Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation. 

Take a morning hike to the tip of Sandy Hook for a beginner-friendly guided bird walk. The start of migration season is here! Explore a variety of species while learning about the birds that passthrough this unique habitat. This is an intermediate-level hike. Visitors should bring water, wearcomfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow.Free. Register on Eventbrite.

Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation. 

Early Spring Session: March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27 Mondays, 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM Instructor: Jennifer Hondru-Celestin Join our welcoming community for a meditative yoga flow practice in the Van Vleck living room overlooking the charming courtyard gardens. All levels of yoga experience are welcome in this dynamic, inclusive class. Our teacher Jennifer Hondru-Celestin takes inspiration from the natural beauty around us to flow with the seasons, blending mindful movement, breath, meditation, and a good dose of humor and fun.  This class welcomes all levels from beginner to experienced yogis. Bring your own yoga mat and props. Fee:  Single class: $23 Members / $28 Non-Members Series (9 classes): $180 members and $225 general public

Opportunity for Quilters of all skill levels to sew socially, learn new skills or get advice on projects you are currently working on. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions. 

Strength and flexibility exercises to manage Parkinson’s symptoms using free weights and resistance. Seated and standing options are available with a support bar. Strengthen, tone, and improve flexibility.Free for JCC members / $5 per class for non-membersLocation: Studio 2Instructor: Lorena Telias Call 973-530-3407 for inquiries or to register.

Mindfulness in the Garden (Weekday Series) Instructor: Jodi Brooks Tuesdays, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Early Spring Session: Mar 24, Apr 7, 14, & 28 (No class 4/21) Discover how a mindfulness practice can help us awaken and  live in harmony with oneself and with the natural world. This class will include: simple instructions for getting started with a formal mindfulness practice, very gentle stretching & breathwork, and an outdoor contemplative garden walk. This is a practice of slowing down, cultivating quiet and paying attention to our senses. All levels are welcome. No experience needed. Winter session will be held indoors, with a short walk outdoors (weather permitting). Fee:  Each 4-class Series: $80 Members / $100 General Public Series registration only. Pre Registration is required – there are no drop-ins for this class. Late Spring Session: May 5, 12 19 & 26 Early Summer Session: June 2, 9, 16 & 23

via Zoom

Awakening from Grief: Finding the Way back to Joy April 7th & 14th, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Instructor: John Welshons Van Vleck House is pleased to present AWAKENING FROM GRIEF: Finding the Way Back to Joy – one of our most popular workshops. Led by John E. Welshons, and based on his critically acclaimed book of the same title, AWAKENING FROM GRIEF offers the opportunity to explore – and heal – the psychological, emotional and spiritual challenges that follow in the wake of a loss or unexpected change. This workshop helps participants to discover the inner resources that will aid them in working through life’s inevitable challenges. We will gather in the living room of the Van Vleck Main House. Our time together will combine lecture, discussion, and a variety of meditative exercises. Participants complete the workshop feeling a profound sense of relief . . . and hope. Reading Awakening From Grief prior to the class is recommended, though not a requirement. Fee: Series (includes 2 classes) $65 for Members $80 for General Public Pre Registration is required by Monday, April 6th.  There are no drop-ins for this class.   

Tales on the Trails Wednesdays, 1:00 PM -1:45 PM Age: Preschool 3-5 year olds April 8th – Beauty of Trees April’s Tales on the Trails class is all about trees. Learn about trees, their leaves, and the important role they play in our gardens. Discover the wonders of the outdoor world with your little one.  This program begins in the gardens of Van Vleck with a story, then continues with a walk and concludes with a simple craft or activity.  All programs focus on the theme listed.  A parent or caregiver must accompany each child.  Programs will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Sponsored by The Albert Payson Terhune Foundation  Fee: $10/class per child for Members / $15/class per child for General Public Registration required by 1 day prior to each class   Upcoming Classes May 27th – Sounds of Spring Do you hear the birds singing, the wind blowing, and rabbits scurrying around? These are all the sounds of spring. Join us for Tales on the Trails as we use our senses to explore the wonders of spring.   June 17th – Magic of Moths What’s flying around the gardens? Is it a butterfly or could it be a moth? Learn about moths at this month’s Tales on the Trails. 

Strength and flexibility exercises to manage Parkinson’s symptoms using free weights and resistance. Seated and standing options are available with a support bar. Strengthen, tone, and improve Flexibility.  Free for JCC members / $5 per class for non-membersLocation: Studio 2Instructor: Lorena Telias Call 973-530-3407 for inquiries or to register.

Virtual Meditation Instructor: John Welshons Wednesdays, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 25 March 4, 18, 25 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20 June 3, 10, 24 Join contemporary spiritual teacher and author Ramananda John E. Welshons (One Soul, One Love, One Heart, When Prayers Aren’t Answered and Awakening From Grief) for a series of evening meditation classes in the comfort of your own home via Zoom. These classes will focus on specific practices for working with fear and anxiety.  Participants will learn and practice different forms of mindfulness meditation in each session and will have the opportunity to participate in discussions of Ramananda’s three critically acclaimed books. Open to beginners and experienced practitioners, these gatherings offer an opportunity to experience deep inner peace while practicing with a highly experienced meditation teacher.  Important Updated Registration Information: A Zoom Link will be sent the day of the class. If you are registering after 3 PM on the day of the class, the Zoom link will be included in the automated payment confirmation email sent when you register. There is no registration deadline for this class. Fee: Single class: $10 Members / $15 General Public

