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Friday, September 30, 2011

Poet Maria Mazziotti Gillan at Kinnelon Library, 10/5/11

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 7 pm, come meet and hear Poet Maria Mazziotti Gillan speak about and read her poetry at the Kinnelon Library.

Fellow Kinnelon Library Board of Trustees member, Anne De Spirito Arnowitz, informed me of the event last week. She spoke so enthusiastically about Maria Gillan and her poetry that I asked her to tell me more.

"Ms. Gillan was a guest of the Italian American Cultural Society a number of years ago. Her poetry was a delight and had many of us recalling stories from when we were younger." 

Maria Mazziotti Gillan was born in Paterson, New Jersey - where Anne and her family lived - and, when Anne spoke with her, she remembered fondly Caruso's Pastry Shop, owned by Anne's parents, and its many delicious pastries.

In putting this article together, I came across this fascinating article about Maria Gillan, titled "Maria Mazziotti Gillan: Truth Teller. Paterson natives believes poetry can change the world."  It describes the poet's passion for Paterson, poetry, culture and truth. The Poetry Center she founded is one of the most well-respected resources for poetry in the country. Imagine!

And imagine that she will be visiting us in Kinnelon on 10/5/11 at the Kinnelon Library.  Here are details from the flyer that Anne created:
  
to be Guest of 
The Italian American Cultural Society of Kinnelon

On October 5, 2011 the Italian American Cultural Society of Kinnelon will have as a guest speaker Poet Maria Mazziotti Gillan. Ms. Gillan has won the American Book Award for What Lies Between Us.
Poet Maria Mazziotti Gillan at Kinnelon Library, 10/5/11
She has published eleven books of poetry, three of which are, Where I Come From , Things My Mother Told Me and Italian Women In Black Dresses (Essential Poets Series 116) . Her latest book What We Pass On: Collected Poems: 1980-2009 was published in 2010.

Ms. Gillan is Founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson. She is also Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghampton University, New York. She has read her work at colleges, universities, poetry centers, and festivals throughout the United States.

The program is sponsored by The Italian American Cultural Society of Kinnelon and will be held on October 5, 2011 at 7pm, at the Kinnelon Library, 132 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon, New Jersey. All are welcome.

To enjoy a great evening, please call: Anne De Spirito Arnowitz at 973-838-8741 or email Nonniea [at] optonline [dot] net.


By the way, you might enjoy reading a few poems before the event. This link will take to three of Maria Mazziotti Gillan's poems, this one to several more Gillan poems and a few more.

Anne, thank you.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Green Burials at the Kinnelon Library 9/29/11


Green Burials at the Kinnelon Library 9/29/11
For those of you planning ahead and wondering what other options exist for burials, you might want to attend Natural Burial and Green Funerals at the Kinnelon Library on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 7pm.

The Kinnelon Library flyer on the event reads:


The KINNELON LIBRARY 
PRESENTS


NATURAL BURIAL AND GREEN FUNERALS: 
What a way to go! 

Doug Ford will give 
a presentation on

Environmentally Friendly Funeral Practices

Thursday, September 29 @ 7pm 

Please call Kinnelon Library to sign up 
973 838 1321

It sounds fascinating! If you go, will you let me know what you learn?

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Kinnelon's 9/11/11 in Photos

The Borough of Kinnelon held a beautiful Day of Remembrance ceremony on Sunday, September 11, 2011. The ceremony consisted of:

Opening prayer led by Rabbi Helaine Ettinger

Presentation of Colors:
Kinnelon Volunteer Fire Company and Kinnelon Police Department

The Pledge of Allegiance
The National Anthem performed by Nicole Badaan

Welcoming remarks and introductions
from Kinnelon Mayor Robert W. Collins

Reading of a September 11th Poem

Laying of roses

America the Beautiful and God Bless America
performed by the Kinnelon High School Choir

Prepared Comments by Mayor Collins

Proud to be an American by Lee Greenwood

Retirement of Colors:
Kinnelon Volunteer Fire Department

Closing Prayer by Monsignor John J. Carroll

Dedication of the World Trade Center Steel Artifact

Below are my photos from the event.
Walking from KHS to Kinnelon Borough Hall


The drive from Kinnelon Road to Borough Hall


Standing ready


A Day of Remembrance at Kinnelon Borough Hall


Rabbi Helaine Ettinger says an opening prayer


Kinnelon's finest!


