Meet some wild animals in Basking Ridge this Sunday, March 7

The naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission's Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge will present a family program, “What Big Teeth You Have!” featuring Travis Gale from Eyes of the Wild. The program is scheduled for 2 to 3 p.m. on Sun., March 7. The Environmental Education Center is at 190 Lord Stirling Road in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township.

“What Big Teeth You Have!” will introduce nature’s incredible creatures who fight to scratch out an existence. The program will describe the survival techniques used by animals in their fight for survival. Gale will relate amazing stories about how animals find prey and escape from becoming prey for other predators. Descriptions will include the sharp claws of the raccoon-like Coatimundi, the sharp senses of Fennec Fox, the terrible teeth of the tiny short-tailed Opossum, and the ridiculous flexibility of the Ferret. Gale will bring some of his favorite furry friends as he mixes comedy, education, and wildlife from around the world.

The program is designed for both children and adults. Fee is $4 per person. Preregistration is not required. Information is available online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-766-2489.

St. Patrick Day trail rides at Lord Stirling Stables

The Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable will host a special St. Patrick’s Day Trail Ride on Sunday, March 14, 2010 on the grounds of Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable at 256 South Maple Ave. The hour-long ride will begin at 1 p.m.

This horseback event is open to all adult and junior riders at Intermediate 2/C-2 level and above. The trail ride is conducted at a walk and trot, weather and ground conditions permitting. The fee is $28 for Somerset County residents and $36 for non-residents. Registration opens on March 1 in the Stable office and continues through March 11.  An approved helmet and riding boots or shoes are required and available for rental.  A charge of $3 per item will apply.

Summer recreation on agenda for Bedminster Township official at snowed-in town hall

By LINDA SADLOUSKOS
STAFF WRITER

Today's snowstorm provided a good opportunity for Bedminster Township recreation director Robin Ray to work on a special task — plotting the full array of summer recreation activities to be offered here when the weather turns hot and steamy.

Ray said she and Joe Haggerty, the technical assistant in Bedminster's construction office, were the only municipal employees holding the fort at the municipal building at 1 Miller Lane this morning.

Between trying to help the few residents who stopped with questions and tax assessments, Ray said she was up to her neck in planning summer days for local participants.

"I'm working on the whole program — coming up with forms and the master schedule," Ray said at about 10:30 a.m.
Ray said she has less information about winter activities, however. She said she cannot endorse local ponds for skating, and did not have any idea as to the safety of ice.

However, Ray said many people chose to cross-country ski on Bedminster's hike and bike trail through the municipality.

Love your horse with a Valentine’s Day horseback ride at Lord Stirling Stable on Feb. 14

Lord Stirling Stable in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township will host the annual "I Love Horses" Valentine’s Day Ride on the scenic trails of the county-onwed property on Sunday, Feb. 14. Check-in time is 10:30 a.m. The ride will be held from 11 a.m. to noon. Lord Stirling Stable is located at 256 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge.

This event is open to all riders tested at Intermediate 2 level and above. Children must be at least 12 years old unless currently enrolled in class at Lord Stirling Stable. Riders must weigh less than 240 lbs.

The leisurely one-hour ride is at a walk and trot only. Trail guides will be happy to answer questions, point out and attempt to identify the various plants, birds and animals that can be seen on the 18 miles of trails at Lord Stirling Stable.

Registration is open this month, and will continue through Thursday, Fe. 11. The fee for the ride is $28 for Somerset County residents and $36 for out of county residents. An approved helmet and riding boots or shoes are required and may be rented at the stable. A charge of $3 per item will apply.

For information, contact the stable office at 908-766-5955 (NJ Relay 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment).
Information on other events of the Somerset County Park Commission can be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.
_ Linda Sadlouskos

Are you faster than a Ridge runner? March 28 5K road race

Posted via MyCentralJersey.com:

Are you faster than a Ridge runner? Come out and join the running community of the Basking Ridge area in racing with some of the top high school runners in Somerset County.

The 5K race/1 mile walk will take place at 2 p.m. March 28  at Mountain Park, Martinsville and  Mountain Roads in Basking Ridge. The USATF certified 5K course is a flat looped trail through the park. Water stations and professional race timing will be provided, with splits given at the 1- and 2-mile marks. The 5K is sanctioned as a Grand Prix event in the USATF-NJ Road Race series and is worth 500 points.

