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“Love is a game that two can play and both win.” - Eva Gabor. However, “It is better to be alone than in bad company.” - George Washington

For the shortest month, February sure offers plenty of opportunities to get together and celebrate! Even though the celebrity groundhog saw his shadow (boo!), we have the Super Bowl coming up, Presidents Day, and, of course, Valentine’s Day.

You will find this issue packed with special Valentine (and “Galentine”) menus, events and activities, including some creative workshops. We pulled the gorgeous cover photo above from The Fudge Shoppe, which has a location in the Phillipsburg area.

If you are interested in live music and theater, comedy, trivia, or informational talks, we’ve got you covered, so scroll on!

As always, this is just a sampling of what is happening in our area, and we encourage you patronize your favorite Warren County restaurant/sports bar/caterer/sweets shop to help you commemorate this month’s special occasions, and hope this newsletter will inspire you to do so.

Happy Super Bowl, Happy Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day, Happy Presidents Day, and Happy Wanderings!

Be Our Valentine! February 2025

Coming Up: 

The Tempest @ CSC

The Tempest, presented by Centenary Stage Company, brings to life the betrayal, ill-treatment and mastery of magic.

Love & Basketball @ Czig Meister Brewing

Just in time for Valentine's Day & Super Bowl Sunday with a trivia session featuring questions about all the popular RomComs and an equal amount of sports questions. Free to play and win some prizes! Why Not Burgerz will be on premise as well.

Tai Chi Gung @ Infloressence

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 6:00pm
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 6:00pm
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 6:00pm

Meg Lyding, trained through Circle of Chi by Master Lama Rasaji who lived and trained at the Darchen Lamasery in Tibet, shares a series of gentle, flowing, meditative movements done standing with balanced breathing.

Trivia Thursdays @ Invertase Brewing Co.

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 6:00pm
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 6:00pm
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 6:00pm

Grab your team, a beer, and test your knowledge for a chance to win prizes at Invertase!

Cousins Maine Lobster @ Czig Meister

Saturday, February 8, 2025 -
12:00pm to 8:00pm

Lobster and beer? Sounds like a winning combination! Pair any of your lobster favorites with one of Czig's 50+ varieties of stouts. Also, Paulin Derin of Uncle Stump will be spinning Vinyl from 6:30-10pm.

Valentine's Watercolor Cats @ Propagate Studio

Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 1:00pm

Love cats, painting and Valentine's Day?  Join Propagate Studio for a one-of-a-kind watercolor class, learn simple techniques for this art form and paint cute, cuddling cats! Tickets are going fast!

River Talk: The Historic Asbury Mill

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 -
7:00pm to 8:30pm

Originally constructed as a gristmill along the Musconetcong River between 1863 and 1867, the Asbury Mill has characterized the early industrial might of New Jersey. Join guest speaker, Rudy DiGilio, who will share working in the mill and lab buildings and MWA staff and friends who will share more about the restoration process and future plans. A brief tour will also take place dependent on the weather and construction status. 

Galentine's Day workshop @ Flowerland Growers, LLC

Thursday, February 13, 2025 to Friday, February 14, 2025

Bring your gal pals and reserve an hourlong workshop spot to create a bouquet or arrangement with beautiful blooms. Held 10am-3pm both days and refreshments will be available. Registration required. 

Miss Nelson Has A Field Day @ Centenary

Thursday, February 13, 2025 to Sunday, February 16, 2025

The Smedly Tornadoes have never won a football game, nor ever scored a single point! Coach Armstrong goes bonkers and Miss Nelson decides to help out, enlisting Coach Viola Swamp to whip the team into shape and save the day.

Galentine's Chocolate Treat Making Class

Thursday, February 13, 2025 -
6:00pm to 7:00pm

Join Fromage and Sweet Bite Delights for a Chocolate Treat Making Class! You'll go home with a full box of sweets (pictured) and a savor a glass of wine while you design some gorgeous treats.

