The walls of the Verve Bistro Bar & Lounge in Somerville were filled with hanging masks made by facilitators in the Matheny Medical and Educational Center's Arts Access Program, students in Matheny's Adult Services Program and members of the Junior Friends of Matheny, a group of students from Bernards and Ridge high schools. The occasion was opening night, Thursday, February 7, of Verve's Mardi Gras Carnivale celebration.

The celebration is scheduled to be held  this weekend (February 8-9), culminating with a silent auction for the masks on Fat Tuesday, February 12. A portion of the proceeds from the Carnivale will go to Matheny, a special hospital and educational facility in Peapack for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities. There is still time to join the celebration by making a reservation. Just call (908) 707-8655. Verve is located at 18 East Main Street.