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It's a Weekend Full of Holiday Fun

Plus, other, non-holiday related events!

The holidays are in full swing around here. Which means there are plenty of opportunities to get into the spirit, both here and around the region. Here is but a sampling. But, don't worry: These will be more than enough to give you that Yuletide Cheer! And, if you're starting to get a little holidazed, there's other stuff happening, too. Holiday Boutique When/Where: The Somerset Hills YMCA in Basking Ridge will hold its Holiday Boutique from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, with local vendors (children’s books, clothing, make up, skin care, jewelry, gourmet foods, etc.), great music, basket raffles and a cash for gold table for cash on the spot. Why Go: The boutique will benefit the YMCA's dance team. Vendors include local artist Serena Bocchino…

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Ways to Help Others This Holiday Season

Many opportunities available locally.

The holidays are just about getting stuff and stuffing one's self. Far from it. They are about family and friends coming together and giving thanks for what they have, and sharing in what they have with those they love. Not everyone, however, has the resources to celebrate. For many, it's just a struggle to pay their bills, let alone buy a turkey for Thanksgiving, or toys for Christmas. Luckily, there are a lot of opportunities for people to help others this holiday season. Here are a few: Do you know of other ways people can help others this holiday season? Post them to our events calendar, our announcements page or email John Dunphy at john.dunphy@patch.com.

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Mr. Clemente Goes to Washington

Morristown native and jazz pianist, Rio Clemente, to perform at White House Dec. 22.

Ten years after his dream to perform at the White House was put on hold, it's finally about to come true for pianist Rio Clemente. Clemente, a Morristown native also known internationally as "The Bishop of Jazz," will be playing there on Dec. 22. It's quite an honor for a man who considers himself a patriot. "America is very close to my heart," said Clemente, who served in the Coast Guard Auxilliary. "I never do a concert without ending with something patriotic." It all started with a phone call. Actually, it started when Clemente–who locals have probably seen perform, among other events, during Morris County's annual First Night in Morristown–was asked to perform at The Inn at Bowman's Hill in New Hope, Pa., for Veterans Day in November…

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Morristown's Walking Tour of Windows Returns

The public can vote on storefront designs until Dec. 19.

Last year saw the inaugural downtown Walking Tour of Windows event in Morristown. Dozens of businesses gussied up their storefronts for the holiday contest, to the pleasure of onlookers. Due to the event's success, it's back for a second year. So, head out of doors and into Morristown to see what businesses are getting into the holiday spirit. The press release is below: Nearly 30 downtown Morristown retailers have signed up to participate in the second annual “Walking Tour of Windows” window decorating contest. The event is a joint effort of the Morris County Tourism Bureau, the Morris County Alliance for Tourism, the Arts Council of the Morris Area, Morristown Partnership and the Mayo Performing Arts Center, and is designed to bring more…

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Gridlock Relief: Extra Rail, Bus, Customer Service for Holiday Travelers

Kids 11 and under ride free on NJ Transit all holiday weekend.

Whether you’re traveling over the river or through the woods, NJ Transit is gearing up to provide gridlock relief during the approaching holiday season.  Starting Wednesday, Nov. 23 and continuing through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, scores of NJ Transit customer service representatives and volunteers will be deployed at major facilities to assist customers, with rail and bus service adjusted to match Thanksgiving travel patterns. This year, NJ Transit will once again offer “early getaway” rail and bus service on Wednesday, Nov. 23, for the benefit of customers leaving work early, and to provide additional capacity for customers traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the …

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'Holly Days' Kick Off Holiday Season

Month-long holiday celebration starts with Santa's arrival Friday, Nov. 25.

'Tis the Season in Morristown. Starting Friday, Nov. 25, the annual "Holly Days in Morristown" will help everyone get into the holiday spirit. The festivities kick off with Santa's arrival on the Green from the roof of Century 21, as well as the Lighting of the Green, beginning at 6:30 p.m. (But, if you want to get into the spirit just a little sooner, head over to the Town Hall parking lot at 6 p.m., where the monthly Community Bike Ride will be basking in Yuletide cheer.) There will be many events throughout December, including the second-annual Walking Tour of Windows Contest, from Nov. 25-Dec. 19. For complete information, click on the PDF brochure of Holly Days in Morristown included with this article.

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Fire Department Seeking Toys for Tots Donations

Department supporting program fourth consecutive year.

This holiday season, the Morristown Fire Department is for the fourth year in a row supporting the Toys for Tots program, and is currently soliciting donations. The press release is below: The Morristown Fire Department is proud to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program for its fourth consecutive year. New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Morristown Fire Station now through December. These toys will be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. A toy donation box will also be available at the Morristown Partnership's Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green during event hours. “We would like to thank the following Morristown businesses for supporting our promotional efforts: A&P, Chase …

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Column: What's Turkey Day Without the Turkey?

Hint hint: It's STILL Thanksgiving!

So you've been trying out the whole vegetarian or vegan thing for the better part of the year. It's been going well, and you're happier than ever. And then ... bam! the holidays hit. Who in the world can skip the turkey on Thanksgiving? Talk about a road block. Yes, it's impossible to deny that Thanksgiving revolves around turkey. From the 2 a.m. alarm reminding you to pop it in the oven to the supermarket specials and children's school crafts, it's all about the bird. But this American tradition doesn't have to throw off your new lifestyle. There are hundreds—yes, hundreds—of vegan recipes for side dishes. Not convinced? Take a look at the New York Times' reputable health-and-wellness blog. Each year, the blog goes vegetarian for …

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