EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Education
Educational programs for individuals and groups of all ages, including:
- NEW!: we are pleased to now offer programs from Tinkergarten, beginning in September 2018!
- Public programs: include guided nature walks and talks by Weis staff and guest experts, historical and culture programs, as well as special presentations and events.
- Primitive survival skills classes taught by Joe Blevis ofEarth Living Skills. Topics include firebuilding, shelter making, throwing sticks, stalking and movement, local plants, and coal burning bowls
- Group programs: include field trips for schools, homeschoolers, rec departments and other camps.
- Nature focused day camps run during the summer and winter/spring school breaks. Before and after-care options are available for working parents.
- Comming soon: new certificate program for high school students considering studying environmental related majors in college, or pursuing "green" careers: Weis Environmental Pathfinder (WEP).
Arts
Performing Arts
Iron Mountain Stage Company, a local non-profit theater company that has been performing continuously since 1993, makes Weis their permanent home for rehearsals and performances. Theypresent a spring and fall production, as well as a special holiday show and occasional public workshops.
Music
"Music at Midvale" Acoustic Open Mic! An afternoon of live music on the last Sunday afternoon each month. Signup to perform at the door starting at 2:30pm; music starts at 3:00 and ends at 5:00pm. Coffee, tea and snacks are available. Details and performance guidelines.
Photography
- Exhibit of landscape and nature photographs, taken locally by Joann Lightbody, a lifelong Ringwood resident. Joann has captured the beauty of the area in her photos, which are on display in the main building.
- Enjoy an exhibit of beautiful and inspiring nature photography by talented local artists Tom Tarbutton, Vera Lazar and Karin Ahmed! Main building.
Recreation
Goat Yoga! Classes conducted by Totes Goats LLC. An hour of Vinyasa yoga and time to ask questions and play with the adorable goats.
Highlands Obstacle Adventure course! Classes conducted by Tobin Osusky of Temple Qinesis. Trail run and obstacle course, with mountaintop yoga and organic snacks and juices!
Guided Hikes - Public guided hikes may be offered throughout the year, and can be scheduled for private groups, party or special event. Hikes are led by a first aid certified staff member, and may focus on local history, flora, and fauna found along the trail. Learn more about hiking at Weis and in the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest.
Swimming in the Highlands Natural Pool, which is adjacent to our property. Experience a mountain-stream fed pool in a beautiful, forested setting. Snack bar on premises.
Scouting
We are happy to welcome ALL Scout groups to The New Weis Center. We offer many programs for Scouts, including badge classes, service projects, camping and firecircles, and hosting special events. Please check out our Scouting page for all the details and upcoming events!
Snakes-N-Scales!
Plan a party at The New Weis Center with a live animal presentation by Snakes-N-Scales! They offer a variety of entertaining and educational themes. Please contact them directly for pricing and to arrange your party.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Every Sunday, 1:00-3:00pm: Highlands Obstacle Adventure
Trail run and obstacle course, with mountaintop meditation, yoga/stretching, and finishing with organic snacks and juice! Instructor: Tobin Osusky is a Spartan SGX Certified Coach, Level 1 Crossfit Trainer and Bachelor of Kinesiology. This trail hike and obstacle run will weaving up the mountain while teaching participants about the land, their bodies, how their muscles work, their metabolism and connection to breath. Helping participants overcome obstacles on the trail will symbolically teach how to overcome hurdles in life, while maintaining a calm, confident spirit. After a short yoga and meditation session atop the mountain, we will learn the dynamics of carefully and mindfully descending. Class will finish with a cool down session and Organic granola bars, vegan snacks and nutrient rich juices made by Chef T and friends. Course will be adapted to fit your level.
> $30 per person; Register NOW!
Aug 25, 7:00-8:30pm:Sunset Goat Yoga!
1 hour of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class will be held outdoors in our picnic grove in nice weather.
> $30 per person. CLASS FULL
Aug 25, 10:00am: Hike the World's Guided Hike!
Join our friends at Hike the World for their very first hiking event. The hike will travel to Carris Hill & Wyanokie High Point, which includes a 360-degree viewpoint. It is rated as a moderate to sometimes strenuous hike. We will split into two groups so everyone can hike with people at their own pace. Hike will last approximately 4 hours, depending on the size and pace of the group. Dogs on a leash are welcome; all waste must be picked up, even on the trail.
