Community Corner
The Family-Friendly Guide to Getting Out in N.J.
From St. Paddy's Day celebrations to a walk through the Great Swamp, you can find perfect ways to spend your weekend.
Patch and NJMomsGuide.com have created a one-stop spot to help you figure outFrom how to spend a fun weekend around the Garden State. From princess parties and the theater to a trek for St. Patrick and a walk through the Great Swam, there's something for everyone!
UNION COUNTY HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY
Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Where: Downtown Union
When: 1 p.m., Saturday
How much: Free
What: Get decked out in green to watch dancers and bagpipers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Why: Erin Go Bragh!
Log on: http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/Union/union.htm
Traditions of Ireland
Where: Liberty Hall Museum 1003 Morris Avenue Union
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $10 per child, includes all workshop materials. Reservations required
What: Irish eyes will be smiling when they see the leprechaun centerpieces that children and their families create. (Recommended for ages 7-12)
Why: Irish culture has an amazing variety of old "feasts," traditions, customs and historic legends. Here's a chance to teach them to your kids!
Log on: http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/
Call: 908-527-0400
Discovery Saturdays: Spinning
Where: Reeves-Reed Arboretum 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday
How Much: Free for RRA and Summit Y members. $5 per child for non-members.
What: March goes in like a lamb — and out like a lamb — with the “wooly wonders” theme during March Discovery Saturdays. Drop by the Carriage House Discovery Center for hands-on exploration of nature topics.
Why: Come and explore.
Log on: http://www.reeves-reedarboretum.org/
Call: 908-273-8787
Rizzo's Reptile Discovery
Venue: Westfield Community Playhouse 1000 North Ave. Westfield
Day & Time: 12:30 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $10; 3 for $25
What: Family program with live snakes, lizards, turtles and other reptiles.
Why: Kids will be enthralled!
Log on: http://www.westfieldcommunityplayers.org/
Call: 908-232-1221 or 908-232-9568
JUST FOR MOMS
"Carol Channeling"
Where: Cranford Dramatic Club, 78 Winans Avenue, Cranford
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $30 for adults; $20 for students and seniors
What: A tribute to Broadway DIVAS, past and present.
Why: A celebration of all Divas.
Log on: http://cdctheatre.org/home.html
Call: 908-276-7611
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
"A View from the Bridge"
Where: Westfield Community Playhouse, 1000 North Ave. Westfield
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $20
When: Arthur Miller drama about a Brooklyn longshoreman obsessed with his 17-year-old niece
Why: A climactic and emotional drama.
Call: 908-232-1221 or 908-232-9568
Spyro Gyra
Where: Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $27
What: Spyro Gyro is one of the pioneers in American jazz fusion band. Formed originally in the mid-1970s in Buffalo, New York, the band has released more than 25 albums and sold more than 10 million copies sold. Grammy-winning hits include “Morning Dance,” “Shaker Song,” “Limelight,” and “Yosemite.”
Why: Jazz with elements of R&B, funk and pop music.
Log on: http://www.ucpac.org/
Call: 732-499-8226
SUNDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Kids' Fun Fest
Venue: JCC of Central New Jersey, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $25 per child in advance, $28 at the door. (Admission price includes 1 slice of pizza and bottled water)
What: This fun-filled, indoor family event features inflatables, dance parties, reptiles and snakes, video games, tumbling, music, science, carnival games, characters, refreshments, and more.
Why: It’s not easy entertaining kids, but this sure will!
Call: 908-889-8800
Magical Mermaid Princess Event
Where: Little Scoops, 9 North Union Ave., Cranford
When: 11 a.m. – 12:30p.m., Sunday
How Much: $28
What: This participation event allows kids to dance and participate in age-appropriate activities. They'll be able to laugh and curtsy during a prince-and-princess etiquette class, listen to a story, ask a princess about castle secrets, eat an ice cream sundae, and take pictures.
Why: It’s going to make a splash with the kids!
Log on: http://www.littlescoops.com/
Call: 908-497-7090
JUST FOR MOMS
"According to Goldman"
Where: Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., Rahway
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $22; $17 for seniors and students
What: A one-time Hollywood "player" now lives with his wife in comfortable and affluent Northeast suburbia and makes his living as a film professor.
