Education

CRAIG SCHOOL S C B U I L D I N G F O U N D A T I O N S –I N S P I R I N G S U C C E S S

www.craigschool.org A specialized independent school with a focus on educating students with dyslexia and languagebased learning disabilities in grades 2-12 . OPEN HOUSE Lower/Middle School March 17 9:45 am • Tower Hill Road Mountain Lakes Campus High School March 11 9:00 am • Craig High School Boonton, NJ 10 TOWER HILL ROAD MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ 07046 • 973.334.1295

901 Route 10 East Whippany, NJ 07981

The Winston Preparatory School does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.

Is Your Child Ready for College Entrance Exams? W hile a student’s long record of academic achievement is generally the most important measure that colleges take under consideration during the admissions process, getting as prepared for one’s college entrance exams as possible is a great idea.

Here are a few things to know going into the process:

• Almost all four-year institutions of higher learning require that candidates submit either SAT or ACT scores with some requiring strictly one or the other. Certain selective schools also require SAT Subject Tests and AP Tests. Check which tests you’ll need to take to apply to your schools of choice. You may also want to check the average scores of last year’s incoming freshmen.

• Find out whether the schools to which you are applying look at the score of every test you take or only your top score. If they look at every score, you may want to avoid taking the test until you’re feeling completely confident. If they look at only the top score, consider taking the test multiple times (if money and time allow) until you get the score with which you’re satisfied.

• Each institution weighs scores a bit differently. Some colleges use entrance exam scores in order to place incoming freshmen in classes. Some schools use the scores to award scholarships. Understanding what the scores are used to determine, can help you get motivated to succeed.

• When it comes to the mathematics portion of the exam, it’s important to know that graphing and scientific calculators are allowed. Calculators for College Boards available from Casio offer an affordable solution to aid in the preparation for college entrance exams. Whatever calculator students choose to use for their exams they should familiarize themselves with completely so that come exam day, they can easily manipulate its features and functions. To that end, students should use the calculator when taking practice tests and consider using it in the classroom and when doing homework.

While the process of preparing for and taking college entrance exams can be nerve-wracking, sufficient preparation and the right tools can give you the confidence you need to be successful on test day.

Pi Day, is not only an annual opportunity to celebrate math, it’s also a day to honor the renowned scientist and mathematician, Albert Einstein, born on March 14. Here are some great ways your family can make math fun this Pi Day:

Visit a Math Museum: Take the kids to a hands-on math museum featuring fun interactive exhibits, events, puzzles, games and more that bring math to life.

Bake a ‘Pi’: Bake a pi-themed pi. Whether you love cherry, chocolate or lemon meringue, you can honor the day by baking a pie and carving the symbol for pi into your creation. This is also a great opportunity to calculate fractions, angles, percentages and areas!

Learn the meaning of Pi: A very special number, pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, making its value essential for those studying geometry. It’s also an “irrational number,” meaning it’s exact value can’t be expressed as a fraction. While scientists have calculated trillions of digits of pi, you are likely familiar with the first few—3.14. Use a high-quality graphing or scientific calculator, such as those from Casio, to study up on several more of pi’s digits and practice using its value in equations.

Learn More About Einstein: There are many terrific biographies for all reading levels available, as well as documentaries and biopics that can help your family learn more about the life and work of the legendary Albert Einstein.

Math may sometimes get a reputation for being one of the tougher school subjects, but it can also be a lot of fun. Let this Pi Day be an opportunity to show your kids that math is something to celebrate.

