Community Corner
Grab and Go Kids' Planner: February 26 & 27
From "The Greatest Show on Earth" to glow-in-the-dark yoga, the weekend is full of possibilities.
UNION COUNTY HAPPENINGS:
FEBRUARY 26TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Curious George Visits Storytime
Venue: Barnes & Noble 240 Us Highway 22, Springfield
Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
When: 11 a.m., Saturday
Cost: Free
Description: Storytime will be extra special this Saturday! Curious George will be making a visit.
Why: Toddlers LOVE Curious George!
Website: http://www.barnesandnoble.com
Phone: 973-376-8544
Beauty and The Beast
Venue: Governor Livingston High School, 175 Watchung Blvd, Berkeley Heights
When: 10 a.m. -noon, Saturday
Cost: Email GLBreakfastWithBelle@gmail.com for reservations.
Description: An exciting opportunity for Berkeley Heights & Mountainside residents of all ages to join Belle and all the characters from Beauty and the Beast for breakfast. There will be a mini-production of Beauty and the Beast, a sing-a-long and autograph session.
Why: Enjoy breakfast with the characters.
Website: http://www.bhpsnj.org
Bird House Bonanza
Venue: Reeves-Reed Arboretum Summit
When: 10 a.m. and noon, Saturday
Cost: Members: $22/child, Non-members: $30/child (all materials included)
Description: With March right around the corner, some migrating birds will begin their return to New Jersey in search of a new home. During this workshop, children and their parents work together to build a bird house and learn about the types of birds that may call it home.
Why: A sign that Spring is almost here!
Website: http://www.reeves-reedarboretum.org/
Phone: 908-273-8787
JUST FOR MOMS
Swan Lake Act 2 and Repertory Selections
Venue: Wilkins Theater at Kean University 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
Cost: $30 adults, $20, students and children
Description: An enchanted princess trapped in a swan’s body, a lovelorn prince, a flock of graceful swans and an evil magician.
Why: This is what people think of when they hear “ballet.”
Website: www.keanstage.com
Phone: 908-737-7469
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Sweeney Todd
Venue: Zella Fry Theatre on the Kean University campus, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
When: 2 p.m. or 8 p.m., Saturday
Cost: $15, $12 for faculty, staff, seniors and alumni; $10 for students.
Description: Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s musical thriller is a “heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime”. In the style of the Grand Guignol, intelligent and macabre, Sweeney Todd is both horrific and hysterical, recounting the well-known tale of a vengeful barber and his whimsical and mischievous business partner and meat-pie maker, Mrs. Lovett.
Why: Musical thriller…you will laugh one moment and gasp in surprise.
Website: www.keanstage.com
Phone: 908-737-7469
Summit NJ 3rd Annual Restaurant Week
Venue: 30 Participating Restaurants in Summit. (Please visit website for details)
When: Through Sunday
Cost: Visit website for details
Description: Each participating restaurant will be offering a prix fixe meal, a special drink or another item.
Why: This is the chance to visit your favorite restaurant or check out a new one.
Website: http://www.summitdowntown.org/
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Alice in Wonderland
Venue: Trinity Episcopal Church, Trinity Episcopal Theater, North and Forest Avenue, Cranford (The theater is located in the building behind Trinity Church)
When: 3 p.m., Sunday
Cost: $12, adults; $7, children & seniors
Description: Driftwood Players presents “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll. The classic tale of Alice’s adventures in a fantasy world and the unusual creatures she meets.
Why: A spark of afternoon imagination awaits.
Website: http://njdriftwoodplayers.com
Phone: 908-276-4047
Cinderella
Venue: Kean Stage, Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
Cost: $15
Description: Beloved fairy tale complete with a lovely girl, a handsome prince, a dancing slipper and a pumpkin that turns into a coach before your very eyes! This is a New Jersey Ballet Matinee for Kids & Families.
Why: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, ballet style!
