Macaroni Kid
Summit Short Hills SoMa
Macaroni Kid   Editions

Welcome to Macaroni Kid!


Proudly covering Summit, SoMa, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, New Providence, Chatham, & W.O.

NOTE: MAYFEST IN MAPLEWOOD IS POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 26th, DUE TO RAIN.

I love being involved with Macaroni Kid, I cannot say this enough. Although, I have had difficulty properly balancing work and family, I have made some wonderful friends and worked with so many great clients. I have learned a lot about the communities that I cover and one of my favorite parts has been talking to my subscribers at public events. THANK YOU!

This newsletter is sponsored by Philly Pretzel Factory. As a thank you for reading and subscribing for the past three years, I have teamed up Philly Pretzel Factory in Livingston to provide you with a great offers. You can buy three pretzels and get three free (in honor of my 3rd year). 
Philly Pretzel Factory offers fresh traditional pretzels, cinnamon sugar pretzels, mini pretzels, rivets (bite-size pretzel nuggets), pretzel dogs, pepperoni melts and delicious dips. Custom pretzels in any shape (numbers, letters, logos, etc.) are definitely fun to serve and eat. The pretzel possibilities are endless! Click here to get your special coupon.

We have a great new giveaway for 4 tickets to Give A Mouse A Coookie and Other Storybooks at Mayo. This one is a quickie, so don't delay - contest ends on Sunday. I am also really excited to announce another great giveaway for 4 tickets for The Little Mermaid at Paper Mill Playhouse. This is a main stage production, no children under 4 will be allowed in the theater. We are also working on a Father's Day/Caregiver Giveaway which will start next week.

As a reminder, just a few weeks left for the big Kindle Fire Giveaway.
 
Please check our calendar for the full listing of activities, below you will find only the highlights. 

THANK YOU AGAIN!

Andrea S. - Editor, Publisher and Millburn Mom


Quick Link to the MK Guides & Directories


Click the pictures to go to any fast links below:



 Great Local Camps

 (MK Parents Recommended Only)

Great local playgrounds

 Learn about local businesses


Philly Pretzel Factory Offer for MK Fans


Coupons for this Weekend - ENJOY

Click here to go to the coupon, so you do not use up all of your printer toner.  

About the Pretzel Factory of Livingston, NJ
Come visit us at 21 West Mt. Pleasant Avenue (in the Elks Building, next to the Post Office) in Livingston, NJ where our pretzels and specialties are hand-twisted and baked fresh throughout the day. Plenty of parking is available in the adjacent lot on the side of the building. Our hours are Monday-Thursday from 9AM-8PM, Friday and Saturday 9AM-9PM and Sunday 10AM-6PM. 

In addition to ...

If You Give a Mouse A Cookie and Other Storybooks


Will you win a 4-pack of tickets?

One lucky MacKid Summit Short Hills SoMa subscriber will win a four pack of tickets to see If You Give a Mouse A Cookie and Other Storybooks at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 4:00pm. YOU MUST BE A MACARONI KID SUMMIT SHORT HILLS SOMA SUBSCRIBER TO WIN! Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced in the May 23, 2013 newsletter/website. The contest will end on May 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM. To enter click here

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ...

Will you win 4-tickets to The Little Mermaid?


Paper Mill Produces a Brand New Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid

This new production will feature a revamped script, additional songs, a new physical production & an entirely fresh interpretation of the musical.

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on the enchanting 1989 Disney animated film and one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. The score features the classic songs "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the ...

Millburn/Short Hills Cookies for Kids' Cancer 2013


A Huge Thank You - A Few Fundraising Events Left - Support a Great Charity

We were so honored to help out at an extremely successful Cookies for Kids' Cancer Family Fun Day this Saturday, May 11th.  This event was so much fun and entirely free, although donations were appreciated. Children were able to see some great preformances, get a balloon masterpiece, create a craft, get a glitter tattoo, get his or her face painted, get cookie, and get a "hot" pretzel for a donation of their choice.  What a deal! 

Don't worry you can still support this great cause.
  • Participate in one of ...