> FREE; donations to support The New Weis Center are always welcome. Register NOW
Aug 26, 3:00-5:00pm: Music at Midvale - Acoustic Open Mic!
Come to play - or just to listen to great music (originals and covers). The last Sunday of each month. Light refreshments will be available.
> $5 fee supports the nonprofit New Weis Center. No registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm.
Sep 8, 10:00am-2:00pm: BSA Merit Badge Class - Geocaching!
Open to Scouts and the general public. Instructor: Weis Board member Tom Strube.
> $15/scout. To Register NOW, please email Tom at: tmstrube@optonline.net
Sep 15, 9:30am: Hiking the Highlands, Harriman & Beyond
Join our special guest Don Weise for a talk, Q&A and book signing at 9:30-10:30am, following by a guided hike at 10:30am-1:30pm. Don is a noted author and hike leader, and a Director at the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and will share pictures and discuss how to prepare for some extraordinary local hiking. With more than 20 years’ experience as a guide, environmental advocate and trail enthusiast, Don will share his favorite day hikes, from family-friendly walks to off-the-beaten-track adventures. Copies of his latest book, Circuit Hikes in Harriman, will be available for purchase and signing.
After the talk and weather permitting, Don and his colleague Jennifer Zack will lead a steep and moderately strenuous 3.5-mile hike to the expansive views of Wyanokie High Point in the adjacent Norvin Green State Forest. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Hike is limited to 20 people; minimum age is 8.
> $5 fee supports the nonprofit New Weis Center. No registration required.
Sep 22, 6:00-7:30pm: Sunset Goat Yoga!
1 hour of Vinyasa yoga with the fun and frisky goats from Totes Goats! Perfect for beginners. Class will be held outdoors in our picnic grove in nice weather.
> $30 per person. REGISTER NOW!
Oct 6, 10:00am: Guided Hike to Assiniwikum Mountain
Join Ryan Windess, founder of Hike the World, as he leads a hike to a lesser-known part of Norvin Green State Forest. The hike will lead to the summit of Assiniwikam Mountain (1,200 feet) and offers expansive views from several rocky outcrops. A portion of the hike will traverse the mile-long Will Monroe Loop trail, named after Professor Will S. Monroe of the Montclair State Normal School (now Montclair State University). Mr. Monroe and his co-workers in the Green Mountain Club laid out many of the trails in the Wyanokies in the 1920s. Hike will last 3 1/2 - 4 hours, depending on the size and pace of the group, and includes some steep and rocky sections. Dogs on a leash are welcome; all waste must be picked up, even on the trail. Meet at the main brick building.
> FREE; donation to support the nonprofit New Weis Center area welcome. No registration required.
Oct 13, 10:00: Dog-friendly Guided Hike!
Bring your pooch and join us for a great fall hike in Norvin Green State Forest, led by Weis staff member Stephen Stella. The trail will pass a waterfall and stop at the Roomy Mine, one of iron mines, and will last 2 1/2 - 3 hours at a moderate pace, with some steep and rocky sections.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times; please pick up your dog's waste (yes, even in the forest). Meet at the main brick building.
> $5 per human; no registration required.
Oct 14, 10:00am: Birding for Beginners
Join Don Torino, President of the Bergen County Audubon Society, for a fall birdwatching walk around our property. Dogs are not permitted for this program.
> FREE; donations are always appreciated. No registration required.
Oct 14, 12:00-4:00pm: Canine First Aid & CPR
Do YOU know how to help your pet in an emergency? Learn the life saving skills needed! Taught with a “real world” approach by a 25+ year pre-hospital care provider and educator, this hands-on training teaches life saving skills to be administered to an injured or ill pet during an emergency in the outdoors setting. Class includes lecture, demonstration and an emphasis on hands-on skills practice (including scenarios) to ensure proficiency in the life saving skills taught. For any questions, contact Tom Rinelli of Paws N Claws 911 daily until 10pm at 631-721-8129. Space is limited and advance registration and payment is required to secure a spot.
> Special fundraising cost is $65.00 ($10 off the regular price) and includes a detailed handbook, certificate of completion and emergency muzzle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The New Weis Center. Register online NOW at www.pawsnclaws911.com
PDF Flyer with additional details
Oct 20 & 27: 2-day Wilderness First Aid certification
Details and registration coming soon