AUTUMN’S ALLURE EAT, DRINK & CELEBRATE PAGE 22 theconnectionsnj.com Friends of Bernards Township Library Presents the 4th Annual HOLIDAY MARKET Saturday, November 22nd 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM FREE ADMISSION Hand Crafted Jewelry Artisanal Soaps • Gluten Free Baked Goods Floral Art • Hand Woven Goods Lavender Fiber Art Crocheted Toys • Clairvoyant Café on Site Bernards Township Library 32 South Maple Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Sports card store offering baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pokemon cards, memorabilia, hobby wax, single cards, retail and supplies. 257 N. Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 908-842-2400 Open Monday-Saturday (11am-6pm) Receive 10% off when you spend $50 Visit Our NEW Location: he Friends of the Bernards Township Library, a non-profit organization which supports the library by providing funding for programs, events, and activities for all ages, has the community feel that people move here for. Just ask Vice President Lisa Fortunato, who has been involved for four years. “I became friends with the current President when I worked at the library, and she roped me in,” she laughed. “We began to talk about what they do, and I wanted to be able to help. I love being able to bring my experience working in fundraising and events to this community.” With events such as a live cabaret with songs performed from Wicked and Little Shop of Horrors to a Creature Comfort Pet Therapy program and a laser tag after dark (when the library is closed). There is truly something for all walks of life. The therapy dog event, held monthly, encourages children to read and not be afraid to read aloud. The therapy dog will sit next to them, and there is no judgment if they struggle to read aloud. There are also Storytime events, and when held in the evening, guests can attend in their pajamas. Adult programs range from music and art programs to comedy and old-time radio. For two years in a row, they held an afternoon tea fundraiser that was quite a hit. Picture a Victorian tea party with fine china, teacups, individual tea pots, handcrafted tea sandwiches and scones, while a string quartet played and waiters served you, courtesy of students at Ridge High School. “We hit full capacity with that event; we had 60 people,” says Fortunato, when remembering how much fun everyone who attended had. Next up is the planning of the annual Holiday Market, which is always held at the library the Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 22nd, from 10am-4pm). Lisa and the President go to different craft shows throughout the state, looking for vendors for the free event that is always open to the public. It ranges from artists that sell creative jewelry, artisanal soaps, hand-woven tea towels/blankets, paintings, lavender floral art pieces, gluten-free baked goods, crocheted toys, and mosaic lamps/globes. It will be on the lower level in the program room with plenty of parking. We will be including a café as well, selling baked goods, sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, and water. This is the fourth year of the Holiday Market, which provides a quality atmosphere with festive music playing, where one can get their shopping done and support local entrepreneurs. After living in Brooklyn for over thirty years, Fortunato came to Basking Ridge twelve years ago and really loves this community and the ease of life in the suburbs. “I love being able to find parking anywhere I go!” she remarked. The Friends of the Bernards Township Library donate their time and meet bi-monthly on the first Monday of the month for an hour and are always looking for volunteers to help provide the library with an even greater level of support. If you are interested in joining, please feel free to reach out at friends@bernardslibrary.org. Visit The Bernards The Bernards Township Library at 32 S. Maple Ave. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. LIBRARY LOWDOWN You’ve Got a Friend in Bernards Township By Katrina Musto T
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