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
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
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
The Madison Historical Society’s fundraising event on December 5, 2009 was a great success. A light snow began to fall at the start of the event which heightened the existing warm-hearted holiday mood. The townspeople were enthusiastic, polite and interested in the house tour and in supporting the Society. Several programs throughout the year reflect their extensive network of resources. They have working relationships with the high school, the community service club and the garden club; all of which helped during the event by making wreaths and baked goods. It was fantastic to see how they all worked together on this project. The funds raised will help one of their big projects for next spring and summer, an archaeological dig right in town on the site of the Luke Miller property on Ridgedale Avenue in which some of the high school students will participate in.
The Society members are extremely interested in the history of the town and its’ buildings, as well as history in general. They embarked on an extensive research process to unearth the history of the house on tour that day. It was determined that the house was once known as “the Marble House” because of the builder’s fondness for the material and its’ abundant use in construction of the house. Further research found that John V. Corbett, the builder, is known for having built several important private and public buildings in Madison. They completed a time line of the house detailing owners and highlighting the buildings that Corbett constructed around town. In short, they did a great job!
The Society hosts several educational presentations throughout the year given by experts in the field of history. Please consider supporting or joining this wonderful group of devoted and hardworking citizens.
Posted by:Lois Olmstead
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
Apples, pumpkins, corn stalks, and various colors of mums all signal the start of the fall season! It’s hard to believe that summer has passed and fall is officially here. I hope everyone had a great start to the new school year; the real sign that fall has arrived.
As the leaves begin to change, there are many fun events to experience this time of year. Most local farmer’s markets will stay open through the fall season. A favorite of ours is the return of apple cider from local farms. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon with kids is at the local corn maze at Wightman’s. They have hayrides, pumpkins and much more.
To learn about other locations with mazes in New Jersey, click here.
Enjoy a theatrical performance in Madison at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. The Grapes of Wrath will be running from October 21st-November15th.
Harding Township offers wonderful parks where soccer games, field hockey, cross country and boys tennis are in full swing.
The Friends of Great Swamp has a fall calendar of events featuring everything from deer hunts to the Junior Refuge Manager program for kids.
So enjoy the fall; get out and have some fun at the various activities going on right now in your neighborhood.
Posted by:Lois Olmstead
We recently joined the fun at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey outdoor performance of The Tempest. Every summer one of the productions is performed at the outdoor Greek Theatre on the campus of St. Elizabeth’s. It was fabulous! The weather was great and the crowd was friendly. During the performance there was even some adlib with the cast when a plane flew over. The Bard was honored well at the performance we attended. It was a real treat to watch, and the performers used the whole environment, at times running up and down the aisle or jumping out from areas just off the open center.
It’s a festive atmosphere and picnicking abounds. There were people having dinner on the grass or playing Frisbee. There is a small snack bar where you can purchase a drink or snack. Many people brought stadium seats and blankets along with pizzas or take out from the local restaurants.
The theater seating is terraced rows made out of grass and stones in a half moon layout around an intimate stage. The outdoor experience on a cool summer night is unbeatable. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Shakespeare Theatre productions continue inside at their home on the Drew University campus through January 2010.
Posted by:Lois Olmstead
Why not experience Madison as the locals do? Our favorite place to begin is at the great movie theater, Clearview Madison Cinema 4, located on Lincoln Place just across from the train station.
After enjoying a movie, there are several restaurants within walking distance for a quick epicurean treat.
A few regulars for us include:
Romanelli’s Italian Eatery (two doors down from the movie theater) small, informal featuring Italian fare with great pizza.
Poor Herbie’s on Waverly Place has burgers, sandwiches, salads and a bar with sports on TV. It boasts an historical role in town with vintage feel. Friendly service.
54 Main Bar and Grille at 54 Main Street boasts a sports bar atmosphere, interesting salad and fish selections as well as burgers and sandwiches. A new sparkling interior.
Soho 33 at 33 Main Street has a nice choice of lunch and dinner courses. It’s a BYOB.
From Scratch on Waverly is a newcomer to town. Healthy and fresh casual food; salads, sandwiches, and burgers as well as main courses.
Delight in all Madison has to offer, while becoming as enamored as the locals.
Posted by:Lois Olmstead
Spring has arrived when cyclists start showing up in greater numbers along
the beautiful country roads that wind through New Vernon. The kids are
back on the fields playing lacrosse and baseball and running through both Madison and Harding Township for track and conditioning.
