This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

The Weekender: What's Happening in Bloomfield and Beyond

Shows by 'Nutty by Nature' and Matt Maher Highlight this Weekend

 

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 

Find out what's happening in Bloomfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

WHAT:  
WHERE
:   41 Broughton Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN:      Friday   8:30pm
WHY GO:  Come join the fun with a Great variety of Songs and Talent.  Call for reservations 973-748-6590.

WHAT: 
WHERE:  New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts, 593 Bloomfield Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday  8 p.m.
WHY GO:   Improv Comedy - Nutty By Nature, now in its 15th year as New Jersey’s premier improv troupe, will be performing their new improv comedy show, Nuts 2 U!   The show is based entirely on audience suggestions! “After all”, says troupe director Paul Accello, “the only thing better than having a great idea is watching it come to life right before your eyes”!  In addition to providing the material for the show, audience members are encouraged to bring their own crazy “props” that the actors will use during the show!   Tickets are $10 and may be reserved by calling 973-566-9700, Ext 4.

Find out what's happening in Bloomfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

WHAT:    WHERE:  60 Newark Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday and Sunday   9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  Huge yard sale to benefit non-profit  “A Purrfect World” cat sanctuary. 9-4, rain date June 9 & 10.  Come buy a treasure and help save a kitty.

WHAT:  
WHERE
:  John A Bukowski Animal Shelter, 61 Bukowski Place, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Sunday   1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  Meet some of our kittens in foster who will be on-site at the Bloomfield Animal Shelter! These kittens will stay in foster care until they are 8 weeks old, but we are taking applications now so that we will be able to place them in homes as soon as they are ready. When the kittens go home, they will be given an appointment to return for their neuter/spay that will be handled (and paid for) through the shelter.

WHAT:   WHERE:  St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN:    Sunday   7:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  Matt Maher, a Catholic worship leader, songwriter, singer and recording artist, has embraced his calling as a “musical missionary” to impact a global stage.  Maher is well known for writing worship anthems including “Your Grace Is Enough,” “As It Is In Heaven,” “I Will Rise,” “Hold Us Together” and “Christ Is Risen.” His songs have appeared among the top 10 ranked songs on the CCLI chart, marking their popularity in church services worldwide, while also being recorded by artists including Chris Tomlin, Audrey Assad, Matt Redman, and the Passion movement.  
COST:  Tickets at the door $15.00

 

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

WHAT:  
WHERE
:  Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street
WHEN:    Saturday  10:00 a.m. to Noon and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
WHY GO:  Introduction to POWERFUL techniques that increase your well-being through:
  • Reduced stress
  • Increased health & well being
  • More ease & joy in personal relationships
  • Improved self-esteem
  • Greater creativity and clarity of mind
  • A deeper sense of community

 

MONTCLAIR

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Van Vleck House and Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair
WHEN:   Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day
WHY GO:  The Roses to Rock Gardens tour is self-guided. Admission may be purchased in advance or on the day of the tour. Guide booklets with property descriptions and maps of the tour are picked up from Van Vleck House, where coffee will be available to participants on the mornings of the tour. Tickets are valid for Friday and Saturday, but each garden can be visited only once. Audio narratives accessible by cell phone are available for each garden. Not all gardens are wheelchair accessible. Children over 12 are welcome. 
COST:  Tour tickets are $30 prepaid, or $35 at the door. Prices for Friends of Van Vleck are $25 prepaid and $30 at the door. 

WHAT:  WHERE:  Studio Players, 14 Alvin Place, Montclair
WHEN:  Friday and Saturday  8:00 p.m. ;   Sunday  3:00 p.m.   
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 Otello, 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 for adults, $15 for students and seniors age 65 and up

WHAT:  
WHERE
:   Montclair Art Museum, 3 S. Mountain Ave, Montclair 
WHEN:     Saturday  10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  The Montclair Art Museum is hosting its third juried affordable art fair. Collecting Art: An Affordable Art Fair supports regional artists by offering an outlet for the sale of artworks. Artists will offer their works for prices under $500 to promote the affordable collecting of contemporary art for visitors to the Museum. MAM will be offering free admission to the Museum galleries on Saturday and admission to Collecting Art is also free. 

