Madison-Chatham

Recent property transfers

Editor — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:00:29 +0000

Chatham
28 Meadowbrook Road, Timothy Ryan, Joanna Ryan, $940,000 (Kurt Ekert)
33 Oak Hill Road, Edward Chernosky, Stacy Chernosky, $1,120,000 (Arnim Holzer)
65 N. Summit Ave., Catherine Rocco, John Bergstrom III, $575,000 (Katy Bolster)
8 Rose Terrace, Eric Chiao, Ann Yamabayashi, $869,500 (James Lamar)

Gillette
190 Mountain Ave., Timothy Gard, Susan Shrader, $400,000 (Tracy Roberts)
920 Meyersville Road, Robert Carrico, Kristina Carrico, $999,000 (Jeff Morris)

Madison
100 Greenwich Court, Thomas Umrath, $460,000 (Karen Connolly)
16 Shadylawn Drive, Hillie Walker, Sidney Walker Jr., $640,000 (Tracey Costikyan)
322 Woodland Road, Thomas McNamara, Andrea McNamara, $1,625,000 (Clark Hontz)

Real estate transfers originate from public records compiled by the county clerk of each county. Transfers appearing in This Week are supplied by Superior Information Services of Trenton, which collects the city, address, buyer names, selling price and seller information. Questions regarding the accuracy of the information provided can be directed to the county clerk's office or Superior Information Services of Trenton.

My business: Centercourt Athletic Club

Editor — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Compiled by MadisonChatham This Week

Clay Bibbee

Clay Bibbee is the managing partner and High Performance Tennis Academy director at Centercourt Athletic Club in Chatham.

Why did you start the business? Clay Bibbee: The new owners wanted to provide an upscale facility to include not only tennis, but provide the opportunity for fitness, platform tennis, swimming, golf instruction — an all-around athletic/social environment.

If you could do it again, what would you do differently? In any business, strategies are always involving and improving, for example we started with eight indoor courts and, based upon our membership growth, we have expanded into 16 indoor courts.

What's the best business advice your have ever received? The importance of not being afraid making mistakes and continuing to learn.

What personality trait helps you the most? My work ethic and drive. Through my experience in competitive tennis, I leaned that to achieve anything takes hardwork and discipline.

What's the most difficult part of the job? With so many exciting opportunities at the club, sometimes it is hard not to be a kid and play on the waterslide and play beach tennis.

The easiest? Being part of a great organization and doing what I love.

What's your least expensive product or service? A can of tennis balls!

The most expensive? A lesson with me! (laughing)

Describe your most unusual customer, job or work experience. Parents wanting a water slide.

When you leave the business, what will you do? Continue to stay in the industry of tennis. I love it!

In one sentence, tell us why customers should come here. We enable people to keep fit, and have fun doing it!

CENTERCOURT ATHLETIC CLUB
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Athletic club
MANAGING PARTNER: Clay Bibbee
ADDRESS: 222 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 973-635-1222
WEBSITE: http://www.centercourtclub.com
HOURS OF OPERATION: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
FOUNDED: Founded 1975, new ownership and renovations 2007

Do you have a business in Madison or the Chathams that you would like us to feature? Tell us about it at contact@madisonchathamthisweek.com. put "my business" in the subject line.

Eating out in Madison: Nautilus Diner

Editor — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:51 +0000

Chris Pappas, above, owns the Nautilus Diner in Madison with his brother, Peter, and their father, Gus. (Photo: Jamie Duffy)

By JAMIE DUFFY
SPECIAL TO MADISONCHATHAM THIS WEEK

It seems every New Jersey town has a diner, and in Madison, it's the Nautilus. Right in the heart of town, it's been around since the day when diners first started lighting up the American landscape with a silvery nickel glint bouncing off the street lamps.

Longtime local Phil Gatti, a Weichert Realtor, started frequenting the diner "since it looked like that," he said, pointing to a 1960s photo of the Nautilus that hangs next to the cash register.

He continues to be a regular customer and knows the owners by name. And they know him — and his usual order.

"Large coffee, two Equals and milk," said Chris Pappas, who owns the Nautilus with his brother, Peter, and semi-retired father, Gus.

The Nautilus Gatti knew as a teenager has been transformed from a chrome emporium to a more modern eatery with a gray stone facade and red tile roof, the result of renovations in 1974 and 1997.

Another longtimer, Bob Conley, is a Madison councilman and executive director of the Madison Area YMCA. He stops by at least once a week for breakfast, cozying up to the counter for French toast, his laptop open to the Daily Record website.

He grew up on Prospect Street and remembers his first trip to the diner with his big sister, Betsy, who treated him to lunch.

"It's a place to do Madison business," he said. "You never know who you may run into, and it's quick and has friendly service."

The diner is practically home to former Madison Mayor Woody Kerkeslager, who runs weekly Wednesday morning meetings for the Madison Arts & Cultural Alliance out of the main room and relies on Linda Norman, a waitress there for 25 years, to pour the coffee.

Over the years, the Nautilus has remained a typical New Jersey diner, evidenced by the menu, ceramic coffee cups and even the little jelly packs stacked up in a reassuring column next to the other condiments.

"You don't want to vary too much," says Chris Pappas, who has been in the family business since he started as a 14-year-old bus boy. "There are a lot of people who expect certain things."

Breakfast is a powerful example: The Nautilus goes through 4,500 eggs a week, he says. On the weekends, however, variety is on the menu when he retreats from his typical front post to the kitchen and creates gourmet meals on Friday and Saturday nights. A 1985 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he works his magic on three mainstays: pasta, seafood and a chicken.

"It keeps me from getting rusty," he says. "My brother went for baking and pastries."

THE NAUTILUS DINER & RESTAURANT
97 Main St., Madison
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 973-377-8484
FAX: 973-377-7422
HOURS: 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday
CUISINE: American diner and weekend gourmet
LIQUOR: BYOB
PAYMENT: All major credit cards accepted
PRICE RANGE: Breakfast, one egg $2.95, with ham, bacon sausage or Taylor Ham $5.20; pancakes, $2.75 to $7.50. Lunch and dinner: cheeseburger $5.45, deluxe, $7.45; wraps $7.75 to $9.20; walads $5.50 to $11.50; Philly cheese steak $8.75; classic Reuben $9.20; Paninis $8.20; Sloppy Joe $6.95-$7.95; char-broiled specials: T-Bone steak $19.95, pork chops $15.50; half spring chicken $13.95. Seafood: stuffed shrimp $16.95; broiled scallops $15.50, Fisherman's Special (fried jumbo shrimp, scallops, fish cakes, filet of flounder and fried onion rings) $16.95.
RESERVATIONS: No
CATERING: Seldom. "We'll do some, like trays of eggs and French toast," owner Chris Pappas says
DRESS: Casual
ATMOSPHERE: Nice comfy booths line the more casual room that also has a long countertop big enough to accommodate a laptop. In the main dining room, the floor is carpeted, and there are two round booths to accommodate bigger parties. Windows around the entire restaurant allow a good view of downtown activities and traffic. Outside there are several stone picnic tables and newspaper kiosks positioned handily for those who want to take in the news over a cup of Java.
VIBE: Attentiveness and warm smiles offered to all ages are the key ingredients for stress-free dining at the Nautilus
TAKEOUT: Yes
DELIVERY: No
PARKING: Large lot in the back plus street parking
OWNERS: Chris and Peter Pappas and their semi-retired father, Gus

Got a restaurant you'd like to read about? Tell us at contact@madisonchathamthisweek.com.

