EVENTS: Fishing Derby, Walks and 5Ks, Art Old & New

Spring is here, and it's time to get out and get moving, whether to walk, run, cast a fishing pole, or just head out somewhere.

This Saturday is a big events that mixes kids and their parents, the annual Fishing Derby atin Basking Ridge. Bring your own fishing pole and bait, and compete for prizes. The pond is even stocked!

You also can walk or run at a number of events around the area, with a reminder that the weekly Saturday morning dog walks are an opportunity to tour the scenery and mix with canine and human friends on the trails at Lord Stirling Stable.

Of course, with school still out in Bernards schools, the kids may want to head to a free movie on Thursday evening at the Meanwhile, the Bernards Parks and Recreation Department have scheduled a kite flying get together at 11 a.m. on Thursday.

There are also chances to see some art by students from area high schools, including and at a continuing exhibit at the Morris Museum.

And — special to our area — the curator from Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City will lead a tour on Sunday afternoon of Revolutionary War artworks that the museum has loaned to the historic Jacobus Vanderveer House in nearby Bedminster. A treat for both art and history lovers!

Annual Bernards Township Fishing Derby
When/Where: This Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., rain or shine, the crowd of kids with adults will gather at the pond at, on North Maple Avenue heading north from the
Why Go: The park’s pond will be stocked with trout, but participants are asked to bring their own pole and bait. No license is required. Prizes for largest fish in various categories will be awarded by the
Cost: Free, just show up

Giant Mural Painting
When/Where: Local artist Caren Frost Olmsted needs kids to help color in a giant mural at the Somerset Hills YMCA in Basking Ridge. Many slots are available throughout the day, each day, between April 17-21.
Why Go: Your child doesn't need special artistic talent, but can contribute to a landmark.
Cost: Free, call Sylvia Velez on 908-630-3530 to book in or emailsvelez@somersethillsymca.org.

Revolutionary War Paintings at Jacobus Vanderveer House
When/Where: Between 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Jacobus Vanderveer House, a pre-Revolutionary home and museum located at 955 Route 202/206 South in Bedminster. Tour of historic John Ward Dunsmore paintings led by Fraunces Tavern Museum curator Jessica Baldwin from 2 to 3 p.m., with discussion to follow.
Why Go: To get a reminder of the historically rich area in which we live, with a tour led by a real pro. The paintings are on loan from Fraunces Tavern Museum.
Cost: Free, please pre-register at 908-212-7000, ext. 611

Saturday Dog Walks
When/Where: The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable host the weekly event at Somerset County's , 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge. Check-in time begins each week at 10:15 a.m. The guided trail walk commences at 10:30 a.m. and lasts for approximately one hour. 
Why Go: These sanctioned dog walks offer participants the only opportunity to explore the beautiful equestrian trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot. 
Cost: $3 per dog, to be leashed and kept under control at all times. For more information, contact Martha at 973-635-8672.

Somerset County Student Artists at Morris Museum
When/Where: On exhibit, through May 27, at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown.
Why Go: The work of student artists from, Gill St. Bernard's, Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Watchung Regional High School and more are on exhibit at the museum.
Cost: Museum admission, adults: $10, children: $7, seniors: $7, children under 3, free

Sixty Years of Photos from the Somerset Hills YMCA
When/Where: Throughout April, at the Bernardsville Public Library, 1 Anderson Hill Road in Bernardsville.
Why Go: To view photos from 1951 to 2011 from through the years at the which began in a small building in Bernardsville, and now occupies two facilities in Basking Ridge.
Cost: Free, for information call 908-766-0118.

Fly a Kite
When/Where: From 11 a.m. to noon, the Bernards Township Department of Parks and Recreation is calling all kite flyers to bring their own kites to Mountain Park, at Mountain and Martinsville Roads in Basking Ridge. The event is rain or shine.
Why Go: Put all this windy weather to work for you.
Cost: Free, just show up

Free Movie — Hugo
When/Where: Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge
Why Go: Just drop in to see film adaptation (two hours) of Brian Selnick's novel, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret." Rated PG
Cost: Free, just drop in. For information, call 908-204-3031, ext. 3

Walk on the Wild Side at Duke Farms
When/Where: Friday at 6 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. at Duke Farms on Route 206 in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To explore nature through a 1.25-mile trail and look at some of the landscape created by J.B. Duke.
Cost: Free.

Huge Multi-Family Yard Sale
When/Where: Sunday at 9 a.m. at 26 Charlotte Drive in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because everything must go as several families sell folding chairs, sheets, figurines and much more!
Cost: Free, just the costs of what you purchase.

Dog Adoption Day @ Bridgewater PetSmart
When/Where: Sunday at 11 a.m. at  on Promenade Boulevard in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because your new best friend is probably waiting for you, and the best place to find him or her is at Bridgewater's PetSmart.
Cost: Free, plus the cost of the dog.

Girl Scout Cheer Workshop
When/Where: Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at  on Milltown Road in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To learn some great new USASF cheer moves in a special session for Girl Scouts in grades six through 12. The workshop will teach tumbling, jumps, dance and stunts, all ending with a short routine.
Cost: $25.

When/Where: Saturday, 8 a.m. at The College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station.
Why Go: You like to race and walk, and support of a good cause.
Cost: $25 registration fee after April 1


When/Where: Saturday, 10 a.m. at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township
Why Go: You want a preview and opportunity to pre-purchase plants that will be available for sale in May.
Cost: Free, but registration required

When/Where: Saturday, 2 p.m. at Morristown High School
Why Go: You want to help pack 100 "bringing home baby" diaper bags, to be donated to the Morristown Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Cost: Free


When/Where: Sunday, 3 p.m. at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Why Go: You want to see this enduring, family-friendly classic.
Cost: $18

When/Where: , 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Why Go: Bring a flashlight and learn about nocturnal wildlife, participate in fun educational activities, and hike along the trails in the darkness. Sign up in advance. Hikes leave every 15 minutes and take about 1 hour.
Cost: $5

Healing Service
When/Where: Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the 
Why Go: The Rev. Kumar will lead the healing service which includes anointing with oil and prayer.
Cost: Free 

Book Sale
When/Where: Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Butler Public Library
Why Go: To purchase as many books as fit in a library-provided shopping bag for $5.

Governor Livingston's House and Yours: Shared Stories
When/Where: Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. at 25 Parsippany Road, Parsippany
Why Go: To visit a historic Parsippany home and see how Parsippanians lived way back when
Cost: Free

When/Where: Saturday at 8:30 a.m. leaving from the in Oak Ridge in Jefferson.
Why Go: To get in a good workout and help out the
Cost: $25