EVENTS ADDED: Things to Do on Kids' Week Off From School

An entire week off from school is about to begin for Bernards Township students. If you're not going away on a weeklong ski or beach vacation, you're going to have to find something to do with them — and yourself, when you need a break.

This week's opportunities include everything from learning something useful (being safe around water) to a Girl Scouts' cheerleading program in nearby Bridgewater, and a workshop in puppetry in Chatham this Sunday.

Once you've kept the kids occupied, it's time to hire a babysitter and go out in the evening — there's plenty of entertainment in the area through the weekend, so enjoy.

See below, one of our readers notified us that The Altman Brothers, made up of local band members, will be playing at 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Tap Room in the Somerset Hills Hotel, right over the border in Warren.

You might also want to think ahead to the following Saturday, Feb. 25, a fundraiser for the Bernards High ski team, the team's 8th annual Food and Wine Tasting Event, with the Johnny Charles Band featuring Nasty Ned. The night's festivities will be held on Saturday night at the Liberty Corner Firehouse, 95 Church St., in Basking Ridge.

The events organizers said that funding for the Bernards High ski team comes completely from the students, and their families, hence the reason the raise funds through the evening's entertainment. More information on the Johnny Charles Band is on the band's website.

It may be a little far to drive, but if you really want to learn about a Washington who influenced history during the American Revolution, you might want to head out to see a "living" biography about Martha Washington in Jefferson. Hey, if it wasn't for the woman behind him, we might not be celebrating George's birthday and getting time off for Presidents Day.

As always, please add any events we may have missed that you might think would be of interest to other Patch readers. 

Y-Splash for ages 3 to 10
When/Where: Weeklong program running Feb. 20-24 to help non-swimmers and swimmers be comfortable around water, at the Somerset Hills YMCA on Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge. Different times for different ages.
Why Go: Let your child learn how to be safe around water, and give them knowledge for life.
Cost: $25 per child, contact Suzie Pellegrino, 908-766-7898, ext. 604

Writing Workshop for Grades 7-12
When/Where: Next Wednesday night, Feb. 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bernards Township Public Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Get started writing, or get feedback on poetry or short stories you have already started from writing professor Steve Andriolo, who will guide you through games and activities that will get you thinking about writing in new and fun ways.
Cost: Free, registration required

Johnny Charles Band Featuring Nasty Ned
When/Where: On Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., the 8th annual Food and Wine Event to raise funds for the Bernards High ski racing team will be held at the Liberty Corner firehouse, 95 Church St., in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards.
Why Go: Raise funds for the entirely parent-supported ski team, while getting to hear the music of the Blues Hall of Fame's Johnny Charles Band, featuring Nasty Ned. In addition to a night of great food and music, there will be a wine
tasting courtesy of 56 Degree Wine of Bernardsville.
Cost: $50 per person, buy tickets at www.bhsskiteam.org, or call 908-285-0666.

Community Art Show
When/Where: The first Bernards Township Community Art Show will remain at the Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge through Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed on Feb. 13 and 20.
Why Go: A variety of art pieces from 40 local artists — who knew we had so much talent in our own backyard?
Cost: Free

"The Philadelphia Experiment" - Ridge High School Art Show
When/Where: Weekends, 1-4 p.m. Feb. 4 to 29, at the Farmstead Arts, 650 King George Road in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: “The Philadelphia Experiment” is the title of an art show that includes drawings, paintings, and photos by the talented art and photography students at Ridge High School. The artwork is inspired by a field trip to Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary, Reading terminal, and the surrounding area.
Cost: Free

Girl Scouts Junior Jump, Tumble and Cheer
When/Where: Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Evolution Training Center on Milltown Road in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To learn about the pieces of USASF cheerleading with a program for fourth and fifth grade girl scouts. Girls will be earning the cheerleading patch by learning basic stretching, tumbling, dance and much more. To register, visit gshnj.org.
Cost: $25.

The Joel Perry and Ed Fleischman Duo Play the Blues
When/Where: Saturday starting at 9:30 p.m. at Pete's Restaurant and Pub, Morristown
Why Go: You want to hear musicians play some blues while you eat some Italian specialities.
Cost: Free to attend

DJ Jimmy G at SM23
When/Where: Saturday starting at 9:30 p.m. at SM23, in Headquarters Plaza, Morristown
Why Go: You want to hear a DJ spin some tunes while you sip on an adult beverage
Cost: Free to attend

Bradley Gardens Blood Drive
When/Where: Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Bradley Gardens Volunteer Fire Company in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To help two Finderne firefighters dealing with illness, while donating to the American Red Cross. To schedule an appointment, call Steve Woodruff at 908-698-7739.
Cost: Free.

Finderne Fire Department Blood Drive
When/Where: Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Finderne Fire Department in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To help two Finderne firefighters dealing with illness, while donating to the American Red Cross. To schedule an appointment, call Thomas Marshall at 908-672-2568.
Cost: Free.

Bring In Your Art
When/Where: The Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham, Friday, 1:30 p.m.
What: Bring in two pieces of your own art to be critiqued by Joel Tidey
Price: $5

John Waite with Suzie Vinnick
When/Where: Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, 240 Southern Blvd., 8 p.m., Saturday
What: Another great musical event for the Sanctuary Concert Series.
Price: $25

Steve Abrams Workshop for Puppetry Enthusiasts
When/Where: The Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham, Sunday, 2 p.m.
What: The well-known performer of "Puppets Inside Out" shares his expertise in this hour-long workshop.
Price: $2/Free for Garden State Puppetry Guild members

Read to a Dog
When/Where: Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Madison Public Library, 39 Keep St., Madison.
Why Go: So kids can build confidence and vocabulary while reading to licensed therapy dogs.
Cost: Free, registration required.

NJ Jazz Society Presents Guitarist Al Caiola at Shanghai Jazz When/Where: Sunday at 3 p.m. at Shanghai Jazz Restaurant & Bar, 24 Main St., Madison.
Why Go: Because Al Caiola worked as a leader and sideman with Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Buddy Holly and Tony Bennett.
Cost: $10 cover/$10 food and beverage minimum.

Women in History: Martha Washington
When/Where: Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Public Library
Why Go: To learn about an influential historical figure through a one-woman, living biography.
Cost: Free