Tampa Bay Bucs tab Kareem Huggins, former Bayley-Ellard star, as backup RB

Jake Remaly — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:26:16 +0000

TAMPA, Fla. — Kareem Huggins, a star running back at Bayley-Ellard in Madison, has been named as the backup running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Huggins, who was not drafted after a stellar football career at Hofstra, caught on with the Bucs last season but saw little playing time, spending most of the season on the practice squad.

But Huggins has impressed his coaches, especially during the preseason, to earn the backup job to Cadillac Williams.

Huggins moved up on the depth chart after former New York Giant Derrick Ward was released on Tuesday.

The seventh-year running back signed a four-year, $17 million contract as an unrestricted free agent in 2009, moving to Tampa Bay after five seasons with the New York Giants. He was a 1,000-yard rusher two years ago with the Giants, but struggled to make the transition to a new offense. He wound up playing a limited role as a backup to Williams.

--Staff and wire report

Chatham law firm’s ex-office manager accused of embezzling $1.1 million

Jake Remaly — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:01:25 +0000

By PEGGY WRIGHT • DAILY RECORD

The former office manager for a Chatham-based law firm is accused in a lawsuit of embezzling more than $1.1 million that she and her boyfriend allegedly used for personal bills and to restore a vintage car.

A lawyer representing the law firm of Maloof, Lebowitz, Connahan & Oleske filed the lawsuit late Monday with state Superior Court Judge Deanne Wilson in Morristown.

The complaint seeks emergency restraints against Landing residents Beth Friedland and Alex Cruz to prevent them from dissipating, transferring or trying to hide any monies believed to be stolen from the firm, going as far back as 2004.

Neither Friedland nor Cruz could be reached. An e-mail said to be authored by Friedland, dated Aug. 2 and sent to law firm accountant Ray Ciccone, is attached to the lawsuit, along with copies of more than 50 checks that Friedland allegedly made out to cash, to Cruz, Phoenix Restoration and other personal bill collectors.

''I am offering my 401K and to set up some sort of payment arrangement,'' Friedland's email said. She wrote that if partner and shareholder Jack Maloof tried to have her arrested, it would adversely affect her, her children and her future prospects for a job.

The complaint said the suspected thefts were discovered in July and Friedland was terminated. She allegedly issued checks to herself and Cruz, forged endorsements on firm checks, falsified bank deposit slips and general ledger entries. Friedland did not have any control over the firm's client trust account.

The lawsuit also states that Cruz sold two motorcycles and has offered about $14,500 to repay some of the money.

Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@gannett.com.

Local hero: Alex Post, caring for 32 trees

Editor — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:00:16 +0000

Madison Scout Alex Post is caring for 32 trees planted along Kings Road near the train trestle. (Photo: Jamie Duffy)

By JAMIE DUFFY
SPECIAL TO MADISONCHATHAM THIS WEEK

Alex Post took on an Eagle Scout project that may just turn him into a gardener.

Along King's Road just under the train trestle, there is a row of small trees on the train side and a shorter one opposite. Each one is covered by a net, has its own milk jug and a bright green garden hose.

The area is called Trestle Park, so named by a loose association of volunteers that Post signed up for the project. The 32 native saplings — red buds and silky dogwoods — were acquired by the Friends of the Madison Shade Trees through the New Jersey Tree Foundation.

The group needed some muscle to put the trees into the ground, and that's where Post came in. Looking around for a meaningful Eagle Scout project, he heard about their need and it seemed the perfect fit.

Now he can't stay away from it. He said he'll continue to monitor the trees long after his project requirements. For now, he said, the maintenance is rather easy. He and his volunteers stop by to turn on spigots at the electrical plant and at Currey Automotive. After 20 minutes, they turn them off.

"Mr. Currey just lets me use the spigot inside the garage any time. He was really nice. He didn't think twice," Post said.

Currey is just one of a group of people Post has relied on to achieve his goal.

Scoutmaster Vincent Iacoviello says Post has "the spirit of service" that has taken his volunteer activities and helpfulness out of the confines of the Scouts to the wider community.

"He's always done what I've asked him to do and taken on responsibility even though he may not be comfortable with it," Iacoviello said.

Clearing weeds were Michael Houle, Tommy Margosian, assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 7 John Hogan, James Crimmins, Kevin Thompson, Crimmins' mother, Julia, and Kathy Meyer. Help from the Friends of the Madison Shade Trees came from Nancy Bruce, Gene Cracovia and Chris Schorr.

Pete DeRosa of Hawk Services gave time and expertise when he rototilled the strip. Those who dug the holes were Post, his father, Randy, Sid Phakey, his Eagle Scout adviser, and Tyler Haupt. J&M Home & Garden on Main Street in Madison donated deer-proof netting and bamboo stakes.

"More than the deer, you've got caterpillars," Post said, sounding like a seasoned groundskeeper. "I've got zero deer problems right now. You don't see the caterpillars. You only see the results, but the trees are still growing regardless."

The biggest reward will be the Eagle Scout rank, something he hopes to achieve in December. He also needs four more badges — he has 17 out of the required 21.

Working on the badges is only one of activities that will keep this Madison senior busy this fall. He is in the percussion section in the Madison High School marching band and concert band and is on the school's wrestling squad.

Following graduation next year, he hopes to start a degree in computer engineering.

But the trees will still be on his mind: "I have volunteers through to the fall. But I'll still be taking care of these trees because it's mean to just do a project to leave it and neglect it."

Know a "Local Hero" from Madison or Chatham? Tell us at contact@madisonchathamthisweek.com.

We want to know: What’s on your iPod?

Editor — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:27 +0000

By The Editor
MadisonChatham This Week

We'll be singing
When we're winning
We'll be singing ...
I get knocked down
But I get up again
You're never going to
Keep me down ...

How great was Chumbawamba? How great was 1997's "Tub Thumping"? Almost as good, perhaps, as Spirit's "Fresh Garbage." Boy did that one ever dominate 1968 — remember?

Look beneath your lid some morning
See those things you didn't quite consume
The world's a can for
Your fresh garbage ...
Fresh garbage ...
Fresh garbage ...

We don't know about you, but we couldn't keep our feet from tapping!

(Typically, at this point, we would feign mock surprise that you have never heard of these tunes — mostly because you were minus-16 years old when they were popular. Also, because they were popular for 14 or 15 minutes.)

But no mock surprise today. We acknowledge that we are older than dirt, dinosaurs and yesterday's lunch. And we acknowledge that our preferences in music would damage the immune systems of our children. Lucky for us, they can't hear a blessed thing through their iPod ear buds.

Now that we've shared our fondness for music from the Pleistocene Epoch, it's your turn. And it's easy!

Just answer the following questions, turn your cell phone around and snap an image of your face, and send it all to kfarago@njpressmedia.com or amorrison@njpressmedia.com. Then you'll be famous . . . or embarrassed like us. But is any notoriety really bad? Of course not!

Here, without further musical interlude, our questions:

Name:
Age:
Hometown:
Occupation:
Lived here since:
What album would we find in your iPod or CD player right now?
What genre of music do you prefer?
What genre do you hate?
Favorite artist of all time:
What was the name of the last album purchased? Would you recommend it?
Do you prefer to listen to portable music players or CDs?
First record:
First CD:
Do you prefer to download your music or buy CDs in the store?
What do you think of the music being released today?

And, if you fail to respond at all, our intrepid reporters Katelyn Farago and Aaron Morrison — whose e-mails are listed above — will be forced to listen to King Crimson, Cat Mother and the All Night Newsboys and William Shatner's "The Transformed Man." That's right: the 1968 train wreck in which he compared contemporary pop songs to the works of Shakespeare.

