Rent any bounce house for rental in the month of August and receive 15 percent of the rental price.

Fun Time Rentals, LLC invites you to add some extra FUN to your next party, by renting one of our BRAND NEW infalatable bounce houses!  We are a local company, that is fully licensed and insured to operate in the State of NJ.  We  have worked hard to achieve the highest level of safety training and quality required to operate and own inflatble rides!   We look forward to hearing from you and serving you for all of your bounce house rental needs!

• phone: 908-788-9820
• web: www.fun-time-rentals.net 
   

Vendors of antiques, arts, crafts and collectables will spread their wares around the spacious lawns of North Hunterdon Regional High School on Sunday, August 15, 2010 in a rain or shine benefit show for Hunterdon Helpline.  The event begins at 10 am and continues until 4 pm.   
 
Bagels, donuts and coffee will be sold during the breakfast hours and hot dogs and baked goods will be available at lunch time.  Shop Rite of Hunterdon is sponsoring the concession stand.  
 
The show is located 1 and ½ miles south of the intersection of routes 78 & 31.  There is ample free parking.  The quality dealers that come from up and down the East Coast will be selling furniture, stoneware kitchen accessories, quilts, pottery, brass, iron, dolls, pewter, jewelry and copper items found in homes, general stores and farms of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.  The show has a $6.00 admission fee, $5.00 with ad/card.
 
Founded in 1969 as a teen hotline by a teacher, a guidance counselor, a nurse, the sheriff, the prosecutor, the judge in response to the growing troubles for the youth of the county, the agency has evolved over the years.  Hunterdon Helpline is a telephone information and referral program that has served as the first call for non-emergency help in Hunterdon County for over 40 years.    Helpline is never closed and last year handled over 75,000 calls ranging from potential suicides to health, financial assistance and legal referrals.  Helpline also makes daily reassurance calls, matches homebound seniors to a friendly visitor, and arranges for emergency shelter and our trained staff offers compassionate listening.  We are there 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we are always a free service.
 
Helpline is funded by the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders, United Way of Hunterdon County, Title III funds through the Division of Senior, Disability and Veteran Services, the Somerset Board of Social Services, the Large Foundation, donations from service clubs, churches, municipalities, corporations and individuals.  The Board of Trustees sponsors three important fundraisers to help close the gap in funding each year.  The agency holds the Annual Chefâ s Spotlight Dinner in the spring, Antiques in August and the Black River & Western Railroad Mystery Train Ride scheduled for September 12, 2010  
 
Persons needing help in Hunterdon County need only make one call to have access to a connection to human services at the county, municipal and state services and information on non-emergency help in a time of disaster.  For more information about the show, being a vendor at the show or Helpline dial 1-800-272-4630 or visit us on the web at www.helplinehc.org where a link to the vendor packet is listed.

Hunterdon County to benefit from Hunterdon County YMCA’s focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

For the first time in 43 years, YMCA of the USA has unveiled a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact that YMCAs make in communities across the country.  The YMCA has the unique capacity to address many of the challenges facing the nation today.  Through its new brand strategy and framework, the nonprofit will extend its reach into communities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to support neighbors. 

The new brand strategy – the result of more than two years of analysis and research – was introduced on July 12 at a National Press Club event that included leaders from the philanthropic and nonprofit communities.  As part of the event, the YMCA unveiled a new, more forward-looking logo that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the organization, and a framework that focuses resources on three core areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  In another major change, the nonprofit will be called “the Y” to align with how people most commonly refer to the organization.

“The Hunterdon County YMCA is truly excited about the new brand strategy and the opportunity to engage more people in the areas of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development,” said Bruce Black, President/CEO, Hunterdon County YMCA. “There are many exciting changes taking place at the Hunterdon County YMCA – we are building momentum, and this strategy is getting everyone from our volunteers to our members and donors very excited.

Along with the new look and messages, the Hunterdon County YMCA is making other changes to benefit the community.

         • Expanded weekend hours and holiday openings
         • All youth classes will be open to non-members
         • Non-members will be able register online for classes and membership
         • Realigned program pricing
         • Special family events for Y members
 
“This is a very important, exciting time for the Y,” said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA.  “For 160 years, we’ve focused on changing lives for the better.  Our commitment to building greater awareness for the important work we do will enable us to expand our efforts and further strengthen communities across the country.” 
 
