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Community Corner

Flash Gordon, Ellis Paul, Soup for Suppers, and Zumbathon

February is already coming to a quick close this weekend, but there will be plenty to do to help you see it out with style and fun

Can you believe that February is almost over?  I'm personally still processing December and January.  But this upcoming last weekend of the shortest month of the year  promises to be a great one in our towns, with lots of activities and events to check out and enjoy.

Highlights this weekend include , on Friday, while just around the corner, you can  on the same night.  Spa Lady in South Orange teams up with the American Heart Association for on Saturday.  The Millburn Public Library offers multiple events all weekend long to keep the little kids in your household entertained.  on Sunday morning, while  for an intimate show at Highland Place Bar and Grill on Sunday night.  Finally, learn how to make some great soup at Williams-Sonoma in the Mall at Short Hills all day Sunday!

Here's the full list plus more coming to our area soon:

Find out what's happening in Maplewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Revolution in Maplewood will be having a reception to welcome designer Lisa Battaglia.  A Maplewood resident, this is the first time her inspired collection of hats will be available at Revolution.  Enjoy an evening of cocktails and music by vocalist Jay Dougherty of the Jaybirds, as Lisa's exclusive collection for Revolution is modeled in the intimate setting of their store. Meet the designer and view a demonstration of her traditional hat making techniques.  Friday, 7:00pm–10:00pm, Maplewood
  • Meet author Brendan Deneen when he presents his new book, Flash Gordon.  From Words: "America's beloved sci-fi hero is back in a brand new ongoing series, based on Alex Raymond's original ideas but with a modernized twist for the 21st century!  CIA Agent Dale Arden draws a reluctant Flash Gordon back into the world of espionage to track down the allegedly insane Hans Zarkov - who's been accused of creating a weapon of mass destruction.  Elsewhere in the universe, Ming the Merciful's tyrannical shadow looms over Mongo, where an impending civil war is escalating!" Friday, 7:30pm, Maplewood
  • The Robber Bridegroom at SOPACSeton Hall Theatre and the Seton Hall Arts Council end their run of the Alfred Uhry and Robert Waldman musical this weekend at SOPAC.  If you didn't catch it already, don't miss your last chances this weekend.  Tickets are $15 for the General Public, $12 for Seniors and SHU Alums, and $8 for  Students and SHU Employees with ID. Friday and Saturday, 8:00pm and Sunday, 2:00pm, South Orange
  • Millburn Free Public Library Weekend Activities for KidsThe Millburn Library has a whole slate of events and activities for the kids this weekend, including Saturday Stories for children 2-4 years of age in the morning and Chess Lessons on Saturday afternoon.  On Sunday, Stories and Crafts will be available for 4-6 year olds.  Saturday and Sunday, Times Vary, Millburn
  • Exquisite Bride will be hosting a Trunk Show this Saturday with award-winning bridal designer Victoria Nicole.  The designer herself will be available to meet future brides and personally help fit gowns from her Spring, 2011 line.  As 2007’s "Couture Bridal Gown Designer of the Year", (chosen by salon owners nationally), Victoria Nicole has been a successful designer for almost two decades.  Victoria’s signature gowns have been worn internationally by thousands of brides including Oscar winning actress Hilary Swank. Saturday, 10:00am–6:00pm, Millburn
  • :  Heart disease is still the number one killer of women. so the American Heart Association and Spa Lady are teaming up to fight heart disease this Saturday with a Zumbathon program, plus core and strength workouts, and a  5k treadmill run.  Donations will be accepted for participation.  Saturday, 10:00am–3:00pm, South Orange
  • :  Blood pressure and carotid artery screenings, medication and health counseling will be made available for Maplewood residents at the Memorial Library, led by the nurses of the Maplewood Health Department.  Call ahead for an appointment; walk-ins will accommodated if time allows.  Saturday, 10:00am–12:00pm, Maplewood
  • The Maplewood Health Department will conduct a free dog and cat rabies vaccination clinic at the Dunnell Road fire station this Saturday.  Maplewood Township ordinances require that all dogs and cats be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.  Saturday, 2:00pm–3:30pm, Maplewood
  • James Spaulding, a jazz legend celebrated for his masterful solos on alto saxophone and flute, will perform at Astah’s Art Gallery on Springfield Avenue this Saturday as part of the Black History Month Celebration, sponsored by Maplewood’s Springfield Avenue Partnership.  Come out and enjoy some wonderful, free jazz music from a stellar performer.  Saturday, 6:00pm–8:00pm, Maplewood
  • Every year since 1998,  the Maplewood Rotary Club has celebrated February with its Affair of the Heart Gala benefiting the Gift of Life New Jersey.  This year will be their 14th annual event, honoring Tom Kerns, the HK Community Fund founder, and will be held at the Maplewood Woman’s Club The Rotary hosts will be providing a wonderful cocktail hour, live and silent auctions, sumptuous buffet dinner catered by Diana Hart and live entertainment provided by Lisa Rott and her band. Saturday, contact the Club for time and tickets, Maplewood
  • Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel will be collecting gently used, appropriate winter and spring clothing and accessories, (shoes, handbags, and jewelry), this Sunday for the needy, to be used for interviewing and jobs.  Please bring any clothing that you have that is clean and on hangers.  Accessories are especially needed.  Sunday, 9:00am–1:00pm, South Orange
  • Williams-Sonoma Soup for Supper Technique Class:  From Williams-Sonoma: "There's nothing like a bowl of warming soup to satisfy winter appetites and nourish body and soul. Learn how to prepare hearty main-dish soups, such as beef with barley and minestrone with chicken meatballs. Williams-Sonoma will also demonstrate recipes for simple sandwiches to serve alongside.  Class size is limited; call Williams-Sonoma at to reserve your space and for information on class times and further details."  Sunday, Times Vary, Short Hills
  • Express Yourself Studios on Springfield Avenue will host an exhibition of photographs by South Orange fine art photographer Annette Kushen.  Ms. Kushen has shown her work at the Summit Medical Group, Summit, NJ, and the 1978 Art Center in Maplewood, Seton Hall University (Creative Arts Showcase) and New York University (Small Works Show) as well as many juried shows throughout the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.  Ms. Kushen will showcase various images from her Clear Moments series, which will be on exhibit at Express Yourself Studios from March through April.  The opening reception is open to all and will be Sunday, 3:00pm–5:00pm, Maplewood
  • :  From Highland Place: "Ellis Paul is one of the leading voices of the American singer-songwriter world. He was a principle leader in the wave of singer/songwriters that emerged from the Boston folk scene, which helped revitalize the national acoustic circuit with an urban, literate, folk/pop style that helped renew interest in the genre in the 1990's. Winner of an unprecedented 14 Boston Music Awards, Ellis Paul's songs have been featured on hit TV shows and in the soundtracks of several films. Director Peter Farrelly has called Paul "a national treasure."  $20 in advance or $23 on the day of the show.  Sunday, 7:00pm–9:00pm, Maplewood

Coming Soon:

 

Find out what's happening in Maplewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Donald Pun lives in Maplewood and posts the event round-up column here each weekend.   Previously, he was a regular contributor for the NY Times' Maplewood, South Orange, and Millburn Local blog section.

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