Community calendar for Oct. 22

   Tell us about you. If your local nonprofit organization plans a special event and you would like to have the information published in the Hillsborough Beacon, drop a note to Hillsborough Beacon Calendar, P.O. Box 350, Princeton, NJ 08542.
   All items should be typed and must be mailed, faxed (609-924-3842) or e-mailed to [email protected] before 4 p.m. Friday. Please include a phone number for publication. Priority is given to Hillsborough organizations. For details, call Managing Editor John Patten at 609-924-3244, ext. 2163.
Ongoing
   The Hillsborough High School Choir will be holding its annual basket auction at 7 p.m. Nov. 13, in the Hillsborough High School commons area. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m., with the first ticket being drawn at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10, which includes 25 tickets and refreshments. Prizes include gifts from local businesses, Broadway tickets, and much more. Reduced priced tickets will be available through Nov. 9 from choir members. For additional information or advance sale information, contact Christine Micu at 908-431-6600, ext. 3227.
   The Somerset Valley Players will hold its second annual Food Drive to benefit the Hillsborough Food Bank during upcoming performances of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Oct. 30 – Nov. 15. Non-perishable food items will be collected at each of the performances. For more information, visit the Web site at www.svptheatre.org for tickets and general information.
   Duke Farms is offering a program for orchid enthusiasts and those who would like to learn more about them — “The Majestic Orchid” — 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 24; Nov. 5, 14, 19; and Dec. 3, 12 and 17. Participants will learn about the history and care of orchids, the special features of certain varieties, lighting requirements and how to encourage re-blooming. They also will have an opportunity to go behind the scenes and to view some of the more than 1,300 orchid varieties at Duke Farms. The cost for this three-hour program is $45 and includes an orchid plant. Space is limited and advance registration is required at www.dukefarms.org or by calling 908-722-3700 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
   Vendors are needed for an indoor flea market sponsored by Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary, Flagtown, on Nov. 7 at the Hillsborough municipal building. For reservations, call Gail at 908-369-4811.
   Residents and business owners can apply for the Hillsborough Rewards Visa Card, offered through Affinity Federal Credit Union. A portion of the purchases made with Hillsborough Rewards Visa cards will be donated to the township to benefit youth and senior programs and nonprofit organizations. For more information, contact Jim Borelli at 908-860-7399 or by e-mail to [email protected]www.affinityfcu.org/hillsborough.
Thursday, Oct. 22
   St. Ann School, 29 Second Ave. in Raritan, is sponsoring a clothing drive 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the school parking lot. Items requested include clothing, shoes, stuffed animals, pocketbooks and belts.
   Naranon, a support group for anyone with an addiction affecting their lives, meets at 8 p.m. Thursdays in the Fit and Firm studio, 856 Route 206 (Mountain View Plaza). For more information, call 908-625-9284.
Friday, Oct. 23
   Christ the King School will hold a Scrapbook Night 6 p.m.-11:30 p.m. The $10 requested donation includes 4-foot crop space, soda, water, coffee and tea. Call 908-725-7105 to reserve your space. Christ the King School is located at 99 13th Avenue, Manville.
   Music, dancing, games, contests, prizes and give-a-ways for all ages will kick off Hillsborough’s Red Ribbon Week from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. at Auten Road Intermediate School. Admission is $6 per person in advance, or $7 at the door, which includes all activities and refreshments. Admission includes “Constantine” the Magician, light refreshments, DJ, free pitch machine, face painting, tattoos, balloons and games for the entire family. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Diane Handwerk at the Life Skills office at 908-369-4313, ext. 125. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good or personal item for donation to the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP). Red Ribbon Week programs are aimed at helping raise awareness and prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.
   The Somerville Knights of Columbus Council no. 1432 100th Anniversary Centennial Charity Ball will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Bridgewater Marriott at 700 Commons Way in Bridgewater. Proceeds from the evening’s event will benefit The Organization for Autism Research. Tickets for this Charity Ball are open to the general public and can be purchased for $100 each from Tom Russell at 908-722-8299, or e-mail to [email protected]. The ticket cost (which is partially tax deductible) includes a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and open bar.
