Around Town

Bloomfield

Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center is hosting “Tea with Mrs. Claus” on Saturday, Dec. 15.

Participants will enjoy a story, tea and finger sandwiches, cookies and more with Mrs. Claus. There will be two seatings, at noon and 3 p.m. The event will include arts and crafts and each child will receive a framed picture with Mrs. Claus. The event is age-appropriate for children ages 2 through 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Seating is limited. Tickets are $12 for adults and $15 for children.

Payment must be received within five days of reservation.

For more information or to make reservations call Oakeside at 973-429-0960.

Harrison

The Harrison Cancer League is conducting a toy drive for the Valerie Fund, which works with children and young people, infants to age 21, who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment. Put a smile on the face of just one child by donating an unwrapped new gift for gift card. Gifts can be dropped off at the following locations, through Nov. 30, Monday through Friday: Harrison Community Center, 401 Warren St., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Harrison Board of Health, 318 Harrison Ave. Annex, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Harrison Senior Center, 221 Harrison Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kearny

Local published author Laurie Perrone will lead a special free holiday story time with her self-published book “Can You Imagine Plaid Flowers?” at Kearny Public Library, 318 Kearny Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. This program is intended for children ages 3 to 6. There will be light refreshments, a game with a prize and Perrone will be available to sign purchased books.

Laurie will also be promoting her debut young adult novel “The Fire in Grace: Coming Home,” available for pre-order on Laurie’s Web site www.plaidflowers.com.

Call the Main Library at 201-998-2666 or visit www.kearnylibrary.org for more program information.

Lyndhurst

The Lyndhurst Health Department will host its bi-annual blood screening on Friday, Dec. 7. Appointments begin at 8 a.m. This blood screening will include a chemistry profile, cholesterol level, blood count, and thyroid level. This service is available to Lyndhurst residents over the age of 18 for a $20 fee. Pre-registration is required and appointments can be made by calling 201-804- 2500. Payments can be submitted in cash or checks made payable to Medical Laboratory Diagnostics.

The Humane Society of Bergen County 221-223 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, has a supply of dog food, both canned,dry and treats, available (free)to anyone due to unemployment, disability, or any other financial problem who cannot afford to feed their dog. Just stop by or call 201-896-9300 for more information. Hours are: Monday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Family Science Night: Build an Aquarium will be held at the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 De- Korte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The North Jersey Aquarium Society tells you what you need to know about water chemistry, tank set-up, habitats and the variety of species that are most suitable for a home aquarium. There will be door prizes and supplies available for purchase. Admission is $5/person; $4/ MEC members. While the program is geared toward ages 6-12, families are welcome to bring children of all ages. Please Note: The rest of DeKorte Park remains closed during this event due to storm damage and we ask that you do not attempt to walk the park grounds or trails during your visit.

For more information, call 201-460-8300 or visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec.

The Humane Society of Bergen County will be doing Christmas gift wrapping at the Barnes & Noble Stores in Clifton and Paramus. If you could find time to help us please call 201-896-9300 and someone can give you the available dates and times for both locations.

On Tuesday Nov. 26, starting at 2:30 p.m., a Veterans’ ward party will be held at Chestnut Hill Extended Care facility, Passaic. The party is being sponsored by Marilyn Faziola and her husband John in memory of Marilyn’s brother L/Cpl. Frank Lopinto U.S. Marines who made the supreme sacrifice for his country of giving his life in the Vietnam War while loading fellow wounded Marines onto a waiting helicopter. Those bed-ridden veterans at this facility are among those who will receive the treats and gifts that are distributed at this party To sponsor a Ward party please call John Deveney201-438-2255.

The Humane Society of Bergen County, 223 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, will host pictures of Santa with Pets/or children on Sunday, Dec. 9. You will receive a beautiful 5×7 photo in a frame for $10 or you can get a CD with all the pictures that they took of your animal or child. Call now to make your appointment. Pictures will be 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 201-896-9300. Walk-ins always welcome. All proceeds will benefit the animals.

North Arlington

North Arlington Public Library will host continuing holiday stories, music and fun after you’ve enjoyed the borough tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7-8 p.m.

Storytime for children ages 2 to 4 will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. There will be no Storytime on Dec. 26.

On Friday, Dec. 14 there is Origami Club at 3:30 p.m. for kids in grades 4 and up. A holiday craft program be held on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. for grades K to 5, sponsored by the NA Women’s Club. On Thursday, Dec. 20, there is a Tween Book Club at 3:30 p.m. for kids in grades 4 to 8. On Friday, Dec. 21, there is a Young Adults Movie Day at 1 p.m. for kids in grades 6 and up.

If you crochet or knit, and would enjoy gathering with a group of like-minded crafters, join us at a monthly Sit and Stitch at the North Arlington Public Library will next meet on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to make new friends. You can bring your own project, or find inspiration in the projects of others and get started on something new. Sit and Stitch groups are also a great opportunity to share your ideas. All skill levels are welcome. This is a relaxed and self-directed group.

Jesus The World of Life Fellowship Hall, 153 Ridge Rd., North Arlington is having a Thanksgiving banquet and testimony night on Friday, Nov. 23, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, call 973-568-6993.

Nutley

The Women’s Auxiliary of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 120 Prospect St., Nutley, will have a holiday boutique and bake sale on Sunday, Nov. 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in church hall. Admission is free. There will be a selection of handmade crafts, holiday items, stocking stuffers, crocheted afghans, scarves, hats and infant sets. The bake sale will feature homemade cakes, pies, breads and cookies plus refreshments for sale.

The children of Nutley will once again be able to personally write Santa and deposit their letters in the township’s Santa Express Mailbox at the Nutley park oval entrance near Chestnut Street on Friday, Nov. 23. (Santa’s visit to Nutley is sponsored by the Nutley Chamber of Commerce).

Letters will be collected up to Dec. 20. Children’s age and return address are the most important part of writing to Santa. It’s crunch time at Santa’s workshop and this information is important to the elves who want to be sure that Santa responds to every letter.

For questions or for more information, please contact the Nutley Department of Public Affairs at 973-284- 4976 or email the Department of Public Affairs via nutleynj.org.

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