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Community Corner

The Weekender: What's Happening in Montclair and Beyond

The 10th Annual Tour de Montclair is on Sunday!

 

Here are some of the events happening this weekend in Montclair and neighboring towns. To see all the events, click on EVENTS on the Montclair Patch home page.

MONTCLAIR

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WHAT:  
WHERE:  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St, Montclair
WHEN:   Friday, 6:30pm 
WHY GO:  The Undoing Racism Committee presents the first of a film series addressing immigration as a moral issue. Opening reception with light refreshments begins at 6:30pm with the film at 7pm. The film takes an intimate look at a small town in Tennessee as its long time residents grapple with their beliefs and way of life as the Latino population grows and with the more recent arrival of Muslim Somali refugees.  

WHAT:  
WHERE:   Studio Players, 14 Alvin Place, Upper Montclair 
WHEN:    Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm
WHY GO:   A sensation on Broadway, this screwball comedy will leave you teary-eyed with laughter. The tenor “Il Stupendo,” is scheduled to sing the lead in Othello, but chaos ensues when his wife mistakes an autograph-seeker hidden in his closet for a secret lover, then is accidentally given a double dose of tranquilizers and is presumed dead. But somehow, the show must go on! What follows is a chain-reaction of mistaken identities, backstage shenanigans, double entendres and innuendoes – a roller coaster of fun.
COST:  $18 adults; $15 students and seniors

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WHAT: 
WHERE: The Café at the Montclair Public Library
WHEN: Saturday from 2pm to 4 pm
WHY GO: All ages and skill levels are welcome to play chess on Saturday afternoons. This is a drop-in group, no registration is required.

WHAT:  
WHERE:   Terra Tea and Fair Trade at the Isabel Rose Café, 50 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
WHEN:    Saturday, 1pm to 4pm
WHY GO:   Food and Festivities including Biscotti & Granola Tasting with Montclair Resident Jane Yagoda of A Gardener’s Kitchen will offer samples of her handcrafted organic healthy snacks, Fair Trade Vendors, MADLOM djembe drummers, and free fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and product samples.

WHAT:   
WHERE:   Union Baptist Church, Midland Ave & Portland Pl, Montclair
WHEN:     Saturday, 11am to 5pm
WHY GO:  Union's Communication Ministry reaches out to the community once again for their 3rd Annual Fish Fry.  Everyone will gather in the church yard for some great food, fellowship, music and fun.
COST:   Fish Sandwich $6; Hot Dog $1

WHAT:   
WHERE:   Nishuane Elementary School, 32 Cedar Ave, Montclair
WHEN:     Saturday, 11am to 4pm
WHY GO:  This year's event promises to be as fantastic as ever: rides, games, prizes, arts & crafts, live music, amazing raffle baskets and delicious international food.  It is a wonderful day for families to enjoy together. The event is open to the public so bring your friends and neighbors.
COST:   $10 per kids over 2 for unlimited games & rides, free to adults and kids under 2

WHAT:  
WHERE: 
Gallery U, 179 Glenridge Ave, Montclair
WHEN:   Saturday, 6pm to 9pm
WHY GO:  Celebrate Montclair’s abundance of artistry, and help us bring art supplies to the children of the Simon Bolivar school in Jinotega, Nicaragua! The Art Without Borders team is composed of dedicated MHS students who believe that it is very important for children to grow up with the influence of art in their lives. At the exhibit, enjoy a performance by Montclair High School’s a cappella group, The Passing Notes, as well as food and raffle baskets from local shops!

WHAT:  
WHERE:    Brookdale Park, Montclair
WHEN:      Sunday, 9am
WHY GO:  Staged at Essex County Brookdale Park on Sunday, May 20, 2012, this premier event celebrates National Bike Month and offers outdoor enthusiasts a choice of three family-friendly bike routes, a 4-mile leisure walk, a trike-a-thon for the youngest riders, a stunt bike show, music, games and fun surprises.    (www.bikewalkmontclair.org)
COST:  Registration is $15 per person or $40 per family (up to 5 members).   Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Participants who register online will receive a FREE commemorative t-shirt and be entered to WIN a $100 American Express gift card. The event will be held rain or shine.

WHAT:  
WHERE
:  Tierney's Tavern, 136-138 Valley Rd, Montclair
WHEN:    Sunday, 8pm to 10pm  (seating starts at 7:30)
WHY GO:  Enjoy an all new edition of this popular showcase featuring the area's funniest female stand up comics. 
COST:   $15 -- Cash only -- 21 & older 

 

CALDWELLS

WHAT:   
WHERE:   Caldwell Public Library, 268 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell
WHEN:     Friday, 10:30am
WHY GO:   Heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death in spite of sophisticated and targeted medical and public health advances. The major risk factors for heart disease and stroke continue to be hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical exercise, poor nutrition, high sodium consumption and obesity.

WHAT:   WHERE:   Hilltop Reservation, Caldwell, NJ
WHEN:     Saturday, 9:45am to 12pm
WHY GO:  Enjoy an easy walk or bike ride at your own pace with your young children through the Hilltop Reservation.   The route is approximately 1.5 miles long on pavement and gravel roadways. Families with small children should allow about 1 hour for a leisurely ride and exploring. Bikes with training wheels are welcome.  Visit www.HilltopConservancy.org  for a detailed map.

WHAT:    Poetry Festival – A Celebration of Literary Journals
WHERE:    West Caldwell Public Library, 30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell  
WHEN:      Sunday, 1pm to 5pm
WHY GO:    Twelve journals will be displayed and available for purchase. Subscription and submission information will be provided. Editors will answer questions about publication. Each journal will be represented by two poets who have published in the journal. Readings will be held throughout the event in the Community Room. Poets' books will be available for sale and signing. Journals included this year: Tiferet, Exit 13, Lips, Paterson Literary Review, Raintown Review, Schuykill Valley Journal, Adanna, Stillwater Review, Edison Literary Review, Painted Bride Quarterly, US 1 Worksheets, Journal of NJ Poets

WHAT:    WHERE:  DanceSport4You, 31 Westville Ave, Caldwell
WHEN:      Saturday, 8pm
WHY GO:   Find yourself feeling the spirit of Buenos Aires, circa 1930.  Mingle with flamboyant Tango dancers.  Allow the romance of period music to move you.  Enjoy some finger foods and Malbec between tandas.  Your evenings hosts "El Tordo" and "El Zurdo" are dedicated to an authentic and enjoyable Tango exepreince.  Our DJ and instructor, El Tordo, makes every effort to incorporate authentic Argentine Tango's from period composers.  
COST:  $15 Regular admission ($20 Live music nights)    For more information call: (281) TANGONY

 

CEDAR GROVE

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Elks Lodge, 405 Bowden Road, Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Saturday, noon to 5:00pm (Rain Date Sun May 20th - If Extremely Necessary).  
WHY GO:  Help two area soldiers who each lost both legs in Afghanistan - Lance Corporal Adrian Simone from Montville,NJ  and  Private First Class Derek T. McConnell from North Caldwell, N.J. Pig-Turkey-BBQ Roast is sponsored by the Cedar Grove Elks #2237. Menu Includes:  Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches, Sausage & Peppers, BBQ Chicken, Deep Fried Turkey, Stuffing,Cranberry Sauce, Full Pig Carving Stations, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Chowder, Various Salads, Beer, Water, Soda. There will also be Live Music from "Sisco Later", 50/50’s & Tricky Tray
COST:  $40 Donation – Children (8-18) $20 Donation

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Cedar Grove Library, 1 Municipal Plz, Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Saturday, 8am (before library opens)
WHY GO:  All are welcome to attend and participate in this relaxing routine that combines breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation.

WHAT: 
WHERE:  
Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building, 651 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Saturday, Noon to 5pm
WHY GO:   Hot dogs, snacks, and soft drinks will be served, and there will be some fun activities and goodies for the kids.  Squad members will take you on a tour of the building and the Ambulances and Rescue vehicles, and demonstrations of emergency first aid and rescue calls will be performed.  It should be a fun and relaxing way to get to know your first responder volunteers, and to see a little bit of what they do on a daily basis.

WHATWHERE:   65 Bowden Road, Cedar Grove
WHEN:     Saturday, 10am to 12:30pm
WHY GO:  The Thrift Shop of the Community Church of Cedar Grove will be open for business on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm and Saturdays from 10am to 12:30pm.  Donations are accepted during shop hours.  For more information, call 857-2762 during shop hours.

WHAT:  
WHERE
:  Del Monico’s Steak House, 505 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Sunday, 2pm
WHY GO: Come meet dynamic author Jon D’Amore, who uses his personal experience with the New Jersey Mob to create an engaging and thrilling tale of family, extortion, and organized crime in his book "The Boss Always Sits in the Back". Based on his familial ties to the New Jersey Mob in the second half of the 20th Century, Jon weaves a story so compelling and complex that it could only come from someone on the inside.

 

VERONA

WHAT:
WHERE
: Verona Community Center Annex, 880 Bloomfield Ave, Verona
WHEN: Friday, 1pm
WHY GO: Drop in on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to play or to socialize at the Community Center Annex. No registration required.

WHAT:  
WHERE
:  1st Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Ave, Verona
WHEN:  Saturday, 9am to 10:30am
WHY GO: 
Our mission starts and ends with helping you achive your weight loss or fitness goals in a fun, supportive, community rich with people who will encourage you towards your goals. Our free workouts are on Thursdays @ 7pm and Saturdays @ 9am 

WHAT:   WHERE:  Calvary Lutheran Church, 23 S Prospect Street, Verona
WHEN:    Saturday, 11am to 3pm  
WHY GO:  Have fun and help the Progeria Research Foundation and a 2½-year-old Verona girl at the annual Spring Carnival at the Calvary Lutheran Church of Verona. Dunk Tank, Pop Corn, Bounce House , Food Vendors , Games, Bake Sale, Clowns and more! 

WHAT: 
WHERE: 
Verona Park, Bloomfield Ave & Lakeside Ave, Verona
WHEN:   Saturday, 10am to 5pm
WHY GO:  While many exhibitors travel from as far as Maine and Florida to participate in the annual event, top New Jersey talent graces the park as it once again is transformed into a craft boutique and art gallery with 140 juried fine artists, photographers and fine crafters who satisfy every taste.

WHAT:  WHERE:   Terry’s Family Pharmacy,560 Bloomfield Ave , Verona
WHEN:    Saturday, 1pm to 2:30pm
WHY GO:   Verona resident Dr. Cristina Guarneri will be available to sign copies of her spellbinding book See No Evil at Terry’s Family Pharmacy in Verona from 1pm-2:30pm on Saturday, May 19th. Based on thencharacteristics of a person from New Providence, NJ who was a past Regional Campaign Manager for Senator John McCain in 2008, See No Evil was written against the sweeping backdrop of timeless history of one man’s quest for freedom, having a secret that must be learned how to either live with or divulge, there is an urgent and opportune relevance, a gripping and timely read.

 

NEWARK

WHAT:    
WHERE:  Zion Family Center, 38 11th Ave W, Newark
WHEN:    Friday, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
WHY GO
:   ADULTS ONLY.   Presented by Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey.  The "15 Minute Child Break" is a one-hour, interactive, multimedia presentation, based on current research, that will inform, encourage and empower parents, educators and caregivers to effectively communicate with children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Newark Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad Street, Newark
WHEN:    Friday, 8pm, Saturday, 3pm & 8pm
WHY GO:  A gripping tale of four young men who have love, togetherness, respect and honor; but it is always met with hatred, betrayal, lying and deceit. Can these brothers stand the rain? Can they bring back together what God has pre-ordained? Another must see production for the entire family. You will laugh, you will cry and you will find that Real Men Pray.

WHAT:  
WHERE:   Applebees, 383 Springfield Ave, Newark
WHEN:     Saturday, 10am to 2pm
WHY GO:   Fundraiser for Queen of Angels School.  Tickets are $10.00 for a full breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, coffee, tea, or juice. You may eat in or take out your breakfast.   Call 973-642-1531 for information & tickets.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark
WHEN:    Friday, 5pm
WHY GO:  Before the game join the Bears for a special audition of “Broadway Meets Baseball” where local talents will test their vocal skills in front of Broadway composer Neil Berg to find out who will win a starring role in “Broadway Meets Baseball,” set to be performed at Riverfront Stadium in July. Then, wrap up the night by sticking around after the game for a huge fireworks display, our first of the season.
COST:   $10. Seniors, 65 years+ take advantage of the Bears Senior Discount, 2 for 1 admission - all season

WHAT:  
WHERE:   Newark Public Library, 5 Washington Street, Newark
WHEN    Showing through July 21, 2012
WHY GO:  Prints, Photographs, Artists' Books and More.  An exhibition of recent acquisitions of the Special Collections Division.