Valentine's Day Dinner @ Chefs Catering

Friday, February 14, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025

If food is your love language, elevate your Valentine’s Celebration with Chef's Catering featuring a delicious menu and live music all weekend. Three seatings (4pm, 6pm, 8pm) will be available each day with advanced reservations recommended.

Valentine's Day Buffet @ Stella G's

Friday, February 14, 2025 -
5:30pm to 8:00pm

Let Stella G's do the Valentine's cooking for you! Check out the mouth-watering menu of soup, salad, appetizers, entrees, veggies and dessert! Reservations required. 

Valentine's Day Weekend at Alba Vineyard

Friday, February 14, 2025 -
11:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday, February 15, 2025 -
11:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, February 16, 2025 -
11:00am to 5:00pm

How sweet love is! Bring your sweetheart, family, and friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend at Alba Vineyard for a special tasting, music, and chocolate treats.

Valentine's Day poster

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Mama’s Café Baci

Friday, February 14, 2025 -
11:00am to 9:00pm

Bring your special someone to Mama’s Café Baci to enjoy the regular menu all day or a special four course Valentine's Day selection from 5-9 pm. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are always available.

Wine, Chocolate and Romance @ Brook Hollow Winery

Saturday, February 15, 2025 -
12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sunday, February 16, 2025 -
12:00pm to 6:00pm

If you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind, nostalgic pairing, look no further than Brook Hollow Winery! Enjoy a unique flight board options that takes four fan favorite Brook Hollow wines and pairs them with four different truffles.

Stout Fest VIII @ Czig Meister

Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 12:00pm

Stout Fest is back with over 40+ variations on tap. This is an all-day event. You never know what might be on tap next.

Sweet Deals Saturday presented by Hackettstown BID

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Join the Hackettstown Business Improvement District as it celebrates Valentine's Day Weekend with some sweet deals, barbershop quartet Kudos as they roam Hackettstown, or sample the tastes of the great eateries and breweries.

Water Street Valentine's Show @ Hope Community Center

Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 7:00pm

The Hope Community Center welcomes North Jersey's own Water Street, a staple in the community when it comes to playing local events, volunteering and honoring the roots of their origin. The Valentine's show will feature new music off their anticipated new album debuting spring 2025. 

Sunday Music Trivia @ Invertase Brewing Co.

Sunday, February 16, 2025 - 4:00pm
Sunday, February 23, 2025 - 4:00pm

Every Sunday is free music trivia hosted by Steve. Grab your team, a beer, and test your knowledge with prizes for winners

Horticulture Lunch and Learn with Rutgers

Friday, February 21, 2025 -
12:00pm to 1:15pm
Friday, February 28, 2025 -
12:00pm to 1:15pm

Lunch and Learn is back with Lynn Waclawski, Horticulture Program Assistant with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Topics include Gardening 101 and Invasive Weeds in NJ. Space is limited. Please register by Feb. 14. 

Comedy Night at the Strand: Allan Fuks

Friday, February 21, 2025 - 8:00pm

Allan Fuks is a multi-national, award-winning comedian with an unusual perspective informed by his unique background, making audiences across the world laugh heartily at his pain.

The Receptionist @ CSC

Friday, February 21, 2025 to Sunday, March 9, 2025

At the start of a typical day in the Northeast Office, Beverly deals effortlessly with ringing phones and her colleague's romantic troubles. But the appearance of a charming rep from the Central Office disrupts the friendly routine.

Murder Mystery @ Four Sisters Winery

Saturday, February 22, 2025 -
1:00pm to 4:00pm

An immersive murder mystery experience that promises an evening of excitement and entertainment, beginning with a wine tasting featuring a selection of 8 exquisite wines, followed by a Chicken Parmigiana dinner. As the plot thickens, help the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer!

Greg Smith Trio @ Invertase Brewing Co.

Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 4:00pm

Get out to Invertase for a free performance to see the one and only Greg Smith, former member of Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Billy Joel, The Guess Who, Rainbow and Blue Oyster Cult, with his band, Off the Road.

