Mike Marino – affectionately known to millions of his fans worldwide as New Jersey’s Bad Boy – might as well be the element Carbon with his versatility. He’s a comedian, an actor, a philanthropist, basically everything except a husband and father (at least that we know of) who’s shared the stage and screen with names, somehow, even more household than his own.
MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County invites members and the community to its highly anticipated Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 14, at The Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany. The event, set to begin at 6:30 p.m., promises delicious food, drinks, and laughter, all of which support the organization’s mission to aid Morris County’s first responders and their families.
This year’s meeting will feature a buffet dinner and an open bar, providing attendees with a delightful dining experience. To top off the evening, renowned comedian Mike Marino will take the stage, ensuring a night of laughter and entertainment. The event is free for current members of the 200 Club of Morris County, while non-members can attend for $95.00. However, those who choose to join the club that evening will have their fee refunded.
The 200 Club of Morris County, a non-profit organization with a legacy spanning over 50 years, has significantly impacted the community by providing emotional and financial support to the families of Morris County’s first responders. With over $5 million in death benefits distributed to the families of fallen heroes and more than 725 scholarships awarded to high school seniors from first responder families, the club’s contributions have been a tremendous source of comfort and support during times of need.
Individual memberships to the club are available for $200.00, while a family membership for up to four people is offered at $500.00. Both can be purchased at the event, making it easy for attendees to become part of this meaningful cause.
Seats for the event are expected to fill up quickly, and advance registration is required. Tickets will not be available at the door, so those interested are encouraged to reserve their spots as soon as possible. For those interested in sponsoring the event, Club Administrator Lori Richmond can be contacted at (973) 630-7933 for more details.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our members and supporters to come together, enjoy a great evening, and celebrate the incredible work that the 200 Club of Morris County does for our first responders,” said a representative from the club. “We’re excited to see everyone there and to continue our mission of supporting those who risk their lives to keep us safe.”
For more information about the event, to purchase tickets, or to learn more about the 200 Club of Morris County, visit their website at 200clubofmorriscounty.com.
This Annual Meeting is more than just a gathering; it’s a chance to network, enjoy top-tier entertainment, and support a cause that honors the bravery and dedication of Morris County’s first responders. Mark your calendars for November 14, and don’t miss this special evening at The Knoll Country Club West.
FLORHAM PARK — Get ready for a fun-filled evening under the stars as Florham Park Rehab & Healthcare presents Movie Night on the Lawn on Monday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. This family-friendly event will be held at Florham Park Rehab & Healthcare, located at 190 Park Avenue, Florham Park.
The evening’s featured movie will be the animated adventure Migration, promising entertainment for attendees of all ages. Families are encouraged to bring their chairs or blankets to enjoy the movie comfortably on the lawn. In addition to the film, a variety of movie snacks will be available for purchase, adding to the classic outdoor cinema experience.
This event is not only a great opportunity for community members to gather and enjoy a night out, but it also supports a meaningful cause. All donations collected during the event will go to the Alzheimer’s Association, helping to fund research and support services for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
“We’re thrilled to host this special Movie Night on the Lawn for our community,” said a Florham Park Rehab & Healthcare representative. “It’s a wonderful way for families to spend time together, enjoy a great film, and contribute to a cause that touches so many lives.”
With its fun, community spirit, and charitable giving, this event will surely be a highlight of the summer. Mark your calendars for August 28 and join in for an unforgettable evening at Florham Park Rehab & Healthcare’s Movie Night on the Lawn. For more information, contact the center at (973) 867-1500 or visit their website at florhamparkrehab.com.
FLORHAM PARK — The community of Florham Park is eagerly anticipating the annual Florham Park Night Out, rescheduled for Tuesday, September 3. This event, which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Volunteers Memorial Park, located at 37 Elm Street, promises an evening filled with fun, food, and festivities to strengthen the bond between residents and law enforcement.
Florham Park Night Out is part of a nationwide community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. The event is designed to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live while fostering a true sense of community. This year’s event will feature various exciting activities for all ages.
Attendees can look forward to a Touch-A-Truck experience, where children and adults can explore various emergency and service vehicles. A DJ will keep the energy high with music, while face painting and a photo booth will provide fun memories for everyone. In addition to these activities, there will be plenty of delicious food, including pizza, burgers, pretzels, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream, and refreshing drinks like soda and water.
Organizers are thrilled to bring the community together for this special night, highlighting the importance of fostering positive relationships between residents and the police. “Florham Park Night Out is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in a relaxed and fun environment,” said a representative from the Florham Park Police Department. “It’s all about building trust, enhancing safety, and celebrating our vibrant community spirit.”
