Mardi Gras Celebrations for Basking Ridge & Nearby

The snow and even Monday's ice may have put something of a crimp in the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center's workshop to make Mardi Gras masks, but the party itself still is scheduled to go on Wednesday, said Kristen Grieco, manager of the center.

Musical entertainment will be provided by jazz musician Gordon James, she said.

A "Fat Tuesday" networking event also is planned by the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce for Tuesday evening at the Vine Restaurant on Route 202 in Basking Ridge.

The Senior Wellness Center's celebration will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Mardi Gras, at the center located at 202 Mt. Airy Road in Basking Ridge. The center is run by the Somerset County Office on Aging and attracts seniors from throughout the Somerset Hills.

Please let us know if your organization is holding a Mardi Gras celebration in the Somerset Hills area.

Mardi Gras is a festive season filled with carnival events, parades and balls. Decorative masks help to lend an air of mystery and magic to the revelry, reminded a release from the county.

The Senior Wellness One of the main advantages of wearing a mask at Mardi Gras parades and parties is that one’s identity is concealed, and one can behave in ways he or she normally would not.
 
The center had been planning to hold a Mardi Gras mask workshop on Friday, but that was snowed out. Grieco said that no public transportation to the center on Tuesday, when the mask workshop has been rescheduled, so she was expecting a limited number of participants.

The Senior Wellness Center serves both hot and cold lunches, with meat and meatless menu options for each. A suggested lunch donation of $1.50 is recommended for individuals age 60 and above. The cost of lunch for those under age 60 is $6.50. To make a lunch reservation, please contact the center by 10:30 a.m. at least one business day in advance.
 
Visitors are invited to learn more about the Senior Wellness Center’s educational, recreational and entertaining activities, including wellness programs and health screenings.  Many of these are funded, in part, through the Older Americans Act. For more information or to register, contact Grieco at the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, at 908 204-3435.

The Bernards regional chamber's annual Mardi Gras "Fat Tuesday" networking party is set for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vine Restaurant in Basking Ridge.

Representatives from area businesses are invited to come out and enjoy the company of fellow Chamber Members, network, develop leads, celebrate Mardi Gras.

Refreshments and wine provided by the Vine, cash bar for all else, said Al LiCata, the chamber's executive director. Those who stop in are invited to stay afterwards and join members for dinner.

The roulette table will be sponsored by Tony Mrozak of Avatar and the blackjack bable will be sponsored by Wabba Travel and Bobby Mascia of Emerald Financial.

$5 BTCC Members in good standing and $10 for guests.

Proceeds are donated to the chamber's sister town in Houma, La. for continued re-building and save the bayou programs, LiCata said.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said that the Mardi Gras celebration at the Senior Wellness Center was Tuesday.