If you possibly could have avoided seeing the banners in town, or hearing children talk, here's the news — this Saturday is the return of Charter Day, Bernards Township's annual celebration of the founding of the township of Bernardston by order of British King George II in 1760. While you can learn about history, there are also plenty of purely entertaining things to do at this day and night-long annual event, including hearing music and dancing in the street, sliding down a blow-up slide, picking up loads of freebies and stuffing yourself with treats like fried oreos and a gourmet meal (…

As Mother's Day approaches, many people will spend at least some time with their mom, grandma or some other important woman in their lives. But over the next several days, leading into next week, there's plenty of other things to do, either on your own or with friends or family members. It's time to have some fun listening to music and/or dancing. As often in the Somerset Hills, some of the most enjoyable activities also are fundraisers for worthy causes. And spring is here, so it's time to go look for some plants to cultivate whether to surround yourself with flowers — or edibles. As usual, …

The next few days offer both fun and fascinating events to attend and things to do. And of course, there's the pleasure of buying great things while helping a cause — and your money can go pretty far at the long-running spring rummage sale to benefit the Basking Ridge-based Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills. The VNA's three-day marathon rummage sale officially opens its doors at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and runs through Sunday. You can also learn what's just been discovered recently about how important the Somerset Hills was during the American Revolution. Along with a workshop on …

You know this area has finally shaken off the winter doldrums when so many of spring's annual events are back in a weekend that almost has too many things to do. There's a swamp scavenger hunt, a barbeque and community spring planting event, Healthy Kids Day on Saturday at the Somerset Hills YMCA, a free musical event and more! And to take care of some business, a helpful seminar on financing college even is scheduled for Saturday morning at the Bernards Township Library. And don't forget the annual fishing derby at Southard Park! Annual Fishing Derby at Southard Park When/Where: Saturday …

The next few days promise to be very busy for both special events — and also a convenient electronics recycling event to be held in Bernardsville. This Sunday sees the return of Miles for Matheny, an annual celebration of spirit that will be held in Liberty Park and invites runners, walkers, bikers and spectators to the party before a triumphant Wheelchair Walk founded by the late Lu Huggins of Basking Ridge. The Bernards Township PBA Local 357 also is holding its annual wine tasting fundraiser on Friday night at centrally located Dolce.  Heartworks Annual Yard SaleWhen/Where: Friday and …

For those living in Basking Ridge and nearby in the Somerset Hills, the next few days are filled with song, wine and good food for a good cause and...pets. Below is our pick of upcoming activities, offering both fun activities for adults and great family-friendly fun at the same time, sometimes both in the same place. As usual, please add something in the comments section if we missed it, or you think readers would like to know. Gail Winbury's Art and Live Music at Farmstead Arts When/Where: Sunday, 1 p.m. at Farmstead Arts in Basking Ridge, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge. Why Go: Local …

Along with church services, there are other Easter events this weekend to help local children take part in happy traditions at this time of the year. Below are some of the activities scheduled for this weekend in Basking Ridge and nearby. Here are this week's picks: Easter Breakfast and Basket at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church When/Where: Easter Sunday, March 31, between 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church in downtown Liberty Corner Village. Before or after services at the church. Why Go: A variation of the usual Easter egg hunt, especially after some of the …

The next few days and this weekend are filled with Easter fun activities, and historic events. Below is the combination of our weekly pick of activities offering fun and something interesting for adults and kids at the same time. Here are this week's picks: Easter Egg Hunt at Oak Street School When/Where: Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Oak Street School, on West Oak Street in downtown Basking Ridge. Why Go: Great time with the Kiwanis Club of Somerset Hills returning its annual egg hunt to entertain local children. Cost: Free Meet the Easter Bunny When/Where: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the…

The Bernards Township Library continues to offer multiple events to appeal to adults and children of all ages throughout the week. We've included a few, but you can find a full list online. In neighboring Bernardsville, there will be a Scrabble tournament on Sunday to have fun and bring in donations for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Meanwhile, on Friday night, Bernards High School graduate Katie Meyler's "More Than Me" Foundation will celebrate winning a $1 million Chase Giving Award to advance the foundation's goal of educating girls in Liberia, Africa. The party is in Morristown…

This week is filled with lots of music and some games to pass the time, including the Ridge High School drama club's annual spring musical, "Legally Blonde — The Musical." The Bernards Township Library is hosting a ragtime trio on Saturday. Pick up your free tickets ahead at the library on South Maple Avenue in downtown Basking Ridge. Below is the combination of our weekly pick for some activities to offer fun and something to do by yourself, with friends, or with the family. Here are this week's picks: "Legally Blonde — The Musical" When/Where: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Performing…

