The Week Ahead: Murder Mystery, Family History, Government In Full Force

Everyone loves pizza, and most people love a good mystery; witness the outrageous success of television series like CSI, Bones and Fringe. This week, teens in grades seven to 12 can practice a little of their own forensics at the Bernards Township Library. On Wednesday night, "A Teen Murder Mystery" dinner will test participants' sleuthing capabilities as they dine on pizza.

Other highlights for the week include Introductory Horseback Riding and the start of the Gail Field Centered Riding Clinic at the Lord Stirling Stable and workshops on genealogy (Family History Interest Group), and needlework (Flicks and Sticks) at the Bernards Township Library. Township municipal meetings are back in full swing and open to the public.

Monday, August 23

• Current Issues Discussion – Bernards Township Library, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Program room A.
• Lord Stirling Stable Junior Summer Workshop #9 – Lord Stirling Stable, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
August 23 – 27:
 A hands-on 1 week theme-based workshop on the basics of horse care and riding (i.e., Western Week; Jumping & Gymnastics). Topics will vary throughout the summer; contact the stable office for more details. For an additional fee, an extra activity option is available to extend the camp day to 5 p.m. Activities will include swimming, special crafts, and additional hands-on opportunities with the horses. Juniors must be D-3 level or above.
 Fee: $200 Somerset County resident/$300 non-resident 
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (M-F)
 Lord Stirling Stable, Basking Ridge
 908-766-5955
• Pool Commission Meeting - Bernards Twp. Town Hall, 1 Collyer Lane, 7:30 p.m. First floor conference room.

Tuesday, August 24

• Flicks and Sticks - Bernards Twp Library, 10 a.m. – noon. Bring knitting, crocheting or other needlework and enjoy the movie, "Bend It Like Beckham" starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Program Room B.
 Free admission, no registration required.
• Family History Interest Group – Bernards Twp. Library, 6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Program Room B. Learn about the study of genealogy and family history. Participants can come, share their information and experiences. Coffee will be served at 6:30pm. Free admission, open to all, no registration required. For further information, call 908-204-3031.
• Township Committee Combined Agenda/Regular Meeting - Bernards Twp. Town Hall, 1 Collyer Lane, 8:00 p.m. First floor conference room.

Wednesday, August 25

• Teen Murder Mystery Dinner - Bernards Twp. Library.  6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Pizza and a puzzle to solve for those in Grades 7-12. Unravel the mystery while dining. Registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome. Program rooms. Free admission.
• Beautification Task Force Meeting - Bernards Twp. Town Hall, 1 Collyer Lane, 7:30 p.m. First floor conference room.

Thursday, August 26

• 250th Anniversary Task Force Meeting – Bernards Township Town Hall, 1 Collyer Way Lane, 4 p.m., First floor conference room.

Friday, August 27

• YMCA Free Friday – Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Rd, Basking Ridge. Become acquainted with many of the YMCA's programs and facilities. Open to all, no admission fee. Families and individuals can enjoy full access to both facilities at Riverwalk and Mount Airy Rd. Group fitness, rock climbing wall, pool, spinning classes, zumba and more.

Saturday, August 28

• Dog Walk on the Equestrian Trails – Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave. Enjoy a walk with your pup as the sun sets. Meet at 6:45 p.m.  Walk from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday, August 29

• Introductory Horseback Riding -
 Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave., 10 a.m. Introductory Rides are offered to people who are new to horseback riding or have never ridden English saddle. Each ride begins with a mini-lesson followed by a one hour trail ride led by a certified instructors. Participants ages of 9 - 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Registration in advance, Call 908-766-5955. The fee is $32 for Somerset County residents and $40 for non-residents. Approved riding helmets and boots are required and available for rental.
• Gail Field Centered Riding Clinic - Lord Stirling Stables, 
August 29 – September 3.
 Sponsored by the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, this riding clinic focuses on body awareness and the Alexander Technique. Open to riders at Beginner 2/D2 level and above. For fees and other information, please visit the Friends' website. 
Lord Stirling Stable, 
908-766-5955.