Save Katelyn and Aaron. Respond today!

Glide time: Olympian teaches skating classes

Editor — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:00:49 +0000

By KATELYN FARAGO
MADISONCHATHAM THIS WEEK

Chatham mother-of-two Karen Rowland has found a unique way to get in some much-needed "me time."

Every Tuesday, she spends her lunch hour gliding across the ice with Olympic figure skater JoJo Starbuck.

"It's wonderful," she said. "It clears my head. It's invigorating."

Rowland is one of a handful of women enrolled in Starbuck's weekly ice skating course, dubbed JoJo's Cool Workout, at Twin Oaks Ice Rink in Morris Township.

Starbuck, a two-time Olympian and three-time United States pairs skating champion, has been teaching the course through the Madison YMCA for years. This summer, she tried something new by scheduling the course to run simultaneously with a children's hockey clinic taught by former New Jersey Devils defenseman Randy Velischek. That way, women with small children can participate in Starbuck's class while their children take part in a variety of hockey-based drills with Velischek.

Velischek, the hockey director at Twin Oaks, described the collaborative approach as "good synergy" and said he appreciates that Starbuck's class increases the presence of figure skating at the rink, especially during the slower summer months.

Working with adults of all ability levels, Starbuck — who currently resides in Madison — teaches her students how to master their edges and eventually execute spins and single jumps.

"It's like golf, in that it takes a long time to master the basic skills," she said, adding that she enjoys seeing the "victory moments" when her students learn something new.

Starbuck said she finds that, compared to children, her adult students are even more excited by those accomplishments and respond with more enthusiasm. For busy mothers who often have little time for themselves, she said, the simple act of gliding around on the ice is a luxury.

"Loving the sport as a I do, it's wonderful to share it with people," she said. "I started skating when I was 7 years old, and I still love it after all these years. You feel free, like a bird."

The class is simply about learning something new and "feeling beautiful," Starbuck said, and it's definitely more fun than going to the gym.

Nancy Onthank Johnson, of Chatham Township, skates during JoJo Starbucks' class. (Staff photo: John Bell)

Nancy Onthank Johnson of Chatham Township, who has been enrolled for two years, describes the class as the highlight of her week.

"I absolutely love it," she said. "(Starbuck) is totally nonthreatening. She wants you to have a good time and encourages you to be all you can be."

Caitlin Force of Hanover Township recently signed up for Starbuck's course for the first time, after a long hiatus from the sport. She took ice skating lessons for many years in her childhood and said she opted to get back into it because she wanted to find her grace again.

"It's fun, and the muscle tone is coming back," she said.

She described the Olympian's classes as "very hard, very difficult but very enlightening."

Kelly Hampton of Chatham began skating when she was in high school and returned to the ice with Starbuck about a year ago. This summer, she began bringing her 5-year-old son, Bryce, with her and enrolled him in Velischek's hockey program. As a busy mother, she said, it's been convenient to have both programs running simultaneously.

Bryce, whose favorite hockey team is the New York Islanders, said the best part of the classes are passing the puck and shooting at the goal. He described the worst part as putting on all his equipment.

The hockey clinic, reserved for children from 3 to 5, covers the fundamentals of skating and gives the children an opportunity to skate with a hockey stick in hand for the first time. Offered as part of the rink's Learn-to-Skate program, the clinic also teaches the children how to fall down safely and get back up, Velischek said.

"It takes the fear away," he said, emphasizing the importance of getting children on the ice early. "It affords them an opportunity to try something they might not otherwise."

Katelyn Farago: 973-428-6630; kfarago@njpressmedia.com

90 seniors evacuated from Juniper Village due to smoke

Jake Remaly — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:48:48 +0000

Police and fire officials evacuated 90 Juniper Village senior housing residents from their building Tuesday morning after a patrol officer responding to a fire alarm saw smoke coming from a second-floor light fixture, police said.

The smoke in the building on Southern Boulevard quickly dissipated and residents were allowed to return to their units by 9 a.m., about an hour after the alarm sounded, according to a Chatham Township police news release.

Officials could not determine the source of the smoke, police said. Juniper Village did not return a voice mail Tuesday.

The Chatham Township Police Department, Chatham Emergency Squad, Chatham Township Office of Emergency Management, Madison Police Department, Green Village, Chatham Township and Chatham Borough fire departments and the Chatham Township Civilian Emergency Response Team, and employees of the facility, all helped residents evacuate, police said.

Duncan Robertson’s silent tree stump protest

Jake Remaly — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:18:50 +0000

Trees taken down for a sidewalk installation project near Milton Elementary School became a sad-faced exhibit on a local lawn. Some residents oppose the project. (Staff Photo: Jamie Duffy)

By JAMIE DUFFY • SPECIAL TO THE DAILY RECORD

CHATHAM — There wasn't a noisy campaign to stop Chatham from putting sidewalks on the western side of lower Elmwood, which leads to Milton Avenue School, but Duncan Robertson still was opposed to it.

Workers arrived to take down trees for the sidewalks the day after the council voted on Aug. 9 to get the project going. Two of the trees were in Robertson's yard.

Robertson asked the workers to leave the stumps in his yard, and he and his family put a new twist on a silent protest: The tree stumps scattered around the yard have been decorated with black paint, each one a different sad face. He has no plans to remove them.

"I understand the need for safety," said Robertson, whose college-bound daughter, Jennifer, painted the stumps. But he reckons the school has been there at least 35 years "and there hasn't been an incident."

Robertson said he doesn't think the borough explored all the options, which include putting crossing guards at the top of Elmwood, Duchamp and Center streets to keep foot traffic safe.

"It is an extremely congested area," said Council President James Collander. "Parents often walk down the middle of the street." Not only was two-way traffic difficult, particularly during pickup, but officials believed emergency vehicles would have a difficult time, too.

School officials plan to enlarge the school parking lot so more staff can park on site. Parking is now forbidden on the east side of the street.

The project includes 4 1/2-foot-wide sidewalks running 450 feet and is expected to cost about $20,000, according to borough officials.

Today, a large American elm is expected to be brought down on Main Street, and no one has protested, according to Mayor Nelson Vaughan III.

Route 124, or Main Street, between North Passaic Avenue and Center Street will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. while the state cuts it down, Vaughan said.

Truckers have complained that the tree obscures the traffic signal at the intersection so they didn't have enough time to brake.

The American elm "was very deprived of water, hemmed in for years, probably planted around 1880," Vaughan said.

He convinced the state to delay cutting down the tree while he consulted with the community. Taking on the responsibility of an old tree "could bankrupt the town," if anything happened and the council decided to let the state have its way, he said.

Where Is It?

Cara Townsend — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:40:26 +0000

Delays, detours: 8 to 10 weeks of Lincoln Place construction starts tomorrow

Jake Remaly — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:55:48 +0000

From Madison Police:

Construction on Lincoln Pl. will begin tomorrow. Expect delays and detours for approx. the next eight to ten weeks.

The road, which is adjacent to the train station and visible to passersby through train windows, is slated to receive upgrades, including trees, widened sidewalks and lampposts, as well as the installation of badly needed storm drains.

Madison shuttle would link downtown, Drew, FDU

Jake Remaly — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:40:18 +0000

County College of Morris celebrated last spring when bus service to the Randolph campus, originally slated for elimination by NJ Transit, was restored.