Website: www.keanstage.com
Phone: 908-737-7469
JUST FOR MOMS
Homeopathy and Optimal Physical, Emotional and Mental Health
Venue: The Terra Sky Center for Wellness, 510 Morris Ave, Summit
When: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday
Cost: Registration required.
Description: The Terra Sky Center for Wellness is having a presentation by Janice Solomon a certified classical homeopath. This 45-minute introduction into homeopathy and its benefits will be followed by an additional presentation for anyone interested in more information.
Why: The ABCs of homeopathy.
Website: http://www.terraskycenter.com/
Phone: 908-277-1222
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Downtown Westfield Restaurant Week, February 27 – March 6
Venue: Select Participating Restaurants (visit website for restaurant information)
When: Starts Sunday, runs through Sunday, March 6
Cost: $20 for two-course dinner; $10 for two-course lunch
Description: Enjoy daily specials for the week at Westfield’s fine eating establishments. Tax, gratuity and beverages not included. Reservations are recommended. Please call the restaurants directly.
Why: Serious Eats! Enjoy prix fixe meals with your spouse and enjoy a meal without any kiddie interruptions!
Website: www.westfieldtoday.com
Phone: 908-789-9444
ESSEX COUNTY HAPPENINGS:
FEBRUARY 26TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga
Venue: Mia Yoga at The Wellness Loft, 89 Walnut Street, Montclair
When: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Saturday
Description: Glowing materials, one-hour yoga class and snacks! (ages 7 & up w/parents)
Why: The exercise is as hard to resist as the title for this kids' program!
Website: http://miayogamontclair.com/
Phone: 973-752-8232
Seed Starting
Venue: Essex County Environmental Center, Garibaldi Hall, 621a Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland
When: 10 a.m., Saturday
Cost: $8
Description: “Seed Starting” will be presented by Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County. Participants will learn the basics of starting vegetable and flower seeds at home, growing medium, seedling care, and seed selection.
Why: It is a wondrous moment when that first seedling emerges…
Website: http://www.essex-countynj.org
Phone: 973-228-8776
Yo Gabba Gabba Skate Day
Venue: Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center, 7th Ave & Clinton Ave, Newark
When: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $5, child & skating adult; $2 for non-skating adults
Description: Skating with Yo Gabba Gabba!
Why: Join DJ Lance Rock, Muno, Plex, Foofa, Toodee, and Brobee in Gabba Land.
Website: http://www.usaskating.com/dynamic.asp?schimg=spev_sch.gif&sel=7&LinkID=6
Phone: 973-482-8900
JUST FOR MOMS
All-State Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Women’s Choir
Venue: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark
When: 3 p.m., Saturday
Cost: Price varies, please visit website for tickets
Description: This performance features a collective of some of the most outstanding young singers and instrumentalists from throughout New Jersey.
Why: Discover the wonders of symphonic orchestra music.
Website: http://www.njpac.org/
Phone: 888-GO-NJPAC
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Proof
Venue: Nutley Little Theatre, 47 Erie Place (off Brookfield Avenue), Nutley
When: 2 p.m., Saturday
Cost: $15
Description: Winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Play, as well as the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this intimate family drama set in the world of academia explores the grey area between madness and genius: how does one provide “proof” of one’s ownership of ideas, of sanity, of love? On Broadway, Mary Louise Parker of Weeds fame played the lead role of Catherine, the brilliant mathematician’s daughter who may have inherited his madness as well.
Why: Seize the chance to see this.
Website: http://www.nutleylittletheatre.com/
Phone: 973-667-0374
Carol Beaugard and Blue Express
Venue: Mofiddles, 4260 Town Center Way, Livingston
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday
Cost: $15
Description: “Blue Express” performs a great mix of driving bluegrass, pleasing folkgrass and Americana music. Exceptional vocals and instrumentation with a contemporary sound, humor and a great sense of fun are the band’s special ingredients.
Why: Music…music…music…get your toes tappin’.
