Guide Me Home to North Jersey

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

Aside from location, number of bedrooms, and schools, the most important criteria for a buyer is usually the price of the house. Many say right up front in the search process, “I want to spend between X and Y dollars.” Usually, the buyer prefers the more expensive home as it has more features than they are looking for!

But in this market, it’s important to understand that rising interest rates can have a huge effect on the monthly expense of mortgage and taxes. Right now, conventional wisdom says that interest rates will go up after March 31st causing higher monthly payments and the tax credit expiration will end April 30th causing buying activity to slow down. This will result in more inventory on the market. Good old-fashioned supply and demand in play here! Both buyers and sellers must be acutely aware of the cost of the house vs. the price of the house in this time period.

Let’s look at the consequences of an interest rate increase. The general rule of thumb is that for every 1 percentage point interest rate increase, the mortgage costs approximately 10% more. That means the buyer must lower the top price he is able to pay, put more money down, or resign himself to a higher monthly payment (sellers must be willing to lower the price of the home quickly to remain a viable and competitive player in the market). Now let’s look at the consequences of increased inventory. Unless a house is priced sharply and correctly, it will not sell in a glutted marketplace. Buyers have an opportunity to make an educated lower offer, maintain the projected monthly payments they can afford, and buy the house they want (hopefully, sellers will react, with the help of their agent, to meet this problem head on and lower the price of the home).

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

The students at Hilltop Elementary School in Mendham Borough will put on a special performance for parents and friends on Friday, March 19, 2010. The theme is “Green, What can we do? What can I do?” and will feature a magical black light show using puppets, masks, music, rhythm and dance to raise awareness of some environmental issues such as recycling, saving trees, alternative energies, and reusing things in a creative way.

The students and teachers have been working hard to create a memorable experience and are excited to have the opportunity to show off their efforts. It’s so nice to know that our children have recognized that caring for the Earth is a serious mission for us all and are anxious to spread the word.

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

In these uncertain political and economic times, it is not unusual for the stress of life to start to get you down. Families and individuals are under more pressure to keep it all together and stay afloat. The demands of work and school, as well as social pressures, can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.

Kathleen Andrews, a licensed clinical social worker with a MA in Social Work, is the mother of two boys who lives in Mendham and has started Therapy-Core, a private counseling practice that has two main areas of focus. Through individual therapy, offered to children, teens or adults, Kathleen hopes to offer some relief of some such issues as stress, anxiety, anger, and sadness, and assist with living a more rewarding life.

In couples therapy, Kathleen tries to deal with specific issues like communication, financial conflict, family values, intimacy or parenting issues, to name a few.

With offices in Morristown, Cedar Knolls and Chatham, she is easily accessible. Check out her website/blog above or call 973-270-5757 for more information.

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

It’s always easy to find a formal restaurant in which to eat dinner. Just make a reservation, invite some other people and dress up! But what if you live in Harding Township and want an easy, quick meal? In my previous blog of October 6th, I discussed casual lunch spots around Harding Township. Here, I will talk about dinner options, both sit down and take-out. Remember, the three restaurants I discussed in my first blog also serve dinner!

Again, full disclosure: I like food with taste and creativity and I am not a restaurant critic, just a resident.

Great take-out is always a challenge! La Famiglia Gourmet on Main Street in Mendham offers a unique way to enjoy true Italian food. Tony and Clara Grande of Il Capriccio in Whippany own and manage the store. Click on the hyperlink and explore the mouth-watering menus, or visit them in person and make a selection to take home for lunch or dinner.

For casual dining, try the Bamboo Grille in Basking Ridge. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Basking Ridge Country Club year round, and eat lunch or dinner outside on the patio in the summertime. The menu is filled with great appetizers, salads, entrees, and of course, burgers–don’t forget to check out the specials!

The Black Horse Tavern in Mendham has been serving its guests since 1740. The Pub, located next door, now serves lunch, dinner and brunch and has a sit down menu as well as a to-go menu! Popular offerings such as the Oyster or Clam Bar and an extensive menu can be found there every night!

You can find me at mjbenedetto@turpinrealtors.com.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Is there anywhere more beautiful than autumn in northern New Jersey? I don’t think so. Now add to that natural beauty, colonial history, top-rated schools, small town community events, shopping and commuting convenience, and its no wonder this area is so sought-after by homebuyers.

Since I live and work in this beautiful area, I was lucky enough to take part in a local small town event recently here in Mendham—the Harvest Hustle 5k Run.

The Mendham Borough Home & School Association (MBHSA) presented this first-year fundraiser event. The inspiration was to offer a fall outdoor activity with wide appeal for the community, open to participants of all ages. A staunch advocate for this event was Sgt Richard Morales, a Mendham police officer and father of four school-aged children. A runner himself, as well as a DARE officer and EMT member in town, Sgt Morales, designed the race course and addressed town level issues, such as road closures. Sadly, this past April, Sgt. Morales died suddenly of natural causes. His passing was a blow felt throughout the community. The MBHSA decided to dedicate this event in thankful and loving memory to Sgt Richard Morales.

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Whether you’re a first time home buyer, new to the area, or finally getting around to the laundry list of home improvement changes you’ve been wanting to get to over the past 5-10 years, there are two looming questions to ask yourself; “Will the market value of my home hold up to the money I plan on investing, and who can I turn to make these improvements?”

