Halloween Festivities, College Prep, 'Arsenic and Old Lace' at Library This Week

J-Town, this is going to be a phenomenally wonderful week. (Obviously, we believe in the power of positive thinking.) Here is what's on tap.

• On Monday at 7 p.m., signups for spring youth baseball continue as the Jefferson Lightning holds its final night of tryouts for its spring travel league's 2014 season. Boys from ages 8-12 are invited this time around; tryouts for boys 13-18 will take place next year. Participants must register online at http://www.j-lightning.com/index2.html.
• College preparation time is well underway, and Jefferson Township High School wants to help. A College Financial Aid Workshop will be held for parents and seniors at the school, 1010 Weldon Road, Monday at 7 p.m.
• Want to hold 'em like they do in Texas while helping a local school? Tickets go on sale Tuesday for the Nov. 15 Jefferson Township Middle School PTA Casino Night at Casa Bianca on Berkshire Valley Road in Oak Ridge.  The event lets you make like a high roller for a good cause: Play Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold 'Em and Let It Ride. No, you won't win money—winnings will be redeemed for raffle tickets for chances to win gift baskets—but proceeds will benefit the PTA. Tickets are $48, which includes $100 in gambling money, hot hors d'oeurve, a cold antipasto buffet and dessert. A cash bar will be offered. You must be 21 or over to attend. To buy your tickets, call Vicki Burke (from the Oak Ridge side) at 973-409-4279 or Radhika Jayakumar (Lake Hopatcong side) at 973-794-4019.
• Wednesday brings Photo Makeup Sessions for JTHS seniors, so make sure the teens look sharp; photos will start at 2:30 p.m. and continue Thursday at the same time. There is more college prep at the high school too: Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., an SAT Preparation Session will be offered.
• The Class of 2015 at Jefferson Township High—our proud juniors—starts its All Hallows revelry early. On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., the teens will gather for Fright Night in the senior cafeteria.
• Thursday is Halloween! After two years of, um, compromised holidays—see the Patch photo above from Jefferson Township's snow-covered Halloween in 2011, and last year trick or treating and parades were all but obliterated by Superstorm Sandy—it appears this year could be a holiday to remember. Parents, dress your kids warmly and in bright colors to ensure their safety during trick or treating after dark. Most elementary schools will celebrate the holiday during daylight hours with parades and parties. And Jefferson Library adds to the daytime All Hallows fun with a Pre-K Halloween Bash with Musician Kurt Gallagher for the littlest ghouls and goblins. Kids will enjoy treats while rocking out to the music, and Gallagher will lead a parade of the wee ones through the Municipal Building for extra trick or treat fun. Parents and guardians, you must register your child for the event. Visit www.jeffersonlibrary.net or call the library at 973 208- 6244.  
• After dark, why not take your child to a safe celebration? Can't get safer than with firefighters, which perhaps makes Thursday's Jefferson Township Fire Company #1 Annual Children's Halloween Party the perfect way to give your kids fun and to have them securely in the company of heroes. The free party takes place at 6 p.m. at the Company #1 firehouse, 162 Milton Road. A costume contest starts at 6:30 p.m. and treats will be available for all the kids. However you greet the holiday, Patch wishes everyone a day of revelry, good-natured fun, only nice tricks and safety. And kids, remember to brush your teeth thoroughly so you don't have a fright the next time you go to the dentist.
• On Saturday, the Jefferson Township Community Players present a free performance of the radio version of Joseph Kesselring's classic 1939 play "Arsenic and Old Lace." The show has a Halloween theme, making it perfect for this week. After the show, enjoy refreshments and conversation. For more information, or to register, visit www.jeffersonlibrary.net, or call the library at 973-208-6244. The library is at 1031 Weldon Road in Oak Ridge.
• Join the Jefferson Arts Committee Sunday for on a bus trip to the Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pa., on Sunday. You can eat apple treats, check out the works and wares of artisans, enter a pie-eating contest, shop, enjoy live entertainment and grab some apples!  Tickets are $25 per person; reserve online to get them in advance or send email to artscommittee@jeffersonarts.org.  The bus leaves from the parking lot of The Lakeland Bank Operations & Training Center, 5716 Berkshire Valley Road, promptly at 9 a.m. and departs from Peddler’s Village at 5 p.m.