Mayor Invites Public to Tree Walk; Twilight Challenge

Mayor Carolyn Gaziano is inviting residents to join two upcoming fitness events during the next few weeks, beginning with a walking tour of Basking Ridge trees that will meet in front of the historic oak tree by The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge.

The walk on May 29 and the second event, are part of the Bernards Township Mayor’s Wellness Campaign for 2013.

The tour of local trees is being sponsored by the Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission, which already has launched in the next five years to replace trees wrecked by Sandy last fall.

The mayor will launch the walking tour at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, from the front of the Presbyterian Church at 1 E. Oak St. in downtown Basking Ridge. The church is home to the township's historic white oak, believed to be 600 years old.

The walk should take about 30 minutes, according to the township. About 20 common trees will be identified. Children are encouraged to attend.

A map and list of the 20 trees to be identified is online on the Bernards Township website.

Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge returns on June 2

The second event is the 25th Annual Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2013, at Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road in Bernards Township.

The mayor invites residents to join her in running the 5K, walking a one-mile walk or participating in the free kids Lollipop Loop in an annual event to promote prevention of underage alcohol consumption.

The event is sponsored by the Bernards Township Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse and Youth Services Commission, and the Bernards Township Health Department.

This year, for the 25th anniversary, participants or spectators are invited to show up in '80s costumes. Prizes will be awarded.

More detailed information and a registration form for the race or walk is available online on the Bernards Township website.

The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, launched by former Mayor Scott Spitzer, is an initiative to promote active living and healthier lifestyles for the men, women and children of Bernards Township.

Various fitness and exercise events with Bernards Township Committee members are expected to be scheduled during the year. Gaziano launched this year's schedule with cross-country skiing at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge.