Amy Levin, J Street's Northern New Jersey Field Organizer, will speak at the Maplewood Library.  Her topic, "Peace is Necessary.  Peace is Just.  Peace is Possible." is taken from President Obama's recent, enthusiastically received speech in Jerusalem.

J Street is an organization dedicated to providing a voice for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans.

The President and Secretary of State John Kerry have recently reinvigorated efforts to bring about a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Amy will discuss what J Street is doing to support these efforts and what you can do to help.

The event is sponsored by South Mountain Peace Action of Maplewood and South Orange.  It is open to the public and admission is free.

Make sure you mark your calendar for Friday, May 3rd It’s our opening reception for our Maureen Chatfield solo show. The party starts at 6pm and goes until 9pm. Maureen’s work is popular among NYC collectors. She has pieces hanging in private collections next to work by Matisse, Giacometti, Basquiat, and Rauschenberg. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see her work and rub shoulders with an artist who is quickly becoming an important part of the art world. 

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is open for guided tours and visits to exhibits on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 1pm – 4pm, please visit www.maccullochhall.org for holiday closings.   The historic gardens are also open (free of charge) when the Museum is open. Enjoy docent-led tours through the period rooms to learn the history of the Macculloch family and W. Parsons Todd, the philanthropist who transformed this family home into a museum with a superb collection of fine English and American decorative arts. During tours of the gorgeous historic home visitors will view a variety of decorative art pieces as well as the Museum's collection of original artwork by caricaturist Thomas Nast. Nast, a well-known political cartoonist who popularized the Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant, also contributed to America’s contemporary image of Santa Claus. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum has the largest collection of Nast originals in the nation.  Visitors can also purchase a ticket to visit any of the changing exhibits in the three galleries at the Museum or can enjoy the galleries before or after their room tours.  The Museum gift shop is also open during touring hours and visitors can find a selection of Thomas Nast items, as well as a wide range of local history books and other gifts.  Guided tours leave through out touring hours, with the last leaving around 3pm. The galleries and gift shop are open until 4pm. Tickets to tour and/or visit the galleries are Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free.  Members receive unlimited visits to exhibits, tours and discounts for special programs. Memberships may be purchased during touring hours or via www.maccullochhall.org. For more information about programs and exhibits please visit our website or Facebook page, accessible through the website.

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tour leaves at 3pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The gardens are open (free of charge) during Museum hours. Please check our website for any holiday closings. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.

Image attached: Macculloch Hall Exterior_2010_Courtesy of Stan Freeny

Carvel Ice Cream Shoppe will be offering a free junior cone of their famous “America’s Freshest Ice Cream.”

Carvel will also be selling coupon books for $2, that contain up to $20.00 in savings. All proceeds from the sale of the booklet will benefit the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund.

April 25, 2013 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 Other participating locations include:

West Long Branch, East Orange, Hackensack, Union, Belford, Tuckerton

SOUTH ORANGE VILLAGE CENTER
ALLIANCE

GRAND OPENINGS/RIBBON CUTTINGS

SATURDAY, APRIL 27^TH

NOON-1PM

IN ORDER OF BUSINESS TO BE
VISITED

Exxon:   68 West South Orange
Avenue.  Garabet "Gary" Diratsaoglu (Armenian American) is the
new owner of this long-time downtown gas and service-station.  After
extensive renovations and upgrades, the station looks forward to serving the
community again. 

Walia
Restaurant, 11
Village Plaza.  SOVCA welcomes this new Ethiopian restaurant onto Village
Plaza. Guests will enjoy traditional Ethiopian food, including many options for
vegetarian and vegan diners. The family-owned restaurant is being opened by
husband and wife team Kadra Said  and Getachew Zerihun. 
 Shewaye Yassin is the manager. 

CMB
Kicks: 77 South
Orange Avenue.  CMB is the first brick-&-mortar store from the
founders of the highly successful online store by the same name. CMB.com gained
a large following focused on highly collectible sneakers, but the store will
also sell footwear for the whole family.     Co-owners Brett
Ermeus and Michael Gillard came up with the name from “collaboration of Michael
and Brett”  The founders have a great hip street style, captured by their
logo,  commissioned from a tattoo artist.  

Indulgence
Day Spa, 61
South Orange Avenue.  Indulgence day spa has already won many loyal
patrons in just a short time. Co-owners Joye Foust and  Patrice Hairston
offer massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, and the spa features top of
the line products such as “Butter” nail polish from London with the latest
trendy colors. 

Downtown After Sundown concert series presents four concerts every weekend in South Orange Village Center.

Performances run on Friday and Saturday nights from 7-9:30pm in two locations:  Spiotta Park and at Sloan Street and South Orange Avenue.

South Orange boasts an abundance of local musical talent & we are thrilled to have them return for a 3rd year of the series.

Downtown After Sundown is sponsored by the Village of South Orange for the first month.  SOVCA is seeking sponsorship for the remainder of the series.

GFEST

Saturday, May 18, 2013

9am-9pm

Rain or Shine

Only in South Orange, NJ

South Orange is playing host to the one of the largest Vintage German car owner gatherings on the East coast. GFest '13 marks the 4th year of GFest but the first year that the Village of South Orange and SOVCA will co-host with Guten Parts.   Levent Erhamza, owner of Guten Parts on Valley Road in South Orange will be the primary driver of this festival in cooperation with the Village and SOVCA.  

Last year, this event brought people from out of town, out of state and out of country.   Levent has documented that folks came from 5 countries and 12 different states to South Orange.  With over 400 cars and 600 individuals they represent a consumer base for downtown South Orange.  It is a family event with "kids of all ages" being present.

With the move of the event to downtown South Orange, the tag line of  GFest '13 is “It’s not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle”.  This from a branding perspective combines, cars, family, shopping, and pedestrian traffic with disposable income to benefit South Orange merchants.

This nostalgic tour of BMW cars of the 80’s will be showcased in various South Orange parking lots creating mini destinations in various parts of town.  For instance, rare convertibles in one location, race cars in another and so on. 

Registration and Tshirt Sales will be in Spiotta Park.

Do you love farm to table dining?  The South Orange Farmers  Market offers you the opportunity to buy locally produced food.  Buy local, eat fresh and meet the people who grow it!

The market will run Wednesday's from June to October 2pm-7pm. 

We now accept SNAP. 

On Wednesday, June 5, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest will hold its Annual Gala at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, honoring Reuben D. Rotman, Executive Director, in celebration of his 18^th year of service to JFS, which delivers mental health and related support services to the community.  Governor Richard J. Codey will deliver the keynote address. Proceeds from the Gala support JFS MetroWest services and programs, enhancing its ability to be responsive, flexible and creative in addressing the community’s ever-changing needs. 

Much of the growth and the many achievements of JFS can be attributed to Reuben’s leadership. Reuben has directed his energies toward assuring that JFS delivers meaningful and effective mental health services to the JFS catchment area within Essex, Morris, Sussex and parts of Hudson and Union counties. Reuben’s vision of providing services to the entire community is reflected in the breadth of JFS programs which benefit children and their families, adults, seniors and Holocaust survivors. Reuben was instrumental in establishing the Rachel Coalition, a division of JFS, which provides counseling and legal services to victims of domestic violence and their children.

Keynote speaker, former Governor Richard J. Codey served as the Governor of New Jersey from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate since 1982 representing the 27th Legislative District, which covers the western portions of Essex County. In his 30 plus years in the legislature, he has become one of New Jersey's fiercest mental health advocates, spearheading countless improvements that have led to better mental health care throughout the state of New Jersey.

April is National Jazz Month and the residents at Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation will get in the swing when jazz vocalist Sherrie Mead performs a concert on Thursday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. Mead will delight residents and guests with jazz standards from the Great American Songbook as well as more contemporary tunes. The one-hour show is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are requested. To reserve a seat, call activities director April Osborne at 973-763-0999 by Wednesday, April 24.

Mead, who is from Montclair, performs extensively at clubs and theatres throughout the New York metropolitan region as well as on cruise ships. This is her first performance for residents at Village Apartments; she will perform later that afternoon at the Jewish Federation Plaza senior community in West Orange.

During the program, two residents of Village Apartments will be honored for their outstanding commitment to community service. Florence Dove conducts the Village Art Therapy Class at the senior residence; Marvin Strauss will be recognized for his advocacy of, and being instrumental in getting a new law passed that requires seat belts for passengers on commuter buses.

“Our residents enjoy giving back to the community, now that they have the time during their retirement years,” said Cheryl Kasye, Village Apartments’ site manager. “We are very proud of the accomplishments of Florence and Marvin and we look forward to showcasing them as part of this fun program.” 

Singer Mead plans to perform songs by Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Nat King Cole “but I will bring it current as well with some Anita Baker or other contemporary artists that will have residents tapping their feet,” she said. “I like to mix the old ballads with some up-tempo pieces.” 

World-renowned Afro-Cuban artist, Eduardo Roca (Choco), is coming to the Valley Arts District in New Jersey for the opening of his upcoming art exhibition, Retazos del Sol (Traces of the Sun).  Choco, who lives and works in Havana, is one of Cuba's most important artists and is internationally recognized for his collagraphs, ceramics, and oils. Co-produced by Latin Art Space and ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery, the exhibition will showcase a fabulous mixed-media installation, Yemayá, Goddess of the Sea, first shown at the 2012 Havana Biennial, as well as other three-dimensional works and his coveted collagraphs.  The opening reception on May 9 will be hosted by the Firehouse Gallery in the Valley Arts District.

Curated by Astrid Martinez-Jones of Latin Art Space, Retazos del Sol is a series of works representative of contemporary Cuban life and culture. Many of Choco's works reflect the magical world of Afro-Cuban religions, as well as the ethnic mix of people, and the racial and economic challenges of daily Cuban life. Choco's art is boldly colorful and his technique gives the images a 3-dimensional and stunning textured feel, as if they were in motion. This movement is sustained in Choco's interpretation of the figures themselves, as they twist, reach, sway, swim, and gaze. The sharp contrast of colors - at times from the earth, at others from the sea - responds to his particular symbolism and to a very personal lyricism, which establishes an emotional connection with the viewer. He displays a passion for diversity and admiration for societies with a rich mixture of ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds, such as those found in Cuba, the United States, and Brazil. 

The exhibition opens May 9 from 6-9pm with an artist reception and runs through June 23 with the gallery open Saturdays 10am-4pm; Sundays 12:30-4pm; or by appointment. The exhibition can also be seen during ValleyArts drop-in hours Thursdays from 2:30-4:30pm. 

For more information about the exhibition, press photos, or to arrange an interview with the artist please contact Astrid Martinez-Jones at: latinartspace@gmail.com or 973-715-0427.

For more information about the ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery and the Valley Arts District, please contact Richard T. Bryant at: richard@fohservices or 973-886-5118. 

Come Join NAPO – NNJ at the North Jersey Home Show and See How Your Organized Life is Closer Than You Think!

NAPO will be a booth exhibitor and seminar presenter at the North Jersey Home Show Saturday April 27 from 9am to 6pm and Sunday April 28^th from 9am to 5pm

SECAUCUS, MEADOWLANDS, N.J.– Members of the New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) will play an active part in the North Jersey Home Show Saturday April 27-Sunday April 28 at the Meadowlands.  Admission is FREE and open to the public.

