Guide Me Home to North Jersey

Another beautiful town that I service in Morris County is Randolph Township, which is about 21 square miles. It is part of the New Jersey Highlands region, characterized by flat top ridges and alternating deep valleys. From certain elevated parts of Randolph you can see the Manhattan skyline. Randolph was originally settled by the Lenni Lenape Indians because of its rich soil and abundant natural beauty. The European colonists and Quakers soon became its inhabitants. The first iron mine of New Jersey was registered in 1713 in Randolph, discovered by the Quakers. The Randolph mines supplied the soldiers in the Revolutionary war. During George Washington’s winter in Jockey Hollow, supplies were procured from the mines of Randolph. During the 1930’s and 1940’s Randolph became a vacation spot for New Yorkers looking for a place with natural beauty, clean air and clean water. Many summer camps, hotels and bungalow colonies were built.

A beautiful Colonial on 1.03± level, picturesque acres has just come on the market in Randolph. This home exemplifies the town motto, “Where life is worth living.” This lovely, ready to move-in Colonial is the perfect home for buyers who want a pretty setting, safe community, good schools and easy commute to New York City. The rooms are spacious and glisten with beautiful refurbished hardwood floors, new Pella windows in several rooms and three skylights that brighten and warm every space in the home. The foyer opens to a unique second floor hallway with a vaulted ceiling and skylight. The family room is absolutely lovely and conveniently located, opening to the breakfast area and kitchen. You will adore the arched windows and two sets of French doors dressed with custom Hunter Douglas shades.

This home in Randolph is very warm and inviting and will make “Life worth Living.” Please call me for more details 908-930-8495.

Posted by:  Bella Wilgus

Summer is almost here and what better way to kick it off than a good, old fashioned carnival!

The Chester Volunteer Fire Company #1 will hold their annual carnival at Chubb Park in Chester, New Jersey from June 22nd – 26th.

The carnival opens at 6:30pm and runs until around 10pm. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday are wristband nights, with the purchase of a wrist band, you receive unlimited rides!

On Friday, June 25th, a fireworks display will begin at 10pm.

Posted by:  Nicole Atorino

Morris County has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the country for golf enthusiasts.

Roxiticus Country Club The Club property is located within the boundaries of both Mendham and Bernardsville. The Club has a challenging 18-hole Hal Purdy designed golf course. The course stretches to 6,521 yards with a 72.5/135 course rating. A driving range, two putting greens, lob wedge area, and indoor range “tech center” are available.

Mendham Golf and Tennis Mendham Golf and Tennis Club has 320 full golf memberships. There are no required tee times, but portions of weekday mornings are set aside for certain Men’s and Women’s groups. The Golf Committee runs several tournaments per month and governs the rules and policies for equitable and enjoyable play for the members.

Morris Country Golf Club Founded in 1894, the Club was unique from the beginning as it was planned, organized and operated by women. The Club was an early member of the USGA, joining in 1895, and was the first club in New Jersey to host national championships, the US Women’s Amateur in 1896, followed two years later by the US Men’s Amateur in 1898. The present 18-hole course was laid out by the highly respected golf course architect, Seth Raynor, in 1916.

Spring Brook Country Club Spring Brook’s magnificent 18-hole golf course, sits on top of a hill overlooking Armstrong Pond. Its golf amenities include a driving range, putting green, and a fully stocked Golf Pro Shop. Established in 1921, Spring Brook’s golf course was designed by golf legend, Walter J. Travis. The championship course is enhanced by a variety of trees and foliage, which add to the natural beauty of the grounds. Its three par 3’s in a row around the pond add an unusual and interesting challenge to this magnificent course.

Turpin’s Mendham office, 973-543-7400, has listed a lovely ranch home at 230 Mountainside Road, Mendham, on 9± acres which includes a Ken Dye designed golf course with 2 greens, 4 tees, sand traps and bunkers. This allows a number of combinations, including two par 4’s. Hope to see you out on the links!

Posted by:  Nicole Atorino

Come to the Mendham Juniors Electronic Recycling Day!

Just bring your old and dated electronics to Mendham Borough Public Works at 37 Ironia Road in Mendham this Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Acceptable items include:
-  Computers (Hard drives erased by: Supreme Electronics)
-  Small Electronics
-  Desktop & Laptop Computers, Copiers,
-  Hardware, Printers, Monitors,
-  Small Household Appliances
-  Tape Recorders & Radios
-  Typewriters & Fax machines
-  Televisions of All Kinds

For answers to questions, to volunteer, or for more information, please click here.