Morris Commuting

Now it appears students at Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University could be getting a new mass transit option, according to Rob Jennings's Morris Commuting column today. Here's the column:

Hanover-based TransOptions is planning to administer a $1.50-per-ride van shuttle service that would run between both campuses in Madison and the NJ Transit station in the borough, with stops along the way in the business district.

The shuttle is expected to begin running in the fall of 2011, TransOptions vice president Don Watt said Friday.

Watt said NJ Transit would be funding the program -- with TransOptions as the administrator -- via a three-year, $231,000 federal congestion management/air quality grant.

NJ Transit, which did not return a phone call on Friday, would award the contract to the shuttle company. It has not yet announced a vendor.

The fall of 2011 is a long way away, especially given the inherently tenuous nature of lauching a program in New Jersey that would rely on government funding.

Yet, if all goes according to plan, the so-called "Madison Shuttle'' would be a good thing for the borough, which partly due to its compact size is among the most progressive in Morris in promoting alternatives to driving.

Madison Mayor Mary-Anna Holden said the shuttle would be welcomed.

"I am so delighted this is finally coming to fruition. Madison has been trying to put a shuttle together since 1998, I believe,'' the mayor said.

"This is the perfect tie-in to transit options that have been missing, rail and bus, to downtown and between campuses,'' she said.

How would the shuttle program work?

Watt said the van would have room for 15 passengers. The shuttle would make a "continuous loop,'' lasting anywhere from 15 to 18 minutes, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. It would not run on Sundays.

"It starts at FDU, then it goes to Drew. It goes down Kings Road, brings people out by Staples, then back down Main Street. It drops people at the train station and other businesses,'' said Watt, explaining that passengers could "flag'' stops rather than relying on set locations.

Watt added that the shuttle would not make stops at Fairleigh Dickinson during the morning and evening rush-hour period to avoid undercutting NJ Transit's Wheels 966 bus, which runs between Convent Station and FDU during that timeframe. The Wheels 966 bus has been on shaky ground -- NJ Transit initially sought its elimination last spring -- so introducing a competitor at this point would not be smart.

Madison Shuttle riders would pay $1.50 per trip. Watt said TransOptions anticipates 2,500 passengers per month.

If this sounds familiar, it should. The proposed Madison shuttle is very similar to the $1-per-ride "Last Mile Shuttle,'' which linked NJ Transit stations in Convent Station, Madison and Morris Plains with nearby corporate centers.

The Last Mile Shuttle debuted amid much fanfare in 2007, only to end less than three years later when the federal grant expired. TransOptions initially hoped that rider fees would cover at least 20 percent of the $20,000 operating cost, which apparently never happened.

Watt said TransOptions learned from the previous experience and would make adjustments in administering the Madison Shuttle. Its goal is to generate 25 percent of the annual operating cost -- not just from rider fees, but via contributions from the borough, FDU, Drew and other beneficiaries.

Will that happen?

A spokesman for FDU said university officials had not heard of the Madison Shuttle. Drew University did not return a phone call.

Watt noted that some students at Drew and FDU take the train to class because they either don't drive or can't get on-campus parking.

However, Drew University on its website notes its campus is "within walking distance'' of the train station; the same could be said of Fairleigh Dickinson. Given the heavy traffic in the business district, on many days it might be quicker just to walk.

TransOptions, though, is optimistic enough to be planning to introduce a 26-seat shuttle if the initial phase proves successful.

Developing van shuttles should be a priority in Morris County. Mount Arlington discussed running a shuttle when NJ Transit opened a new train station off Howard Boulevard two years ago, but nothing came of it.

Some companies provide shuttles for employees; Picatinny Arsenal, among the county's largest employers, is evaluating an employee shuttle running between the Dover train station and Rockaway Township.

Many people who could take the train don't -- either because they can't find parking in the lot by their home or their workplace is not within walking distance of their destination station.

Shuttles can provide the missing link and could boost ridership at a time when NJ Transit, which recently implemented a 25 percent fare hike, is seeking to retain customer levels.

Everyone involved has an incentive to promote ventures such as the Madison shuttle.

Madison to fix Brooklake Road

Jake Remaly — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:29:36 +0000

By JAMIE DUFFY • SPECIAL TO THE DAILY RECORD

MADISON -- Resident Theresa Zwick said she breathed a "a big sigh of relief" now that her borough has made solid plans to fix a stretch of Brooklake Road that was overdue for repairs.

"It has huge potholes. We call them trenches," said Zwick who lives on Niles Avenue, which runs parallel to Brooklake.

Brooklake Road begins at Main Street and leads into Florham Park. The Madison length of the road is jointly owned by both Madison and Chatham Borough, said Ray Codey, Madison's administrator. Cost negotiations between the boroughs prevented the road repairs from being approved sooner.

Chatham officials agreed to pitch in $40,000 towards the repair work, although legally, they don't have to. Chatham's side of the road is in good condition, Codey added.

Aside from potholes, the Madison side of the road was in need of repairs after work was done last year on the water main.

"We did a spot patch that hasn't taken well," Codey said.

The repaving effort will include milling and overlay, improved storm drainage, new curbing and either sidewalk repair or new sidewalks on the Madison side of the road.

The Madison portion will cost $230,645. The contract was awarded to Cifelli & Sons of Nutley. The project is estimated to take six weeks and will start in early September, Codey said.

Chatham Mayor V. Nelson Vaughan III said his borough agreed because "we always cooperate with Madison and try to be good neighbors. It was the natural thing to do. Chatham people drive that road all the time."

Zwick said she had pressured Madison to fix the road quickly and presented officials with a petition signed by 58 residents. "In the wintertime, it's terrible. The roads were slippery and they were a mess," she said.

How we met: Jason Merrick and Kimberly Salokas

Editor — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:00:58 +0000

Jason Merrick and Kimberly Salokas

Compiled by MadisonChatham
This Week

JASON MERRICK & KIMBERLY SALOKAS
AGES: 26 and 24
HOMETOWNS: Madison and Wantage
ENGAGED SINCE: March

How and when did you meet? We met while attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2004. She was a freshman and I was a junior, both going for degrees in marketing.

What was your first impression of her? I thought she was upbeat and full of energy. Although we were just friends for a while, I remember immediately noticing that not only was she beautiful, but also fun and easygoing.

What was your first impression of him? Jason was actually a friend of mine for about three years. I thought he was very funny and always had a great time when we hung out. I remember actually talking about him to my family, the tall and handsome one, but he was just a friend then.

First date: Even though we knew each other for quite some time, Jason had e-mailed me during winter break and asked if I wanted to hang out. I had a feeling it may be a date because we never hung out alone, but I went with it ... I was curious. He invited me to the city for dinner and drinks. Once we got to the city, I knew it was a date.

When we were going to dinner, we got lost and couldn't find the place, but there was a burger joint near us called Corner Bistro. I know the best way to a man's heart — it's a good burger and some beers — so I suggested just going there.

With full bellies, we ended up at the Art Bar which is a trendy little spot in the meatpacking district. After night full of great conversations and laughs, we had our first kiss on the blue velvet couch at the Art Bar. Every time we are near the Art Bar, we must stop there for a drink because that is where the sparks were lighted.

How did he propose? I proposed to Kim at the Daily Record's annual Bridal Expo in March (Jason is a Daily Record employee). I took the microphone and after thanking all the vendors and individuals who helped organize the event, I proposed in front of all the other future bride and grooms. Luckily, she said yes!

Favorite things to do together: We enjoy trying new things which eventually led us to find some of our favorite things. Our hobbies depend on the season. In the summer, we love going to Sag Harbor where Jason spent his summers as a youth, to enjoy the ocean, wine tasting, crabbing, golfing, and all the things the ocean has to offer.