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood


May Book Club Title

Part-time Princess  by Deborah Underwood is not your typical fairy tale. When a normal little girl dreams one night that she is a princess, she wakes up to realize her royal adventures aren't just a dream after all. She's not just a princess who wears pretty gowns and goes to balls though, she fearlessly stands up to  dragons and tames trolls. 

Part-time Princess is a perfect balance between all things princess and a fearless girl who stands up for herself. This princess loves glamour, but she is also ...

Getting Ready for Spring/Summer Outdoor Fun


It's been a long winter for some of us in northern climates, but it looks like it's finally Spring and time to get ready for outdoor activities.

Here’s part of my Spring to-do list to help you get ready for kid-friendly outings.

Kid’s Clothes:

  • Check “Spring” jackets and rain coats to see if they fit.
  • Check out last year’s rain boots and try them on.
  • Locate ball caps and sun hats.
  • Spend some time with your kids trying on Summer shoes, t-shirts, and shorts to ...

Kids Bowl FREE All Summer


Macaroni Fun

Want to escape the heat this summer? Want the kids to get some excercise? Then you need to check out this FREE bowling program at kidsbowlfree.com. Your kids can bowl 2 FREE games of bowling each and every day of summer for FREE. 

SOME MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROGRAM
  • You can sign the kids up at multiple centers but you will need to create another account. Only one unique email address can be used to open an account, so you will need to register with another email address.
  • If ...

Basil Shrimp Pasta


Macaroni Menu

Serves 6   Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
8 oz box of your favorite pasta… I used thin spaghetti. Angel hair would be great too!
1-1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
3 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 lb fresh medium shrimp, peeled, dev-eined and tails removed
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped basil
 
1. Cook pasta as directed ...

Giving Away a Kindle Fire


Entering is Super Easy

As a reminder, I am raffling off a Kindle Fire (16 GB, Wifi enabled). 


Any Macaroni Kid subscriber is eligible to win. This  is how it works - you recommend Macaroni Kid to someone and sign up.  Each parent that signs up and gives your name in their subscriber form will be entered into the contest once and as the  recommender will be entered into the contest 5 times. You must be a Summit Short Hills SoMa Macaroni Kid subscriber to enter. All new subscribers must have a child(ren) 0 ...

Child Related Recalls


Below is a list of some of the child recalls for the past few weeks for a full list of all recalls click here:

5/16/13 Powell Company Lounger Bean Bag Chairs Suffocation and Strangulation Hazards

5/16/13 Deezo Children's Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings by Zulily Strangulation Hazard

05/08/13 Surly Pugsley Bicycle Forks Fall Hazard

05/02/13 LEM Product Distribution 5-Tray Food Dehydrators Fire Hazard

05/02/13 Louisville Slugger OneX Fastpitch Softball Bats Hillerich & Bradsby Injury Hazard from Breakage

4/25/13 3T ...


Listing Changes


Check here for any edits, corrections or additional Mid-Week

Event Additions

 

Event Corrections & CHANGES


This Week's Picks:


May 18th through May 26th

Saturday, May 18 - Downtown Clifton Street Fair

Featuring the Kids Traveling Shindig with kiddie rides, pony rides, face painting, music, crafts and collectibles and food. Featuring over 150 vendors.
Where: Street Fair, 900 Main Avenue, Clifton.
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free admission, activities and food cost extra.
For more info: click here.

Sunday, May 19 - Super Duper Lil Chefs - at Livingston Mall

It's the time of year again for the annual Simon Kidgits Club® Super Duper Lil Chefs event! We'll have lots of different give-a-ways and crafts for you to participate in (while supplies last). There will even be a surprise raffle for the chance to win some super cool prizes! And, of course, what would Lil Chefs be without a sweet treat?!
Where: Livingston Mall, Center Court on the first floor, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston.
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Children that are Kidgits Members accompanied by caregivers.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free for members.  A Kidgits membership is $5 per year and you can sign up at Guest Services.
For more info: click here.

Monday, May 20 - If You Give A Mouse A Cookie and Other Storybooks - Mayo Performing Arts Center

When a boy shares his snack with a hungry, demanding mouse, he learns a hilarious lesson about cause-and-effect. This fun musical revue features several popular children's stories including "Math Curse," "Owen," "Amazing Grace" and more. 
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown.
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Children 4 to 8 years-old and up accompanied by caregivers.
How: It is highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Click here or call 973-539-8008.
Cost: $12 per ticket.
For more info: Click here.

