Get Out: Get The Kids Ready For the Pool

The long weekend for Presidents Day will offer up a little more down time for most residents this week. As usual, we have some options for you as you consider what to do with that precious time.

One of those options will get your children ready for the summer by getting them comfortable around the water.

Here's more on what's going on around the area.

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

Bridgewater

Bradley Gardens Blood Drive
When/Where: Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Bradley Gardens Volunteer Fire Company.
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.
Why Go: To help two Finderne firefighters dealing with illness, while donating to the American Red Cross. To schedule an appointment, call Thomas Marshall at908-672-2568.
Cost: Free.

Girl Scouts Junior Jump, Tumble and Cheer
When/Where: Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Evolution Training Center on MilltownRoad.
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, visitgshnj.org.
Cost: $25.

Chatham

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 InsideOut" shares his expertise in this hour-long workshop.
Price: $2/Free for Garden State Puppetry Guildmembers

Madison

Read to a Dog  When/Where: Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Madison Public Library, 39 Keep St.
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 JazzWhen/Where: Sunday at 3 p.m. at Shanghai Jazz Restaurant & Bar, 24 Main St.
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.

Morristown

'Tschaikowski' St. Petersburg State Orchestra
When/Where: Friday at 8 p.m. at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Why Go: You love some good classical music.
Cost: $37 to $52

Create Your Own Mosaic Trivet
When/Where: Saturday at 10 a.m. at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township  
Why Go: You're feeling creative.
Cost: $25 (includes materials)

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