Comic Richard Lewis Plays Newton, New 'Giving Back' Open Blog, Go Spartans!

Here's what you need to know for Friday.

• Legendary standup comedian and television star Richard Lewis brings his smart, irreverent and neurotic brand of comedy to Sussex County Friday night. The Newton Theatre features the hilariously self-hating funnyman to its stage for an 8 p.m. performance. Tickets range from $34-$44 and may be purchased online. The venue is at 234 Spring St. in Newton. 
• Get to bed early (right after Richard Lewis, if you're going to the show) so you're rested and ready for the big game: The Sparta High School Spartans take on River Dell in the finals of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 championships. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. Saturday at MetLife Stadium. 
• We were so stoked with Giving Tuesday, we'd like to see the altruistic urge continue—and we bet you would agree. Since this is a community site and the best ideas come from the grassroots, Patch presents Giving Back in Hopatcong and Sparta, an open blog where you can post information about your fundraisers, food drives, callouts for volunteers. It's a place where you can post your thoughts about what it's like to volunteer or recount exciting or poignant stories of doing good for the community.
• It’s that special time of peace, good will, music, merriment and Ronnie's Dance Studio's Holiday Party. Saturday night will feature entertainment, a dance lesson, dance mixers and a hot/cold buffet with desserts. If you'd like to bring a bottle of an alcoholic beverage, that's allowed. And you get the cachet of attending Ronnie's biggest dance party of the year. The dress code is described as "not too fancy... holiday nice."  Tickets are $30 per person and info is available at 973-398-0098—move fast, seating is limited. Ronnie's Dance Studio is at 393 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong.
  
• Keeping It Clean: In Hopatcong, sanitation crews will head to Garbage Pickup Section D and Recycling Section A. The Recycling Center will be open Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. In Sparta, check with the online schedule.