When you hear news about the Junior League of Montclair – Newark you may imagine tea parties where women wear white gloves, speak softly and eat finger sandwiches.

You’d be wrong.

The Junior League of Montclair – Newark is a thoroughly modern, dynamic and ever changing not-for-profit organization that is nothing like the club of olden days.

Founded in Montclair in 1921 and Newark in 1927, these two service areas of this club decided to merge and form one larger group in 1974.

Since then, this cultural and charitable bridge spanning Montclair and Newark has grown to also include Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Cedar Grove, the Caldwells, Verona and Essex Fells within its service area.

President of the Montclair – Newark Junior League Marci Van Horn said that though their organization has continually grown and changed with the times, their focus on community service has remained a constant.

“The mission of the league is to develop the potential of women as civic leaders in the community,” said Van Horn. “We have a large variety of community projects in the community at all times.”

These community projects are organized and run by the 450 members of the league, who hail from Montclair, Newark, Glen Ridge, the Caldwells, and many other local areas.

“You don’t have to live in Montclair to become a member,” explained Van Horn.

But what you do have to do is be willing to spend some time – and a little bit of money – to support the numerous programs offered within the community.

Some of the programs include ‘hands on’ work, where the women work in the community.

“We cook and serve food at the Montclair Salvation Army,” noted Van Horn. “We participate in the ‘Read Across America’ event by going to various schools in Montclair and Newark and reading and providing books for the children.”

New members hit the ground running by joining to create and run their own program.

“This year the new members took on an initiative called ‘Kids in the Kitchen: Food and Fitness Fun Fair,” said Van Horn. “They addressed the issues of healthy life styles and childhood obesity.”

As part of a national event in 200 locations, this was offered free of charge on March 6 at the Montclair Salvation Army location, and was filled to capacity.

In a joint effort with many local community organizations, the league offered a family-friendly event featuring yoga, tips from a nutritionist, a puppet show, dance instruction and lessons on how to create healthy meals and snacks.

The focus right now, according to Van Horn, is to focus on children at risk. Issues such as bullying and health and nutrition were raised for third and fourth graders in Montclair via

entertaining free puppet shows.

Members also partner with the Neighborhood Child Care Center in Montclair and the Family Day Nursery in Bloomfield, by brining an art curriculum to the centers.

“We go every week and work with the children,” she said.

Last year, Van Horn said the league donated $100,000 worth of programs to local children.

In a few weeks, the Junior League of Montclair – Newark is hosting their annual shopping event, ‘A Spring Affair’ which is a major fundraiser for the club.

This year, they promise to wow even the most jaded shoppers.

On May 6, 7, and 8, there will be a 3-day shopping event at the Upper Montclair Women’s Club, located at 200 Cooper Avenue in Montclair. All proceeds with benefit children at risk.

Jewelry, clothing, men’s items, children’s clothing and toys, baked goods and plenty of other items will be available to purchase – all for a most worthy cause.

On Thursday night, May 6, a special event will be offered: a Ladies Night Out Shopping and Cocktail Therapy, featuring not only shopping but a festive atmosphere complete with locals chefs whipping up food for what Van Horn hopes will be a fun night for friends spending an evening together – and pitching in to help out this charitable organization.

On Friday May 7 there will be a Gatsby Affair, described as a “roaring1920’s cocktail party” from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

And, don’t think the kids will be left out.

On May 8th, from noon – 3 p.m., the Junior League of Montclair – Newark is hosting a Mad Hatter Tea Party, offering a children’s fashion show, craft corner, silent auction, musical performance by Parents Who Rock, and the debut of the Super Sprowtz books and DVD series.

For specifics on tickets, other events and membership information, visit their website at

www.jlmn.org or call (973) 746-2499. .