Look What We Have To Do

Look what we have to do this weekend.  Because most people think of March as just St Patrick’s Day, you might be surprised to see how much is going on this weekend.  Let’s not forget that the 1st day of spring is this coming Monday.  We did have some snow this week but it looks like that’s it for this year.

Here’s the run down on what we have to do this weekend:

• Relay For Life
• Major Annual Craft Fair
• Philharmonic Concert
• Kids and Social Media
• St Patrick’s Day Music
• 5k Run
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Open Mic Variety Night
• Clara Barton

Relay For Life

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s ground level movement to raise funds for cancer research.  Thursday night at Paramus HIgh School (90 E Century Rd) is another Relay For Life event.  It’s a Movie Night featuring Pixar’sToy Story.  Are you a cancer survivor?  Please come and register because you’ll get a survivor t-shirt.Reach out to Halle Baker at halle.baker@cancer.org! to find out about registering.  Donations are only $5.  Please bring contactless cards or even cash.

Doors open at 6:30 Thursday night; the film starts at 7.  Since you get to watch the film, grab popcorn and drinks all for $5, this is an unbeatable deal.

Cancer has left me heart broken as it has to nearly everyone.  I lost 3 of my dearest friends, 2 wonderful aunts plus my cousin to this disease.  My sister is a cancer survivor.  Even my beloved dog, Mickey, died too young from cancer last December.

Spring Craft Fair

Come to Paramus High School (90 E Cemtury Rd) this Sunday for the Annual Spring Craft Fair.  This is put on by Project Graduation to raise funds for the senior graduation coming up.  It opens at 10 and closes at 5.  Admission is only $3 per person.

I must tell you that this is one of the most popular spring craft fairs.  Because of the level of crafters who are on display, people from miles away come to this every year.  There will be over 125 arts and crafts exhibitors.  If you’ve never been to a craft fair, come Sunday to this one.  You won’t be disappointed.

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Concert 

This is the Bergen Phillharmonic Orchestra’s 87th year.  You will be amazed at the sound and depth of this orchestra becasue they are as good as all major orchestras.  Date and time are Saturday night at 8 pm.  Location is the Syriac Community Hall (55 W Midland Ave, Paramus).

Christy Choi, the BPO Young Artist Competition Winner, is featured will be performing Schumann on her cello.  In addition, the orchestra will perform Dvorak’s New World Symphony.  While there are many beautiful symphonies, the New World is one of the most beloved.  Tickets are very affordable for this world class orchestra:  Adults $25, Seniors, $20, Students & Children $10.  Orders yours online.

Kids and Social Media 

While we all love using the internet, we also know that there’s a very dark side to it too.  Recently there have been a lot of news stories about children being negatively impacted by the web.  There’s a host of problems including sexual predators, bullying and more are serious issues.  As a result, parents are right to be weorred and many simply do not know what to do.  7 pm Thursday night there is help coming from the Valley Health System.

Valley Health is hosting a virtual presentation titled “Kids and Social Media: What Parents Should Know and What They Can Do”.  Register for this online webinar whether or not you’re a parent.  It makes sense to attend this webinar since you never know when you might need this information.

Goodwill Shamrock Shuffle 5k Run 

The GoodWill Shamrock Shuffle 5K is a race to support the GoodWill Foundation.  This run began in 2011 because of Will Sullivan who suffered from a very rare and debilitating disease – Angelman Syndrome.  Since it’s a fund raiser for research into this terrible disease, runners can enjoy a nice 5k run in the park while they’re helping to do a lot of good.

It takes place at Saddle River Park in the Wild Duck Pond Area (1133 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood).  Date and time are this Saturday starting at 8 am.  Registration is still open online.

Easter Egg Hunt & The Easter Bunny

Easter is coming and all the shopping malls have Easter Bunnys out.  You can take a picture with the Easter Bunny at every major shopping mall now as a result.

Paramus Park Mall (Route 17 North) even has an Easter Egg hunt this weekend.  Come to Center Court at Paramus Park this Saturday morning with children.  The kids will enjoy a 1 hour egg hunt program.  All you have to do is show up.

Open Mic Variety Night

Enjoy seeing all sorts of presentations at the Ethical Society’s Open Mic Variety Night in Teaneck (687 Larch Ave) this weekend.  It’s like stand up comedy but more so because anyone can bring their talents to the public.  This is a routinely scheduled event on the 3rd montly Friday since it’s very popular.

You sign up at the door.  This allows last minute decision makers to come on over and get on stage as a result.  It’s always fun and the talent people display will really impress you.  $10 donations are welcome too.  The best part is that you never know what you’ll see.

Clara Barton

History buffs will want to sign on to this webinar from the Bergen County Historical Society.  That’s because Clara Barton was a woman who made an impact that lasts to this day.  Blood drives for example owe their inception to her.

Are you a woman?  Want to know about Clara who was way ahead of her time in being an independent, sucdessful and impactful professional woman.  Thursday night from 7 to 8:15 enjoy this Zoom presentation by the BCHS.  Carolyn Ivanoff is the presenter and she will really entertain you the entire time.  So sign on to Clara Barton, The LIf e and Legacy of an American Icon.

The Holi Hindu Festival

I saved the best for last because this is a major Hindu festival.  It celebrates spring, the renewal of life, the triumpjh of good over evil and the love of Gods Radha and Krishna as well as the victory of Vishnu.  Because it’s also the Festival of Colors, it’s a vibrant color filled celebration.

Fair Lawn is the place to be for the Holi Hindu Festival.  This is a joyous festival with dancing, food, music, crafts and all sorts of colorful paint.  It’s happening in Fair Lawn this Sunday from 2 to 5 at the Memorial Park Avenue of Heroes.  Click on the link for all the details and to register.

Look what we have to do this weekend  It’s a lot!