With spring gaining momentum, people and organizations are coming out of the woodwork with a variety of activities for all ages and interests in the coming days. A discussion on school pressures is scheduled for Thursday night, while other activities for, or about, young people include this Saturday's Easter Carnival at the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church and "Paws for Reading" at the Bernards Township Library. The "Big Apple Circus" also is in town. And after your St. Patrick's party on Saturday night, you might want to pick up some coffee at the fundraising Basking Ridge Fire Co. and …

Along with events around town, those who want to celebrate the Wearing 'o the Green may want to head to this Saturday's St. Patrick's Day parade in Morristown, one of the biggest in the state. And, hey, it's closer than New York. For continuing previews and coverage of the Morristown parade, check the Morristown Patch. Meanwhile, there will be a Purim celebration on Thursday night right here at the Chabad Jewish Center in Basking Ridge. And a wine tasting Friday night at Dolce Basking Ridge, to benefit the local Bernards Township PBA. For a good time without calories, Friday and Saturday's "…

This week offers a number of fundraisers — from the annual Bryan's Dream Foundation "Night of Hope & Dreams" to "Caring to Kathy," to a chance to donate to the county park commission, including the Environmental Education Center, while celebrating the movie opening of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. (The movie opens on Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2.) Update: Caring for Kathy is sold out, although donations to the fund still are being accepted. This also is the weekend for the two big spring musical productions at both Ridge High School and at Bernards High School. "The Secret Garden" at Ridge, based on …

Winter, such as it was, is drawing to a close and so is the week off from school for Bernards Township students. So we should all be relaxed, right? True or not, there are ways to have fun, learn something or cheer on your high school's athletes. And if you'd like to support the Bernards High Ski Racing Team in adult fashion, there's a delicious-sounding evening listed below that mixes blues, wine and food. Ridge and Pingry ice hockey teams faced off in Friday night's Skyland Cup championship at 8 p.m. at the Bridgewater Sports Arena. Pingry defeated Montgomery to get to the final. Ridge …

It's late afternoon on Wednesday — you're more than halfway through your childrens' week off from school in Bernards Township, and you've got a few more days to go. Now what? Well, if you are one of those families who went skiing for the week, or are sitting on a beach in Florida, you're probably not reading this. But what if you already took that skier, or skiers, in your house for a short trip north just to get on a slope where the temperatures actually have dropped below freezing this winter? (check) Tried to drum up extra community service hours required for your Ridge High School student…

An entire week off from school is about to begin for Bernards Township students. If you're not going away on a weeklong ski or beach vacation, you're going to have to find something to do with them — and yourself, when you need a break. This week's opportunities include everything from learning something useful (being safe around water) to a Girl Scouts' cheerleading program in nearby Bridgewater, and a workshop in puppetry in Chatham this Sunday. Once you've kept the kids occupied, it's time to hire a babysitter and go out in the evening — there's plenty of entertainment in the area through …

Here we are, already well through winter, and (although you may wish otherwise if you're a skier) the weather is giving us the freedom to get out and enjoy many activities without worrying about driving home in the snow. This week, there are a variety of Valentine celebrations, no matter who your sweetie is. There's a cooking and wine tasting class for couples in Bridgewater, a Valentine's party for senior citizens and a chance to hear romantic (or rockin') music. Children's activities are included from around the area. To combine a Valentine's celebration and kids' night out, check out "…

Winter may not officially be over, but it's time to get out and about again and shake off that post-holiday lethargy. You can sample some music that will make you appreciate the talent we have in our own back yard, dance, adopt a kitty, bike or laugh. You can also stop by Bishop Janes United Methodist Church in downtown Basking Ridge to meet Bernardsville native Katie Meyler and hear her talk about how her "More Than Me" foundation has grown to provide 100 scholarships to get children off the streets in Liberia. An opening reception for the Community Arts Show, to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on …

All of a sudden, there are things going on again after the holidays. There are some really cool things for kids to do in the upcoming days, and through this weekend, as well as a chance to do some really important things — listen to (and maybe question) a U.S. Congressman, adopt a pet, or participate in a fundraiser while doing something fun. Something that local residents might find especially helpful is a chance to learn about bears in a presentation on Sunday at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. As usual, please add other events we may have missed. "Cinderella, …

Instead of hanging out on a dull winter week, there's plenty to do in the upcoming days and through the weekend, some of it free or inexpensive. However, some events were canceled due to snow, including "Happy Birthday to the Don." Patch will update with further information when available. No reason to let the start of the New Year be dull! Get out and get moving, or meet friends, bring out your family, and have fun. Childrens' activities are included below. Somerset Hills YMCA Open HouseWhen/When: Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. at both Somerset Hills YMCA facilities in Basking Ridge; the main YMCA…

