Come and Visit the NEW Amazing Asia Habitat at Essex County

PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE

PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Essex County Executive

and the Board of

County Commissioners

Daniel K. Salvante

Director of Parks, Recreation

and Cultural Aairs

PAGE 13 PAGE 14 PAGE 19PAGE 4

COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE

PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

THE SPIRIT OF

Autumn 2022

Come and Visit the NEW

Amazing Asia Habitat at

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

Clouded Leopard

Red Panda

AMAZING ASIA HABITAT OPENS

AT TURTLE BACK ZOO

The Spirit of Essex 3

Dear Friend,

The arrival of the autumn season brings beautiful foliage, fall holidays, and family

fun. You should never be at a loss for something to do with all the events and

activities that have become staples of the season in Essex County.

Our Department of Parks and Recreation is ready for an exciting fall season! One

of the most popular events is always the Strut Your Mutt Canine Costume Parades

and Contests. Pet enthusiasts come out with the most creative and imaginative

costumes for their canines. The parades, held at the Brookdale Dog Park, Branch

Brook Dog Park and Grover Cleveland Park, are lots of fun and we encourage you

to participate or just come cheer them on, even if you don’t own a pet. There is also

the display of artistically designed jack-o-lanterns at Gardens Aglow at Presby

Memorial Iris Gardens and our celebration of autumn at our Environmental Center

Octoberfest.

Essex County is one of the most diverse areas and is well known for our thriving

arts communities. As you peruse this magazine, you’ll read about the exciting

happenings at the many museums, historic sites, art galleries, libraries and

theaters. We also encourage you to walk the trails or visit one of the parks in our

historic Parks System and witness the leaves change colors. Weekends are the

perfect time to spend quality time with friends and family and you can do so right

here in Essex County! Together we will continue Putting Essex County First.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Essex County Executive

2 The Spirit of Essex

Leonard M. Luciano

Robert Mercado

Patricia Sebold

Wayne L. Richardson, President

Carlos M. Pomares, Vice President

Tyshammie L. Cooper

Brendan W. Gill

Romaine Graham

Rufus I. Johnson

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Essex County Executive

and the Board of County Commissioners

Daniel K. Salvante

Director of Parks, Recreation and

Cultural Aairs

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated.

For vaccination information, visit EssexCOVID.org

or call 973-877-8456.

The wonderment of Essex County

Turtle Back Zoo continues to

evolve as the Animal care team

prepare for the opening of the

new Amazing Asia Habitat.

Clouded leopards, Pygmy slow loris,

Knobbed hornbill, Red pandas and

Vietnamese pond turtles, animals

that are already in the zoo population,

will be given a new home and on

public view, some for the first time!

Besides the turtle, the animals that

will be residing in the Amazing Asia

Habitat are mostly arboreal animals.

The new habitat is designed to meet

all their needs to climb, hide and run,

with height playing an important role

to the success of their new home. The

indoor area is about 1,250 square feet

in size and 12 feet in height while the

outdoor areas are 20 feet in height.

The Red pandas, one of the zoo’s

most well-known species, previously

had a single habitat across from the

amur leopards, however this space

did not support a breeding pair and

as part of the Species Survival Plan

we are committed to contributing to a

sustainable population of red pandas.

Red pandas will share their space with

the Knobbed hornbill. Many animals

have specialized temperature needs

and the animals that call Asia home are

no exception. Rotating our red pandas,

who like it cool and the hornbills who

enjoy the heat based on season allows

us to meet these needs and have them

visible to our guests all year round. In

the winter, the pandas and hornbills will

switch spaces.

These habitats help us complete our

Amazing Asia area by adding birds and,

of course, a turtle. The Vietnamese

pond turtle is Critically Endangered

and Turtle Back Zoo has partnered

with the Asian Turtle Program in

Vietnam to help support the work they

do in rehabilitating and releasing turtles

confiscated from the illegal wildlife

trade. This organization also works

on the ground with local communities

and promotes education initiatives

throughout the region.

The goal of the Amazing Asia habitat is

to oer enough space to support the

SSP through breeding of both Clouded

leopards and Red pandas as well as

highlight the biodiversity of Asia and

the importance of creating a sustainable

planet for these species. It is noted that

our health is closely tied to the health of

wildlife and the ecosystems of which we

are all a part. n

AMAZING ASIA HABITAT OPENS

AT TURTLE BACK ZOO

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the

Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The

Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs received an operating support grant

from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Indicates the facility is handicap accessible. Please contact the facility directly

for specific accommodations.

New Amazing Asia habitat

The Spirit of Essex 5

4 The Spirit of Essex

Clouded leopards: Clouded Clouded

leopards are a medium sized felid from leopards are a medium sized felid from

South East Asia and are considered to South East Asia and are considered to

be the missing link between small and be the missing link between small and

big cats. Clouded leopards don’t purr big cats. Clouded leopards don’t purr

or roar, but do have a special greeting or roar, but do have a special greeting

called a “prusten.” Clouded leopards called a “prusten.” Clouded leopards

are highly arboreal and spend most are highly arboreal and spend most

of their time in the trees. They have of their time in the trees. They have

special adaptations for life in the special adaptations for life in the

trees including ankles that rotate 180 trees including ankles that rotate 180

degrees and a tail equal in length to degrees and a tail equal in length to

their body. This makes it possible for their body. This makes it possible for

them to climb head ﬁrst down trees. them to climb head ﬁrst down trees.

In the wild, their primary prey are In the wild, their primary prey are

monkeys which demonstrates how monkeys which demonstrates how

agile they are in trees.agile they are in trees.

Red pandas: Red pandas are Red pandas are

from Nepal/China and reside in from Nepal/China and reside in

colder weather. While they are colder weather. While they are

small carnivores, they primarily small carnivores, they primarily

eat bamboo, as their panda name eat bamboo, as their panda name

suggests. However, Red pandas are suggests. However, Red pandas are

not actually related to Giant pandas not actually related to Giant pandas

and are instead more closely related and are instead more closely related

to raccoons. Scientifically, they are to raccoons. Scientifically, they are

in a genetic family (Ailuridae) all to in a genetic family (Ailuridae) all to

themselves.themselves.

