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Community Corner

The Weekender: What's Happening in Verona, Cedar Grove and Beyond

Community Shred-It on Saturday in Verona.


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

VERONA

WHAT: WHERE: Verona Community Center Annex, 880 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
WHEN: Friday 1 p.m.
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.

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WHAT:   
WHERE
:  1st Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Ave., Verona
WHEN:  Saturday 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
WHY GO: 
Our mission starts and ends with helping you achieve 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 at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

WHAT: WHERE: Prudential New Jersey Properties: Gertrude R Janett,  538 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
WHEN: Saturday  10 a.m.–12 p.m.
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.

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

WHAT: WHERE: Verona Yoga and Wellness Center, 546 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
WHEN: Sunday 7 p.m.
WHY GO: The idea is to relax, let go and restore. The room is dark and candlelit, the 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. 

CEDAR GROVE

WHAT: 
WHERE: Cedar Grove Library, 1 Municipal Plaza, Cedar Grove
WHEN:  Saturday 8 a.m. (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 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
WHY GO: The Thrift Shop of the Community Church of Cedar Grove will be open for business on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and also Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Donations are accepted during shop hours. For more information, call (973) 857-2762 during shop hours. 

CALDWELLS

WHAT:  
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell,  326 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
WHEN: Friday & Saturday  7:30 p.m.  and  Sunday  6 p.m.
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  7 p.m. (check-in 6-7 p.m.)
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 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (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  2 p.m.
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. To sign-up, call the library at (973) 226-5441. 

MONTCLAIR

WHAT:  
WHERE: 7 Spectacular Homes in Montclair
WHEN: Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 
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  10 a.m.–5 p.m.
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 7 p.m.
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 9 a.m.
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   4 p.m.
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  1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
WHY GO: Spend the day with your family at the Rainbow on the Hill! Tickets to a 1 p.m. 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 4 p.m. 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 10 a.m.
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! 

BLOOMFIELD

WHAT:  
WHERE: 
Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN: 
Friday 11 a.m.
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  6 p.m.
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 at (973) 429-0960

WHAT: WHERE: Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., Bloomfield
WHEN: Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
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: Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin St, Bloomfield
WHEN: Saturday  8 p.m.  &  Sunday 2 p.m.
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 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
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 a.m. and 11 a.m., on the green. Judging:  11:30 a.m. Prize ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. 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: Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., Bloomfield
WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m.
WHY GO: Challenge your chess skills and have fun!

WHAT: WHERE: Democratic Headquarters, Broughton Ave., Bloomfield
WHEN: Saturday 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
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.

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