Holiday Shopping Continues, Gift Wrapping with the Elks

Here's what you need to know for Friday.

• Really? Not all shopped out from Thanksgiving Thursday? Then take a deep breath, because it's Black Friday. (And who are we kidding? We are headed into the fray with charge cards, parka and shin guards at the ready.) Expect the malls and department stores to be packed. Keep in the mind's forefront that this is the season of peace and goodwill, particularly in shopping center parking lots. And save a little energy, holiday spirit and cash to support local merchants too, especially on Small Business Saturday!
• Lake Hopatcong Elks Veterans Committee hosts a Black Friday Gift Wrapping and Dinner. Starting Friday at 1 p.m., stop in, make a donation, and have a cup of coffee while Elks volunteers gift wrap your day's purchases. Then, from 4-8 p.m., have dinner: $8 gets you a meal including spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, salad, dessert and coffee and tea. All proceeds raised from this event will go to support the endeavors of the Elks' Veterans Committee. The lodge is located at 201 Howard Blvd. in Mt. Arlington.
• Laughing beats crying any day, and after a hard day of Black Friday shopping, you might need a humor infusion. The Newton Theatre presents a timely 13th installment of its Big Apple Comedy Club series. On the bill are comics Alycia Cooper, John Mulrooney, John Rizzo and Tom Ryan. Tickets range from $20-$25 and may be purchased online. The theater is at 234 Spring St. in Newton.