Spring into Wanderings April 2024

Warren County Wanderings

“April prepares her green traffic light, and the world thinks, Go!” – Christopher Morley, American journalist and novelist

April is bringing a breath of life into this edition of Wanderings with the return of the CSA programs at farms across county including the Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm where we gleaned this month’s newsletter photo.

Centenary Stage Company presents the Women Playwrights Series, one of many area productions coming in April. Roy’s Hall is jammin’ every weekend with live music, while Rutherfurd Hall continues its Jazz Series. And Belvidere’s own Country Gate Players are performing Neil Simon's The Odd Couple

Hope’s annual Go Green with Hope will be just one part of a larger town-wide event including yard sales, craft show, an art show and clothing drive. You might even see the Explore Warren folks there!

Ramsaysburg Homestead is hosting an Arts and Antiques Fair, a great way to spend a spring day, find some treasures and celebrate Earth Day (officially April 22, but earth-loving events occurring the weekends before and after). There are also various community cleanups happening, great for families and anyone looking for community service hours, listed in our Community Corner section.

With that longish introduction, we wish everyone a happy weekend, Happy Easter and Happy Wanderings!

 

Coming Up

A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere tells of a soldier who returns from war carrying the ghosts of the tour and faces a sobering decision: whether to address their alarming PTSD with Virtual Reality therapy, or risk losing access to their family forever.  Can this new technolo

This free community event is happening the first Saturday of each month. Enjoy cars, coffee, hot chocolate or a breakfast sandwich.
 

The famous Argyle restaurant known for its fish fry in Kearny may be closed but you still have a chance to get the original meal cooked on site, by the former owner, here at Brook Hollow Winery. Live music and fun and games will also be provided for eat in attendees.

Paint a bottle, enjoy a wine tasting, and enjoy some yummy snacks!

Reserve your spot by calling 908- 475- 3671.

Cost is $35 pp.

Patrick celebrates the release of his eighth solo album "Apple Tree Days" featuring some of North Jersey’s most talented musicians.

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30 PM, weather permitting.

Why let the kids have all the fun this Easter when you can join Man Skirt for a fun and festive adventure that’s way better -and boozier- than your typical hunt. This one is designed for adults to hunt their favorite Man Skirt Beers.

Channel your inner winemaker and join Brook Hollow Winemaker, Paul Ritter, and assistant Winemaker, Nick Selitto for a fun night of wine blending and friendly competition.

The Women Playwrights Series is back in April.

Rutgers is offering a Zoom series about invasive and native plants. After the series concludes, come to the Rutgers office to pick up three native plant seedlings based on specific growing conditions on your property.

Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages.

Get ready for a pop culture convention with something for everyone! This will be a day filled with activities, Exhibitor Hall vendors and artists, a cosplay catwalk, story time with a superhero, photo ops, workshops, panels, a video game tournament, food trucks, kids fun room, and more.

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
April 13 - Jeff Bellfy
April 14 - Lorenzo Branca

Social media is one of those things we love to hate, as it's always changing, hard to keep up with as well as run your business, and seems to be something we can’t live without.

Enjoy an evening of mind-bending illusions and enchanting performance that will leave you questioning reality. Tickets include nacho bar, beer and wine.

$35/ person. Call 908-674-3333 or reserve online.

Having distilled his own signature sound of blues and folk for over 50 years, Chris Smither is truly an American original. A profound songwriter, Chris continues to draw deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and philosophers.

Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) for a group hike starting at White Lake Route 521 parking area. The length of the hike will be approximately 2 miles. Bring a drink.

Pre- registration is required by e-mailing pbk123@aol.com

Infloressense hosts clinical herbalist Theresa for class about spring lymphatic herbs. There will be hand outs and hands on demonstrations.

$35/ pp.

Adapted from the best-selling book, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure.

"Night at the Races Beefsteak" promises an exhilarating evening featuring professionally narrated horse races from the '90s, presented on a large screen with commentary from some of America’s most acclaimed announcers.

Begin your journey with a fascinating exploration into the rich history of Four Sisters winery, with a guided wine tasting experience, sampling a selection of eight exquisite wines.

Dr. Dom Flemons is a musician based in the Chicago area and is known as The American Songster® since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music. In 2005, Flemons created the Carolina Chocolate Drops with Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson.

