| Business/Employment | Voter & Consumer Information | |
| Enrichment | Mom's Time Out/Play Groups | |
| Parenting |
Not just for kids…be sure to check the listings under Enrichment Classes, Museums, Theatre, Music and Dance and Outdoor Activities to find many opportunities for adults as well.
business/employment
Small Business Development Center
Raritan Valley Community College @ Bridgewater, 14 Vogt Dr., Bridgewater, 908-526-1200 ext. 8516. Free and confidential business counseling for all areas of business operations is offered.
NCJW Center for Women
70 South Orange Ave., Suite 120, Livingston, 973-994-4994. Our nonsectarian programs offer a safe and affordable place to go for help when faced with life changes. Support groups, job search strategies, legal and financial guidance, computer classes, workshops. Call or visit us online. Volunteer opportunities available.
enrichment
Adult Schools
Community adult schools offer a wide variety of interesting courses and workshops for personal enrichment and growth. Brochures are typically mailed to area residents prior to registration in Sept. and Jan. or available online.
• Adult School of the Chathams, Madison & Florham Park, 973-443-9222.
• County College of Morris Enrichment, 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph,
973-328-5187.
• Hunterdon County Adult School, 908-439-4280.
• Morris Hills School of Adult and Continuing Education, 973-664-2296.
• Raritan Valley Community College Continuing Education, 908-218-8871.
• South Orange Maplewood Adult School, 973-378-7620.
• Union County College Continuing Education, 908-709-7600.
• Watchung Hills Adult School, 908-647-4820.
• Westfield Adult School, 908-232-4050.
Elefante School for the Performing Arts
1790 Springfield Ave., New Providence, 908-464-5928. A full service music store specializing in teaching students of all ages. We offer private lessons, group lessons, jazz ensembles and summer camps. Top quality band and orchestra instruments for rental or purchase. Classes offered for 6 months–adult: Acting, Dancing, Singing, Musical Theater, Private Voice, Private Instrumental, Jazz & Rock Bands too.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 E. Hanover Ave. (Rt. 511), Morris Township, 973-326-7601. Adult workshops in horticulture, crafts and cooking demonstrations with Chef and Master Gardener Cynthia Triolo are offered throughout the year.
Cooking Demonstrations
1-3pm. $25, pre-registration required.
Jan 22
The Food of Sicily.
Feb 26
One Dish Wonders.
Mar 18
Sweet Miniatures, mini pastries.
Horticulture & Craft Workshops
Jan 14
Beginning Gardening Series: Winter–Be Prepared. 2-3pm. $15 per class.
Feb 18
Create Your Own Mosaic Trivet, basics of cutting, placing and gluing tiles. 10-3. $25 plus $20 materials fee.
Mar 20
Rain Barrel Workshop, make your own 55-gallon rain barrel. 7-9pm. $60.
Mar 31
Beginning Gardening Series: Spring–Getting Started. 2-3pm. $15 per class.
NCJW Center for Women
70 South Orange Ave., Suite 120, Livingston, 973-994-4994. Our nonsectarian programs offer a safe and affordable place to go for help when faced with life changes. Support groups, job search strategies, legal and financial guidance, computer classes, workshops. Call or visit us at www.centerforwomennj.org. Volunteer opportunities available.
Palermo Show Stable
1555 Burnt Mills Rd., Bedminster, 908-719-7500. Info@palermoshowstable.com. Tues.-Sun. 8am-1pm, 3-6pm, after hours by appointment only. Horseback riding lessons, ages 6 to 65, beginner to advanced. Boarding, training, showing, horse sales and leases, Mother's Days Out, monthly horse shows.
parenting
Adult Schools
See listing above under Enrichment.
Advocates for Children of New Jersey
35 Halsey St., 2nd floor, Newark, 973-643-3676. Independent, non-profit organization advocates for children through research of issues, legal analysis and education of policymakers and the public. Website provides online information on current children's issues and the law.
American Red Cross
CPR, Community First Aid & Safety and grandparenting courses.
• American Red Cross of Central New Jersey Chapter, 707 Alexander Rd., Suite 101, Princeton, 609-951-8550.
• Colonial Crossroads Chapter, 695 Springfield Ave., Summit, 908-273-2076.
• Greater Somerset County Chapter, 14 W. Cliff St., Somerville, 908-725-2217.
• Millburn-Short Hills Chapter, 389 Millburn Ave., 973-379-4198.
• American Red Cross of Northern NJ, 29 Elm St., Morristown, 973-538-2160.
• Tri-County Chapter, 332 W. Front St., Plainfield, 908-756-6414.
• Westfield-Mountainside Chapter, 321 Elm St., 908-232-7090.
