ARTsee Tour, Shred Day Coming Up

Fall is a time of year for getting many useful and necessary things done, as well as enjoying the season's entertainment, both outdoors and indoors.

This weekend illustrates that perfectly with both the second annual Basking Ridge-Bernardsville ARTsee tour of 20 area artists' studios, a shred day opportunity to support the Basking Ridge Fire Co., fundraisers and outdoor walks and runs and music — lots of music, of an amazing wide variety of styles.

And there's always something to do at the library!

Shred Day to Benefit Basking Ridge Fire Co.
When/Where: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Basking Ridge Fire Co. firehouse, 30 Washington Ave., Basking Ridge
Why Go: Get rid of personal documents and mail by having papers safely shredded and support the volunteer fire company.
Cost: Free

ARTsee Open Studio Tour
When/Where: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., based from the Farmstead Arts at King George Road, with map for tour of artists in their studios in Basking Ridge and Bernardsville.
Why Go: Self-guided tour of artist' studio, showcasing fine arts and crafts in a wide array of media. See the work of great local artists — and maybe stock up on gifts or buy art for your home.
Cost: Free, download map and information at www.ARTseeTour.com.

Spook Handy Concert
When/Where: Saturday, at 4:30 p.m. at the Farmstead Arts, 650 King George Road, Basking Ridge.
Why Go:Acclaimed folk singer Spook Handy will be performing again at Farmstead Arts with a tribute to his mentor, Pete Seeger.
Cost: Tickets are $20 per person, $10 for seniors and students, and may be purchased online at http://septfarmsteadconcert.eventbrite.com. Tickets may also be available at the door based on availability.

Unused drugs collection at Bernards PD
When/Where: On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bernards Township Police headquarters at 1 Collyer Lane in downtown Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Bring unfinished, outdated and unwanted medications, pills or liquids, to safely dispose through your local police department in statewide program.
Cost: Free.

Saturday Stories
When/Where: Saturday from 10:30 to 11 a.m. on the Story Steps in the children's library at the 32 S. Maple Ave. Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Because you can never hear/tell too many stories! All ages, no registration required. More activities on library website.
Cost: Free, just show up.

Dog Walks at Lord Stirling Stable
When/Where: Morning hours resume for The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable's popular Saturday dog walks starting in September. The weekly event will be held at 10:30 a.m. with check-in at 10:15 a.m. at Lord Stirling Stable at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: This is the only chance to enjoy the beautiful trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot — along with your best friend. Guided walks last for approximately one hour.
Cost: Registration is $3 per leashed pet. For more information, contact Martha at 973-635-8672.

Bernardsville Farmers Market
When/Where: Saturdays, through the season, at the train station off Mine Brook Road just south of Olcott Square in Bernardsville.
Why Go: Because you can get the bounty of the season, fresh as can be, as well as gourmet goodies. (Hey, this is the Somerset Hills!)
Cost: Free admission, cost of purchases.

Historic Photo Exhibit of Somerset Hills
When/Where: Throughout September, century-old images of the Somerset Hills taken in the early 20th century by photographer Fred Pitney Crater will be display during a shared exhibit at the Bernardsville Public Library at 1 Anderson Hill Road and in the Peapack-Gladstone Municipal Building at 1 School St. in Peapack. The Crater photographs will be view on during regular library hours unless a meeting is in progress.
Why Go: Because you're a history buff, a photography buff, or both.
Cost: Free

Coach Bag BINGO for a Cause
When/Where: Friday at 6 p.m. at Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County on Finderne Avenue in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because you have a chance to play BINGO to win an authentic Coach bag, while also helping a worthwhile cause in the Literacy Volunteers.
Cost: $35, or you can become a Coach bag sponsor with a $250 or more donation.

Civil Air Patrol Performs Model Rocketry
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at North Branch Park in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because the Civil Air Patrol is holding a salute to the space shuttle at North Branch Park with a salute and several different shuttle launches of their own. They will be building five Shuttle models and launching them in the order they were actually launched.
Cost: Free.

Atrium Gallery Fall/Winter Exhibit Opening Reception
When/Where: Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Administration and Records Building, 5th Floor, Court Street, Morristown
Why Go: You want to experience the Morris County government system in a more artistic way.
Cost: Free

Organist John Alexander
When/Where: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Why Go: You want to enjoy classical works by a trained musician.
Cost: Free

Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi
When/Where: Friday, 8 p.m. at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Why Go: You want to tap your toes to the rhythms of what is considered one of the best percussion groups in the world.
Cost: $19 to $39

Speedwell Avenue and Beyond Town Cleanup
When/Where: Saturday, 9 a.m. from the Morristown Firehouse, Speedwell Avenue
Why Go: You love Morristown and you love keeping it squeaky clean! And, be sure to head to the recycling center afterward for its rededication!
Cost: Free

Fungus Fest 2012
When/Where: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township
Why Go: You love mushrooms and all the mysteries therein!
Cost: Free with suggested donations of $1 to $2

Tower Choir Car Wash
When/Where: Saturday, 11 a.m. at The Parish House at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, South Street
Why Go: You want to get your car squeaky clean while supporting the Presbyterian Church in Morristown Middle School Choir.
Cost: Free will donation

Morristown Farmers Market
When/Where: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spring and Morris streets, Lot No. 10
Why Go: You like to eat fresh.
Cost: Bring your wallet

Annual Blessing of the Animals
When/Where: Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Why Go: You have an animal in need of blessing.
Cost: Free

Bizet's 'Carmen'
When/Where: Sunday, 3 p.m. at The College of Saint Elizabeth
Why Go: You enjoy a night at the opera during a Sunday afternoon.
Cost: $25 to $50