Do Something: Celebrate Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year

Residents can also hear the sounds of pianist Robert Gardner at First Baptist Church of Haddonfield this weekend

From a community discussion on race to Ponycon 2017, events abound this weekend. Check out what’s taking place.

Around South Jersey

• The Dr. James Still Center and Medford Leas Diversity Committee will be hosting a discussion on race entitled “Talking Across the Gap,” on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Medford Leas on Route 70. The discussion will be structured, with participants responding to three questions: what are the barriers to understanding, what assumptions do we make about each other and what are some possible solutions? Participants will be seated in small groups at round tables. Following the discussion at 11 a.m. Samuel Still, a three-times great nephew of Dr. James Still, will present a talk on the Still family history and its impact on Southern New Jersey. His talk will be held in the theater at Medford Leas and is offered free of charge. The discussion will begin at 9:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Pianist Robert Gardner will perform a concert at First Baptist Church of Haddonfield on Sunday, Jan. 29.

• Pianist Robert Gardner will bring “Then Sings My Soul: Cherished Hymns and Songs Concert Arrangements for Solo Piano” to the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield, 124 E. Kings Highway, on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 4 p.m. Reception to follow. A free will offering will be taken. For more information call (856) 429–2326 or visit www.firstbaptisthaddonfield.org.
• Residents can celebrate the Chinese New Year on Saturday at the Cherry Hill Public Library. The library will be hosting a Chinese New Year celebration from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Attendees will enjoy live demonstrations of mulan, boxing, tai chi and martial arts. Guests can also try out writing Chinese letters and characters, paper cutting crafts and making dumplings and egg rolls. There will also be displays of Chinese paintings and traditional Chinese toys ands games. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.chplnj.org.

At the Jersey Shore

• My Little Pony fans of all ages will converge on Long Branch this weekend for Ponycon 2017. The fifth annual convention takes place all weekend at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa, 1 Ocean Boulevard. The event includes hands-on activities, celebrity autograph signings, art, workshops, lectures, panels, games, musical performances and more. A one-day pass costs $35 for adults. Kids 12 and under are admitted for $15. For a full list of events or to purchase tickets, visit www.ponycon.us.
• In Surf City, the M.T. Burton Art Gallery will be hosting Handcrafted Excellence Weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The event will take place at the gallery, located at 1819 N. Long Beach Boulevard in Surf City. The exhibition will include work from Raul Frisneda Jewelry. There will be a reception on Saturday night with entertainment and refreshments. For more information, visit www.mtburtongallery.com.

In Philadelphia

• Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard. The museum will host a day of activities exploring New Year customs of Asian cultures from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include a traditional Korean board game, making Chinese lanterns, calligraphy and more. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children. Museum members can attend for free. Visit www.phillyseaport.org for more information.

• Fans of sour beer will want to head to Center City on Sunday for Sour Bowl III. Three different locations will be presenting some of the world’s finest sour beers and ciders to enjoy beginning at 11 a.m. There will also be brunch food available during the morning. The event is pay as you go. For information on which locations are hosting the event and a list of available beers, visit www.facebook.com/events/1802465236687750.