From Good Homes Returns to Area, Creation Station at Sparta Library

Here's what you need to know for Friday.

• Bringing together rock, jazz, folk, Celtic and jamband influences under one umbrella, From Good Homes forged its own, instantly lovable music, which prompted one critic to affectionately label the band’s blend of influences as “Hick-Pop.” I've always labeled the outfit's output as danceable alt-country. Whatever one calls it, it's a popular mix in the area: Two of the band's three scheduled weekend shows at the Newton Theatre are already sold out, and tickets for the third are going fast. Don't miss your shot at seeing Sunday's 8 p.m. show. Tickets range from $29-$49 and are available online. The Newton Theatre is at 234 Spring St. in Newton.
• Christmas is just days away, and if you have little children, you know they are going nuts in anticipation of seeing whether Santa fulfill their holiday present requests. Steer the kids' nervous energy into a creative direction Friday at the Sparta Public Library, 22 Woodport Road. The Creation Station is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids age four and up are welcome to drop in with a parent or guardian between those times to make a seasonal craft and enjoy a snack. For info, call the library at 973-729-3101.
• Winter Break is coming for Hopatcong and Sparta public school students. Monday next week, the day before Christmas Eve, is a half day for students in Hopatcong Borough Schools, and schools are closed from Tuesday on. Sparta Public Schools are closed all day Monday and until the New Year. Kids in both districts return to class at the usual times Thursday Jan. 2.
• Keeping It Clean: In Hopatcong, sanitation crews will head to Garbage Pickup Section D and Recycling Section A. For Saturday, the first official day of winter, the Recycling Center is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. In Sparta, check with the online schedule.