On this Earth Day, come out to Ramsaysburg for a day of treasure hunting with a blending of artisans and antique vendors. 30 indoor and outdoor settings in a large historic barn and in the pristine riverside amphitheater.

Fun for all at North Warren Regional High School with vendors, live music by The Cellar Dwellers, food, prizes and trophies.

This is a free event.

 

The party will be held at the brewery and in the lower lot with a block party style set up for serving beers, food, music, and more. Vendors will be joining us for the party as well
 

Join Buck Hill for another wild game dinner which includes a five course meal with Buck Hill's Beer pairing. $110/person, plus tax and gratuity.

Call to make reservations, 908-854-5300

Distressed after his wife demands a trial separation, obsessively neat Felix Ungar  moves in with his slovenly friend Oscar Madison , whose wife has divorced him.

The Bolshoi Studio Cabaret of 4 talented singers will perform a 90-minute show of Cabaret/Broadway standards, with some Pop music and Blues mixed in.

The Phillipsburg Farmers Market is a producer-only market that features fresh, high-quality produce and meats. Plus, local artisan baked goods, plants, pickles, flowers, plant proteins, healthy meals to take home as well as hot prepared foods and beverages.

This acoustic series starts with Deb D'Anne in a special solo show on April 26. Along with this series will be meal service and beverages for sale.

Future shows:
May 10 - Katie Gerhold
May 24 - Open Mic

Come participate in, investigate and learn about reducing, reusing and recycling in our homes and businesses and keeping all of our neighborhoods Green! This free event includes the following:

April 27 is a big day in the Village of Hope! In addition to the annual "Go Green With Hope" Green Fair being held at the elementary school, there will be a town-wide Yard Sale; a Craft Show; an Art Show and a Clothing Drive!

Songwriter and New Jersey native Katie Henry might have started out banging on doors, braving New York's blues clubs, playing piano until her fingers bled, winning over the city one show at a time. And lately, the multi-instrumentalist has raced through career milestones at a rocket pace.

Come out to experience Brook Hollow's first Spring Fling Wine and Craft Fair with over 30 vendors, live music and food trucks.

This is a free event.

 

Manskirt is bringing back their market featuring local artists and makers right in the biergarten.

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: 1- 4:30 p.m. 

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

This free community event is happening the first Saturday of each month. Enjoy cars, coffee, hot chocolate or a breakfast sandwich.
 

Start the summer off right with music under the Arbor!

Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: 1- 4:30 p.m. 

July 4: Lorenzo Branca - solo guitarist

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: 1- 4:30 p.m. 

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Evenings: 6-8:30 p.m. 

In the barn and in the tents, the oasis beckons, complete with art and antiques for every age and artistic craving!

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Music lovers are sure to enjoy David Kunz's laid-back acoustics, and lots of John Denver tunes. As usual, the amazing chefs will have a yummy menu for the evening so come hungry and please feel free to BYOB.

Alba continues their weekend of music under the Arbor with live music and great wine!

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: 1- 4:30 p.m. 

Alba continues their weekend of music under the Arbor with live music and great wine!

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

This spectacular cabaret will feature an incredible lineup of vocalists, including the renowned Alison Bolshoi, alongside Kevin Patrick, Kate DiFonzo, Erin Pach, Jane Baduini, Jordan Sievert, and introducing the rising talent of Joshua Bezerra.

"Night at the Races Beefsteak" promises an exhilarating evening featuring professionally narrated horse races from the '90s, presented on a large screen with commentary from some of America’s most acclaimed announcers.

Join Buck Hill for another wild game dinner which includes a four course meal with Buck Hill's Beer pairing. $69.99/ person, plus tax and gratuity.

Call to make reservations, 908-854-5300

Come participate in, investigate and learn about reducing, reusing and recycling in our homes and businesses and keeping all of our neighborhoods Green! This free event includes the following:

The famous Argyle restaurant known for its fish fry in Kearny may be closed but you still have a chance to get the original meal cooked on site, by the former owner, here at Brook Hollow Winery. Live music and fun and games will also be provided for eat in attendees.

Enjoy an evening of mind-bending illusions and enchanting performance that will leave you questioning reality. Tickets include nacho bar, beer and wine.

$35/ person. Call 908-674-3333 or reserve online.