New Amazing Asia habitat

Meet our

Residents

The new Amazing Asia Habitat

is a multi-animal habitat that will

completely transform the western

section of Essex County Turtle Back

Zoo. While visitors will be able to

view Red pandas, Clouded leopards,

Vietnamese pond turtles, Knobbed

hornbills and Pygmy slow loris, they

also will be able to learn about a

longtime advocate and supporter of

the Essex County Parks Department

and Turtle Back Zoo. The Amazing

Asia Habitat is dedicated to and named

after Louis LaSalle, the longtime

Chairman of the Essex County Parks

Foundation and Senior Vice President

Emeritus with RWJBarnabas Health.

“Lou LaSalle was first pressed into

service with the Essex County Parks

Foundation when it was founded

27 years ago and has served as the

chairman since its inception. Lou

epitomizes community service in the

numerous roles he has with the Parks

Foundation, RWJBarnabas, area

chambers of commerce and other

local organizations,” DiVincenzo

said. “He is deserving of this honor

because of his commitment to help us

revitalize Turtle Back Zoo and support

the Essex County Parks System,” he

added.

“This is more than I ever could have

imagined. I don’t know how to say

thank you,” LaSalle said at the Amazing

Asia groundbreaking ceremony in

October 2021. “Turtle Back Zoo is an

amazing place because every time

I come here there is something new

he added.

LaSalle was named Chairman of

the Essex County Parks Centennial

Committee in 1994 and remained

in the leadership role when the

organization transitioned into the

Essex County Parks Foundation to

provide ongoing support to the Essex

County Parks System. As Chairman,

he has overseen fundraising initiatives

to support education, enrichment

and recreation programs offered

in the Essex County Parks System,

revitalization of recreation facilities

and preservation of open space.

While DiVincenzo was serving as

President of the Board of Freeholders

(now called the Board of County

Commissioners), he tapped LaSalle

in 1995 to serve on a Blue Ribbon

Committee that was tasked with

making a recommendation about

the future of Turtle Back Zoo. The

committee visited every zoo in New

Jersey and recommended Turtle Back

remain open. Describing the facility

as a valuable community resource,

it stated the zoo had enormous

potential for recreation and education

opportunities.

LaSalle joined St. Barnabas Medical

Center in Livingston as Vice President

for External Aairs in 1990. His role

and responsibilities grew as the

hospital expanded and transformed

into RWJBarnabas Health. He retired

from RWJBarnabas in May 2021 and

now holds the title of Senior Vice

President Emeritus. LaSalle also

volunteers his time with numerous

community organizations, including

the American Heart Association with

which he has been affiliated for 57

years.n

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Louis LaSalle display an artist

rendering of the new Amazing Asia Habitat during the groundbreaking ceremony

at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. With them are members of the Zoo Docents.

DiVincenzo dedicated the habitat to LaSalle for his longtime activism on behalf of the

Essex County Parks System and Turtle Back Zoo.

Amazing Asia Habitat

Dedicated to Longtime

President of the Essex County

Parks Foundation

Clouded leopards

Turtle Back Zoo is home to:

Jye, 4, Mali, 4 and Madee, 1

Pymgy

slow loris,

Norris, 6

Knobbed hornbill: William, 10

Vietnamese

pond turtles,

One male and

two females

Red pandas Turtle Back Zoo is

home to: Jing li, 19 and Jerry, 3. Lottie

(not pictured), 1, was just paired for

breeding on a recommendation by the

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Spirit of Essex 7

6 The Spirit of Essex

children) or $10 per child, $12

per adult

18TH ANNUAL FALL FAMILY

FESTIVAL

Saturday, September 24

11am to 3pm

For all ages. Come celebrate the

Autumnal Equinox at the Environmental

Center! There will be fun-filled activities

for the entire family to enjoy—hands-on

nature games and crafts, naturalist-led

walks, live butterflies, canoeing, Native

American life, a pumpkin patch, petting

zoo, food, and more. FREE EVENT;

some items may be for sale.

DINOSAUR DISCOVERY FAMILY

FIELD TRIP

Thursday, September 29

4:45 to 6:45pm

Meet at the end of Locust Avenue in

Roseland and hike 1-mile total to explore

this National Historic Landmark that is

home to three-toed Grallator dinosaur

tracks from the late Triassic age. Using

clay, we’ll make and take an impression

of an existing track and leave the site

undisturbed for future paleontological

study. Advanced registration and

minimum number of participants are

required. Fee: $12 per child, $15 per

adult

ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN

RESERVATION ANNUAL FAMILY

CAMPOUT

Saturday, October 1 at 12pm to

Sunday, October 2 at 11am

Activities are designed for children

ages 4 through 12. Families with young

children seeking a nature-intensive

outdoor experience are invited to

Campout scheduled for Saturday,

October 1st through Sunday, October

2nd (rain dates, October 8-9). The

program will be based out of Summit

Field in Essex County South Mountain

Reservation. Co-sponsored by the South

Mountain Conservancy & Essex County

Department of Parks, Recreation, and

Cultural Affairs, with programming from

the Essex County Environmental Center.

The event will feature nature games,

animal exhibits from Essex County Turtle

Back Zoo, guided hikes, kids’ exploration

and crafts, live music, a campfire with

stories, morning yoga and a Sunday

breakfast. For questions regarding

equipment and pricing options, please

email familycampout@somocon.org.

Advanced registration is required. More

details and registration information will be

available in the beginning of September.