The ceremony begins


Kinnelon High School Choir

You can watch Kinnelon Patch's VIDEO: Kinnelon Commemorates 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

Here, too, is a picture of the World Trade Center Steel Artificat which is now in Kinnelon's Borough Hall on the first floor, just as you enter the front doors on the immediate right.



Kinnelon's World Trade Center artifact

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Fava Beans: Late Summer Treat, Available Now!

Fava Beans: Late Summer Treat, Available Now!

Remembered by those of a certain movie-going generation as a favorite of cannibal Hannibal Lecter, "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti." -- there is more to the fava bean than just that, Sir Anthony Hopkins' approval aside. A late summer staple best eaten fresh, fava beans have a wonderful and unmistakable flavor, and they don't require much cooking either, unlike lima beans, which they resemble but do not taste like.

We picked up a few pounds of the bean pods at Corrado's in Wayne last week, which, for those of you who do not know it, is our best and most extensive source of fresh produce and and ethnic foods of all kinds at really terrific prices. [See our other articles about Corrado's: Foodie Destination and What a Great Place!.]

Fava Beans Recipe

Our primary customer, who also approves of fava beans. although initially suspicious, helped us to double shuck the beans -- they have a pod which holds around 4 to 6 big beans, and the the beans themselves need to have their skins removed after about 5 minutes of blanching in salted water.

So, to the recipe, which we lifted many years ago from a Bobby Flay recipe, and which may or may not have changed a bit over the years:

Fava Beans with Lemon and Asiago Cheese

4 or 5 cups of fresh fava beans (2 to 3 lbs of pods)
2 TBS of  fresh minced garlic
1/4 Cup of olive oil
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 Cup finely grated Asiago, Reggiano Parmesan, Manchego or other good quality grating cheese
2 TBS finely chopped parsley

After you have shucked the beans from the pods, drop them in boiling salted water (as for pasta), and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain into a collander and  place in a bowl with cold running water until  the beans have lost their heat -- do this fairly quickly since we do not want to cook the beans any further. Skin the beans by hand by breaking the skin at the side with your finger nail and then squeezing the bean out into a bowl. Add all ingredients except cheese and parsley, and mix well, then add the cheese and mix again, and add the parsley. Serve warm, but not hot. Adjust the salt level after the dish is warm.


Perfect Fava Beans!

That's it. OK, it's a little bit of work, but it's fun and the results are worth it.

Enjoy!

~Ted


Friday, September 23, 2011

K-Fest 2011 on 10/2/11 Celebrates Kinnelon Community

K-Fest 2011 on 10/2/11 Celebrates Kinnelon Community
Have you noticed signs around town about KFest? In case you've wondered what it's about, K-FEST 2011 is a day set aside for Kinnelon residents to celebrate family, friends and neighbors. It is sponsored by Kinnelon Borough officials and KAMELOT, Kinnelon's Municipal Alliance.

The inaugural K-FEST takes place on Sunday, October 2, 2011, at Lake Rickabear in Kinnelon from 12 noon to 6pm. It includes all kinds of activities ranging from local artist demonstrations, to competitive pie-eating, martial arts, CPR and more.

If you'd like to participate - and you should, given the amazing Lake Rickabear setting and that all of Kinnelon will be there :-) - visit the K-Fest website. It's open to Kinnelon residents only [regretfully, no pets].

K-Fest 2011 on 10/2/11 in Kinnelon, NJKinnelon Patch reported on preparations for the event in KAMELOT Gets Ready For Kinnelon Community Event.

Susan Jaeger Ardrey sent me the following about K-Fest:

This inaugural, free community-wide event will take place October 2, 2011 at Lake Rickabear on Kinnlon Road from 12pm - 6pm. Recreational facilities, games, free hot dogs (cooked by our mayor and council), booths and many other activities will be available. 