In the winter, we are normally enjoying a glass of wine while watching movies since we pretty much hate the cold. In the spring and fall, we enjoy the seasonal activities outside, traveling, etc. And of course throughout the year, we spend plenty of time with our friends and family.

His best quality: I can name countless great qualities about Jason — supportive, caring, funny, intelligent, dedicated, but most importantly, notices the little things most people look over. He makes sure we recognize what we have around us — friends, family, and each other. He is genuine. Sorry ladies — a real good one is off the market!

Her best quality: It's hard to pick one, since there are so many. I love her energy, and yet she can balance that with an easygoing personality. It's really what makes her successful at everything she does and she never ceases to amaze me.

A small wedding or a large wedding? Our wedding will be a medium-size wedding. We wanted to make sure we could include everyone who has touched our lives to shape us into who we are today. Our wedding party is slightly larger than normal. There are six bridesmaids, six groomsmen, two flower girls and two ring bearers.

Any ideas on a wedding date or month yet? Our date is set for May 21 at Minerals Resort and Spa. Every time we visit Minerals, we fall more in love with it. It is a destination wedding without the actual destination!

Want to be in How We Met? Send your responses and a digital photo to Katelyn Farago at kfarago@njpressmedia.com.

Footnotes offers new season of classes

Editor — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:00:08 +0000

Ballet students of Anne Fattal's Footnotes in Chatham Township who danced in an annual performance, from left, first row, Lauren Santoriello, Megan McCann, Kayla Lok and Grace Timons; back row, Madison Frohnapfel, Kiera Baskin, Claire DeSarno, Elizabeth Demareski, Emerson Sheehan, Ella Tully and Aoife Nerz. (Photo courtesy Anne Fattel)

As the school year approaches, Anne Fattal's Footnotes, a studio for the performing arts, is expanding its class offerings for the 2010-11 season.

Anne Fattal's Footnotes, celebrating its 22nd year in Chatham, is in the Hickory Square Mall, 641 Shunpike Road, Chatham Township. The studio houses three custom dance rooms, complete with maple floors, state-of-the-art sound systems, mirrors and adjustable barres.

Footnotes will continue to maintain its children's program, featuring dance instruction for preschool-age students, and a structured curriculum for those in kindergarten and first grade. Dance courses in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap and modern also will be offered, in addition to eight-week adult workshops.

The studio features courses for everyone: from 3-year-olds through adults, from beginner through intermediate and advanced. The teaching staff brings years of professional and academic experience, as well as creativity and a commitment to excellence, to all the students.

The studio's year culminates in a professional production, complemented by scenery, lighting, sound systems and costumes.

"Over our 21 years in Chatham we're proud to have former students who have appeared on Broadway and performed with professional dance companies," said Fattal.

Registration is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 1.

For more information, visit http://www.af-footnotes.com or call the studio at 973-377-7535.

Recent property transfers

Editor — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:00:51 +0000

Chatham
106 Noe Ave., Michael Galant, Carolyn Galant, $1,490,000 (Frank Basile)
14 Woodlawn Drive, Andrew Devries, Jia Devries, $465,000 (Erica O'Reilly)
16 Linden Lane, Kevin Counihan, Jennifer Counihan, $2,700,000 (Prudential Relocation)
43 Dale Drive, Nicholas Gentile, $825,000 (Mary Smith)
52 Hedges Ave., John Cross, Jennifer Cross, $835,000 (Weichert Relocation)

Madison
105 Ridgedale Ave., Thomas Crimmins, Julia Crimmins, $825,000 (Steven Pasquale)
40 Kensington Road, Joseph Vorel, Ainslie Vorel, $550,000 (Russell Sampson)

Winning entry gets free Learning Lab class

Editor — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000

The Learning Lab, a full service learning and educational center at 36 Main St., Madison, is conducting a drawing for a free fall pre-Kindergarten math or phonics class.

Programs for preschoolers include Phonics Factory, which teaches letters, letter sounds, phonemic awareness and early reading skills, or Math Factory, which teaches early math skills, including number theory, patterns, sequencing, graphing, greater/less than, adding sets and more.

The drawing will take place on Aug. 31, and winners will be notified by e-mail and telephone.

Classes are held one afternoon per week for 12 weeks and are taught by certified teachers. Class size is limited to six students to allow for individualization. Interested families can come to the center to fill out an entry form or call the center at 973-520-8245.

Hot property in Madison: 13 Grove St.

Editor — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:00:22 +0000

Listed at $599,000, this home is located at 13 Grove St. in Madison.

Compiled by MadisonChatham This Week

This picture-perfect Cape on charming Grove Street in Madison is in move-in condition, complete with a newer roof. The windows also are newer. In fact, the entire home has been beautifully updated.

There are gleaming hardwood floors throughout, and the partially finished basement makes a perfect playroom.

In addition to three bedrooms and two bathrooms, there's large family room along with a formal living room.

Best of all, everything the borough has to offer is in walking distance, including the train station, town swimming pool and ballfields.

Listed at $599,000, this home is located at 13 Grove St. and offered by Jennifer Nielsen at Coldwell Banker. For more information call her cell phone at 973-493-9414 or e-mail jennifer.nielsen@cbmoves.com.

Car hits pedestrian in Chatham parking lot

Jake Remaly — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:19:10 +0000

CHATHAM -- Police on Sunday responded to the parking lot of Cafe Beethoven on Main Street for a report of a struck pedestrian.

An investigation revealed a 2008 BMW driven by Florham Park resident Marc P. Drouet, 46, was backing out of a parking space and knocked a pedestrian, Gretchen Giacomaro, 35, of Morris Plains, to the ground. She suffered a leg injury but didn't require medical attention at the scene. No summonses were issued.

My business: Creatively Engaged

Editor — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:00:04 +0000

Alisa Donohue designs custom invitations and stationery. (Photo contributed by Creatively Engaged LLC)

Compiled by MadisonChatham This Week

Alisa Donohue turned her hobby of designing stationery into a web-based business.

Why did you start the business? Alisa Donohue: Creatively Engaged began as all great adventures do, quite accidentally. I was designing websites and just the occasional invitation. As more of my friends became engaged and pregnant, I became the go-to for unique and inspired designs. Stationery design started out as a hobby but, as more and more friends and friends of friends began contacting me, a light bulb went off. I realized there was a real market for custom work. There are so many places to buy invitations but so many are cookie-cutter, there is nothing completely unique to them or to the experience. I think my company helps to personalize the experience and take the event to a whole new level.

If you could do it again, what would you do differently? So far, not a thing! I've been blessed with an amazingly supportive husband and family and wonderful clients. I have used Facebook advertising to help get the word out but mostly I rely on recommendations from past clients.

What's the best business advice your have ever received? My father, Ronald Regan, who is a successful entrepreneur, taught me early on that being your own boss means being your hardest working employee and having stress that you would not as an employee. I did not go into this with a fantasized idea of being an overnight success or thinking it would require anything less than 110 percent of myself. I watched him grow his one business (Triad Consulting Engineers Inc.) from our own home in Morris Plains into several very successful businesses. There has always been a part of me that knew I wanted to do exactly what he did and become an entrepreneur. He is most certainly my number one business inspiration.

What personality trait helps you the most? I feel that my creativity along with my enthusiasm and a strong desire to turn my clients' dreams into realities has helped to grow the business. I love the relationships Creatively Engaged allows me to cultivate.