You can stay up-to-date by signing up for

the South Mountain Conservancy bulletin

at www.somocon.org. Fee: $50 per

family (up to 5 family members}

TODDLER SENSORY HIKE

Saturday, October 15

9 to 10am

For children ages 1-5 with caregiver

supervision. Bring your toddlers for

a sensory exploration outside with a

naturalist. Visit the forest trails, frog

pond, Passaic river and more. Advanced

registration and minimum number of

ESSEX COUNTY

SPOTLIGHT

Seasonal events sponsored

by the Essex County

Department of Parks,

Recreation and Cultural Aairs

ESSEX COUNTY CODEY ARENA

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange

973.731.3828 ext. 0

www.essexcountynj.org/codeyarena

Barnabas Health Cardiac &

Concussion Screening, Codey

Arena (Rear Lobby)

Saturday, September 24.

RWJ Barnabas Health and the Morahan

Health Assessment Center for Athletes

will provide free cardiac screenings

for ages 6 and up and free

concussion screenings for ages 5 and

up. Email t[email protected] to register

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

8 weeks. Classes start in early

September 2022

Ages: 3½ to Adult

Classes offered on Friday, Saturday

or Sunday

• Snow Plow (Ages 3½ to 6)

• Basic 1-6

• Freestyle

• Synchronized Skating (NEW this Fall)

• Theatre on Ice (NEW this Fall)

• Therapeutic Skating/Special Olympics

(NEW this Fall)

Public Session Skating

Ages: 3½ to Adult

Sessions –

• Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Adults - $9 / Children 16 & under - $7

/ Seniors - $7 / Skate Rentals - $5

Adult / Senior Skate Sessions

Ages: 35 and older

Sessions –

• Tuesday, Thursday mornings

Ice Dance International

Skating Show

Saturday, October 1 . 7pm

NJ Daredevils Special Needs

Frankenfest Hockey Tournament

Saturday, October 8 and Sunday,

October 9 . 8am to 5pm

Synchronized Skating

Championship Competition

Saturday, November 12.

8am to 5pm

New Jersey Youth Hockey League,

16 & 18 year old Championships

Friday, November 18,

Saturday, November 19, and

Sunday, November 20.

Birthday Parties – Reserve a party

room to celebrate your child’s birthday

on the ice

• $100 - 3 hour party room

• Parties held during Public sessions

skates or Private ice session

• Group Admission discount rates for

15+ skaters

ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL

CENTER

621-B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland

973.228.8776 ~ www.essexcountynj.org/

environmentalcenter

ESSEX COUNTY PARKS

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Submissions are due by Wednesday,

September 7

Grab a camera and visit an Essex County

Park! Anyone with a camera is invited

and encouraged to submit photos that

capture a part of your visit to the Essex

County Parks System. For rules and

regulations, please contact the Essex

County Environmental Center.

WALTER KIDDIE DINOSAUR PARK

FIELD TRIP

Thursday, September 8

5:15 to 7:15pm

For adults and children ages 7

and up. Meet at the end of Locust

Avenue in Roseland and hike 1.5 miles

total to explore this National Historic

Landmark that is home to three-toed

Grallator dinosaur tracks from the late

Triassic age. Using clay, we’ll make

and take an impression of an existing

track and leave the site undisturbed for

future paleontological study. Advanced

registration and minimum number of

participants are required. Fee: $12 per

child, $15 per adult

PLASTER WILDLIFE TRACKING

Saturday, September 10

10am to 11:30am

For families with young children

ages 6 and up. Predict what tracks

you might find in our wooded wetland

habitat and go search the forest and river

edge. We’ll discover hoofed, clawed and

webbed animal feet and see how wildlife

is especially adapted to the terrain. All

participants make and take a plaster

animal track. Advanced registration and

minimum number of participants are

required. Fee: $30 per family (up to

two adults and two children) or $10

per child, $12 per adult

FROG POND ADVENTURE

OUTDOOR CLASS

Thursday, September 22

5:30 to 7pm

This rrribbettting program will take an

up-close look at our pond ecosystem.

Search out and identify the life found in

the pond through magnifying glasses,

microscopes, and field guides. Advanced

registration and minimum number of

participants are required. Fee: $30 per

family (up to two adults and two

Saturday, November 5 & Sunday, November 6

Visit a variety of different art studios, talk to the artists,

purchase art work, and stop by the gallery to view a compilation

exhibit of fine and decorative arts. Free!

Essex County Riker Hill Art Park, 284 Beaufort Avenue Livingston

973.268.3500.

Essex County

Riker Hill Art Park

ARTIST OPEN HOUSE & ART SALE

Turtle Back Zoo

Saturday, September 10

at 7pm

This is the last Night

Moves of the Season!

Get a unique look at

the zoo and its nocturnal

animal collection!

Night Moves is a guided

evening tour of zoo exhibits

where you will learn about

different animal senses

and adaptations.

All ages. $10/participant.

More info:

https://turtlebackzoo.com/

Night Moves

Monday, October 31

AT TURTLE BACK ZOO

4 to 8pm

With candy stations throughout the grounds,

everyone is sure to have a “sweet” time.

$3 admission for current Zoological Society

Members; $5 general admission.

All attendees must purchase a ticket;

walk-up tickets will be available.

This is a family-friendly event; bring your

own reusable candy bag.

Note: the zoo closes at 2pm on 10/31 in

preparation for the event.

https://turtlebackzoo.com/

The Spirit of Essex 9

8 The Spirit of Essex

SMORES n’ MORE NIGHT HIKE

Wednesday, November 2

6 to 7:30pm

For families. Build a winter campfire,

sip hot cocoa and make s’mores.

Dress warmly. Advance registration

and minimum number of participants

equired. Fee: $30 per family (up to

two adults and two children) or $10

per child; $12 per adult

OWL PELLET DISSECTION

Monday, November 28

6 to 7:30pm For children ages 7-13.