—StatePoint Photo source: (c) Mizina / iStock via Getty Images Plus

This four member group, will bring their unique mix of Beatlesque melodies, sensual rhythms, power pop and punk sensibilities. 8-10:30pm. First Congregational Church of Montclair, 40 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair. www.outpostintheburbs.org

Local Chorus Hosts Rummage Sale The Hickory Tree Chorus is hosting a rummage sale where you will find lots of treasures, including jewelry, clothes, knick-knacks, furniture, toys and more. Free admission, plenty of parking, baked goods and refreshments will be available. 10am-4pm. Long Hill Senior Center, 769 Valley Rd., Gillette. More information at www.hickorytreechorus.org

Community Dance Workshop

Learn some basics of Flamenco, Middle Eastern, and Indian dance. Presenting a special 90-minute community dance workshop featuring mini-classes in each of these distinct yet related dance forms. A 45-minute, slower-paced class will be offered for seniors citizens, and persons with disabilities. All ages welcome, no experience is necessary. Both classes begin at 1:30pm. Free. Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center Mount Saint Dominic Academy, 3 Ryerson Ave., Caldwell. Registration recommended. 1-800-838-3006. www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/4498542.

The program features all original animated shorts for kids from 2 to 10! “The Fox and the Pigeon”, “The Bird and the Whale”, “Maestro” and more. Coffee (for adults) and cookies will be served as well as complimentary popcorn and water. Sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health.

10-11:30am The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd., Maplewood. 973-843-7157 www.eventbrite.com/e/soma-film-fest

Windchime Craft Make DIY windchimes out of terracotta pots. Free, all materials provided. (Adults & Teens) 2-3pm. Registration is required. New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Ave., New Providence. 908-665-0311 Sign up online at www.register.communitypass.net/newprovidence

Sunday, March 22 “What’s All This about Fake News?” Program In this session, participants will examine fake news and ways to evaluate the kinds of sites, technologies, and processes that participate in circulating falsehoods online. A presentation by Jason Luther, PhD., Rowan University. The Springfield Free Public Library, 66 Mountain Ave., Springfield. 973 376-4930, ext. 227. www.springfieldpubliclibrary.com

Women of Chatham Township: Stories from the Past In conjunction with the new Chatham Township Historical Society Gallery exhibit at the Township Municipal Building, Pat Wells will talk about some of the women who have lived in and influenced the Township. All are welcome, 2-4pm. Chatham Township Municipal Building, 58 Meyersville Rd., Chatham Township. 973-635-4911. www.chathamtownshiphistoricalsociety.org

Art Historian Janet Mandel will discuss and show slides of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women: Summit College Club and Madison Branches. 2pm. MONDO, 426 Springfield Ave., Summit. Refreshments served; free. Reservations required. E-mail: info@mondosummit.com

Tuesday, March 24 Towne Club Luncheon The Towne Club is a Woman’s social organization whose annual fund raiser benefits the rescue squads of Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights. The speaker will be a New Providence Rescue Squad representative. New members are welcome. Noon. Ancona Bistro, 645 Valley Rd., Gillette. 908-464- 2643.

The Lunchtime Film Series

Wednesday, March 25 Fireside Meditation Join spiritual teacher and author Ramananda John E. Welshons for a series of evening meditation classes in front of the fireplace of the Van Vleck house. Participants will learn and practice different forms of mindfulness meditation in each session and will have the opportunity to participate in discussions of Ramananda’s three books. Open to beginners. 7–9pm. Registration required. To register: online at vanvleck. orgor call 973-744-4752 ext. 3. Van Vleck House & Gardens, 21 Van Vleck St., Montclair.

Presenting Downton Abbey (2019). Starring Michelle Dockery, Phyllis Logan, Allen Leech, and Maggie Smith. 1pm. The Springfield Free Public Library, Staff Room, 66 Mountain Ave., Springfield. 973-376-4930. www.sfplnj.org

How to Do Well by Doing Good Ray Hawkins, CFP, a planner at Wealth Enhancement Group in Warren, and former head of equity trading at JP Morgan in NYC, will talk about the various ways one can give to charitable institutions with a view toward tax effectiveness. 9:30am. Summit Old Guard, Municipal Center, 360 Elkwood Ave., New Providence. 908-591-4759. www.summitoldguard.org

Notable Women of New Jersey Guest panelists will include JoAnne Babbitt, Vice President of the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation; Bonnie Monte, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey; and Maria Sheridan, manager of the Teterboro Airport in Bergen County. 7pm. Registration is requested. Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham. 973-635-0603. www.chathamlibrary.org

