around town

Belleville 

Belleville Elks, 254 Washington Ave., is having a blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. No appointment is needed. Donors must be at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 120 lbs. and be in general good health. There is no upper age limit for donors provided they meet the health requirements. People with a fever or sore throat should wait until they are feeling better before donating and there is a 24-hour deferral for tooth cleanings and fillings. For those who have recently traveled outside the United States, please call the blood center 973-676-4700, ext. 132 for eligibility criteria.

Bloomfield 

Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., announces the following programs. Registration is not required unless otherwise noted. To register or for more information, call the library at 973-566-6200:

  • The library presents its version of the traditional Italian legend of LaBefana with interactive storytelling, live musicians, singers and dancers, and more. Befana, like Santa Claus, delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve (Jan. 5). Children receive gifts from both Befana and Santa Claus. Reservations are required.
  • Book Club meets on Jan. 5 at 6:45 p.m. to discuss “Riders of the Purple Sage” by Zane Grey.
  • Financial Book Club meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
  • Knitting Club meets Fridays at 11 a.m.
  • Midday Movies are screened on Monday and Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. Here’s January’s schedule: Jan. 5 – “Sunset Boulevard”; Jan. 8 – “The Giver”; Jan. 12 – “Million Dollar Arm”; Jan. 15 – “Selma, Lord, Selma”; Jan. 22 – “Chef”; Jan. 26 – “Winter’s Tale“; and Jan. 29 – “Dolphin Tale.”
  • Storytimes resume Jan. 12. Days and times will remain the same: Baby and Me, for ages up to 18 months, is offered on Thursdays at 11 a.m.; Toddler Time, open to ages 19 to 36 months, is held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m.

East Newark 

West Hudson Brave Women Fighting Breast Cancer meets the last Friday of every month, 7 to 9 p.m., at the East Newark Senior Center, 37 President St. For more information, call Emma at 201-998-6828, Rosa at 201-246-7750, Fatima at 973- 485-4236 or email emidura2@yahoo.com.

Harrison 

Sacred Heart of Jesus American National Catholic Church continues the Christmas celebration with Mass on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 12:30 p.m., at Christ Episcopal Church, 100 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. Visitors and guests are very welcome. See www.SacredHeartANCC.org for more information.

Kearny 

The Children’s Room of the Kearny Public Library, 318 Kearny Ave., presents a family concert Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 4 p.m., by Susan Goodman (Sooz), a saxophonist/ songwriter/educator whose presentation on bias, bullying and bystanders uses music to cultivate compassionate communities. The compelling lyrics and eclectic blend of jazz, pop, Latin and Afro-beat with original songs shine a light on the biases behind bullying. Light refreshments will be served.

Lyndhurst

The N.J. Meadowlands Commission hosts a New Year’s Day Nature Walk with the Bergen County Audubon Society at Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus, Thursday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to noon. This event is free and open to all ages. To R.S.V.P., contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@gmail. com or call 201-230-4983.

Lyndhurst Health Department announces the following:

  • Flu vaccine is available for township residents. Call 201- 804-2500 to make an appointment. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine.
  • Rabies Clinics are set for Thursdays, Jan. 8 and 15, at the Community Center on Riverside Ave. (behind the Little League fields), 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Township residents can also license their dogs and cats at these clinics. Licensing deadline is Jan. 31, 2015. Call the Health Department for more information.

Sacred Heart Home-School Association, 620 Valley Brook Ave., hosts its annual Tricky Tray on Friday, Jan. 16. Tickets are $10. No one under age18 will be admitted. Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket includes one sheet for first level prizes, coffee/tea and dessert. For tickets and information, call the school office at 201-939- 4277 or Patty at 201-803-9580. Ticket deadline is Jan. 6. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Knights of Columbus Council 2396 sponsors a Tricky Tray Friday, Jan. 16, at the Senior Center, 250 Cleveland Ave. The $15 admission includes coffee plus one prize sheet of tickets. No alcohol is permitted. No tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, call Steve Cortese at 201-657-0800 or Sal Russo at 201-446-7244.

North Arlington 

North Arlington Public Library, 210 Ridge Road, hosts a New Year Story Time, open to ages 4 to 7, on Dec. 29, at 7 p.m.

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