The event is free and open to all residents, making it a perfect outing for families, friends, and neighbors. So, mark your calendars for September 3 and join the Florham Park community for an evening of connection, celebration, and community pride at the Florham Park Night Out.
This photo features our dearly missed police dog, Spike, who will always be remembered with love and gratitude.
HANOVER — On Thursday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, the Morris County Library invites community members of all ages to join a unique Search and Rescue K9 demonstration presented by the Morris County Sheriff’s Department. This engaging event will allow attendees to learn about the critical work that K9s perform in search and rescue operations and witness a K9 in action.
The demonstration will occur outside on the lawn behind the children’s room at the Morris County Library at 30 East Hanover Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfortable seating during the event.
This program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. In inclement weather, please check the library’s social media channels for updates regarding cancellations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Children’s Department at (973) 285-6980.
Please mark your calendars for this exciting opportunity to see a K9 in action and learn more about these dogs’ vital role in keeping our communities safe.
MORRIS COUNTY – The Library of The Chathams is set to host an exciting event to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. On Saturday, September 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children and families are invited to the Career Carnival for Kids: STEAM Careers That Create Change. This event will provide a hands-on, interactive experience where children can explore diverse and exciting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
The Career Carnival for Kids is a unique opportunity for young minds to engage in activities, demos, games, and a unique Career Canvas Art Project, all aimed at sparking curiosity and interest in STEAM careers. The event is designed to be educational and fun, offering children a chance to discover what it’s like to work in various STEAM-related fields.
The event will occur at the Library of The Chathams, 214 Main Street in Chatham. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their children online by clicking here to secure their spots.
Special thanks are extended to the event’s career guides and sponsors, including BASF, H2M, National CSI Camp, I AM EPIC, Langan, Delta Dental, Morris County Division of Mosquito Control, and 4-H. These organizations play a crucial role in bringing the event to life, offering their expertise and resources to create a memorable experience for all participants.
“This event is all about helping kids see the endless possibilities in STEAM careers,” said one of the organizers. “By engaging with professionals and participating in hands-on activities, children can imagine themselves in these roles and see how they can make a difference in the world.”
The Career Carnival for Kids promises to be an enriching experience that educates and inspires children to dream big and consider careers contributing to innovation and change in our world. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite your child’s passion for STEAM!
Mark your calendars for September 14, and join the Library of The Chathams for a day of exploration, learning, and fun. Career Carnivals are geared toward older elementary and middle school students, but younger and older kids will also enjoy the hands-on projects, demos, and games.
CHATHAM – The holiday season is just around the corner, and Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church is gearing up to host its annual Holiday Craft Sale on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This festive event, located at 286 Main Street in Chatham, promises to be a gathering spot for local artisans, crafters, and holiday shoppers.
The church actively seeks talented crafters to showcase and sell handmade goods at the event. Whether you specialize in handcrafted jewelry, festive home decor, unique gifts, or delicious holiday treats, this is an excellent opportunity to share your creations with the community.
Table rentals are available for a modest fee of $25.00, providing crafters with the perfect venue to display their work to a crowd eager to find the perfect holiday gifts. In addition to the variety of crafts, visitors can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with holiday decorations and the cheerful spirit of the season.
The event organizer, Nancy Kent, encourages local crafters to reserve their tables early as space is limited. “Our Holiday Craft Sale is a wonderful tradition that brings together the community and celebrates the talents of local artisans,” said Kent. “We’re excited to see the unique creations available this year, and we invite everyone to join us for a day of holiday fun and shopping.”
For more information or to reserve a table, interested crafters can contact Nancy Kent at (973) 635-5481 or via email at [email protected].
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a cherished local event and to help spread holiday cheer through your creative works. Mark your calendars for December 7, and come ready to enjoy a day of festive shopping and community spirit at the Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church Holiday Craft Sale.
FLORHAM PARK — On Monday, August 19, at 10:25 a.m., Florham Park Officers Chris Heredia and Charlie Greenstein, along with Sergeant Joel Phillips, responded to the area of a local business after an employee reported that someone might be attempting to make a fraudulent purchase. The officers located the suspect’s vehicle on Columbia Turnpike near Park Avenue as the individual fled the scene. During the pursuit, they discovered that the license plate on the vehicle had been reported stolen. The officers successfully stopped the vehicle off Columbia Road in Morris Township.
During the roadside investigation, the officers learned that the driver, a 21-year-old male from Syracuse, New York, had stolen items, including a key fob for a Cadillac Escalade and other items taken from additional victims. The driver was arrested, and further investigation revealed that not only was the license plate stolen, but the vehicle was stolen from a different victim in Broome County, New York. Inside the vehicle, the officers found numerous other stolen items and suspected burglary tools.
