EVENTS: Arts, Library Activities, Cool Critters

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 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

Where/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 projects.
Cost: Free, contact kolivari@bernards.org for information.

When/Where: From 6 to 9 p.m. at The Center for Contemporary Art, 2020 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster.
Why Go: Hobnob with local art lovers, hear an art talk and socialize in a pretty setting on a cold winter evening.
Cost: Free, but registration is required.

Captivating Critters!
When/Where: 4 p.m. on Thursday at the 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Children ages 7 to 9 will meet some cool critters, with anticipated appearances by Rosie, the red rump tarantula, hissing cockroaches from Madagascar, and other surprises.
Cost: $9, call 908-766-2489, or go on the Somerset County Parks Commission website.

Mega Mammals
When/Where: 4 p.m. on Tursday at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Children 4 to 6 can llearn about the larger species of mammals through crafts, stories, and games. Theme is “Bears,” a popular one in this area in the past year!
Cost: $9, prepayment required. Call 908-766-2489, or go on the Somerset County Parks Commission website.

Story Hour
When/Where: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Infants to children age 5, with a parent, are invited to hear a naturalist read an environmentally-based story and enjoy a short walk on the trails of the EEC.
Cost: Free, for information, call 908-766-2489, or go to Somerset County Parks Commission website.

Winter Birds
When/Where: 2 p.m. on Saturday at the 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Everyone, of all ages, are invited to learn to identify birds by sight, learning the basics of bird behavior, biology.
Cost: Free, for information call 908-766-2489, or go on the Somerset County Parks Commission website.

Open House for Membership Pre-School Camp
When/Where: Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center.
Why Go: To see what kinds of programs are offered to the community, including Indoor Pool (Salt Based,) Fitness Center, Group Fitness Classes, Personal Training, J-Spin Program, LesMills Body Pump Fitness Program, Swim Instruction, Sports Leagues, Summer Swim Club and Bridgewater Tide Swim Team, among others.
Cost: The open house is free to the community, but registering on that day includes savings of $100 to $200.

Computer Class: Job and Career Accelerator
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Bridgewater Township Library.
Why Go: To learn from an instructor how to create professional resumes and cover letters through a Job and Career Accelerator in an effort to find available jobs.
Cost: Free, but registration is required.

When/Where: Friday, 8 p.m. at , Morristown
Why Go: You love the theater, you love ALW, and it makes you want to siiiiing!
Cost: $37 to $52


When/Where: Sunday, 1 p.m., at , Morristown
Why Go: You're a Civil War buff, and want to meet someone who knows their stuff.
Cost: $8


When/Where: Sunday, 6 p.m., at , Morristown
Why Go: You want to enjoy some pizza while sketching a model for three hours.
Cost: $10 (includes two slices of pizza, one drink and three hours with model).


When/Where: Friday, 3-9:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the , 199 Smith Road, Parsippany
Why Go: To see pretty kitties compete
Cost: $8 adults, $6 seniors and kids 4-12.