EVENTS: Singer-Performer at Library, Dog Walks Resume AM Hours

It's fall, and if the sun isn't quite as strong as in summer, this is still the time of year for frisky outdoors fun.

It's also a time of year when people turn to exploring new things (a holdover from our school days?) and picking up new skills.

There's a long list for those with a variety of interests — at many ages — below. And don't forget, you still can catch a Somerset Patriots' game.

Dog Walks at Lord Stirling Stable
When/Where: Morning hours resume for The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable's popular Saturday dog walks starting in September. The weekly event will be held at 10:30 a.m. with check-in at 10:15 a.m. at at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: This is the only chance to enjoy the beautiful trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot — along with your best friend. Guided walks last for approximately one hour.
Cost: Registration is $3 per leashed pet. For more information, contact Martha at 973-635-8672.

Children's Songwriter Kurt Gallagher
When/Where: This Saturday, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave. Basking Ridge, just drop in to hear and join musician Kurt Gallagher, who has recorded six albums.
Why Go:  Come slap, clap, shake, stretch, spin, stomp and sing in performance sponsored by the Friends of the Bernards Township Library.
Cost: Free and open to the public. No registration required.

Historic Photo Exhibit of Somerset Hills
When/Where: Throughout September, century-old images of the Somerset Hills taken in the early 20th century by photographer Fred Pitney Crater will be display during a shared exhibit at the Bernardsville Public Library and in the Peapack-Gladstone Municipal Building. An opening reception for the Bernardsville Library exhibition will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the community room at the library at 1 Anderson Hill Road. The Crater photographs will be view on during regular library hours unless a meeting is in progress.
Why Go: Because you're a history buff, a photography buff, or both. And meet others with similar interests at the reception.
Cost: Free

Registration for Fall Riding Lessons
When/Where: Online registration and in person registration continues for fall riding lessons for both juniors and adults at the Somerset County in Basking Ridge. Lessons begin week of Sept. 17.
Why Go: We live in horse country, and lots of people are in line to sign up. And fall is the BEST time to ride, right?
Cost: Depends on lesson plan, returning students can register online, and all can register at the stable office, open daily, 908-766-5955.

Bernardsville Farmers Market
When/Where: Saturdays, through the season, at the train station off Mine Brook Road just south of Olcott Square in Bernardsville.
Why Go: Because you can get the bounty of the season, fresh as can be, as well as gourmet goodies. (Hey, this is the Somerset Hills!)

North Branch Cluster Dog Show
When/Where: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 7 a.m. every day at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because the dogs are adorable and competing in so many different competitions with the Somerset Hills Kennel Club, and dogs competing sporting, hound and non-sporting categories. Plus, Mauro Castano, from "Cake Boss," will be on hand to serve cupcakes and sign autographs on behalf of “Take The Lead” charity.
Cost: Free.

Electric Vehicle Show
When/Where: Friday at 6 p.m. at the Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren.
Why Go: It's an evening sponsored by the New Jersey Electric Auto Association, with a chance to test drive an electric vehicle, namely either the brand new 2013 Ford Focus EV or 2013 Ford C-Max Plug-in hybrid. Plus other vehicles will be on display.
Cost: Free.

Fireworks with the Somerset Patriots
When/Where: Friday at 7:05 p.m. at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because who doesn't want to watch some baseball as the Somerset Patriots play against the Lancaster Barnstormers, with fireworks to follow after the game.
Cost: $9.50, or higher depending on seats.

Sourland Spectacular Bike/Hike
When/Where: Saturday at 7 a.m. at the Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough.
Why Go: Because it's a morning of biking or hiking through the beautiful mountains, followed by a gourmet lunch of pizza cooked on-site, and brownie sundaes.
Cost: $30.

Super Yard Sale of Kids Stuff
When/Where: Saturday at 8 a.m. on Tullo Farm Road in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Are you looking for "kids stuff"? Then you want to check out the yard sale with items for children ages 0 to 6, including toys, bicycles, children's books and so much more.
Cost: Depends on the cost of what you buy.

Duffle Bag Giveaway with the Somerset Patriots
When/Where: Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because the Somerset Patriots will play against the Lancaster Barnstormers again, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a duffle bag.
Cost: $9.50, or higher depending on seats.

Blood Drive
When/Where: Sunday at 8 a.m. on Washington Valley Road in Martinsville.
Why Go: Because the New Jersey Blood Center is holding a blood drive, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, and held at the Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall
Cost: Free.

Free Tickets for Grandparents with the Somerset Patriots
When/Where: Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because the Somerset Patriots will play against the Lancaster Barnstormers again, and it's Grandparents Day at the ballpark, with grandparents getting in for free.
Cost: $9.50, or higher depending on seats.

Jack's 5K Run/Walk
When/Where: Sunday at 9 a.m. at  in Bridgewater.
Why Go: Because it's the third annual walk for the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America. It is in honor of Jack, a 7-year-old who is now speaking thanks to CASANA. Come on out to support the worthy cause.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Friday, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Temple B'nai Or, Morristown
Why Go: You're considering joining this temple and want to "try before you buy."
Cost: Free


When/Where: Friday, 6:30 p.m. on the Green in Morristown
Why Go: You want to see the dancing and join in on the worship service afterward
Cost: Free


When/Where: Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. at Headquarters Plaza, Morristown
Why Go: You want to learn about your health and services offered.
Cost: Free


When/Where: Saturday, 1 p.m. at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township
Why Go: You want to learn from a pro how to present the perfect tablescape
Cost: $25


When/Where: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. at Inline Morristown
Why Go: You want to see your favorite derby girls in action!
Cost: $12


When/Where: Saturday, 8 p.m. at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Why Go: You want to see the guitar great in his natural environment—on stage!
Cost: $39 to $59


When/Where: Sunday starting at 7 a.m. in Morristown
Why Go: You're either riding in this "gran" bike event benefiting one of several charities, or want to watch as others participate.
Cost: $90 to participate, free to cheer for participants 


When/Where: Sunday starting at 10 a.m. from Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Why Go: You want to worship at the church, then follow a festive stilt band as they walk over to the Parish House.
Cost: Free


When/Where: Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morris Township
Why Go: You want to have some outdoor fun the old-fashioned way!
Cost: $4-$8


When/Where: Sunday starting at 6 p.m. at Dark Horse Lounge, Morristown
Why Go: You may be a suitable bone marrow donor for 6-year-old Jake. Even if you're not, you want to enjoy good music and good times while helping a good cause.
Cost: Free admission