events

• Soulsville USA, Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. — Music historian Vinnie Bruno returns to the Vauxhall Branch Library to take attendees on a musical journey of the collaboration between Atlantic Records and the Stax Volt label. This partnership is considered one of the most important record company partnerships in history and he will talk about how it led to the development of the timeless soul music still enjoyed six decades later. Bruno will talk about Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and countless others.

• Holiday Cooking with Chef Jesse Jones, Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. — Chef Jesse Jones returns to the Vauxhall Branch Library for another informative and tasty cooking demonstration. For this program, Jones will focus on holiday cooking, as he will be preparing “Mommy Smothered Chicken over Cheese Grits with a Southern Twist.” Jones is a renowned chef and author known for his modern approach to southern cuisine.

• Kwanzaa 2023 Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 16, at non — Two wonderful events in celebration of Kwanzaa will be offered at the Vauxhall Branch Library. First, Newark-based Zawadi African Dance and Drum will be doing a half-hour performance consisting of drum and dance that will showcase the history of Africa and reconnect attendees with the ancient culture. Secondly, master storyteller Queen Mother Imakhu will be doing a talk.

UNION — Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church, 971 Suburban Road, Union, has announced a Winter Festival Tricky Tray on Sunday, Jan. 14, with doors opening at 2 p.m. This event is poised to become a cherished tradition in the parish, serving as a crucial fundraiser for vital repairs and renovations needed to upkeep the beautiful facilities and to contribute to the Food Bank. Join in making this occasion both memorable and impactful for our community.

The Tricky Tray tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased online through the Holy Spirit Parish website at https://www.holyspiritunion.org, at the Parish Office or at the conclusion of all Masses. No one younger than the age of 18 will be permitted entry.

To support the Food Bank, kindly bring a bag filled with non-perishable food items to the Tricky Tray and receive an additional sheet of first level bid tickets.

For additional information, email holyspiritnjevents@gmail.com.