Posted by:  Nicole Atorino

Come down to the Brookside Community Center in Mendham Township on Saturday, April 24, 2010 to support the Mendham Little League at their annual fundraiser. Tickets are $60 and with your purchase you receive three drink tickets, dinner and entertainment, The Meathooks . There will also be a silent auction with many terrific items to take your chance at winning.

Mendham Little League has been in operation since 1998, when the league was created to fill the desire for organized play for girls and boys over the age of 13 in Mendham Borough and Township. Prior to this, children played in the Babe Ruth league, which offered a limited number of teams. Over 350 volunteers run this program which benefits more than 750 children. This includes managers, coaches, team parents, players, umpires and board members.

For more information and to purchase tickets, or to preview The Meathooks, please click on the links provided above. It’s going to be a great night of good food, good music and good friends, all for a good cause. Hope to see you there!

Posted by:  Nicole Atorino

On Saturday, April 3, 2010, at 2PM at the Mennen Arena in Morristown, New Jersey members of the former Delbarton and St. Joseph Regional High School hockey teams will reunite to play “the game that never was”.

The original game, to be played in 1989, was canceled due to a measles outbreak and was never rescheduled. Both teams were ultimately declared co champions. However, the debate continued as to which team would have won.

Thirty-five of the forty original players that were scheduled to compete in the 1989 NJ State championship game will reconvene to determine who deserved the title. The event, called ”Frozen Flashback” is more than just a hockey game. It is a fundraiser for the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer charity. Through this organization, the NHL assists community organizations and medical centers who focus on cancer research and directly assist families affected by the disease. To date, Frozen Flashback has raised over $55,000 for their cause.

For more information and to obtain tickets, visit the website link above. I am looking forward to attending with my children to reconnect with old friends, see some great hockey and support an important cause.

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

The picturesque village of Oldwick remains the historic center of Tewksbury. Located conveniently close to Interstate 78, it retains its charm and authenticity, with stately Colonial and pretty Victorian houses that are the pride and joy of their owners.

Established by English landowners in the early 1700’s, followed by settlers of German descent, the village became known as New Germantown. The Zion Lutheran church, a beautiful 1749 Greek Revival building at the crossroads of the village, became well known for its illustrious pastor for 30 years, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the patriarch of the Lutheran church in America. It is considered to be one of the oldest Lutheran churches in New Jersey. In the 20th century, the village was renamed Oldwick, due to anti-German sentiments during World War I.

Enjoy lunch at the Tewksbury Inn or the Oldwick General Store, just across the road, before indulging your inner child and/or your children and grandchildren at the Bunny Hole, Oldwick’s very special Easter tradition. Every Easter since 1949, the Magic Shop, on the main street in Oldwick, has been transformed into the Bunny Hole, a delightful and fanciful adventure for children to explore the bunnies’ den, which features vignettes loosely based on Beatrix Potter’s tales of Peter Rabbit. Usually installed four to five weeks before Easter, the Bunny Hole is open for one week to ten days afterwards. It has delighted local and not so local children of all ages for generations. This year is no exception and the magical scenes encompass children’s stories, featuring Alice in Wonderland (the central theme), Where the Wild Things Are, Hansel and Gretel and Winnie the Pooh, as well as Peter Rabbit in Mr. McGregor’s garden. All are artfully designed by loyal and talented volunteers. Come and be enchanted!

The Magic Shop is a whimsical gift shop located in an 18th century house in the center of this historic village. Featuring unique, hand-crafted, original gifts for the home, fine art, antiques, children’s clothing and toys, each room offers unique and beautiful merchandise for the discriminating shopper.

Posted by: Valerie Fraser

If you are interested in fine dining and a memorable experience, then Ninety Acres Culinary Center at Natirar in Peapack, New Jersey is the place to go! This 15-month old restaurant is situated on a 500 acre estate that was once owned by the King of Morocco. The estate carriage house was transformed into an exceptional restaurant by David Rockwell of the Rockwell Team. Its warm, inviting ambiance boasts rich, classic materials and design with wood floors and ceilings, butternut millwork, walnut furniture, green stressed leather seating and large windows that create a connection with the surrounding bucolic setting. The restaurant wizardry by Chef David C. Felton is unmatched. The recipes are delicious and exciting and leave your palette and well being with a blissful satisfying feeling. Complimentary carafes of bubbling and still water are at every table. The bread basket is filled with the most delectable assortment. Their creative, original cocktails incorporate ingredients indigenous to country living. Ninety Acres also has a Wine School and Cooking School and will be able to serve foods that are raised and grown on the property’s own farm. The service is simply impeccable and leaves nothing to be desired. At the end of your delightful dinner, if you should request a “doggie bag”, your server will provide you with a number tag to retrieve your food when you leave. Truly sophisticated dining you will not forget.