Learning the Birds by Song Workshop This birding-by-ear workshop series taught by Randy Little will improve bird identification skills. Learning their songs adds another dimension to birdwatching. Wednesdays through April 29, 7-8:30pm. Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville. To register 908-396-6386. www.njaudubon.org

Thursday, March 26 NJ Speakers Series Presentation Presenting Susan Rice former National Security Advisor from 2013-2017. She also served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013. Under President Clinton, Rice worked for the National Security Council and was Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. 8pm. NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark. www.NJSpeakers.org

Pruning or Ruining?—Rutgers Master Gardener Lecture Master Gardener, Gail Di Domenico will discuss the basics of what, why, when, and how to prune your trees and shrubs, what tools to use and their care and when to consult with a professional. Learn how to shear hedges, deadhead flowering shrubs and perennials; how and when to pinch back and cut down your herbaceous perennials. 7pm. Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham. 973-635-0603. www.chathamlibrary.org

Burn Peer Support Group The Susan Fischer Burn Peer Support Group is designed to help burn survivors and their families adjust to their new lives. The group is led by staff from The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas and SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) volunteers who are burn survivors themselves. Free. 3:30- 4:30pm. Saint Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Rd., Livingston. To register: 973-322-5856 or www.rwjbh.org/sbmcevents

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Denny Klein, President and CEO, and the staff of Rand, Feuer & Klein, LLC

Professional, personalized training in singing, dancing,TV acting, comedy, song interp., stage combat, auditioning, make up and more! Meet and study with agents and B’way personalities! Final show in NYC! Audition dates: 3/6 and 3/7, 3/13-3/15, 3/20- 22, 3/27-29. Call Randy at 973-868-6259 to schedule an appointment!

Conquering Everest Dan Stringham is a Randolph resident and an experienced high-altitude mountaineer. As part of the Main Gallery exhibit, “Surveying the New Jersey Landscape”, hear Dan’s story of how he conquered one of Earth’s most extreme landscapes and climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest. 7pm. Pre-registration is recommended, as space is limited. Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, 9 Main St., Madison. 973-377-2982. Register at www.metc.org

Spring Forward Program Enjoy a hands-on lesson on how to make the most of the best blooms of spring with floral designer Betsy Karetnick, owner of The Portable Garden. From using potted plants in centerpieces to prepping tulips, learn about flower health, selection, and design. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves to create a holiday friendly spring centerpiece. Light refreshments and a glass of wine complete the evening. Madison Community House, 25 Cook Ave., Madison. 973-258- 4026. www.greenwoodgardens.org

Spring CraftMorristown Event Offering winter-weary design lovers “first dibs” on the year’s newest creations by 165 top American fine craftspeople at New Jersey’s most exciting spring art and shopping experience. These makers infuse a distinctive creative vision into one-of-a-kind and limited-edition: jewelry; apparel and accessories; furniture; functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, fiber, wood and mixed media; fine art painting, printmaking, drawing and photography; and a gourmet specialty food boutique. 4-8pm. Also March 28, 10am-6pm and March 29. 10am-5pm. Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave., Morristown. 845-331-7900.

Vernal Pool After-Dark Exploration Hike With temperatures rising, the forest floor will be hopping with new life as frogs and other amphibians crowd into shallow puddles of water to breed and lay their eggs. These puddles, better known as vernal pools, tell a lot about nature here in New Jersey. This annual nighttime exploration provides a fun, outdoor learning experience for kids and adults alike. 7-9pm. GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA), 91 Tiger Lily Lane, Harding Township. Register at www.GreatSwamp.org or call 973-538-3500.

Tribute to The Doors Dave Brock and Wild Child’s ability to transport you magically to what a Doors tour might well have been today. 7pm. Wellmont Theater, 5 Seymour Theater, Montclair. 973-783-9500. www.wellmonttheater.com

UMC Summit Open Mic Night Welcomes all musical and spoken word performers, as well as anyone who enjoys listening to artists expressing their passion, to the Open Mic Night, now in it’s 4th season. Every last Friday of the month through May. 8pm.The United Methodist Church of Summit, 17 Kent Place Blvd, Summit. 908-277-1700.

Fundraiser Concert with Scott Sharrard Scott Sharrard spent nearly a decade as lead guitarist and bandleader to the late Gregg Allman. The “Southern Blood” track, “My Only True Friend” – co-written by Sharrard and Allman – earned a GRAMMY nomination for Americana Song of the Year. 7:30pm. Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, 324 Forest Drive South, Short Hills. 973-376-3587.

Saturday, March 28 Southside Johnny Performs

Celebrate the return of Spring with a ride on the “Easter Bunny Express”, a 10- mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland with the Easter Bunny onboard.

Also April 4 & 5 and April 11. Departures 1, 2, 3 & 4pm, rain, snow or shine. Whippany Railway Museum, 1 Railroad Plaza, Route 10 West & Whippany Rd., Whippany. 973-887-8177 www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.net

7pm. Wellmont Theater, 5 Seymour St., Montclair. 973-783-9500. www.wellmonttheater.com

2020 Cabaret VII – Wanderlust: Broadway Songs about Places Far and Near This promises to be a night of adventure, cultural commentary, and humor. Wine, appetizers, and desserts, along with a silent auction and wine pull, will make for a memorable extravaganza! Expect songs that explore travel, optimism, longing, a sense of home and Disney World. 7:30-10:30pm. Community Congregational Church, 200 Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills. 973-538-6969. www.harmonium.yapsody.com

Bubblelandia E xplore the wondrous underwater world of Bubblelandia as you go on an imaginary journey through the deep blue sea and explore a world inhabited by incredible creatures. This lavish production features dancers, acrobats, original music and fantastic bubble effects to create a dreamlike underwater atmosphere. The show follows Mr. B, a creature of modern habits who “always feels pressed by a thousand things to do in a world that seems to be moving too fast.” The office worker discovers a little aquarium that appears like magic inside his briefcase and gradually becomes enchanted by the wondrous

underwater world of Bubblelandia, which is full of seahorses, dragon fish, starfish, mermaids and other creatures.

3pm and 7pm Mayo Performing Arts Center 100 South Street, Morristown 973-539-8008 www.mayarts.org

Madison Library Gala Fundraiser The Friends of the Madison Public Library will honor Tom Bintinger, a long-time President of the Library Board of Trustees at their annual Gala fundraiser. The public is cordially invited to attend and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, served with wine and beer. 5:30-7:30pm. Fee applies per ticket. Madison Library, 39 Keep St., Madison. Reservations may be made online at www.friendsmadisonnjlibrary.org

2020 Annual Gala

The Fighting Children’s Cancer Foundation will hold its 18th annual gala, a festive and spirited gathering of friends and supporters united behind a worthy cause. Guests will enjoy a full Grand Cocktail Reception, live band, the amazing magic of Will Fern, a premier silent auction, and more. Hear from the children and families, be moved by their stories of courage, and take heart in the impact you directly have on their healing and recovery. Held at The Grove, 691 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove. To reserve space call 908-429-2121.

Making g-ART-bage in 2020

Let’s take single-use plastics out of the waste stream and give them a second life with local Artist and Environmental Steward, Vicki Reikes Fox who has big plans for our creations at our Earth Day Spring Fair! This event is $25 per group of 4. 4-H Members and Master Gardeners, ask a 4-H Club Leader for your discount code. 11-2pm. Garibaldi Hall, 621A Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland. Pre-Registration is required. 973-228-8776. www.rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com

Sunday, March 29 Hanover Wind Symphony: Music in Motion The Hanover Wind Symphony will present Music in Motion with rhythms that will make you want to tap your feet and melodies that will stir your emotions. This concert will also feature guest soloist Rick Summers who will perform Artie Shaw’s Concerto for Clarinet. 2-3:30pm. Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown. 973-971-3700. www.morrismuseum.org