Sunday, May 26 - Springfield Avenue Partnership MayFest

Enjoy a festival featuring a live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, games, a classic car show and over 100 vendors. Please stop by our booth to say "hi."  We will have craft for the kids and are going to be doing a big giveaway. "My son and I went to HarvestFest last year and it was one of the most affordable and best events in the area. He is already asking to go this year's festivals. I think I spent about $25 total for a bracelet for the rides, face painting and food. What a bargain!" - Andrea of Macaroni Kid.  Stop by our booth to say hi and enjoy a free art project.
Where: Springfield Avenue from Indiana to Oberlin Street, Maplewood.
When: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free admission, but rides, products and services may be an additional fee.
For more info: click here.

This Week's Calendar:


May 17th through May 22nd

Friday, May 17 - Tot Tours - Rocks & Minerals - Morris Museum

Looking for something fun and education to do with your young child? Discover how different rocks are formed and then make a pet rock.
Where: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown.
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Children 2 to 5 years-old accompanied by caregivers.  
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free for members, regular museum admission for non-members.

Friday, May 17 - Friday Night Out at Berkeley Heights YMCA

Kids enjoy a night at the Y, while parents can enjoy a night out. Dinner, movie, games and activities.
Where: Berkeley Heights YMCA, 550 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights.
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Children 5 to 10 years-old.
How: Contact 908-464-8373 to make a reservation.
Cost: Y members $20 per child and Non-members $25 per child. $10 each additional sibling.
For more info: click here.

Friday, May 17 - Our Lady of Peace Country Fair

Enjoy food, kiddie activities, thrill rides, games of skill and prizes. 
Where: Our Lady of Peace Annual Country Fair, 111 South Street, New Providence.
When: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Who: Everyone.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free admission, but rides, games and food cost extra.
For more info: click here.

Friday, May 17 - Adventure from Ezra Jack Keats: Apt.3 and Maggie and the Pirate

Apt. 3
A dance-theater piece where the sound of a saxophone somewhere behind closed doors sends Sam and Ben snooping through their apartment halls. 

Maggie and the Pirate
Feisty Maggie's days are spent with her friends and pet cricket until the pirate appears.  This musical adventure leads to an unexpected and touching ending.
Where: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W 28th St, New York, NY.
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Children accompanied by caregivers.
How:
To purchase tickets, please click here and use this special Macaroni Kid subscriber/reader code MACKIDS10 to receive 10% off.
Cost: Tickets are only $25 (Premium Adult Tickets) to $8 (Kids)!
For more info: click here.

Saturday, May 18 - Kings Cooking Studio Parent/Child Baking Class - Kings Cooking Studio

This is a fundraiser for Millburn/Short Hills Cookies for Kids' Cancer. The menu includes:
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
  • Snicker Doodles
  • Brownies and Blondes
 
Where: Kings Cooking Studio, 778 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills.
When: 9:00 AM
Who: Children accompanied by caregivers.
How: Pre-registration is required, click here to register online.
Cost: $75 per pair.
For more info: Click here.

Saturday, May 18 - Bring a Guest!: Fosterfields

At Fosterfields, participate in daily farm chores, and tour the first-floor of the historic Gothic Revival mansion, The Willows. 
Where: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown.
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Children accompanied by caregivers.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Purchase one ticket at regular price, and get a lesser or equal-value admission FREE. Purchaser gets a $1 discount coupon toward a future visit.
For more info: click here.

Saturday, May 18 - The Fine Art and Crafts Festival at Verona Park

This is a juried art and craft show and will feature 140 artisans.
Where: Verona Park, 542 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona.
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (rain or shine)
Who: Everyone. Be careful with young children around the artwork.
How: Drop-in. Parking on the street and in the nearby lots, watch the signs.
Cost: Free admission.

Saturday, May 18 - Curious George Visits Barnes & Noble Springfield

Enjoy a Curious George storytime and create with George himself.  Bring your camera.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 240 Route 22 West, Springfield.
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Young children accompanied by caregivers.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free.
For more info: click here.

Saturday, May 18 - Food Revolution Day! - Fosterfields

Enjoy fun food demonstrations and fitness activities ongoing throughout the day.  The event includes food demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, and health and wellness organizations. 
Where: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown.
When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Children accompanied by caregivers.
How: Registration is required, call 973-326-7645.
Cost: $8 adults; $6 kids ages 4 - 16; $4 for kids 2 & 3; Friends of Fosterfields, FREE! Food Revolution Day is FREE, but regular admission is charged to visit the farm for Bring a Guest event. 
For more info: click here.

Saturday, May 18 - Newcomers & Neighbors of Millburn & Short Hills Annual Spring Picnic

You won't want to miss this event: bouncy house, giant slide, spin art, basketball, delicious food, arts and crafts, face painting and the ice cream truck! This event is open to Short Hills and Millburn Residents Only (members and non-members).
Where: Turtle Back Rock Picnic Area in South Mountain Reservation
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Rain Date is Sunday May 19th, 2013)
Who: Children accompanied by caregivers.  Must be residents of Short Hills and Millburn only (club members and non-members are welcome).
How: Drop-in or buy tickets in advance by clicking here.
Cost: $35 per family in advance or $45 at the door
For more info:
Directions: Take Old Short Hills Road or Brookside Drive north. Turn right on Northfield Avenue. Make your first right after you pass the Turtle Back Zoo onto Walker Road. Picnic area is ahead on the right.

Saturday, May 18 - Our Lady of Peace Country Fair

Enjoy food, kiddie activities, thrill rides, games of skill and prizes. 
Where: Our Lady of Peace Annual Country Fair, 111 South Street, New Providence.
When: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Who: Everyone.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free admission, but rides, games and food cost extra.
For more info: click here.

Sunday, May 19 - Warbler Walk: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center

Search for birds that are getting ready to leave for winter and enjoy a story along the way.
Where: Great Swamp Outdoor Educational Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham.
When: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Who: Children 12 years-old and up.
How: Pre-registration is required, please call 973-635-6629.
Cost: $3.
For more info: click here.

Sunday, May 19 - Sunday Stories and Crafts @ Millburn Free Public Library

Listen to a story and a craft activity.
Where: Millburn Free Public Library, 200 Glen Avenue, Millburn.
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Children 4 to 6 years-old.
How: A minimum of 3 age-appropriate children must be present to hold the class. Class size is limited to 15 children. Check in at the Children's Desk a few minutes prior to the class.
Cost: Free.
For more info: click here.

Monday, May 20 - Minecraft Day at the South Orange Library

Explore the world of MineCraft. Laptops available or bring your own device!
Where: South Orange Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange.
When: 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
Who: Children 7 years-old and up.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free.
For more info: click here.

Monday, May 20 - Awesome Art for Children with Special Needs: West Orange Public Library

This session will be led by Mrs. Rhonda Grindell, who is a pre-school teacher currently completing her degree in special education. She has provided arts and crafts at Harbor Haven for five summers. The children will not only go home with an amazing completed project, but will also feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment! Funded by a Grant for Children with special needs. 
Where: West Orange Public Library, 46 Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange.
When: 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Who: Children accompanied by caregivers.
How: Advanced registration is recommended.  Click here to sign up.
Cost: Free.
For more info: click here.

Tuesday, May 21 - Monkey, Monkey Musical - Library of the Chathams

This children's Rock-n-Roll band is making a return appear at The Library. Dancing is encouraged.
Where: Library of The Chathams, 214 Main Street, Chatham.
When: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Who: Children of all ages accompanied by caregivers.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free.
For more info: click here.

Tuesday, May 21 - Green Kids Club - Essex County Environmental Center

Discover all areas of environmental science with hands-on fun and service projects.
Where: Essex County Environmental Center, 621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland.
When: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Children 7 to 12 years-old.
How: Pre-registration and pre-payment is required, call 973-228-8776 to register.
Cost: $7 per child (additional fees may apply).
For more info: click here.

