The Weekender: What's Happening in Bloomfield and Beyond

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

BLOOMFIELD

WHAT: Opera and Broadway at Temple Ner Tamid

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2012 - 8:00 pm

WHERE:  936 Broad Street, the Havdalah Cafe
973-338-1500

WHY GO:  Celebrate Mother's Day and hear some fantastic music!

WHAT:   WHERE:  Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin St, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday  8pm  &  Sunday 2pm
WHY GO:   The Mel-O-Chords, a 15 member theatrical vocal ensemble associated with the Montclair Operetta Club, will be presenting their Spring show “We Live, We Love, We Sing.”  The show features a wide range of American songs — from Cabaret and The Fantasticks to Beatles tunes like Blackbird and All You Need Is Love.  Musical Director Gonzalo Valencia has crafted a show for a wide range of musical enjoyment. 
COST:  $15

WHAT:  WHERE:  On the Green opposite the Civic Center, Bloomfield, NJ
WHEN:    Saturday  10am – 2pm
WHY GO:   Open to everyone!  Adults and children from all towns.  You do not need to belong to the Art League or live in Bloomfield to enter.  Cash prizes.  Categories are:  Professionals & Non-Professionals:  watercolor, mixed media (Pastel, Oil & Acrylics) and photography.  Size limits:  44" x 44" including frame.  All artwork must be framed with wire on back for hanging.  Delivery: between 10:00 am and 11:00 am, on the green.  Judging:  11:30 am   Prize ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm on the green.  For further information please contact: Jackie Hanlon 973-667-6372
COST:  Professional: $7 for one entry,  $13 for two and $18 for three.  Non-Professional: $5 for one entry and $9 for two. All children under 18 are free.

WHAT:  WHERE:   Democratic Headquarters, Broughton Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN:  Saturday  12pm – 3pm
WHY GO:  Help families in need of diapers & wipes.  Donations will go to the United Way of Bloomfield, Human Needs Food Pantry and Birth Right.

BLOOMFIELD LIBRARY EVENTS

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:   Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center, 240 Belleville Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN:      Friday  6pm
WHY GO:  Browse over 100 gifts, put your tickets on those you like.  The evening ends with the exciting drawing of the winning tickets.  
COST: $20 admission.  Call the office for reservations - (973) 429-0960

WHAT:   WHERE:   Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday   9am – 1pm
WHY GO:  Free educational seminar helps parents navigate the complex college financial and admissions process.  Topics will include: The 5 greatest myths about planning for college; The ONE mistake 91% of parents make that cost them thousands;  What to do RIGHT NOW if you haven't saved a dime for college; and much more.  The session is open to the public, but because space is limited, reservations are required. Register online at www.FreeCollegeWorkshop.com or call 908-686-0668 

WHAT:  WHERE:   Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN:  Saturday  (All day)
WHY GO:  Celebrate spring in the Children’s Library by making flowers out of tissue paper. Use them to decorate your room, or give them as a Mother’s Day gift!  Ages 5 and older.   No registration needed.

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

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:   River of Life Assembly of God, 174 Holmes St, Belleville
WHEN:   Friday   7:30pm – 9pm
WHY GO:  Come and experience a night of fun filled with games, crafts and illusions the will teach us about God’s Forgiveness. Plus, get a chance to win your own simple tricks to share with your family and friends. 

WHAT:   WHERE:   Belleville Public Library, 221 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN:   Saturday  3pm – 5pm
WHY GO:  Teens are invited to the Belleville Public Library on Fridays for gaming:,  Wii, board games, cards…

WHAT:   
WHERE: Wesley United Methodist Church, 225 Washington Ave., Belleville
WHEN:   Saturday, 3-4:30 p.m.
WHY GO: Our Kids Club is a little bit of Vacation Bible School each week. We play games, do crafts, learn about the Bible.   All elementary-aged kids are invited to join.

WHAT:  WHERE:  Belleville Township Fire Department , 275 Franklin Ave, Belleville
WHEN:     Saturday  1pm – 3pm
WHY GO:    Free Rabies Clinic.  The Health Dept will be collecting non-perishable foods on this date for a local food pantry

NUTLEY

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, Nutley
WHEN:  Friday   3pm – 5pm 
WHY GO:  Wii, Xbox, or bring your own DS to play each other.!

WHAT:  WHERE:  Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, Nutley
WHEN:  Friday  2pm
WHY GO:  Elvis stars as an Army veteran who returns back home to Hawaii where he is able to enjoy his time again with his girlfriend, his friends, and his surf-board.

WHAT:  Lacrosse – Fair Lawn vs Nutley
WHERE:  Nutley High School:  Father Glotzbach Field, 44 Park Ave, Nutley
WHEN:  Friday  4pm
WHY GO:  Support the home team!

