Hot off the presses, now I can finally go skateboarding. That is, if I wear my helmet and if
the teens don’t mind an out-of-shape, 34-year-old mom of three hanging
out with them. The new park equipment includes 2 ½ pipes, 2 pyramid
ramps, 2 grind boxes, and grinder rails. This rocks, dude.

Who: For teens and their parents who need them to stop skateboarding in the house.
What: Ribbon cutting for the long awaited Bloomfield Ramp Park serving both skateboarders and BMX bikers (Bicycle Motocross).
Where:
Memorial Parkway will be Saturday November 22nd at 10 a.m. in Memorial
Park in Bloomfield (near the tennis courts). Directions: Enter the Park
via Memorial Parkway – off of Belleville – stay left and you’ll come to
the parking lot.
Why: The Park was funded with GreenAcres
money and is OPEN TO ALL (not just Bloomfielders). There will be an
attendant there, too. Appropriate equipment will be required – helmets-
elbow and kneepads. There will be separate hours for skateboarders and
BMXers. Waivers will have to be signed by parents/guardians.

Saturday, Nov. 22
Morning with Santa
Who: Young kids who would look cute in a photo with Santa.
What:
Local professional photographer Richard Titus will take photos of your
children on Santa’s lap at the Van Vleck House & Gardens. Local
elves will then take them to do crafts in the Education Center
Where: Van Vleck House & Gardens
21 Van Vleck House & Gardens
Montclair, NJ 07042
When: 2 sittings are 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 10-11 a.m.
Cost: $25 per family (very cool that it’s not per kid), call Mary for reservations (973) 744-4752. She says it’s almost filled.

Deals on Goods for a Good Cause: The United Way
Who: Anyone who needs to buy stuff for kids
What:
Save up to 75 percent off retail prices on new, brand name toys and
adult items at whole sale prices. We hear there will be remote control
vehicles, dolls, clothes, stuffed animals, infant products, jewelry and
lots of stuff for adults, too. There are supposed to be over 5,000
items.
Where: United Way of North Essex
60 S. Fullerton Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07042
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Why: Stock up for holiday as cheaply as possible.
Cost: Free to get in, CASH only

Know of an event? Send us an email.

Entry by Bridget Roy Sarubin

How far would you go for a cookie? If local caterer Nicky Mesiah’s goods are as, well, good as I hear, I would definitely give up blood for one. Especially when it’s for a such a great cause.

Who: Anyone who’s eligible to give blood
What: Miss Nicky’s Ultra Thin Chocolate Chip Cookie Day hosted by The Red Cross. Give blood, and you get to sample her treats.
Where: American Red Cross of Montclair-Glen Ridge-Nutley
63 Park Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
When: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2:30-7:30 p.m.
Why: As holidays near, people get busy and blood donations slow down.
Cost: Just a little blood
Call: Best to schedule an appointment, call the Montclair chapter (973) 746-1800