Community Corner
Thanksgiving Weekend—After the Turkey
What to do once the turkey is eaten and the shopping is done.
The turkey has all been eaten, the shopping is in the bag—now what? If you are wondering what to do with the remainder of your long weekend, Patch has suggestions for exciting and interesting things-to-do locally. Toast marshmallows around a campfire at the Environmental Center, run the Turkey Trot for Progeria research, and meet Santa in Caldwell. Local churches kick off the Advent season with craft events and music, and the zoo is lighting up for the holidays. Read on for the details of these events and others, and feel free to add your own suggestions for weekend fun to the comments section.
Where/When: , Bloomfield & Lakeside Avenues, Verona; Saturday registration starts at 8:30 a.m., run at 10 a.m., and walk at 10:10 a.m.
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Why Go? . This degenerative disease prematurely ages young children, leaving them with a life expectancy of about 13 years of age. Zoey just celebrated her 2nd birthday and we would like to see her and other children with this condition celebrate as many birthdays as they can! Please join in the fight against Progeria by walking or running.
Pricing: Runners $20, Walkers $15, Family Special $50
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Where/When: , 329 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Why Go? The jolly old elf himself will make an appearance at Flowerland to usher in the holiday season! Have pictures taken for holiday cards and gifts—kids and pets are welcome.
Pricing: FREE
Where/When: , 235 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; Saturday at 4 p.m.
Why Go? Prepare your home for Christmas by making a wreath, and prepare your heart for Christmas learning more about Advent, the first season of the Church year. Cookie sampling takes place in Café Emmanuel, so please bring cookies to share, and beverages will be provided.
Pricing: $12 per wreath kit
Where/When: , 326 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; Sunday at 2 p.m.
Why Go? Make ornaments and other holiday decorations by visiting at least half a dozen different craft stations. All skill levels and ages are welcome—craft elves will be available to help at all tables. This event promotes family togetherness, so parents are encouraged to work with their children. Crafts will be followed by a brief devotional time noting the First Sunday of Advent, then a carol sing-along.
Pricing: FREE
Where/When: , 10 Fairview Ave., Verona; Sunday at 3 p.m.
Why Go? This Christmas Concert includes a flute play-along, so if you play, bring your flute and contribute to the finale!
Pricing: FREE—a goodwill offering will be taken to benefit The Interfaith Hospitality Network
Where/When: , 326 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Why Go? Broadway star Ron Bohmer will MC and share some his favorite songs. Joining him is a stellar cast of performers from the Great White Way: Sandra Joseph, Robert Dusold, Natalie Toro and Ron's talented daughter, Miss Austin Bommer. This family-friendly show will appeal to all ages.
Pricing: Tickets may be purchased in advance at the church office for $15. Admission at the door will be $20.
Where/When: , 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Why Go? Tour the zoo grounds after dark and view the 100,000 bulbs and 40 lighted displays that illuminate the zoo this holiday season. The Turtle Back Zoo will be collecting non-perishable food, winter coats and unwrapped new toys for the needy each evening. Help the lights shine a little brighter this year with your donation.
Pricing: FREE
Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center, 621b Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland; Friday at noon
Why Go? A roaring campfire, marshmallows, cider and popcorn … celebrate the joys of harvest season at the Environmental Center. Dress appropriately as this event is outdoors! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pricing: $6 for children, $8 for adults. Preregistration is required.
Where/When: , 5 Fairfield Ave., West Caldwell; Friday at 7 p.m.
Why Go? Support the Caldwell Wrestling Club while enjoying a round of Poker. Admission includes chips, hot and cold buffet, dessert, beer and soft drinks. Ages 21 and older only, please. And you don’t have to have any experience at the game to have fun!
Pricing: $100 per person, walk-ins are welcome.