WHAT:  
WHERE:   Tierney’s Tavern, Valley Road, Montclair
WHEN:    Saturday  8:30 p.m.
WHY GO Montclair's The Porchistas are releasing their third CD in three years on their home stage at Tierneys Tavern - "the baby album" (titled in celebration of a newbie Porchista expected in July) is ten tracks of original Porchistas music.  Also performing are the recent winners of the Asbury Park Music Awards best acoustic act Thomas Wesley Stern and the band that always brings the dance party, Jersey City's big band, swing, R&B The One & Nines.

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
:    Montclair Women's Club, 82 Union St, Montclair
WHEN:      Sunday  11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHY GO:  Join us for an exciting new six-part series from our new minister, Rev. Elizabeth Mora, as she joins Unity of Montclair. Calling on the best spiritual teachings and practices, Rev. Mora will take us on a path of exploration into core truth practices  that have the power to transform our lives and bring us greater peace, love and joy. Blending principles from Unity, psychology, Buddhism, and more, and drawing on insights from her own life, we begin the next phase of our ministry filled with excitement with all that lies ahead for each of us, our church and our world.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Montclair Art Museum, 3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair
WHEN:    Saturday  10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
WHY GO:  The afternoon will feature a performance of “Happily Ever After…A Cinderella Tale” followed by a Tea Party at the Palace, complete with delectable food and drink, behind-the-scenes tours, photos with a favorite character from the show and the opportunity to tour the Montclair Art Museum. Pushcart Players will also host a silent auction during the afternoon tea. 
COST:   $25 for children (12 and under) and $45 for adults.  Reservations should be made by calling Pushcart at 973-857-1115

 

CALDWELLS

WHAT:  
WHERE:  West Caldwell Public Library, 30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell
WHEN:    Friday & Saturday   9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  Janet has been a resident of Caldwell for more than 17 years. While she has always been fascinated with nature, and relatively recently that she realized her true creative passion: observing and photographing birds - her art has expanded to include other flying creatures - notably picturesque butterflies and moths, not to overlook her beautiful photos of trees, flowers, landscapes, as well as other animals. 

WHAT:  
WHERE:  West Caldwell Public Library, 30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell
WHEN:  Friday  1:00 p.m.
WHY GO:   An elderly and senile Margaret Thatcher (England’s first female Prime Minister) looks back on her life and struggles to come to terms with the recent death of her husband.. She talks to him and he comments on the successes and failures of her political career, her rise to power, and her life. 

WHAT:   
WHERE
:   The First Baptist Church of Caldwell,  257 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell
WHEN:     Friday 7:00 p.m. – Saturday 6:00 p.m. – Sunday 11:00 a.m.
WHY GO
:   The tent meeting will feature the Jacobs Brothers Trio, and guest speaker Dan Souza.  There will also be free food and refreshments to enjoy.   Free Bibles to guests!

WHAT:   WHERE:   NC Fire Department Community Center, 132 Gould Avenue, North Caldwell
WHEN:     Sunday  8:00 a.m. to Noon
WHY GO:  31st Annual Pancake Breakfast.   Proceeds go to "Friends of Derek McConnell"..
COST:  Adults $6.00, Children 5-12 $3.00, Children under 5 - FREE

 

CEDAR GROVE

WHAT:   
WHERE:  St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 339 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Thursday, May 31st through Sunday, June 3rd. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  Join St. Catherine's for its Annual Carnival with exciting games and fun rides for all ages.  The Carnival features a Super 50/50, an expansive Food Court in the upper parking area and an air-conditioned indoor Kids World in the School Gym for the little ones with an enticing cafe full of tempting treats for all. 

WHAT:   WHERE:  Temple Sholom of West Essex, 760 Pompton Ave,  Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Friday   6:30 p.m.
WHY GO:  Come join us for a Rock 'n Roll Shabbat service experience. Friday June 1 @6:30pm Mama Doni will show us all about celebrating Shabbat in a fun, cool way.  Songs include: 'Hollah for Your Challah'; 'Disco Shabbat Shalom'; 'Shabbat Shaboom' and ' Light the Candles'.  Fun for the whole family.  RSVP is required by calling the temple; 973-239-1321.