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Little City Hall, 113 Monroe St, Newark
WHEN:    Saturday, 9am to 1pm
WHY GO:  As a service to Essex County residents, the Clerk’s Office schedules afternoon and evening hours to conduct business in municipalities across Essex County. During these Outreach times, we process only NEW Passports, Notary Public Oaths, and Veterans Peddler Licenses. No other services are available.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark
WHEN:    Saturday, 6:35pm
WHY GO:  Join us for the first Sizzling Saturday of the season as the Bears and Worcester Tornadoes continue their opening series with game three of a four game set at Riverfront Stadium. There will be plenty of great events at the game, including a flat screen TV give-away, College Pride contest, where fans are to wear their school colors in order to participate in contests and prizes, and the Fraternity and Sorority Stroll competition. Moreover May 19th means National Lupus Day;  the team will hold Lupus Night to raise awareness for those suffering from the disease   
COST:   $10.  Seniors, 65 years+ take advantage of the Bears Senior Discount, 2 for 1 admission - all season

WHAT:  
WHERE:   Newark Museum, Newark
WHEN:    Heart of the Sun: Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 2 pm; Saturdays & Sundays, 2 & 4 pm, Zula Patrol 2: Down to Earth: Saturdays & Sundays, 1 & 3 pm
WHY GOHeart of the Sun:  Heart of the Sun examines the Sun up close, describes how it creates the light that warms us and makes life possible here on Earth, and is used as a source of renewable energy.   New spacecraft, along with a new generation of solar telescopes, capture both fine surface detail and vast eruptions with unprecedented clarity. This program delivers new breathtaking, high-resolution images never before seen and for the first time take us right inside a living star. 
ZULU PATROL 2: Down to Earth:  When the Zula Patrollers discover that the villainous Deliria Delight has been traveling back in time to illegally dump her company’s toxic trash, they must find and catch her, before her actions cause catastrophic consequences. In the process, our heroes learn all about the formation and development of Earth, and the life forms who call it home
Planetarium Admission:  Adults $5; children under 12, seniors, and college students $3. Members: Adults $3, children & seniors $2

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark
WHEN:    Sunday, Game starts 1:05pm
WHY GO:  Funday Sunday .  Two hours before the first pitch, “Father and Child Pitch and Catch” will take place at 11am, sharp. Bring your gloves and baseballs for this great event. Participants must register before hand, which is free with the price of admission to the game. ALL kids 12 years and under EAT FREE!!! Parents, with child(ren), must retrieve the voucher at the will-call window before the 3rd inning. Finally, adults 18 and older can take to the field for a chance to participate in the Bears newly added Diamond Dig contest, only $5 per chance, sponsored by Andrea’s Jeweler.  The first to find the hidden item within the allotted time, wins a 1 carat diamond!!  Sunday’s best dressed fans are sure to catch a reward too!! So keep your best church outfit on and be seen!!   In addition there will be a bat boy/ bat girl clinic an hour before the game begins.
COST:   $10. Seniors, 65 years+ take advantage of the Bears Senior Discount, 2 for 1 admission - all season

WHAT:  WHERE:  Just Fish Café Express, 57 William St, Newark 
WHEN:   Sunday, 2pm
WHY GO:  Leisa Brown is a one woman band. She sings, plays the Windcontroller and gives sweet sounds as you sit back and enjoy your tasty meal.

 

BELLEVILLE

WHAT:  
WHERE
:  Senior Citizens Building, Belleville 
WHEN:    Friday, 12:30 p.m.
WHY GO: Belleville Seniors meet every Friday, with coffee, buns and bingo following.  New members are always welcome.

