Summer Activities in Full Bloom This Week

July arrives this week and, with it many of the activities that area residents enjoy each summer.

Monday night is Family Night for members at Bernards Township's Pleasant Valley Pool off Valley Road, beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

The following day, Tuesday, local students with student ID can try out the municipal Coakley-Russo Memorial Golf Course, also off Valley Road, for a guest fee even if they aren't accompanied by a member. Students will be able to try out the golf course the following Tuesday as well.

Memberships are available at both recreational facilities.

Before municipal offices close for the Independence Day holiday on July 4 and 5, the township Planning Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. This week's agenda includes consideration of whether applications for further expansion at the Somerset Hills YMCA and at Ridge Oak Senior housing's Felmeth Hall are complete.

On July 4, many residents from this area head down to North Branch Park in Bridgewater for Somerset County's Fourth of July celebration, the year's biggest party in the county. This year will be the 43rd Annual Independence Day Family Festival.

The Festival begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, and admission is free. 

The evening of Americana represented by patriotism, music, and family entertainment will include a variety of performers, a reenactment of a Revolutionary War encampment by the Third New Jersey Regiment Revolutionary Encampment, children’s games and activities, plenty of food, and a sensational display of fireworks. 

Verdict will kick off the Independence Day live stage performance at 6:30 p.m. with a blend of classic reggae, calypso, soca, and funk island music. Disco hits of the 70's will follow when Dancin’ Machine hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. 

Central New Jersey’s largest fireworks display will begin at at 9:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks only will be presented on July 5 or the first clear evening at 9:30 p.m.

And although school may be over, you still can see Ridge High School students receiving their diplomas on the Bernards Township school website.

It's also time to check out your summer reading list.

And looking ahead to future years, this week's Moms Talk will look at whether local parents want to see a more distinct gifted and talented program for future school years.