5 Things to Do in the Region

Here's a sampling of what's on tap for events and activities in the area this weekend.

1. The Sierra Club hosts its first-ever "Run Like the Wind" 5K. The event is designed to raise awareness of offshore wind energy and to raise funds for the Seaside Heights Business Improvement District's effort to restore its Sandy-damaged boardwalk. The environmental advocacy nonprofit invites runners, walkers and clean energy lovers to participate. Check-in is at 9 a.m.; the 5K walk/run steps off at 10 a.m. The benefit takes place at Farragut Avenue and the Boardwalk in Seaside. Registration is $20.00 in advance and $25.00 day of race.
2. You can do some good this weekend at a Turkey & Food Drive. The Pines Lake Woman's Club will be on hand to collect your donations of cash, frozen turkeys and nonperishable food items for the  Community Food Bank of NJ.  The food drive takes place Nov. 23 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Wayne Municipal Parking Lot at 475 Valley Road in Wayne. For the kids, Tommy the Turkey will be on hand for photos.
   
3. The Long Valley Junior Women's Club holds its second annual Craft - Vendor Show Sunday. The event promises a wide variety of vendors showing off and selling their wares, just in time for holiday shopping season.  Admission is free. The sale takes place at 10 a.m. at the Schooley's Mountain Fire House, 231 Schooley's Mountain Road.
   
4. Enjoy a child-friendly adaptation of the classic story of the Nutcracker this weekend with your young ones. "An Afternoon Tea at the Nutcracker," offers tea sandwiches, desserts and beverages and a Ballet Forte performance of an excerpt of the holiday favorite. The theatrical treat is served Saturday at the Madison Community House, 25 Cook Ave. in Madison.  Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the show begins at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $25 for children (10 & under) and $30 for adults; they may be purchased online.  All proceeds benefit underprivileged NJ high school students pursuing professional careers in dance.
   
5. The New York Times says Marlene Vanderplanck "may be the most accomplished interpreter of American popular music performing today." She's sung with the last Tommy/Jimmy Dorsey Band, as a backup singer to artists ranging from Sinatra to Kiss. She remains one of New York's biggest studio vocalists. Now she's coming to Montville with noted pianist Barry Levitt and  bassist Jay Leonhart.  The concert takes place Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Montville Twp. Library, 90 Horseneck Road. Call 973-402-0900, ext. 2278 for more information.