This week’s AroundTown

Belleville

Church BBQ

The Second Baptist Church of Belleville, 108 Stephens St., marks its 89th church anniversary at its annual Community Outreach BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 9, from noon to 6 p.m.

A pre-anniversary worship service has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, Sept. 8, Youth Night will be marked by the screening of a free film, “Vanished – Left Behind,” and refreshments.

Sunday (Sept. 10) close-out worship services are slated for 11:30 a.m./3:30 p.m., with dinner served from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.

The Rev. Lee Roy Jefferson, pastor, officiates.

At the BPL

The Belleville Public Library, 221 Washington Ave., is wrapping up the summer with these programs:

In the Children’s Room:

  • Storybook Friends, Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 share stories, sing songs and create them-related crafts.
  • Crafternoon, Thursday, Aug. 31, 1 to 3 p.m. Kids ages 5 to 11 will be assembling binoculars, making stained glass art and more.

For Adults & Teens:

Crochet Club, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Learn to do the basic stitches of crochet, read a pattern and produce a small project. Or, bring your knitting, embroidery or other needlework.

***

Party invitation

The township of Belleville presents the 13th annual Just-A-Party, an evening of fun and entertainment Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Walgreens shopping plaza on Franklin Ave.

There will be parking and a shuttle bus at Hendricks Field.

Please don’t bring pets, bicycles or skateboards.

The rain date is Monday, Sept. 18.

Harrison

Holy Cross heads to AC

Holy Cross Church sponsors a trip to Caesar’s Atlantic City Sunday, Sept. 17, with a bus leaving from Holy Cross School at 10 a.m. Coffee will be served in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. The cost is $30. For reservations, call Joan at 973-481-2434 (English) or Maria at 973-481-1799 (Spanish.)

Cancer League picnic

The Harrison Cancer League sponsors a picnic Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Spanish Pavilion, 31 Harrison Ave. The cost is $15. Check back in a few weeks for additional information.

Elks tricky tray

The Harrison/East Newark Elks host a tricky tray in memory of the first female exalted ruler, Lynn Luciano, on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 406 Harrison Ave. Admission is $35, and all proceeds will go to the Luciano family to help pay for funeral expenses. Donations of food, baskets or cash are welcome. Lynn and her husband John worked tirelessly over the years to raise money for others — now it’s time to give back. For tickets, donations or more information, call Larry Bennett at 973-865-9990.

Blood drive

Harrison sponsors a blood drive Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the gym in the community center, 401 Warren St. A complimentary cholesterol screening will be performed on all donors. Each donor will also receive a free NJ Lottery ticket. Donors must be at least 110 pounds and have eaten before donating. Call 201-444-3900, ext. 1417, for more details or to register.

Register for co-ed soccer

Co-ed soccer registration for grades 1 to 8 is underway (through Sept. 8) at the community center, 401 Warren St. The cost is $30 per child. Proof of Harrison residency is required. Call 973-268-2469 for more information,

Kearny

It’s time for the Halfway Dance!

The United Irish Associations of West Hudson sponsors a Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Dance Sept. 16, from 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Harrison/East Newark Elks, 406 Harrison Ave., Harrison. There will be a iive Irish band, hot dogs, snacks, a cash bar, raffles, baskets and a 50/50. The cost is $20 at the door. For information, call Mary at 201-450-5210. All proceeds go toward the West Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which in 2018, takes place on March 11.

Head to AC

The Henrietta Benstead Center, 60 Columbia Ave., sponsors a trip to Resorts, Atlantic City, on Sept. 13 and Oct. 11, with a bus leaving both days at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $30 with $25 back in slot play. Play bingo on the bus! For more information, call Kay at 201-991-4549.

Calvary’s annual picnic

Calvary United Methodist Church hosts its annual parish picnic Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Doyle Pavilion at Riverbank Park, Passaic Ave., Kearny (across from Dunkin Donuts.) There will be food, games, crafts and face painting. All are welcome. For more information, call Frieda at 201-997-2827.

