An Introduction to Life in China

We Westerners probably don't know enough about what it's like to live in China. That lack of knowledge can be rectified Thursday when Montclair-based writer Ellis Jacob talks about his book The Shanghai I Knew at the Parsippany Main Library and shares what it was like for a Jewish kid to spend 18 years growing up in China. If that idea doesn't float your boat, we have many more suggestions for weekend activities, including playing with parachutes in Madison and Tai Chi classes in Montville. Go on, check the list and get out!

Where/When: From 2 to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: Ellis Jacob, a retired electrical engineer and author of The Shanghai I Knew, will describe the culture and religious practices of the Chinese, along with the city's occupation by Japanese Imperial forces, bombing by American troops and four different government transitions. 
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday at the .
Why Go: To spend some time this weekend playing bingo with the family.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday at  in Chatham.
Why Go: Mothers and their babies can come to this fun, social time and receive expert advice in a safe and supportive environment.  
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the .
Why Go: Because it’s a great way to start keeping track of what you eat and the amount of physical activity you participate in each week.
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at Railroad Plaza and Fairmont Avenue in Chatham.
Why Go: To get some of the best Jersey Fresh produce, Jersey Shore seafood, pasture-raised meat, poultry and eggs, honey, baked goods, fresh mozzarella, specialty prepared foods of all kinds, and more. The market will also have cooking demonstrations.
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

Where/When: 8 p.m. Monday at  in Morris Township.
Why Go: To spend a night enjoying jazz trumpet sensation Bria Skonberg and her all-star group perform.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at  in Morristown.
Why Go: To enjoy a night of specially priced wines, beers and cocktails while you do some networking, or just kick off your weekend with a relaxing night.
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

Where/When: All day on Sunday at the  in Morris Township.
Why Go: Because this is the arboretum’s first annual high school photography contest. Come see pictures focused on nature, judged by professional photographers and come to the Artist's Reception on July 10 to meet the young artists and hear them speak about their work.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at The Merchant Block of Morris Plains.
Why Go: You can pick up some homemade mozzarella and ravioli, freshly baked bread and some of New Jersey's best cheesecakes.
Pricing: Bring your wallet.

Where/When: Classes range from 10 to 11:20 a.m. Friday through Monday at Ginty Pool and Streeter Pool in Morris Township.
Why Go: To bring the kids ages 4 and up to this fun and easy swim program.
Pricing: $30 per session.

Where/When: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the  in Morris Township.
Why Go: You’re interested in seeing more than 130 artifacts from the museum's costume collection, ranging from the 18th to 20th centuries.
Pricing: $10 for adult museum admission, or $7 for senior and child museum admission.

Where/When: From 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Butler VFW, 69 Carey Avenue in Butler.
Why Go: Because you’d like to enjoy this Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning, dance fitness class.
Pricing: $10.

Where/When: At 3 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: Because this super magic is great fun for children of all ages.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 1 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: Children ages 3 to 6 can come enjoy stories and have fun making a craft to take home.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the .
Why Go: To practice your poses at these free bi-weekly yoga sessions. Don’t forget to dress comfortably.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: To learn the art of Tai Chi with instructor Gary Carbone.
Pricing: $48 for eight sessions or $10 per class at the door.

Where/When: At 1 p.m. on Friday at the .
Why Go: Because adults need some time to relax too, and this is the perfect spot for fantastic concerts and performances, holiday crafts and informational seminars.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: Parsippany adults ages 55 and older can enjoy an afternoon of bingo at the senior center.
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday  in Lake Hopatcong.
Why Go: To bring the whole family by and belt out some tunes with Kip.
Pricing: Free.

 
Where/When: From 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Thursday at  in Hopatcong.
Why Go: To learn to defend yourself from a potentially life-threatening situation with the help of the Gen Lee Ju-Jitsu Club.
Pricing: $10 per class.

Where/When: From 9 to 11 p.m. on Thursday at  in Hopatcong.
Why Go: It’s karaoke. What else do you need to know?
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: At 2 p.m. on Saturday at  in Madison.
Why Go: This 90-minute version of Shakespeare’s rarely-produced play, under resident director Brian Crowe, mixes up a sublime blend of Grand Guignol, Vaudeville and Brechtian theatricality in an inventive adaptation.
Pricing: Ranges from $32 to $55

Where/When: From 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at  in Madison.
Why Go: To practice the yoga of voice, using sound to balance and soothe your mind and uplift your heart. Finish with 15 to 20 minutes of guided meditation.
Pricing: $10 suggested donation.

Where/When: From 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at The Learning Lab, 36 Main St. in Madison.
Why Go: Families with children ages 3 to 6 are welcome to come to the center to hear stories, create crafts and have a snack.
Pricing: Free.

Where/When: From 10:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the .
Why Go: To have fun on Friday moving, playing and singing around a giant rainbow colored parachute.
Pricing: Free.

When/Where: From noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: It's an outdoor summer festival with something for everyone. Live bands, contemporary Jewish art, children's rides, activities and great Kosher food. 
Pricing: $15 per person, or $60 per family.

When/Where: From 10 a.m. to noon at the in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To be introduced to the English riding style and to put your new skills to use on a one-hour trail ride.
Pricing: $32 for Somerset County residents, or $40 for non-residents. Registration required.

When/Where: From 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday at the  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To complete your board, yell BINGO, and win a new book for summer reading.
Pricing: Free. Registration not required.

When/Where: From 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at the  Center in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: To explore the historic Ross Family homestead, learn fascinating historical facts, and enjoy the adventure of a scavenger hunt. 
Pricing: Free. Registration required.