What's the hardest part of the job? The hours can be grueling. With a home-based business you do not end work at a certain time. There are a lot of sacrifices that have to be made in terms of my social life. But it is worth it!

The easiest? Working with the clients. I love being able to take their ideas and make them into just what they dreamed of. One of my clients recently told me that she was "blown away" that I was able to create exactly what she had been envisioning as her perfect wedding invitation with just a short conversation. Many times I work with brides from their Save The Dates to their wedding programs. You get to become a part of their special day and it really is a wonderful feeling.

What's your least expensive product or service? I design tags for clients to use for gift bags and menu cards that are very reasonably priced. Since my work is custom, it really depends on a lot of factors. I pride myself on being able to work with all budgets.

The most expensive? Custom invitations can vary in price according to the embellishments, papers and the design they choose. I have done boxed invitations with beading and silk that can be very expensive. I also do full-service invitations, if requested. For an additional charge, I can address the invitations, stamp the envelopes and mail them out. With people as busy as they are these days I think it's a great service to have available.

Describe your most unusual customer, job or work experience. Well, as a custom invitation designer, I think each one is unique. If I had to pick I would have to narrow it down to three. I once did a pirate-themed baby shower invitation and a 3D holiday card. It popped open and had each family member's photo and a personal message. Really unusual and fun to create! I also make diaper wreaths for baby showers, which are a big hit.

When you leave the business, what will you do? I am just starting out so for now I can not envision what I would do next. I would love to start a family in a few years and have the business as well.

In one sentence, tell us why customers should shop here? Whether it's the perfect invitation, announcement or favor, Creatively Engaged designs are a true reflection of my clients' unique vision, style and personality.

Got a business in Madison or the Chathams that you would like us to feature? Tell us about it at contact@madisonchathamthisweek.com. Put "my business" in the subject line.

Freshmen move into Drew, St. E’s

Jake Remaly — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:37:19 +0000

Eric Doyle, 18, from Morristown and his mom Blanca in Eric's dorm room at Drew University. Yesterday was move-in day. About 500 first year students moved into their dorms and attended the College of Liberal Arts Opening Ceremony. (Staff photos: Meghan Ryan)

By KATELYN FARAGO • DAILY RECORD

MADISON — Less is more, said Morristown mother Blanca Doyle, of moving her eldest son into his college dormitory for the first time.

The Doyle family arrived at Drew University at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, armed with essentials like a bedspread for 18-year-old Eric's first days of college.

The move-in worked "like clockwork," she said, as student volunteers helped them unpack the car in just 10 minutes. With the exception of her son's guitar, which they accidentally left at home, the family had everything he needed and more.

Matthew Gragnano, 18, from Hazlet moved into his dorm with the help of his mom, Ro.

"People over-buy stuff," she said. "I'm already editing things out of the room. Less is more."

Eric Doyle, who plans to study business and music, will join approximately 500 other first-year students in Drew's Class of 2014. With 39 percent of the students reporting a minority background, the class is one of the most ethnically and racially diverse classes in the university's history, and includes students from 28 different states and 11 countries, according to spokesman Michael Bressman.

During the university's opening ceremony, which drew both students and parents, president Robert Weisbuch encouraged the class to embrace their differences, and make friends with people from other walks of life.

Addressing his students, Weisbuch said: "Drew University is going to knock your socks off if you let it."

Like Drew, the College of St. Elizabeth welcomed first-year students Wednesday, and will start classes Monday. At Fairleigh Dickinson University and Centenary College, freshmen will move in over the weekend, and head to class September 1.

Sumalee Eaton (left), 18, from Flordia and Jackie Whitley, 18, from Basking Ridge stand as the Drew College of Liberal Arts Opening Ceremony begins.

As Becca Cielinski of New Hampshire starts her undergraduate career at Drew, she said she looks forward to meeting new people, taking some interesting courses and exercising her newfound independence.

Her mother, Amy, expressed confidence in her daughter's ability to take on the new challenges before her.

"It's time. She's ready," she said.

Katelyn Farago: 973-428-6630; kfarago@njpressmedia.com

Chatham school board opposes Gov. Chris Christie’s superintendent pay cap

Jake Remaly — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:13:25 +0000

By JAMIE DUFFY • SPECIAL TO THE DAILY RECORD

The Chatham Board of Education voted against Gov. Chris Christie's proposal to limit school superintendent salaries to $175,000 per year, but it wasn't because they think it's a bad idea.

"We fundamentally disagreed with the approach that the governor is taking over home rule around negotiations," board president Steven Barna said.

The specifics of the proposal, which the Christie administration can adopt without legislative approval, are still being drafted, according to Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for the governor, who said they would go through a process that includes public hearings before they become policy.

In Chatham, Superintendent Jim O'Neill makes roughly $210,000 annually.

The district, which includes Chatham Township and Chatham Borough, has 3,700 students and a per-pupil cost of $7,954, which Barna says is under the state average. He said the high performing district needs the salary leverage to attract seasoned and experienced administrators and presently, the board is scrambling to fill two vacancies at the top.

Assistant superintendent Anne Dudley recently retired when new rules regarding health insurance contributions were announced, Barna said. That announcement also hastened the retirement of business administrator Ralph Goodwin. The director of special services, Harold Tariff, has also retired.

Dudley's position was filled by moving up Michael LaSusa, a Chatham High School co-principal, but the board has still not filled the other two slots.

"We have now been challenged backfilling our business administrator," said Barna. "Two finalists opted to pull their applications to stay in their districts. It (Christie's proposal) also translates into price caps with assistant principals as well as business administrators."

The Chathams school district is one of the few that ended up hiring more teachers this year and expanding some programs, like offering Mandarin. The district has also grown by about 10 percent in the last two years, Barna said.

"There are high expectations in Chatham," Barna said. "We do well. As a result, the community demands high expectations of our staff and we typically we look for very seasoned, very experienced administrators who have demonstrated track records of success."

Roberts, speaking for the governor's office, said it was not surprised that there was opposition to the proposal.

"There's a bevy of excuses out there about why pay should be higher rather than (have that money) go in the classroom," Roberts said. "It's the governor's belief that a salary structure that has become out of control, needs to be reined in and will be reined in, and we will still maintain a high quality of education in the state."

Wiring project a mystical journey

Editor — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:00:04 +0000

By The Editor
MadisonChatham This Week

Caine: "Is it good to seek the past, Master Po? Does it not rob the present?"

Master Po: "If a man dwells on the past, then he robs the present. But if a man ignores the past, he may rob the future. The seeds of our destiny are nurtured by the roots of our past."

What, you might be asking, does this dialogue from the 1972 TV pilot of "Kung Fu" have to do with anything? Glad you asked. Because we came across a similar bit of mystical mumbo-jumbo as we read the instructions for installing a new bathroom ceiling fan.

They began simply enough, right there in Part 5 ("Wiring"), Paragraph 3: "Connect the white wire from the house to the white wire from the fan ..." and so on, until six wires from the house are connected to six wires on the fan.

In Paragraph 4, however, the instructions began channeling Master Po: "Only pull the three loose wires out of the fan for connecting. Other wires will be present."

Other wires will be present? If that's the extent of the instruction, a few others things will be present, too: an electrician to install the fan, for instance, and a glass of cabernet for us.

We liked The "Kung Fu" series. A lot. Didn't understand half of it, but it was different. And in 1972, different was good.

As for electrical installation instructions, just stick to the script, please. As in, "Never immerse electrical parts in water," or "Make sure power is switched off at service panel before installation."

