COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Compiled by Mary Stulack
Tell us about you. If your local nonprofit organization plans a special event and you would like to have the information published in The Manville News, drop a note to Mary Stulack, Calendar, 307 Omni Drive, Hillsborough, 08844.
   All items should be typed and must be mailed, faxed (359-3930) or e-mailed to: [email protected] before 4 p.m. Friday. Please include a phone number for publication. Priority is given to Manville organizations.
   For details, call Mary, 359-0850.
Ongoing
   “Have A Heart for Homeless Families,” the signature fund raising event for Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County (IHN/SC) has tickets currently available. Tickets are priced at $100 and sales will be limited to 500 tickets. Proceeds of ticket sales will be split, with 50 percent going directly to operational expenses for IHN/SC programs, and 50 percent awarded as a cash prize to the winner.
   Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County provides a continuum of care for homeless families with children from Somerset County. Programs offered include Emergency Shelter, Transitional and Permanent Supported Housing. The “Have A Heart for Homeless Families” winning ticket is drawn on Valentine’s Day at the agency’s Day Center in Somerville; winner need not be present to win.
   Call the IHN/SC offices at 908-1920 to purchase tickets.
   Singles book discussion with a focus on Christian literature meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at a Manville home. Current Title: “Miracles.” Call 541-0210 for information.
   MOMS Club of Hillsborough/Manville meet the second Monday of each month. For detailed information, call 359-2791.
   The Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage historic site in Somerville offers private candlelight tours, available for groups of ten or more, December through March. Tours can be arranged on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evenings. For information about scheduling and pricing, call the site at 725-1015.
   Twilight evening tours of the Country Manor home at Duke Farms begin and run through Dec. 29. Inspired by the natural beauty of Duke Farms, local decorators have created a magical holiday showcase. Tours will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Daytime tours are also available every Wednesday through Sunday. The tour will take approximately one hour. Admission for all Country Manor Tours is $15 per person. Advance reservations are required and can be made by phone at 722-3700 or online at www.dukefarms.org.
   Gnome Hunts at Duke Farms for children aged 2 to 12 will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 30. Children must be accompanied by an adult and will receive a checklist at the start of their hunt to help them locate the hidden gnomes as they explore the gardens in the turn-of-the-century glass conservatory. Reservations and tickets are required and may be made by calling 722-3700 or by visiting the Web site at www.dukefarms.org.
Thursday, Dec. 20
   Santa visits Manville homes by sleigh and fire truck. Camplain Road Volunteer Fire Company will host its annual Holiday Gift Delivery. For a minimum of $10 donation per family Santa will arrive at your home to deliver a holiday gift (which parents provide) to your children. Bring your $10 donation and a wrapped gift tagged with your children’s full name and street address to Camplain Road Volunteer Firehouse, South 13th and Washington Avenues from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20. Santa’s planned visits will be noon to 4 p.m. or 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 22; or 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 23. For more information, call 526-0439.
   Hillsborough Toastmasters Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month at the Center of Life Church, 32 New Amwell Road, Hillsborough. Meetings are open to the public. Stop by and see how you can improve your communication and public speaking skills. For information, visit Web site, Hillsborough.freetoasthost.com.
Friday, Dec. 21
   Early deadlines. All releases for the Dec. 27 issue of the Manville News must be in our office no later than 3 p.m. today.
   Pre-Christmas craft sales and events, sponsored by Senior Artists and Crafters of Somerville, located at 57 West Main St., Somerville. The store will also be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays through today and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22. Call 526-8769 for further details.
   18 Cent. Christmas Concert will be presented at Old Dutch Parsonage, located at 71 Somerset St. in Somerville. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 725-1015. Limited seating.
Saturday, Dec. 22
   Winter begins.
   YMCA gymnastics team holiday demonstration will begin at 1 p.m. at Somerset Valley YMCA in Somerville. For additional details, call 722-4567.
Monday, Dec. 24
   Manville public schools will be closed for winter recess through Jan 1. Students will return to their regular schedule on Jan. 2.
Tuesday, Dec. 25
   Merry Christmas.
   The Manville News office will be closed for Christmas. The staff will return at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Wednesday, Dec. 26
   Kwanza begins.
Looking ahead
   Happy New Year “You” Health Blitz is being planned at Somerset Valley YMCA during the month of Jan. New members will be eligible for membership savings up to $200, a free 12-week fitness program, free classes (based on availability) and prizes and give-a-ways. For detailed information, call 369-0490 or 722-4567.
   “Pied Piper” (children’s show) will be presented at Somerset Valley Players, Amwell Road, Hillsborough at 2 p.m. Jan. 5 to 20 on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets $10 per person, group sales available. For reservations, call 369-7469.
   Somerset Valley YMCA begins the Mid-Winter registration, Jan. 14 for Full Privilege members and Jan. 21 for Program members. Sessions run Feb. 4 to April 13. Call 369-0490 (Hillsborough), 526-0688 (Bridgewater) and 722-4567 (Somerville) for additional details.