Some local options for entertainment and edification over the three-day weekend honoring the memory of Martin Luther King Jr.:

Rent Party Friday the 13th Edition

It's another round of "Good Music, Good Cause" as the Rent Party showcases Marco Ranieri, Tri-State and Thursday Habit from 8 p.m. to midnight tonight at the South Orange Elks Club on 220 Prospect Street. $5 donation at the door. Proceeds to local food pantries. Friday, January 13

Connections That Matter

Jackie Fox, Director of Valley Settlement House and Martha Gallahue will share the podium for the Ethical Culture Society's regular 11AM Sunday Platform. They will discuss why our connection with one another matters. What does right relationship look like between our two organizations? Sunday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. The Ethical Culture Society of Essex County, 516 Prospect St, Maplewood, NJ, FREE

Bring the kids to the Y for a "Mad Science" Day!

Nothing for the kids to do on Monday? Take the to the South Mountain YMCA for Mad Science Day. At 10:00am, the "Spin, Pop, Boom!" program will begin.  This 45-minute presentation let's the "Genie out of the bottle", touches on gravity, inertia and explores the effects of heat on sound as well as on liquids — as a result there are lots of exothermic reactions in this show. The scientific process is reinforced throughout as children participate in a Centrifugal Force Platform, Bungee jump, listen to Didgeridoo Tubes, and observe our rainbow maker.  Members of the audience will participate in a number of the experiments! The remainder of the day will be filled with assorted, recreational activities!  Be sure to pack a lunch, but afternoon snack will be provided. Monday, January 16

Coalition Hosts 11th Annual Dr. MLK Observance with Expanded Service Weekend and Fair
The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invites the community to reflect on and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday January 16, 2012 from 3 pm to 4 pm at Prospect Presbyterian Church, 646 Prospect St., Maplewood. The guest speaker is Khalil Gibran Muhammad, current director of the world renowned Schomburg Center in Harlem and new resident of South Orange. Musical selection by the Voices in Harmony Choir, dance performance by members of Columbia High School Special Dance Company and selected readings from faith communities represented locally. A Volunteer Fair and reception will immediately follow the observance at the Prospect in Fellowship Hall. Various other short term projects that can be completed over the holiday weekend from Saturday, January 14 through Monday, January 16, are listed on the Coalition web site at www.twotowns.org

Shooting Star by Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre

Snowed in overnight at a middle-America airport, college lovers Elena Carson and Reed McAllister have an unexpected and life-altering reunion. As the night gives way to laughter, banter, remembrance and alcohol, Elena and Reed revisit a past that holds more surprises than they imagined—and a present that neither of them could have predicted. Filled with laughter and ache, SHOOTING STAR takes a funny, candid look at the middle days of our lives, and how we got there. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Baird, South Orange, $25

Screening of American Teacher

The Parenting Center and the Elementary School PTA's present the screening of American Teacher, a documentary chronicling the stories of four teachers — Erik Benner, Jonathan Dearman, Jamie Fidler, and Rhena Jasey — who live and work in disparate urban and rural areas of the country. By following these teachers as they reach different milestones in their careers, the film tells the deeper story of the teaching profession in America today. A panel discussion to follow screening will include featured teacher Rhena Jasey. FREE ADMISSION. Reserve tickets (recommended but not required) at http://bit.ly/americanteacher Tuesday, Jan. 17, Seth Boyden School, 7:30 p.m. FREE. Maplewood

"Our Friend, Martin" Screening at SOPAC

The Marshall PTA is hosting a special Movie Day on Monday, January 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The screening of "Our Friend, Martin," an animated educational movie about MLK, Jr. showing at SOPAC that morning, is open to all families in the district. The screening will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the suggested ticket price is $7.   Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be available at the door, but you can contact Delores Mae about pre-orders this weekend. Marshall PTA will also be collecting non-perishable items for a local food pantry the day of the event. Contact Delores Mae at dwmae@yahoo.com with any questions. Monday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m. South Orange