Why: Lure of fame and celebrity against domestic bliss.
Log on: http://www.ucpac.org
Call: 732-499-8226
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Craig McManus
Where: Union County College, 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
How Much: Free
What: Craig McManus, renowned ghost investigator and author of “The Ghosts of Cape May” and “400 Years of the Ghosts of Cape May,” will speak at the Roy Smith Theater on the College’s Cranford campus, as part of the Union County College Alumni Association Authors Series.
Why: Journey to the other side with Craig McManus.
Log on: http://www.ucc.edu
Call: 908-709-7066
ESSEX COUNTY HAPPENINGS:
SATURDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Lunch with the Leprechaun
Where: Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center, 240 Belleville Ave., Bloomfield
Date & Time: noon, Saturday
How much: $14
What: “Think green” as we gather to enjoy lunch with the Leprechaun. Children will participate in arts & crafts, receive a goodie bag and have fun! Lunch includes mini-Reubens and other sandwiches, drinks and dessert. Miss Roseanna’s School of Dance will have students perform Irish step dancing and invite willing participants to join them.
Why: What’s for lunch for today? The Luck of the Irish.
Call: 973-429-0960
Millburn Co-Op Nursery School Fundraiser: Mr. Ray Concert
Where: Congregational Church, 200 Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills
When: 11 a.m., Saturday
How Much: $12
What: Enjoy a concert by kids' favorite Mr. Ray as he plays songs from his many kid-friendly CDs; also, the event includes a snack and bake sale to raise money for the Millburn Co-op.
Why: Music for the kids in all of us.
Log on: http://www.millburncoop.org/Default.aspx?pageId=438758
Call: 973-218-1615 to order tickets
"The Garbage CANtata"
Where: Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood
When: 11 a.m., Saturday
How Much: $7
What: A garbage dump comes to life, with actors of all ages and puppets made from found objects.
Why: A family musical set in a garbage dump!
Log on: http://www.artsmaplewood.org/
Call: 973-378-2133
JUST FOR MOMS
NJ Ballet at NJPAC
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center St., Newark
When: 7 p.m., Saturday
How Much: prices varies, please visit website
What: 52nd anniversary gala with premiere of "Masquerade" with music by Khachaturian, "Dance of the Hours" and repertory favorites
Why: Graceful movements…
Log on: http://www.njpac.org/default.asp
Call: 888-466-5722
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
"Wicked Moon: A Contemporary Romantic Musical Comedy"
Where: 4th Wall Musical Theatre, Franklin & Freemont Sts., Bloomfield
When: 7:30pm
Cost: $15 general admission, $12 for seniors, $12 for students, $10 for groups of 20 or more.
Description: The Wicked Moon cabaret nightclub is faced with foreclosure and the owner gets help from unusual sources to try to save it.
Why: A light-hearted happily-ever-after comedy.
Website: http://www.4thwalltheatre.org/
Phone: 973-566-WALL (9255) or 973-748-9008, ext. 279
SUNDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade: West Orange
Where: Starts at Main Street and Mount Pleasant Ave., West Orange
When: 12:15 p.m., Sunday
How much: Free!
What: West Orange St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Why: Erin Go Bragh!
Log on: http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/WestOrange/west_orange.htm
Family Bike Ride
Where: Start at Maplewood NJTransit Lot, Maplewood Ave. & Baker St., Maplewood
What: 10 a.m., Sunday
How Much: Free!
What: The year's first family-fun bike ride hosted by SOMbike, South Orange Maplewood Bicycle Coalition. Wear Green!
Why: An activity enjoyed by all ages.
Log on: http://www.sombike.com/index.html or email info@sombike.com
Call: 973-996-8473
Second Sundays: Special Afternoon for Special Kids
Where: WORDS, 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
How Much: Free, but space is limited, so call ahead
What: Free monthly event at WORDS bookstore for special-needs kids and their families. "Acting With Emily" for kids 3-10 (2-3 p.m.); 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for kids 11 and older.
Why: Children with special needs and their families are invited, free of charge, to participate in a session involving a creative endeavor.
