Calendar of Events

I have decided it would be easier to add monthly events to a Google calendar made up just for this site.

It is located at: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=rpdsb7q639tee757slpl1keso0@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

You will also be able to see it on the side panel.  But the link provided will give you access to add events you are interested in to your own calendar with a simple click.

I will still be posting the monthly list to this blog, but I felt it would be more user-friendly this way.

If you are reading this post from Facebook, the side panel I'm referring to is located on the Frugal NJ blog at http://frugalnj.blogspot.com/.

Upcoming Events - January 2010

Museums on Us
First weekend of the month (January 2 and 3)
Cost: Free for each Bank of America cardholder.
Bank of America offers free admission for caldholders to participating museums the first weekend of each month.
Participating Museums:
Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ.
Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ.
Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art, 591 Broad Street, Newark, NJ.
Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ.
Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ.
The Bronx Zoo, Fordham Road, New York, NY.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, 12th Avenue and 46th Street, New York, NY.
Whitney Museum of Art, 945 Madison Avenue, New York, NY.
New York Aquarium, Surf Avenue & West 8th Street, New York, NY

Kids Workshop: Calendar

Saturday, January 2 from 9 a.m. - noon.
At your local Home Depot
Cost: Free

Children ages 5 - 12.The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Bring new life to unwanted gifts

Jan. 2, Jan. 6, Jan. 7 and Jan. 8
Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore, at 102 on Iron Mountain Road, Suite H in Mine Hill
Instead of trashing that unwanted gift you just received for the holidays, the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) asks that you consider regifting the item to the Morris Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

The ReStore sells home improvement supplies, furnishings and appliances to the public. All of the items are donated and all proceeds fund Morris Habitat’s mission of building decent, affordable housing in partnership with families in need.

As long as the donations are new, the ReStore will accept nearly anything that is not perishable or subject to government regulation, during regular store hours.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the ReStore at 973-366-3358, or by visiting the ReStore Web site, www.morrisrestore.org.

Storytime at Watchung Booksellers
Tuesday, January 5, at 10:30 a.m.
Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield Street - Watchung Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07042
Cost: Free
Weekly storytime and songs with Miss Elaine. No registration required.

Free Music Together Class
Wednesday, January 6 at 9:30 a.m. OR 10:30 a.m.
Music Together, The Mews location, 594 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ, 07043
Cost: Free
Infants - 4-year-olds and their parents or caregivers. Free Music Together class for new families.
Call 973.509.0950 to reserve a spot.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films: Alvin and The Chipmunks 2
Saturday, January 9 at 10 a.m.
AMC Theaters
Cost: $6

For Autistic children and their families. Family favorite films shown in a comfortable way for children with autism.

Storytime at the Clifton Barnes & Noble
Saturday, January 9 at 11 a.m.

Barnes & Noble, 395 Rt. 3 East, Clifton, NJ.
Cost: Free

Miss Lisa's storytime includes songs, puppets, stories, coloring and her sidekick, Uncle Harold.


Winterfest at Taconic Outdoor Education Center
Sun, January 10, 2010, 11am – 4pm
75 Mountain Laurel Lane, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Cost: Adults $2, Kids $1
Be part of the National Winter Trails Day. Activities include snowshoeing, naturewalks, crafts and a live animal presentation. Food and beverages are available.

Storytime at Watchung Booksellers
Tuesday, January 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield Street - Watchung Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07042
Cost: Free
Weekly storytime and songs with Miss Elaine. No registration required.

Effective Breathing

On Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.
Park Ridge Public Library, 51 Park Ave, Park Ridge, NJ

Registered respiratory therapist and breathing trainer Betsy Thomason will discuss efficient breathing and the "BreathPlay" breathing system.

Visit the library to sign up for this event.

For further information contact the Park Ridge Public Library at 201-391-5151 or visit its Web site at bccls.org/parkridge.

Professor Toto Chinese Culture Time
Friday, January 15 at 2 p.m.
The Language Workshop for Children, 596 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair NJ, 07042 (Bloomfield and Midland Avenue)
Cost: Free
For children ages 2 and up. Watch a video and hear stories about Chinese culture.

Call 1(800) -731-0830 to reserve your spot!

Storytime at the Clifton Barnes & Noble
Saturday, January 16 at 11 a.m.

Barnes & Noble, 395 Rt. 3 East, Clifton, NJ.

Cost: Free

Miss Lisa's storytime includes songs, puppets, stories, coloring and her sidekick, Uncle Harold.

Storytime at Watchung Booksellers
Tuesday, January 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield Street - Watchung Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07042

Cost: Free

Weekly storytime and songs with Miss Elaine. No registration required.

Temple Sholom's Tot Shabbat
Friday, January 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Temple Sholom of West Essex, 760 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ.

