The New Year's celebrations now are behind us. The decorations get stowed away, the kids go back to school and we vow to make more trips to the gym. With renewed purpose, we get organized for 2011.

As part of your planning for the New Year, take note that is a week for many kinds of "registrations." Starting on Monday, the Bernards Township library opens registration for the popular Winter Children's Story Time and  Family Read Aloud Programs.

Also on Monday,  the township's Department of Parks and Recreation will start accepting sign-ups for its adult winter fitness programs, and open gyms.

On Thursday, residents with children who will turn age 5 by Oct. 1, 2011 should note that kindergarten registration will be underway at all the township's public elementary schools. Times vary at the different schools so check carefully and make sure you bring the required paper work.

There is also a blood drive this week at the Somerset Hills YMCA Riverwalk locations. Meanwhile, auditions are ongoing for this summer's upcoming musical, "Footloose" on Jan. Tuesday and Friday. 

Monday

Registration: Winter Story Time (residents)—Bernards Township Library, online or at the children's desk. 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Registration: 'Chill Out with a Good Book' Family Read Aloud Program—Bernards Township Library, sign up at the children's desk.

Township Committee Reorganization and Combined/Regular  Meeting—Bernards Township Town Hall, 7 p.m. Community get-together following the meeting at the Liberty Corner Firehouse in downtown Liberty Corner.

Registration: Township Adult Winter Fitness Programs and Open Gyms—Bernards Township Town Hall, 8:30 a.m. Programs start the week of Jan. 10 through the Bernards Township Department of Parks & Recreation.

Winter Riding Lessons—Lord Stirling Stable. English balanced seat riding instruction is offered one hour a week for 10 weeks. Beginner through advanced jumping classes are available for riders ages 9 through adult. Contact 908-766-5955 for further information.

Senior Flex Class—Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, 10:30 a.m. For seniors, free of charge.

Senior Bridge—Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For seniors, free of charge.

Tuesday

Registration: Winter Library Story Time (residents)—Bernards Township Library, on line or at the Children's Desk. 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Knitters & Crocheters—Bernards Township Library, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Bring your current project and join others in sharing tips, techniques and ideas. Program room B.

Evening Book Discussion—Bernards Township Library, 7 to 9 p.m. The book for January is "Othello" by William Shakespeare. Multiple copies of book are available near the circulation desk.

Plays in the Park Auditions ("Footloose")—St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 7 p.m. Play to be staged next July.

Wednesday

Registration: Winter Library Story Time (nonresidents)—Bernards Township Library, online or at the children's desk. 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Anime Club—Bernards Township Library, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Grades 7-12. Discuss the latest manga titles, watch anime episode, enter contests and share artwork. Snacks and drinks will be served. Program room B.

Plays in the Park Auditions ("Footloose")—St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 7 p.m.

Thursday

Senior Flex Class—Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, 10:30 a.m. For seniors, free of charge.

Registration for Kindergarten—All township public elementary schools. Children must be 5 years old by Oct. 1, 2011. Cedar Hill,  Liberty Corner and Mount Prospect 2 to 6 p.m.; Oak Street School 9 to 11 a.m., and 2 to 5 p.m.

Blood Drive—Somerset Hills YMCA, 2 to 8 p.m. Call 1-800-933-2566 for an appointment or walk in.

Let it Snow Children's Program—Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Children ages 4 to 6 will explore snow, inside and out.  Register online or call 908-766-2489. $9 per person.

New Year, New Ways Children's Program—Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Children ages 7 to 9 will learn environmentally friendly tasks, create recycled masterpieces, and learn all about the little things we can do to help Mother Nature. Register online or call 908-766-2489. $9 per person.

Friday

Plays in the Park Auditions ("Footloose")—St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 7 p.m.

Music to Move By Ages 3 and Under—Bernards Township Library, 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 11 to 11:45 a.m. Children ages 3 and under with an adult can join Ann Wild for an interactive musical program. Program room B

Saturday

Drop in Crafts—Bernards Township Library, 10:30  a.m. to noon. All ages, materials provided, no registration required. Program room A.

Dog Walks on the Equestrian Trails—Lord Stirling Stable
10:15 to 10:30 a.m. sign-in. Walk is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. $3 per dog, humans free.

Sunday, Jan. 9

Nature Walks—Environmental Education Center, noon to 1 p.m. All ages. Children should be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Free.

Ongoing

Nature through a Child's Eye—Environmental Education Center, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily through Feb. 23. The annual Environment and Nature Art Show will be open except for holidays. Works with a theme about nature produced by children in kindergarten through grade six from schools in Somerset County. Free.