Learn about our beautiful and mysterious

silent hunters of the night. Discover what

they are eating as we discuss predators,

prey and food chain dynamics. Carefully

reconstruct the bones found inside owl

pellets! Advance registration and minimum

number of participants are required. Fee:

$10 per child

HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING

Saturday, November 1

11am to 12pm

For adults. Welcome your friends and

family for the holidays with a beautiful

holiday wreath! Together we’ll use

evergreen boughs and other materials to

create a seasonal work of art! All materials

are included for this hands-on workshop.

Fee: $25 per person

HOT CHOCOLATE HIKE

Thursday, November 17

6 to 7:30pm

For families. Join us for a hike around the

Environmental Center forest, build a winter

campfire, sip hot cocoa and make s’mores.

Dress warmly. Advance registration and

minimum number of participants required;

call 973.228.8776. Fee: $30 per family

(up to two adults and two children) or

$10 per child; $12 per adult

ESSEX COUNTY

TURTLE BACK ZOO

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange

973-731-5800

https://turtlebackzoo.com

Berson Education Center at

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

973-731-5800 ext. 103

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Select weekends throughout

the winter. 10am and 11am

TBZ’s Early Childhood programs

encourage family learning and foster

early environmental awareness. We invite

young children to discover the natural

world through gently structured play,

art, stories, animal visits, and more. Age

restrictions apply; pre-registration

required. Zoo admission is not

included with registration. Hatchlings

(6 to 24 months), Tots (ages 2 &

participants are required. Fee: $30

per family (up to two adults and two

children) or $10 per child, $12 per

adult

BATS OF NEW JERSEY

Tuesday, October 18. 5:30 to 7pm

For students in grades 1 through

5. Ever wonder what kind of local bats

are catching bugs in your backyard?

Or where they sleep? Learn from a bat

enthusiast about our upside-down

friends, play the role of a bat biologist in a

simulated study and take home plans to

build a bat house! Advanced registration

and payment are required. Fee: $10 per

child

COMMUNITY COMPOST BIN AND

RAIN BARREL SALE

Pick-up on Saturday, October 29

10am to 2pm

Backyard composting is an excellent

way to reduce trash going to landfills and

allows you to make your own compost!

Rain barrels reduce water costs, keeps

our water clean and provide a natural

source of water for plants and gardens all

while reducing the number of pollutants

that enter our storm drains. Orders must

be placed by October 28th. Pick-up

at Garibaldi Hall. For more information

and for purchasing options, please visit

https://essex.compostersale.com/.

ESSEX

REMEMBERS

Joins us for a Solemn

Ceremony

Commemorating the

21st Anniversary of

the 9/11 Tragedy

Sunday

September 11, 2022

8am

Essex County

Eagle Rock Reservation.

Essex County Eagle Rock

9/11 Memorial,

Eagle Rock Avenue,

West Orange.

973.621.4400

STORY TIME

October 22, 23, 29 & 30

AT TURTLE BACK ZOO

Programs at 10:30am

and 1:30pm each date

Wear your favorite Halloween costume, enjoy a

spooky story read by a not-too-scary costumed

character, and meet a favorite animal friend.

This is a family-friendly event recommended

for families with children ages 8 and younger.

$10/participant; zoo admission not included.

More info: https://turtlebackzoo.com

3), and Explorers (ages 4 & 5) are

in-person programs. $25-$30 per

participant. For more information, visit

https://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/early-

childhood-programs/

WONDERS OF THE WILD

Most Saturdays throughout

the winter. 1pm

Turtle Back Zoo is an amazing classroom!

Our Wonders of the Wild program

is an opportunity to participate in

supplementary science and nature-

themed programs and projects that

facilitate scientific literacy and life-long

environmental stewardship. Available

to students ages 6-12. The programs

include a visit to Essex County South

Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, or

Zoo as weather permits. $30/student.

For more information, visit https://

turtlebackzoo.com/discover/wonders-of-

the-wild/

SOPHISTICATED SCIENCE

SEMINARS

Select days throughout the winter.

Times vary

Sophisticated Science Seminars

are conservation programs geared

toward more adult audiences (ages

13+). Seminars run throughout the year

and span topics such as animal anatomy,

habitats & conservation, animal careers,

and more. These programs are perfect

Essex County Department of Parks and Recreation

& Rose Squared Art Shows Present

Rose Squared Art Show

at Essex County Anderson Park

288 Bellevue Ave, UpperMontclair | Saturday, Sept. 17 & Sunday, Sept. 18

Rose Squared Art Show

at Essex County Brookdale Park

473 Watchung Ave, Bloomfield/Montclair | Saturday, Oct. 15 & Sunday, Oct. 16

For info, directions, a gallery of participating artists and unique artisanal food visit rosesquared.com

Essex County

Senior Wellness Day

at Codey Arena

Tuesday, October 18

10am-2pm

Essex County senior citizens are

invited to attend Essex County Senior

Wellness Day. Health screenings,

information about nutrition and

exercise demonstrations will be

available. Various Essex County

agencies, including the Division

of Senior Services, will have

representatives on site to talk about

available programs for which seniors

are eligible. Also participating are area

hospitals, senior day care facilities,

local nursing homes and other social

service providers.

For transportation, call

973.737.7200.

for those interested in animals, science,

conservation, and nature who want to learn

something new in a relaxed atmosphere.

$30/person. For more information, visit

https://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/

sophisticated-science-seminars/

FAMILY NATURE CLUB: NATURE

ADVENTURERS

Select Sundays throughout the

winter. Times vary depending

on the date

Nature play is playing WITH nature

not just IN nature and is a great way

to interact with nature no matter your

experience level or play style. Run, climb,

build, dig, or even just sit and experience

the sounds, smells, and sights of the

outdoors. Nature Adventurers visits

different locations near Essex County

Turtle Back Zoo; zoo admission is

not included. $10/person. For more

information, visit https://turtlebackzoo.

com/discover/family-nature-club-

nature-adventurers/

WINTER MINI-CAMPS

Tuesday, December 27 to Thursday,

December 29, 2022; Monday,

January 16 and Monday,

February 20, 2023. All mini-camps

are 9am to 4pm.

