For almost 30 years, residents of Bernards Township have gathered at the Bernards Township Library for the Current Issue Discussion group.

It began during the 1980's and is one of the library's oldest groups. Following the model of the Foreign Policy Association's ("FPA") Great Decisions Global Affairs Education Discussion Program, the purpose of the program is to teach citizens about what is going on in the world to promote globalization and understanding.

The group is one of Bernard's Township Library many free programs for residents of Basking Ridge and surrounding areas.  No registration is required to attend, and the group meets every Monday (excluding holidays) from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in Program Room A on the lower level of the library. 

Topic selection for the Current Issues Discussion Group is determined in a quarterly basis.  The next planning session will occur at the February 1, 2010 meeting of the group.  The FPA's Great Decisions 2010 Briefing Book provides guidance to the group for planning of the agendas.

Generally a sole topic is selected for each week's meeting.  Topics are determined on a quarterly basis with the help of an FPA guidebook. The next topic planning meeting will be on Feb. 1.

A presentation on the topic is made by a member or guest speaker followed by a discussion open to the entire group.  Every third or fourth meeting is a "potpourri" meeting, where each attendee has an opportunity to present or raise an issue fresh in their mind.  The issues discussed at the potpourri meetings are numerous. 

This past Monday's session was a potpourri meeting.  The issues discussed included the Haiti earthquake, the development and history of the Cuba, Dominican Republic and South Africa; Governor Christie and the economic crisis facing New Jersey; the Christmas airplane terrorism attack, the recently published book "Power of Half;" charitable organization salaries and giving; and the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the prohibition of corporate political campaign donations.

Some of the sole topic meeting agendas from the last quarter included: Afghanistan; nuclear power; New Jersey's economic future; the trial of the 9/11 terrorists; religious outreach; Sarah Palin, money and transplants. 

The meeting discussions are robust, informative and invigorating.  No stone is left unturned by the members is expressing all views and side of a topic.  The meetings are run and managed by the chairperson, Dorothy Schleifer, a resident of Basking Ridge and a long time member of the Current Issue Discussion Group.  Dorothy controls the group's spirited discussion with cross talking rules.  When wanting to speak, a person must raise their hand and be recognized by the topic presenter or the group chair. 

While the group is open to all who will find the discussion both challenging and educational, the group is mostly attended by our area's senior citizens.  Approximately 20 individuals attend on a regular basis.  Coffee, tea and snacks are provided for all attendees.   

The Bernard's Township Library's Current Issues Discussion Group is a great way to get involved with fellow citizens of Basking Ridge and surrounding areas.  Topics are varied and cover an array of issues facing the world.   The discussion is earnest, vibrant and educational.  For more information on the Current Issues Discussion Group contact the library at 908-204-3031 or just drop by and join a meeting on any Monday from 1 to2:30 p.m.