WHAT:  WHERE:  Yantacaw Elementary School Gym, 20 Yantacaw Pl, Nutley
WHEN:    Saturday  9am – 11:30am
WHY GO: The Yantacaw Family Swap is a chance for you to donate things you don’t need and take things you do, including sports equipment, books, toys, computer games, DVDs, small household items, baby clothes/gear, kids clothing/outerwear/shoes, and more. It’s like a giant garage sale, but everything is FREE. You don’t need to bring something to take something. All remaining items will be donated to local charities.

CALDWELLS

WHAT: 
WHERE:   First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell,  326 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
WHEN:    Friday & Saturday  7:30pm  and  Sunday  6pm
WHY GO:  Pippin, by composer Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), is a charming yet thought-provoking coming-of-age story loosely based on the life of Pepin, eldest son of Charlemagne (AD 742-847).  The audience meets young Pippin fresh from University and follows him on a journey to find his way among a bewildering array of possibilities. Along the path, we learn something of our own journey as well, and are treated to some really great songs. 
COST:   $10

WHAT:  WHERE:  West Caldwell Civic Center, 5 Fairfield Road, West Caldwell
WHEN:    Friday  7pm   (check-in 6-7pm)
WHY GO:  Includes:  Admission Chips 8k, Hot and Cold Buffet, Dessert, Beer and Soft Drinks.  Buy Backs $70.00 for full stack 1st hour unlimited / 1 time Add Ons $50.00 for 5K.  Age 21 & older!  For more information contact:  Theresa Valentino at tdvalentin@aol.com or (973) 714-0440
COST:   $100 

WHAT:   WHERE:  Beverly Rd & Central Ave, West Caldwell
WHEN:    Saturday 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 9am to 3pm (rain or shine) 
WHY GO:    This is a great opportunity to obtain top quality plants at great prices, or to give as Mother’s Day gifts.  Come early for the best selection. 

WHAT:  WHERE:  West Caldwell Public Library Community Room
WHEN:    Saturday  2pm
WHY GO:    Award-winning Latino guitarist and vocalist Jesse Rivera will present "Celebrate Cinco de Mayo," a musical and cultural program .  This program, geared for adults and children in grade 4 and older, will explore the music, food and culture relating to Mexico's historic celebration of May 5th (Cinco de Mayo). The audience will participate in sing-alongs, play maracas and sample some Mexican food.  This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Tio sign-up, call the Library at (973) 226-5441.

CEDAR GROVE

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:  65 Bowden Road, Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Saturday  10am – 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 also Saturdays from 10am to 12:30pm.  Donations are accepted during shop hours.  For more information, call 857-2762 during shop hours.

MONTCLAIR

WHAT: 
WHERE:  7 Spectacular Homes in Montclair
WHEN:   Friday  9am – 2pm
WHY GO:  Homes of Montclair, presented by Coldwell Banker, is a self-guided tour of seven gracious homes on Friday, May 11th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a fun day to surround yourself with some of the finest home detail and décor that Montclair has to offer.  From Victorian to Georgian Colonial to Contemporary Ranch, you’ll see an array of both architectural and decorating styles.  New this year: specialty boutiques at each home (for last minute Mother’s Day shopping).  Homes of Montclair is a rain-or-shine event.  Sorry, no children or pets are permitted on the tours; no food or beverages may be brought into the houses.  All proceeds benefit Glenfield Middle School.
COST:   $30 in advance and $35 day of event

WHAT: 
WHERE:  Presby Memorial Gardens,  474 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair
WHEN:  Friday  10am – 5pm
WHY GO:  Author Kelly D. Norris will be on-site signing copies of his horticulture books, including the just released Timber Press publication "A Guide to Bearded Irises" which will be on sale for $35. Plus, the Garden Club of Montclair will be hosting its popular plant sale that features a wide variety of deer resistant plants and potted irises from our collection.

WHAT: 
WHERE:   FIAF Montclair, The Carriage House,, 331 Claremont Ave, Montclair
WHEN:  Friday   7pm
WHY GO:   Rendez-Vous is a fun, casual evening event where you can meet friends, talk, and share a drink—all in French. Enjoy wine, soft drinks, and refreshments.  Make new friends while you practice your French! Bring a friend, family member, colleague, or anyone who would enjoy an evening of French.

WHAT:  WHERE:  Brookdale Park,  Grove St & Watchung Ave, Montclair
WHEN:    Saturday
WHY GO:  Join Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County for its 3rd annual 5K Race Against Homelessness at Brookdale Park on Saturday, May 12th. With your participation the race will raise much-needed funds to help homeless families find and sustain their own homes. Run individually or as a team. Register at www.ihnessexnj.org.
COST:  $20

WHAT:   WHERE:   Bnai Keshet,  99 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
WHEN:    Saturday  9am
WHY GO:  Basis of Tikkun Olam (social justice) within the Jewish tradition

WHAT:
WHERE: The Café at the Montclair Public Library
WHEN: Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.
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:   St. John's Episcopal Church, 55 Montclair Ave, Montclair
WHEN:    Saturday   4pm
WHY GO:   Great composers such as Mozart, Verdi, Brahms, and Berlioz have set this liturgical text into large-scale masterpieces but Gabriel Fauré’s setting is perhaps one of the most beloved among all the other Requiems.  Fauré has left us with some of the most ethereal and beautiful music that highlights, not the pain and grief from death, but rather new beginnings.  