The suspect had been attempting to trade in the stolen vehicle at the local business for another vehicle but was unsuccessful in deceiving the employee. After fleeing the business, the suspect attempted to steal a Cadillac Escalade but failed. The stolen vehicle was towed, and the suspect was charged multiple crimes.
Other law enforcement agencies were alerted, as the vehicle was reported to have been involved in a previous police pursuit and linked to several other thefts in both New Jersey and New York. The suspect was processed on the following charges and subsequently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing before a Morris County Superior Court judge:
2C:20-10.1 – Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle (second-degree crime)
Hapgoods is located at 44 Midvale Road, Mountain Lakes. Phone: (973) 299-3399.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — With the remnants of Hurricane Debby impacting the area and ominous predictions of heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and even a potential tornado right here in Morris County, what better thing to do than gather a few friends and head off for lunch at one of the County’s many beautiful restaurants.
On this day, we headed out to the serene and historically significant little town of Mountain Lakes to visit Hapgoods, a famous American eatery nestled in the heart of the community next to the local train station, built in 1912 by the Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western Railroad (DL&W). Mountain Lakes is noted on both the New Jersey and National Registry of Historic Places and a lot of that has to do with the 1910 Art and Crafty, European architecturally influenced homes, also built in 1912 by developer Herbert J. Hapgood, along with engineer Lewis Van Duyne, of which the now refurbished Hapgoods restaurant still stands as an impressive remnant of that era.
Original Hapgood House
Hapgoods was opened in 2020 by brothers Bill and Dante Corvelli. It is still owned and operated as a family-owned venture by Bill and his wife, Lisa. Before 2020, and since 2005, it was the site of the Mountain Lakes Market, a local eatery where locals could grab a meal and buy staples like milk and eggs. A retired local police officer informed me that the building housed everything from shops to classrooms before that. Originally a BYO establishment, the Corvelli’s have since acquired a liquor license, so feel free to order a cold bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or your favorite cocktail to complement your meal.
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to discuss the restaurant with the owners on this visit. Still, on their website, the restaurant is described thus: “At Hapgood’s, we offer our guests all the comfort of a casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner experience with a modern twist. Located in historic Mountain Lakes, our guests feel at home in our cozy, small-town setting.” Based on our visit, I would have to say that is a pretty fair description.
European-inspired homes, constructed in 1912 by developer Herbert J. Hapgood.
On entry, we encountered a vibrant, open, airy, bustling, bright, spacious yet cozy, comfortable setting. The room was filled with a lively assortment of families and groups eating, chatting, and having an enjoyable time. We were immediately welcomed by Fernanda, who would serve as our very personable and pleasant hostess and server throughout our visit. We were ushered to an adequately sized pair of wooden tables in a highly comfortable nook at the far corner. This perfect location allowed me to take in all the architecture and history of this storied setting.
As we perused the fairly extensive lunch menu, I could also take in the full décor of the dining area. The restaurant has been artfully transformed into a more modern appearance while retaining much of its historic character. The hardwood floors, archways that separate the restaurant into two sections, exposed beams, ornate woodwork, high ceiling, oversized exterior windows, ceiling fans, a plush sofa facing a working fireplace, and drop lighting give the space a rustic yet refined atmosphere. A warm ambient glow over the carefully placed wooden tables and chairs reflects an eclectic mix of styles—from mid-century modern to classic café aesthetics. You still have the sense that you are sitting in some family’s living room from days gone by. A smaller private section would easily accommodate a small private party or business meeting, and countertop seating would be available where you can work on your laptop or catch up on your email while having a casual meal.
Pat Minutillo enjoyed a thinly sliced hot pastrami sandwich served with spicy mustard and Swiss cheese on toasted rye bread.
The lunch menu includes much of your usual American/Comfort Food café choices, complete with appetizers, salads, soup, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and deli specialties. As our group often does, we ordered a square pizza to share, but sadly, the pizza was only available on the dinner menu. Yes, they have three different menus: breakfast, lunch, and dinner—all offering a tempting selection of many of your classic dishes, along with some interesting and unique options. Breakfast includes such choices as Steak and Egg Benedict, Shrimp and Grits, Huevos Rancheros, various omelets with some very cool names, griddle options such as Banana Pecan Pancakes and Chicken and Waffles, along with many more mouth-watering items that make it difficult, but fun, to decide. You will find Burrata Bruschetta, N.Y. Strip Steak, Beer Batter Fish Tacos, Short Ribs, and many other delicacies on the dinner menu, along with burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and that previously mentioned Square Pizza (which comes with a variety of your choice of toppings). It’s pretty much something to satisfy anyone’s appetite.