Join us at Turtle Back Zoo for some

wild fun! To further our mission

of conservation, education, and

stewardship, campers will be introduced

to the extraordinary world of animals,

nature, and science. Children will enjoy

age-appropriate camp activities that

include games, teacher-led lessons,

behind-the-scenes visits, up-close

animal encounters, hands-on science

projects, and fun crafts. $90 per day.

For more information, visit https://

turtlebackzoo.com/discover/zoo-

camps/

CONSERVATION BREAKFAST

PROGRAMS

Select Weekends this Winter

8:30am to 10am

Turtle Back Zoo’s Conservation

Breakfasts are morning programs

that feature one of our animals as the

educational focus, highlighting the

conservation challenges facing that

species while providing tools and actions

you can do at home to positively affect its

wild relatives. Program includes zoo

admission (for non-members) and

breakfast. For more information, visit

https://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/zoo-

camps/

OTHER PROGRAMS AT THE ZOO

OR CLOSER TO YOU

In-person and Virtual Programs,

Outreaches, and More

Dates and Times Scheduled at Need

Join us for a dynamic and fun educational

program that is focused on animals,

conservation, and stewardship. We offer

a variety of programs that satisfy many

scientific benchmarks while also being

engaging and informative. Programs can

be adapted to age and ability; many can

be adapted for outreaches to your school,

senior center, etc. For more information,

visit https://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/

education-center-programs/

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.,

Essex County Executive

and the Board of County Commissioners

Invite You to

Free Entry!

Prizes will be awarded!

Saturday, October 22

Essex County Branch Brook Park

West Drive near Heller Parkway

Registration: 9:30am • Parade: 10am

Rain date: Sunday, October 23

Saturday, October 29

Essex County Brookdale Dog Park

Grove Street Entrance

Registration: 9am • Parade: 9:30am

Rain date: Sunday, October 30

Saturday, October 29

Essex County Grover Cleveland Park

Near Pond House

Registration: 1pm • Parade: 1:30pm

Rain date: Sunday, October 30

Pet Costume Parade

COUNTY OF ESSEX DEPARTMENT OF PARKS,

RECREATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS

115 Clifton Avenue, Newark NJ 07104

973.268.3500 / www.essexcountynj.org

PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

“Our Strut Your Mutt Canine Halloween Costume Contests have become a

popular event for dog owners to show o their creative talents, celebrate

their pets and share a happy event with other dog owners. Whether or not

you have a dog, come join us, or pick your favorites and enjoy the parade.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

TBZ ZOOVENTURE BOX

Seasonally Themed Zoo

Activity Bundles

Pre-Order for Pick-up at the

TBZ Education Center

Zooventure boxes are seasonally themed

animal, conservation, and science

activity bundles that promote exploration

through hands-on science experiments,

personalized virtual content, arts and

crafts, and other educational materials.

Virtual content (zoo tours, live story times)

will be available on a private google

classroom; access codes included in the

box. Zooventure Boxes are designed

for ages 5-8; pick-up will be available

starting Tuesday, October 4. For more

information, visit https://turtlebackzoo.

com/education. n

10 The Spirit of Essex

The Spirit of Essex 11

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

AT ESSEX COUNTY

TURTLE BACK ZOO

Friday to Sunday, November 18-20

Friday to Sunday, November 25-27

Friday to Sunday, December 2-4; Nightly Starting

Friday, December 9 to Saturday, December 31;

Closed December 24 & 25

5pm to 9pm

Take a winter stroll through Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this

holiday season under the sparkling lights of holiday-themed

and animal characters. Celebrate the season of giving by

bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys,

and gently used coats. Dierent themed activities will be

featured on select December weekends.

For more information,

visit https://turtlebackzoo.com/attractio

Sponsored by

“The County of Essex is proud to showcase the Presby Memorial Iris

Gardens during the autumn season. Come out and see the beds of

fall-blooming irises surrounded by artistically decorated jack-o-lanterns.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.,

Essex County Executive

and the Board of County Commissioners

Invite You to

Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

474 Upper Mountain Ave., Montclair

Friday, October 21, 2022

6pm to 9pm

Rain Date: Saturday, October 22

The free event includes a display of carved botanic, ﬂoral, and Halloween-themed

pumpkins created by high school students. The jack-o’-lanterns will be lit with

candles and lined around the ﬂower beds to help illuminate the gardens.

Seasonal refreshments will be available.

COUNTY OF ESSEX DEPARTMENT OF PARKS,

RECREATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS

115 Clifton Avenue, Newark NJ 07104

973.268.3500 / www.essexcountynj.org

PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

ESSEX COUNTY

CULTURAL

EXHIBITIONS

The following events are oered for the public’s enjoyment

by Essex County-based arts and history organizations.

The Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Aairs takes no

responsibility for the content, accuracy, dates or times and whether or not non-County sponsored events

listed in this magazine are held as scheduled.

THE NEWARK MUSEUM OF ART

49 Washington Street, Newark

973.596.6550

www.newarkmuseum.org

Saya Woolfalk: Field Notes from

the Empathic Universe

Through December 31

Saya Woolfalk: Field Notes from the

Empathic Universe invites visitors to

enter the kaleidoscopic and culturally

hybrid worlds created by the artist. The

exhibition features an immersive video

installation exploring portraiture and

a series of new mixed media collages,

all accessed through the North Wing

elevator, which will be transformed by

Woolfalk’s digitally-collaged murals.

Animal Kingdom

September 23 through May 2024

Just-For-Members Preview Day,

September 22

Earth is home to an astounding variety

of life. Animal Kingdom celebrates that

diversity as an interactive experience

featuring art, animal specimen, and

hands-on fun for all ages. Draw your

own creatures to join the underwater

habitat where animals come to life and

swim around you in a digital aquarium:

teamLab, Sketch Aquarium: Connected

World, 2013-, Interactive Digital

Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi,

teamLab© teamLab.