The goal is to bring the entire Kinnelon community together for an alcohol and drug-free day, full of gold old-fashioned fun and games, while providing a sense of an extended family for residents of all ages. 

Local groups are asked to participate and provide information regarding each of their respective contributions to the Kinnelon community, and local vendors are asked to contribute as well. 

Check out our beautiful new website for K-Fest and register on-line at www.kinnelonday.org . Hope to see you there!!

I've just learned that the Kinnelon Children's Library will be present at K-Fest and actively involved! Three staff members - including Galina Adair - will be running the children's activities!

I think we are in for some terrific fun!

Don't forget to register for Kinnelon Day. I look forward to seeing you at the first ever K-Fest 2011!

By the way, K-Fest will operate a shuttle bus from the Kinnelon High School parking lot to Lake Rickabear throughout the duration of the event. No need to fuss over limited parking!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

New Silas Condict Park Trail: Bear Mountain, Kinnelon

New Silas Condict Park Trail: Bear Mountain, Kinnelon
In case you weren't aware, there's a new trail in town at Silas Condict Park in Kinnelon and it's definitely worth checking out on September 25, 2011 [or on your own]! You'll find it identified as the W trail on the Silas Condict Trail Map, although I refer to it as the Bear Mountain Trail.

Regardless, it represents an approximately 4 mile loop hike and transforms - in my mind - the Silas Condict Park hiking experience and you have the opportunity to check it out via guided tour with one of Morris County Park's talented teacher/naturalists! Here are details:

On Sunday, September 25, 2011, Douglas Vorolieff from Morris County Park Commission will lead a hike along the new Bear Mountain Trail in Silas Condict Park in Kinnelon.

When: September 25, 2011 at 9AM

Where: Meet at the Silas Condict Casino (i.e., the main stone building by the lake).

The Route: Along the W trail through the recently acquired area south of the lake and adjacent to Borough owned properties between Kinnelon Rd and Smoke Rise. This area is about 250 acres.

Description: The trail will take us through parts of Bear Mountain in Kinnelon.

To participate in this hike, you must register. To register, please  call and leave a message at 973 283-2880 or email Ken Bitz at kbitz@optonline.net. 

Note:  no dogs.

Sadly, Emma and I won't be able to participate. However, Ted will be there!

To give you a preview of what to expect, here are photos and my trail map from last December's Morris County Hike a Park a Month event during which we previewed the Bear Mountain Trail. So many participated [~45] that we formed two groups, pictured here.


MCPC Silas Condict Park hikers group 1

MCPC Silas Condict Park hikers group 2

Here's the trail map with photos. Notice the range of terrain, including a really cool rock formation to squeeze through. It's a fantastic trail!

MCPC hike Silas Condit Park

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Paterson, New Jersey

Tom Edmunds shared the following as we prepared for the hike last year:

The creators of this route through our recent acquisition in Silas Condict Park (Duncan Douglas, Tom Carr and Ron Luna) will be leading us over a quite challenging and adventuresome trail with great views and a good warming workout fit for the cold we anticipate.

We strongly encourage all to wear good hiking boots as there are several areas where secure footing is advisable. Hiking sticks will also help but be careful of depending on them on smooth rock surfaces. We’ve chosen a direction to hike this loop trail so it will appear to be more downhill than up ----of course you know I sometimes overstate the case.

Don't forget to register! Then, after the hike, let me know what you liked most.

Happy hiking!






Saturday, September 10, 2011

Jude M. Pfister and Gordon Thomas Ward Visit Kinnelon Library 9/18/11


Save Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 3pm for the Kinnelon Library's next author event: Gateways to History, a joint speaking engagement with Jude M. Pfister and Gordon Thomas Ward, whose books and stories focus intensely on New Jersey history.

Here is the official description, to which I have added some details:

Two unique and celebrated historians, storytellers and authors are giving a joint presentation, which will resonate with all who value and enjoy the preservation of a sense of place.
Jude M. Pfister, author of The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion: The Storied History of A New Jersey Home (Landmarks) and The Fords of New Jersey: Power and Family during America's Founding, will discuss the Ford family of Morris County along with their mansion in Morristown. This family participated and witnessed some of the most trying times of the first century of the American historical pageant. The multi-layered family history is tangibly represented in the multi-floored and memory-laden mansion which stands to this day as a testament to the passage of time and enduring power of place. By understanding the continuity of the family and their approach to the past and the future as they understood it, we are able to listen to more than the echoes of their time; indeed, we can come face to face with them across the centuries.

