Great Escape

Animal Rescue Holding Adoption Event in Bridgewater

It will be held Saturday at PetSmart.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. This weekend is a great opportunity to find your new best friend—the next dog looking for a home. Home for Good, a non-profit animal rescue will be hosting a dog adoption event Saturday at PetSmart on Promenade Boulevard in Bridgewater. The mission of the organization is to rescue, nurture and adopt all kinds of dogs into foster homes. It is based in Summit, and also has offices in Berkeley Heights. Those who are considering adopting should pre-apply online before the event because an approved application is required for all meets and greets, and adoptions. …

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Great Escape

Renowned Painter to Discuss Art at Bedminster Center

Mel Leipzig is coming to the Center for Contemporary Art.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. Living legend New Jersey painter Mel Leipzig is visiting the Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster Thursday to discuss painting, art and the Romantic Realism exhibit, currently on display at the center. Leipzig, according to a release from the center, was recently featured in an NJN documentary that aired across the country, and was on the cover of the November issue of “Professional Artist” magazine. In addition, the release said, Leipzig was featured in the December/January issue of “International Artist.” The exhibit at the center, for which Leipzig …

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Learn (and Taste) the Art of Maple Sugaring

This weekend through March, enjoy the winter woods and learn how maple trees can be tapped for the sugar that becomes syrup.

Sometimes there's just not enough hours in the day, but each week we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. Continuing a tradition in the Northeast United States, including New Jersey, that began centuries ago with the Native Americans and colonists, the Somerset County Park Commission invites children and adults to a 90-minute program to witness how Maple tree sap can produce delicious New Jersey maple syrup. The series of weekend demonstrations are free and begin this Saturday morning at the Environmental Education Center's Sugar Shack at 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. During a series of programs that will continue through March 10, the trees are tapped. …

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Train Show Rolls Into 4-H

The 4-H is hosting the annual event.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. This weekend, get ready to explore the wonderful world of model railroading with the Somerset County 4-H Winter Train Show. To be held Saturday and Sunday at the 4-H on Milltown Road, the annual fair will feature demonstrations and much more. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. There will be hands-on activities, as well as information and demonstrations about the O-Scale trains and layout. Each year, 4-H members and others head out to see the different exhibitions, watch the trains and share their knowledge about them. Admission to the show is…

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Great Escape

Enjoy a Winter Bonfire Saturday

Warren's Yuletide Bonfire Festival keeps growing with activities and fun for families.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. This week, you can escape the winter doldrums with the outdoor fun at the Warren Township Yuletide Bonfire Festival on Saturday, the township's fifth annual. Each year, residents donate their Christmas trees and on the night of the bonfire, local volunteer firefighters ignite the trees and crowds gather to watch. But over the years the township's Recreation Commission has expanded the offerings to include musical performances, rides on a horse-drawn carriage, and marshmallow roasting (sponsored by Warren Patch). During colder winters, ice skating is possible…

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Great Escape

Titanic History Traced By Hillsborough Author

New discoveries continue to fascinate many.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. If you're fascinated by the story of the Titanic, register with the Hillsbrough Public Library for Saturday's "Titanic: The Story of a Great Ship" presentation, with Charles Haas, author and president of the Titanic International Society, and Hillsborough resident Robert Martorana.  "This program traces Titanic’s story from its inception through its 1912 loss and its immediate aftermath," Haas said, noting he'll use archival photographs to show how the ship was built, then proceed with a visual visit aboard the lost liner for a grand tour of all three …

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Great Escape

Get Mental Health in Order as New Year Begins

Yoga centers and spas offering deals to start 2013.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. It is the new year, and that means resolutions about losing weight, spending time with family and turning over a new leaf. And we could give information about deals at local gyms and more. But this time, we wanted to focus on mental health, preparing to be happy in the new year and surrounded by people you love. So today, we present some great deals at local yoga centers and spas throughout the county, all designed to help give a little peace of mind at the start of the year. It’s time to get in great mental shape for the new year. Know of any other …

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Great Escape

Movie Theater, Mall Open Around Christmas

Many will close early on Christmas Eve, and several restaurants are taking reservations.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. And with Christmas approaching, we want to give you a list of places that are still open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day if you’re looking to get out of the house. Did we miss anything? Do you know of any stores open, or restaurants offering deals? Let us know in the comments!

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Ken Kaus

11:45 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The JCC will be open normal hours, 6am -10pm, 12/24 and from 7am-6pm on 12/25. Come in for a swim or a workout.   more ›

Holiday Boutique Offers Unique Gifts at Wagner Farm

Shop opening Friday offers local and handcrafted items.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. And at this time of the year, many people are stressing over finding just the right gift for someone special—and if you've been pondering such a purchase, stop by the Wagner Farm Arboretum Holiday Boutique. Original, one of a kind, hand-made and organic items offered for sale include jewelry, paintings by local artists, framed and/or matted photographs, stationery, local honey, home madechocolates, jams and preserves, beautifully crafted, one of a kind pottery, holiday gift items and a wideselection of other household decorative art work. Located in the …

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Santa Claus is Coming to ... Bridgewater

Families are invited to take pictures with Santa at the mall.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. And this time we’re talking about getting fully prepared for the holiday season by heading over to the Bridgewater Commons Mall for a visit with the man in red himself. On Friday, Santa Claus arrived at the mall, ready for photos and much more with those looking to kickstart the season. Sitting in the Santa set in the center court of the mall, he will be there to take photos with children, full families and even pets. Santa will be at the mall from Nov. 9 through Dec. 24, and photo packages are available at the site—they include a certificate signed by Santa…

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