WHAT: 
WHERE:  
Cedar Grove Library, 1 Municipal Plz, Cedar Grove
WHEN:
     The artwork will be on exhibit from May 24 through July 24
WHY GO:    An art major in college, Mrs. Hall has been practicing her craft for over 40 years. Working in opaque watercolors, the exhibit will feature 13 pieces painted between 2002 and 2011.  

WHATWHERE:   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 Saturdays from 10am to 12:30pm.  Donations are accepted during shop hours.  For more information, call 857-2762 during shop hours.

 

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:  Verona Park, Bloomfield Ave & Lakeside Ave, Verona
WHEN:   Saturday  10am – 5pm
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.

 

NEWARK

WHAT:   
WHERE:   284 Broadway, Newark
WHEN:     Friday & Saturday   10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHY GO   The New Day Charter High School will open in September 2012 with 100 students in grades 9 through 12. In order to secure a spot, please register for the lottery on Monday, June 4, as soon as possible by filling out a registration form online.  Your registration is not complete until you submit required documents (proof of guardianship and three proofs of Newark residence) in person.   In addition to the Open House, registrations are being accepted BY APPOINTMENT at 284 Broadway, Newark, during business hours. Please call Phil DeFalco at 973-482-8411 to schedule an appointment.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark
WHEN:    FRIDAY   Game Time - 6:35 p.m.,  Gates Open 5:30 p.m.
WHY GO:  The Bears will honor cancer survivors with a special Survivor Night. If you or someone you know has beat the battle of cancer, this is your night to celebrate! Before the first pitch is thrown, join the rest of us outside under the concourse for this year’s weekly edition of Locker Wars! Individual lockers will be filled with goodies and treasures where fans will have the opportunity to look inside of each locker before the game. The Bears will auction off the contents inside each individual locker. Participants must be 21 and older but spectators of all ages are welcomed. Winners must be present to claim their prizes and be available for pictures after the auction. Don’t forget… Friday means team autographs and FIREWORKS after the game!
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.  Visit this exhibition of recent acquisitions of the Special Collections Division.

WHAT:   
WHERE
:  Central High School, 246 18th Ave, Newark
WHEN:    Saturday   9:30 a.m.  – 3:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  This unprecedented conference is to educate and motivate the entire community to get involved in the fight against Sickle Cell. It will include physician, patient, and parent panels along with our keynote speaker, Dr. Lennette J. Benjamin, Professor Emerita, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Board Member of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc..  Register: http://­www.­dtdsi­cklecell.­org/­registration

WHAT:  
WHERE:  Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark
WHEN:    SATURDAY  6:35 p.m.
WHY GO:  Gamers… get to the ballpark at 4pm for a chance to compete in the new Vidiot competition. Individuals that love video gaming, test your skills against the King of the Vidiots! Winner will receive a brand new gaming system! Ever wished you could perform in a Broadway show? Well now is your chance… the night will include a vocal audition for a solo act in July at the Bears Stadium where a winner will perform during the play “Broadway Meets Baseball”, written and directed by Broadway’s very own composer Neil Berg. After the game, stick around for the Launch-a-Ball contest, where fans get to purchase tennis balls for $1, and throw them from anywhere in the stands into four hula hoops that are placed in the outfield. Land your tennis ball into a hoop and win many different prizes, and one hoop will bag a $500 prize!  Catch a foul ball during any Bears home game and keep the ball PLUS, the 1st 10 fouls caught receive choice of either a FREE hot dog, drink or Bears ticket!!!  Just bring your catch to the main concession stand to claim your prize!
COST:   $10.  Seniors, 65 years+ take advantage of the Bears Senior Discount, 2 for 1 admission - all season

WHAT:  
WHERE:
      260 Norfolk St, Newark
WHEN:    Saturday   11am – 2pm 
WHY GO:  Hip Hop Learning "Hip Hop 4 Life" is a 6 week course of action that teaches students about the impact that Hip Hop Kulture has on societies in America and throughout the world. The Hip Hop Arts and Sciences will be taught utilizing multi-media technology presentations to guide students to find their life purpose from a Hip Hop perspective.  There will be guest presentations and performances from other Hip Hop professionals as well. For more information, contact JahJah Shakur, 908-548-7652.

