Briefs: Summer Film Series, Horseback Riding Lessons

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal are hosting “Family Fun and Flix” – the free summer outdoor entertainment and film series this month. The series will feature the animated comedy “Despicable Me” at 7:30 p.m. on July 12 in Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle. Before the show, “Mad Science” instructors will perform.

The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:

• Tuesday, July 19 at Warinanco Park: there will be Basketball Fun and Games followed by the animated feature film, “Space Jam.”
• Tuesday, July 26 at Warinanco Park: see if you can Kung Fu your way to self defense before watching the original “Kung Fu Panda.”
• Tuesday, August 2 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Take part in National Night Out, sponsored by PBA Local #73, before viewing “G-Force.”
• Tuesday, August 9 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Make a fishy craft project before the showing of “Finding Nemo.”
• Friday, August 19 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside: Enjoy a classic car show by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment and the Garden State Chevelles before the animated adventure comedy, “Cars.”

 All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.

Time to Ride

Union County’s Watchung Stable in Mountainside is preparing for the start of next season’s horseback riding lessons. Now is the time for beginners and returning riders to register for fall classes at Watchung Stable. Registration begins Wednesday. All applicants for riding lessons must be 9 years-old or older. Fall Troop begins the week of Sept. 6, and culminates with the Fall Troop Horse Show. The cost to participate begins at $231 for 10 classes, and varies with Union County residency status and troop assignment. Classes are held Tuesdays through Saturdays. Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense.

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons, for people 18 years-old and older, beginning the week of Sept. 6. Classes for adults are available Sundays at 12:45 p.m., and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Adult lessons are an eight-week program on either Sunday or Tuesday morning. Beginners through advanced lessons are available on both days.

Registration forms and fees must be submitted in-person at Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. daily. Watchung Stable is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information, and to obtain registration materials, call (908) 789-3665 or email: stablequestions@ucnj.org

Support Group for Families Dealing with Alzheimer's

Runnells Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights is hosting Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group meetings from 1 to 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. The meetings will be held at the hospital in Room C318 on the third floor. The meetings, facilitated by Liz Carabuena, L.S.W., a RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital licensed social worker, are free of charge for all attendees.

The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS’ schedule for 2011 follows: July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17 and December 15. 

The facility is located at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. For further information, call 908-771-5828.