Logo on: http://wordsmaplewood.com/
Call: 973-763-9500
JUST FOR MOMS
Juilliard @ SOPAC: "Concitato"
Where: SOPAC, One SOPAC Way, South Orange
When: 3 p.m., Sunday
How much: $15; $12 for seniors; $10 for SOPAC Members
What: Taking its name from the Italian concitare ("to incite or provoke"), "Concitato" electrifies listeners with insightful interpretations of rarely performed repertoire, while redefining the way audiences hear the more well-known works of the Baroque canon. Concitato tastefully combines the latest discoveries in musicological research with cutting-edge training. Founded in 2008 by violinist Joan Plana, this trio of dynamic young players—violinist Joan Plana, cellist Ezra Seltzer, and harpsichordist Jeffrey Grossman—performs a vast repertoire of diverse instrumental music from the baroque era.
Why: Taking its name from the Italian concitare ("to incite or provoke"), Concitato electrifies listeners with insightful interpretations of rarely performed repertoire, while redefining the way audiences hear the more well-known works of the Baroque canon.
Log on: http://www.sopacnow.org/full.html
Call: 973-763-9500
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
When: 3 p.m., Sunday
How Much: prices varies, please visit website
What: The Grammy-winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, NJPAC's resident company, performs in Prudential Hall.
Why: Enjoy a delightful concert.
Log on: http://www.njpac.org/default.asp
Call: Box Office 888-466-5722
"Prelude to a Kiss"
Where: Studio Playhouse 14 Alvin Place Montclair, NJ
When: 3 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $22
What: Peter meets a girl, falls madly in love and gets married. Before the wedding is over he is asking himself, “Who did I marry? Is she the same person with whom I walked down the aisle?” Prelude to a Kiss unravels the answers to those questions in a charming and highly original fantasy. A non-cynical and optimistic play about the staying power of romantic love that garnered rave reviews and a Tony Award nomination for Best Play in 1990.
Why: Empathy--to identify with another's feelings; to emotionally put yourself in the place of another
Log on: http://www.studioplayhouse.org/index.html
Call: 973-744-9752
MORRIS COUNTY HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Where: Downtown Morristown
When: noon, Saturday
How Much: Free
What: Get decked out in green to watch dancers and bagpipers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Why: Erin Go Bragh!
Log on: http://saintpatricksdayparade.com/morristown/morristown_new_jersey.htm
Tyke Hike
Where: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd, Chatham
When: 10 a.m., Saturday
How Much: $2/person
What: Take to the trails to discover the unique animals and plants found at the Great Swamp. (ages 2-6 with an adult)
Why: Set kids on the right path to exploring New Jersey's natural wonders…
Log on: http://www.morrisparks.net/
Call: 973-635-6629
Princess Breakfast
Where: Imagine That! A New Jersey Children's Museum 4 Vreeland Rd.
Florham Park
When: March 12, 2011 @ 9:45 a.m., Saturday
How much: $13.99 for kids; $10.99 for adults; Price includes breakfast.
Description: Start the day surrounded by princess royalty and be enchanted by Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Belle. Children take home a princess photo frame keepsake. Tiaras, crowns, and ballgowns are welcome.
Why: Who wouldn't want to have breakfast with their favorite princess? Sure to bring a smile to every child's face!
Website: http://www.imaginethatmuseum.com/
Phone: 973-966-8000
JUST FOR MOMS
Balance Your Life. A Wellness Gala
Where: Unitarian Fellowship 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ
When: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
How much: $20 in advance; $25 at the door
What: Experience the special gifts of a select group of experts in the Health, Beauty and Wellness Fields through Mini Sessions, Workshops & Demonstrations.
Why: Explore and celebrate your health, ladie — you’re worth it!
Log on: www.wellnessgala.com
Call: 973-713-6811
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
AZTEC TWO STEP, 40th Anniversary Concert
Where: Presbyterian Church of Chatham Twp., 240 Southern Blvd, Chatham Twp.
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $25
What: Longtime Sanctuary favorites Aztec Two-Step are a folk-rock duo who are often compared to Simon & Garfunkel and the Everly Brothers. They've been making feel-good music, marked by gorgeous harmonies and virtuoso guitar playing, since their auspicious Elektra Records debut in 1972.