This week is filled with library events, open gyms and more. Below is the combination of our weekly pick of upcoming activities, offering both fun and educational activities and family-friendly events at the same time. Here are this week's picks, including events at the Bernards Township Library on Thursday night and Friday afternoon: Teddy Bear SleepoverWhen/Where: Friday from 4 to 4:45 p.m. at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.Why Go: The library's teen department is hosting this teddy bear sleepover event. Children ages 4 and up are invited to bring their teddy…

This weekend is filled with Halloween events, 5K runs and lots to learn — even a chance to prep for that upcoming SAT by taking a free practice test at the Bernards Township Library. Below is the combination of our weekly pick of upcoming activities, offering both fun weekend activities and great family-friendly fun at the same time. Here are this week's picks: Tween Halloween Origami for Grades 4 to 6When/Where: Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. Why Go: Local resident Jann Slapin wiill extol her knowledge and expertise on the art of …

The next few days are filled with cultural events, fall fun with a hint of Halloween and even breast cancer awareness programs. Below is the combination of our weekly pick of upcoming activities, offering both fun weekend activities and great family-friendly fun at the same time. International Festival at Somerset Hills YMCAWhen/Where: Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge.Why Go: Sample our local cultural variety with sights, sounds and (maybe best of all) tastes. The event will feature music, dance performances, food and art that represent …

It's a prime fall weekend, and time to put on your walking shoes. You can walk around the Great Swamp and take your dog for a walk at the Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge — or walk around Bernardsville on Friday night's monthly ArtWalk. There's a Habitat for Humanity fundraising walk and 5K run in Bridgewater — and then a "crawl" for charity at The Famished Frog in Morristown. So get moving, and head out for some fun this weekend. 1770s FestivalWhen/Where: Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lord Stirling's former estate near the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road…

Fall is a time of year for getting many useful and necessary things done, as well as enjoying the season's entertainment, both outdoors and indoors. This weekend illustrates that perfectly with both the second annual Basking Ridge-Bernardsville ARTsee tour of 20 area artists' studios, a shred day opportunity to support the Basking Ridge Fire Co., fundraisers and outdoor walks and runs and music — lots of music, of an amazing wide variety of styles. And there's always something to do at the library! Shred Day to Benefit Basking Ridge Fire Co.When/Where: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the…

This weekend has some things going on that don't happen every day in these parts. Along with the Somerset Hills YMCA's Strong Dogs Day, there is the return of Pro Wrestling to Long Hill Township, sponsored by the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations as a benefit. There's also a hint of Halloween already — in fact, the Somerset Patriots are having their "Halloween Night" this weekend. And learn about the paranormal at the Bridgewater Township Library. Have fun! Strong Dogs DayWhen/Where: Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Somerset Hills YMCA's main …

This week offers an opportunity to participate in some unusual or rarely offered events and programs. Whether you live in Bernards Township or not, you can attend the township library's information session on what the library offers in the way of resources for home-schoolers. But note, that program is coming up on Thursday evening, although undoubtedly the library staff would provide assistance in that area even at a later date. And then there's a Friends of Lord Stirling specialty — bringing the Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria to Lord Stirling Stable. Of course, there's a wide variety of…

It's fall, and if the sun isn't quite as strong as in summer, this is still the time of year for frisky outdoors fun. It's also a time of year when people turn to exploring new things (a holdover from our school days?) and picking up new skills. There's a long list for those with a variety of interests — at many ages — below. And don't forget, you still can catch a Somerset Patriots' game. Dog Walks at Lord Stirling StableWhen/Where: Morning hours resume for The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable's popular Saturday dog walks starting in September. The weekly event will be held at 10:30 a.m. with…

 This is that wonderful time of the year when all that is lovely about summer remains, while there is a hint of fall's freshness in the air. There are many events this week that still celebrate summer and the outdoors. But you can think ahead to fall, many people's favorite season of the year, and for good reason. See below. And if you missed our Down the Shore column elsewhere, it's on the list. Enjoy Labor Day weekend and beyond! Last Free Friday at Somerset Hills YMCA/Come Play at the 'Y'When/Where: While Aug. 31 is the last "Free Friday" at both the Riverwalk and main facility of the …

This week's list includes some last summertime events that you could be savoring in memory when the weather gets cold! Enjoy them while you can! But for the many equestrians among us, take the time to register for the riding lesson you want at Lord Stirling Stable. This is such a great time of year to be on horseback! There are events listed below for both children and adults, and of course for families. County CaperWhen/Where:This Saturday and Sunday, full day event that has you chase down adventures throughout Somerset County's parks with a home base at the Environmental Education Center, …