November 28, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 17 Saddle River Valley Notes Extra bulky trash pick up announced The Borough of Upper Saddle River has added an extra bulky trash pickup due to Hurricane Sandy. The pickup will take place on Friday, Nov. 30. Residents may place items at the curb. In accordance with state laws, electronics, such as computer monitors, televisions, and keyboards, will not be collected. Electronics may be brought to the recycling depot located behind the department of public works every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The borough accepts used clothing in clear bags for recycling. Saddle River Cultural 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. Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Toy Drive set The annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Toy Drive hosted by the Saddle River Valley Junior Woman’s Club will be held Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. The event will be held at borough hall located at 376 West Saddle River Road, and will feature the Northern Highlands Regional High School’s holiday band ensemble and the Highlands Voices chorus. Participants will enjoy cookies and hot cocoa as they await the arrival of Santa from the North Pole. The SRVJWC asks attendees to bring an unwrapped toy for the children of Foster and Adoptive Family Services. Visit www. fafsonline.org for details. For more information, contact Aimee Newsham at (201) 783-3194. Advent Directed Retreat offered The Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River and Saint Paul’s Parish in Ramsey are offering an Advent Directed Retreat to members of the community who wish to deepen their life of prayer, but cannot get away for a retreat. This program allows participants to perform retreat activities at home. During the week of Dec. 1 through 8, a team of experienced religious and lay spiritual directors will provide individual spiritual direction for interested people in a “retreat” they can experience at home. The retreat will begin and end with group meetings on Saturdays, Dec. 1 and 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Gathering Room at Church of the Presentation, 271 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River. From Monday through Friday, each person making the retreat will meet with a spiritual director for a 30-minute session each day. Participants are required to commit to pray for approximately one half hour each day of the retreat, and to meet with their spiritual director. There is not charge to participate, but a freewill offering may be made at the concluding group meeting. Individuals who have made this retreat in the past are encouraged to join for another session. For more information, or to register, call free and open to the public. Registration is Ruth Harrison at (551) 427-7440 or Miriam required as seating is limited. The library is Leiser at (201) 825-0853 by Nov. 28. located at 245 Lake Street in Upper Saddle River. For more information, or to register, call (201) 327-2583. Club hosts holiday events The Saddle River Valley Residents Club, (formerly known as the Saddle River Valley Newcomers Club) will host an International Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 29. A Holiday Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Other activities sponsored by the organization include a book club, Out to Lunch, golf, social suppers, and more. For further information, contact Ricki at (201) 8186643 or e-mail membership@srvrc.org. A new website is under construction and will be available shortly. Library announces programs Master Hypnotist Larry Greenberg will present a program on hypnosis at the Upper Saddle River Library on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Learn how hypnosis works and how it can be used in everyday life to make improvements and break bad habits. Young adults and adults are welcome. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. and is Police warn of scams The Upper Saddle River Police Department warns residents of charity and contractor scams circulating in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Citizens are urged to be cautious of anyone aggressively soliciting donations over the phone. Call the charities registration section at Consumer Affairs, (973) 5046215, to check the legitimacy of a charity. Unscrupulous contractors solicit their services door-to-door and will ask for money upfront for “material expenses.” These thieves will often advertise themselves as “hurricane specialists.” A resident should not accept the services of contractors who ring their doorbell. To find a listing of New Jersey licensed contractors, visit njconsumeraffairs.gov. Contact the Upper Saddle River Police Department at (201) 327-2700 if contacted by contractors and charities soliciting doorto-door or by phone.