If you intend to move to or visit Somerset County, just know that the twin boroughs of Peapack/Gladstone has other exceptional restaurants as well, which I will discuss in future blogs.

Posted by:Bella Wilgus

Bring your best poker face and come out to support Mendham Borough Schools at the Home School Association’s Annual Spring Fundraiser, “Casino Royale”. The event will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010, from 7:00-11:00 pm at The Skylands at Randolph.

Tickets cost $60 per person and guests will enjoy a cocktail buffet and cash bar. There will be game tables to try your luck and tickets will be sold for the Silent and Chance Auction. Class donated baskets and teacher donations are a big hit and a great way to participate in the action in case lady luck leaves you flat!

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

The Mendhams and Morris County have had tremendous foresight in setting aside preserved land over the last several decades. One of the most rewarding benefits is a system of hiking trails that might be the best in New Jersey. All are open to foot and horse traffic. Trails owned or maintained by Morris County almost always allow mountain bikes as well. None are open to motorized traffic.

Winter trails can be especially rewarding, with long views of vistas and wildlife with the leaves off the trees. After our ample recent snowfalls, snowshoes and cross-country skis add to the fun. There are many parking spots at trail access points, and most are quickly plowed out after storms.

Stay tuned for detailed information on individual trails in future blogs.

Posted by:Brian Hays

The Mendham Junior Women’s Club (MJWC) will hold a membership drive with a ‘Girl’s Night Out’ at Jane’s Nails, Main Street, Mendham on Thursday, February 24th at 7:00 pm. Come out and get a manicure, pedicure and have a glass of wine while you learn about the exciting things they have lined up for this year.

The MJWC is a great way to get involved in the community and meet some fun, interesting women. Founded in 1957, the non-profit organization has brought the young women of Mendham and the surrounding areas together to host educational, charitable and civic activities. When I first moved into town, I found the MJWC a terrific way to meet like-minded moms. It was a great way to combine the need for a social outlet with the satisfaction of community service. Between the many community based events, from running the sack races on Labor Day to hosting our annual blood drive, I fostered a real connection to our town and the needs of others, while making some great friends in the process!

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

It’s hard to think about summertime when it’s 25˚ outside, the wind is howling and there are a few inches of snow on the ground, but now is the time of year that many summer camps and programs begin registration. Depending on where you live, there are several good programs to choose from. Here are some of my favorites in the North Jersey/Mendham area:

Schiff Summer Nature Program - Schiff Nature Lands Trust in Mendham, NJ

Children ages 6 (entering first grade) to 12 are given the opportunity to play, explore and learn while developing a sense of community, self confidence and appreciation for the natural world. With almost 600 acres of forest and meadow and 14 miles of hiking trails, projects are designed to motivate and inspire as well as encourage environmental awareness. The Schiff Summer Program is a local favorite which often boasts a waiting list. For more information, visit their website or call 973-543-6004.

Art of Dance, Summer Dance Intensive - Chester, NJ

The Art of Dance features the most up-to-date dance styles and currently performing teachers. Dancers aged 5-20 can choose from a variety of dance styles that run in one or two week sessions. Whether you are a beginner or advanced dancer, you will be excited and motivated by this camp experience. For more information, visit their website or call 908-879-4919.

Oasis in Madison - Drew University in Madison, NJ

Oasis offers an amazing summer experience for children ages 4-11 and teen travel for ages 12-14. This camp offers sports and recreation, visual and performing arts, swimming, field trips and so much more. Visit their website or call 646-519-5059 for more information.

Junior Golf at Clubhouse Golf Center - Randolph, NJ

Individual instruction and lesson packages are available at the Golf Center. Camps and clinics are offered for ages 6-16 and all levels are welcome. Check out their website, or call 973-584-1504.

Gill St. Bernards Summer Programs - Gladstone, NJ

The beautiful 72 acre campus offers a wide variety of exciting and challenging opportunities for children aged 3-17. With over 41 years of well-supervised, creative camping there is something to keep every camper happy. The Hi Hills Camp is located here too.