PBGC fun

The Presbyterian Boys & Girls Club, 663 Kearny Ave., hosts an Air Hockey Tournament on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Antiques appraised at Museum

The Kearny Museum Committee hosts an antique appraisal event Saturday, Sept. 23, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Jon Felz, proprietor of RZM Fine Arts & Antiques in Pearl River, N.Y., will do the appraisals. There is a $5 charge for admission, which includes the appraisal of one item. If time allows, additional items, up to a total of three per attendee, will cost an additional $5 per item. As a special bonus in honor of Kearny’s 150th anniversary, any item of local historical significance will be appraised for free. Light refreshments will be served.

Space is limited and will be first-come, first-served. RSVP by calling the Main Library at 201-998-2666.

Free concert Aug. 31

The Kearny Public Library presents the Florian Schantz Combo in concert Thursday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. at the library’s garden space.

The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo was formed in 2012 by then 9-year-old Florian Schantz. Since then, the band has delighted audiences in numerous venues in the greater NYC area and in Germany.

The Kearny Public Library is located at 318 Kearny Ave. in Kearny, NJ. For more information call 201-998-2666 or visit www.kearnylibrary.org.

Coffee an’ at OLS

Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 136 Davis Ave., invites the community to coffee an’ Sunday, Sept. 24, at 9 a.m. in the church basement. All are welcome.

OLS Rosary Society meets

The Rosary Society of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 136 Davis Ave., hosts its first monthly meeting Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. in the church basement. Dues will be collected.

Literacy volunteers sought

Literacy NJ West Hudson Programs is recruiting volunteer tutors to help adults improve their literacy skills. All tutors will learn how to run a book group, help students prepare for the U.S. citizenship test, prepare adult learners for the GED, lead a conversation group, lead a small ESL group and host a study session.

Tutoring takes place in the North Arlington, Harrison and Kearny libraries. The curriculum is provided, and tutors sign up for one semester at a time — summer, fall or spring.

Literacy NJ West Hudson Programs will offer tutor training from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 at Kearny’s Main Library, 318 Kearny Ave. Tutors will complete approximately five hours of online training at home in-between training sessions.

For information and to register, call 267-825-7159 or send an email to slomax@literacynj.org.

Head to A.C. with Kearny UNICO

Kearny UNICO sponsors a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, Sunday, Sept. 24. The trip leaves at 8:30 a.m. from the parking lot of Kearny Bank, Kearny Avenue. Coffee an’ begins at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $30 per person with $25 back in slot play from the casino. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Lou Pandolfi at 201-368-2409 or lpandolfi@verizon.net. All proceeds from the trip benefit the chapter’s scholarship fund and other local and national charities.

Lyndhurst

At the LPL

  • Neurosculpting Meditation

The library hosts a dynamic meditation, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., where one creates and rewires neuropathways. It can be used for healing trauma, PTSD, anxiety and rejuvenation. Space is limited and registration is necessary. Register by emailing the library at romeo@lyndhurst.bccls.org or by calling 201-804-2478, ext. 7.

  • BecomeOne Beginner Yoga

Experience the benefits of bringing yoga into your life on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m., at the library. Practice connecting breath and movement and learn how to incorporate simple yoga practices into your day. Space is limited and registration is required.

  • A to Z World Food
  • The library features a food, culture and traditional recipes database for 174 countries to its patrons. Access food glossaries, 6,500+ recipes, food culture articles and food-history timelines from the comfort of your home by going to the Library’s website, www.lyndhurstlibrary.org. A valid Lyndhurst Library card number will be needed to log-in.
  • Internet to Go
  • To increase Internet access for Lyndhurst residents, the library offers a project to lend WiFi hotspots to patrons. The hotspot is portable, so you can connect to your device almost anywhere you are. A resident of Lyndhurst with a valid library card may borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to a week. The device may be renewed if no one else has placed it on hold.

In the Children’s Room:

The Lyndhurst Library’s Children’s Room offers the following programs:

  • Storytime Schedule

Weekly storytimes happen on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for toddlers to 6 year olds. Storytimes for newborns to 2 year olds will be offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. No registration is necessary.

  • Page Turners Book Club

This program meets weekly on Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Starts Sept. 22. We will read and discuss “James and the Giant Peach,” by Roald Dahl. All participants will receive a copy of the book. After the book is read, we will watch the movie. Snacks will be served.

