With Good Friday and Easter coming up, along with the observance of  Passover continuing through to early next week, it will be a fairly quiet and calm few days in our corner of the world this weekend.  But there still will be a few fun and worthwhile activities and happenings for you and your family to check out, in-between religious services, Easter egg hunts, or eating matzoh brei. 

Here is this weekend's list, plus some highlights to come these next few months:

• Friday Afternoon Book Readings at Words Bookstore: Take the kids to Words this Friday afternoon for two children's book readings, including Tutu Goes Green with author Tulani Thomas, in which TuTu teaches children how to practice "green" habits, and Cat Secrets with author Jef Czekajy, bringing to light the secret world of cats.  Free, Friday, 1:00pm and 3:00pm, Maplewood

• Gospel According to Jefferson, Dickens, Tolstoy at SOPAC: "Written by Scott Carter, Executive Producer of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, three Broadway actors bring history and "His story" to life in a new, humorous and poignant play based on the actual fact that each of these great men authored their own unauthorized Gospel of Jesus Christ. A delightful Passover and Easter holiday treat suitable for teens and adults of all creeds and politics!  Admission is free thanks to generous private funding towards the play’s development. The playwright will lead a discussion of the piece after each performance."  Free, Friday, 8:00pm, South Orange

• Singles Night: According to Dancesport4you Center, their weekly Singles Night partner dance gathering is the perfect place "if you are looking for the right partner.  Get to know each other in a dance class, and start with stepping on each other's feet!"  Light refreshment will be served.  For singles only.  $18, Friday, 8:30pm, Maplewood

• Passing: A Collaboration at GAS Gallery:  The two artists, Gerard Amsellem and Mikel Frank, have been painting together for several months in Frank’s studio.  But rather than showing the products of their collaboration in a traditional gallery setting, they have decided to share their experience with the public by creating a giant abstract painting in a single day at GAS Gallery this Saturday.  Amsellem and Frank will be painting a canvas 7.5 feet high by 15 feet wide that day and the public is invited to stop by the gallery any time during the painting session. The artists will be hard at work and they may even invite attendees to grab a brush and be a part of this happening and free event.  The day will culminate in a party when all are invited to come back and see the finished product. The reception will run from 6:00pm to 9:00pm with free refreshments available.  Free, Saturday, 11:00am to 9:00pm, Maplewood

• The Great Cloth Diaper Change: The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011, takes place this Saturday in locations all around the globe, including in our own area, at the new Maplewood-based Green Bean Babies (www.greenbeanbabies.com).  The Great Cloth Diaper Change will attempt to set a world record for the most cloth diapers ever changed simultaneously.  Green Bean Babies will have cloth diapers available on-site for anyone interested in learning more about modern cloth diapers or in purchasing a diaper to participate in the change.  Participants may contribute $1 or more at all North American events to benefit the Real Diaper Association, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to help families across the U.S. and Canada find and use reusable cloth diapers. Free, Saturday, 12:00pm, Maplewood

• Saturday Dance Social: Dancesport4you Center holds their fun weekly social mixer and dance party again this Saturday night.  From the Center: "Come and join us, dance and socialize. Meet new friends!"  $18, Saturday, 8:00pm, Maplewood

Coming Soon:

• Curtains at The Paper Mill Playhouse: Begins April 27
• Spring into Maplewood: April 30
• Studio B Story Slam: April 30
• Cora Hartshorn Arboretum 2nd Annual Ar-B-Que: April 30
• South Orange River Day: May 1
• Maplewood House Tour: May 1
• The Strollers, Round and Round The Garden: Begins May 13
• Millburn Classic Car Show: May 15
• Springfield Avenue MayFest 2011: May 15
• SOPAC 2011 Spring Gala featuring The Midtown Men: June 04
• Maplewood/South Orange Artists Open Studios for Tour: June 05
• 5th annual Celebrate South Orange: June 11

Donald Pun lives in Maplewood and posts the event round-up column here each weekend. Previously, he was a regular contributor for the NY Times' Maplewood, South Orange, and Millburn Local blog section.