Atlantic Health System Community Classes & Events
1-800-247-9580; 908-522-2946. Free health and parent education programs on many issues related to pregnancy, infant care, nutrition, families and children are offered year round. Visit website under “Classses & Events” to access calendar.
Atlantic Training Center
Atlantic Health Hospitals, 908-522-2323. Offers EMT training; ALS education for paramedics and other advanced life support providers; and CPR and first aid training to community groups, businesses and the general public at Atlantic Health Hospitals or on-site locations.
EmpoweringParents.com
A website and weekly newsletter offering parenting articles and advice from noted experts on tough problems parents face with their kids.
NCJW Center for Women
70 South Orange Ave., Suite 120, Livingston, 973-994-4994. Our nonsectarian programs offer a safe and affordable place to go for help when faced with life changes. Support groups, job search strategies, legal and financial guidance, computer classes, workshops. Call or visit us at www.centerforwomennj.org. Volunteer opportunities available.
NJParentLink.nj.gov
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services website provides information about state services and resources related to early childhood, maternity and family leaves, child care and other parenting issues.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Parenting newsletter and workshops available through county extension offices.
• Essex County
621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland, 973-228-3785
• Hunterdon County
6 Gaunt Pl., Bldg. 2, Flemington, 908-788-1340
• Morris County
County Bldg. 550, West Hanover Ave., Morristown, 973-285-8300
• Somerset County
310 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater, 908-526-6644
• Union County
300 North Ave. East, Westfield, 908-654-9854
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Old Short Hills Rd., Livingston, 973-322-5360. Education classes and support groups for new parents, families and those touched by specific illnesses or health issues. Visit website for current calendar under "community services."
Somerset Medical Center
110 Rehill Ave., Somerville, 908-704-3766. Seminars, classes, support groups and screenings offered for all ages. Maternal Child Health programs include moms support group, Baby Basics, breastfeeding, sibling preparation and childbirth preparation classes.
StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov
Information, tips, games and cartoons for children and adults to learn about bullying and what can be done to stop it. www.PacerKidsAgainstBullying.org, animated website for both elementary school students and www.TeensAgainst
Bullying.org geared for teens.
Summit Area YMCA Community Development Programs
67 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330 x127. Health, career, SAT, college, nutrition and other topics are the focus of workshops and lectures offered to the community.
Summit Medical Group
1 Diamond Hill Rd., Berkeley Heights, 888-241-6981. Free lectures and events offered throughout the year on health, first aid, parenting and fitness topics.
Ys
Check with your local Y for American Heart Association CPR, American Red Cross First Aid and Safety classes and parent workshops offered throughout the year.
voter and consumer information
Charitynavigator.org
Provides free information and evaluations of the financial health of over 5,000 charities to help donors make intelligent giving decisions.
CouponCabin.com, RetailMeNot.com, Savings.com
Before making an online purchase, check these consolidators of coupon codes submitted by retailers and users for possible discounts. Coupons.com provides printable grocery coupons.
Factcheck.org
A project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, factcheck.org monitors the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players by applying the best practices of journalism and scholarship in order to increase public knowledge and understanding.
NJVoterInfo.org
Maintained by the Eagleton Institute of Politics and the New Jersey League of Women Voters, this website provides non-partisan information about New Jersey politics and government.
OnGuardOnline.gov
Provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help guard against internet fraud, secure computers and protect personal information.
Snopes.com
Before you forward on those questionable emails, check the facts at snopes.com, the Internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumor and misinformation.
Thomas.gov
Library of Congress site makes federal legislative information available to the public. Its content includes the text of bills, resolutions and treaties, roll call votes, the Congressional Record, committee information, Presidential nominations, historical information, links to government resources and activities and lesson plans for teachers.
TownStats.org
Non-profit, non-partisan online database is designed to give New Jersey citizens access to important information about their town, its budget and taxes in a format that makes it easy to compare with other towns.
Vote411.org
Everything you need to know about upcoming elections including candidate information, ballot measures, voter registration information and polling place locator sponsored by League of Women Voters Education Fund.
VoteSmart.org
1-888-868-3762. Website provides citizens access to candidates' voting records, biographical information, issue positions, interest group ratings, public statements and campaign finance information.
WhiteHouse.gov
Keep tabs on the President, Vice-President and featured legislation at this site.
moms time out/play groups
See Support Groups for more opportunities for Mom’s time-out and additional support and play groups.
Christ Church Nursery School Drop-In Babysitting
Christ Church Nursery School, East Lane, Short Hills, 973-379-6549. Drop-in service available Mon.-Fri. 8:30-3:30 for infants to age 6 mid-Sept.–mid-June.
