Community Corner

5 Things to Do in the Region

Weekend events include the Greater MetroWest Super Sunday Phonathon, an all-kid musical production of 'Anne of Green Gables' and, of course, holiday happenings.

Here's a list of ideas for things to do in the area with friends and family or all by your lonesome this weekend.

  1. Drop and Shop in Wayne this weekend. The Learning Experience in Wayne will host an event where the staff will babysit your rugrats while you stimulate the economy. From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, parents are welcome to drop their children off for a $10 fee and the donation of a new, unwrapped toy that will go to Toys for Tots to benefit needy youngsters. The event will feature a pajama party, pictures with Bubbles the elephant, arts and crafts and breakfast. For more info or to sign up to Drop and Shop, call 973-839-1515. 
  2. Jefferson Township's historic Milton district will be overtaken by elves and tinsel for the widely popular Christmas in the Village event. On Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (and some Sunday happenings too), the eighth annual festival ushers in the holiday season. There is no single venue for this holiday wonderland of arts and culture, but rather an opportunity to wend one's way through the district to revel in the music and fun and think of what yuletide was in olden times. A host of sites will present artisans, crafters, merchandise vendors, live entertainment, holiday concerts by the Jefferson Township Community Band and Chorus, museum tours, refreshments, lunch and a gingerbread house contest. Admission is free unless otherwise noted, and parking is free at all venues. Check out Patch's CITV guide for details.
  3. Chester's 11th annual Festival of Trees starts Saturday and runs through Dec. 14 at The Barn at Highlands Ridge Park, 100 North Road.  It's a week-long community celebration featuring a spectacular display of holiday trees in a winter wonderland setting.  The trees are sponsored and/or decorated by individuals, families, businesses and organizations and hundreds of people from all over New Jersey attend each year. Most of the trees will find new holiday scenes to brighten as well: The majority are offered as silent auction items throughout the week. Event proceeds benefit the Senior Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, support, information, education, training and referral for seniors and their caregivers. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. On Saturday, the festival runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, the event runs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 
  4. Heartwarming theater is what you'll see when the Spotlight Kids Company presents "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical" this weekend at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison. Watch the beloved story of Anne Shirley, Diana Barry, the Cuthberts, Gilbert Blythe and the rest of Avonlea on their adventures, now in a musical form as performed by a cast of actors, singers and dancers ranging from grades two through eight. Admission is a donation at the door that benefits the church. Performances take place Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Madison Community House, 4 Cook Ave. in Madison.
  5. This weekend brings the biggest fundraiser and community day of the year for Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, which helps members of the Jewish community and others in Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union and parts of Somerset County. Super Sunday Phonathon is a chance to step up, pitch in to do good and have fun. The event offers many activities for young families, including fundraising calls (they'll train you on the spot), blood donations, signing up for the bone marrow registry, yoga classes, canned goods drive and vendor booths. The day includes a toy drive and the collection of new coats, gloves, hats and socks for Hurricane Sandy victims. And for high schoolers and college students, there is a special evening call session. Do a mitzvah or two for the community; you'll have a blast. Admission is free, and all volunteers and their families receive a free kosher meal and snacks. For info, call 973-929-3010 or send email to supersunday@jfedgmw.org. the Super Sunday Phonathon takes place from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus, 901 Route 10 in Whippany.


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