Belleville
Belleville Elks will be sponsor a blood drive on Wednesday, July 27, at 254 Washington Ave., from 5 to 9 p.m. Appointment is not necessary. The drive is open to citizens of Belleville and surrounding communities. Donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for donors meeting the health requirements. All blood donors will be given mini-physicals. Donors must bring along a signed form of identification. People with a fever or sore throat should wait until they are feeling better before donating and there is a 24-hour deferral for tooth cleanings and fillings. For those who have recently traveled outside the United States, please call the Blood Center at 973-676-4700, ext. 132 for eligibility criteria.
The Weight Loss Institute of New Jersey will offer a free informational session, “Weight Loss Surgery Options,” on Wednesday, July 20, at 6 p.m. in the Belleville Founders Room at Clara Maass Medical Center, 1 Clara Maass Drive.
The program will focus on who is a candidate for weight-loss surgery, what to expect before, during and after surgery, as well as the risks, benefits and alternatives. A support group for post-bariatric surgery patients will follow the seminar.
For more information, call Katie Szymona at 973-450-2393, or e-mail kszymona@sbhcs.com. Walk-ins are welcome at the program.
Bloomfield
Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes (“If You Don’t Know Me By Now”) will be featured in a free concert Thursday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Brookdale Park, Bloomfield, as part of the Essex County SummerMusic Concert Series. For more information, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973‑239-2485.
Bloomfield Public Library will host “Gold From Your Garden,” an interactive discussion about gardening and recipes on Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. Bring your recipes and experiences and come with lots of ideas! For more information on this event or upcoming programs, please call (973) 566-6200, ext. 502.
Kearny
Heaven Cent Thrift Shop at First Presbyterian Church, 663 Kearny Ave., announces its end of summer clothing 50% off sale beginning Wednesday, July 20. The shop is open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features good quality clothing for every member of your family. Donations of new or gently used clothing and small household items are welcome and very much appreciated. Entrance is on Laurel Ave.
The Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington is hosting a garage sale fundraiser on Saturday, July 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 57 Hillcrest Road in Kearny. There will be something for everyone, with electronics, CDs, DVDs, furniture, appliances, baby items, clothing for adults and children, as well as lots of toys and books. All proceeds of the sale will go to local charities including St. Stephen’s Food Pantry and the Valerie Fund.
West Hudson Christian Center, 557 Kearny Ave., will host a free Vacation Bible School (Pandamania) for ages 3 to 12 from July 24 to 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. Kids will explore a bamboo forest full of fun-loving pandas. Special programs will include Bible stories, songs, crafts and snacks. Moms, dads and grandparents are welcome to relax in the center’s cafe setting, hear about parenting topics and mingle with others while the kids are having fun. Call 201-997-7762 or visit www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/whcc.
Lyndhurst
Two free senior citizens programs are scheduled at the Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. On Thursday, July 21, at 7 p.m., nurse practitioner and health educator Maylene Laguna will present “Your Heart, Your Health and Yoga,” with advice about staying healthy and how yoga can play a role in longevity.
“Art of the Masters: Michelangelo and the Art of Clay” will be offered Tuesday, July 26, at 3 p.m. It will showcase the life and work of Michelangelo, and participants will be able to create their own clay busts.
Seating is limited, and registration is required for each program. Call 201-460-8300, or to register online go to www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec, click on “Community Programs” and select “register for a program.”
The Lyndhurst High School Class of 1971 is planning a 40th class reunion Saturday, Oct. 15, at Michael’s Riverside, 525 Riverside Ave., Lyndhurst. All graduates and guests of the Class of ’71 are invited to attend. For more details, contact the reunion committee at jhjazz@aol.com or check the class Facebook wall. If anyone knows of a class member’s location/email address, they are asked to forward it to the above email address.
North Arlington
North Arlington Seniors Inc. (Tuesday Club) have scheduled the following trips to Atlantic City: Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 8. A trip to Renault Winery and a casino is scheduled for Aug. 4. For information or reservations, call Rose 201-991-2423 or Marie 201-998-6510. All are welcome. The trips are open to non-members.
Nutley
The Dalton Gang, a 10-piece band that first performed together in 1979 and mixes jazz with a blend of funk and Latin music, will perform Tuesday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at Yanticaw Park in Nutley as part of the Essex County free SummerMusic Concert Series. For more information, call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973‑239-2485. TDD # 711.
The Third Annual Nutley Art Society Group Show is on view at the Nutley Free Public Library through July 29. The show celebrates the talent of a group of local artists that meets every Monday afternoon at the Parks and Recreation Building on Park Ave. Society members are free to pursue their own artistic styles amongst peers regardless of skill level. New members are invited to drop by Mondays between 12:30 and 4 p.m.
This exhibition presents paintings and photography by nine of its members: Jean D’Emidio, Susan Farr, Richard Griese, Anton Ierubino, Ruth Konopka, Margot Parker, Theresa Ruffo, Susan Vogel and Dianne Wilson.
Library hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. / Wed., Fri., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
BabyGarten for children birth to 22 months will be held on Monday, Aug. 1 and 8, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at library. Babies and their caregivers will enjoy great books, nursery rhymes, playtime and meet other babies from the Nutley area. Registration is required.
Pajama Story Time for children of all ages will be held on Monday, Aug. 1 and 8, at 7 p.m. at the library. Registration is not required.
Library patrons are invited to play bridge at the library on the following Tuesdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 1 p.m.
The library’s Tuesday Evening Knitting Club will meet on Aug. 2 from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Come share your love of knitting and crocheting with both beginning and experienced knitters. Please bring your own supplies. This group meets every the first Tuesday of every month.
Hooked on Books, a book club for fifth and sixth graders, will meet on Tuesdays, Aug. 2 and 16, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the library. At each meeting, the group will discuss a book, have a snack and play a game. Sign up at the children’s desk or register online through the library’s website. The book is to be decided.
The library’s Wednesday Afternoon Knitting Club will meet weekly in August from 1 to 3 p.m. Come share your love of knitting and crocheting with both beginning and experienced knitters. Meet fellow knitters, brush-up on your skills, and learn some new techniques. Please bring your own supplies.