Holistic Moms Network
PO Box 408, Caldwell, NJ 07006, 877-HOL-MOMS. info@holisticmoms.org. Consult website for local chapters. Non-profit organization dedicated to supporting moms with an interest in natural health and holistic parenting. Local chapters have monthly meetings, playgroups and social events.
MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club
National support group for at-home mothers holds monthly meetings, playdays, outings, activity groups, babysitting co-ops, mom’s night out and more.
• Bedminster
Email: emomsclub@hotmail.com. Serving Bedminster, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, Peapack-Gladstone and Pottersville. • Belvidere Area: Serving Belvidere, White Twp. and Oxford.
• Berkeley Heights/Summit
Email momsclubbhs@gmail.com.
• Boonton Area
boontonmoms@gmail.com. Open to residents of Boonton, Boonton Twp., Montville and Mountain Lakes areas.
• Bound Brook, Dunellen & Middlesex
Monthly meetings 2nd Fri. of the month at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Bound Brook.
• Bridgewater Chapters
East, West and Central chapters. See website for chapter locations.
• Denville Chapter
Lynda Rodriguez, 973-343-6033.
• East Hanover Area
momsclubeasthanover@yahoo.com. Monthly meetings on the 2nd Thurs. at Madison Community House. Open to Madison, Florham Park, Whippany, Cedar Knolls, Hanover Township and East Hanover.
• Green Brook
908-757-9027. Meets the 3rd Fri. of the month.
• Hillsborough
East Hillsborough and West Hillsborough.
• Long Hill Township
Serving Millington, Stirling, Gillette and Meyersville. Monthly meetings on the 3rd Wed. at First Presbyterian Church in Stirling.
• Long Valley
• Montgomery
Lynne, 908-359-2228. Monthly meetings the 2nd Wed. of every month at Harlingen Reformed Church, Rt. 206, Belle Mead.
• Morristown
Email: info@morristownnjmomsclub.org. Serving Morristown, Morris Twp. and Morris Plains.
• Somerville/Raritan
Email: somervillemoms@hotmail.com. Monthly meetings 10am on the 1st Fri. at First United Methodist Church, 48 W. High St., Somerville.
• Three Bridges, Readington Twp.
Monthly meetings 9:30am on the 2nd Wed. at Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Rd., Whitehouse Station.
• Washington Twp. (Warren County) Area
Kathy, 908-453-9840.
Morristown Moms and Tots and More
A subset of the Burnham Park Association, group members plan playdates, nature walks, moms night out, day with dad, dads night out and field trips.
Mothers and More
National support/social group for women dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy is open to stay-at-home and working moms of all ages and stages.
• Bergen County Chapter
Visit website or email mothersandmorebergen@yahoo.com. Meetings third Wed. each month, 7:30pm at The Cupola Senior Center, 100 W. Ridgewood Ave., Paramus. Mom's night outs, moms and tots outings, playgroups, book groups, craft night and much more.
• Maplewood/South Orange Chapter
877-907-2232. Playgroups, guest speakers, discussion groups, book clubs, mom-n-tot outings, over 150 members. General meetings the 2nd & 4th Wed. of the month. National dues $45, scholarships available.
• Morris County Chapter
Email: mothersandmore66@gmail.com. Meetings 8pm 2nd Tues. at Mara's Cafe & Bakery, 25 E. Main St., Denville. Mom & tot outings, speakers, playgroups, Mom's night out and more. Visit us on facebook.
• Princeton Area Chapter
Email mothersmoreinfo@comcast.net. Meetings first & third Thurs., 7:30pm at changing locations.
• Summit Greater Area Chapter
Visit website or email momsnjsc@yahoo.com. Meetings 7:45pm 2nd & 4th Thurs. at the Connection, 79 Maple St., Summit. Playgroups, fiction book group, mom and toddler outings, newsletter and social events.
Mothers' Center of Central New Jersey
P.O. Box 7, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, 908-561-1751. Email: mccnj.business@gmail.com. Non-profit, non-sectarian organization founded in 1978 provides friendship, education, outreach and support for parents. Day and evening discussion groups and craft groups, book clubs, morning and afternoon playgroups and special events. Childcare available during daytime events.
Mother’s Morning Out
125 Elmer St., Westfield, 908-232-2084. Program gives parents one morning or one afternoon out per week while providing a safe environment for the children.
Mothers of Only Children of Northern NJ
Are you a mother of an only child? Join together with other families of onlies! Our group has 80+ families from all over northern NJ. We get together with other moms or have fun outings with the kids. We have also been featured in the New York Times. For more information, contact Joanne at jkowalski_makeovers@yahoo.com.