The Jacob Ford
Jr. Mansion
Additional information about Jude M. Pfister from the Morristown National Historical Park blog:

"Jude Pfister has been part of Morristown National Historic Park since 2004 and has been with the Park Service since 1993. His professional interests include American constitutional development; the development of American historiography as a separate discipline; historic preservation and the communication of cultural patrimony to the general public; and understanding the broad scope of historic preservation through the interconnection of cultural resources. He earned his BA from Delaware State University in 1991, his MA from Washington College in 1993 and his doctorate from Drew University in 2007. He is the author of The First Decade of the United States Supreme Court and The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion: The Storied History Of A New Jersey Home."

Next...

Gordon Thomas Ward, author of  A Bit of Earth in the Somerset Hills: Growing Up in a Small New Jersey Town and  Ghosts of Central Jersey: Historic Haunts of the Somerset Hillsfeels that  landscapes around us can be truly magical places where the past can be very much entwined with the present. Whether recalling in brilliant detail a rich mix of timeless meditations on the special qualities that make a “hometown” or recounting stories of ghosts that roam within the historic sites and buildings of central New Jersey, this presentation will resonate with all who value and enjoy the preservation of a sense of place.

Ghosts of
Central Jersey
You can learn more about Gordon Thomas Ward from his site, which includes information on each of his books.
 
This program is funded by CLL and is free. Please call the Library at (973)838-1321 to sign up.


Friday, September 9, 2011

Kinnelon's First Annual Chalk Art Festival: 9/10/11

Kinnelon's First Annual Chalk Art Festival: 9/10/11

Saturday, September 10, 2011 is a happening day in Kinnelon! Especially since the first annual Chalk Art Festival takes place behind Borough Hall and the Police Station. This is an opportunity for chalk artists from grades K through 5 to display their artistry and win prizes...

Per the flyer pictured above, here are the details:

When:
Sat., Sept. 10,2011 - (Rain Date: Sat., Sept. 17, 2011)

What:
Chalk Art Workshop from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Artistic Designs from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

How:
$5.00 Participation Fee Per Artist For Supplies
Registration form via www.kinnelonlibrary.org/kids

Sponsored By:
Kinnelon Public Library Children’s Services
Managed and operated by: Lara Balick, Kayle Pitts, and Isabella Tighe (Logistics) Emily Thiem and Emily Merkel - Artistic Expression (Girl Scout Troop 2247)

Pack a picnic lunch and eat on the lawn. Note that Rita’s Ice will be sold!

Between the Kinnelon Arts and Crafts Festival and the Kinnelon First Annual Chalk Art Festival, you'll have plenty to do with the entire family tomorrow 9/10/11.

[And for those not into arts, crafts or the great outdoors, be sure to check out the introduction of the 2011 Award-winning Oktoberfest Beer at the Ramstein Open House + hotsauce tastings :-).]

Have a marvelous weekend!



Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Save 9/10/11 Saturday for The Ramstein Oktoberfest Open House, SR Fresh Hot Sauce




Oktoberfest Alert! Oktoberfest Alert! Oktoberfest Alert!

This upcoming Saturday is one of the 2 biggest local beer events of the year, with the release of the new Ramstein Oktoberfest, which has been the single highest rated Oktoberfest beer in the US by BeerAdvocate.com

Here is a reminder for this weekend’s Ramstein Beer Open House and Tour, this Saturday, Sept 10. Directions are at the website.

There will be 2 tour and tasting sessions, at 2 PM and 3:45. There may be quite a crowd especially at the earlier session!

Beers on tap - Oktoberfest, Blonde Hefeweissen, and Golden Lager.