LISA PALOMBO STUDIOS

55 Mountain Ave, Caldwell

973-364-0280 / www.lisapalombo.com

Annual Holiday Open Studio

November 19 & 20

11 am to 5pm

Visit Lisa Palombo Studios for a festive

weekend of fine art, refreshments,

and cheer. This year, Ms. Palombo will

be showcasing an exciting variety of

paintings from many of her series such

as her popular Ode to Monet collection.

Admission is free.

Moon Dance at Lisa Palombo Studios

teamLab, Sketch Aquarium: Connected World, 2013-, Interactive Digital

Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi, teamLab © teamLab

WEST ORANGE ARTS CENTER

551 Valley Road, West Orange

862.500.1918 / www.WOArts.org

The JSDD WAE Center’s “Inside

Out” Virtual exhibit

On display is the work of more than 20

WAE Center artists and most of the

artwork is available for purchase. Self-

driven and self-taught, this genre of work

is referred to as “Outsider Art,”

meaning the artist is not formally trained

yet still creates from an organic place of

knowledge and experience. The visual

representations of each artist’s own

raw experiences, thoughts, and feelings

communicate their perceptions of the

world around them, in varied and vibrant

form. To schedule your visit, please email

info@woarts.org or call the center. A

virtual exhibit is on the West Orange Arts

Council’s website at www.WOArts.org n

12 The Spirit of Essex

The Spirit of Essex 13

ESSEX COUNTY

AUTUMN EVENTS

September 9: Ryan Hamilton. The

wholesome, Idaho-bred comic’s Netflix

special, “Happy Face,” was called “the

special you can’t watch enough times.”

Ryan Hamilton was named one of Rolling

Stone’s “five comics to watch.” South

Orange Performing Arts Center, One

SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm. $28 to

$35. 973-313-2787. SOPACnow.org

September 10: Peabo Bryson.

Dubbed the King of Balladeers, Peabo

Bryson is a two-time Grammy-winning

vocalist known for his hit song “Tonight, I

Celebrate My Love” with Roberta Flack.

This legendary voice of love offers a

timeless mix of Pop, Soul and R&B as only

he can. South Orange Performing Arts

Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange.

7pm and 9:30pm. $59 to $79. 973-313-

2787. SOPACnow.org

September 10: Dance on the Lawn.

Montclair’s outdoor dance festival

will return this year at a new location –

the front lawn of the Montclair Public

Library. Artists include Nai-Ni Chen

and Company, Maxine Steinman &

Dancers, Sharron Miller’s Academy for

the Performing Arts and more. Also in this

year’s program will be an original work

by William Ervin, winner of Dance on the

Lawn’s 2022 Emerging Commissioned

NJ Choreographer Award. Dance on the

Lawn, celebrating its ninth year, serves

as a showcase and mentoring launchpad

for New Jersey’s and New York’s finest

choreographic talent. The yearly DOTL

Festival offers Montclair residents and

neighboring communities a sneak peek

at emerging and established artists

from New Jersey and the New York

area. Montclair Public Library, 50 South

Fullerton Avenue, Montclair. 3pm to 5pm.

Free. danceonthelawn.org

September 11: Maria Bamford.

Comedian Maria Bamford is revered

for her deeply personal comedy about

mental illness as well as her dead-on

impressions. Stephen Colbert called her

his “favorite comedian on earth” and Judd

Apatow said she is “the funniest woman

in the world.” Maria is the first female

comic to have two half-hour “Comedy

Central Presents” specials. South Orange

Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC

Way, South Orange. 7:30pm. $30 to $45

973-313-2787. SOPACnow.org

September 13: “Great 8’s with JoJo.”

Two-time Olympian JoJo Starbuck hosts

and coaches one hour of private ice time

for skaters to practice their figure 8’s,

edges, turns, control and balance. Each

skater will have their own strip of ice.

Space is limited. Each Tuesday beginning

September 13 through June 2023. Essex

County Codey Arena, 560 Northfield

Avenue, West Orange. 12:15-1:15pm.

$30 per class for one month of classes,

$40 per class for walk-ons. Advance

registration required. info@jojostarbuck.

com

September 15: “JoJo’s Cool Workout

Class.” Two-time Olympian JoJo

Starbuck hosts and coaches one hour

of private ice time for adult recreational

skaters to learn and refine their skating

skills, enhancing balance, posture, leg

and core strength, mental stimulation,

social and fun! Each Thursday beginning

September 15 through June 2023. Essex

County Codey Arena, 560 Northfield

Avenue, West Orange. 12:15-1:15pm.

$30 per class for one month of classes,

$40 per class for walk-ons. Advance

registration required. info@jojostarbuck.

com

September 15: George Porter Jr.

& Runnin’ Pardners. A forefather of

Funk, George Porter Jr. is best known

as a member of The Meters, the New

Orleans-based Grammy-winning R&B

SAVE THE DATE!

September 24, 2022

Learn more at

www.turtlebackzoo.com

Beer • Wine • Food Trucks

Lawn Games

14 The Spirit of Essex

The Spirit of Essex 15

Dance on the Lawn

THURSDAYS: JoJo’s Cool Workout Class

Foundations of skating with choreography

and music

Adult recreational skaters

learn and rene skating

skills, enhance balance,

posture, leg and core

strength, mental

stimulation and fun!

(All sessions are

on private ice.)

THE CODEY ARENA

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

12:15 to 1:15 pm

Starts: September 13, 2022 - June 2023

Class fees: $30 to $50 per 1 hour class

TUESDAYS: Great 8’s Class

Basics of gure 8’s, learning balance, edge

control and turns (Space is limited)

Visit: jojostarbuck.com/skatingclasses

HAVE FUN AND GET FIT ON YOUR LUNCH HOUR!

