Guide Me Home to North Jersey

In New Jersey, as part of the inspection process, homes are tested for radon. Radon? Most people are unaware of what it is as it is something that can’t be seen, tasted or smelled.

Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the USA, according to the Surgeon General. Based on that, you naturally will want to know what the level is in your new home, but even if you aren’t moving, it’s best to test if your home has never been tested.

Radon occurs naturally as a result of the breakdown of uranium and can come into the home through small cracks in the foundation, openings around pipes or pits. Levels of radon in geographical areas can vary, and even fluctuate, from home to home in any given neighborhood.

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Testing is easy. It can be done either with a do-it-yourself testing kit or by a professional. If, after testing, your home has a level of 4.0 pCi/L or above, “the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) and the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommend that you take action to mitigate your home if your test results indicate radon levels of 4pCi/L of radon or more”.

First, you need to find a qualified radon mitigation expert. You can call the state for a list, or go online at http://www.njradon.org . Speak to several, and then choose the company that best suits your needs. The EPA website offers a “Consumers Guide to Radon Reduction: How to fix your home” that has a great checklist of questions. It is relatively easy to fix (think new roof or replacement windows.) The process is one of two types: preventing it from entering the home or removing it once it enters. Again, the EPA website has a clear explanation of what can be done. Remember to retest once the mitigation is complete.

Still have questions? If you are buying or selling a house, Turpin Realtors has a booklet that can describe environmental issues for home buyers and sellers prepared by the New Jersey Association of Realtors.  You can also call the Radon Hotline 1-800-SOS-RADON.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

There’s a good argument that the next several months might result in the best sales price you’re likely to see for a few years.

Although the price trend for homes has been down for some time, it’s likely to continue for at least the rest of 2010. There is heavy supply now plus a “shadow supply” of homes temporarily taken off the market out of frustration, and then a backup of foreclosures that has resulted from a failed government program to prevent foreclosures.

Also, mortgage rates are being kept artificially low by a Federal Reserve program due to expire next month. Even if it’s extended, it won’t be for long, and then mortgage rates will climb, making it harder for buyers to afford the payments.

Some respected housing experts believe that prices could fall another 10 percent this year, and then recover only at the rate of inflation. If that turns out to be true, it would take a MINIMUM of three or four years before prices get back only to where they are today.

So if you’re thinking about selling your home in the next few years, it’s at least worth exploring the possibilities now.

Posted by:Brian Hays

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I announce the opening of our new office located at 186 Main Street in beautiful Chatham, NJ. We are located in the heart of the historic downtown right next to F. Gerald New and in the same building as Cambridge Street Papers, two wonderful, locally owned shops.

We have long recognized the potential for Turpin Real Estate in Chatham as so many of our clients moving into the Somerset Hills have come from this area.  As the number of transactions our agents have had in the Chatham and Madison area have steadily increased over the past few years the notion of opening a Chatham Turpin office has become more and more appealing.

Our core group of experienced agents staffing the office includes Susan Barba, Cindy Edgar, Lois Olmstead and Ted Zeller, all of whom are intimately familiar with the area, having either lived in Chatham or currently living in the immediate area.  As the office manager of our newest office, I am thrilled to bring the high level of client service and creative marketing programs that have been our company’s hallmarks for a half century to the Chathams and surrounding towns. Give us a call at 973-635-5555, or stop by!

Posted by: John Turpin

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

There are a couple of reasons why the best answer might be the first quarter of 2010.

Mortgage rates, at about 5%, are artificially low because of a Federal Reserve program to buy $1.25 trillion of mortgage securities. That program is due to expire at the end of March. Some experts believe mortgage rates may increase one percent fairly quickly and as much as two percent by the end of the year. To have the same monthly mortgage payment with a one percent higher rate you would need a purchase price about TEN PERCENT LOWER. So waiting for lower prices may be a fool’s errand.

The first-time homebuyer/move-up homebuyer tax credit is due to expire with homes under contract by April 30th, and that close before June 30th. Detailed information on who qualifies can be found here, and you can learn more information from the video below.

So if you’re thinking about a home purchase in the next few years, it’s at least worth having a look now.

Posted by:Brian Hays

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

The Newcomers and Neighbors of the Mendhams is having an Open House Coffee on January 28th. Why not join them for some coffee and conversation?

Originally formed in 1967 as the Welcome Wagon, this social organization seeks to assist current and new residents of both Mendham Borough and Township in developing friendships and getting acquainted with the community. There are several regularly scheduled activities, either weekly or monthly. They have had a thriving children’s playgroup, Bunco group and Book group and have had some really fun Ladies Nights. They have also hosted such seasonal events as Santa’s Breakfast and a Halloween party. The wine tasting and dinner groups for couples are always well attended

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

Along with movies and restaurants, check out one of our favorite spots, Shanghai Jazz, featuring great Asian cuisine and American jazz playing six nights a week!

An announcement on Madison’s website RoseNet offered the following upcoming event:

54 Main Bar and Grille will be hosting the seven-women rock band The Mood Swings, featuring Sandi Sweeney of Madison on drums, for a gig from 9:30 to about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010.

Posted by:Lois Olmstead

The Mendham Borough Integrated Preschool Program is located in the Mountainview Middle School at 100 Dean Road in Mendham. They are currently offering morning and afternoon sessions for 3-5 year olds. The program is very closely aligned with the Kindergarten curriculum, and the strong teaching staff ‘work closely with individual children to meet their needs in a developmentally appropriate manner’. Many parents who have children with summer birthdays love this program and feel it is an ideal prep for Kindergarten. I have seen many situations where being one of the ‘older kids’ lends a tremendous advantage socially, academically, and physically.

The Integrated Preschool also offers lunch bunch and extended day for parents looking for a full-day program. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact the preschool teacher at 973-543-7075, ext. 247.

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

Last Friday I met a friend for lunch at Poor Herbies in Madison and the restaurant was bustling! They, as well as most of the restaurants in town, are showing their support for the Jets.

In addition, a film crew was set up outside Eastern Mountain Sports filming what looked like a commercial.

The whole town felt festive with Jets flags flying on every light post. Suddenly a fully decorated ambulance with Jets slogans and guys smiling came driving through town.

Their big win really has everyone hopeful. I’ve been a lazy fan, but the game on Sunday was really good. I’ll be paying more attention this week!

Whatever happens, I hope the Jets practice at their facility in Florham Park next summer. Their adopted home area deserves it for being so loyal.

Posted by:Lois Olmstead

Well, it’s winter and cold but that hasn’t stopped people from enjoying the outdoors. The skaters are back on the pond in Harding! Every day, a few times a day, a crew member from the hard-working Harding Township Department of Public Works checks to see if the ice is strong enough on the two skating ponds. There are two designated areas the town floods for skating. The depth is approximately 6-12 inches. The bigger fishing pond is not open to skating.

It’s a wonderful sight to see the sign go up, YES, Skating. Invariably, a group develops throughout the day. It’s a sweet scene of skaters young and old trying out the ice. Usually the hockey players use one pond and the figure skaters and first timers check out the other.

There are also trails for snow shoeing and cross country skiing in several of the surrounding parks which cover the Great Swamp. The manmade built trails are open for walking as well, so no excuses! Get out and enjoy this beautiful winter weather.

Posted by:Lois Olmstead

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

The Westmont Montessori School is located at 577 Route 24 in Mendham. It offers the Montessori method of education, which ‘fosters children to build upon their own successes, thus building a foundation for future exploration and a love of learning’. Their focus is on fostering a child’s self esteem and independence, with each child progressing at their own developmental level.

The program has been in operation in Mendham since 1964, but moved locations twice before settling in their current facility on Route 24. The building is beautiful, light filled and spacious, with two levels of classroom and activity space, as well as two large areas for outdoor play. In addition to the traditional preschool program, Westmont offers many enrichment programs, such as Movement, Spanish, Music, Science, Art and Cooking. There is also an Extended Day program for parents looking for extra time. A new program being offered is ‘Montessori & Me’ for children 18 months and up.

Westmont is having an Open House on January 23, 2010 from 10:00am-12:00pm. They also offer private tours of the facility. Check out their website by clicking here or give them a call at 908-879-6355.

Posted by:Nicole Atorino