For Jewish families. A song-filled service and dinner. Perfect for children up to first grade, but siblings are welcomed!
To make a reservation, call the Temple at 973-239-1321 or e-mail.

Storytime at the Clifton Barnes & Noble
Saturday, January 23 at 11 a.m.
Barnes & Noble, 395 Rt. 3 East, Clifton, NJ

Cost: Free

Miss Lisa's storytime includes songs, puppets, stories, coloring and her sidekick, Uncle Harold.

Creative Sparks - Gone to the Dogs
Saturday, January 23: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Noyes Museum of Art, 723 Lilylake Road, Oceanville, NJ, 609-652-8848
Cost: $4/child, $4/adult
For Ages 6-12. Fun and creative hands-on art class for kids. Families welcome. After looking at William Wegman’s photography, we’ll create our own dog-inspired art. We’ll combine magazine cut-outs of human figures, dog heads and various types of scenery, which will be combined to produce a fun and creative work of art. Pre-register by 1/21 to ensure your spot.

Temple Sholom's Tot Traditions
Sunday, January 24 at 10 a.m.
Temple Sholom of West Essex, 760 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ
Cost: $5 per family.

For Jewish families. Explore the rich tapestry of Jewish life with your toddler through song, dance, crafts, holiday foods, games and Hebrew language. Each monthly session will focus on a different Jewish holiday. Perfect for toddlers, but siblings are welcomed!
Members and Non-members welcomed.

Montclair State University Gifted and Talented Program's Open House
Sunday, January 24 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Academically Gifted and Talented Youth Program, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07043.
Cost: Free

For Parents and children in grades K-11. Meet the teachers and learn about the program.

Storytime at Watchung Booksellers

Tuesday, January 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield Street - Watchung Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07042

Cost: Free
Weekly storytime and songs with Miss Elaine.

No registration required.

A Winter Open House
Thursday, January 28 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Princeton University Art Museum Princeton, NJ 08544 609-258-3788

Cost: Museum admission is free, please call to confirm that this event is also free.

Whether you are a weekly regular or a first-time guest, there is no better chance to experience the Art Museum than at our Winter Open House. Drop-in after work or bring the family after dinner for an evening filled with art, refreshments, and prizes. Docents will be available throughout the Museum eager to offer insights into some of the Museum’s most beloved treasures.

Storytime at Clifton's Barnes & Noble
Saturday, January 30 at 11 a.m.
Barnes & Noble, 395 Rt. 3 East, Clifton, NJ
Cost: Free
Miss Lisa's storytime includes songs, puppets, stories, coloring and her sidekick, Uncle Harold.

Animal Tracks In The Woods

Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Hillsdale Free Public Library

Cost: Free
The lecture, "Animal Tracks in the Snow", will be presented by Patrick Scheuer, director of the Lorrimar Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes.

Ice Harvest & Children's Craft at The Howell Living History Farm

Sunday, Janaury 31 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
70 Wooden's Lane, Lambertville, New Jersey (Farm Entrance)
Cost: Free to enter museum, $3.00 for children's craft

Each year at Howell Farm the program season opens with the annual ice harvesting event. This event recreates a slice of Pleasant Valley life that was an important winter job each year. The ice cut in January or February would typically supply the farmers throughout the year when stored in an efficient ice house such as ours.

During the program, visitors help farmers cut, chop and shave ice, fill an ice house, and make ice cream. Conditions permitting, visitors can also join the harvest crew on the frozen pond and take a turn using an "ice saw." Ice ponds were important to the farmers of New Jersey in the 1890s and a state law prohibited ice skating on ponds from which ice was gathered.

What if, against the prediction of "The Old Farmer's Almanac," there is no ice on the pond? The work still goes on, as it probably would have a century ago when farmers faced with warmer winters filled their ice houses with commercial ice.
Children's craft program:  Ice Candles
On a walk-in basis (Groups of eight or more must pre-register for the craft)

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

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If you know of any other upcoming events, programs or activities, please contact us via email at frugalnj@gmx.com.

Ice Skate for Free!

The Pond at Bryant Park in New York City is a great place where you can ice skate for free!

It could get a little costly if you don't own a pair of your own ice skates ($12 per rental, $9 for a locker).  But, if you do, or you don't mind the rental fee, it could be a fun winter activity for the whole family!

Bring someone along who likes to watch, but not skate, and you can bypass the locker fee by asking them to guard your personal items (and don't tell me you didn't think of that, too).

More information at: http://thepondatbryantpark.com/skate/info

Who says it's too cold out?

If you're already getting the winter blues, take heart!  You don't have to stay indoors all winter long, the Essex County Environmental Center has loads of winter activities for young and old, all the way through March 2010!

Here is a link to their current brochure:
http://www.essex-countynj.org/environdf.pdf


All of the activities require registration, and some of them will cost a small fee (indicated under each activity on the brochure).