Why: The band's name comes from a poem by beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, doesn’t’ that intrigue you to want to listen to more?
Log on: http://www.sanctuaryconcerts.org
Call: 973-376-4946
SUNDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Native Plant Seedballs
Where: The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Ave, Morristown
When: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday
What: Create a habitat for pollinating friends by making seedballs from clay and seeds. Be prepared to get dirty and have lots of fun learning about native plants. (ages 5 & older)
Why: If you have kids who love to make mud pies, then they will love to make things with clay.
Log on: http://www.arboretumfriends.org/children
Call: 973-326-7603
JUST FOR MOMS
Spa for the Body and Soul
Where: The Chabad Center, 1 Torah Way, Rockaway Twp.
When: 6:15 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $25
What: Beauty and wellness workshops — with dessert!
Why: Workshops that focuses on, Time for you.
Log on: http://www.onetorahway.org/
Call: 973-625-1525
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Glengarry Glen Ross
Where: Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham
When: 3 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $20 for adults and $18 for youth/senior
What: Glengarry Glen Ross follows the lives of four unethical Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to go to any lengths to unload undesirable real estate on unwilling buyers. The play is partly based on playwright David Mamet's experiences working in a Chicago real-estate office during the late 1960s.
Why: This play will speak loudly — and profanely — and plainly to anyone who feels the need to succeed, whatever the cost.
Log on: http://www.chathamplayers.org/
Call: 973-635-7363
HUDSON COUNTY HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Nature Discovery Day
Where: Liberty State Park Interpretative Center, 200 Morris Pesin Dr., Jersey City
When: 10 a.m. – noon, Saturday
How Much: Free; Pre-registration required.
What: Hands-on activity stations and other fun touchy-feely nature events for kids.
Why: Develop your child's sense of discovery and love for learning.
Log on: http://www.folsp.org/events/LSPIC_Fall_Winter_10_11_Programs.pdf
Call: 201-915-3409
JUST FOR MOM
Black Girl on Broadway
Where: TTC's Studio – Monroe Center for the Arts, 720 Monroe St., Hoboken
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
How Much: $20 for adults; $35 for couples; $10 for students
What: Part of the Cabaret Series, TTC presents an evening of song as we take a look at great roles originated by Black women, as sung by Mimi Francis, Margaret Leone and Judith Moss.
Why: Takes a journey through time and look at the great roles originated by Black women on Broadway.
Log on: http://www.monroecenter.com/index.cfm
Call: 201- 795-5000
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Saturdays Swing in JC!
Venue: Grassroots Community Space, 54 Coles St., Jersey City
Day & Time: Class from 7 - 8 p.m.; Dance Party from 8 to 10 p.m.
How much: Class & Dance Party - $20/Dance Party Only - $5
Description: Come join us for a night of swing dancing. Each week the class will include a basic "crash course" followed by a class including variations in pattern, footwork and lead/follow technique. The dance lesson is taught by champion dancer and master teacher Joe Palmer and his partner, Catherine "Curly" Schmetter.
Why: Weekend Night Hop!
Log on: http://www.theartistslab.com/The_Artists_Lab/Welcome.html
Call: 646-216-8875
SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Where: Lincoln Park, along Kennedy Blvd. to Journal Square, Jersey City
When: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Sunday
Cost: Free!
What: Get your green on and hit the Saint Patrick's Day Parade! The Parade steps-off at 12:30 pm from Lincoln Park/Kennedy Blvd. north to Journal Square to the reviewing stand. Bring on the corned beef and cabbage!
Why: Erin Go Bragh!
Log on: http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/jerseycity/jerseycity.htm
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Cupcakes with Buddy
Where: W Hoboken, 225 River St., Hoboken
When: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
How Much: $50; ticket and autographed copy of book, $80. Warning: sign up in advance!
What: Valastro, the famed "Cake Boss" of Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken is working with his family to present a fun afternoon of purple cupcakes provided by local bakeries. Watch Buddy's demonstration and taste his special cake for the occasion! Hosted by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation in honor of Purple Day for epilepsy awareness, all guests are asked to wear purple to show their support.
Why: Who doesn't like cupcakes?!
Log on: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1785
Call: 201-665-0420