Open Photography Exhibit presented by Warren County ARTS

Saturday, February 22, 2025 to Saturday, March 1, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025 to Sunday, March 9, 2025
Monday, March 10, 2025 to Monday, March 17, 2025

Calling all photographers and artists! Warren County ARTS is looking for your pieces to be displayed in the Oxford Municipal building. Anyone can enter up to three pieces and there is no theme. See all details in the Entry form. Deadline for applications to enter is 2/15/25.

The Tuskegee Airmen virtual presentation

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - 6:00pm

Join military historian Paul Zigo of the WWII Era Studies Institute for a virtual presentation about the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of primarily African-American military pilots and airmen who fought in World War II. The presentation will cover the history of the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen, the unit’s wartime accomplishments and the unit’s overall effect on American society. Register to receive the Zoom link.

 
Entertainment: 

Brook Hollow Music

Friday, February 7, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, February 9, 2025 - 2:00pm
Friday, February 14, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, February 16, 2025 - 1:00pm
Friday, February 21, 2025 - 6:00pm
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 2:00pm
Sunday, February 23, 2025 - 1:00pm
Friday, February 28, 2025 - 6:00pm

Enjoy Brook Hollow's weekend music live with Stan and Elise 2/7; Rich Berry 2/8; Rich Ortiz 2/9; Scott Messina 2/14; Katy Gerhold 2/15; Kate and Paul 2/16; Ashley Marquez 2/21; Lee Larsen 2/22; John Cain 2/23; Water Street 2/28.

Live Music @ Tiptons Tavern

Friday, February 7, 2025 - 8:00pm
Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 8:00pm
Friday, February 14, 2025 - 8:00pm
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 8:00pm
Friday, February 21, 2025 - 8:00pm
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 8:00pm
Friday, February 28, 2025 - 8:00pm

Tipton's has live music every weekend in February featuring Cody Templeton 2/1; Jimmy & the Parrots 2/7; Skin of my Teeth 2/8; Bobby Clark 2/14; Shaky Moon Band 2/15; Jeff Crosson 2/21; Naked Jake 2/22; Acoustic Kitty Project 2/28.

Brass Rail Music Line Up

Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 8:30pm
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 8:30pm
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 8:30pm

February brings great tunes to Brass Rail with Naked Jake 2/1; Jimmy and Jimmy 2/8; Jeff Bellfy 2/15; Disaster Horse 2/22.
 

 
Continuing: 

Friday Night Meal Deal @ Brook Hollow Winery

Friday, February 7, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, February 14, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, February 21, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, February 28, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, March 7, 2025 - 6:00pm
Friday, March 14, 2025 - 6:00pm

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Trivia Night @ Buttzville Brewing Co.

Friday, February 7, 2025 - 7:00pm
Friday, March 14, 2025 - 7:00pm
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 7:00pm

Who doesn't love a good pub trivia night? Buttzville will be hosting a fun night of quizzes and games to test your knowledge. Win prizes, have fun with friends, and support local craft beer!

Gentle Yoga @ Infloressence

Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 10:00am
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 10:00am
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - 10:00am

These classes will include gentle movement, postures for strengthening muscles and improved flexibility, breath awareness, deep relaxation, techniques for improving digestion, decreasing anxiety and more.

 
Community Corner: 

Nominations Open for the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Nominations for the Senior Hall of Fame are open now through March 21 for the Hackettstown area, and individuals 60 years old or older as of Jan. 1, 2025, are eligible to be nominated. Hosted by Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd, a FellowshipLIFE community in Hackettstown, the Senior Hall of Fame honorees will be recognized during a celebration luncheon and ceremony at David’s Country Inn on May 14 in honor of Older Americans Month. To receive a nomination form or more information about the Senior Hall of Fame event, call Susan Lanza at 908-684-5720 or email slanza@fellowshiplifeinc.org.