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Grab & Go offers activities for you and your family to enjoy together.
Livingston firefighters are hoping you’ll answer the call on Sunday when they open the S. Livingston Avenue station for a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after the siren sounds. The Fire Department will host an open house from 1-5 p.m. This community-wide event is designed for families to come and visit the firehouse. You'll meet the firefighters who answer more than 1,000 calls a year, day and night, for all kinds of emergencies. (Learn more by watching the video from last year’s event).   This year, you’re invited to: A real “Fire Safety Training House,” Stop-Drop-Roll demonstration…
New Jersey's pumpkin picking season usually starts around Sept. 15, with peak activity from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15. Pick-your-own apple and pumpkin farms are plentiful in New Jersey, but each offers something a bit different. Some have rides; others elaborate corn mazes. Check out our Patch list below for some ideas about where to go and please feel free to add your own favorite spots! — Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey 84 Route 513 (Old Route 24) Chester, New Jersey Phone: 908-879-7189 At Alstede you can pick apples, pumpkins, get lost in mazes, and enjoy hayrides daily from 9 a.m. tol 7 p.m…
Since its 1969 publication, Eric Carle’s beloved children's book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” has sold 30 million copies. That’s one every 30 seconds. Through the decades, readers have found the 83-year-old artist/author’s animals, as well as his insects and people, irresistible. Some time ago, Carle and wife Barbara began traveling extensively, especially in Japan where picture book art is deeply embedded in the culture.  (My most treasured book is “Hokusai: One Hundred Poets” by the extraordinary 19th century painter and printmaker known for “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.") Japan is home …
Lock your doors, turn on your porch light and spend the evening outdoors fighting crime. The Livingston Police Department is hosting National Night Out on Tuesday to build stronger bonds between the community and local law enforcement. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with tons of freebies, including food and soft drinks, inflatable rides, face painting, balloons and carnival games for children, a live band, folk and line dancing demonstrations, a DJ, law enforcement displays, safety/security demonstrations and anti-drug activities.  Other attractions will include the Saint Barnabas Burn …
Docents at the Turtle Back Zoo lead the way with flashlights as groups of parents and children follow, ready to see animals such as porcupines, a crocodile named Peaches, and wolves — all at night.Night Moves is a special tour designed to take visitors through the zoo when night falls, allowing children to learn about the different behaviors animals take on at night.Night Moves will resume with tours on July 19 and August 18. The cost is $7 for adults and children. Tours start at 8 p.m. See video for more details.
As the Harry Potter saga comes to a spectacular conclusion with the release of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 this weekend, the Livingston Public Library invites all wizards and muggles to its Harry Potter Extravaganza this Thursday, July 14, at 7:30 p.m. Join fans of all-things-Potter for a magical time celebrating this wondrous series of books and the movies they’ve spawned. Come in costume to experience some of the spellbinding sense of emotion and energy author J.K. Rowling has inspired as you create wands and (gasp!) potions!     For die-hard readers of the book and those …
Sunday is a day of peace and love as nearby Maplewood hosts a day of music at Maplewoodstock. Maplewoodians and their neighbors are donning their tie-dye, festooning their love beads and flinging off their flip-flops as they dance and picnic on the hill in Memorial Park,  soaking up the rays, breezes and tunes at Maplewood's annual arts and music festival. Did we mention it's free? Photographer Bob Krasner captures key moments from Day 1 of Maplewoodstock 2011. Sunday's schedule: MAPLEWOODSTOCK SCHEDULE: DAY 2Sunday, July 10, 2011 12:00 P.M. — New Dakota (fun, eclectic mix of modern and …
For children "traveling" to the Livingston Library, the library's "One World, Many Stories" summer reading program will help transport them to countries across the globe, to magical kingdoms, and through space and time! The summer kick-off celebration is Thursday and includes the creation of a fiber-text collage for permanent display in the Children's Room conducted by illustrator Adrienne Yorinks. “The benefits of summer reading has long been proven to help children be successful readers, students, and ultimately, life-long learners,” said Gina Vaccaro, Children’s Librarian.  Families can …
Livingston’s community pools open on Saturday weather permitting (there's a chance of  thunderstorms are predicted after 2 p.m.), and the weekend’s official opening finds the pools splash-ready. Both the Haines Memorial and Northland Pools will open on June 18 with pool hours this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The pools will also open on Sunday, June 19, from noon to 8 p.m.  Next week, the pools will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. while public schools are in session.  Regular scheduled hours begin on Friday, June 24.  Those hours are from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; Saturdays …
Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo will welcome three new giant tortoises to the family. Norman, a Galapagos giant tortoise, along with Andy and Patches, two Aldabra tortoises will be on display at the South American exhibit. The three giant tortoises will be the first of their species since the 1990s to call Turtle Back Zoo home. They each weigh anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds.  Watch the video for more details.