Today, across the United States, Ys are making a difference in three key areas of focus:

- Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen

 - Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being

 - Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors 

The Y’s former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization’s sixth since its inception. The refreshed logo, with its multiple color options and new, contemporary look, better reflects the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves.  The new logo’s bold, active and welcoming shape symbolizes the Y’s commitment to personal and social progress. 

For more information about the Hunterdon County YMCA visit www.hcymca.org or call 908-782-1030.
 
the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

The Art Studio offers “outside the box” art classes for both kids and adults.  Our staff are all certified art educators with more than 50 years experience.  We offer Summer Camp, and regular classes, including classes for young artists in the 4-6 year old range.  We are a great place for birthday parties in our classic schoolhouse building from 1811. Try a “Recycled Art” themed party and make one of a kind creations from repurposed materials or the “Splatter Room”, where you can toss paint on a tote bag or t-shirt.

• phone: 908-284-1500 
• web: www.artstudioflemington.com

• phone: 908-310-2021
• web: www.deesphotosanddesign.com/

Join the Tewksbury Rescue Squad for their 12th Annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 25th, 12pm-5pm.
 
The Tewksbury Harvest Fest is eagerly anticipated by the entire community. 60 crafters will present their hand made wares along side a large Harvest Festival. On site will be, music, food, petting zoo, pony rides, hot air balloon rides and more.  All activities are included in the $20 per car load admission fee.

For more information, pictures from last year’s event and to download crafter applications visit  http://www.thecraftique.com

Beachcombing is a favorite activity for many visiting the Jersey Shore or any other beach vacation spot. Local Flemington-based sea glass artist, Beverly Loss, has been searching the shores for treasure for as long as she can remember!
 
Throughout the month of July, Hunterdon County’s Main Library on Route 12 will host an exhibit of Loss’ sea glass collection found primarily on the beaches of New Jersey. The collection includes many rare finds and narratives on the origin of sea glass.
 
A highlight of the exhibit includes a display of various color sea glass shards as it relates to a standard color-coding chart used within sea glass collector circles.
 
The three-case display includes information on New Jersey shipwrecks, antique bottle identification, and various items hand-crafted using sea glass and shells. Bottle lips, apothecary stoppers, bonfire glass, pottery and more are all featured in the display. Additionally, Loss has provided some shards with their accompanying bottle of origin in the exhibit.
 
Loss’ love of the beach has evolved into Flemington-based SeashoreTreasures4U which offers a wide range of hand-crafted beach-themed items incorporating surf-tumbled sea glass, shells, glass beads and metal. Merchandise includes home decor, wine accessories, key chains, bookmarks, Tween items, tableware and jewelry.
 
Considered a resident expert on sea glass, Loss also provides on-site presentations to various groups including Girl Scouts. For a nominal fee, troops learn about sea glass, beach clean-up and recycling, and are able to create a simple sea glass necklace. 
 
Loss, who has a Design degree from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, is a member of the North American Sea Glass Association and a charter member of the SeaGlassLovers.com web site. You can contact her at SeashoreTreasures4U@Yahoo.com. She often exhibits at local craft shows.

August 21 11-2
44 Main Street, Califon

This is a great opportunity for moms looking to learn about cloth diapers, sell or trade their cloth diapers, or buy new and gently used diapers. All are welcome to mingle, chat, and browse new and used items. If you have diapers to sell or trade, please register before August 1. Kids are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Cash only for swap items, cards accepted for new inventory.

For more info or to register please contact Alison Ramarge at a.ramarge@hotmail.com or 770-313-3772.

The 28th annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC, the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, is ready to take off July 23-24-25 at Solberg Airport in Readington in Hunterdon County.
 
The three-day Festival offers a different theme each day, but the ones that stand out for the entire weekend are value and affordability.
 
“We know that consumers are carefully spending their hard-earned money hoping to get the most they can in return,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman. “When you’re looking for something special to do with the kids, you’ll find the average day at an area theme park or even the movies costs more in comparison.” Freeman noted this is the fourth year in a row general admission prices have not increased.
 
Opening Day on Friday, July 23 is “Balloons, Tunes & Booms” with the first scheduled mass hot air balloon ascension at 6:30 p.m.; Air Supply in concert at 8 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
 
“Summer’s Biggest Block Party” is an all-day affair on Saturday, July 24, beginning with a mass ascension at 6:30 a.m., Hannah Montana co-star Emily Osment in concert at 2 p.m., an evening mass ascension at 6:30 p.m., George Thorogood & the Destroyers in concert in conjunction with the “Greatest Glow on Earth” hot air balloon glow at 8 p.m.
 
