Spring Concert, Gun Violence Walk, Buddha Day and Mother's Day Top Weekend Events

Boy Scout Troop 9 Annual Mothers Day Plant Sale
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Beverly Road and Central Avenue, West Caldwell
$3

Gardeners, mark your calendars!!  Boy Scouts Troop 9 is holding their Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale.  This is a great opportunity to obtain top quality plants at great prices, or to give as Mother’s Day gifts.  Come early for the best selection. The sale takes place on Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine).  ll plants are supplied by Fairfield Farms since 1974. We’ll have a wide selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, hanging baskets, assorted flats, and planters.   Please email questions to Troop9BSAFundraiser@gmail.com. The proceeds will to be used for scouting activities, such as high adventure trips.

Collectibles Fair
Saturday, 9 a.m.
West Caldwell Public Library
30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell
FREE

Collectibles are treasures from the attic, basement, closet or junk drawers that are no longer wanted. They are one step above garage sale items and are not new products or handmade crafts. All of the items will be gently used and in good condition. For more information, call (973) 226-5441.

URINETOWN: The Musical
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church 
326 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwells
$10

URINETOWN: The Musical, has everything one could ever hope for in a musical: intrigue, action, lots of dancing, and, of course, a love story. Tickets will be available in advance at a suggested donation of $10. A donation of $15 will be collected at the door.

Spring Concert By The Verona-Cedar Grove Chorus

Friday, 8 p.m.
Verona High School
151 Fairview Ave., Verona
$10

Now in it's 64th year, the chorus will perform it's Spring Concert. Under the direction of Denise Bastanza and accompanied by Paul Villarreal, the Chorus will perform a variety of musical styles, ranging from Jazz ("At Last") to pop ("Disney Dazzle" Medley) to Broadway (Marvin Hamlisch Tribute). Tickets are $10, with Seniors and Students $5.  The auditorium is accessible. For more information, call Tom at 973-953-3667, or email tj07044@gmail.com of visit VeronaCedarGroveChorus.org.

NJ Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Walk
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Verona Park
FREE

the NJ Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will be holding a gathering and walk to honor the mothers who have lost children to gun violence. Members will read the Moms Demand Action "Mother's Bill of Rights," and bring eight flowers to carry; these eight flowers symbolize the eight US children lost to gun violence every day.

Sunday, 10 a.m. 
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, 
150 Commerce Road, Cedar Grove

The second Sunday of May is a very special day, as there are three meaningful occasions that fall on that day. On this Buddha day, over several hundred people will get together at the ceremony to pay reverence to the Buddha, to learn from the Buddha's compassion and wisdom, and to show our gratitude to every mother's selfless and boundless love to her children.

Nutley Old Guard Meeting
Friday, 9 a.m.
44 Park Ave., Nutley
FREE

The Old Guard meets weekly at the Frank A. Cocchiola Parks Building. New members always welcomed.

National Public Gardens Day at Presby
Friday, 10 a.m.
Presby Memorial Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Ave., Montclair
FREE

This kick-off to Bloom Season includes: an Iris Plant Sale featuring named plants from Presby’s collection, a performance by the Opera Theatre of Montclair, a presentation by artist Lisa Palombo on Women and Impressionism, plus a variety of horticultural talks. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission to this event is free. Please visit presbyirisgardens.org for a detailed
schedule. 

10th Annual Van Vleck Plant Sale
Friday, 10 a.m.
Van Vleck House and Gardens
21 Van Vleck St., Montclair
FREE

The 10^th Annual Van Vleck House & Gardens Benefit Plant Sale features the finest local plant selections. Rain or shine.

Belleville Senior Citizens Friday Club
Friday, 12:30 p.m.
Franklin Avenue and Mill Street
Belleville
FREE

Movie Day at Hayes West Rec Center
Friday, 3 p.m.
179 Boyd St., Newark
FREE

Stop by for a free movie for all ages. 

Verona Live: Cards & Games

Friday, 1 p.m.
Verona Community Center Annex,
880 Bloomfield Ave., Verona
FREE

Drop in on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to play or to socialize at the Community Center Annex. No registration required.

The Mother's Day Weekend Concert: 'The Whispers and Stephanie Mills'
Friday, 8 p.m.
Newark Symphony Hall
1030 Broad St., Newark
FREE

Marquee Concerts presents The Mother's Day Weekend Concert "The Whispers and Stephanie Mills" the R&B legends The Whispers and Grammy & American Music Award winner Stephanie Mills take the stage at Newark Symphony Hall for a memorable evening of music that mom is sure to love! Tickets on sale now! For further information, showtimes and ticket prices call the box office at 973-643-8014.

2nd Annual McLoone's Boathouse 'Building Bridges 5K'
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
115 Clifton Ave., Newark
$25

McLoone’s Boathouse in West Orange, NJ has once again partnered with The Griffin Bridges Program at Seton Hall Preparatory School in hosting their Second Annual “Building Bridges 5K” set to begin with a 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run at 9:00 am and the official 5K Run/Walk at 9:30 on Saturday on May 11^th. The event will be held at the South Mountain Reservation certified course on Crest Drive (Maplewood, NJ). Pre-registration can be done online; on-site registration will begin at 8:00 am at the venue. The event will also feature an awards ceremony and post-race reception immediately following the race at McLoone’s Boathouse in West Orange. Proceeds from this event will go to support academically talented inner city scholars attending Seton Hall Preparatory School through The Griffin Bridges Program.

Newark Bears Mother's Day Celebration
Sunday, All day
Riverfront Stadium
450 Broad St., Newark
FREE

This year, make Mother’s Day an unforgettable one and bring Mom—and the rest of the family—to the ballpark for her special day. The Newark Bears will celebrate the start of their season by showing gratitude for all mothers. This unique event will include activities such as: a picnic with the team, and a mother and child pitch-and-catch. The Newark Bears team and prospects will be on hand to meet and greet fans and sign autographs. Other entertainment and games will take place, as well.

MSU Cali Brass in Concert
Sunday, 2 p.m.
St. James Church
581 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
$10

The Cali Brass and Trumpet Ensembles of Montclair State University will perform a Concert for Mothers’ Day at St James’ Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 12. All are welcome. The cost is  $10 ($5 for students and seniors) that will be collected at the door. All proceeds go towards the restoration of the St James’ Church pipe organ.