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Pingry School in Bernards invites public to evening of basketball with Harlem Wizards

The Pingry School in the Martinsville section of Bernards Township invites the public to enjoy an entertaining evening of basketball when the Pingry Community Comets play with the Harlem Wizards, a professional entertainment basketball team, at 7 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 16. The event will be held in the Bristol Gymnasium at the campus off Martinsville Road.

Shows with the Harlem Wizards feature theatrics, tricks, and other surprises. "This will be a wonderful community event and a great opportunity for the public to see the Harlem Wizards, who have traveled around the world. It will be an exciting evening of basketball," said Gerry Vanasse, Pingry’s director of athletics.

Tickets are $4 for students from any school, grades kindergarten through college, and for senior citizens. Adult general admission tickets are $5. Snacks and beverages will be sold.

Players on the Pingry Community Comets include Pingry Admission Counselor and Boys’ varsity basketball head coach Jason Murdock, other faculty and staff members from the Martinsville and Short Hills campuses, and friends, including three former NBA players. Each event with the Harlem Wizards combines individual athleticism, teamwork, and community involvement to produce an awe-inspiring basketball experience.

Seating is limited, so reserved seats are recommended. Reservations can be made through the Pingry Athletics Department by contacting assistant director of athletics Judy Baker at 908-647-5555, ext. 1321.

Information on the school is at www.pingry.org.

Bedminster residents urged to start snapping now for 2010 photo contest

It’s never too early for residents to start snapping photos of their hometown for Bedminster’s Amateur Photo Contest, although entries in the annual contest won't be judged until the township's annual Fall Fest next Sept. 20. Several of the winning photos are afterward used to illustrate the next year's township calendar. The 2010 township calendar, including several of the photos submitted last year, was mailed out to local households a few weeks ago in December.

The township recreation department is organizing the photo contest for the fourth year. Residents should take out their cameras now to capture all seasons in their photographs, said Robin Ray, township recreation director.

Entries must be images taken throughout Bedminster Township. Photos wil be judged in the following categories: seasons; wildlife; landscape; people and American spirit.

For detailed contest information and an official entry form, visit the township’s website www.bedminster.us or township offices at 1 Miller Lane, or call the township recreation department at 908-212-7014.

Take Fido for a walk at Lord Stirling Stables in Bernards on New Year’s Day

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable will host their annual New Year's Day "Meet New Friends" walk for dogs and their owners on Friday, Jan. 1, at Lord Stirling Stable in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township.

Check-in time for the holiday walk will be between 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. and the hour-long walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. The dog walk will take place along the equestrian trails. Lord Stirling Stable, at 256 S. Maple Ave., is part of the Somerset County Park Commission.

Registration is $3 per dog. All pets must be leashed and kept under control at all times. Humans are invited to participate free of charge.

The New Year’s Dog Walk will provide humans and pets an opportunity to walk off some of that holiday cheer on a tour of the beautiful trails at Lord Stirling Stable. The Friends of Lord Stirling are inviting partied-out participants to start the year off right with old friends, new friends, and best friends.

Regularly scheduled Saturday Dog Walks will continue on Sat., Jan. 2, with check-in between 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., with the walk to be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Friends will gladly accept an unopened dry or canned puppy/dog or kitten/cat food for donation to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter upon check-in. For more information, call Martha at 973-635-8672 or visit the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable website at www.flssnj.org. Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Horse-care workshops for non-riders: Gain experience and confidence around horses

Posted via MyCentralJersey.com:

Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable is offering Mini-Workshop 101 for adults and juniors seeking to gain experience and confidence around horses through a combination of non-riding activities and hands-on experience.

Equine Mini-Workshop 101 will take place at the stables at 256 South Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge, beginning Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 and will run for five consecutive weeks from 1 to 3 p.m.

Participants will learn the proper way to safely handle a horse, groom and tack up. The parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle are discussed, in addition to horse breeds, colors, and basic horse care. There is no riding involved in this program.

Register online or in person at the stable office. Registration will be accepted up to the opening day of the workshops as space permits. Fee is $55 for Somerset County residents and $92.50 for non-residents.

Winter walks with your dog

The Saturday Dog Walks continue at Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable. Check-in time for owners and their pets will begin at 10:15 a.m. The guided trail walk will commence at 10:30 a.m. and last for approximately one hour.

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable host the weekly event on the Stable grounds at 256 South Maple Avenue.

Registration is $3 per dog, and all pets must be leashed and kept under control at all times. These sanctioned Dog Walks offer participants the only opportunity to explore the beautiful equestrian trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot.