Living History, Free Comic Book Day Weekend and More This Week

Patch continues its weight-loss campaign and wants you to consider the benefits of getting fit too.

As part of our continuing efforts to spread the word regarding ways to get fit in the township, we turn again to Zumba: Atlantis Sports Club & Spa in the Parsippany Sheraton, 199 Smith Road, continues featuring Zumba with Diane every Monday at 7:30 p.m. The introductory class offer is over, but Diane is offering a $10 drop-in rate for those who aren't regular class members. Meaning: You can try this entertaining, exhausting, exhilarating and (in our experience—and we're down 38 pounds since Jan. 3) effective workout for just a ten-spot! For more info, call 973-560-5410.

It's registration time for parents interested in sending their child to private preschool. The Children's Garden Preschool Open House will be held each Tuesday through June 4 from 10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Parsippany, 903 S Beverwyck Road. For details, visit http://­www.­tcgpre­school.­com, call 973-515-3654 or email childre­nsgarden903@­gmail.­com.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment gathers for the first of its two monthly meetings for May Wednesday to consider building applications that require deviations to the town master plan. The session starts at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall.

Spring is time of year when many opt to open their homes to foreign exchange students. Parsippany residents have that opportunity every day this week, including Thursday, as Host an International Student this Summer registration events are held at 4 Gatehall Drive. Students come from Spain, France, Germany, China and Hong Kong. As a former exchange student to Belgium, we can tell you the experience is invaluable for the foreign student. And host families can earn up to $2,000 for three weeks this summer; a stipend of $250 per student per session is offered, and you can host up to four students.

Hosting dates are June 26-July 15 and/or July 31-August 19. You need to provide a bed, sheets, towels, three meals a day, a caring environment and transportation to Drew University in Madison (where exchange students study Monday through Friday during their visit) or to a local bus stop. For info, contact Mary at 973-387-5801 or mary.ramsden@ef.com. 

Learn about the history of Parsippany by stepping back in time: On Saturday and Sunday, the historic Livingston-Benedict House opens its doors to the public to allow people to see township life as it was lived in the 1800s. From 1-5 p.m., homeowners Robert and Julia Dutton Peterson and costumed volunteers will offer a view into what happened in Parsippany 200 years ago through colonial crafts demonstrations, interactive fun for kids and a demonstration of fireplace cooking. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. 

The Livingston-Benedict House is just off Parsippany Road behind Governor Livingston Park, down the hill from Allentown Road and right next to Interstate 80.

Also, get ready for the fun of Free Comic Book Day. In fact, this year, Lake Hiawatha's FunnyBooks Comics and Stuff spreads the fun throughout the weekend, offering Free Comic Book Day activities and specials on Saturday and Sunday. We'll preview the event this week on Parsippany Patch.