EVENTS: St. Mark's Rummage Sale Thru Sat.; Lipizzan Stallions

This week offers an opportunity to participate in some unusual or rarely offered events and programs.

Whether you live in Bernards Township or not, you can attend the township library's information session on what the library offers in the way of resources for home-schoolers. But note, that program is coming up on Thursday evening, although undoubtedly the library staff would provide assistance in that area even at a later date.

And then there's a Friends of Lord Stirling specialty — bringing the Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria to Lord Stirling Stable.

Of course, there's a wide variety of other things to do for both kids and adults, including rummage sales, the PAWS for Reading pairing of young readers and patient canines, again at the library, 5Ks, fashion, a nearby fundraiser in Warren Township, and more.

World famous Herrmann’s Original Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria
When/Where: Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge. Presented by the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and the Somerset County Park Commission.
Why Go: Because you can see absolutely amazing feats of horsemanship in the "Airs Above the Ground" performance. The Lipizzan Stallions' spectacular leaps and maneuvers were originally designed to inspire fear in the hearts of enemy foot soldiers. Accompanying the display will be a narrative that recounts the history, evolution and contemporary application of the sophisticated training for both horse and rider.
Cost: Advance ticket prices are $20 through Thursday; tickets after are $25 and subject to an additional $1 processing fee per ticket for credit card sales. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.flss.org with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, or at the stable office, (908) 766-5955.  Children under 5 are free.

Homeschooling Information Night
When/Where: Parents from the township and other communities are invited by the Children's Department of the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13.
Why Go: Current homeschooling parents, as well as those considering that option are welcome to attend. The session will focus on resources available through the library, and is also intended to serve as a networking event for those fellow homeschoolers to share ideas.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Registration required at www.bernards.library.org or call the children's library at 908-204-3031, ext. 3

St. Mark's Fall 2012 Rummage Sale
When/Where: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 140 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, to 2 p.m. at the Urban Farm at Lafayette, Morristown.
Why Go: For Sale: Furniture, housewares, linens, clothes, toys, sporting equipment, electronics, books, holiday items, bake goods, jewelry, games, and paintings. Great bargains, and help the church!
Cost: Bring your wallet

PAWS for Reading
When/Where: From 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge, recommended for ages 6 and older.
Why Go: Have your child gain encouragment to read and also enjoy some well-behaved dogs by bringing a favorite book to the library and reading for 10 minutes to a therapy dog from St. Hubert's.
Cost: Free, but registration required at www.bernards.library.org or call the children's library at 908-204-3031, ext. 3

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  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.

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

4-H Big Rummage Sale
When/Where: Friday and Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. at the  on Milltown Road in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because who doesn't want the chance to try to purchase so many donated items, including clothes, DVDs, antiques and so much more!
Cost: Depends on what you buy.

Fall Festival Fundraiser to Benefit Valerie Fund
When/Where: Friday at 5:30 p.m. on Mt. Bethel Road in Warren.
Why Go: Because there will be face painting, yoga, a spinning class, food, gymnastics and so much more, all while raising money for The Valerie Fund.
Cost: $15 per family.

FCS 1st Annual 5K Run/Walk and Kid's Sprint
When/Where: Saturday at 8 a.m. at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Family & Community Services of Somerset County is holding its first ever run/walk to benefit the organization, which provides mental health services. The event will be held rain or shine.
Cost: $25.

Estate Planning Seminar
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because if you've wondered about how to ensure your assets go to the right people, whether to make a living trust or a will, this is the right seminar for you.
Cost: Free.

Dog Adoption Event
When/Where: Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Raritan Petco on Route 202.
Why Go: Because People for Animals is having a dog adoption event, and you may just find your new best friends here.
Cost: Free.

Lord & Taylor Fashion Show
When/Where: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because students will be showing off the hottest new fashions at the store Back to School event.
Cost: Free.

Macy's 7th Annual Spelling Bee
When/Where: Sunday at 2 p.m. in the  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because who doesn't want to prove they can spell? In honor of Reading Is Fundamental weeks from Aug. 25 to Sept. 22, Macy's is holding its spelling bee, and 27 regional winners will head home with some great prizes, including iPads, gift cards and more.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Urban Farm at Lafayette, Morristown
Why Go:  and can't make the Morristown's Farmers Market on Sunday.
Cost: Bring your wallet


When/Where: Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at Agway, Morris Plains
Why Go: You're looking for a "furrever" friend.
Cost: Free


When/Where: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. at Acorn Hall, Morristown
Why Go: You want to see how the careful art of "afternoon tea" was perfected in the Victorian Era.
Cost: $30


When/Where: Sunday, 1 p.m. at Historic Speedwell Village, Morristown
Why Go: You want to see how wedding fashions evolved over the span of a century.
Cost: $7


When/Where: Sunday, 2 p.m. at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township
Why Go: You want to explore the arboretum with an all-Mandarin language tour guide.
Cost: Free, but registration required


When/Where: Sunday, 4 p.m. at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Why Go: You want to see and hear writer James Richardson recite his work in the fantastic Macculloch Hall gardens.
Cost: $8


When/Where: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Why Go: You want to hear beautiful music in a lovely setting, all for the cost of ...
Cost: Free

When/Where: 8 p.m. Saturday, , 240 Southern Blvd, Chatham
Why go: Go see American legend Tom Paxton, on of the most beloved voices of a generation, in the intimate concert venue of the Sanctuary Concerts. 
Cost: $25

When/Where: Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Senior Center, 54 Schoolhouse Road, Oak Ridge
Why Go: Because you love acting and you want to make new friends
Cost: Free