MADISON — The Borough of Madison contractor, DLS Contracting, Inc., began the phased reconstruction of the Cook Avenue Parking Lot in June 2024.

The project included the installation of complete curbing, improved drainage systems, traffic flow changes, rain gardens, historic lighting, milling, and paving. The two phases of work were expected to last approximately 150 days.

Half of the Cook Avenue Parking Lot was closed to all vehicular traffic during the project. Access to the businesses from the rear may have experienced minor impacts.

Starting June 15, 2024, Merchant Parking Permit Holders were not permitted to park in the lot, and the Parking office sent out information about accommodations for those permit holders as soon as possible.

We appreciated the community’s cooperation as we worked to enhance the Cook Avenue Parking Lot.

*Please note that the project schedule was weather-dependent and subject to change. Updates were posted to the borough’s webpage and communicated through social media and AlertMadison notifications as needed.

MADISON — The 29th Annual Madison Car Show will take place alongside the Bottle Hill Day Street Festival on Saturday, October 5. The car show will be held in the parking lot of the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters at 29 Prospect Street, just a short walk from the bustling Bottle Hill Day festivities in Madison’s business district.

The Madison Car Show will feature various vehicles, including hot rods, trucks, customs, antiques, classics, and street machines. While admission is free, donations are welcomed and appreciated at the gate. Peter Daniele, owner of Rose City Collision and vice president of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, has served as the longtime chair of the car show committee.

“We expect several hundred car enthusiasts to admire the sparkle, shine, and spectacle of dozens of unique automobiles and trucks right here in our hometown, Rose City, for one day only,” said Daniele. “The car show site is between Madison’s Borough Hall and the Madison Public Safety Building at the corner of Prospect Street.”

Robbin Salmeri, owner of Cleaners Advantage and president of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, added, “This event attracts exceptional cars and creates a lively atmosphere. The Madison Car Show highlights local automotive businesses and boosts the community’s prestige.”

Participants in the show will have the chance to win awards and door prizes, including the grand door prize of a $500.00 Stop & Shop Gift Card. All car show entrants are eligible for the drawing.

The Madison Car Show will present eight top awards, twelve special awards (including categories for engine, paint, and vehicle type), and “Top 50” awards for the best fifty entries. Local businesses sponsor all awards.

The car show starts at 9:00 a.m., with the awards ceremony beginning at 3:00 p.m. All cars must arrive by 11:00 a.m. to be eligible for judging and prizes.

DJ Jerry ” Wolfman ” Burst will provide music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere throughout the day. On-street parking is free in Madison.

Car enthusiasts are encouraged to pre-register their vehicles by Saturday, September 24, for a discounted fee of $15.00. The day-of registration fee is $20.00.

To register, contact Peter Daniele at (973) 377-4037. If you have any questions or concerns on the day of the show, please call (973) 886-7849. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate automotive excellence in Madison!

MADISON — The Madison Rotary, in partnership with Hightower Egan Wealth Advisors, is hosting its next “Ladles of Love” event on Monday, September 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Healthy Italia, located at 55 Main Street, Madison.

This community-driven event invites volunteers to help make 64 quarts of soup to benefit those in need. Participants will enjoy a delicious dinner and are encouraged to bring their beverages (BYOB). The event collaborates with Soup Sisters, an organization that provides comforting meals for those facing tough times.

Participation is discounted to $40.00 per person. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community while enjoying camaraderie and a shared meal.

For more information or to sign up, visit madisonrotarynj.org or email [email protected]. Join this meaningful effort to make a difference!

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Carol Martorana at [email protected].

MADISON — Mark your calendars for the 49th annual Bottle Hill Day Festival, which will take place on Saturday, October 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This beloved community event, established in 1974 by Mayor Elizabeth Baumgartner, draws between 10,000 and 20,000 attendees each year!

Festival Highlights Include:

• 225+ Vendors: Explore a wide variety of local and regional vendors.
• 4 Music Stages: Enjoy live music performances throughout the day.
• Madison Car Show: Don’t miss the classic and unique car showcase.
• 3 Fun Zones: Family-friendly activities, including inflatable rides, attractions, Mini Golf, and more!
• 40+ Food Vendors: Savor diverse and delicious food options.
• Beer Garden: Featuring 4+ beers on tap for adults to enjoy.

Join the community for a day of fun, food, music, and entertainment at this iconic Madison tradition!

The Bottle Hill Day Festival is held in downtown Madison. The event typically takes place along the main streets of Madison, transforming the area into a bustling hub of activities, vendors, and entertainment for the day.

FLORHAM PARK — The Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad will host the Gary Letizia Memorial Blood Drive on Thursday, September 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 60 Felch Road, Florham Park.

This event is held in memory of Gary Letizia, who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 68. Thanks to the countless gallons of donated blood, Gary was able to valiantly battle cancer, giving his family precious extra time together. Dr. Matt Letizia encourages others to donate, saying, “Please consider donating so that someone else’s loved one may receive that same precious gift of time.”

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, scan the QR code or visit nybc.org/letizia. Be the reason for someone’s tomorrow by donating blood and helping those in need.