After all, as Master Kan said: "Avoid, rather than check. Check, rather than hurt. Hurt, rather than maim. Maim, rather than kill. For all life is precious, nor can any be replaced."

Eating out in Madison: On A Roll

Editor — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:16 +0000

Tushar Patel is the owner of On a Roll in Madison. (Photo: Jamie Duffy)

By JAMIE DUFFY
SPECIAL TO MADISONCHATHAM THIS WEEK

When sisters-in law Heather and Kristi Toto, both of Madison, want to enjoy a special lunch together, they often find themselves at On a Roll on Madison's Main Street.

The club chicken BLT is one of their favorites. Heather says she makes sure to get a small pot of the balsamic vinaigrette that she uses to dip her sandwich. Built on a soft croissant, the sandwich features chicken breast slices, bacon, lettuce and tomato.

"She always used to bring it over when I was pregnant," says Kristi.

Their young children like the chicken nuggets with homemade honey-mustard sauce.

"If you're looking for a sub, you go to a deli," says Kristi. "If you're looking for something special, you go here."

Tushar Patel took over On a Roll 14 years ago. He kept the name, but he wants people to know "we're not just strictly about rolls."

There are breads for all seasons — and seasonings: ciabatta, focaccia, Portuguese rolls, Kaiser, seven grain, croissants, whole wheat, white and rye, and an 8-inch semolina, all supplied by Anthony and Sons in Denville.

The variety of breads are used in a unique line of cold and hot gourmet sandwiches adorned with offerings from local farms and fresh herbs from his own garden.

Patel said the pesto chicken wrap is a local favorite. It features herb grilled chicken, greens, tomato and fresh mozzarella with homemade pesto for $7.25.

Rosalind Seneca of Madison catches up with her friend Carol Wipf of Chatham and orders creamy tomato-basil soup, which Patel says, "we sell tons of."

Seneca said she frequents On a Roll because "the food is fresh and good."

And it's not just sandwiches.

"Everybody loves all the different pot pies. The chicken fingers are really popular, our quiches, our salads. We have a really good coconut chicken with red grapes," Patel said. Balsamic grilled vegetables with bow tie pasta are "really popular, too."

Inspiration comes from fooling around in the kitchen after he searches through cookbooks. The Union native attended NJIT for architecture, but now he "designs" food, he says. He said he also learns by eating out a lot.

People can find the restaurant on Facebook and follow it on Twitter. Patel is running a "sandwich of the week" contest with recipes submitted online.

"We use my culinary background and make it come to life," he says. The winner gets a free lunch for two.

Reaching out to the college kids in town, Patel hopes to unveil a "bubble tea," which is all the rage on campuses around the country. A Taiwanese creation, he said, it's particularly popular out West and in Texas. He witnessed the craze firsthand when he recently visited the University of Michigan. Describing it as a "smoothie in a tea version," the drink has tapioca pearls and is almost as filling as a meal.

Coming in September — take away meals for busy moms and dads.

ON A ROLL
WHERE: 50-1/2 Main St., Madison
WEBSITE: http://www.onarollcaterer.com
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 973-822-3644 FAX 973-822-3614
CUISINE: Intercontinental American
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; starting Sept. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday except for catering
PRICE RANGE: Hot and cold gourmet sandwiches, $6 to $7.25; chicken fingers, $7.50; special sandwiches, from $7.50
LIQUOR: BYOB
PAYMENT: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, check
RESERVATIONS: No
TAKEOUT: Yes
CATERING: From small to parties of 450, Patel is ready to cater your event. On premises accommodates 30 "comfortably"
DELIVERY: Catering only
ATMOSPHERE: Homey and comfortable atmosphere, starting with the wood front door painted a dark English green. Furniture includes bentwood chairs and marble-top bistro-style tables. Wood-burning fireplace is on during the colder months. One of the favorite tables is the one at the front window, private and sun-filled

Athlete profile: Jimmy Piechnik

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:00:17 +0000

Compiled by MadisonChatham This Week

Jimmy Piechnik (Photo: Warren Westura)

Jimmy Piechnik is a Little League third baseman for Madison.

What's your ravorite baseball position: Jimmy Piechnik: Third base

What do you like most about playing baseball? I like competing.

Who is your favorite baseball player? Derek Jeter

What other sports do you play? Ice hockey

What is the farthest trip you have ever taken? I've been to Idaho.

Do you have any pets? I have six pets, Cooper and Greta (dogs), Paco (bird), Sadie (cat) and two frogs.

What is your favorite food? Pizza.

What vegetable do you hate the most? Tomatoes

What flavor ice cream do you like the best? Strawberry

What do you like to do when you are not playing baseball? I like doing stuff with my friends.

What's your sport? Contact Frank DiLeo at 973-428-6673, or e-mail contact@madisonchathamthisweek.com.

Sports Bulletin Board

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:00:16 +0000

Compiled by MadisonChatham This Week

Basketball
Women's basketball program takes place from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. Wednesday nights at the Madison Area YMCA, 111 Kings Road in Madison; for women who have played at high school level or above. Contact Colleen Moran, colleendmoran@aol.com or 917-620-0651.

Northwest Jersey Board 168 is accepting applications for basketball officials for the upcoming season. Candidates must be 18 years of age and live in Morris, Warren, Sussex or Hunterdon counties. For more information, e-mail George Tyree at gtyree4236@aol.com or visit http://www.iaabo168.com.

Soccer
Applications are being accepted for candidates wishing to become high school soccer referees in the School and College Officials Association for the 2010 season. Candidates must be physically fit and at least 18 years old. For information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to David R. Klein, 37 Bryant Ave., Bloomfield, NJ 07003-5401 by Sept. 8.

Wheelchair softball
New Jersey Wheelchair Softball is looking for more players to field a team. The team plays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings in Morris County. The team also is seeking sponsorships. For more information, call Cynthia Schick at 908-236-2989.

Golf
Picatinny Federal Credit Union's 12th annual Golf Outing to benefit the Capt. Sean P. Grimes Fund will take place Sept. 13 at Picatinny Golf Club. Cost is $125 per golfer. For more information, call tournament director Ken Miner at 973-361-5225, ext. 240, or visit http://www.picacreditunion.com.

Somerset Medical Center Foundation's Golf Classic is set for Sept. 15 at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. For more information, call 908-685-2802.

Daytop New Jersey Golf Invitational will take place Sept. 20 at the Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown. For more information, call Grace DePaula at 973-543-0162, ext. 725, or e-mail to gdepaola@daytopnj.org.
The Eighth annual Matthew C. Sellitto Golf Classic is set for Sept. 30 at Ballyowen Golf Club in Hamburg. For more information, e-mail Joe Huchko at joeh@thelinxgrp.com or call 908-281-9290, ext. 11.

NewBridge Services' 15th annual Golf Outing is set for Oct. 11 at the Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany. Deadline is Sept. 20. For more information, visit http://www.newbridge.org.

The annual Chris Anderson Memorial Golf Outing will take place Sept. 16 at Farmstead Golf and Country Club in Lafayette. For more information, call David Barella at 908-406-0884 or e-mail hopatcongwarriors@yahoo.com.

Visiting Health Services of New Jersey and Passaic Valley Hospice will present their 16th annual Golf Classic at the North Jersey County Club in Wayne on Sept. 13. For more information, call Carol Newman at 973-256-4636.

Send your items for the Sports Bulletin Board to Leslie Ruse at lruse@gannett.com.

