We’re kicking off a new column featuring Bernards Township Democrats you should know! This month we talk to Jane Conklin, a humble powerhouse involved in many of the BTDC’s most successful events. Learn what drew her to our town, what keeps her here, and what her hopes are for the future.
April 28, BOE Meeting, @ 7pm, Ridge High School PAC Curriculum & textbooks: The board seems to have many questions with regard to textbooks that have been recommended for adoption by teachers and supervisors. The approval of three textbooks — including a sociology text that has been the subject of much debate — is on this meeting's agenda. If you’re interested in free speech and concerned about book bans, please attend and speak out.
May 6, Liberty Corner Fire Company Comedy Night @ 7pm The Liberty Corner Fire Company, an all-volunteer fire and rescue organization in the Liberty Corner section of Bernards Township, will have the return of its biannual comedy night in the ballroom of the firehouse at 95 Church St, Liberty Corner, NJ. This year’s line up includes a trio of comics who play from New York to California, ABC to Comedy Central, star in films and theatre and are guaranteed to entertain.
May 8, BOE Meeting, @ 7pm, Ridge High School PAC Public Hearing on 2023-24 Budget
May 8, Township Committee Meeting @ 8pm
May 17, McCarthy & Wong Campaign Fundraiser @ 6:30 pm Join us for a beautiful evening supporting Ana Duarte McCarthy and Lily Wong's campaign for Bernards Township Committee. The event, hosted by Suzanne Glassman, will feature remarks from our candidates, along with unique signature cocktails and delicious food. If you haven't been to one of Suzanne's soirees, here's your chance to support our amazing candidates and enjoy an evening of fun!
May 19, Charter Day Eve Concert, @ 7pm, The Ross Farm
May 20,Bernards Township Charter Day, 12pm-6pm Visit the BTDC booth and meet the candidates! Charter Day is an annual event which celebrates the history and 1760 Charter of Bernards Township and showcases community groups, businesses and talent.
May 22, BOE Meeting (BT Connect), @ 7pm, RHS Cafeteria
The Somerset County Park Commission and Board of County Commissioners are pleased to announce the restoration of staff-guided trail rides at the Stable at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ, following the acquisition of six new horses. The return of Park Commission owned horses is part of the two-year effort during COVID to restore the Stable to self-sufficiency while expanding access to and awareness of the County’s equestrian programming for all residents. Guided trail rides help riders with limited experience on horses experience the joy of trail rides in groups of two or three in a safe, secure environment with professionals leading the way. This program is currently being offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. and will expand to Sundays at 11:30 a.m. beginning in March. Pre-registration with a $40 fee is required, and riders must be at least nine years of age, five feet or taller, and weigh 190 lbs. or less. Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
More information and registration for all current services are available at
The West Course at Royce Brook.Join the Somerset County Democratic Organization for our first annual golf outing. The West Course, at Royce Brook features a 7,158-yard, par 72, rugged links-style layout with open terrain, fescue grass, and dramatic bunkering style.The course is ranked among Golf Digest's Top 20 Golf Courses - private and public - in the state of New Jersey, and has received the coveted "Four Stars" as well. For more details and registration: https://birdease.com/SCDC23
--- Nancy D'Andrea, Somerset County Park Commissioner
The BTDC’s own Jane Conklin has recently resurrected an age-old suburban institution – the Welcome Wagon. Jane’s committee has hit the roads of Basking Ridge four times so far, bringing cookies, key township information and voter registration forms to new residents. With the help of resident Alyssa Totillo, the group has been focusing on getting to know Democrats and Independents new to town, as well as sharing information about the community and the BTDC. They hope to begin hosting meet and greets in the next few months. If you’re interested in becoming part of the Welcome Wagon effort, please email Jane Conklin, Recording Secretary.
Concerned about book bans and censorship in education? Hear what professor and historian Mary Nolan had to say when she addressed a large audience at the Bernards Township Library with a thought-provoking and unsettling expose of the culture wars being fought in the classroom. Also, find out how you can take a stand for academic freedom.
