Millington Quarry Back Before Planning Board; More Plays in Park

Week ahead promises to include drama both at theater production — and before Township Planning Board.

There have been many moments of strongly expressed sentiment in front of the Bernards Township Planning Board during the last month or so. While zoning laws and future development plans may not seem like the most dramatic of subjects, two issues that have drawn much public attention have been on the board's agenda since last fall and winter — and both will return. The Millington Quarry's representatives are due back before the board at a meeting to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday night. At the previous meeting, on July 17, an expert testifying on behalf of the township, Jennifer Wollenberg, a professional environmental consultant specializing in risk assessment, said that the "protocol" or system set up for controlling the quality of soil …

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A Serious/Funny 'Inherit the Wind' On Stage This Weekend

The drama 'Inherit the Wind,' Trilogy Repertory Co.'s second play in Pleasant Valley Park, on stage Saturday night.

Theater lovers who want to see a free (donations accepted) staging of the classic drama, "Inherit the Wind," have one more chance—at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge. The drama — based on the Scopes Monkey Trial of the 1920s — was the second play in the Plays in the Park series presented by the Bernards Township Department of Parks and Recreation. The first was "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," a rollicking comedy and musical presented earlier in July. This year, the usual two-play season will be extended with scheduled performances of "The Taming of the Shrew" on Aug. 24-25, to be presented by a Westfield troupe. Although "Inherit the Wind" is the most serious drama, it still presents moments of …

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'Plays in Park' to Add Third Show

"The Taming of the Shrew," as produced by The Troupe of Friends, scheduled to extend "Plays in the Park" series in Basking Ridge.

Theater lovers in the Basking Ridge area will receive a bonus this summer —  the township's Trilogy Repertory Co. and Bernards Township Parks and Recreation are bringing a third production to the "Plays in the Park" summer series, with The Troupe of Friends' two scheduled performances of William Shakespeare’s "The Taming of the Shrew" later in August. Performances are scheduled for two nights only on Friday, August 24, and Saturday, August 25, at the outdoor amphitheater at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge. "It's a win-win situation for everyone," said Hank Barre, a principal in Trilogy who will be in 'Shrew' as well as this year's previous summer production at Pleasant Valley Park of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." …

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Classic Drama On Stage at Basking Ridge Park

Long-running summer plays series draws regional crowd; Trilogy Repertory Co. to stage drama on famous1925 Scopes Monkey Trial.

Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day, but each week, Patch will give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. This week, you have an opportunity to spread a picnic blanket, set up a lawn chair and settle down for some serious drama, such as the kind that has run on Broadway. The only difference is this is right in, or near your backyard — at Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road in Basking Ridge — and the cost of the ticket. This production is free; although donations are appreciated. The Basking Ridge-based Trilogy Repertory Company continues its summer season of the township's long-running “Plays in the Park” series starting this Friday, July 27 with the Lawrence …

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EVENTS: Outdoor Plays Continue, 'Mango Tango' at Library

Pull up a lawn chair and enjoy outdoor theater right in your own backyard, Pleasant Valley Park, and explore the joys of mango at the Bernards Library.

Summer, of course, calls for outdoor events, such as this week's continuation of Plays in the Park at Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road in Basking Ridge. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" continues this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But some indoor events also get a summery twist this week. For example, learn how to make sweet, cool mango lassi at the Bernards Township Library on Thursday night. Or enjoy jazz in the Morristown Library. Hope you enjoy browsing through the list below. Let us know in the comments section if we missed something of interest. Thursday Events at Bernards Library When/Where: No matter what your age, there's something for you this Thursday at the Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave. "Music…

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EVENTS: Two Riding Styles, Pet Therapy, 'Funny Thing Happened'

The Bernards Township annual Plays in the Park series begins Thurs.-Sat.; Bernards library events.

Summer is in full swing, and it's time to savor those things that you can only enjoy at this time of the year. On Thursday night, the first of six presentations of Basking Ridge-based Trilogy Repertory Co.'s "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" will be held at 8 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater at Pleasant Valley Park off Valley Road. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy. There are other fun things to do outdoors — but don't forget to check in at your local library for a little mental stimulation and taking time to cool off indoors. Please add anything you think our readers would like to know about in the comments section! Western and English Rides at Lord Stirling Stable Where/When: Sunday, July 15, at 10 a.m. for Western-…

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Fab Summer in the Parks Series Starting Again in July

Plays, concerts and movies will let residents take out their lawn chairs and enjoy entertainment in their own backyard.

It's July, and that means the Bernards Township Parks and Recreation Department again is presenting its summer series of free events in the township's own parks to run on multiple evenings into early August. Residents will be able to enjoy plays, concerts and movies, starting next Tuesday, July 10. The Jayne Hannigan Summer Concert Series at Pleasant Valley Park, to be held at 7 p.m. on four consecutive Tuesdays through July, kicks off on July 10 with They Jersey Four, a journey from the very beginning of The Four Seasons number one hits, Frankie Valli`s solo career, to present day Four Seasons shows. The perennial favorite Jimmy & the Parrots are due to return for a lively show on July 17, as one of the most requested Jimmy Buffett cover …

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Summer's 'Plays in Park' Chosen and Auditions Set

Auditions for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," and “Inherit the Wind."

Summer may seem a long way away, but already the two productions scheduled to again be presented this July and August at the outdoor amphitheater at Pleasant Valley Park have been chosen. This summer’s series will feature Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and the Lawrence and Lee drama, “Inherit the Wind,” according to an announcement by the Trilogy Repertory Company of Basking Ridge. The local theater company said auditions for both shows will be held at the Bernards Township Community Center, 289 S. Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge. Audition dates are from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25; from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 29; and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 6. Trilogy founder Jaye …

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UPDATED: Pony Party on Sunday

Annual public pony's birthday party at Lord Stirling Stable.

On Sunday, Lord Stirling Stable is throwing its annual bash with its main host as Rebel the Pony. The Somerset County Park Commission's stable will welcome children and adults of all ages between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday to celebrate Rebel’s Pony Palooza, an annual summer event with Rebel as the guest of honor. According to the county park commission, Rebel the Pony and all of his people friends will enjoy free games, story times, and refreshments. Rebel’s pony friends, including his newest pal, Razzmatazz, will be on hand to greet visitors and provide free pony rides. Rebel is a miniature horse who gives lead line pony rides to the smallest of the children who visit Lord Stirling Stable. He is just under 10 hands high, about the size …

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A Summer Program Wraps Up, Rebel's B'day Party

Don't forget local plays, and "Girls Night Out" at the Bridgewater Commons Mall.

Although this week's list of area activities and opportunities for entertainment, as always, includes a wide variety of options, there are a number of especially interesting childrens' and family-friendly things to do. Those activities include Rebel's Pony Palooza at Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge on Sunday and a cool-sounding remote controlled air show in Warren Township on Saturday. Of course, there's always fun for big people, too. Once you've entertained the kids, (or even if you don't) you can always head to Girls Night Out at the Mall in Bridgewater if you qualify! Closing "Tween" Night Party and Movie When/Where: At 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Bernards Township Library in Basking Ridge. Why Go: Because it's a way for students …

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