St. James Dance, Spring Plant Sales Coming Up

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, please add any events in comments that you feel may be of interest to our readers.

St. James Youth Dance
When/Where: Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at 8 a.m. at the 200 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge.
Why Go: These enormously popular dances for grades 6 to 8, hosted by and a fundraiser for the local Knights of Columbus Council 2393 are the place to be for once a month for young teens from Basking Ridge and nearby.
Cost: $10 admission

Wagner Farms Arboretum Spring Blooms
When/Where: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mountain Avenue in Warren.
Why Go: Wagner Farms is having a plant sale, complete with carnival games, open-air vendor tables and the Mt. Horeb firetruck, among much more.
Cost: Free.

Paws for Reading
When/Where: Next Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.
Why Go: A wonderful chance for children ages 6 and up to bring a book and read to a patient canine friend from St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison.
Cost: Free, but please preregister.

Music in the Somerset Hills Gets Jazzed for Spring
When/Where: Saturday at 7 p.m. at Peapack Reformed Church in Gladstone.
Why Go: Music in the Somerset Hills is presenting jazz music for the family with vocalist David Thorne Scott and the Somerset Hills Community Chorus.
Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students.

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screenings
When/Where: Friday at 8 a.m. at the Somerset Medical Center.
Why Go: The Steeplechase Cancer Center is offering oral, head and neck cancer screenings for people ages 30 to 65 who might be experiencing certain symptoms.
Cost: Free.

5K for Kindness and 1-Mile Walk
When/Where: Next Thursday, May 16, starting at 6:45 p.m. at St. James Church on S. Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Run in a USATF-certified course, walk for a mile to stretch your legs and help the St. James Men of Charity help individuals and organizations.
Cost: Tace fee for the 5K is $25 and for the 1-Mile Walk is $10. To sign up for the race and walk, or to make a donation, check the following link for online registration and information.

Garden Club of Watchung Plant Sale
When/Where: Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Wilson Memorial Union Church on Valley Road in Watchung.
Why Go: The church is hosting a best home-grown plant sale with the Garden Club of Watchung, which will be offering garden perennials in this annual sale.
Cost: Free, but the costs of whatever you buy.