You probably think Origami is a hobby practiced mostly by females. You would be only partially right. It is used in the engineering world and in the therapeutic treatment of various problems and in mindfulness. Origami has many benefits: creating beautiful designs; helping reduce stress; improving eye-hand coordination; enhancing patience and persistence, promoting learning, education and boosting creativity.

Origami was popularized in Japan but its origins started in China where paper making can be traced to about 105 AD.  Paper Origami was originally practiced by monks who brought paper and the ideas for folding it to Japan in the 6th century. Orikata meant folded shapes. It was a vital skill for aristocrats & high ranking soldiers in Japan as well as decorating temples & shrines. Origami is derived from two Japanese words, Ori (folded) & Kami (paper). This transition came into use in the 1880’s.

Our presenter, a gifted artist, is well named: Joy Ann Cabanos. She IS joyful and is very excited to supervise us in the making of Origami tulips. She was one of those kids who drew on the walls at home. Art was her favorite subject in school and eventually became something she did. Her art springs from a deep love of nature, people & animals, music, poetry and dance. She has been part of many groups and solo exhibits in the Philippines, the UK and the USA. Her work is featured in private collections locally and internationally. She continues in-person & online watercolor & Origami workshops.

We welcome everyone to join us for this Fun and Focused evening where we make Origami tulips, instructed &  supervised by Joy. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 23rd at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. This upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

Easter Parade has been deemed “The Happiest Musical Every Made.” Take a step back in time to 1912 and join the Historical Society on Wednesday March 27th for this 1948 Classic starring Fred Astaire and July Garland. When Don Hewes loses his partner Nadine to the allure of a solo career, the acclaimed dancer spots lovely chorus line performer Hannah and pledges to form her into Nadine’s equal with a year. Can he and Hannah be ready in time for the big Fifth Avenue Easter Parade? Through song and dance, this Classic Masterpiece is entertainment not to be  missed!! We are very excited to present this first movie experience for our members and for everyone in our communities. The “movie theatre” opens at 7:15PM in time for people to get their popcorn and water and find their seats as opening credits begin promptly at 7:30PM. The movie is an hour and half long so there will be a chance for intermission. The seats are just folding chairs so people are advised to bring a seat pad for comfort. And since we are so close to Easter, we encourage people to come in their Easter outfits, or at least wear or bring an Easter hat. The Historic Society will have a table of antique Easter hats on display. Those interested can share stories about their outfits and we can even do our own Easter Parade if inspired! Our Master of Ceremonies and the brainstorm for this cinema is none other than our own member Glenn Mongold. He and his wife have been residents of Scotch Plains for 15 years and have raised their 3 children here. Glenn has been very active as a Cub Scout Leader and in the Knights of Columbus at St. Barts. He presently works for Konica Minolta.

As always, we will have refreshments and fellowship following our delightful movie on Wednesday,March 27th at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

“Get two for the price of one.” The February 27th meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is on the cusp of February-March.  February celebrates “Black History Month” and March celebrates “Women’s History Month.” This program covers both Black and Women’s History:  2 for 1. This meeting features the return of popular storyteller Carol Simon Levin with her program called “Our Rights Too!” Emphasizing the overlooked role played by women of Color, Levin tells the long fight for women’s rights. She shares the stories of Phillis Wheatley, the enslaved woman who wrote a poem in honor of George Washington, noted abolitionists and women’s speakers Maria W. Stewart & Sojourner Truth and Native American activists Zitkala-Su to name a few. Come to this special meeting to learn about more women of all colors and creed who fought for women’s rights and women’s lives. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday,February 27th  at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains.

In addition to performing lively historic portrayals, Levin is the author of Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates, which profiles 69 women—well-known and unknown—who worked tirelessly for women’s rights in America. She holds a bachelor’s degree focusing on women’s history and history of technology from Cornell University and a master’s degree in library services from the University of Arizona. She is also the founder of the website tellingherstories.com.

The upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.