FYI, their family fee of $9 currently applies to one adult and two children.  If you are attending as a family (both parents) the additional adult will have to pay an extra $7.

Enjoy your winter!

Upcoming Events - December 2009

It's the last month of the year!  And LOTS going on.  Whatever shall we do?

Where: Historic Smithville and Village Green

Christmas Train

Every weekend in December: 10 am - closing

Cost: $2.00
The Christmas Train will take you on a ride to see the whimsical decorated Village

Magical Talking Tree

Every weekend in December: Noon - 5 pm

Cost: Free
The Magical Talking Tree wakes up every weekend to talk to the young and young at heart.

SANTA strolls the Village

Every weekend in December: 1:00 - 8:00 pm

Cost: Free
A Victorian Santa strolls The Village… bring your camera

Story Time with Mrs. Claus

Every weekend in December: 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Cost: Free
Mrs. Claus will read stories to the children in her Christmas Cottage

Light Show on the Lake

Dec 3rd - Jan 3rd: Thurs, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Cost: Free
Watch in wonderment as over 100 Christmas trees, magically floating on our very own Lake Meone, light up to the music around you. It is an orchestrated show of lights and music played out across the lake.

For directions to Historic Smithville and Village Green for the above events, please visit: http://www.smithvillenj.com/directions/index.cfm

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CLASSIC HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES

Every Saturday afternoon, from 1-5pm

Red Bank Business District, Red Bank, NJ

Cost: Free

Ride through the Red Bank Business District and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season! 2 Locations: Bridge Avenue (across from the Galleria) and Murphy Style Grill (26 Broad Street)

Christmas Tree Ornament Workshop

Sunday, December 6: 10 a.m. to noon

Liberty Hall Museum - 1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083

Cost: $8 per child, includes all workshop materials
O’ Christmas tree…children will create old-fashioned ornaments, two to bring home and two for the Christmas tree in the Great Hall, the centerpiece of our lavish holiday decorations.
Reservations required at their website: http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/reservations.html 

Pre-K Discovery Program
Wednesday, December 9: from 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Van Vleck House & Gardens
Cost: $7: Friends of Van Vleck / $12 all others.  Adults free

Children ages 3 - 5

Guided hands-on activities and a story

Registration required by calling (973) 744-0837

Winter Lights: Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa

Thursday, December 10 at 6 p.m.

Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair  NJ, 07042

Cost: Free

 Diverse cultures express the idea of "bringing light" in many different ways, but all feature the common theme of candles. Join Brother Saalik Cuevas in an enriching exploration of cultures and history. Participants will create a poster celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas and/or Kwanzaa.  Ages 6 and up.

Registration began in November! :  973-744-0500 ext. 2236 

Your Kid Playing Winter Sports: What Every Parent Should Know
Thursday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m.

Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center at Montclair State Univ -  1 Normal Avenue, Montclair  NJ, 07043

Cost:  $5

Interactive seminar for parents and coaches examining issues in youth and scholastic winter sports. Panelists include former NHL player (and current Morristown-Beard High School girls hockey coach) Bruce Driver; Rutgers University wrestling coach Scott Goodale; Seton Hall University athletic director Joe Quinlan; and Montclair State University swimming coach Brian McLaughlin.

RSVP at (973) 655-6891.

HOLIDAY HARMONIES

Saturday, December 12th & 19th: 12-3pm
Red Bank Business District, Red Bank, NJ

Cost: FREE

Traditional carolers, choirs, brass bands, rock, folk, jazz & blues musicians bring holiday tunes to the sidewalks of Red Bank! 

Winterland at Flowerland

Saturday, December 12 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Flowerland, 329 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ

Cost: Free. Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus are $15 per family. Proceeds from photo sittings will benefit the Caldwell Downtown Alliance
A holiday celebration to take place this holiday season in the heart of Caldwell's downtown. There will be photo-ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, screenings of classic holiday movies, carolers and other live entertainment, as well as refreshments and other treats. 

Temple Sholom's Tot Shabbat
Saturday, December 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Temple Sholom of West Essex

Cost: To make a reservation, call the Temple at 973-239-1321 or e-mail.

A song-filled service and dinner. For Jewish families. Perfect for children up to first grade, but siblings are welcomed!

Visit With the Author: David Ezra Stein

Saturday, December 12 at 3 p.m.

Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair  NJ, 07042

Cost: Free

Stein, author of "Cowboy Ned & Andy", will read his new book "Pouch!" and show kids and their parents how he draws "Joey", the book's main character. He will also read his book "Leaves" and lead the audience in some "yoga for trees."  Ages 5 and up. 

Registration is required and limited. Registration began in November by telephone, 973-744-0500 ext. 2236

Winter Wonderland Magic show

Saturday, December 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Nutley Public Library, 93 booth Drive, Nutley, NJ

Cost: Free

Winter themed Magic show by Full Effect Productions.  Call 973.667.0405 for more information.