There are so many options out there today to fit the needs of kids and parents. Don’t forget to check out your own local recreation departments and town clubs for summer programs as well.

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

Many people start off the New Year determined to restart their fitness program. There are many options from the traditional gym to specialized programs such as pilates, yoga or the bar method.

Somerset Hills YMCA-140 Mt. Airy Rd. Basking Ridge NJ 07920 908-766-7898

Madison YMCA- 111 Kings Road, Madison NJ 07940 973 377-6542
In addition to the gym, these YMCA facilities offer a pool, childcare and numerous programs.

Lotus Mind and Body- 165 Morristown Road, Bernardsville NJ 07924 908-766-9642
Recently opened next to Turpin Realtors, this studio offers yoga and pilates classes.

The Bar Method- Opened recently in the Bernardsville Kings shopping center, 80 Morristown Road, Bernardsville, N.J. 07924 (908)766-4433

They also have a location in Summit, NJ.  Started in Connecticut in 1991, this has become a popular place to shape up.   “The Bar Method™ workout creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.”

 The Chatham Club- 484 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ 07928-1406 973-377-1900
A traditional gym offering childcare, personal trainers, various classes including pilates, fencing and karate, squash ball courts and a sports medicine facility.

Powerflow Yoga- locations in Chatham and Livingston
Powerflow Yoga is a hot yoga studio inspired by a variety of different yoga styles which are incorporated into a heated vinyasa flow.

Posted by:Nadine Gelinas-Coffey

Chatham Borough (and Township) each have their own Historical Society, each dedicated to preserving the past. The Borough Historical Society was founded in 1923, with the mission “to bring together those who are interested in historical matters relating to the settlement and development of Chatham, and to make this material available to the public.”

The society presents programs, hosts an annual dinner for members, publishes a quarterly newsletter, takes oral histories, and gives walking tours of Chatham Borough. They have published several books and publications about Chatham, which are available for sale at the Chatham Public Library on Main Street. The Society researches the history of local houses and documents all findings. One current project is the digitizing of many of the old photos in the archives and creating DVDs of recent programs. They also offer for sale a reproduction from a 1910 map of Chatham Borough, which is printed on acid-free paper, and is approximately 22” by 30”.

The Chatham Historical Society is happy to welcome new members who are interested in helping celebrate Chatham’s rich history, and preserving the town’s historic character.

For details, write to:
Chatham Historical Society
P.O. Box 682
Chatham, NJ 07928

Posted by:Cynthia Edgar

Come down to Fabrizi Cosmetics, 6 E. Main St., Mendham, NJ on February 10 from 1 - 7 pm for the ‘Come in from the Cold’ Benefit, fundraiser for the Haiti Relief Fund. For a donation of $25, you will be able to preview the hottest trends for Spring 2010 in make up and fashion while enjoying drinks and appetizers. A 15% discount on all products will be offered for this special event. And the first 40 reserved guests receive a gift bag with gift certificates and merchandise valued at over $100 from local participating sponsors Vaz Florist, Para L’Elle Boutique, and Body Secret Personal Training to name a few.

Meaghan’s Meals will be providing a sampling of healthy, low-fat foods from their menu of meals that can be delivered right to your door! There will also be a drawing to win a Vitamin Peel from Etolie Cosmetic Medicine and a stunning piece from JoEllen Jewelers. For more information or to make your reservation, stop in or call Fabrizi Cosmetics at 6 E. Main Street, Mendham, NJ, 973-543-6220.

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

If you’re out and about in Chester or Mendham this weekend, check out The Meathooks, a great local band that is creating a lot of buzz. Formed in 2003 by James Vilade and Brian Wilson from Mendham, the band has a great sound- think ‘Grateful Dead meets Tom Petty, in the form of Soundgarden’. They have a new album in the works so come out see what all the buzz is about! On Friday, Jan. 29th at 7pm, Brian and James will perform an acoustic set at The Publick House, 111 Main Street in Chester. The Publick House is a great spot, the bar area is cozy and their brick oven pizzas are terrific. Saturday, Jan. 30th at 9:30pm, they come home to The Pub at the Black Horse Tavern, 1 W. Main Street in Mendham. The Pub has great atmosphere, great food and is always a good time. For more info visit: www.chesterpublickhouse.com, www.blackhorsenj.com, and www.themeathooks.com.

