Bop While You Shop

Parents Who Rock will perform at a new kind of fundraising event this Saturday, June 21st. Come join us and get a casual preview of our spin-off women's group, "Goddess Rock," while you browse, snack and shop for beautiful jewelry, children's clothing, gorgeous belts and bags and notecards made by Montclair children.

The sale will take place at 72 High Street, corner of Cedar and High, in Montclair, from 12 to 4 p.m.

A percentage of the proceeds will go to Christ Church's Soup Kitchen. The Christ Episcopal Church in East Orange, NJ, opens its doors to feed the hungry every Saturday from September through June. The Outpost in the Burbs outreach program is responsible for the third Saturday of every month and relies on the generosity of individuals and the community to provide the funding necessary to cook and serve hot, nourishing meals for families in need.

Here's a sample of some of the items available for purchasing:

Marie St. Victor: Artisan crafted one-of-a-kind jewelry, featuring semi-precious gem-stones, vintage and contemporary glass, wood and mother-of-pearl beads.

Jane Theodore Designs from Boulder, Colorado: An eclectic collection of beaded and sterling silver chain jewelry. Theodore says her work stems from her passion for collage and treasure hunting. "I love to search out unusual beads and use them in surprising ways," she says. "My joy is creating beautiful things with my hands."

www.tresbellagems.com: Lovely necklaces, bracelets and earrings, as well as children's jewelry crafted in sterling silver with bead and gemstones.

http://www.zoelou.com/: Playful, groovy goods for babies and kids. (Zoelou designed the PWR logo of the guitar!)

The order of musical performances is as follows:
Ellen Paretti, Jo Senecal and Jessica Henry
Alma Schneider
Aviva Patz
Carrie Cantor
Alisa Harmon

See you there!

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All-access playground close to construction

Thursday, June 12, 2008
BY ERICA ZARRA
of the Montclair Times

A universal playground in Montclair will soon be built.

During the meeting on Tuesday, the Township Council approved two resolutions concerning an "All-Children's Playground" to be erected in Edgemont Memorial Park.

The full-access outside facility will feature play stations, a playground surface and entrances that are designed to accommodate children with disabilities and special needs.

The council members purchased $140,656 worth of playground equipment from Marturano Recreation Co.

They also awarded a $282,000 contract to JC Landscape Construction & Management Co. for the playground's design and construction.

A portion of the funds for such improvements has been appropriated through bond ordinances and additional finances, some of which were from private donors.

"The support in this community warmed my heart and was a wonderful tribute to Montclair," Township Manager Joseph Hartnett said.

The Township Council committed $200,000 to the project and the municipality obtained a $50,000 state grant toward it.

The remainder of money was secured through private donations and fundraising efforts, including those by Parents Who Rock, a locally based organization of mothers and fathers who had performed rock music professionally or as amateurs.

Second Ward Councilwoman Robin Schlager, who chaired a subcommittee of the project, called the playground "a great example of what this town can do working with a lot of people."

"No matter what the price tag was, many people in town embraced an all-access playground," Schlager said.

Hartnett concurred, saying, "This has been the most rewarding experience since being township manager in Montclair. Over 200 Montclair families sent in their checks ... from every single neighborhood. The support for the playground covered every area, every nook and cranny of Montclair."

The Council Chamber was packed with supporters of the project, many of whom cheered when the resolutions were approved.

"The support has been overwhelming," said Susan Irby of Montclair's People with Disabilities Advisory Committee, who is also a member of the fundraising committee.

Irby, who helped lead the idea of an all-access playground years ago, said the project represents "education and awareness about community inclusion."

Irby's daughter, Rebecca, added that the playground reflects the "equality and promotion of diversity" integral in Montclair.

Alma Schneider, the founder of Parents Who Rock, thanked the council members and the "people in Montclair who stepped up." Schneider told The Times that an official groundbreaking ceremony likely will occur soon.

Members of the Friends of Edgemont Park Committee said they were in favor of the playground, but noted concerns such as parking and landscaping in the vicinity.

They also articulated a feeling of not being fully informed of the effort.

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Miguel Rodriguez

As part of one of New Jersey's finest live jam/rock bands, Baked Fresh Daily, drummer/vocalist/audio engineer Miguel continues to keep busy with many other musical projects including PWR. He lives in West Orange with his wife Stephanie and three kids, his Main Project.

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WPLJ's Race Taylor Talks About Parents Who Rock and The Playground Benefit

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All Children's Playground Benefit a Huge Success!

On April 5, 2008, Parents Who Rock, with the help of many hard working volunteers and the contributions of civic-minded businesses, held a fundraising concert and party at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair to benefit a wonderful cause: the construction of the All Children’s Playground in Edgemont Park, in Montclair. The unique design of the All Children’s Playground will inspire play without boundaries and allow all children to play together on specialized equipment created to integrate a variety of play experiences and challenges.

The evening’s festivities were a tremendous success! The concert- together with other related grassroots fund-raising efforts- raised approximately $40,000 for the All Children’s Playground!

We are thrilled to have had the chance to contribute to the All Children’s Playground and applaud the Township of Montclair for its commitment to this important project. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated to this event.

See you on the playground!

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All Children's Playground Benefit (4/5/08) invitation flyer

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Donors To The 4/5/08 All Children's Playground Benefit

On April 5, 2008, Parents Who Rock will host a benefit to raise funds to help build the All Children's Playground, a universal-access playground in Edgemont Park in Montclair. The party will happen at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Church Street in Montclair and all proceeds will go directly to the playground (see the flyer below). Here is a list of some of the amazing businesses that are donating their services and/or goods to make the benefit, and the playground, happen:

Gimme Jimmy's

Starbuck's

Meema's

Atomic Wings

High Point Brewing Company

Louisa Testa Custom Floral Designs

Bartlett Florist

Anderson's Flowers

Bud's For You Flowers And Gifts

Jonathan's Balloons "At The Light Closet"

Stems at Smith's Flowers

Brookside Garden Center and Florist

Lauren Kaiser Graphics

Orange Lawn Tennis Club

Flour Patch Bakery

DePaolo Bakery

Gina's Bakery

Amazing Hot Dog

Applegate Farm

Music Together

Artware By You

Art To Be Square

Colbert Report

Martha Stewart

Rachael Ray

Daily Show

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Tory Janes

Josh Laurence Photos

Social Smarts

Doin' Dishes

Take Back the Kitchen

Karen Brinkman Architecture

Cisco Station

Prima Princessa

Rachel Weber Graphics

Shawn Rank

Nest and Company

West Essex Speech

Just Kiddin' Around

Gymboree

Outpost in the Burbs

Spruce

Montclair Bikery

Shop Rite

Pampered Chef

Ruby's

Toast

Spice It Up

Division East Skateboard

Music for Aardvarks

Tinga Taqueria

Sarah Vogel Landscape Design

Copabananas

Grand Rental Station

Public Affairs Books

In Order, Inc.

Send Out Cards

Lili, Meili and Beau

Terra Tea Salon and Fair Trade Eco Market

Soccer Stop

South Orange Performing Arts Center

Lotus Yoga

Ploch's Garden Center

A&P Fresh Montclair

Party Fair Discount Party Supplies

Diamond Cycle

Costco

SONY

Wave Hill

Green 'n' Things Florist

Kimberly Maziarz, MD

Suburban Speech Center

Fast Frame

Edible Arrangements

Justin Canha

Anne Sailer Design

Learning Express

The Rocking Horse Cafe

Thank you all!!

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