Best Bets

Wednesday

Evening crochet workshop

Start a new hobby before the New Year with help from the Burlington County Library Crochet Workshop. The event is presented by the Crochet Guild of America, South Jersey Chapter. The class will involve hands-on help and instruction in basic needlework. Those who already crochet can glean some tips to perfect their technique. Participants need four-ply yard and an "H" hook. The library is at 5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton. Registration is not required. Free. 6 to 9 p.m. 609-267-9660, Ext. 3072 or

» READ MORE: www.bcls.nj.lib.us

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Thursday

Great books discussion group

Meet others to talk about books you've read at the Great Books Discussion Group at the Riverton Free Library, 306 Main St., Riverton. Michael Robinson leads the group, which meets every other Thursday. Registration is requested. Free. 8 to 10 p.m. 856-829-2476 or

» READ MORE: www.bcls.nj.us

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Friday

Blood drive

Give the gift of life this holiday season during the Red Cross Blood Drive at the Evesham Branch Library, Evesham Municipal Complex, 984 Tuckerton Rd., Marlton. The American Red Cross will be on hand for those who want to donate. Appointments are not required. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 856-983-1444 or

» READ MORE: www.bcls.lib.nj.us

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This Week

Patriots Week

Travel back in time to hear the thunder of cannons and the crack of musket fire as the Continental Army fights for America's freedom from Wednesday through Monday. The weeklong event has activities for the whole family, from the first shot of the cannon to the exciting conclusion in Mill Hill Park. Patriots Week is a celebration of Trenton's role in the birth of the American nation and is one of the largest Revolutionary War festivals in America, with more than 50 events for children and adults. Events include bus and walking tours covering the 10 crucial days of the army's trek, a Colonial Ball with dance instruction, the First and Second Battles of Trenton, exhibits of 18th-century clothing, archaeological finds, and tours of the Statehouse. Events for children include Colonial songs, singing games and dances; puppet shows; a Colonial tea for little grown-ups; and sword-fighting lessons for children of all ages. Patriots Week will be held in downtown Trenton. Prices and times vary; check the Web site for details. Information: 877-PAT-WEEK or

» READ MORE: www.patriotsweek.com

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Final Week

Digital photography

See the work of Richard Montemurro at Palmyra Cove Nature Park until Saturday. Montemurro believes the use of a computer allows the creation of new works from the images he snaps, resulting in some pretty unusual - and sometimes strange - creations. Palmyra Cove Nature Park is at 1335 Route 73 North under the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 856-829-1900.

Holiday Smithville Mansion

See the historic mansion of Smithville decorated in its holiday finest through Sunday. Its theme is an angelic Christmas. Furnished rooms decorated by local garden clubs and other nonprofit organizations depict the holiday in a Victorian manner. Handmade decorations adorn Christmas trees from the double parlor to the poker room. Visitors can try to find their home towns on a recently restored 1849 map hanging in a period office. Light refreshments will be served after candlelight tours. $6 adults; $5 seniors and students. Reservations required. 609-265-5068 or 856-778-8052.