Website: http://www.mofiddles.com/index.html
Phone: 973-994-1083
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged
Venue: Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry Street, Newark
When: 5 p.m., Sunday
Cost: Prices varies, visit website to purchase tickets
Description: Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus powers up audiences with acts from all over the globe, featuring breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that spark the imaginations of Children Of All Ages! Clowns from the world-famous Clown Alley charge the audience’s funny bones, while megawatts of thrills explode out of the ring, including The Human Fuse who rockets across the circus skies igniting the power of the people. And of course, amazing animals spark the audience’s awe and wonder.
Why: The greatest show on Earth!
Website: http://www.prucenter.com/
Phone: 973-757-6600
JUST FOR MOMS
Irish/Celtic World Dance
Venue: Bloomfield College, 467 Franklin St, Bloomfield (Westminster Arts Center)
When: 3 p.m., Sunday
Cost: $10; $5, students
Description: A Celebration of Irish Music & Dance.
Why: Start your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations early.
Website: http://www.bloomfield.edu/
Phone: 973-288.1293
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Always Love
Venue: St. Philomena’s Church Street, 386 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
When: 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday
Cost: $18; $5, students K-12. Tickets may be purchased at the door
Description: A concert of passionate opera and enchanting romantic music. Featuring Catherine Shelley, soprano, Dan Ansaldo, tenor, Kyunyung Park, bass and David Maiullo, coach/pianist. Presented by the West Essex Chapter of the New Jersey State Opera Guild, a 501 (c)(3) organization.
Why: Opera, the art of emotions.
Website: http://www.stphilomena.org/
Phone: 973-951-5833
MORRIS COUNTY HAPPENINGS:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Colonial Cooking Contest
Venue: Museum of Early Trades & Craft, 9 Main Street (NJ Route 124 at Green Village Road), Madison
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday
Cost: $5 (includes admission to the Museum)
Description: Participants are to research a historic Colonial period recipe. Potential contestants are welcome to stop by and browse through the Museum’s Early American cookbooks and collection of recipes. Other researching venues include local libraries, historical societies, museums and/or family recipes. Once a recipe is chosen, contestants are to prepare the dish at home as close as possible to the original recipe. They are then to bring it to the Museum on Saturday, February 26th to be judged. Each dish will be judged based on how closely it adheres to the original recipe, its taste and its appearance.
Why: Colonial cooking is not just a thing of the past. Elements of colonial cooking can be seen in modern day cooking, and it will be fun to see what and how the kids cook up!
Website: http://www.metc.org/
Phone: 973-377-2982 x14.
Planet Earth
Venue: The Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown
When: 1 p.m., Saturday
Cost: Free w/museum admission
Description: The Morris Museum is showing Planet Earth, the acclaimed BBC series, on the big screen in the Bickford Theatre
Why: Simply the greatest nature & wildlife series ever produced!
Website: http://www.morrismuseum.org
Phone: 973-376-4946
Rapunzel – A Brush with Fate!
Venue: Pax Amicus Theater, 23 Lake Shore Drive, Budd Lake
When: 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Saturday
Cost: $12
Description: Given away at birth. Locked alone in a tower. An evil witch for a mother and now, to make it all worse — SPLIT ENDS! Talk about your bad hair day! But it’s nothing a confident young girl with a dream, a song and an industrial strength hair dryer can’t cure. Come let your hair down for a while and join us as the witch, the prince and everyone else discover why Rapunzel is a cut above the rest. Additional shows: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., March 5 and 12
Why: Children are offered an important lesson about love. Rage, grief, and jealousy flash through the story, but in the end, it is love that prevails.
Website: http://www.paxamicus.com/
Phone: 973-691-2100
JUST FOR MOMS
Arabian Nights
Venue: Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Street, Morristown
When: 3 p.m., Saturday
Cost: ticket prices varies, please visit website or call the box office for tickets
Description: Nights of adventure and intrigue await as Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade and Nielsen’s Aladdin Suite weave a spell with vivid orchestral color. Ranjbaran’s exciting music, based on an 11th-century Persian epic poem, fuses ancient and modern sounds
Why: Sit back and enjoy the sounds of this symphonic tale of Arabian Nights!
