The Weekender: Rent Party and Family Biking

This weekend, there are a myriad of causes to which you can contribute and places outdoors still ready to be explored.

Friday in the Millburn High School auditorium is the eighth annual Millburn Cares fundraiser. Started by Ms. Snyder, an English teacher at the school and a 2002 graduate, the goal of the fundraiser is to raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV and AIDS. For $5 you can come watch some of the high school's most talented vocalists and musicians perform hits from Broadway's Rock Operas. The show will begin at 7 p.m.

Want to exercise with the whole family in tow? This Sunday, the South Orange Maplewood Bicycle Coalition will host a family bike ride, which starts at 10 a.m. and will last approximately an hour. Bikers should meet in the parking lot of The Baird.

On Sunday, the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts will hold a free spring concert and some swing dancing. The event, presented by Maplewood Community Music, will feature the community band playing a concert at 3:30 p.m. and a swing dance with Swing Town, Maplewood's swing band. There will be dance instruction provided at 5 p.m.  Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Light refreshments will be provided.

Friday boasts another Rent Party, sponsored this time by the HK Community Fund at the South Orange Elks Lodge on 220 Prospect St. from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The event will feature Willie Nile and Christine Santelli and there will be a cash bar. Tickets are $20 and will benefit the Our Lady of Sorrows and St Joe's food pantries. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at Kitchen a la Mode in South Orange.

Also at the Burgdorff this Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. will be Carpools and Cannibals: A Celebration of Family Dysfunction in Words and Music. The event will feature the work of local writers such as Dina Pearlman, CJ Prince and Rich Maloof. Also performing will be Maplewood's 3rd Gear. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by send an e-mail here.