“We are honored to have JoJo Starbuck as one of our

skating instructors at Codey Arena and as the teacher

of this wonderful program that uses skating to

make working out fun and challenging. I invite

the public to lace up their skates, take

advantage of our modern facilities and

try out this unique program.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

group he formed alongside Art “Poppa

Funk” Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph

Zigaboo Modeliste. South Orange

Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way,

South Orange. 7:30pm. $35 to $49.

973-313-2787. SOPACnow.org

September 17: David Broza & Trio

Havana. David Broza is one of the most

innovative and creative musicians in the

world today. His 40-plus year career

encompasses Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country,

Folk and World music. Singing in Hebrew,

Spanish, English and Arabic, he brings

together audiences of all cultures, bridging

barriers of language through his music.

At this SOPAC performance, he is joined

by Cuban “Trio Havana” with Jorge

Bringas, Manuel Alejandro Carro and

Yuniel Jiminez. South Orange Performing

Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South

Orange. 8pm. $30 to $48. 973-313-2787.

SOPACnow.org

September 18-19: 38th Annual

Rose Squared Arts Shows. The 38th

Annual Rose Squared Art Show at Essex

County Anderson Park will showcase

the gorgeous art of 130 fine art and

craftsmen. Rain or shine. 10am to 5pm.

Essex County Anderson Park, Bellevue

Avenue and North Mountain Avenue,

Upper Montclair. Admission is free;

artwork is for sale.

September 22: Kathleen Edwards.

After a musical hiatus and period

of profound self-reflection, singer-

songwriter Kathleen Edwards

triumphantly returns with her cloud-

grazing voice, skilled strumming and

Folk/Country music that confronts life’s

challenges yet finds the beauty in it all.

South Orange Performing Arts Center,

One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7:30pm.

$28 to $38. 973-313-2787. SOPACnow.

org

September 23: The James Hunter

Six. British Soulman James Hunter

and his gritty, passionate, longstanding

backing band bring you a sublime evening

of no-nonsense Rhythm and Blues that

has made the group a critical favorite

and touring sensation. South Orange

Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way,

South Orange. 8pm. $36 to $56. 973-313-

2787. SOPACnow.org

September 24: Billie & Blue Eyes

presented by John Pizzarelli &

Catherine Russell: The Songs of

Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.

Grammy Award-winning vocalist

Catherine Russell teams with jazz guitarist,

vocalist and bandleader John Pizzarelli

in a stunning tribute to Billie Holiday and

Frank Sinatra. Dubbed “the essential duo,”

Russell and Pizzarelli transport audiences

to the glory days of Jazz with masterful

ease, capturing Holiday’s effortless grace

and Sinatra’s cool swagger. South Orange

Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way,

South Orange. 8pm. $48 to $68. 973-313-

2787. SOPACnow.org

September 30: Delfeayo Marsalis.

Acclaimed trombonist, composer and

producer Delfeayo Marsalis also has

dedicated his career to music theater and

education. He is known for his “technical

excellence, inventive mind and frequent

touches of humor” (Los Angeles Times).

A New Orleans native, he is the brother

of renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

South Orange Performing Arts Center,

One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 8pm.

$35 to $45. 973-313-2787. SOPACnow.

org

October 1: Ice Dance International

presents GRACE. A soaring powerful

show of world class dance on ice featuring

ESSEX COUNTY

RICHARD J. CODEY ARENA

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

12:15 to 1:15pm

The Spirit of Essex 17

16 The Spirit of Essex

two-time United States Champion Alissa

Czisny and US Open Champions Kseniya

Ponomaryova and Collin Brubaker. Essex

County Codey Arena, Rink One, 560

Northfield Avenue, West Orange. 7pm.

$15-$30. IDI clinic for figure skaters from

4-6pm. www.

IceDanceInternational.org

October 2: Kessler Foundation’s

Hybrid Stroll ‘N Roll 2022. This

family-fun event brings together people

of all ages and abilities in the community

and around the globe to raise vital funds

to advance rehabilitation research and

employment initiatives for people with

disabilities. Enjoy food trucks, music,

games, crafts, and a stroll or roll in Essex

County Verona Park, or join the fun

virtually from your own neighborhood!

Essex County Verona Park, 11 am to 2 pm.

Free. 973.324.8456. KesslerFoundation.

org/SNR.

October 2: Kevin Nealon.. Emmy

and SAG-nominated comedian Kevin

Nealon is one of the longest running cast

members on NBC’s “Saturday Night

Live.” He’s also a critically acclaimed

actor known for his roles in the Showtime

series “Weeds” and several films by

Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison

Productions. South Orange Performing

Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South

Orange. 7:30pm. $35 to $53. 973-313-

2787. SOPACnow.org

October 7: Bettye LaVette & Raul

Midón. Soul singer-songwriter Bettye

LaVette has been called the High

Priestess of R&B. Her “pure Blues growl”

and commanding presence have earned

this Grammy-nominated performer

comparisons to Aretha Franklin and

Tina Turner. Blind since birth, Raul

Midón lives in a world of sound. His easy

tropical groove, lyrical sophistication,

silky voice and flowing electric guitar are

his signature. South Orange Performing

Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South

Orange. 8pm. $42 to $59. 973-313-2787.

SOPACnow.org

October 7: New Jersey

Symphony: Yefim Bronfman Plays

Rachmaninoff. The excitement of our

centennial season begins with “Banner,” a

new work by one of the most in-demand

composers of today, Jessie Montgomery.

Nimbus Dance adds dynamic original

choreography to Copland’s “Appalachian

Spring;” the iconic score is quintessential

Americana with both celebratory

exuberance and somber undertones.

