Gemstones, Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary season, marking decades of bringing contemporary theatre to audiences in the state of New Jersey. Coming up is the third episode of the original series, Gemstones, by Phoebe Farber. Episode 4 runs Wednesday, January 8, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, January 11, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $33, $28 for seniors and $25 for students 25 and younger. For advance ticket purchases, go to the website. Oakes Center is wheelchair accessible; assisted listening devices and large print materials are available upon request. For information on any of Vivid Stage’s programs, please call (908) 514-9654, www.vividstage.org.
Paws to Read, Our friendly library dogs love to be read to by youngsters who need practice reading aloud to loving, non-judgmental ears. Sign up for a 15-minute slot and enjoy reading to these fuzzy ears! Saturday, January 4, 10 to 11 a.m. in 15 minute increments. Sign up at https://events.wmlnj.org/
Grand Opening Party. Saturday, January 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Out Run Your Fork, 500 Central Avenue, Westfield. We’re SO EXCITED to announce our newest location in Westfield! Party – Personalities – Prizes! We have an exciting FREE EVENT. It’s our Mini Grand Opening Celebration! You’ll be treated to great speakers, vendors and food!
MLK Service, the MLK Association of Westfield: 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Interfaith Commemorative Service will be held Monday, January 20 at 2 p.m. at Saint Helen’s Church, 1600 Rahway Avenue, Westfield. The annual march through downtown will begin at 1 p.m. at the MLK Monument on the South Avenue Circle.
Free Stroke Recovery Open House at the Westfield Area YMCA, 220 Clark Street, Westfield, Wednesday, January 22. Join us for an informative open house for stroke survivors and their families/caregivers from 12:00-2:00pm. Enjoy light refreshments as you discover valuable resources to aid in recovery and overall well-being. Connect with experts and representatives from Atlantic Health, StrokeOT, Brain Injury Alliance of NJ, VIVISTIM, and more. PLUS, learn about the Y’s upcoming Stroke Recovery Program. Call (908) 301-9622 to register.
Choral Art Society of NJ Concert. Sunday, January 26th, 3 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, 140 Mountain Avenue, Westfield. Join Choral Art Society of NJ for an afternoon of music by composers Marianna von Martines and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The program features the Dixit Dominus by Martines and the Missa Brevis in Bb K.275, 2 short instrumental Church Sonatas and the beloved Ave Verum Corpus all by Mozart. Adult tickets $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Senior/ Student tickets $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Under 18 admitted free. Open reception to follow the concert. For advance tickets and more information, visit www.casofnj.org.
Billy Joel Tribute Band, Feel the romance and nostalgia at Drew University’s Concert Hall on Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. with NJ’s premier Billy Joel tribute band, We May Be Right. Get tickets at GDPRESENTS. SIMPLETIX.COM or call GDP at (917) 567-5842.
Volunteers Needed. New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers. The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at (732) 850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, please go to: https:// www.volgistics.com/appform/2127944197 ***
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