New Resident Bus Tour: Saturday, May 5

The Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation will be hosting a free bus tour for new residents of Plainfield. As longtime residents already know, Plainfield is chock full of interesting things to do and see. This tour invites new residents to partake of all that Plainfield has to offer, with the tour including our parks and their amenities, our historic districts, local landmarks, and historic sites, including the Drake House Museum (one of Union County's Four Centuries sites), which is administered by the Historical Society of Plainfield.* Although the tour is free, you must call Recreation at (908) 753-3097 to make a reservation, as seating is limited. Gift bags and light refreshments will be provided.







*Disclaimer: I used to serve as the society's Educational Program Coordinator, so I am quite partial to the museum!

Observe Arbor Day in Plainfield on Friday, April 27 at City Hall

This Friday, April 27, 2018 at 11:00 am, Plainfield's Arbor Day Celebration will take place at City Hall Plaza. Arbor Day Click here to learn about Plainfield's Shade Tree Commission. Click here to learn more about the history of Arbor Day.

Earth Day in Plainfield, 2018

Holly Hoffman explaining the flora and fauna that can be found at Leland Park.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Earth Day event at Leland Park, sponsored by The Animal Initiative Committee. I especially enjoyed the nature walk and talk at Leland Park, led by Plainfielder Holly Hoffman. Holly, formerly of the Trailside Nature Center up in Watchung, noted some of the flora and fauna that reside in the park, providing great education details to those of us in attendance. After her talk, I was inspired to retrieve from my bookshelves my old Collins Bird Guide, as well as my Audubon Field Guides, to use in my summer meanderings. I was happy to see our snowy egret (bottom left) luxuriating in the pond. In addition to the nature talk, Plainfielder Ellie Campolei led a ceremony to honor nature and wildlife, specifically the deer, with a Native American prayer. Literature about the organization and conservancy was also available, as well as baked goods donated by Jeff Spelman's The Coffee Box (located at 1359 South Avenue), and tasty vegan snacks. The next time you're at Leland Park, perhaps you will see the great blue heron that sometimes alights in the pond.

"Plainfield Acts!" Drama Workshops for Children and Adults

Plainfield's own Danielle Tucker is at it again, and that is great news for Plainfield's thespians! Hot on the heels of her previous success in directing sold-out performances of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues, Danielle will be teaching a series of drama workshops for both children and adults, sponsored by the Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation. In addition, she will be directing a performance of Annie JR, based on the popular musical, Annie, scheduled for Friday, June 1. Auditions are Friday, April 6. No previous experience is necessary. For more information, click on the fliers, and contact Recreation at 908-753-3097.

Plainfield Acts! (for children)

The 8-week workshop for children begins this Saturday, April 7, from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield (FUSP), located at 724 Park Avenue. The cost is only $25.00. Sign up by clicking on this link: Community Pass

Plainfield Acts! (for adults)
The intensive for adults (18 and up) starts Tuesday, April 10 and runs through Thursday, May 24, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM, at the same location (FUSP). This acting course (also only $25.00) will culminate in a stage performance scheduled for Friday, May 25. Danielle notes the following: "Participants will learn audition techniques, scene study, character development, and more. The workshop will end in a culminating performance with invited industry professionals." Sign up by clicking on this link: Community Pass