Steak Au Poivre (Grilled Hanger Steak, Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, and Garlic Aioli)Cobb Salad with Chicken (Romaine, Bacon, Avocado, Pear, Tomato, and Crumbled Blue Cheese with Champagne Citrus dressing),
Our selections for lunch started with several shareable appetizers. The Buffalo Wings (16 wings with Celery, Carrots, and Blue Cheese) came out, and Nacho Fries (Pulled Pork, Jalapenos, Tomato, Green Onion, Black Beans, and Cheddar Cheese). They were quickly devoured, as usual, while we worked on our preferred entrées. I opted for the Thinly Hot Pastrami Sandwich. It came with Spicy Mustard and Swiss Cheese on toasted Rye bread. It was very tasty and satisfying, and it went well with my Miller Lite.
Nacho Fries (Pulled Pork, Jalapenos, Tomato, Green Onion, Black Beans, and Cheddar Cheese).
Others in the group ordered the Steak Au Poivre (Grilled Hanger Steak, Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, and Garlic Aioli), Cobb Salad with Chicken (Romaine, Bacon, Avocado, Pear, Tomato, and Crumbled Blue Cheese with Champagne Citrus dressing), Grilled Chicken Sandwich (with Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, and Arugula), and a Shrimp Bisque Soup.
Buffalo Wings (16 wings with Celery, Carrots, and Blue Cheese)
All the sandwiches came with house-cut fries or salad, and all the Deli Specialties had a choice of side salad, fruit, coleslaw, potato, macaroni, or pasta salad. Everyone agreed that their choices were tasty, satisfying, and satisfying.
Thinly sliced hot pastrami served with spicy mustard and Swiss cheese on toasted rye bread.
Rarely passing on dessert, I went with the Banana Bread Pudding (Topped with 3 Scoops of Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle). Wow! Excellent! Other choices included the Chocolate Lava Cake (topped with a Scoop of Ice Cream and Cherry Sauce) and the New York Cheesecake (with Cherry Sauce): a Cappuccino to cap the whole thing off and another fantastic dining experience in the books.
New York Cheesecake (with Cherry Sauce)Banana Bread Pudding (Topped with 3 Scoops of Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle).
I would certainly recommend you stop in and enjoy this place for yourself. It has a great ambiance, a touch of history, excellent and friendly service, and delicious food. I’m sure you will not regret it.
Bon Appetit!
Hapgoods is located at 44 Midvale Road, Mountain Lakes. Phone: (973) 299-3399.
Ample Outdoor Patio Seating | Working Fireplace | Serves Vegetarian Dishes | Dog-Friendly | Catering Available | Boxed Dinners for 4 Available | Reservations Accepted
MORRIS COUNTY — The picturesque Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is set to host a unique event this weekend that promises fun for the whole family. On Saturday, August 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the farm will come alive with the “Chicken Run! Movie Night & 5K” event, offering a delightful combination of outdoor adventure and entertainment.
The evening kicks off with a 5K race and a 1K walk, allowing participants to enjoy the scenic beauty of the farm while getting some exercise. Following the race, attendees can settle in for a cozy outdoor movie night featuring the beloved animated classic “Chicken Run.” Free popcorn will be available for all, and guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and chairs to create the perfect viewing experience under the stars.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, The Colonial Grill will be on-site, offering delicious food for purchase, ensuring no one goes hungry during the festivities.
Tickets for the event are reasonably priced, with options to suit everyone’s plans for the evening. The movie night-only ticket is available for $10.00 per person, while those looking to participate in the race or walk can do so for $30.00 per person. For those who want the full experience, a combo ticket, including the race and the movie, is offered at $35.00 per person.
This event is an excellent opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy the late summer weather, and participate in an evening of fun activities. Whether you’re a runner, a movie buff, or simply looking for a great way to spend a Saturday night with family and friends, the “Chicken Run! Movie Night & 5K” at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm has something for everyone.
For more details or to answer any questions, interested participants can call (973) 326-7645 or email [email protected]. Don’t miss this chance to make some summer memories in Morristown!
MORRIS COUNTY — All veterans are invited to Morris County Veteran Appreciation Day on Monday, August 26, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at VFW 3401, located at 45 Tabor Road in Morris Plains. There will be food and refreshments, and veteran organizations and dignitaries will make presentations.
New Jersey Veterans Facing Homelessness: If you have no place to go or are in danger of becoming homeless, please call 1-855-289-8527 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for assistance.
