Hopatcong High Presents 'Midsummer Jersey,' Sparta Football Aims for State Title

Here's what you need to know for the week ahead.

• What does social responsibility mean to you? If you are between kindergarten and 12th grade, the Sussex County YMCA wants to know what you think. And they want you to share your thoughts as part of Y Community, a fun, creative way for you to celebrate your community and the people who make it work. Express yourself throughg writing, painting, drawing, whatever you choose! The subimission period begins Monday and the deadline for submitting artwork  is Dec. 21. For more information visit www.sussexcountyymca.org.
• Hopatcong Borough and Sparta Township leave the lights on Monday for Municipal Night Court. If you can't get your judicial business done during 9-5 hours, this is your chance. Court is in session at 6 p.m. at Borough Hall, 111 River Styx Road in Hopatcong, and the time is the same in Sparta, where Night Court is held at 65 Main St.
• The Lenape Valley Regional High School Planetarium will open its doors to the public for a special holiday program, “The Star of Bethlehem.” The show runs Tuesday through Thursday and is intended for the whole family. The presentation deals with determining just what the object in the sky on the morning of the first Christmas could have been by exploring a fascinating mixture of historical and biblical information. Travel back in time to walk along with the Wise Men in their search for the birthplace of the newborn baby. Show times are 6:30p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each night, with a special 4 p.m. matinee on Thursday. Tickets are $5 per adult, $3 per student and $2 for those over 60. Reservations are strongly suggested: Send email to jscala@lvhs.org or call 973-347-7600 ext 165.  The school is located at 28 Sparta Road in Stanhope.
• The Sparta Planning Board holds a regular session Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 65 Main St. No agenda had been released at press time.
• The United Way Caregivers Coalition holds its monthly meeting Thursday at noon at the Tri-Co Federal Credit Union at 47 Route 206 in Augusta. The gatherings, held on the first Thursday each month, are open to the public and intended for people with an interest in caregiving. Members are welcome to bring lunch and eat during the meeting. For info, contact Robin Ennis at 908-579-3040.
• The Hopatcong High Drama Club presents “Midsummer Jersey” in the HHS auditorium Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday  at 2 p.m. The show should be a welcome blast of warmth and fun for the entire audience. Tickets are available at the door, $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students.
• The moment of truth is here: The Sparta Spartans square off against River Dell Saturday at 10 a.m. at MetLife Stadium for all the marbles, or specifically, the championship in the NJSIAA/Atlantic Health Section 1, Group 3 football tournament. For any information you might possibly want on this year's tournament and the teams playing at MetLife, NJSIAA record holding schools and more, check out this guide from the sponsors.
• Meet Santa and Rosie, a character from the classic "Elf on the Shelf," this weekend. Have your cameras charged to get shots of your kids with these great elves: Santa's coming to shopping boutique Frogmore Country Elegance from 12-2 p.m.  Saturday, and Rosie is coming along for the ride and to take photos with children.  USA National Princess Miss Ana Levin will be one hand as well to read stories to the children as they wait to see Santa. And kids can do their part to make others' holidays brighter. Each kid can sign a card that will be sent to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center through the Operation Recovering Hero Organization. The event starts Saturday at noon at 238 Route 206 in North Andover.
• Holiday fever hits Hopatcong when Santa (a busy dude!) heads to Hopatcong's Defiance Fire Company #3. Starting at 1 p.m., St. Nick will be on hand for photos and to enjoy the refreshments that will be served. Bring your kids for all the fun at the firehouse, at the intersection of Hopatchung Road and Durban Avenue.
• Hopatcong Borough holds its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Sunday at the municipal building. Come meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and music by the HHS Marching Band. will be provided, caroling and music by the H.S. marching band.