Township Marks Festival of Lights, Planetarium Shows Off 'Star of Bethlehem'

Here's what you need to know for Tuesday.

• What better time than the holidays, the time of goodwill toward others, to give blood? You have a chance Tuesday at Jefferson Township High School, which offers a Blood Drive from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
• Jefferson Township gathers Tuesday to mark the eighth night of Hanukkah with an official Municipal Menorah Lighting. The event will begin at 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Municipal Complex at 1033 Weldon Road in Lake Hopatcong. And this will be fun: There will be holiday music, a special Hanukkah reading, guest speakers, and traditional holiday foods and refreshments—including yummy jelly doughnuts—to follow in the Municipal Building’s lobby. You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate the wonder of miracles and the historic victory of the Maccabees over oppression. Come in joy, sing and dance and stay for the chocolate gelt. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or toiletries along for Jefferson Township efforts to help the poor. For more info, call the Recreation Department at 973-663-8404.
• Tuesday is opening night for the Lenape Valley Regional High School Planetarium 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.