Local hero: Dr. Madhu Vadnere, Peace Corps volunteer

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:00:47 +0000

Dr. Madhu Vadnere of Chatha

BY JAMIE DUFFY
SPECIAL TO MADISONCHATHAM THIS WEEK

Ask Dr. Madhu Vadnere of Chatham what he's been doing lately, and he'll tell you he's learning to speak Spanish. He's not learning it just for fun or to take a vacation to Barcelona.

This 60-year-old retired pharmaceutical scientist who is now a business consultant is learning the language with a higher purpose in mind: volunteerism. This month he leaves for a two-year adventure in Mexico as a Peace Corps volunteer.

He will arrive in Queretero, Mexico, and go through what amounts to a three month cultural immersion before he goes to work on sustainable businesses and environmental issues.

"I was always interested in doing volunteer work, but I could not take time off until now. I researched other organizations besides the Peace Corps, but the Peace Corps has the most comprehensive volunteer program among all," said Vadnere, a native of India. "There is opportunity to learn so many new things including language, culture, a new country, new skills and making lasting connections with people where I have never been."

During the initiation period, he'll live on his own. After that, he will be living with a family, meeting the 30 or so other volunteers he will be working with.

In addition to his Spanish language tapes, he'll bring along things to share with his host family, such as his iPod and family photos.

"I'm definitely taking my iPod and computer, lots of music, pictures. That's part of the thing you share with them and become friendly, to show them my family, my neighborhood, my town, America."

His wife, Madhavi, is a science officer and patent agent for a Short Hills law firm. Their daughter, Priva, is a Kent Place School 2004 graduate and University of Michigan grad in kinesiology who is now attending Seton Hall for an MBA.

In addition to offering business training, Vadnere hopes to teach yoga. For 15 years, he has practiced Jivamukti, a form of yoga that he believes allows him "a balance of life, peace of mind, energy, internal strength and living liberated."

Vadnere came to America for graduate school after attending high school in Jalgaon and college in Mumbai. He received his doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences in 1982 from the University of Kansas.

A borough resident since 2000, he previously lived in Convent Station. He hopes to reunite with his family every six months and is glad that his post in Mexico is only a 5 1/2-hour flight.

Mexico is also a relatively new Peace Corps locale. He said that in the past, Mexican leadership was a "little bit suspicious of U.S. motivations." Mexico also is more developed compared with many other Peace Corps destinations.

Vadnere said that with the Peace Corps, volunteers' background and knowledge are utilized according to what the issues are in a particular place.

"In the case of Mexico, it's not going to be pharmaceutical issues. It's more for sustainable businesses. I've spent the last 10 years consulting. I'm self-employed. I have a business background. I'll be using that knowledge and all my engineering background. First you work with the locals and then find solutions to local issues."

Know a "Local Hero" from Madison or Chatham? Tell us at contact@madisonchathamthisweek.com.

I do my gardening in Aisle Two

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:00:29 +0000

By The Editor
MadisonChatham This Week

For 10 years, it was home to radishes, carrots and string beans; rosemary, mint and basil — even corn, melon and sunflowers. It was, of course, the backyard garden, two 6-by-24-foot beds bounded by railroad ties, secured to the earth by reinforced metal bars.

We thought we never be without a garden — until, of course, rabbits, deer and chipmunks breached ever-more secure fences and made off with the tastiest stuff. For the past 15 years, we pretended not to notice garden weeds as tall as trees growing from the now-rotted ties.

This summer, deciding a condo is in our immediate future, we realized we'd need to remove the garden. Naturally, we picked the hottest weeks to pry out the ties, extract the bars, till and level the soil and plant grass.

It was not until the junkmen carted off the old ties that we were buoyed by the self-actualization of a job well done. And just how did we celebrate? By preparing an heirloom tomato salad, pasta with homemade pesto sauce and orange-vanilla sorbet sprinkled with fresh mint.

Where did we get all our veggies and herbs? From the produce aisle at the market — as close as we ever want to come to a garden!

Madison Downtown Concert Series brings in talent, brings out families

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:00:58 +0000

At the Aug. 6 concert in downtown Madison, Phoebe Hyde danced with her 18-month-old son Orson Lang. The event was part of a free entertainment series that runs on Friday nights through Oct. 1. (Staff photo: Meghan Ryan)

By JAMIE DUFFY
SPECIAL TO MADISONCHATHAM THIS WEEK

Madisonian Beth Riley picked up her iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts on Friday, Aug. 6, and headed down to the lawn at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts for a night of Delta Blues.

No need to take the car or haul a chair. The concert venue is within walking distance of most residents in the borough. And every other Friday evening through Oct. 1, a concert is performed. You sit on comfy folding chairs and wait for the stars to come out while you listen to live music.

Riley got on her cell phone and invited neighbors, Amy and Ed Rowland, who made the last minute decision to join her.

Not only does Amy Rowland, a Paper Mill Playhouse executive, enjoy the music, but "it's a chance to talk to friends and a relaxing way to start the weekend."

A professional garden designer, Riley called it a "slice of blues in a historic setting."

The Madison Downtown Concert Series originally was presented indoors. The museum staff resurrected the series and moved it outdoors when Vivian James became the new director last year, said April Lysak, museum spokeswoman. Others came on board to assist the museum's musical sponsorship — including the Provident Bank, Whole Foods, Madison Honda
and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports.

"We wouldn't be able to have (the concerts) without them," said Lysak.

The bands chosen by staff and sponsors range from swing to blues to rock 'n' roll with one Latin band thrown in. On Aug. 6, it was Kati & the Lil' Swing Band with Kati Beddow-Brower belting out songs from Big Mama Thornton, Willie Dixon and Charlie Waters.

Beddow-Brower grew up in Detroit with idols like Aretha Franklin, but now she lives in New Jersey and is a walking history instructor at the museum.

At this concert — at most of them, in fact — the crowd is populated with families: young children dancing joyously and spontaneously to the music while parents and grandparents find themselves tapping their toes to the beat.

"I wish I could just do that," said Tria Wipff, of Haverhill, Mass., watching her young daughter move to the music. Wipff was at the concert with her former college roommate, Stephanie Rauschenberg of Florham Park. While the children danced, parents ate pizza slices out of the box.

"It's a good deal," said Rauschenberg, who said there were no worries when the children ran around the grass.

Matt Brennan of Madison and his family set up chairs and a blanket on the lawn outside the museum. He chilled with wine from his cooler; the rest of his brood shopped at the booths nearby.

"We try to (attend) most of them, depending on where we are on the whole vacation schedule," Brennan said, a fan of jazz and rock.

Also on hand were DJs from WMTR radio, spinning oldies during the break and a big Wheel of Fortune for prizes. Provident Bank provided popcorn and water bottles.

"We love the bank ladies," said Lena Golden, part of a four-generation family picnicking on a blanket just a few feet from the band. "Bank lady" Mara Johnson of Madison was quite pleased at the appreciation and went over to say hello.

Madisonians Fran Mantone and Fran Gero, friends since kindergarten, enjoyed the summer night, a perfect mix of warm and breezy.

"I like any music," said Mantone. "I think it's great."

No need to ask 4-year-old Hattie Liang what she thought of the evening. "It's a playground," she said, waving her hand around the scene before sprinting off to dance on the grass.

Her mother, Phoebe Hyde of Chatham, had been dancing with Hattie's younger brother, Orson, 18 months old, "and she's a very good dancer," said her husband, John Liang.

MADISON DOWNTOWN CONCERT SERIES
The Mood Swings, classic rock, Sept. 3
Moss Points North, rock/folk/alternative, Sept. 17
Frost Kings, blues/swing/R&B, Oct. 1
Show times: 6 p.m., rain or shine