Silas Map Adventure, Oct. 20, 2013: Orienteering in Kinnelon

On Sunday, October 20th, 2013 you can take part in the first annual Silas Map Adventure orienteering event at Silas Condict Park in Kinnelon, NJ to honor late Kinnelon resident Bjorn Waalberg, the most intrepid hiker Ted and I have ever encountered (in the woods - no less!) and the creator of the Silas Condict Orienteering map.

Join Kinnelon Boy Scouts Troop 277 and the Hudson Valley Orienteering Club on October 20th, and experience what an orienteering map adventure is all about.

Orienteering is a fun sport which is something like a race with a treasure map. During an energizing run or hike, participants find checkpoints (called control points) with help of a map and a compass. Since you use map reading and compass skills, it is a race that includes using your head to find your way.

Orienteering was one of Bjorn's very favorite sports! Those of you who knew Bjorn, know that whatever you did with him, fun was never far behind. You'll find it similarly fun and rewarding!

The Silas Map Adventure is ideal as an annual event, too.  Every year the control points are different, so there is always a new challenge even if you are in the same park.

How does the first Silas Map Adventure get started?

Orienteering meets have staggered start times. On October 20th, come to Silas any time between 10:30am and 2:30pm on October 20th and register! Registration is inexpensive: ($10 for a group of 2 and $15 for groups of 3-6). 

At the starting line, you will get to borrow a map and timing device as well as a compass. (Feel free to bring your own if you have one.) To complete a course takes about an hour. For those new to the sport, you should go in a group. If you wish, you can sit in on a brief instruction of how to use the compass and read the map before setting out. 

As soon as you complete the course, you can leave if you wish; or stay and have a picnic. Results for your team will be emailed to you by HVO. All are invited to bring a picnic lunch and continue to enjoy Silas even after you are done trying out orienteering. 

So get your teams organized and see you there!

Bjorn Waalberg with Split Rock Reservoir in the background

Silas Orienteering Map Adventure a Gift to the Community

Kinnelon resident, Bjorn Waalberg spent over two years completing an orienteering map for Silas Condict Park to introduce this fun sport to the folks of Kinnelon, especially the young folks.

He spent hundreds of hours in Silas Condict Park, often with his kids and his dog, creating and accuracy-checking the map that will be used for this event. Bjorn had dreams of expanding the love for orienteering to the high school, to the community at large, and of course to the Boy Scouts, an organization he enjoyed being involved in. Bjorn took such pride in teaching kids how to orienteer, and this map of Silas was to be the starting point.

Due to his untimely death earlier this year, Bjorn is not here to see his vision complete, so his wife Liz is doing this for him. Liz asked the Hudson Valley Orienteering Club (of which Bjorn was an active member) and Boy Scout troop 277 be involved with completing this vision of inviting the community to try out this sport. 

Bjorn on an orienteering map adventure!

Who would like to do orienteering?

Orienteering can appeal to anyone of any age who likes the outdoors. Typically, beginners make up teams of 3-6 to complete the course. A team might consist of a few kids who want to try the sport out with an adult who ‘shadows’ them so that they do not get too far off course. 

Or, a team could be high school athletes who read the map and get from point to point as fast as they can. People in Norway, where orienteering is extremely popular, participate well into their 80s! A team could be a family that wants to take the adventure all together. As a team, they will work together to solve the question of which way to go to get to the next control point and what is the best route to take. Everyone ends up having a very nice hike in the woods with an adventure attached to it.

What’s so fun about an orienteering map adventure? 

Orienteering is fun because it gives a game element to an invigorating hike in the woods! As a team, you solve the puzzle of where all the different control points are. Trying to finish the map quickly adds a layer of competition as well. Add to this, the gorgeous air and colors of October at Silas and you have a fabulous, fun, short hour-long adventure! 

Keep in mind, orienteering is a rain or shine event. As Bjorn, and any Norwegian, would say: there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! You can even do this sport in rain boots!

Members of Kinnelon Boy Scouts Troop 277 
with orienteering control point markers.

Looking for a new way to get yourself or the entire family out in the beautiful nature this Fall?

The entire Kinnelon community is invited to come out and try the fun and adventurous sport of orienteering at the Silas Map Adventure on Oct 20th in Silas Condict Park.

For further information or questions, please contact the event director Robert Rycharski from HVO at: rrycharski345@optimum.net.