Saturday, Oct. 24
   The Neshanic Garden Club monthly meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Station House, Olive Street, Neshanic Station, will feature a presentation by Mark Bryan from “Hairy Mary’s” of Bucks County, Pa., on “Unusual Plants for Gardens and Design.” Prior to his program will be the club’s monthly study by Kathi Cuddeback of “Birds at the Feeder,” and a light luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Prospective garden club members are welcome. For further information, call President Diana Reinhardt at 908-369-4362.
   A car wash benefiting Bridges To Employment, a division of Alternatives, Inc., for career-related services for people with disabilities, will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 600 First Ave. in Raritan.
   DeMuro Associates, 24 W. Cliff St. in Somerville, will present its ninth annual Haunted House 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 24 and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25. Proceeds from the event will benefit Somerset County United Way. Admission is $4, but kids under 6 are free when accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, Oct. 25
   Clover Hill Reformed Church, 890 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, will hold its 175th Anniversary Celebration Dinner from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Three Bridges Banquet Hall, Broad Street, Three Bridges. RSVP by Oct. 11. DJ entertainment by RPM Music. Welcome reception, hot buffet, cash beverages. Tickets are $35; children ages 4 to 10, $12; children 3 and under, free. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Open seating — tables of eight guests only. Guests may reserve a table in advance, paid in full, with a complete guest list submitted. For information on hotel accommodations and assistance with tickets, contact Stephanie Kanach at 908-334-7051 or [email protected], or the church office at 908-369-8451.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
   The Hillsborough Township Committee will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal courtroom.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
   The Philly Pretzel Factory in Nelson’s Corner Shopping Center is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Project Graduation from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 28, donating 10 percent of sales during that time. For more information, contact Robin at 281-7843.
Thursday, Oct. 29
   Looking for a “spooktacular” way to celebrate Halloween? Join us for a free program at the Hillsborough Library featuring “Tales from the Dark: The Jersey Devil” from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29. During this program designed for teens in grades 6-12, a presenter from Youth Stages will explore the popular legend and other ghastly tales. Participants will also work on creating their own urban legends. For more information, subscribe to the library’s newsfeed at www.somerset.lib.nj.us or call the library at 908-369-2200, ext. 14.
Looking ahead
   A basket auction to raise funds for Autism Speak will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Bridgewater Marriott, Bridgewater. Admission is $15 and must be purchased by Oct. 26 — no admission will be sold at the door. For more information, call 908-369-8501, [email protected] or trickytray.com
   The Hillsborough Family YMCA and Somerville Family YMCA will host Halloween parties from 7 – 9 p.m. Oct. 30. This annual event has proven to be a special night for all attendees — children and adults are encouraged to wear a costume and come ready to have an evening packed full of fun. Planned activities at both branches include a DJ, games, crafts, snacks with a haunted forest at the Hillsborough Family YMCA (weather permitting); both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Hillsborough Family YMCA at 908-369-0490.
   Christian Community Chapel and Crossroads Community Church, 211 Route 206, will host an Autumn Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 31. This free event provides family-friendly activities including hayrides, moon bounce, pony rides, petting zoo, food and more. Call 908-431-4373 or visit www.crossroadsnj.org to reserve free passes.
   Join the Manville-Hillsborough Elks Lodge for its third annual Halloween party Oct. 31 to benefit Community Hope of New Jersey. This event will feature live music by the Hit N Run Band, costume contest, door prizes and munchies. A cash bar also will be available. Tickets are $25 if purchased before the event; $30 the day of the event. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 908-370-3941 or 908-420-0868. Or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.bpoe2119mc.com for more information.
   The HHS Girls Basketball Team will host a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Hillsborough municipal building. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors and children under 10. The breakfast will featuring French toast, (ham and cheese omelets, quesadilla wraps, French toast sticks). Any questions, please call Patty Jackson at 431-6600, ext. 2622.