Get ready for a pop culture convention with something for everyone! This will be a day filled with activities, Exhibitor Hall vendors and artists, a cosplay catwalk, story time with a superhero, photo ops, workshops, panels, a video game tournament, food trucks, kids fun room, and more.

Just in time for Mother's Day, shop over 30 local vendors, Brook Hollow wine, a food truck or two, and live music!

This is a free event.

 

Continuing

Are you ready for a smashing good time? The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one of a kind experience, sure to intoxicate all your senses. The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan dinner served with roasted vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.

Little Ridge has live music in April.

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Taught by Country Fusion Certified instructor, Jennifer Horsey! Great for all levels of dancing abilities!

This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets. Option to purchase buffet meal will be available the night of, must be done before 8:30pm.

Boston's best stand-up comedy at Invertase Brewing with a brand new line-up of comedians each month.

Weekend Warrior Yoga, led by certified instructor, Mary Walker-Golden of M-Power Yoga & Wellness will be held every third Sunday this Spring from 10:30-11:30am at Pure Skys Spa & Yoga Studio in Washington, NJ.

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

This weekend's jazz ensemble features Sara Caswell, Grammy nominated Jazz violinist, Bill Crow on bass, Nick Scheuble on drums and flute player TBA.

$35/ person and tickets are limited.

Light refreshments will be available during intermission.

Warren County Arts 26th Annual Spring Art Show in up until May 4. Reception for this art show is April 7 from 2- 4 p.m.

Carolyn Barton will be offering gentle yoga classes designed to be accessible to everyBODY. Formulated with mindfulness and proper yoga alignment to ensure safety, these classes will be easy to follow, filled with inspiration, lightheartedness, and warmth.

Little Ridge has live music in May, along with Mother's Day celebration, a gala and more!


May 4-Allan Willcockson

May 5-Lauren Christine

May 11 -Scott Messina

Warren County Arts presents a poetry and art collaboration running May-June, with a reception May 19, 2-4pm.

Little Ridge has live music in June!

Taught by Country Fusion Certified instructor, Jennifer Horsey! Great for all levels of dancing abilities!

This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets. Option to purchase buffet meal will be available the night of, must be done before 8:30pm.

Little Ridge has live music in July!

Are you ready for a smashing good time? The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one of a kind experience, sure to intoxicate all your senses. The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan dinner served with roasted vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

Little Ridge has live music in August!

Little Ridge has live music in October!

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

Taught by Country Fusion Certified instructor, Jennifer Horsey! Great for all levels of dancing abilities!

This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets. Option to purchase buffet meal will be available the night of, must be done before 8:30pm.

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to Invertase Brewing Company.

"Buns on the Go"food truck will be vending the night of the show.

*Formerly Boston Comedy Club

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Little Ridge has live music this November!

November 2 - Scott Messina
November 9 - Jeff Bellfy
November 16 - Peter Amadeo
November 23 - John Cain
November 30 - Katy Gerhold

Taught by Country Fusion Certified instructor, Jennifer Horsey! Great for all levels of dancing abilities!

This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets. 

$10 cover.

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Brook Hollow never stops with free live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Carolyn Barton will be offering gentle yoga classes designed to be accessible to everyBODY. Formulated with mindfulness and proper yoga alignment to ensure safety, these classes will be easy to follow, filled with inspiration, lightheartedness, and warmth.

Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to Invertase Brewing Company. The Champ's Dogs will be vending.

*Formerly Boston Comedy Club

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Little Ridge has live music in March.

March 1 - Dave Read
March 8 - Jeni Hackett
March 15 - Katy Gerhold
March 22 - Peter Amadeo 


March 28 - FRIDAY NIGHT TRIVIA & GARA's PIZZA

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Community Corner

Learn about the strong link between nutrition, physical activity and cancer prevention including simple ways to embrace the power of prevention in your daily life.

Learn how to be a friend to animals and the earth with this interactive animal adventure. Come see a variety of interesting animals presented by the always entertaining Eyes of the Wild.

Registration required.

This program is appropriate for children ages 3 and up.

Give back and give blood. Pre- registration is preferred, but walk- ins are welcome.

Register here.

Get ready for an evening of laughter and camaraderie as Family Promise of Warren County presents Spring Break Comedy Show Fundraiser. This promises to be a night filled with top-notch comedians, hilarious anecdotes, and good vibes, all while supporting a great cause!