This coming week, both adults and children can find lots of things to do in the area to divert them with winter activities or events to stimulate the mind and entertain. And hey, there's always skiing, even without snow! "Protecting Our Waters and Our Lands"When/Where: Art exhibit on display any open hours at the Bernardsville Public Library, 1 Anderson Hill Road in Bernardsville, and at Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery in Bernardsville, with the show to last at both locations through Jan. 27.Why Go: To view scenes from the Great Swamp in Basking Ridge and beyond as portrayed by 25 artists from …

You may be a bit worn out from the holidays, but there are several chances over the next few days to refresh through enjoying nature or appreciating the arts. The Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge has a number of nature programs for all ages. Young people can plan ahead for a year's full of activities at the Bernards Township Library. Teen Advisory Board at Bernards Twp. LibraryWhere/When: From 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.Why Go: Students in grades 7 to 12 can plan future library events and volunteer …

For some people, this is the most wonderful time of the year. But whether you are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah or neither, you can assume that this may be a somewhat quiet next few days coming up as far as public activities. Not quite, though! There are holiday-related celebrations open to the public, as well as a few other events to keep you busy if you have some spare time. Weight Watchers at the Olde Mill InnWhen/Where: Either 9 a.m. or second 6 p.m. session on Thursday at the Olde Mill Inn, 225 Route 202 in Basking Ridge.Why go: You have to ask? Even if you don't put the calorie-…

It may be hard to decide between which holiday treats and special occasions to attend, starting on Thursday night through the weekend. This is a long list of things to do, some of which are eagerly awaited year after year. The holiday events are in full swing — but there still are some other interesting things to do. There's a roller derby for charity, a LEGO competition, and a chance to dance to The Fuzzy Lemons in your pajamas! And if you need to walk off some of your party treats, there's a real hike to one of the state's most interesting rock formations listed at the end of this column. …

Winter arrives soon, but you might not even mind during the next few days. You can enjoy holiday music, continuing winter activities at the Environmental Education Center, and shop at your local holiday boutiques. And whatever you do, get there early if you're going to the 21st annual Cookie Walk to benefit the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills! Despite seemingly endless trays of cookies, they go fast when fans descend at 9 a.m. this Saturday! The township's first-ever Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held simultaneously with hundreds of other ceremonies across the nation to…

If you're looking for something to do over the next few days, the list through this weekend certainly should give you plenty of options. Whether it's welcoming the holidays, or listening to music, shopping or getting out in the fresh air — or indulging your artistic side — there's something for everyone this week. Activities for children are mixed in with the list. Please feel free to add your own events at the bottom in the comments section! Advent Extravaganza Where/When: The 20th annual Advent Extravaganza is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at Liberty Corner Presbyterian …

 It's that time of the year again! This Saturday morning, Boy Scout Troop 54 is selling wreaths at the gazebo off Allen Street, the towering holiday tree arrives in downtown Basking Ridge, courtesy of the Basking Ridge Fire Co., and Bishop Janes United Methodist Church receives a first shipment of Christmas trees. What a way to kick off the holidays! Take a look too, at some other events in the area this weekend. Boy Scout Annual Holiday Wreath SaleWhen/Where: The last day of the sale for the annual fundraiser for Boy Scout Troop 54 from Liberty Corner is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. …

This weekend, you can take in a little local theater and run off some excess energy (or calories) at the annual "Turkey Trot" on Sunday morning. The 5K run and 1-mile health walk for all ages, which benefits the William Annin Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization, will be held from the township's Mountain Park off Martinsville Road, by Mountain Road. Basking Ridge Pediatrics and Dental Associates of Basking Ridge are co-sponsors. Awards will be given to overall male and female and top three runners in each age group in increments of 10 years for ages 10 through 70. Entrants are asked to …

There are numerous ceremonies and exhibits to recall Veterans Day this Friday and through the weekend, but there's also a place for fun as well. Are you a middle schooler? Try the monthly St. James Church middle school dance this Friday! Or hobnob at a reception that opens a photography exhibit at the Farmstead Arts in the township. Live music included. Like Pokemon? There's a tournament for you! But make sure to take some time this week to remember those who served: Field of HonorWhen/Where: A display of 125 flags dedicated to area veterans has been placed on the front lawn of the Bernards …

Admit it, after a week like this, you're ready for a dinner out with a bunch of your neighbors, or maybe a chance to get a good laugh. Both fire companies in Bernards Township have events on Saturday night — take your choice of a beefsteak dinner or comedy night. The 14th annual Taste of the Hills on Sunday evening raises money for the Adult Day Center at the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills — and offers a lovely setting at the Basking Ridge Country Club and a great spread of foods and even some wine. And don't forget about this Sunday's dedication of the Field of Honor for flags …