Fashion Show to Benefit Mother Earth

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is holding a benefit.

If you're into a little bit of outdoor fashion and gear, for a little bit of a price, we've got the exact right place for you—the Field & Fashion benefit at the Natirar Mansion in Peapack April 21. The benefit is to be held by nonprofit New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and will include an outdoor-themed fashion show, signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, auctions and more. Local students will model the fashions shown off at the event. Among the items in the auction wll be a beachfront vacation home in Captiva, a Colorado angler's adventure and many more similar packages. The foundation itself is designed to preserve land and natural resources throughout the state. Tickets are a little pricey, but it is all going for a good cause—…

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Oh, oh, oh...It's Magic!

Morristown's Mayo Center presenting The Spencer's Theater of Illusions.

Basking Ridge Johnny Charles Band Featuring Nasty Ned When/Where: On Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., the 8th annual Food and Wine Event to raise funds for the Bernards High ski racing team will be held at the Liberty Corner firehouse, 95 Church St., in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards. Why Go: Raise funds for the entirely parent-supported ski team, while getting to hear the music of the Blues Hall of Fame's Johnny Charles Band, featuring Nasty Ned. In addition to a night of great food and music, there will be a wine tasting courtesy of 56 Degree Wine of Bernardsville. Cost: $50 per person, buy tickets at www.bhsskiteam.org, or call 908-285-0666.  'Cat in the Hat' Fun When/Where: Thursday, 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Bernards …

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Get Out: Get The Kids Ready For the Pool

Lots going on around the area this Presidents Day weekend.

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. …

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Take the Kids to Meet Abraham Lincoln

Morristown's Macculloch Hall Historical Museum hosts a special presentation

Sunday is the 203rd anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, and a great opportunity to enjoy a little history and culture combined: the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, in Morristown, will host reenactor Bob Costello at 1 p.m. The presentation also includes a special presentation of the active involvement of New Jersey in the Civil War. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students. But there are lots of other great things for you and your family to do this weekend—here's a roundup of nearby events: Basking Ridge Parents Night Out When/Where: Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Kangaroo Kidz, 80 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville. Why Go: So you can really celebrate Valentine's Day a few days early, or just let your hair down at the end of the …

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Get Out to Enjoy Area Events

Lots of great things happening in Central Jersey this weekend.

Bridgewater Vo-Tech Open House When/Where: Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School on Vogt Drive in Bridgewater. Why Go: To check out the offerings of the Vo-Tech, and take part in a celebration of Career and Technical Education Month, as students lead campus tours, demonstrate what they have learned and take part in a Skills USA competition. Cost: Free Meow-Wow 2012 Cat Show When/Where: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the 4-H Center on Milltown Road in Bridgewater. Why Go: Because who doesn't love cute kittens? Check out the Whiskers, Paws & Claws with the 4-H Club as the top felines compete in the Meow-Wow Cat Show. Cost: $2 Carol's Creative Chocolatez When/Where: Saturday at 2 p.m. at the …

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Fun, Action-Packed Basketball on Display

The Harlem Wizards come to Somerset County this weekend.

Fun, action-filled basketball is coming to Somerset County this weekend in the form of the Harlem Wizards. If you haven't checked out the team and the fun time that is sure to follow, now is your chance. We also have plenty of other choices, including a family-friendly section at the bottom. Here are this week's picks: The Harlem Wizards Where/When: Ridge High School; Sunday 2-4 p.m. Why Go: The Wizards will be taking on the Ridge Red Devils for a good cause. The event is put on by the Bernards PEC and Hope Autism Foundation in honor of April, Autism Awareness Month. Proceeds from this event will benefit the special needs community in Bernards Township. Pricing: $10 advanced tickets, $15 at the door. Snow White and Beauty & the Beast Where…

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Hot Jazz to Melt the Cold

Concert featuring Rio Clemente one option for your downtime this weekend.

Winter decided to bite back this week, even though the calendar said it was spring. So, why not fight the cold with some hot jazz this weekend? A concert featuring Rio Clemente leads our list. Here are this week's picks: 1. An Evening of Red Hot Jazz Where/When: The Center for Contemporary Art (Bedminster); Friday, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Why Go: The event features live performances by the Rio Clemente Quartet and the Vincent Troyani Trio. Guests will also be able to enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, a display of original jazz-themed artworks, caricaturist, silent auction, and door prizes. All proceeds benefit education and exhibition programs at The Center for Contemporary Art. Pricing: $50 2.  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Where/When…

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Take in a Musical Treat

Modern classic part of weekend's festivities.

A production of a modern musical classic will be on display this weekend, as pleasing sounds are a major part of a number of events you can attend. There are also a number of benefit events that should provide an evening of entertainment. Here are this week's picks: 1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Where/When: Villagers Theatre (Somerset); Saturday, noon and 3 p.m.; Sunday, noon. Why Go: Fun for the whole family, as a production of the classic will be directed by Derek Mazukiewicz. At $10 a ticket, it's cost-effective way to spend your weekend. Pricing: $10 2. Rock n' Roll While Benefiting Fire Company Where/When: Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1; Saturday, 7-11 p.m. Why Go: The Tattered Prophets, the group performing, are a lot of fun…

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Adorable, Furry, & On Display This Weekend

Dog show sure to capture hearts of animal lovers.

Ever see the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on TV or in person? If you have, you know how lovable those pets are. If you haven't, we're sure you can imagine. Well, this week you can see the furry and adorable up close at a local event.  You can also watch a number of high school performances that are sure to please. Here are this week's picks: 1. Circuit Dog Show Where/When: Ted Blum 4-H Center at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Why Go: Because they're cute, it's fun, and donations will be taken for the Somerset Animal Shelter during the event. Pricing: Donations welcome 2. Phantom of the Opera Where/When: Hillsborough High School; Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. Why Go: Broadway comes to Hillsborough …

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Do it Yourself This Weekend

You can learn to help yourself in your downtime.

This is the weekend for the do-it-yourself person. Those who want to make their homes better; who enjoy doing projects. If that's you, we have a number of possibilities for you this weekend. But if that's not you, don't worry: we have other options as well. Here are this week's picks: 1. Woodworking and D.I.Y. Show Where/When: Garden State Exhibit Center (Somerset); Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Why Go: Advertised as the region's largest gathering for woodworkers and do-it-yourself enthusiasts, this is the place to go if that's up your alley. Pricing: $10; children under 15 free 2. Meet George Washington Where/When: Warren Township Library; Saturday, 2-3:30 p.m. Why Go: OK, so it's not the real …

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