Tuesday, May 21 - Kundalini Yoga for Tweens at Shakti

Let your tween experience the benefits of Yoga.
Where: Shakti - Yoga & Living Arts, 1861 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood.
When: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Who: Tweens 8 to 12 years-old.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: $18 per person.
For more info: click here.

Wednesday, May 22 - Home-School Adventures: The H2O-lympics - Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center

Through fun experiments and activities, learn about the unique properties of water and its affects on nature.
Where: Great Swamp Outdoor Educational Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham.
When: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Children of all ages.
How: Pre-registration is required, please call 973-635-6629.
Cost: $8 per child ages 3 and up.
For more info: click here.

Wednesday, May 22 - Wednesday Afternoon Wiggle Time: Historic Speedwell

"Get the wiggles out" in a program that incorporates creative movement, crafts, and history immersion experiences
Where: Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown.
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Children 3 to 6 years-old accompanied by caregivers.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Regular admission.
For more info: call 973-285-6550.

Wednesday, May 22 - Shakti Kids Yoga at Shakti

Stop by let your child(ren) experience the benefits of Yoga.
Where: Shakti - Yoga & Living Arts, 1861 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood.
When: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Who: Children 3 to 7 years-old.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: $18 per person.
For more info: click here.

Teen Scene:


May 19th through May 23rd

Sunday, May 19 - Rock Star Hike: Strenuous - Pyramid Mountain

Bruce Springsteen may not be here but Bear, Tripod, and Whale Head Rocks are local legends that have weathered the ages.
Where: Pyramid Mountain, 124 Boonton Avenue, Boonton.
When: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Who: Teens 16 years-old and up.
How: Pre-registration is required, call 973-334-3130.
Cost: $1 per person.
For more info: click here.

Tuesday, May 21 - Kundalini Yoga for Teens at Shakti

Let your teen experience the benefits of Yoga.
Where: Shakti - Yoga & Living Arts, 1861 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood.
When: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Teens 13 years-old and up.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: $18 per person.
For more info: click here.

Wednesday, May 22 - Anime Club: West Orange Public Library

Do you like Manga Comics and Anime films? Do you want to interact with other teens that share your passion, make crafts, play games and watch movies? Then this is the club for you!
Where: West Orange Public Library, 46 Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange.
When: 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Children in 6th to 12th grade.
How: Drop-in.
Cost: Free.
For more info: click here.

Thursday, May 23 - Flat Water Canoe Skills- Silas Condict Park

Have fun and learn canoe strokes, equipment, and safety in this introductory course. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This is a prerequisite for other MCPC canoe programs.  
Where: Split Rock Reservoir, Rockaway Township, Morris County.
When: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Who: Children 12 and up. Children 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
How: Pre-registration is required, call 973-334-3130 to register.
Cost: $10 per person.
For more info: click here.

Thursday, May 23 - Evening Canoe Paddle- Silas Condict Park

Enjoy a leisurely paddle on Split Rock Reservoir, finishing up before sunset. Canoes, life vests, and paddles are provided. 
Where: Split Rock Reservoir, Rockaway Township, Morris County.
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Children 12 and up. Children 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
How: Pre-registration is required, call 973-334-3130 to register.
Cost: $20 per person.
For more info: click here.

Plan Ahead:


Wednesday, May 29 - Glenwood Elementary School Strawberry Festival

The festival is run by the elementary school’s PTO and features food (including strawberries), music, rides and games.  All of the proceeds go to the elementary school.  This is a great family friendly event.
Where:
Glenwood Elementary School, 325 Taylor Road, Short Hills.
When: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Raindate 05/30/13)
Who: Everyone.
How: Drop-in. Parking is available on the streets around the school, just obey the parking signs.
Cost: Admission is free and you can purchase tickets or bracelets to go on the rides.

Day Trip Suggestion


A huge list...you can add your favorites.

So, over the last few years, a lot of people have asked me for suggestions about great summer day trips - so I thought I would dabble at a list of some of the great places that I know about, have heard about, or visited (sorted by distance). Think of this as a work in progress that I will continue to update. Please feel free to place comments below with your suggestions and they will appear in the article next week.  All contributors will be listed at the end of the ...

Subscribe to newsletter

Subscribe Now and Enter to Win an iPad Mini!



Contest Ends 6/15/2013