“Health & Wellness Day” on Sunday, July 25 begins with an early morning mass ascension at 6:30 a.m., the first-ever Trinitas “Running with the Balloons” Charity 5K and Family Run, a hatha sunrise yoga and zumba workout beginning at 8 a.m., ‘80’s heartthrob Rick Springfield in concert at 3 p.m., and the closing mass ascension at 6:30 p.m.
 
Festival favorite balloons include the Quick Chek Farm Fresh, the PNC American Flag, and the Little Bees. New special shapes this year are Mini Bee and two balloons from Brazil: the huge Haunted House complete with a ghost, pumpkins and a witch; and the 105,000 cubic foot Mr. Scarecrow.
 
For the price of admission, Festival-goers receive:
 
Unlimited daily access to the mass ascensions of up to 125 hot air balloons taking to the skies; lawn seating to concerts; a fireworks show; a nighttime hot air balloon glow where balloons are lit like lanterns; the opportunity to relax in the Quick Chek Hospitality Tent; death-defying stunts from the Red Bull Air Force skydiving team from their upcoming movie Human Flight: 3D; trapeze artists the Flying Pages; interactive exhibits from the PNC Mobile Learning Center, the AT&T Technology Zone featuring the newest wireless smartphones and services, the Zhu Zhu Pets Zhuniverse, and Volkswagen America; and hundreds of arts and crafters and food vendors, many of whom will be giving out free samples and products when you stop by their booths. 
 
Hot air balloon rides are available; please note that all balloon activity is wind and weather permitting.
 
The Festival is offering upgraded food and beverage service featuring new oven-baked pizzas and mouth-watering subs and a full range of beverages from coffees to milkshakes from the on-site Quick Chek store, as well as traditional festival fare including balloon-shaped funnel cakes from Greenlight Food Service of Long Valley. Adult beverages will also be available and be permitted to be enjoyed throughout the Festival grounds.
 
Admission is $17 in advance for adults (through July 22, $25 at the gate), $7 in advance for children ages 4-12 ($10 at gate) and children 3 and under are free. Tickets are available at all Quick Chek locations, by calling 1-800-HOTAIR9.
 
On-site parking is available all three days beginning Friday for just $5 a day or attendees can park for free at nearby Raritan Valley Community College and take the Free Express Shuttle Bus to the Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

The Farmers’ Market at Dvoor Farm will hold a children’s weekend, Friday, July 16 and Sunday, July 18.

Events begin Friday at 6:30 p.m. with a discussion about the book ‘Last Child in the Woods’ by Richard Louv. The discussion will take place under the central tent at the Dvoor Farm on the Route 12 Circle in Raritan Township. Environmental Educator Karen Walsh will lead a thought-provoking discussion about what author Richard Louv calls “nature-deficit disorder.” Come and share outdoor memories from your childhood and explore ways to help children connect with nature right in their own backyards.
Festivities continue on Sunday July 18 at the Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Join us for a special day at the market seen from a child’s point of view.

Stephanie Smith from the Waldorf School will help kids make butterflies and jump ropes with natural fibers. Award-winning child advocate and kids musician Macheis Wind will entertain the young and young at heart with music inspired by the natural world.

At 10:30 a.m. Melissa Pickell, R.D. will teach children to “Eat a Rainbow Everyday” with a 30 minute program for children ages 6-10. Kids will learn about the life cycle of a fruit and vegetable rainbow including planting, composting, and eating. Participants will explore the benefits of compost, learn how to start your own composting and even get the chance to check out the worms in Pickell’s compost!

Matt McPherson of Matt’s Red Rooster Grill will help Pickell showcase kid-friendly, healthy food. Parents can shop for the freshest local produce to create their own healthy rainbows from the 18 local farmers and producers selling at the Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market.

For the complete Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market special event schedule visit hlta.org or call 908-237-4582. The Farmers’ Market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November 21 and Thursdays 3-7 p.m. through September 30. The market is sponsored by Stem Brothers, Inc., Team Capital Bank, Matt’s Red Rooster Grill and Basil Bandwagon.
The Hunterdon Land Trust is Hunterdon County, New Jersey’s only countywide land trust. The nonprofit land trust is committed to preserving and protecting the rural landscapes and natural resources of Hunterdon County. To learn more about the Hunterdon Land Trust, visit hlta.org.