For the first question, if you are planning a large renovation project, your best option is to talk to a local Realtor who is knowledgeable in your area. They can give you a free market analysis of your home’s value and the value of the homes in the surrounding area.

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After my last blog about discovering the history of a home through research, I came face to face with my own. On a busy Sunday morning as I was shuttling my children to and from their activities and heading to work, I walked out to deposit some items into my car and noticed a car at the bottom of my driveway. The driver and a young girl gave a friendly wave and as I walked closer, they asked if my last name was Coffey. When I said it was, the driver replied that he had sold me the house 14 years earlier.

I remember the couple we bought the house from and recalled how nice they were. As a young couple expecting our first child we had fallen in love with the house and bought it in a weekend- yes, we are the exception!

I invited the father and daughter in to see the house where they had once lived. We exchanged tidbits about our life and what has happened over the past 14 years. The daughter, now 16, was only 2 when she left the house and my two children, now 10 and 13 were yet to be born. My children were introduced to them and I think they found it a bit surreal to realize these people had lived in our home before them. The father reminisced about the way the house once was and I was proud to show him the changes we had made over the years, but with the hesitant hope that he would approve. They were grateful for being able to come back for a glimpse of their past and I was happy to have them see how we have made the house our home.

Later that evening during dinner, my children and I were discussing how interesting it was to have had them stop by. It suddenly made me realize that one day, I or my children might find ourselves in the same position as they did. We don’t ever own a house; we just live in it and leave our mark on it from the changes we make. We can only hope that the people we pass it on to, cherish it and build as many great memories in it as we did!

Posted by: Nadine Gelinas-Coffey

In an effort to “go green” and eat fresher food, many people are shopping at local Farmer’s Markets. These Farmer’s Markets provide conventionally and organically grown “Jersey Fresh” fruits and vegetables to the local community. They benefit the consumer by offering locally harvested fresh fruits and vegetables that are naturally more flavorful and nutritious. They also benefit the community by drawing residents to the downtown area, thus strengthening the town-spirit through the market place. The Farmer’s Markets reduce the food miles between the field and table, thus lowering carbon emissions. By featuring organic produce, the amount of pesticides and fertilizers entering our local waterways is reduced, thereby improving many fragile ecosystems.

Many towns are now offering Farmer’s Markets…..here are a few:

• Chatham Borough Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday through October from 8 AM to 1 PM, located at the Railroad Station on Fairmount Avenue.
  
  
• Madison Farmer’s Market I – Every Thursday at Madison High School from 3:30PM to 7:30PM.
  
  
• Madison Farmer’s Market 2 – Every Thursday at the Madison Community Pool from 3:30PM to 7:30 PM.
  
  
• Summit Farmer’s Market – Every Sunday at the parking lot on the corner of DeForest Avenue and Beechwood from 9 AM to 2 PM.
  
  

Posted by:Cynthia Edgar

These past two days of sunshine and temperatures in the 50’s have given us all a brief taste of spring. Perhaps it is time to look forward to more balmy weather and prepare our minds and our bodies, even though we are only at the start of February! A good place to start is the Spirit Spa of Oldwick, for some pampering and restorative treatments, such as the Hungarian Salt Glow with full body tanning if you are heading south for some sun, or the Hot Stone Massage for ultimate relaxation. You will find a full menu of treatments and packages in this charming, restored antique house in the village of Oldwick.

If, like many of us, this year’s winter escape does not include a trip to the islands, perhaps having your own private resort at home is the solution. Imagine soaking in a hot tub next to a blazing stone fireplace, listening to your favorite soothing music, perhaps with a glass of your favorite wine in hand (which is conveniently available from Tewksbury Fine Wine and Spirits). An additional amenity might be a heated indoor pool, enclosed on three sides by window walls from which you can watch the snow gently falling. If you are energetic, the exercise room is right next door! If you are interested in Tewksbury real estate and want to view more information about this property please click here.

Posted by: Valerie Fraser

Aside from its appealing country atmosphere and worldly economic status, Somerset Hills has a widespread reputation for its roots in the birth and history of America, and it possesses some of the oldest homes and structures in the country, such as the Jacobus Vanderveer House, established in the 1770’s, and the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, built before 1720. The Somerset Hills historic districts—such as those found in Lamington, Pluckemin, and Pottersville—offer treasures from the past at every turn, but what the region is certainly most well-known and admired for are the many grand historic Somerset Hills estates that were built from the 1870’s to the Great Depression by the nation’s most prominent architects and landscape designers. Once home to wealthy industrialists, financiers, politicians, and other elite of the early 20th century, these well-preserved mansions capture the sophistication, grandeur, and life of leisure that many people are seeking when looking for homes in Somerset Hills.

Somerset Hills—a region located in northern Somerset County, New Jersey—offers a quality of life like no other. Comprised of Bedminster Township, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Far Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone, Somerset Hills is one of the nation’s most desirable residential areas for its “rurban” atmosphere and beautiful rolling countryside that lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities, such as golf and equestrian sports. The region is conveniently perched between two major cities—Philadelphia and New York—and boasts a dynamic business climate.