Count on numerous activities such as raffles, product demonstrations, contests and games to be going on at the NAPO booth.  Attendees can enter to win organizing products and FREE in-home consultations with a Professional Organizer.  It will even be possible to speak one-on-one with a seasoned Professional Organizer and gain some expert advice.  “Our booth will be so much more than a table with a few brochures.  It will be interactive and informative with many opportunities for attendees to ask questions, learn organizing tips, and win raffle prizes.” said Andrea Walker, Director of Marketing for NAPO- NNJ.  Our theme is “Organize Your Life – Do It Now-Ask Us How.”

The home show is sponsored by North Jersey Media Group, an independent media company serving Northern New Jersey.  The show (www.northjerseyevents.com) is dedicated to supporting the rebuilding of New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy.  Exhibitors at the event include small, locally-owned businesses that are front and center in the rebuilding effort.  These companies are the backbone of our local economies and will be sharing information about their services and how they can support your home maintenance and renovation projects.  Come show your support for New Jersey small businesses!

To learn more about this event or to find a Professional Organizer to assist you with your project, go to www.naponnj.org. 

About NAPO: The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) leads and advances the organizing and productivity industry. NAPO was founded in 1985 as a nonprofit professional educational association for professional organizers. Today, NAPO has 4,000 members worldwide, representing the full spectrum of the global industry: professional organizers, productivity specialists,
authors, educators, trainers, manufacturers, service providers and more.

NAPO is the Organizing Authority.  NAPO serves its members and the public by providing professional educational opportunities, industry leadership, productive partnerships and expert information and solutions to foster growth and fulfillment for all who work within the organizing and productivity industry or benefit from its services.  NAPO Is headquartered in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey and is on the web at http://NAPO.net.

Free screening of the powerful 40-minute film "Living for 32" from Sundance Film Festival about the Virginia Tech shooting. 

Commentary / Q&A by Colin Goddard, who survived the Virginia Tech shooting.

Also present will be Jim Johnson, former Undersecretary of the Treasury and one of the first senior officials on the ground at Columbine, and Carole Stiller, president of the NJ Million Mom March Chapters of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

ESTATE SALE --------- ADDRESS: 319 SINCLAIR PLACE, WESTFIELD NJ 07090 ---------- FRIDAY: 04/26/2013 & SATURDAY: 04/27/2013 --------- HOURS FOR BOTH DAYS: 10:00AM - 3:00 PM --------- Selling the complete contents of grand WESTFIELD residence. To include... tools - lawn and garden - statuary - sundial - outdoor furniture including chairs, loungers and tables - garage and house are packed ! - old radios and old televisions - old camera and camera equipment - artwork - long, narrow tables and coffee tables - antique light fixtures - luggage - pool cues, balls and accessories - curtain rods/poles - drapes - Buddha - garden statuary elements - snow blower - butcher's block - round outdoor tables - Italian, Portuguese and Spanish planters - Holiday collectibles, ornaments and signed/number pieces - file cabinet - shelving - couches - sofas - loveseats - custom upholstered chairs including parlor chairs - rugs - curio and display cabinets - 4-post beds and exceptional bedroom furnishings - linens - Wallace silverware - serving pieces - Steins - Blue Danube - Dansk - pots - pans - glassware - collectible liquor decanters and bottles - cutting boards - highboy - dressers - upholstered sofas - pie tables - dining room china closet/hutch - dining tables and chairs - television/entertainment cabinets - leather sectionals - artwork - paintings - ceramic - porcelain - teacups - fine china - dishes - housewares - Silver - McCoy - Roseville - beverage/tea cart - inlaid furniture pieces - drapery panels and hardware - plus so much more ! **** ONLINE AT: WWW.COTTAGETOKASTLE.COM --- *** PRICING IS NOT DISCLOSED PRIOR TO SALE -- DO NOT WALK PROPERTY -- NO ONE UNDER 18 - THANK YOU.

