December 5, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 21 Saddle River Valley Notes Hanukkah Party, Holiday Gift Drive set The Saddle River Valley Jewish Community Organization will host its annual Hanukkah Party for children up to age 10 on Monday, Dec. 10 from 3:15 to 5 p.m. at the Upper Saddle River Fire Department, 372 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River. The event will feature a magic show, holiday treats, and the Menorah Lighting at borough hall, 376 West Saddle River Road, at 5:15 p.m. The menorah will be lit each subsequent night of Hanukkah. Families are invited to share in this celebration. To attend the party, RSVP to SRVJCO@yahoo.com. The organization will be collecting donations for its Third Annual Senior Holiday Gift Drive through Dec. 19. The gift board is displayed in the Saddle River Post Office, 177 East Saddle River Road in Saddle River, with gift suggestions for needy seniors in the Saddle River Valley and surrounding areas. Local residents are requested to donate only new, unwrapped gifts. The SRVJCO is a non-profit organization serving the Saddle River Valley. Activities are focused on raising funds for local and national charities. All proceeds from this event will benefit local seniors in need. For more information, contact SRVJCO@yahoo.com. Church hosts ‘Acoustic Worship Service’ The Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River hosts its new “Acoustic Worship Service” at 5 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. The music is contemporary, folk, traditional, Gospel, and original. This season’s theme will be “Biography of Faith.” Everyone is invited to join with song leader Rebecca Abma, Pastor Bob Fretz, musicians, believers, and seekers of all ages. The next service will be held Dec. 8. Built in 1819, the Old Stone Church is an acoustic marvel located at 481 East Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River. Hopper-Goetschius House hosts holiday event Share the magic of the holiday season at the HopperGoetschius House Museum on Dec. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to visit Santa in his sleigh in the Dutch barn. To visit with him, each child is asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to be shared with the needy. Chestnuts will be roasting on the open fire in the outkitchen while mulled cider brews in the house, which will be decorated for the season. Lizzie’s cherished ornaments will be on the tree. On exhibit will be many new items donated by descendants of the Hopper and the Goetschius families, including dolls, a child’s sled, and a fabulous antique gliding horse. In the schoolhouse decorated for the holidays of a century ago, children may listen to a reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1848 “’Twas the Night before Christmas,” at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. In the back room, there will be a new display of 90 recently donated Civil War soldier figures along with toys and puzzles. The museum is located on the corner of East Saddle River Road and Lake Street in Upper Saddle River. Book Groups to meet The Novels at Night book discussion group will meet Dec. 5 at the Upper Saddle River Library to discuss Ha Jin’s “Waiting.” The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month. On Dec. 13, Coffee Talk will discuss “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. Coffee Talk meets the second Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Copies of the books may be picked up at the library’s circulation desk. The library is located at 245 Lake Street in Upper Saddle River. Call (201) 327-2583 for details. Holiday Book Sale set The Friends of the Upper Saddle River Library will hold a Holiday Book Sale on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lower level of the library located at 245 Lake Street in Upper Saddle River. In addition to a good supply of fiction and nonfiction books, the sale will include CDs, tapes, DVDs, and collector’s LPs in excellent condition. The Holiday Boutique, located on the main floor of the library, is under way and features a wide selection of gift items. The boutique will continue through Dec. 31. Donations of gently used books for the sale may be dropped off at the library during regular library hours. For more information call (201) 327-2583. Center presents Holiday Laser Spectacular The Saddle River Cultural Center, located at 305 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with Broadway quality shows. These programs are guaranteed to entertain and amaze audiences of all ages. The center offers a full schedule of children’s classes and camps and hosts customized children’s parties. On Saturday, Dec. 15, the center will present a Holiday Laser Spectacular at 3 p.m. This winter holiday celebration will features bright colorful laser lights, a sing-along to classic non-denominational holiday songs and current pop tunes, and Squicky the penguin. The program is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $12. Visit at www.srvcc.org or call (201) 825-3366 for tickets and information. Bergen Highlands presents Christmas Cantata On Sunday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m., Bergen Highlands United Methodist Church at 318 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River invites the community to its special Christmas Cantata, “The Winter Rose,” by Joseph M. Martin. The program will include the combined choirs of Bergen Highlands UMC and Park Ridge UMC. All are welcome. For information, call (201) 327-3960 or www.gbgm-umc.org/bergenhighlands@optonline.net. Holiday staple (continued from page 10) than another spirit. As America grew and eggnog was enjoyed in different parts of the country, the rum was replaced with regional spirits, including bourbon or grain alcohol. Other ingredients were also added to give it a customized flavor. However, the use of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves has become traditional for the holiday brew. Although eggnog is widely enjoyed throughout the holiday season, in the past it was served at special events and social occasions. As a warmed beverage, it can easily chase away winter’s chill. This is how it may have come to be enjoyed primarily during the holidays. Love it or hate it, eggnog is a drink that can evoke strong feelings of the holidays within minutes. There are variations of eggnog sold commercially, but many people swear by homemade versions for taste and authenticity. Try your own homemade eggnog with this recipe, courtesy of Cooks.com. Holiday Eggnog (Spirited) 1 dozen eggs 1 pound powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup vanilla 8 cups evaporated milk 3 cups water 1 quart spiced rum Nutmeg, to garnish Beat eggs until light in color. Gradually add sugar, salt, and vanilla. Then add milk and water. Stir in rum. (Brandy, bourbon, or rye may also be used.) Cover the nog and “ripen” for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Stir again and serve sprinkled with nutmeg.