Community Corner

5 Things to Do in the Region

Weekend activities include an acting workshop, a benefit for the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter and a wine tasting.

Here are ideas for making a memorable weekend in the area.

  1. Getting your prized antiques appraised on PBS' "Antiques Roadshow" is no easy feat, so try an alternative that's closer to home: Antique Alley is your opportunity to learn the current value of the artwork, antique furniture, knickknacks gathering dust in an old parlor or taking up space in one's attic.  Bring your favorite heirlooms for appraisal at $5 per item.  The Literacy Volunteers of Sussex County and the Sparta Historical Society are co-sponsors of the event, and proceeds benefit the two organizations and their community- centered work.  The event takes place Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Sparta Ambulance Building, 14 Sparta Ave. in Sparta. To learn more about Literacy Volunteers, visit www.literacyforyou.org.
  2.  Do you know what to do if you encounter a black bear in your back yard? Get advice from bear expert Michelle Smith of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.  Smith will offer information and education through photos, film and commentary. The evening includes dinner. Seating is limited, so RSVP right away, say organizers. To RSVP call 908-879-4080. Tickets are $17.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids. The event takes place at the Lamplighter Restaurant at 190 West Main St. in Chester.
  3.  You recognized Stephen Colbert's "Yes, And..." approach to performing from day one as a product of a Second City education. You never missed "Whose Line Is it Anyway?," not when Drew Carey hosted it and not with new host Aisha Tyler. You love improv comedy. Now, you'd like to try it. You're in luck. Try it out in this two-hour Improvisational Acting Workshop taught by professional improvisation master Dave Maulbeck, director of Dreamcatcher’s improv troupe, Multiple Personality Disorder. The workshop offers a safe and supportive atmosphere to participate in group exercises and games that teaches budding artists to free the mind, body and imagination and to think on their feet. No experience is required. Pre-registration is required, and the cost for the session is $40. For more information and to register, visit http://dreamcatcherrep.org. The workshop takes place Saturday at 10 a.m. in Summit, at the Oakes Center, 120 Morris Ave.
  4. Who doesn't love a wine tasting in the fall? Sunday offers what should be a special one: Direct from Italy, Gary's Wine & Marketplace of Wayne welcomes Cinza Binda of Natale Verga Winery. Binda is a master of the grape, and the history of Natale Verga goes back to 1895. Stop in to taste some of the newest Italian wines in the Natale Verga portfolio. Admission is free and the tasting runs from 1-3 p.m. Find Gary's at 1308 Route 23 North in Wayne.
  5. Do your part to help the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter while reveling in the sounds of cool jazz. On Sunday at 3 p.m., jazz pianist Rio Clemente performs at the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts Concert Hall at Drew University in Madison to benefit the shelter and its work with animals. Tickets are $20 in advance and $20 at the door, and may be purchased online at www.njshelter.org (please mention Rio Clemente in the comments section). For info, call 973-386-0068.


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