardens: Summit Animal Rescue Association will hold the organization's 4th Annual Pet Adoption Fair on Saturday and Sunday at Parker Gardens in Scotch Plains. The event is open to the general public. There will be a number of cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, and guinea pigs (Sat only) for adoption. Plus, check out the schedule of events.

Fanwood 5K and fun run on Sunday: A family fun run will kick off the morning festivities at 9:00 a.m.  Following that, the 5K will start at 9:30 a.m. Awards will be presented for overall 1st, 2nd & 3rd male & female, age group winners & all participants in the Family Fun Run will receive a medal. Following the race will be refreshments, a live DJ and various vendor booths and activities to partake in. 

Fall Fest at Terrill Baptist Church: Terrill Road Baptist Church will hold its annual Fall Fest on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. All are invited to attend this free afternoon of family fun. This year’s Fall Fest will include food, games, a 40-foot inflatable bouncy obstacle course and much more. 

Learn about the college admission process at the Scotch Plains Library: On Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Scotch Plains Public Library, Brenda Kucin will give you the keys to getting ready for college before, during and after applying. Topics to be covered include student readiness, career exploration, and how to search for and apply to the right school.

Art & wine BYOB fundraiser: BYOB and paint at the Language and Enrichment Center on Friday night. A portion of the $45 cost benefits the school.

Special senate election on Wednesday: The battle between Newark mayor Cory Booker (D) and former Bogota mayor Steve Lonegan ends today in the special election to replace the seat left vacant after the passing of Frank Lautenberg. Click here to find your polling place.

Center for Hope fashion show: On Sunday at 11 a.m., the Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Auxiliary is having its 16th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at L'Affiare in Mountainside. There will be a Fashion Show arranged by Lord & Taylor, more than 100 prize baskets, a Grand Raffle and a luncheon. Tickets are $65 and can be obtained by calling Dot Chard at 732-521-5362. All proceeds go to benefit the Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care in Scotch Plains, a non-profit organization offering services to terminally ill patients and their families.

Visit Fanwood's historic Victorian train station: The station will be part of Union County's Four Centures In A Weekend event Oct. 19 & 20. The train station is one of 27 historic sites and museums in Union County that will be open to the public for free during these two days. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Your host both days will be George Weiss, Fanwood's resident railroad historian, who will show videos chronicling the history of the Central Railroad of New Jersey and have historic artifacts on display. More about the train station. 

Ladies BYOB craft night at Be Craftful: Meet new and old friends for a night of fun making personal organizers and door signs. BYOB ... Be Craftful provides sweet treats and good laughs! Registration is required in advance and the cost is $30. Thursday from 7-9 p.m.

GWACC networking happy hour at Raymour & Flanigan: The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking event at the Watchung Raymour & Flanigan on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Poetry reading to celebrate Exit 13 magazine: The Carriage House Poetry Series invites the public to attend a free event on Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Kuran Arts Center on Watson Road, off North Martine Avenue, adjacent to Fanwood Borough Hall (GPS use 75 N. Martine Avenue). The evening’s event will be a celebration of Exit 13 Magazine, a journal of contemporary poetry that has been published in Fanwood by Tom Plante since 1988. Many local poets will be on hand to read their poems from the magazine’s most recent issue.

Women and food support group: Crossroads Nutrition launches an ongoing support group focused on health eating. This series of bi-monthly WORKSHOPS teaches you how to set attainable goals and define strategies for better health and wellness. Cost: $25. Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 346 South Avenue, First Floor, Suite 4, Fanwood.

Two SPF moms will sing at Carnegie Hall: On Saturday, the cheering will be for Georgette Chrystal of Scotch Plains and Susan Schuman of Fanwood, who will be singing with the award-winning Harmony Celebration Chorus of Ridgewood, as the chorus performs in this special musical concert.

Fanwood Library jumble: Visit the library for a jumble of weekly activities to strengthen your  pre-schooler's early literacy skills each Thursday. Sign-up takes place on a weekly basis, one week prior to each session. You may choose one or more sessions. For 3-5 year olds. This week's theme is "Round 'em up, cowboys!"

Young professional Happy Hour at Grillestone: Join other young professionals at this mix & mingle event at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Grillestone in Scotch Plains. 

Teen Gala at the Scotch Plains Library: In honor of National Teen Read Week, teens in grades 6-12 are invited to attend the Teen Gala at the Scotch Plains Public Library on Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. Snacks, games, books, crafts, and prizes will be provided.

Zumba for a cause at RWJ Rahway Fitness: This free Zumba event is being held in honor of breast cancer awareness month and includes a DJ, Zumba, belly dancing, giveaways and light snacks. Thursday from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

"Pray & Play" at Temple Sholom: On Saturday, Temple Sholom of Fanwood/Scotch Plains invites families with children ages four and under to a Shabbat Pray & Play featuring music, maracas, puppets and parachutes, led by Cantor Darcie Sharlein and parent volunteer Julie Friedman. The monthly 30-minute interactive service begins at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a free bagel brunch in the playroom. Older siblings are welcome. 

Visit the Scotch Plains farmer's market before the season ends: 
The market runs Saturdays in the municipal building parking lot from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. through November.

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