Compiled by Katrina Langer and Kevin Coughlin
Let’s face it. Without our dear old dads, we’d all just be a bunch of rotten eggs.
But enough Biology! Fathers are more special than that, and you can show them how special over this Fathers Day Weekend in Greater Morristown.
From poetry to planetariums, options abound for quality time with the guy who made you possible.
Take him for a ride–on a horse or in a caboose. There are road races, charity walks, spiritual movies and free picnics. Buy him some vegetables from a farmer’s market.
Does the old man prefer more rough-and-tumble excitement? Try a wrestling tournament or some women’s roller derby.
If that’s not enough, check our handy calendar for even more fun choices.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014:
RedeemerFest, a 10-day series of events at Morristown’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, continues with poetry at 12:30 pm, and yoga from 7 pm to 9 pm by Laura Murphy. Admission is free. The church is at 36 South St.
The North Jersey American Revolutionary Round Table convenes for its 56th meeting at 7:14 pm, at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum Auditorium. This week, the distinguished Don Kiddoo will share the story of Rev. Ashbel Green, Hanover native, who would become the president of Princeton University years after graduating as valedictorian. All are welcome to this free event — teachers and students are encouraged to attend, in particular. At 30 Washington Place, Morristown.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13:
The American Cancer Society’s 11th annual Relay for Life in Greater Morristown starts at 6 pm, at Mennen Arena, 161 E. Hanover Ave., in Morris Township. Call 973-285-8029 for details.
The Center for Spiritual Living Morristown presents Spiritual Shorts at 7 pm, with the feature beginning at 7:30. This week’s free feature, The Embrace, directed by Jan Jounen, follows Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (a.k.a. Amma, the “Hugging Saint”), as she meditates, travels, and continues on her mission to wrap her arms around more than 23 million people worldwide. At 7:30 pm at 331 Mount Kemble Ave., Harding. Donations gratefully accepted.
Don’t let Friday the 13th scare you from taking Dad for a spin around the universe. The Longo Planetarium at the County College of Morris in Randolph will land you safely after its hour-long Space Extreme show, which blasts off at 7 pm. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this show “will explore the biggest, hottest, and most amazing things we can find. We’ll visit black holes, supernovae, colliding galaxies, and others – all of which push the edge of our understanding and imagination.” Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids under 12. Call 973-328-5076 for more. At 214 Center Grove Road.
RedeemerFest, a 10-day series of free events, continues at Morristown’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer with music by Jim Gartner at 7:30 pm. The church is at 36 South St.
Calling all acoustic musicians: Open Stage at The Minstrel starts at 8 pm. Each musician will have the chance to perform a 15-minute set — secure your slot by calling 973-335-9489, or, visit the Folk Project site to learn more. The Minstrel Stage can be found at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, at 21 Normandy Heights Road in Morris Township.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14:
Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township celebrates the U.S. Army’s 239th Birthday with an Armed Forces 5K run/walk. The event is open to the public and runners ages 4 and up, but pre-registration is required online. Participants are asked to arrive at check-in between 7 am and 8 am; the run begins at 8. Registration is $15 for children 18 and under, and $25 for adults 19 and older. There will be five age groups: 4-13; 14-18; 19-34; 35-49; 50-64 and 65-and-up. Medals will be awarded to top finishers in the mens, womens, boys, and girls groups. Not running? That’s okay, too — come cheer on your friends and family. Only clear bags and backpacks are permitted; parking is free. The Arsenal is located at Route 15 North.
The penultimate day of RedeemerFest at Morristown’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer has a full schedule of free events, starting with Pet Adoption by Purrs n’ Pups, from 11 am to 4 pm. From 1 pm to 3 pm, it’s a Health Fair, including Awakening and Spiritual Health: Meditation by The Heart Helix. From 6 pm to 9 pm, a Juneteenth Party features a Southern-style dinner, with music by the Metropolitan Sax Quintet and Ed Alstrom. Historic Preservation tours also will be offered from 6 pm to 7 pm. The church is at 36 South St.
Our Youth Their Future invites everyone to its fifth annual Youth Rally Celebration, from noon to 6 pm at Morristown’s Cauldwell playground. Ty Griff, Pamela Underhill and the Sophisticated Steppers will perform, free food will be served and lots of family friendly activities are scheduled. Sponsors include the Morristown Neighborhood House and Cornerstone Family Programs. Admission is free. Call 973-610-7105 for more information.
Learn about the constellations, at the Shapes in the Sky show at the Longo Planetarium, at 1 pm at the County College of Morris in Randolph. Suitable for ages 4 and up. At 3 pm, take a Tour of the Planets, suitable for ages 6 and up. See Friday entry for details.
Spend a relaxing day with Dad at the Whippany Railway Museum, at 1 Railroad Plaza. Ride the Excursion Train, a 10-mile, 45-minute round-trip. You can upgrade your journey by taking the elegant 1927-era Club Car, “Jersey Coast,” though your dad is sure to enjoy any of these restored, vintage NJ cabooses. Trains leave from the Whippany Station on the hour between 1 pm and 4 pm, rain or shine. Fare prices include museum admission. Adults are $14; children (under 12) are $9; infants (1 year and under) are free. Call 973-887-8177 for more information.
Treat dad to rock ’em sock ’em roller derby excitement when The Jerzey Derby Brigade returns to Morristown for a bout between the local Corporal Punishers and the Jersey Shore Roller Girl All-Stars. Doors open at 6:15 pm at Inline Morristown, 38 Dumont Place. Admission is $12 at the door, and $10 in advance online (search “Corporal Punishers”). Children 12 and under are free, and military discounts are available. First whistle blows at 7 pm sharp! Seating is limited; bring your own chair, get come early for the best seats.
The Colonial Wrestling Club will host its annual Morristown Wrestling Tournament at Morristown High School starting at 9 am. Open to Pee-wee, Bantam, Midget, Junior, Intermediate, and High School divisions, proceeds from the event will benefit the 3rd Annual Greater Morristown Walk Now for Autism Speaks event in October. Registration is now open – please e-mail morristownwrestlingtournament@gmail.com, or call Greg Campbell at 973-214-8990. Or, visit the MHS Wrestling Boosters Facebook page.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, FATHERS’ DAY:
RedeemerFest concludes with a full day of free activities, starting at 8 am and 9:30 am with worship under the tent at Morristown’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. At 11 am, there will be a composting demo and solar signups. At 5:30 pm, the festival finishes with a “Super Speedy Summer Sunday Service and Supper.” The church is at 35 South St.
The Morristown Farmers Market returns for its 24th season, courtesy of the Morristown Partnership and its sponsors. From 8:30 am to 2 pm every Sunday through Nov. 24, you can find produce from North Jersey farms, baked goods, and more, in the municipal parking lot 10, behind the post office. Lots of entertainment- and wellness events will be sprinkled throughout the year, too.
Fathers ride free with a paying guest at the Seaton Hackney Stables in Morris Township, from 9 am to 5 pm, pending space availability. Ages 3 and up. Cost: Trail riding $50, lesson $65. At 440 South St. Call 973-644-3355.
Introduce Dad to Meditation & Kirtan, with a workshop, Buddha Mind & Bhakti Heart, at the Center for Spiritual Living Morristown, in Harding from 1 pm to 3 pm. Presented by noted author Jon Welshons and certified Yoga teacher and Life Coach Treesa Joy, all participants will take a guided journey that will quiet their minds and open their hearts. There is a suggested donation of $40, and pre-registration is required. Please call 973-539-3114 to learn more. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 331 Mount Kemble Ave.