Glen Ridge Winter Wonderland and Food Drive

Saturday, December 12th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Woman's Club of Glen Ridge, 219 Ridgewood Ave, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028

Cost:  Members: $10 per individual, $25 max per family. Non-members: $12 per individual, $30 max per family.  Children 2 under attend free.

Tickets available here: http://www.womensclubglenridge.com/childrens_page.html

Children can bring a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair...and then visit with Santa Claus, ride the “sledding” hill, decorate a life-sized gingerbread house, take home a delicious decorated gingerbread cookie, create some fun seasonal crafts.  Lunch items will be available for purchase.

CLIFTON CANDYLAND 

Saturday, December 12th: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Clifton City Hall, 900 Clifton Ave, Clifton , NJ 97013

Cost: $6.00 (parents & children need a ticket) and includes all of the activities listed below.

Join us for an adventure through Clifton Candyland – a land of carriage rides, candy canes, holiday crafts, games, refreshments and of course a visit from SANTA CLAUS. The Recreation Department along with the Clifton National League will sponsor this new event just in time for the holidays. Bring your hat, mittens, scarf and blanket for the main attraction- a HORSE DRIVEN CARRIAGE RIDE through the City Hall Complex and stay warm as you ride and sing holiday songs. While waiting for assigned Horse Driven Carriage ride, follow the Candyland signs to visit the other activity stations.

Green Signs – Refreshment Area hot drinks, juice & donuts)

Purple Signs – Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt(flashlights will be provided).

Blue Signs – Holiday Craft Station

Yellow Signs – Horse Driven Carriage Ride

Red Signs – Santa Visit & Photos

Orange Signs – Candy Cane Playstation

PRE-REGISTRATION is required and can be done at the Recreation Department. There is a limited number of seats available for each carriage ride and will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis (No exceptions!).  Participants will receive tickets for all of the other scheduled activities. However, you can participate in those activities at any time during the event. Call the Recreation Weather Hotline at (973) 470-5680 for weather related event updates.

Montclair Art Museum's Free Family Day

Sunday, December 13 from  1 p.m. -  5 p.m.

Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair NJ 07042

Cost: Free

Families are invited to participate in art projects, demonstrations, workshops, and gallery activities, all inspired by MAM's exhibition Cézanne and American Modernism.

MENORAH LIGHTING

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009: 6 p.m.
Red Bank Train Station on Monmouth Street

Cost: Free

Celebrate the season of Hanukkah and join together as the Menorah is lit. Enjoy songs and traditional celebration in honor of the first night of the Festival of Lights.

Old-Fashioned Christmas

Sunday, December, 13: 1-4 p.m.

Hageman Farm House - 209 S. Middlebrush Road, Somerset, NJ 08873

Cost: A parking donation of $5 is appreciated

The Meadows Foundation will proudly present its annual “Old-Fashioned Christmas at Hageman Farm.” The event will include tree decorating, children’s holiday crafts including decorating miniature gingerbread houses to take home, refreshments, and a special appearance by the nationally known Franklin High School Madrigal Singers. There will also be tours of this historic property throughout the day. Hageman Farm is located at 209 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset. For more information please call 908-892-6962.

Pajama Storytime

Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair  NJ, 07042

Cost: Free

What: Go dressed in your PJ's, bring your coziest stuffed animal buddy and enjoy an entertaining evening full of winter bedtime tales.  Ages 3 - 6.

Registration is required. Registration begins: Monday, September 21 in person, Tuesday September 22 by telephone, 973-744-0500 ext. 2236

Holiday Lights at Turtle Back Zoo

Wednesday, December 16th: 5pm - 9pm

Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052

Cost: $7 Adults $3 Children

Experience Turtle Back Zoo in the winter as 100,000 bulbs and 50 lit displays illuminate the zoo this holiday season!

Explore the zoo, see all the lights and maybe even an animal or two.

21st Annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration

Thursday, December 17 at 5 p.m.

Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair  NJ, 07042

Cost: Free

Celebrate community spirit with a performance by the African Dance Theater & Education Center of Irvington, and a Kwanzaa libation ceremony. Books, clothes and artifacts will also be available at the African Market in the Library Art Gallery.

Registration is required. Call 973-744-0500 ext. 2236

Sundaes With Santa

Thursday, December 17th: 3:30 pm

Little Scoops, 326 Harrington Avenue, Closter, NJ 07624

Cost: $8 for kids and free for adults

Make your own sundaes, a visit from Santa with a special gift, and some music and dancing. 

If you have never been before, this is a great, clean 

children's facility that is designed like a 50s ice cream shop.

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If you know of any other upcoming events, programs or activities, please contact us via email at frugalnj@gmx.com.