EDUCATION, ARTS & RECREATION
Education
Educational programs for individuals and groups of all ages, including:
- 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.
- New certificate program for high school students considering studying environmental related majors in college, or pursuing "green" careers: the 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. The present 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 will be 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! Class is hosted by Tobin Osusky: Spartan SGX Certified Coach, Level 1 Crossfit Trainer and Bachelor of Kinesiology. Tobin will lead a trail hike and obstacle run, 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.$30 per person; Registration required
Jun 24, 3:00-5:00pm: Music at Midvale - Acoustic Open Mic!
Come to play - or just to listen. The last Sunday of each month in a rustic woodsy setting. Light refreshments will be available. $5 suggested donation. No registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm.
Jul 1, 1:00-2:30pm: 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 nice weather. $30 per person SOLD OUT
Jul 8, 12:00-2:30pm: Canine First Aid & CPR
PDF Flyer with additional details
Do YOU know how to help your pet in an emergency? Learn the life saving skills needed! Taught by a 25+ year seasoned pre-hospital emergency medical care provider and educator, this 2.5 hour course focuses on hands-on skills practice (including scenarios) for providing immediate care in the field. $55.00 per person(includes certificate & emergency muzzle) Price is $10 off the regular $65 registration fee!
Click the link below, then click “Register Online”. Questions? Tom Rinelli, Paws N Claws 911: 631-721-8129 (until 10pm) Registration required
Jul 8, 4:00-5:30pm: 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 nice weather. Class will be held outdoors in nice weather. $30 per person SOLD OUT
Jul 21, 10:00am-12:00pm: Primitive Skills: Meet Our Local Plants
Join us as we explore The New Weis Center's property and surrounding lands, and get first hand experience meeting and interacting with the local plants. We will be studying, drawing, photographing, and eating plants, as well as learning about some medicinal qualities and utilitarian purposes - such as which plant fibers work best for rope making, or which trees have good bark for baskets. We will also identify some poisonous plants, and talk about their hazards. We recommend you bring a notebook, pencil and a camera/cell phone (for pictures only). Registration required
Jul 28, 11:00am-1:30pm: Primitive Skills: Throwing Sticks, Stalking and Movement.
Instructor: Joe Blevis of Earth Living Skills. Ages 10+. $40 per person; $5 discount for current Weis members. Registration opens soon.
Jul 28, 7:00-8:30pm: 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 nice weather. $30 per person SOLD OUT
Jul 29, 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 suggested donation. No registration required; sign up to perform at the door between 2:30-3:00pm.
Aug 5, 10:00am:Mushroom Foray
Join us for a foray (mushroom walk) on the Weis property with the NJ and NY Mycological Associations. The foray is open to both NJMA/NYMA members and the general public. We'll foray in the woods for approximately 2 hours, and then gather at the picnic tables for an identification session. All are encouraged to stay for the ID session – that is when the real learning begins! Rain or shine. Meet at the main brick building. No registration required. Free, but donations are gratefully appreciated!
Aug 11, 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 nice weather. $30 per person. Registration required
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 nice weather. $30 per person. Registration required; opens soon