Guide Me Home to North Jersey

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

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

I recently spent an evening in the new make-up studio of Carla Fabrizi Cosmetics at 6 East Main Street in Mendham. My girlfriends and I went in to get makeovers and to learn the hot new colors and trends in make-up for the upcoming holiday season.

Carla began her career as a make-up artist touring with musician Alice Cooper and the band, Twister Sister. She then moved into television, working on such series as Twin Peaks, The Practice and Lois and Clark. From working with various products, she went on to formulate her own line of cosmetics and skin care, which she carries in the store.

The girls and I had so much fun as Carla transformed our faces from a day look into an evening look with ‘smoky eyes’ and dramatic red lips which is this season’s hot holiday party look. She also talked us through her skin care lines and went over the various tools that should be staples in anyone’s make-up kits. Stop in to see Carla or make an appointment for a private make-up application or consultation, it’s a great way to lift your spirits and will make you feel and look fabulous!

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

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

It’s that time of year; pumpkins, corn stalks and Thanksgiving decorations are everywhere.

Last weekend we were blessed with beautiful weather, so we decided to get one more bicycle ride in. We set out around noon, did the loop down Long Hill Road through the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and turned down White Bridge Road to Pleasant Plains. We then stopped for lunch at the scenic overlook. The new visitor center at the Refuge is open and had many visitors. The trail head on Long Hill Road was also busy. It’s amazing how the roads you drive everyday have wonderful vistas and active wildlife that you just don’t notice while in a car. I encourage folks to get out and see their neighborhood from a different point of view, by walking or bicycling.

Harding Event:
The Fourth Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Dinner “Potluck, Prayer and Praise” will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2009 from 5-7pm. This year’s host is the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon. The dinner is sponsored by the Church of Christ the King, United Methodist Church in Green Village, and the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon.

Madison Event:
The Madison Historical Society will hold a fundraising event on December 5, 2009 from 1-5pm. My listing on 254 Woodland Road is this year’s host house and tours will be available. Wreaths and floral displays will be offered for sale, and refreshments may be purchased with all proceeds going to the Madison Historical Society. Come join in the fun and support a worthy group. I will be available to answer any questions an interested buyer may have about the house. Or email me at lolmstead@turpinrealtors.com for information.

Posted by:Lois Olmstead

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