The program will close with superstar

pianist Yefim Bronfman performing

Rachmaninoff’s thrilling Piano Concerto

No. 3. New Jersey Performing Arts

Center, 1 Center Street, Newark. 1:30

pm. Tickets start at $25. 800.255.3476.

https://www.njsymphony.org

October 8: Chris Smither & Tim

O’Brien with Jan Fabricus. A master

of acoustic Folk/Blues, Chris Smither

creates a singular guitar sound – a

beat-driven finger-picking, layered over

his ever-present rhythmic, tapping feet

(always mic’d in performance). A lifelong

devotee of Bluegrass, Tim O’Brien is

skilled on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and

banjo. He often performs with his wife,

vocalist Jan Fabricius. South Orange

Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC

Way, South Orange. 8pm. $35 to $45.

973-313-2787. SOPACnow.org

October 9: Paul Reiser with special

guest Vance Gilbert. Comedian, actor

and television writer Paul Reiser is one

of Hollywood’s most prolific creatives.

Reiser can currently be seen in “Stranger

Things” and “The Kominsky Method,” for

which he received an Emmy nomination

for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a

Comedy Series. The multi-faceted actor

also recently revived one of his most

iconic roles in the highly anticipated

return of “Mad About You,” the long-

running hit ‘90s comedy he co-created

and starred in with Helen Hunt. South

Enjoy the fall weather and visit Essex County Verona Park. The park is

approximately 54 acres and is located on the corner Bloomﬁeld Avenue and Lakeside

Avenue in Verona. There is one main access road that stretches from Bloomﬁeld Avenue

to the neighborhoods that are located south of the park. Parking can be found on this road.

There are ﬁve disabled accessible parking spaces: three by the playground and two nearer

to the end of the row. There is some on street parking available along Lakeside Avenue.

There are ﬁve entrances along Lakeside Avenue. Three of these entrances are fully

accessible. One is moderately accessible, and one is not accessible at all. Patrons may

also enter the park through the fully accessible entrance at the corner of Bloomﬁeld and

Lakeside Avenues.

There is a 1.25-mile paved loop that rings the park (including the lake). The pathway is wide

and mostly ﬂat with a few inclines, primarily by the damn near Bloomﬁeld Avenue. Some of

the inclines between the parking area and the loop are a little steep.

There are two-bathroom buildings that are fully accessible: one near the boathouse

and one near the playground. The restroom buildings are open from 11 am to 7 pm. The

boathouse is currently not open. The refreshment stand behind the boathouse has a ramp.

There are tables of dierent heights on the deck.

The playground is fenced in with two non-spring gates, one at each end of the playground.

The ground is covered by either artiﬁcial turf or rubber playground matting. There are a

few inclines, including to the entrance to the picnic table area. The incline to the back of the

slides is a dead end. Therefore, you must go back the way you came to exit the playground.

The Eden Wild Garden has brick paths throughout and benches. The paths are wide

enough for a wheelchair, but the surface, being bricks, is not completely smooth.

If you use NJ Transit Access Link to reach the park, we suggest using the parking adjacent

to the boathouse as your drop o and pick up point. n

VERONA PARK

VISIT ESSEX COUNTY

GRACE

W W W . I C E D A N C E I N T E R N A T I O N A L . O R G

THE P O W ER OF D AN C E O N I C E

D I R E C T E D B Y

T I C K E T S A N D M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N A T

2 T I M E N A T I O N A L C H A M P I O N

A L I S S A

K S E N I Y A

U S O P E N C H A M P I O N S

C O L L I N

18 The Spirit of Essex

The Spirit of Essex 19

Orange Performing Arts Center, One

SOPAC Way, South Orange. 7:30pm. $38

to $58. 973-313-2787. SOPACnow.org

October 15-16: 23rd Annual Rose

Squared Arts Shows. The 23rd

Annual Rose Squared Art Show in Essex

County Brookdale Park will showcase

the gorgeous art of 150 fine art and

craftsmen. Rain or shine. 10am to 5pm.

Essex County Brookdale Park, entrances

on Watchung Avenue and Bellevue

Avenue in Bloomfield and Grove Street in

Montclair. Admission is free; artwork is for

sale.

October 16: D’Italia Programs.

Singing and dancing Italian style!

Join us for an afternoon of Italian

favorites from O Sole Mio to Volare and

more! A pinch of opera, a dash of jazz,

tambourine drumming, tarantellas,

costumes, authentic folk instruments,

even little Bambini! “LaDolce Vita!

Caldwell University, 120 Bloomfield

Avenue, Caldwell. 3pm. $30 general

admission, $20 seniors and students,

$50.00 supporters’ reserved seats.

Group rates also available. 973.461.9624.

ditaliaprograms.org

October 20 & 23: New Jersey

Symphony: Xian Zhang Conducts

Brahms. Award-winning composer

Dorothy Chang wrote her inspirational

and bright “Northern Star” as part of a

larger collection of commissions from

several Canadian composers in 2017.

Michelle Cann makes a triumphant return

to the Symphony stage with Strauss’

light, virtuosic and witty “Burleske” for

Piano and Orchestra. Brahms’ final

symphony balances autumnal hues with

virtuosic power. Scaling the heights of

this monumental work is an orchestral

and emotional feature of Mount Everest

proportions. The Geraldine R. Dodge

Poetry Festival will share dynamic

contemporary poets offering dramatic

readings between the orchestral works

during the performance. New Jersey

Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street,

Newark. 1:30 pm. Tickets start at $25.

800.255.3476. https://www.njsymphony.

org

October 22: Olmsted Historic

Walking Tour of Essex County

Anderson Park. Before Essex

County Anderson Park existed, three

houses and a fire station sat on the park

property. Find out where they went

and other surprising stories about how

this Olmsted-designed Essex County

park came to be created over a century

ago, how it shaped Upper Montclair,

and how it led to the formation of other

Montclair parks. Also hear about efforts

to rejuvenate the landscape of this

park, which is on the National Register

of Historic Places. Essex County

Anderson Park, 274 Bellevue Avenue,

Upper Montclair. Meet at the boulder

at the park’s northeast entrance. 10am

to 11:30am. Free. Call or check Friends

of Anderson Park Facebook page

for weather updates. No rain date.