Excited kids and their parents braved the heat Sunday afternoon to enjoy the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars at the Eisenhower Corporate Campus. Billed as the World’s Largest Circus Under the Big Top, the two-hour show featured an assortment of animals, high-flying acts, and clowns. “When they come out to see the show, people can expect to see the greatest show on earth,” said Georgia-born Lewe Andrews, who is known as Lewe the Clown. Andrews has been working with various circus shows since he was six. Now 19, Andrews is the Cole Bros. Circus Advance Clown. As the ambassador of good will, Lewe…
Rides, food, games ... must be a carnival! This weekend you can keep your kids full of funnel cakes, keep them in motion and benefit a good cause at the Unico Carnival at the Livingston Mall.  Unico is a service organization that  grants scholarship awards, promotes Italian Study Chairs, observes Columbus Day with fitting programs, participates in underprivileged and handicapped children's work, charities, community and civic activities, mental health programs, Cooley's Anemia programs, and promotes good fellowship among members. We suggest that you might want to buy those funnel cakes after …
I remember the first time I rode a Ferris Wheel was right here in Livingston with friends in the fairgrounds where the Kiwanis Karnival was a sure sign that summer was coming. The view hasn’t changed over the years. The giant wheel goes round and round with a new generation of teens taking a ride on the omnipresent wonder wheel. The carnival is a major fund-raising event of the Kiwanis Club, a global organization dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis of Livingston has presented thousands of scholarships over the years to graduating seniors and supports…
Looking for something fun to do on Saturday? Maybe skateboarding will do the trick! This Saturday, April 30, the Livingston Skate Park Committee and SYLS will host a Skatefest competition from 12 p.m. through 4 p.m. at the Livingston Skate Park located next to Town Hall.  Registration is open to residents and non-residents with registration continuing throughout the event.  The competition will include a game of “Skate” which is based on the basketball game of “Horse,” a Best Trick Contest, and two-minute park run.  Each section of the competition will be held for three separate age divisions…
Not only will Mickey Mouse be at the Livingston Mall, but the typing cows are  nearby, too.  This weekend promises fun for everyone with an animated short film festival, an indoor fossil dig, children’s theater, and fundraiser for pediatric cancer.  And don’t miss the opportunity to teach the little ones about giving back — Running for Answers, a  race against Alzheimer's, is open to the entire family! Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade Where/When: Livingston Mall, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston; Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Why Go? This fun, interactive family event is hosted by Radio…
Lancers Theater recreates spelling bee glory when it presents "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" this weekend at LHS. The high school musical debuted Thursday and continues Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.with six quirky competitors and three oddball adults in search of spelling bee glory. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. During the course of the musical, the quirky, endearing teens learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't make you a "loser." For a full gallery of photos from the show see Are You 'Spell' Bound?
Events are popping up like the first flowers of Spring. Grab the family and take them on these fun-filled treks:  Annie. The Heritage Middle School production of Annie will take to the stage  Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m.  All performances will take place in the Heritage Middle School auditorium.  Tickets are available for purchase at the door for $7. Traditions Of Ireland Craft For Kids. March 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Irish eyes will smile when they see the wonderful leprechaun centerpiece you and your child have created.  This event takes place at the Liberty …
The Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey will present a collection of "Family Favorites" when it performs a free winter concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday.  “The idea is to have music that parents would like to have their kids listen to, but that they would enjoy listening to as well,” said Michael Stratechuk, conductor of The Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey. Songs scheduled during the performance include “Night on Bald Mountain” by Mussorgsky, “Music for the Royal Fireworks” by Handel, a “West Side Story” medley by Bernstein, and Copland’s  “Hoe-Down” from “Rodeo.” Former Millburn Mayor Thomas…
March is here and the area is waking up from winter with an explosion of events.  Here are just a few coming up this weekend: Saturday, March 5th – Livingston Masonic Lodge Pancake Breakfast. Give yourself a break from cooking breakfast and treat the family this fundraiser which supports the Livingston Angel Fund.  Saturday, March 5th – Swingin’ Tern Dance. Kids love to move so get them moving (and tire them out) as Swingin' Tern presents Contra and Square Dancing to live music in East Hanover .  Beginners are welcome at the dance and are encouraged to come to the beginner's workshop …
National Read Across America Day is March 2, the birthday of renowned children's author Dr. Seuss.  It celebrates the joys and educational benefits of reading, encourages adults to read to children, and invites everyone to read 365 days of the year.  The Livingston Library will celebrate with ongoing activities all day long including: A Seuss-Search in the Children’s Room.  A guessing game. Coloring pages and printouts of games and mazes for kids to decipher in the library or take home. According to Linda Simpfendorfer, Head of Children’s Services, these activities are individual so there is …

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