Bike Races, 9/11 Dedication and First Day of School

With shorter days and cooler temperatures, it surely feels like the end of summer. Leaves are prematurely falling due to our lack of rain and enhancing the sense that fall is coming fast.  It's sad to see the summer end -- but we feel renewed with a sense of purpose as the kids go back to school on Tuesday, we go back to work, and summer is relegated to photos albums and family stories.

Labor Day starts this week and everyone in Bernards Township are invited to the  to 19th annual Olde Mill Inn Tour of Basking Ridge bike races, presented by Liberty Cycle and Bernards Township. For early risers looking to participate, the bike races start at 7:15 a.m. at the intersection of South Finley and Lewis streets. If spectating is more your style, watch the younger cyclists race at 10:30 a.m. 

The weekend will bring both a somber note and a spirit of fellowship. On Sept. 11, the nation will pause and remember the victims of 9-11, an event that took the lives of many township reisdents. In Basking Ridge, the Church of Saint James will dedicate a new 9-11 cross made with a steel beam from the World Trade Center. The cross will remain at the Church of St. James. Meanwhile, in the spirit of community, Fellowship Village is inviting all to its Family Fun Day, with games, music and food.

Monday, September 6

• 19th Annual Olde Mill Inn Tour of Basking Ridge Bike Races - South Finley and Lewis Streets, 7:15 AM. See Patch's previous article. 
• Labor Day Children's Bike Races – Downtown Basking Ridge (South Finley Ave.), 10:30 AM, Ages 3 - 15. All riders are required to wear helmets and pass a bike safety test. Rain or Shine. Free.

Tuesday, September 7

• Knitters & Crocheters - Bernards Township Library, 10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON, Bring your current project or future project ideas.
• Evening Book Discussion - Bernards Township Library, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, The book for September is The March by E.L. Doctorow. New members are welcome to join the library's book discussion groups at any time! Multiple copies of book discussion selections are available near the Circulation Desk.
• Career Forum - Somerset Hills YMCA, Mt. Airy Rd., 7:30 PM

Thursday, September 9

• Deer Management Advisory Committee Monthly Meeting - Town Hall, 1st floor, 7:00 PM.

Saturday, September 11

• Saturday Stories Drop In for Families - Bernards Township Library, 10:30 AM, Stories for the whole family to enjoy.  Meet on the story steps.
• Dog Walks on the Equestrian Trails - Lord Stirling Stables, 10:15 - 10:30 AM sign-in. Walk is from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. $3 per dog, humans free.
• Fellowship Village Family Fun Day - Fellowship Village (8000 Fellowship Rd.), 11:30 AM  2:30 PM. Open to All. Admission, food and activities are free.  Food, games, amusements, prizes, music, a petting zoo and more. Something fun for everyone. 

Sunday, September 12

• Dedication of World Trade Center Cross at Church of St. James in Basking Ridge - Church of St. James, 200 S. Finley Avenue, 3:00 PM. Surrogate Frank G. Bruno will make a presentation in cooperation with the Reverend Glenn John Comandini, Pastor of The Church of St. James of a cross made from a steel beam from the World Trade Center. The cross will be permanently housed in the Chapel section of the church which will be called the September 11th Oratory. All are welcome to attend.
• 10th Annual Canine Scavenger Hunt (rescheduled) - Lord Stirling Stable. Registration begins at 4 p.m., the hunt takes place from 5 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Fee is $10 per dog and handler with a $2 charge for each additional person. Prizes will be awarded to all participants.

Ongoing

• Junior Duck Stamp Exhibit - Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM except holidays through September 30. See winning artwork from the 2010 Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest. Free. Open to All.
• Birds of Prey of the Eastern United States - Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM except holidays through Saturday, October 9, 2010, Free. Open to All.