Website: http://www.mayoarts.org/index.htm
Phone: 973-539-8008
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
“Urinetown: The Musical’ by Mark Hollman
Venue: Chester Theatre Group, 54 Grove Street, Chester
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
Cost: $24; $22, seniors & students. Reservations are encouraged.
Description: A town facing a water shortage where the government has banned private toiletries and the citizens must use pay-to-pee toilets regulated by a monopolistic company, the Urine Good Company, which charges exorbitant prices. Do the citizen’s rebel? You betcha! It not only pokes fun at local government, but, also the Broadway musical itself as a form.
Why: Need a laugh? Here’s a satire about capitalism, social irresponsibility, mega-corporations, and small town politics.
Website: http://www.chestertheatregroup.org/
Phone: 908-879-7304
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Annual Skating Club of Morris Ice Skating Showcase
Venue: William G. Mennen Sports Arena, 161 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown
When: 4:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Sunday
Cost: Free
Description: Please come and cheer on the skaters, as they perform their program, to a timed piece of music.
Why: View intricate and challenging moves on ice skates.
Website: http://parks.morris.nj.us/aspparks/mennenmain.asp
Phone: 973-326-7651
JUST FOR MOMS
Power of a Peaceful Mind
Venue: Studio Yoga, 2 Green Village Road, Madison
When: 5 p.m. – 6:30p.m., Sunday
Cost: $20/class
Description: Participants can learn skillful meditation techniques for remaining balanced, flexible and peaceful in the midst of difficult situations and conflicts. Begin to oppose your real enemy: the painful mind of anger. Learn to be assertive without becoming angry; and compassionate without always giving in. Discover how responding positively will improve your life and health, leaving you feeling less stress and greater joy and meaning.
Why: For a happy life, a happy family, and a happy community, much depends on our mental attitude.
Website: http://www.studioyoganj.com/
Phone: 973-966-5311
HUDSON COUNTY HAPPENINGS:
FEBRUARY 26TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
Papermaking Class
Venue: The Attic Ensemble, 83 Wayne Street, Jersey City
When: 10 a.m. - noon, Saturday
Cost: Free, Pre-registration required
Description: Liberty State Park staff will lead a hands-on workshop on creating your own paper from used paper and natural materials.
Why: Not only is it a fun experience for you and the kids, but it’s a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities.
Website: http://www.folsp.org
Phone: 201-915-3409
JUST FOR MOMS
Zang Toi Trunk Show
Venue: NYC-JC Luxury Suites, 70 Greene Street -44th Floor, Jersey City
When: noon and 3 p.m., Saturday
Cost: Free
Description: Zang Toi established the “House of Toi” collection in 1989. Toi burst onto the scene with vibrant hues and bold designs. Never to miss even the smallest details, his garments are proof positive that time and careful attention has been placed into each and every look.
Why: Attend this special event with the girls and get a sampling of what’s in fashion.
Website: http://houseoftoi.com/
Phone: 201-706-1017
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Landmark Loew’s Theater Presents: The Big Sleep
Venue: The Landmark Loew’s Jersey, 54 Journal Square, Jersey City
When: 6 p.m. – 8p.m., Saturday
Cost: $7; $5, seniors.
Description: Starring Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall. Directed by Howard Hawkes.
This film noir classic, one of the most influential detective movies ever made, nevertheless has one of the most convoluted scripts of any movie made in classic Hollywood.
Why: Drama, mystery and suspense.
Website: http://www.loewsjersey.org/
Phone: 201-798-6055
FEBRUARY 27TH
KIDS & FAMILY EVENTS
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Sunday Brunch Buffet
Venue: The Madison Bar & Grill, 1316 Washington Street, Hoboken
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday
Cost: $25
Description: Brunch & live Jazz
Why: An ideal way to relax and enjoy
Website: http://www.madisonbarandgrill.com/
Phone: 201-386-0300