PAGE 19 BACK SCHOOL theconnectionsnj.com Brighter futures begin with school choice. Explore the benefits of Catholic education! Proud to be a small school with a bigger purpose, School of St. Elizabeth is the area's premier choice for private, faith-based education for children in Pre-K through 8th Grade. Experience the St. Elizabeth difference: — Small class sizes with expert faculty — Rigorous, challenging curriculum — Traditional, values-based learning environment — Cognia STEM certified school — Competitive athletics — Vibrant music and arts programs Discover More at steschool.org 30 Seney Drive, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 — admissions@steschool.org 908-766-0244 x 204 hose long summer days are behind us. Fall is coming with its cozy sweaters, crisp, colorful days, and darker, longer nights. That does not mean we have to hibernate. One way to bring a little light into those long nights and embrace the season is to check out Brite Nites Brite Nites at the Wagner Farm Arboretum at 197 Mountain Avenue in Warren. Brite Nites has been a popular fundraiser for the Wagner Farms Arboretum for years. Each fall, the community comes together to marvel at its festive and brightly lit autumnal displays. The lit-up jack o’ lanterns are interspersed with displays of skeletons and, last year, even a moving, litup flying saucer. You never know what you are going to see at Brite Nites Brite Nites! The displays are all family-friendly and suitable for all ages, but this year there will be a “spooky” section as well as a not-sospooky section that will be lit up with skeletons and displays that are an homage to the not-so-scary side of fall’s favorite holiday- Halloween! Also new this year, young families with earlier bedtimes will be able to enjoy Brite Nites Brite Nites before nightfall sets in. Brite Nites will open in the late afternoon with food trucks and children’s games in addition to admission to the gardens to see the displays. This will enable our youngest patrons to be safely tucked into bed (fed and tired out!) by the time the moon comes up. Wagner Farms Arboretum is a local, nonprofit organization. Its grounds, facilities, and educational programs are dedicated to environmental and horticultural education through its beautiful, natural setting. Their grounds include a community garden with over 110 plots on dedicated space for gardeners to get their hands dirty, enjoy nature, the company of fellow gardeners, and grow their own food organically. You cannot get fresher, more locally grown produce than that! There is also a Giving Garden, which is cultivated by volunteers and is dedicated to raising vegetables that will feed our neighbors who do not have access to healthy and fresh meals. The produce is distributed to local food banks, pantries, and kitchens. The “Growing to Give” program at the Giving Garden works with local schools, youth service groups, and organizations to give youth the opportunity to learn where food comes from and how food insecurity affects the lives of many in nearby towns. Let’s not forget the Children’s Garden. Covering about 1/3 acre, the Children’s Garden is a magical place where children can discover, explore, observe, and play. It contains life-size cow sculptures, a sensory garden, outdoor musical instruments, and native plantings to provide habitat and food for pollinators, butterflies, and birds. Brite Nites and a plant sale around Mother’s Day are the two major fundraisers for Wagner Farms Arboretum. Your ticket to Brite Nites does not just secure you a magical night out-it supports the mission of Wagner Farms Arboretum. Brite Nites opens its doors on Fridays and Saturdays. The dates this year are October 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25. Don’t miss it! Tickets must be purchased in advance on their website at www.wfafnj.org. For more information, you can email administrator@wfafnj.org or go to the website. Brite Nites is Lighting Up! By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES Those long summer days are be
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