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The Taste of Summit D ine and socialize with your family, friends, and neighbors at the 33rd Annual “Taste of Summit” taking place at the Grand Summit Hotel located at 570 Springfield Avenue in Summit. The “Taste of Summit” is a gourmet extravaganza featuring 24 of Summit’s finest restaurants, bakeries and other food establishments serving our guests a “taste” of their specialties. It is an evening designed for the whole family to mix and mingle with friends and neighbors while enjoying delicious food from Summit’s outstanding eateries and food providers. While indulging in your favorite “tastes you can listen to music from local favorite Paul Fessock of Summit’s World of Rock and enjoy a drink at the cash bar. The Taste of Summit is the key fundraiser for the Summit Historical Society, an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Summit through the Carter House Museum and its archives. All of the funds raised will help the Society continue its mission of safeguarding records, documents, maps, books, and artifacts as well as antique furnishings and clothes connected to the history of Summit and making them available to the public at the Carter House, which is the oldest house in Summit. 6-8:30pm The Grand Summit Hotel 570 Springfield Avenue Summit

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The 33rd Annual “Taste of Summit” The Taste of Summit, an annual fundraiser that benefits the all-volunteer Summit Historical Society, is a gourmet extravaganza featuring more than 20 of Summit’s finest restaurants and food merchants. Each vendor will be serving “tastes” that showcase specialties spanning many cuisines, including Italian, American and Mexican. There will also be desserts from Summit’s finest bakers and a cash bar. While parents indulge in their favorite foods, children 12 and younger will be enjoying their own eats and special activities while listening to music from Paul Fessock and musicians from Summit’s World of Rock. 6-8:30pm. To ensure a place, call 908-277-1747. Tickets also be sold at the door. The Grand Summit Hotel, 570 Springfield Ave., Summit.

International Ivy STEM Expo and Open House Parents and kids are invited for hands-on STEM activities like virtual roller coaster rides, a mini escape room, robot races, constructing a building ready for earthquakes and exploring under the microscope. Tour the facilities and get your questions answered. Admission is free. RSVP requested but not required. A free International Ivy cinch sack for those who registered and attend. 3pm. International Ivy STEM, 50 Country Day Drive, Short Hills. www.iisummer.com/open-houses

28 Vicinity Magazine Monday, March 30 Great Women Artists of the Early 20th Century

Maker Workshop: Build a Warbler Bird Box Come learn about the beautiful little yellow songbirds, Prothonotary Warblers, and their nesting habits—along with those of similar birds. The talk will be followed by constructing your very own Warbler nest box to take home and enjoy. Registration is required. Fee applies. Materials and light snacks included. 5:30- 7pm. GS WA Headquarters, 568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown. Register at GreatSwamp.org or call 973- 538-3500.

This presentation will focus on three of America’s greatest female artists: Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Stevenson Cassatt, and Hildreth Meière. Presented by Mario Medici of Medici Lectures & Tours. 7pm. Free and open to all; no registration needed. Livingston Public Library, 10 Robert Harp Drive, Livingston. 973-992-4600. www.livingstonlibrary.org

Tuesday, March 31 Fencing Classes for Kids Classes are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30pm, March 31st through June 4th. No equipment or experience needed! Ages 7 to 18. High School Fencers Welcome! Newark Academy Fencing Room, 91 S. Orange Ave., Livingston. 201-880-7029. www.durkanfencing.com/intro-livingston/register

March 2020 Soldiers Without Guns: Women Defense Workers of WWII The setting: It is 1943, and you are at a meeting where women are being recruited for “war work”. Historical interpreter Stacy Roth plays Rosie Niemiec, a housewife who took a job as a welder in a shipyard. There will also be a display of period artifacts and ephemera, a discussion of women’s participation on the Homefront, and an opportunity for the audience to share memories, memorabilia, and personal stories of the Second World War. 7-8:30pm. New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Ave., New Providence. 908-665-0311. www.newprovidencelibrary.org