WHAT:  
WHERE:   Union Baptist Church,  Midland Ave & Portland Pl, Montclair
WHEN:     Sunday   8am
WHY GO:  A hearty free breakfast will be served and there will be plenty of joy and laughter at this annual Union Baptist Church event.  Come and enjoy the fellowship and hear an inspiring message from guest speaker, Rev. Tamoya Buckley, Pastor of the Emmanuel AME Church in Montclair.

WHAT:   WHERE:   Presby Memorial Gardens,  474 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair
WHEN:     Sunday  1pm – 3pm
WHY GO:  Spend the day with your family at the Rainbow on the Hill! Tickets to a 1pm special live musical performance and boxed lunch are available for purchase. The Bloom Room gift shop will be open on this day from 11am to 4pm. The gardens are open from dawn until dusk throughout bloom season.
COST:   $25 per person.  Please register in advance by calling 973.783.5974

WHAT:  WHERE:   Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave, Montclair
WHEN:     Sunday  10am
WHY GO: Celebrate the story of second chances told through music by the Children's Choir at union Cong.  Jonah is a Biblical character that responds to God's call by running in the opposite direction. The ramifications are HUGE when he is swallowed by a giant fish!

NEWARK

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Newark YMWCA, 600 Broad St, Newark
WHEN:    Friday, Saturday, Sunday  6am – 5pm
WHY GO:  Mother's Day Weekend Promotion, mom's enjoy the Newark YMCA and Newark YMCA at UMDNJ facilities at no charge this weekend! Guest and Joiner's Fees are waived.

WHAT:  WHERE:  Newark Library– Springfield Branch, 50 Hayes St, Newark
WHEN:    Friday  3:45pm
WHY GO:  Be creative and design a Mother's Day Card using a brown bag and ribbon. This program is suitable for all ages.

WHAT:  WHERE:   Newark YMWCA, 600 Broad St, Newark
WHEN:     Saturday  10am – 2pm
WHY GO:   Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative of the Y to improve the health and well-being of kids, is filled with fun, active play and educational activities that will help parents improve their kids’ lifestyles for the long term. Research shows that without access to activities that stimulate the mind and body, kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark
WHEN:  Friday  1pm – 4pm
WHY GO:  Using a tour of the exhibition, Poetic Pastimes as a source of inspiration, capture a moment of exquisite beauty with a few carefully chosen words.
COST:   $6.  (Members are free) Pre-registration required; call 973.596.6613

WHAT:  WHERE:   NJPAC, 36 Park Place, Newark
WHEN:    Saturday   4pm – 11pm
WHY GO:  McDonald’s Gospelfest 2012 presents Honor Thy Mother.  Competition 4PM  -  Star Performances 7PM   
Line-up includes: Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans,Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, Steve Harvey *performing a special comedy set
COST:  $28.50, $118.50, $88.50, $53.50

WHAT:   WHERE:  Riverbank Park, Raymond Blvd & Van Buren St, Newark
WHEN:   Saturday   11am
WHY GO:  Youth Art Exhibit and Free Arts andCrafts Activities: 10 AM to 12 PM;  Music: School and Ethnic Performers : 12 PM - 4 PM;  Youth Art Exhibit and Free Arts and Crafts Activities: 11 AM - 4PM;  Music: School and Ethnic Performers: 12 PM - 4 PM

WHAT:  WHERE:  Newark Public Library, 5 Washington Street, Newark
WHEN:    Saturday   Noon – 3pm
WHY GO:  Meet the author of COMMANDER IN CHIC: Every Woman’s Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady, MIKKI TAYLOR, Beauty and Style Expert and Editor-at-Large of Essence magazine.

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.

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 – 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:   Prudential New Jersey Properties: Gertrude R Janett,  538 Bloomfield Ave, Verona
WHEN:     Saturday  7pm – 11pm
WHY GO:   The West Essex Regional Office, Montclair Office and Livingston Office of Prudential New Jersey Properties will be hosting a Community Shred-It event to benefit The Sunshine Kids Foundation.  There is no cost to local residents for the Community Shredding event; however, a donation to The Sunshine Kids Foundation is welcome. 

WHAT:  WHERE:   Verona Yoga and Wellness Center,  546 Bloomfield Ave, Verona
WHEN:    Sunday   7pm
WHY GO:   The idea is to relax, let go and restore.   The room is dark and candle lit, music is soft and relaxing.  You have a full hour of relaxation postures with the help of props, blocks, blankets and pillows to make you comfortable while you open your hips, chest, shoulders and your mind.  Essential oils and scented eye pillows will enhance your experience incorporating the relaxing sense of smell into your practice.  This class is Free but we will accept donations each month for a different worthy cause.