1  and 2 liter growlers will be in stock

And SR Fresh Hot Sauce will be there with the Fresh Cayenne-CherryHabanero Gold, and XXXXTra Hot Habanero Hot Sauce. We will have Cayenne-Fresno in 2 Heat levels, Mild and Wild, and also our new SR Sriracha “Thai Style” Hot Sauces along with our Spicy Aioli in 16 oz jars -- that's Hot and Spicy Mayo for those of you scratching your heads. Come try them! And buy them!

You Hot Sauce people can check out the SR Fresh Hot Sauce Website, where the sauces are explained and sold. Check out the Fresh Hot Sauce Blog as well.

As usual, there will be a tour and explanation of the brewing process by Greg Zaccardi, the owner. [See previous post about Ramstein Beer with videos for a primer.]

See you there!

Ted and Christine and Emma

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Kinnelon Arts and Crafts Festival: September 10, 2011

Kinnelon Arts and Crafts Festival
Please mark your calendars! Next Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 10am to 4pm, the 35th Annual Kinnelon Arts and Crafts Festival takes place.

You will find this annual event, sponsored by the Friends of the Kinnelon Library, at the Kinnelon High School parking lot and accessible via Kinnelon Road.

Rain or shine!

Here is the official announcement:

"Artisans and Crafters from near and far will exhibit their paintings, hand-thrown pottery, jewelry and sculptures at the Kinnelon High School parking lot on Kinnelon Road September 10th at 10-4. Enjoy crafts for holidays, gifts and art work to decorate you home. Handmade soaps and candles, dried and silk flower arrangements are all beautifully displayed for your browsing and buying pleasure.

Bring your family, friends, and your appetite too! Again this year the Butler VFW will run the FOOD concession and offer a variety of munchies hot off the grill. COME September 10th and enjoy a day of shopping and eating with your friends, family and neighbors."


Proceeds from this event benefit the Kinnelon Public Library.

For details, call 973-838-1321.

Will you be there?








Saturday, September 3, 2011

Museum Passes at the Kinnelon Library

Kinnelon Public Library

Were you aware that the Kinnelon Library has available for check-out passes to museums? In case you aren't, here is the lowdown from Galina Adair in the Children's Library!

The Children's Library owns the following passes for in-person chargeouts at the desk in Children's:


The American Folk Art Museum pass is currently unavailable because it's in the process of being renewed for another year. It should be available for check-out again soon.

These passes are available to Kinnelon card holders only. They cannot be reserved. They cannot be renewed. First come - first served. Museum pass checkouts are good for 1 week. The Sculpture Garden is good for 1 week. The baseball pass is good for 2 days.

These marvelous museum passes need to be checked out in person at the desk in the Children's Library upstairs and they need to be returned there.

If you haven't already, I hope you'll take advantage of these resources.

If you have, please share with us what you and your family enjoyed most about these venues. Leave me a comment or email me and I will share it with our readers.

Happy Labor Day weekend!


Friday, September 2, 2011

Wine Tasting Event at the Smoke Rise Inn


Here are some photos of the extremely pleasant wine tasting our SR Village Inn held in the In Courtyard on Aug. 15.

Some Clients (including me; you guess which)
lining up for the Vino
Could there be a nicer spot? The courtyard was looking splendid, both casual and elegant, and the mood amongst  the attendees was happy and relaxed.

The crowd early on was about 30 people, a number which increased
to about 60 or so by the end of the hour and a half

Tables were provided for those weary of  tipping a glass
or who just wanted to sit
The Inn supplied excellent hors d'oeuvres to accompany 8 wines, 4 red and 4 white, all of which could be purchased by the case for those so inclined.

The larger crowd towards the end of the tasting
Inn manager Randy Polo was on hand to observe and discuss the event, as was our Governor for the Inn, Bob Morrisroe, and family, who appeared to be more in the way of simply enjoying it. As did Christine and Emma. And I.

Our genial Sommelier and Pourer
No more events like this in 2011, but Randy and Bob indicate the positive response bodes well for a return next summer! Come! It's free! Not the cases, of course, just the food and wine tasting.

Those of you interested in wine should remember the upcoming Cakebread Cellars wine dinner on Sept. 15, and the Stag's Leap dinner on October 22.

Cheers!

Ted, Christine and Emma

Photo Credits: Christine












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