The Weekender: What's Happening in Belleville, Nutley and Beyond

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

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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-12pm,  2:30pm-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 a.m.
WHY GO: Challenge your chess skills and have fun!

MONTCLAIR

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 6:30 with the film at 7:00.  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

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:   Terra Tea and Fair Trade at the Isabel Rose Café, 50 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair
WHEN:    Saturday   1pm - 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 

NEWARK

WHAT:    
WHERE:  Zion Family Center, 38 11th Ave W, Newark
WHEN:    Friday  6:30 pm–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 – 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 – 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 GO:  Heart 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.