Community Corner

Getting Out for a Good Cause

Whether it's artistic exhibits or pampering and primping, charitable efforts are a fixture for Hillsborough activities.

It's a weekend to give back and to get a little fun in while you're doing it.

Events throughout Somerset County focus on local and national charities, and cater to a number of interests. Beneficiaries include St. Jude's Children's Hospital, One Heart for Haiti and Progin's Players, and activities range from dance-a-thons to artistic shows to a little pampering for those who need it.

Here's what you need to know this weekend:

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When/Where: 
From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at  in Warren.
Why Go: 
Because all boys in grades K-5 are invited to learn more about the Scouting experience with Cub Scout Pack 182. Learn what adventures await you at "School Night for Scouting." Oh, you can bring your parents too.
Pricing: 
Free.


When/Where: 
From 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the .
Why Go: 
To find out how the library can help you land a new job. Community partners from local government, civic and non-profit groups will be on hand to guide your forward from the unemployment period.
Pricing: 
Free.

Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


When/Where: 
From 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the  in Warren.
Why Go: 
To bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets and enjoy a night of live country music and dancing.
Pricing: 
Free.


When/Where: 
From 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: 
To watch classic scenes from "Rear Window," "North by Northwest," "Psycho" and "The Birds," and see why Alfred Hitchcock is the master of suspense. 
Pricing: 
Free. Registration required.


When/Where: 
From 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Colorado Cafe in Watchung.
Why Go: 
Because it's a fitness dance classes set out to recreate the nightclub experience. The event features world-class fitness presenters and three of the world’s hottest dance fitness programs. Feel the burn while feeling the satisfaction of helping the incredible cause of The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Pricing: 
$20 donation at the door. Additional fundraising donation information at StJude.org.


When/Where: 
At 8 p.m. on Friday at Watchung Arts Center.
Why Go: 
Because the Marty Eigen's Beacon Hill Jazz Band always provides a great evening of entertainment with exciting new music, as well as old favorites. Special guest Tyler Fengya, a pianist of extraordinary talent, will astound the audience—he only just turned 5 years old.
Pricing: 
$16 in advance, or $20 at the door. Reservations preferred. 


When/Where: 
Reception on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Exhibit and sale will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren.
Why Go: 
To view and have the opportunity to purchase the works of local artists' interpretations of the unique beauty of Wagner Farms.
Pricing: 
Free admission. Artwork varies. 


When/Where: 
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: 
To rummage through a wide variety of housewares, toys, linens, jewelry, furnishings, and more. Homemade baked goods will also be available. 
Pricing: 
Free Admission. Prices vary. 


When/Where: 
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: 
Because if your motto is "to save," than this rummage sale of treasures is for you. All proceeds will help in making repairs to the 4-H Center. It's BIG (Build, Invest and Grow.)
Pricing: 
Free admission. Prices vary. 


When/Where:
 At 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: 
To see how a nerdy floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving. You'll never look at your houseplants the same again.
Pricing: 
General admission is $20. The cost for seniors and students is $18.


When/Where: 
From 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: 
For children ages 7 to 9 to learn about the amazing life of the butterfly. Can you say lepidoptera?
Pricing: 
$9 per person. Registration required.


When/Where: 
From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the in Bridgewater.
Why Go: 
To purchase a bit of history and reminisce about the old days in Martinsville and the surrounding area. All profits from the sale help with the renovation of the Martinsville Community Center.
Pricing: 
$22. 


When/Where: 
From 10 to 11 a.m. or noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: 
The Kids in the Kitchen series continues with children ages 4 and up creating delicious herb focaccia bread and salad. Now "that's amore."
Pricing: 
$5 per child & parent with Shopper Plus Card / $10 without card. Reservations required.


When/Where: 
At 1, 3, 5, and 7 p.m. on Saturday at ArtisticEfex in Hillsborough.
Why Go: 
Because photojournalist Jim LaSala will share his personal experience of his trips to Haiti through his photographs and through the heartwarming story of hope that continues since the earthquake of Jan. 2010.
Pricing: 
Donations gratefully accepted.


When/Where: 
From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at St. Mary's Stony Hill Church in Watchung.
Why Go: 
To enjoy a September fair of crafts, vendors, and refreshments. 
Pricing: 
Free admission.


When/Where: 
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Washington Valley Park Hawk Watch Area in Bridgewater.
Why Go: 
To bring your binoculars, scopes, and camera and view the spectacular passage of hawks, falcons, and eagles flying overhead. Park staff will be present to provide guidance to novice hawk watchers and share hawk watching tips and tricks.
Pricing: 
Free.


When/Where: 
From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the  in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: 
To kick off a healthy Fall by meeting local health professionals and obtaining information and resources for a sound mind and body.
Pricing: 
Free.


When/Where: 
From 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at The Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary in Tewskbury Twp.
Why Go: 
For all ages to search for butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds relishing the last days of summer.
Pricing: 
Free. Reservations required. 


When/Where: 
From 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday at  in Hillsborough.
Why Go: 
Because children ages 3 to 8 and their families will enjoy the wonders of nature while searching for plants and animals in a stream and the surrounding habitat. Getting a little dirty in the search for knowledge is allowed.
Pricing: 
$8 per person; $5 per person for members of N.J. Audubon, maximum charge of $20 per family. Registration required.


When/Where: 
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at in Hillsborough.
Why Go: 
To help support Coach Ian and the Progin family in fashionable style.
Pricing: 
$20 cut and style and $10 eyebrow wax. Reservations preferred.


When/Where: 
From 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at The Imperia in Somerset.
Why Go: 
To have all your dreams come true. Learn how to plan your special day with products and vendors from the finest the wedding industry has to offer.
Pricing: 
Free admission.


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