The Weekender: What's Happening in the Caldwells and Beyond

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

CALDWELLS

WHAT:  
WHERE:   First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell,  326 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell
WHEN:  Friday & Saturday  at 7:30 p.m.  and Sunday at 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 at 7 p.m.  (check-in 6 to 7 p.m.)
WHY GO:  Admission Chips 8k, Hot and Cold Buffet, Dessert, Beer and Soft Drinks.  Buy Backs $70 for full stack 1st hour unlimited / 1 time Add Ons $50 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 at 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. Tio sign-up, call the Library at 973-226-5441.

MONTCLAIR

WHAT:  
WHERE:  7 Spectacular Homes in Montclair
WHEN:   Friday  9am – 2pm 
WHY GO:  Homes of Montclair, presented by Coldwell Banker, is a self-guided tour of seven gracious homes on Friday, May 11, 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, from 10 a.m. to 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, at 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 Street & Watchung Avenue, 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 12. 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: 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 at 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:   Presby Memorial Gardens,  474 Upper Mountain Ave., Montclair
WHEN:     Sunday from 1 to 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 11 a.m. 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

CEDAR GROVE

WHAT:   
WHERE:  Cedar Grove Library, 1 Municipal Plz, Cedar Grove
WHEN:    Saturday at 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.

VERONA

WHAT: WHERE: Verona Community Center Annex, 880 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
WHEN: Friday at 1 p.m.
WHY GO: Drop in on Fridays 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 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
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 at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. 

WHAT:  WHERE:   Verona Yoga and Wellness Center,  546 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
WHEN:    Sunday at 7 p.m.
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.

BLOOMFIELD

WHAT:   WHERE:  Westminster Arts Center, 449 Franklin St., Bloomfield
WHEN:    Saturday  at 8 p.m.  &  Sunday at 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
WHEN:    Saturday from 10 a.m. to 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, contact: Jackie Hanlon at 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.