It’s definitely Spring when the sign goes up for the Fishing Contest sponsored by Township of Harding. It happens every year, early April, for children up to 12 years old. You’ll notice more people out at the pond practicing for the big day. Now past, you will still find people trying their luck with the rod and reel.
A hot spot once the weather starts warming up is the ice cream store on Main Street in Madison. On any given day when the weather is good, you can watch people sitting on the bench, deep in thought, taking their time with an ice cream filled cone.
Both Harding and Madison have Memorial Day Parades set for Monday, May 25,
2009 at 9:30 am.
The natural beauty of the area is starting to shine with all of the rain we have had of late.
Until next time, enjoy the day.
Posted by:Lois Olmstead
The recently renovated Madison train station is a great starting point for those traveling to New York City. The mid-town direct train line is a wonderful enhancement to living in Madison. Whether you are commuting to work, or plan to enjoy the many amenities the city has to offer, the line is convenient and easy to use. Broadway, Opera, museums, shopping, sporting and cultural events are a train ride away.
The Morris and Essex Line of NJ Transit has direct service to NY Penn Station and to Hoboken .
There is bus service to Port Authority by Lakeland Bus Lines and local bus services through Morris County and NJ transit buses. Check out the Morris/Essex Line for more details.
Public parking near the station is a NJT lot and is first come, first serve for $2.00 daily. It’s no surprise it fills up fast. There are other municipal lots across the street and next to the police station. These lots have a daily fee of $5.00 and are also used by permit holders. Permit parking is $400/year for Madison residents. Residents can go to the police station to get a commuter parking application or download an application here. The permit application process is open to Harding and Chatham residents as well, at $1,000/year. Proof of residence and vehicle registration is required for all vehicles.
Madison is well situated with access to either Routes 287 or 24 by car.
I hope everyone is enjoying the emergence of spring. Future blogs will include; restaurants, parks and spring!
Posted by: Lois Olmstead
In my last blog, I mentioned I would discuss my listing in Madison. It’s located on the corner of Woodland and Prospect, a few blocks walk to the Madison Train Station and the down town area. To view this extraordinary property, please click here.
I have a real interest in antique homes, especially of classical design. This house, built in 1905, has many classical features found in the Georgian style. Symmetry is the hallmark of the style and is evident in many exterior features of this house such as: double chimneys, complimentary side pergola’s, use of equal number of columns, window count; five horizontal second floor windows and four horizontal first floor windows with the front door in the middle. Many interior details continue the theme. What I love about older homes is the intangible sense of being home, particularly when you walk through the door and are greeted by a solid, serene, and sophisticated presence. Next time I will talk about the train and transportation, among other things.
Contact me at 908-766-6500 ext. 237 for more information.
Posted by: Lois Olmstead
Bernardsville Office
Phone: 908-766-6500 ext. 237
Cell: 973-722-6323
Email: lolmstead@turpinrealtors.com
View Lois’s Listings
Lois began her successful real estate career in 1992, and has been long recognized for multi-million dollar production levels. She joined Turpin in January 2004 based on the company’s superb reputation and the fact that it serves her local neighborhood. “The attention to detail, the sophisticated understanding of the process of selling real estate, and the personal approach given to clients is a good match for the way I do my own business,” Lois explains.
Clients and co-workers describe Lois’s professional style as caring, dynamic, outgoing, intelligent and detail-oriented. She is a member of the North Central Jersey Board of Realtors where she serves on the Professional Standards Committee. Lois also belongs to the Garden State Multiple Listing Service and National Board of Realtors.
Before entering the real estate field, Lois attained a Masters Degree in psychiatric nursing as well as a post-masters certificate in nursing administration. Previous jobs included positions in surgical nursing, psychiatric nursing, and working with a group of teaching surgeons at Long Island Jewish Hospital.
Lois has been an active volunteer in the community over the years as a board member with the Pingry School Parents’ Association and as an assistant kindergarten teacher for religious education at Christ the King Church in New Vernon.
Lois is married with two children. The Olmsteads are residents of New Vernon, having previously lived in Murray Hill. Popular family vacation spots are the Eastern shore of Maryland and Lake Champlain in Vermont. Closer to home, Lois belongs to a book club and investment club.
Lois sums up her role as a Turpin sales associate this way, “I most enjoy meeting people, solving problems, and making a good match. Educating people about the sales process and the real estate market is both challenging and satisfying.”