Mothers of Preschoolers Club (MOPS)
908-719-1093, email mops@gfcnj.com. An inviting environment where women can come just as they are to build friendships, be pampered, encouraged and gain practical parenting strategies. Meetings are held at Grace Fellowship Chapel, 375 Main St., Bedminster, on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11am with childcare provided. Special summer schedule.
Newcomers Clubs/Welcome Wagon
Consult website link above for a directory of Newcomers Clubs, women’s groups, moms clubs and dads organizations throughout New Jersey and nationwide.
• Chatham Borough Newcomers’ Club
Monthly activities for families include bookclub, ladies and couples nights out, seasonal parties, children’s play groups, men’s pick-up basketball games. “Welcome Coffees” held third Thurs. of every month.
• Chatham Township Newcomers’ Club
Ladies luncheons and dinners, playgroups, progressive dinners, book discussion, crafts, family activities, bingo, day trips, couples activities, gardening group, newsletter. Consult Newcomers website for current contact information.
• Neighbors & Newcomers of Chester.
Social activities and events, service projects.
• Newcomers’ Club of Cranford
Open to women who reside in Cranford, Kenilworth or Garwood. Social events for couples, progressive dinner, teas, children’s playgroups, parties & outings. General meetings the 2nd Tues. of each month at the Hanson House.
• Hillsborough Montgomery Welcomer’s Club
Open to all women residing in Hillsborough and Montgomery.
• Welcome Wagon Club of Madison and Florham Park
Playgroups, babysitting co-op, social activities, special interest groups. For information: www.rosenet.org, www.florhamparkboro.net.
• Newcomers, Friends & Neighbors of Morristown
Open to anyone in the Morristown area. Moms & Tots, bridge, book club and other special interest groups. Consult www.newcomers.com for current contact information.
• Newcomers Club of Mountainside
Mommy ’n me, ladies’ night out, couples’ activities.
• Newcomers and Neighbors’ Club of Randolph
Visit website for events and membership application. Monthly meetings on the 3rd Wed. from 7-9pm in the Randolph Senior Center on Calais Rd. Activities include playgroups, coffees, bookclubs, babysitting co-ops as well as ladies social clubs, dinner clubs, community service projects and family events.
• Scotch Plains-Fanwood Newcomers' Club
Playgroups, walking groups, book discussion, movies, cooking, community service, parent/child field trips, weekend family events and evening social outings for men, women and couples. New members always welcome.
• Newcomers/Encore Club of Short Hills-Millburn
Playgroups, family activities, Moms & toddler activities and a variety of adult activities.
• Newcomers and Neighbors of Somerset Hills
Moms and tots playgroups, activities and many special interest groups, ladies night out & day trips.
• South Orange and Maplewood
Box 1220, Maplewood, NJ 07040. General meeting 7:45pm 1st Wed. Sept.-June at Morrow Memorial Methodist Church, Maplewood. Groups include wine experience, board games, children’s playgroups, book discussion, men’s poker, international night and more.
• Newcomers Club of Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights
Moms and Tots outings, playgroups, babysitting co-ops, tennis, bridge, men’s and ladies’ night out, book groups, couples dinners.
• Newcomers and Friends Club of Washington Twp
Monthly meetings 7:30pm on the 2nd Tues. Sept.-June at Schooley’s Mountain Firehouse. Arts & crafts, bridge, book groups, child, family and couples’ activities.
• Neighbors and Nucomers of Washington Valley
NancyB710@aol.com. Monthly meetings on the 3rd Wed. at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Martinsville. Moms & Tots, day trips, babysitting co-op, social and sports activities for women and couples.
• Welcome Wagon of Watchung Hills
Find website under “Civic Organizations.” Monthly meetings, playgroups, activities for women and couples.
• Westfield Welcome Club
PO Box 852, Westfield, NJ 07090. Open to women in the Westfield area. Children’s playgroups, children’s parties, ladies’ “escape” nights, monthly dinners, community service, couples activities.
• Newcomers Club of Westfield
Playgroups, family holiday parties, Mom’s sanity night, field trips, activities for couples, activity groups, monthly dinner meetings.
North Jersey Mommies
www.northjerseymommies.com invites new members to join their free website offering local support and friendship especially for moms in Essex, Morris, Passaic and Bergen Counties. Private chat forum and member-driven events are held around the area.
Presbyterian Church Drop-In Babysitting
Presbyterian Church, Springfield Ave., New Providence, 908-790-1919. For ages 1-5 years, up to 16 children. Stories, recreation, singing.
Time Out for Parents
Presbyterian Church, 140 Mountain Blvd., Westfield, 908-654-5157. 2½ hrs. once a week for ages 3 mos.-3yrs. Supervised play, arts & crafts, recess, stories and snack time.