Come paint with the puppies and kitties while raising money for this rescue.

Cost is $45/ person.

Please RSVP to riverviewrescue23@gmail.com by March 29.

Everyone is invited to a free community dinner at the chapel. Hosted by First Presbyterian Church in Hackettstown.

Watercolor instructor Doris Ettlinger will lead a class on the art of painting with watercolor on reflective surfaces. For ages 15 and up.

Participants should bring the following:

Are you looking for a job or looking for new employees? The Warren County Economic Development Committee will be hosting a job fair co-sponsored by the Washington Business Improvement District and the Warren County Habitat for Humanity at Habitat for Humanity Community Center.

Save the date for a yard sale at Brook Hollow Winery. All proceeds benefit charitable organizations.

Lopatcong is calling all its residents to love your community and help clean up the streets. Bags, gloves, and safety vest will be available.

RSVP at earliest convienence.

 

The Belvidere Business District Earth Day Seed Trail is back and sponsored by the Belvidere Garden Club. Start your day by visiting any of the participating retail shops to pick up a map, have the map hole punched and receive a complimentary packet of flower seeds from each store.

Join Amanda for a hands-on seasonal cupcake decorating demonstration, learning the basics of icing and piping techniques including written messages, making borders, and other decorations. You will also have the opportunity to practice these techniques and designs.

Presented by the Hackettstown Fire and Rescue Squad comes a delicious take out, dine in or free delivery meal of Chicken Parmesan, pasta, bread and dessert.

$20/ person.

To place your order, call 973-219-3967 or to purchase dine-in tickets call Kim at 908-797-4008.

 

Roast Beef boxed dinner, including dessert. $19 per meal. NEW: You may stay in your vehicle and use the drive-through lane OR park in the main parking lot and enjoy your boxed meal inside in Fellowship Hall. 

908-750-4394

The Scarlet Cord, is a timely piece for today’s audience. This story depicts an incredible drama of two missionaries as they live and minister in the midst of one of the cruelest regimes the world has ever known, the communist Soviet Union.

Food will be for sale by Franklin Fire/EMS, live music and Peoples' Choice Awards.

Take charge of your year with Wellness Walks led by Warren County naturalist Jen. Walks will vary in time and length and held once a month on a Sunday.

Genesis Farms presents an Earth Day Open House with workshops, hayrides, kids’ activities, garden lunch, artisans, plus a very special guest!

Rain date May 5.

Donations will be collected in the parking lot both days. The funds received from the clothing drive are used by the deacons in support of their compassionate ministries.

Please carefully read the guidelines for donating items.

Elaine Koplow and Jane Ebihara will read from their lateset work with comments on inspiration, forms and other aspects of writing.

Refreshments, discussion and open mic to follow. All are welome.

   

 

WC Arts presents Drawing the Human Figure led by Hillary Hill.

$25 for nonmembers. Register at www.wcarts.org.

   

 

Come paint with the puppies and kitties while raising money for this rescue.

Cost is $45/ person.

Please RSVP to riverviewrescue23@gmail.com by July 20.

Give back and give blood. Pre- registration is preferred, but walk- ins are welcome.

Register here.

Drive-through Roast Beef boxed dinner, including dessert. $19 per meal. 908-750-4394

More Things to Do

Embark on the Warren County Grains & Grapes passport adventure! There's still time to collect three stamps at each of the nine unique wineries and breweries by April 30, 2024, and earn yourself an exclusive commemorative hoodie featuring the Grains & Grapes partners. Immerse in the serene landscapes and rich history of Warren County, as you indulge in the finest local wines and craft beers. Discover the charm of Warren County – your gateway to the best of local brews and vines! Learn more at the link. Must be 21+ to participate."

Plan Ahead

The 4th annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair is a day filled with live music, artisan vendors, street performers, and general steampunk shenanigans. Come dressed for the occasion!

Rock & Roll and music related vendors, Steampunk vendors, jewelry, clothing, and more!

Participants will have the option to run or walk this course, which a scenic loop that passes streams, pastures, historic buildings, and the beautiful Musconetcong River on a mostly flat course.

The 5th annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair is a free event in downtown Washington Borough and features a full day of live music, streets lined with vendors, fabulous costumes, street performers, local specials, activities and so much more! Come dressed for the occasion!