Rosh Hashanah is a special time for many families in our towns to spend time together and celebrate the new year.

Between times for quiet contemplation and celebrations involving sweet honey cakes, parents around town may be looking for a few supplementary activities to keep their children busy in the off hours. Patch put out the call to some local purveyors of child care and activities. Here are the responses (and please feel free to add more ideas in the comments!):

Happy New Year, Maplewood!

Karen Robson at the South Mountain YMCA:

The Y is providing full-day coverage from 7:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. but is also providing special field trips (contact Robson at her email or call 973--762-4145):

Thursday September 29: Trip to Stony Hills Farms - The bus will leave at 9:30 am and return at 3:30pm.  The children will be going on an adventure through the corn maze at the farms. Please pack a lunch to be eaten at the farms. No spending money is needed for the trip.

Friday September 30 — Etiquette Day — Ms. Tatia from the New School of Etiquette will be coming in to host morning work shops with the children on “First Impressions.”  This interactive program will be throughout the morning starting at 9:30.

Simone Anthony Brown of Express Yourself Studios:

I have my regularly scheduled Crafty Toddler class on Thursday morning from 10am -11am.  Here are the specifics for that workshop: Express Yourself Studios, located at 1912 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood is now offering a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning (10am-11am) class for toddlers!  Children ages 2-4 are invited to play with paint!  Pinch and pound clay!  Collage with glue and explore different art materials. A different project each week.  Moms, Dads or Caregivers can participate too! Crafty Toddlers is $15 per child/ per session. All materials included. To register your youngster for this class please contact Express Yourself Studios 1-2 days prior to R.S.V.P, 973-763-5256, info@expressyourselfstudios.com or www.expressyourselfstudios.com.

Louis Toledo, Maplewood Karate:

I have a kids kickboxing class at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, a karate kids class on Friday ages 4-6 at 4:00 p.m. and a 5:00 p.m. karate class ages 7 –12 drop in fee $20.00

Crafty Katie (Clayton) of It's Sew Crafty:

It's Sew Crafty will have a sewing class from 12;15 -1;15 and another at 2:30- 3;30 call to register 862 205 1603. Limited space. Ages 7-12 $20 per person. Drop off only. 1860 Springfield Avenue.

Geralyn Robinson of Geralyn's Art Studio:

I have regular classes on Thursday & Friday and there are some spots open for drop in 3:30 -5 p.m. on Thursday and 3:45-5:15 p.m. on Friday for art & drawing. Thursday I am offering drop off classes from 10 - 11:30  a.m. and 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. for drop off art class. Friday, I am offering drop off classes from 10 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (Call 973-275-1966 or email.)

Susan Cohen Harris of Art Studio:

Art Studio is not doing any special drop ins for Rosh Hashana, except privately dipping apples in honey. I am working on getting the word out about Masterpieces and Martinis, a new night out for adults. (www.artstudionow.com or call 973-378-3798 or email)

"Masterpieces and Martinis"?!?! Patch will definitely follow up on this class!