via Zoom

Seating times: April 10 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM12:00 PM – 1:30 PM1:00 PM – 2:30 PM2:30 PM – 4:00 PMJoin us for an enchanting Cream Tea in the Living Room at Van Vleck House! Upon arrival, you will be offered a menu of fine teas and infusions. Your choice of tea will be brewed to perfection. Once everyone is settled in, the tiers will arrive with freshly baked scones, jam, homemade clotted cream, scrumptious sandwiches, and a dessert. We hope you will join us! This event is for adults and children ages 13+. For group bookings of more than 8 guests, please contact [email protected]. Seatings are 90 minutes, and registration is required. Dietary RestrictionsA gluten-free option is available with prior notice. We are not able to accommodate a dairy-free or vegan diet. All requests must be communicated to us 48 hours before the event. You may note this request on the checkout page. For dietary/allergy inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Cancellation PolicyWe are unable to accommodate cancellations or rescheduling. If you find you are no longer able to attend your scheduled event, you may transfer your ticket(s) to another person(s) to attend instead. Please notify Van Vleck House and Gardens so we can update your ticket name(s) for event check-in. Please note that this event is a fundraiser, and a portion of your ticket price will go towards supporting our beloved Van Vleck House & Gardens. Member Price: $45General Price: $55A 10% gratuity for your server is included in tea pricing.

Curious about the birds around you? Join us at Fort Wadsworth for a relaxing beginner bird-watching walk. Learn how to spot common species, use basic birding techniques, and discover the beauty of local wildlife along the shoreline and historic landscapes. Perfect for first-time birders and nature lovers of all ages. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions.

Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweepsare a biannual, statewide beach cleanup that occurs at over 60 locations throughout the state of NJ. Volunteers gather and record valuable data about debris that is later used to advance state, federal, and local programs to reduce litter.Visit www.CleanOceanAction.org to register and for more info!

Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM April 11th – Arbor Day Everyday Arbor Day is a day to reflect on the importance of trees in our environment. We have an abundance of beautiful trees throughout the gardens. At April’s Outdoor Adventures, learn more about our trees as we explore their role in our environment, their unique leaf shapes, and what animals use trees as their homes.  Join us in the gardens as you and your family explore and learn about the outdoor world through crafts, scavenger hunts, activity sheets and educational displays. Each program will focus on a specific theme, and our Van Vleck Education team will guide your family through this interactive learning experience. This program is entirely outdoors, weather dependent. Registration is required and includes everything you need to participate in the program. Designed for children ages 4 -11 but all are welcome. Fee: FREE for Members of Van Vleck $15 per family  for  General Public Registration required by 1 day prior to each class Sponsored by    Upcoming Outdoor Adventures: May 16th – Honeybees & Hummingbirds What do bees and hummingbirds have in common? They fly and they are pollinators! Join us to learn about your local pollinators, how they make a positive impact on our environment, and what we can do to help them on their mission.    June 6th – Insect Safari  You can find many different insects buzzing, wiggling, and crawling around the gardens. Join us for an Insect Safari at this month’s Outdoor Adventures. Create a bug inspired craft, take a hike looking for insects, and learn about the important roles insects play in the garden. 

Seating times: Saturday, April 11 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM12:00 PM – 1:30 PM1:00 PM – 2:30 PM2:30 PM – 4:00 PMJoin us for an enchanting Afternoon Tea in the Living Room at Van Vleck House! Upon arrival, you will be offered a menu of fine teas and infusions. Your choice of tea will be brewed to perfection. Once everyone is settled in, the tiers will arrive with freshly baked scones, jam, homemade clotted cream, scrumptious sandwiches, and, for the Afternoon Tea, three scrumptious desserts. We hope you will join us! This event is for adults and children ages 13+. For group bookings of more than 8 guests, please contact [email protected]. Seatings are 90 minutes, and registration is required. Dietary RestrictionsA gluten-free option is available with prior notice. We are not able to accommodate a dairy-free or vegan diet. All requests must be communicated to us 48 hours before the event. You may note this request on the checkout page. For dietary/allergy inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Cancellation PolicyWe are unable to accommodate cancellations or rescheduling. If you find you are no longer able to attend your scheduled event, you may transfer your ticket(s) to another person(s) to attend instead. Please notify Van Vleck House and Gardens so we can update your ticket name(s) for event check-in. Please note that this event is a fundraiser, and a portion of your ticket price will go towards supporting our

Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation. 

Join a Park Ranger and hike along the Multi-use path and park trails. Create a seasonal journal and record soundscapes, tracks, plants and animals...look for elusive hibernating critters. All ages are welcome. Contact 718-354-4500 for questions. 

Take a guided tour of this one-time top-secret missile site and have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked on the Cold War-era Nike Air Defense System. Free.

Join us for a tour around Fort Tompkins as we explore the fort and surrounding areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Call 718-354-4500 to make a reservation. 

April 12, 2PM Led by conductor/musicologist Will Crutchfield, Teatro Nuovo – Italian for “new theater” – is a young organization devoted to cutting-edge interpretation of classic Italian opera.  Since its debut in 2018, Teatro Nuovo has presented thirteen operas by Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Ricci, and Mayr, culminating in the modern premiere of Carolina Uccelli’s Anna di Resburgo, which made the New York Times list of the 20 best Classical events for 2024.  This year Teatro Nuovo will celebrate the bicentennial of Italian opera in America.This concert will show how delving into forgotten traditions can animate the future of the art, as Will Crutchfield and young vocal stars will perform virtuoso thrillers and heart-melting lyrics from the golden age of Italian Bel Canto. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear some of opera’s newest rising stars! Members will receive the registration link in mid-March. This link will be activated soon after.