   Family Foot and Ankle Specialists, 349 Route 206, will hold its sixth annual candy buy back from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3. Every pound of Halloween candy brought into the office will be purchased for $1. For further information please contact us at 732-968-3833.
   A Polish dinner sponsored by the Manville Exempt Fireman’s Association will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at Manville Fire Company No. 1, South 3rd Avenue. The menu will feature homemade kielbasa and sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage, pierogis, cabbage and noodles, soda, coffee and dessert. Cost is $10. Eat in, or takeout available. Call 908-526-0439 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
   The Rosary Altar Society of Mary, Mother of God Church in Hillsborough will be hosting its Annual Holiday Craft Fair on from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nov. 7 in the church’s gymnasium, with more than 60 crafters and vendors participating. The Santa Helper’s Singing Quartet will perform a selection of holiday music at 11:30 p.m., and Santa Claus will arrive at noon. Food, beverages and home baked goods will be on sale. No charge for admission. For more information, call 908-623-6793.
   Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 105 Summer Road in Three Bridges, will host a craft fair and cash for gold event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8. The event will include crafters, vendors, home baked goods, lunch and refreshments for purchase and door prizes, one of which will be an American Girl doll. Our cash for gold vendor will also be on site to purchase unwanted gold. Admission and parking are free for this indoor event but a donation is suggested. All proceeds collected will benefit the church’s building campaign. For additional information, call 908-782-1475 or visit the Web site at http://wwwparishesonline.com/seasthreebridges.
   St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church on Brooks Boulevard will hold a Slavic dinner from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 11 in the church parish center. The cost is $11 for adults; $5 for children 8 and younger. Dinner includes all-you-can-eat pirohi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert and beverage. For information, call 908-725-0615.
   The Hillsborough-East MOMS Club holds monthly meetings on the second Monday of each month — the next meeting will be Nov. 12. For more information, contact the club at [email protected].
   The Hillsborough High School Choir will hold its annual Basket Auction at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 in the high school commons. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. with the first ticket being drawn at 8:30. Admission is $10, which includes 25 tickets and refreshments. Prizes will include gifts from local businesses, Broadway tickets and more. Reduced-price tickets will be available through Nov. 9 from choir members. For more information or advance sale information, contact Christine Micu at 908-431-6600, ext. 3227.
   The MOMS Club of Hillsborough West meets the second Thursday of each month for their general meeting — the next meeting will be Nov. 13. If you are interested on joining, e-mail [email protected] or call Denise at 908-369-4084.
   The Hillsborough Wine Festival will offer local aficionados a chance to enjoy tasting fine wines and sampling gourmet food while being serenaded by live music at Temple Beth-El, starting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. More than 30 wines will be presented by Petrock’s Liquors and hors d’oeuvres will be served from several area caterers, including The Martinsville Inn in Martinsville, Signature Creations in Linden and more. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and can be purchased by calling 908-722-0674. Free babysitting service is also available with advanced registration by Nov. 1st. The proceeds will benefit the Temple Beth-El School Scholarships.
   Hillsborough Family YMCA and NETA, a non-profit fitness professional association, are sponsoring workshops for personal trainer certification, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 14 and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nov. 15. Anyone interested in registering should call NETA directly at 1-800-237-6242 or online at www.netafit.org. If you need any additional information, contact Susan Leacy (leave a message at the Hillsborough Family YMCA 908-369-0490).
   Hillsborough Recreation Department is sponsoring a trip to see Sight & Sound Theatre’s “Miracle of Christmas” on Nov. 18. Bus leaves at 9:30 a.m. from municipal building main entrance and returns about 9 p.m. Price of $79 includes transportation, the show and dinner at Plain and Fancy Restaurant (traditional Amish farm feast). Bring a bag lunch. Contact Hillsborough-NJ.org or call 908-369-4832 to sign up. For information, call Diana Reinhardt at 908-369-4362.