WHAT:   
WHERE
:   New Life Body of Christ, 393 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN:     Wednesday - Saturdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm
WHY GO:  The Thrift Shop at Christ Church sells donated items of new and gently used clothing, household items, and some furiniture. All items are sold at very reasonable prices, which makes them affordable to local area residents and The Care Closet participants.

WHAT:   WHERE:   Belleville Public Library, 221 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN:   Saturday, 9:30am to 12:30pm
WHY GO:  By taking the practice test you will know exactly what to expect on Test Day and get a complete analysis of your results.   You will also learn exclusive strategies to improve your score.

WHAT:  
WHERE:
    Belleville Public Library, 221 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN:   Saturday, 2pm
WHY GO:   Po and his friends fight to stop an peacock villain from conquering China with a deadly new weapon, but the Dragon Warrior must come to terms with his past.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Ladybug Montessori, 617 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN:     Saturday, 10am to 2pm
WHY GO:    Ladybug Montessori is a fully licensed school with Montessori trained and certified teachers. We do not just use the Montessori name. We follow a strict Montessori philosophy in our organized and structured classrooms. Call today for more information or to schedule a private tour. Craft table for the children and 15 minute tours given to the families. RSVP (973)759-1211

 

NUTLEY

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, Nutley
WHEN:  Friday, 2pm
WHY GO:  Enjoy a movie classic – go to Oz with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and of course, Toto.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, Nutley
WHEN:   Saturday, 2pm
WHY GO:  Join us for an afternoon of your favorite arias and duets from Grand Operas by famous composers such as Verdi, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and others.

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Hillside Cafe, 45 Hillside Crescent, Nutley
WHEN:    Saturday, 8pm
WHY GO:  Sally Barris has had songs covered by such top-level artists as Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, and Lee Ann Womack. Her song “Let The Wind Chase You”, recorded by Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban, received a Grammy nomination for vocal collaboration in 2009. Film credits include “Honey Suckle Sweet” from the Miramax film "An Unfinished Life" and “Liars Lie” featured in the Tim McGraw, Gwyneth Paltrow film "Country Strong".
COST:   $15

BLOOMFIELD  

 WHAT:  WHERE:  Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN:  Friday, 11am
WHY GO:   Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint, quilt? Then come to the Bloomfield Public Library Friday mornings and share your patterns/techniques with other crafters! Beginners welcome! 

WHAT:  
WHERE:   The parking lot directly across the street from the Brookdale Christian Church and next to Shop-Rite on Broad Street. Look for the Bloomfield DPW Recycling truck.
WHEN:      Saturday, 9am to 12pm
WHY GO:  Items accepted include: computers, printers, monitors, wire & cables, keyboards, mice, telephones, TVs under 32”, VCRs, DVD players, stereos and small appliances.

WHAT:   
WHERE:   Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday, 10am to 3pm
WHY GO:  Help those in need of Blood and help your library at the same time! In addition to providing much needed blood for life saving blood transfusions in our community and NJ, your donation can support the library as well!  The Blood Center of NJ is offering the "Save a Life" Recognition Award to libraries that sponsor blood drives.  
30 or more donations and the Bloomfield Public Library will receive a $300 donation.
40 or more donations and the Bloomfield Public Library will receive a $350 donation.
50 or more donations and the Bloomfield Public Library will receive a $400 donation.
For each additional 10 donations, the "Save a Life" Recognition Award will be increased by $50.

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Obal's Inn,  439 Broad St, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Sunday, 1pm – 4pm
WHY GO:   Fourth Annual Fundraiser for the Bloomfield Animal Shelter! There will be food, drink, prizes for the dogs in attendance (best wag, best costume, prettiest eyes, etc), and fun for all! All proceeds benefit the Animal Support Fund of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter. There will be dogs and cats for adoption, and we will also be collecting donations that day. 

WHAT:  Free Seminar – Mind and Meditation
WHERE:  Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday, 10am to 12pm,  2:30pm to 4:30pm
WHY GO:   Introduction to Powerful techniques that increaseyour well-being through:  reduced stress, Increased health & well being, more ease & joy in personal relationships, Improved self-esteem, greater creativity and clarity of mind and a deeper sense of community.

WHAT: 
WHERE:  Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday, 10 am
WHY GO: Challenge your chess skills and have fun!

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