WHAT: 
WHERE: 
Branch Brook Park – Heller Parkway Section
WHEN:    Sunday  9 a.m. to Noon
WHY GO:  To Benefit the Children’s Hospital of NJ at Newark Beth Israel Hospital.  Contact Christina Vuocolo at 732-576-8181 or email at christina@randyfoye.org    1 mile, 5k race, & 5k walk
COST:  $25 Entrance Fee

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark
WHEN:    SUNDAY    Game starts 1:05pm
WHY GO:  Hey Moms, ever wanted to show off your baseball/softball skills in front of your kids? Well, now is your chance. Before Sunday’s game between the Newark Bears and the St. Paul Saints, Mothers and child(ren) join us on the field at Riverfront Stadium for Pitch and Catch! Moms and their kid(s) are welcome to take part on the field for a free pitch and catch at 11am; so bring your gloves and baseballs. Participants must register beforehand, which is free with the price of admission to that days Newark Bears game.   ALL kids 12 years and under EAT FREE!!! Parents must retrieve their voucher at the will-call window before the 3rd inning.
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.

WHAT:  
WHERE
:  Skippers, 304 University Ave, Newark 
WHEN:   Sunday   5:30pm – 9pm
WHY GO:  Come enjoy our Sunday Jazz Matinee every Sunday featuring a variety of well known and respected regional/local artists including Frank Noviello, Yotam Silberstein, Annette St. John, Marvin Horne, Bill Saxton, and more.
COST:  There is a $10.00 minimum purchase during live performances.

 

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, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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:  7 Sanford Ave, Belleville
WHEN:    Friday  11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHY GO:  YES it is safe to donate blood!   Generally, people in good health are eligible to donate. Blood donors must be 16 years of age or older. There are no upper age limits. You should eat meals at regular times. 

WHAT:   
WHERE:  
The Chandelier, 340 Franklin Ave, Belleville
WHEN:    Friday  7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  Honorees this year are Peg Sullivan Belleville Irish woman of the Year. Peg is a long time member and officer as well as being very active with the Parish of St. Peter in Belleville.  Ed Saegers is the Belleville Irishman of the year. Ed is a long time member who has been very active in the community and is currently President of the Lyons Club.  For tickets please call Patrick Millar at 201-427-0694 or email at Bellevilleirish@comcast.net.   Cost  $60.00

WHAT:  
WHERE:   
Clara Maass Medical Center, in the rear parking area (Kidde Hall Lot) of the Medical Center, located at One Clara Maass Drive, Belleville, 
WHEN:   
Saturday   Noon to 3:00 p.m. 
WHY GO:  Participants unite in a symbolic event to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive.   More than 200 Clara Maass cancer survivors, accompanied by family and friends are expected to be in attendance.  The day will feature a Summer Olympic theme with plenty of food, games, music and fun.   Clara Maass Medical Center cancer survivors are invited to attend and bring up to three guests. Please call 1.888.724.7123, to register for this event.

 

NUTLEY

WHAT:  Friday Afternoon at the Movies  
WHERE
:  Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, Nutley
WHEN:  Friday  2pm
WHY GO:  Come enjoy a free movie with friends.

WHAT:  
WHERE:  TNT Fitness Studio,86 Union Ave, Nutley
WHEN:    Sunday  10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHY GO:  Come on down to experience the best in group fitness classes with some of the areas well known instructors of Zumba®, Zumba® Toning, Boot Camp, Cardio Kick, Yoga, Pilates, Bar Fit and Personal Training.  We will also have an array of children's classes beginning in June.  Some of the classes being offered are Kids Yoga, Ballet, Creative Movement, Zumbatomic®, Mommy/Daddy & Me Yoga. There is NO MEMBERSHIP required . . . all classes are pay as you go!!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?