Bernards Township Recreation, Parks & Pathways Advisory Committee Readying for 2010

While many residents have been hunkering down inside to avoid the recent chilling temperatures, it's good to know that the Bernard's Township Recreation, Parks & Pathways Advisory Committee is not only planning ahead for the warmer weather, but also offering fun things to do while it's cold outside.

At last night's first meeting of the year, the Advisory Committee met to review the upcoming plans for 2010 and confirm project team appointments and staffing. The Committee voted to retain Anna Scanniello as Chairperson and Deborah King as Deputy Chair. 

Charlie Keenan was welcomed as a new member. Due to career conflicts, Lisa Dudzik resigned from the committee leaving an opening. Residents who are interested in volunteering on the Committee can fill out a "Tap the Talent in Bernards" form located on the Bernards Township website.

The Advisory Committee has a number of projects and programs planned for the next few months. Several, for example Charter Day (May 15), will be in connection with the 250th Anniversary of the Charter of Bernards Township.

Others programs (Jersey Boys on Broadway and the 2010 Philadelphia International Flower show) provide opportunities for residents to enjoy social and cultural outings. Registration for town sponsored youth recreational programs is also underway; Ant Hockey and Floor Hockey commence in March and registration for the Summer recreation program is starting early this year.

2010 Summer Youth Program

Residents should take note that registration for the 2010 Summer Recreation Program will commence on Feb. 8.

Two concurrent programs will run from June 29 though Aug. 6; a Junior program, for Grades K-1, meeting in the mornings at Mount Prospect or Cedar Hill, and a Senior program for grades 2-5, which will meet at Liberty Corner or Oak Street. The fee is $375 for the first child for either program and $325 for each additional child of the same family.

Because of its popularity, registration for the Summer Recreation Program is accomplished by lottery. Space is limited to a total of 250 participants. Those wishing to register their children must visit the Recreation Department (located at 1 Collyer Lane) between Feb. 8 and Feb. 12, at which time they will receive a lottery number and submit a registration form with payment (a check). 

Registrations will be processed the week of Monday, Feb. 15 and residents will be notified by March 1. 

Indoor Ant Hockey and Floor Hockey

Registration for Ant Hockey and Floor Hockey is now open through Feb. 15; register by Feb. 12 and the registration fee is $15 per player.

After Feb. 12 the fee increases to $25. Games will be played at William Annin Middle School. Boys and girls in grades K-2 can sign up for Ant Hockey while children in grades 3–5 play Floor Hockey.

The Recreation Department provides all equipment and t-shirts. Players are asked to wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. For additional information and to register, visit the Bernards Township website.

2010 Philadelphia Flower Show – Passport to the World

This trip is planned for the Active Older Adults 55+ and tickets are still available. A bus will provide transportation to the Philadelphia Convention Center on Thursday, March 4.  The ticket cost is $45 per resident / $55 for nonresident and includes transportation. The flower show is reputed to be the world's largest indoor flower show and this year's theme is "Passport to the World."

Just a few remaining tickets for Jersey Boys on Broadway

Call the Recreation Department (908-204-3003) if you are interested in getting some of the last few tickets for the Feb. 24 excursion into New York City for Jersey Boys. Tickets are $85 and include bus transportation.

The bus will depart the Community Center at 4:30 p.m. and arrive at the theatre around 6 p.m., giving participants time to grab dinner on their own. Show time is 8 p.m. and the bus should be back at the Community Center by 11:30 p.m. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an Adult.

Residents can also sign up for the "Rec Rundown" full program list by selecting the Parks and Recreation Announcements, Programs and Events newsletter at the Bernards Township website.