Poricy Park Conservancy Programs for Early Spring

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. - March 10, 2014 - PRLog -- 18th Century Music – A Passport Community Event*
“Stuck a feather in his hat, and called it macaroni” Why would someone do that? Join us as our minstrel and company serenade you with period music and specific origins and information regarding each piece! Appropriate for all interested in sitting and listening to music (Children must be accompanied & supervised by an adult). Meet at the Murray Farmhouse
Sunday, March 16th     2pm-3pm
Farmhouse tours available 1pm-2pm and 3pm-4pm
Fee: Donations gratefully accepted and are tax deductable. You can support continuing educational programming at Poricy Park Conservancy!

Colonial Children’s Tea –  two dates available! By Popular Demand!
Participate in a colonial tea party inside our historic 1770’s Murray farmhouse. You will sample various refreshments and practice colonial manners!  Appropriate for ages 4 through 10 (Children must be supervised & accompanied by adult). Please courteously register by Fri, March 21st. Limited seating available.  Meet at the Murray Farmhouse
Fee: One child with accompanying adult - $10, Each additional child with adult - $5
Saturday, March 22nd, 3pm-4pm OR Sunday, March 23rd   3pm-4pm

George & Martha Tea
Experience a colonial tea in our historic 1770’s Murray farmhouse. You will sample various refreshments peppered with conversation relating to George & Martha.  Appropriate for adults and older children interested in sitting at a tea (Children must be supervised & accompanied by adult). Please courteously register by Fri, March 21st. Limited seating available.  Meet at the Murray Farmhouse
Sunday, March 23rd, 1pm-2:30pm
Fees: $6 members, $8 non-members; max $25/$30 per family

Hot Topics In History!
Tuesdays – March 24th & April 28th, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
March In the Nature Center -‘Boston, Bloody Boston”:  A DVD chronicling the events that led to the revolution. Among those profiled: Samuel Adams; King George III; Benjamin Franklin; John Adams; Thomas Hutchinson, and Patrick Henry. After viewing, enjoy a chat!  April In the Murray Farmhouse-weather permitting -Peggy Shippen Arnold: A presentation and discussion about the wife of Benedict Arnold and her role in the infamous plot to turn West Point over to the British! Appropriate for all who are interested in chatting or listening to chatterers of history! Donations gratefully accepted and will help support continuing educational programming at Poricy Park Conservancy and are tax deductible!

Colonial Candle Workshop ! - A Passport Community Event*
What do Tallow, Bayberries, Beeswax & Whales have in common? Each has been used throughout time to make candles! Visit us and learn how candles were made in 18th century Middletown! Enjoy hands-on fun and bring home your own candle to light your way! Registration is needed. Limited space in the authentic hearth kitchen! Appropriate for ages 7 to 107 (children must be supervised & assisted by an adult). Scout groups welcome! THREE SESSIONS AVAILABLE – Choose the one that works with your schedule! Meet at the Murray Farmhouse
Sunday, March 30th, 1pm-2:15 OR 2:30pm-3:45pm OR 4pm-5:15pm
Fee includes materials: $6-Members; $8 Non-members

350-Year Anniversary Geocaches - A Passport Community Event*
Use modern technology to explore Middletown’s past! Discover the exhilarating sport of geocaching! Drop in at the Poricy Park Nature Center between the hours of 1 and 4pm to learn about new geocaches that are hidden throughout the park. Special geocaches in celebration of Middletown’s 350th anniversary will be registered with Geocaching.com. This is a self-led activity. Information on geocaching and the new caches will be available at Poricy Park Nature Center throughout the year. Don't miss this special introduction! A limited number of GPS units will be available for a rental fee plus a refundable deposit upon return of functioning GPS unit. Meet at the Nature Center
Sunday, March 30th, 1pm-4pm

Pysanky Egg Workshop
Engage in this unique opportunity to decorate your own egg using century’s old techniques and some newer ones picked up along the way! Our very own expert Juleé Csuri will guide you and share the history of this most amazing skill that has endured the test of time. Appropriate for tweens through adults (children must be accompanied & supervised by an adult). Advance registration needed by Friday, Apr 4th in order to prepare enough materials. Consecutive sessions allow you to choose – choose both and double your fun! Those choosing both sessions are encouraged to bring your own lunch! Meet at the Annex
Sunday, April 6th, 10:30am-12:30pm And/OR 1:30pm-3:30pm
Fee includes all materials: Single Session: $8 Members; $12 Non-members
Double Session: $12 Members; $16 Non-members

Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt
The Egg Hunt is back – with a twist! Bring your basket, running shoes and a flashlight and get ready to find those eggs! The Easter Egg Hunt presented by the Middletown Department of Recreation, the Middletown Cultural and Arts Council in collaboration with Poricy Park Conservancy will be held at Poricy Park on Friday, April 11th. A shuttle will be available from Fairview Acres. This is strictly an egg hunt – all other Easter themed events will be enjoyed at the Eggstravaganza April 12th at the Middletown Arts Center. For questions, please contact the Middletown Department of Recreation at 732-615-2260 or via email, Recreation@middletownnj.org. In the event of inclement weather, please call 732-842-5966 for information. Appropriate for families with children 10 and under. Meet at the Nature Center
Friday, April 11th, 6pm-9pm
Fee: FREE Registration is not necessary.

*Passport Community Events: Middletown 350 is a celebration of the township's founding 350 years ago in 1664.  Passport Community Events are special activities during which you can collect passport stamps as a memento of your visit. The Middletown 350 Passport & Guide to Middletown is available at the Park's NatureCenter.

PROGRAMS ARE HELD RAIN OR SHINE SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY.

Poricy Park Conservancy is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization located at 345 Oak Hill Road, Middletown Township, NJ. All community and summer camp programs are run by Poricy Park Conservancy. With exceptional ecological resources, the 250 acre historical and nature site makes it one of the largest parks in Monmouth County. The Park offers recreational activities such as magnificent wooded hiking trails, bird watching, pristine pond settings, fishing, and a one-of-a-kind 70 million year-old Cretaceous fossil bed. Poricy Park is home to the 1770 NJ Historic Murray Farmhouse and Barn. The Nature Center is open Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. For additional information, call the Nature Center at 732-842-5966 or visit www.poricypark.org.