  • Arts and Crafts Drop-in Hour 

Every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. No registration necessary.

  • Lego Club

Sept. 13 and Sept. 27, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Open to all ages, no registration required. All Legos will be provided. Donations of Legos will also be accepted.

  • Healthy Lunch Box

Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

  • Little Kids Little Songs

Friday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. Performance by the Green Golly Project.

  • Poetry Talk with Joyce DiMaggio

Friday, Sept. 15, at 3:30 p.m. For all ages. Lyndhurst resident Joyce DiMaggio will read and discuss her poetry book, “There’s a Frog Up Top My Head.”

  • Rock-n-Recycle

Monday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m. Performance by Jungle Gym Jam. They will collect used cell phones, rechargeable batteries and fluorescent bulbs at the show.

  • Explore with Mad Science

Thursday, Sept. 21, at 4:30 p.m. For ages 7 and older.

  • Saturday Storytime & a Movie

Saturday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m. Listen to a classic story and then watch one on the big screen. Snacks will be served.

  • YoBoo Yoga Bootcamp

Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. A fun aerobics class for children ages 2 to 6. Registration required.

  • Art Kids Academy

Thursday, Sept. 28, at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 and older.

  • Create Your Own Short Story Workshop

Friday, Sept. 29, at 3:30 p.m. Develop writing skills with local author Hank Quense.

Parks & Rec offers trips, shows

The Parks & Recreation Department sponsors a trip to see “Bandstand” on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. The $90 tickets include transportation to and from the show. A bus will leave the Parks Department at 5 p.m. Seats are limited. There is a four-ticket per person limit.

Parks & Rec also wants to run a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum on Thursday, Sept. 21. A bus would leave the NJ Transit lot at 9 a.m. and tickets would cost $18.50 for adults and $14 for senior citizens.

Interested in either trip? Call the Parks Department at 201-804-2482.

Crab night upcoming

The Masonic Club hosts its annual crab night Saturday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. at 316 Riverside Ave. All you can eat crabs and coleslaw will be available, along with chicken for non-seafood eaters. The cost is $35 per person at the door and $30 for tickets bought by Sept. 3. All tickets include tap beer for adults and soda. Clams (steamers and on the half-shell) will also be available for an extra charge. RSVP by Sept. 3 by calling 201-933-1330.

North Arlington

Labor Day Bingo Bash

The Senior Activity Center hosts a Labor Day Bingo Bash Friday, Sept. 1, at 11 York Road (St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.) The day kicks off with a continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m.; bingo special at 10:30 a.m.; lunch at noon; and more bingo games from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 201-998-5636.

Help Helping Exceptional People

Helping Exceptional People hosts its annual arts & crafts fair Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road.

Admission is free. Local artisans will sell their unique creations in time for the fall and upcoming holiday seasons. In addition, food and refreshments will be on sale as well as a bi-hourly 50-50.

All of the proceeds from this event help support local organizations that serve our special needs citizens. For more information about attending or vending, contact Peter at 201-991-8892 or Maureen at 201-446-2280.

School supplies sought

The North Arlington Elks Lodge 1992 collects school supplies through Sept. 7. Donations, which will be distributed to local schools, help those in need in the community. Backpacks, binders, crayons, colored pencils, erasers, pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, Sharpies, index cards, Post-it notes, 1-inch binders, composition books, loose-leaf paper, pocket folders and notebooks (1,2,3 & 5 subject) are welcome. Donations may be dropped off at the Elks Lodge, 129 Ridge Road, Monday through Friday after 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday after noon. For more information or to arrange a pick-up, call 201-923-3268.

Going down to Dover

The Senior Harmony Club sponsors an overnight trip to Dover Downs, Delaware, Sept. 20-21. The hotel and casino are smoke-free. Package includes hotel room, $50 in slot play, one dinner and a buffet breakfast. For more information, call Libby at 973-481-2118.

Nutley

NHS class of ’57 reunion upcoming

The NHS class of 1957’s 60th reunion takes place Saturday, Sept. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. at the San Carlo, Lyndhurst. Tickets are $55. Call the committee at 973-886-1757 to register.

Learn more about the writer ...