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

I will be writing blogs that will cover a large swath of New Jersey; destinations all within an hour’s drive from Far Hills. My goal is to provide interesting dining experiences and tips on daily trips with an eye on good value. We often overlook wonderful local treasures simply because they are close to home.

One such place is the charming hamlet of Mountainville that is tucked away in Tewksbury Township and is characterized by historic stone houses and farm properties large and small. Bordered by Cokesbury village to the west and Oldwick village on the south one approaches the hamlet from Oldwick on a meandering country road running along the Rockaway Creek. This stream is noted for its fine trout fishing.

Arriving in the heart of Mountainville the quaint establishment Gourmet Expressions sits at the head of Rockaway Road. This charming country restaurant in the center of the sleepy village provides a welcome respite from more suburban haunts. It is owned by a Chef/Manager husband and wife team who provide an array of delicious appetizers, main courses and desserts not to be missed. Open 6 days a week it provides an area in which to read the paper over morning coffee as well as a quiet place to lunch. The dinner hour brings another dimension to the table (pardon the pun) with elegantly presented meals. I am looking forward to sampling their Sunday Brunch.

The atmosphere is friendly and country casual. The food is eclectic American cuisine with frequent menu changes. Shopping for the freshest food is a daily occurrence. The Chef is noted for his creamy risottos and I can vouch for the French onion soup. He is a graduate of the New York Restaurant School in Manhattan and his wife who oversees the day to day details is a graduate of Johnson and Wales. Chances are, when you call for a reservation, which is recommended, it is Jennifer who will book your table. Feel free to bring along your favorite bottle of wine.

One lovely special feature of the cafe is the baker who comes in and prepares her delectable desserts while customers look on. It gives a very homey feel with delicious scents wafting through the air. The wonderful baker has been associated with this couple when they ran a successful restaurant in Middlesex County.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 9 pm. and Sundays from 9 am till 3 pm. Breakfast is served all day, any day till closing time. Gourmet Expressions also caters and will host your catered parties on or off premises. The restaurant holds 40 guests. One can drive and park on premises or for those lucky to live nearby, the site provides a nice walk to and from. Locals have been doing so for years.

My next subjects will be a Somerset County Library that offers a wide variety of lectures, movies and concerts and the Morris County Museum with a myriad of activities for all ages including an interactive musical exhibit.

Posted by:Catherine Weinstock

Unique This Week: Uncommon Value. This wonderful historic home nestled in the charming village of Mountainville is priced well below what the current owners paid for it in 2007!

Livingston Taylor will perform in Chatham on Friday, Nov. 20th at 8:00pm at the Stanley Congregational Church at 94 Fairmount Avenue.

He will talk about his life as a recording artist and as a professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Taylor has been making music for 40 years and has recorded 13 albums. His new CD, Last Alaska Moon, is due for release by the end of this year. He has toured with artists such as Jimmy Buffet, Linda Ronstadt, and Fleetwood Mac. Taylor describes himself as a pop singer. His performances include the piano, guitar, and five-string banjo.

Now a full professor, Taylor lectures at Berklee College. He teaches performing arts in the Boston area (where he was born in 1950). He is the fourth of five children, including his famous brother, singer-songwriter James Taylor. In 1988, Livingston Taylor received the Boston Music Award for outstanding folk artist. He is also the author of two children’s books, published by Harcourt Brace. Taylor was an Artist-in-Residence at Harvard University for five years.

General admission tickets are $15 per person. Tickets are available online at www.stanleychurch.org, or by calling (973) 635-7723.

Posted by:Cynthia Edgar

Come on down to the Hilltop Elementary School in Mendham Borough on Saturday, November 14th from 4-7 pm and put your recipe to the test at the HSA’s Chili Cook Off. Judges for the event are Mendham Borough Fire Department Chief, Ed Tenza, former Managing Partner of Chili’s Restaurants, Rick Caminiti, and local celebrity chef, Francis Kennel.

If baking is your thing, enter the best decorated dessert contest. There are also kids’ categories for the budding chefs in your family. A special ‘People’s Choice Award’ will be sure to heat things up–bring your quarters to place your votes!

There will be live music by The Simplest Thing, as well as face painting, relay races, hot dogs, root beer and other fun family activities.

To enter the cook off, go to www.mendhamboro.org for a registration form and guidelines or to RSVP to the event. It’s sure to be a great event, so come hungry!

Posted by:Nicole Atorino