Join us for an evening of fun! Meet other Essex Time Exchange members and swap services. Non-members are welcome, too! Come and find out about the new popular movement of Time Banking and how you can be part of it.* 

As an added attraction, we will have some entertainment by time bank members Danny Weiss and Mary Olive Smith, a husband-wife team, who will perform some of their great tunes, hot picking, dynamic vocals and a mix of rockin' Honky Tonk, Roots Country, Western Swing and Bluegrass. 

The event is FREE.  Children are welcome. 

Please bring a dish, or something to drink, for 6 people. If you cannot possibly bring something to share, we'd still love to see you, but we’ll be asking for a small donation.

Kindly RSVP by May 1, 2013, at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TS3IU7VyazM_Oj73tCMcUBzK51rGa-cHkiA6zxWyHqA/viewform 

----

*The Essex Time Exchange is a time bank; it provides a reciprocal service exchange among its members. Examples of services are mentoring children, helping others with house improvements, or caring for an ill neighbor. For more on time banks see www.EssexTimeExchange.org.

Are you ready for a fun night of rock and roll???? Please join us as EIES of NJ presents a benefit concert with:

The Rave-Ons - Friday, May 31st at 7:30pm at Jubilee Hall at Seton Hall University, 400 S. Orange Ave, S. Orange, NJ. The Rave-Ons are a high-energy rockabilly band formed to revitalize the music of Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Buddy Holly is considered by many to be the Father of Rock and Roll. His music has inspired The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and countless other artists.  You can hear a sample of their music at www.rave-ons.com.

Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased via PayPal at www.eiesofnj.org and clicking on paypal or in person at EIES, 59 Scotland Rd, S. Orange. (hours Mon-Sat 9-1)

EIES Mission:

“To provide in an efficient manner, immediate, direct and convenient access to the printed word, to those individuals whose ability to read is severely impaired by a visual disability. Access is provided by utilizing state of the art electronic technology, including, but not limited to radio, cable TV/FM systems and computerized telecommunications at www,eiesofnj.org.

The Rose and Isadore Zeman Religious School of Oheb Shalom plants and nurtures the seeds of lifelong Jewish learning and living in a joyful and innovative environment.

Spread the word! This year, we are offering FREE tuition for Kindergarten students for the entire 2013-14 academic year.

On Sunday, May 5th, come to the open house and tour the school, including the Kindergarten class. RSVP to educdir@ohebshalom.org.

Spring into summer!  Check out Camp Riverbend's awesome summer activities this spring! Games, crafts and lots more fun for kids and parents.  Meet our counselors and tour our camp site.  RSVP required to miriam@campriverbend.com

interACT Theatre Productions presents The Full Monty at The Baird Theatre in South Orange.

Nicholas Clarey directs this popular musical. Performances are May 10-May 12 and May 17-May 19 (7:30 p.m. Friday/Saturday nights; 2 p.m. Saturday/Sunday matinees).

Stripped of their pride and livelihoods, the men’s unlikely new job strengthens their self-esteem and friendship in this musical version of the Academy Award-nominated 1997 film.

Tickets are $18 for adults; $15 for students (with ID) and seniors.

A special VIP pass for $25 is being offered, which includes reserved front row seating, Bachelorette Party Chocolate Goody Bag, and one Raffle Ticket to win the chance to be the lucky lady who briefly joins Keno on-stage during his strip.

interACT Theatre Productions presents The Full Monty at The Baird Theatre in South Orange.

Nicholas Clarey directs this popular musical. Performances are May 10-May 12 and May 17-May 19 (7:30 p.m. Friday/Saturday nights; 2 p.m. Saturday/Sunday matinees).

Stripped of their pride and livelihoods, the men’s unlikely new job strengthens their self-esteem and friendship in this musical version of the Academy Award-nominated 1997 film.

Tickets are $18 for adults; $15 for students (with ID) and seniors.

A special VIP pass for $25 is being offered, which includes reserved front row seating, Bachelorette Party Chocolate Goody Bag, and one Raffle Ticket to win the chance to be the lucky lady who briefly joins Keno on-stage during his strip.