Thanks to all of the people near and far who reached out with generous donations for making this event possible. Their gifts are helping to complete a dream and a vision and a goal that Bjorn had set but is sadly not able to complete himself. So they, HVO and troop 277 are all part of this gift to Kinnelon as well.

And very special thanks to Liz, Bjorn's wife, for contributing this article and photos.

Celebrate Kinnelon Public Library's 50th Anniversary! 10/19/13 at High Point Brewery.

In case you haven't seen the marvelously decorated marquis in front of the Kinnelon Public Library, or seen one of the bold flyers, please come celebrate Kinnelon Public Library's 50th Anniversary at the High Point Brewery in Butler, NJ!

The details:

Saturday, October 19, 2013

From 5 to 9pm

High Point Brewery, Butler NJ

22 Park Place, Butler (Kiel Ave.)

(makers of very fine and highly rated 

Ramstein Oktoberfest Beer!)

Admission is $50 per person. You may purchase tickets at the Kinnelon Public Library which  is located at 132 Kinnelon Rd. Please make all checks payable to: The Kinnelon Public Library

To call the Library, 973-838-1321 or visit the website: kinnelonlibrary.org.

Admission to the 50th Anniversary Celebration includes:
• 2 drink tickets
• German buffet dinner
• Commemorative 16oz Library Pilsner Glass

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to drop by the Kinnelon Library.

See you there!

Ready for K-Fest 2013? It's on October 6th at Rickabear in Kinnelon

Coming up on Sunday, October 6, 2013 is the third annual K-Fest celebrating Kinnelon, New Jersey! It takes place from 1pm to 5pm at Lake Rickabear off of Kinnelon Road.

I wrote about the first one in K-Fest 2011 on 10/2/11 Celebrates Kinnelon Community.

Since then, the event has only gotten better!

K-FEST is sponsored by KAMELOT and Kinnelon Borough officials.

KAMELOT, as described in KAMELOT Gets Ready For Kinnelon Community Event from the Tri-Boro Patch, "has been in the Kinnelon community for more than 16 years, sponsors presentations and programs that seek to steer the community's youth on the right path in terms of avoiding things like drugs, alcohol and behaviors such as bullying."

Futhermore, "KAMELOT is a county-funded municipal alliance, which means that the majority of the organization's money comes from seized drug and weapon funds. Additionally, the borough is required to match a certain amount of the funds." The organization includes members from the Kinnelon community -- the Kinnelon Police, the Kinnelon Public School system, and Kinnelon Borough Council. In 2011, Councilman James Freda served as the liaison to the organization. 

Kinnelon's Borough Council is actively involved with K-Fest. You'll find them managing the BBQs, offering the best burgers and hot dogs around, and ready to talk!

From left to right, Councilman Cobell, Mayor Collins,
Councilmen O'Dougherty and Freda with clown at K-FEST 2011.

The festivities will be held at Lake Rickabear on October 6th from 1–5 PM.  Park at the Kinnelon High School and enjoy the free shuttle service available all day.

K-FEST 2013 promises to be a day filled with games, contests, entertainment, vendors, food and plenty of surprises with something for residents of all ages. You can't beat the setting around Lake Rickabear, and you'll enjoy...

* Live Music * Artist’s Colony * “Main Street” *

* Food Court *  Kidz Zone * Give Aways * 

* Rides * Beach Games * Sports Zone * 

* Hay Rides * Pony Rides *

At the same time, you can learn more about the Kinnelon Food Pantry, the Kinnelon Public Library, the Kinnelon Volunteer Animal Shelter and the Friends of Chas.

Take part in K-FEST 2013!   Entry is FREE and open to all Kinnelon residents. For a copy of the K-Fest flyer, click here.

See you there!!

Image credit: Thanks to Susan Jaeger Ardrey. 

Kinnelon Public Library 50th Anniversary Kickoff Student Starlit Showcase Event: Relive the Magic!

Were you able to attend the Kinnelon Public Library 50th Anniversary Kickoff Event on Saturday, June 8th and experience for yourself the "Student Starlit Showcase" Event? What did you think? I thought it was pure magic.

I was blown away...

By the amazing talent of our children.

By the enthusiastic response of everyone who attended.

By the borough-wide collaboration - from parents, grandparents and friends, students and teachers to Kinnelon School Principals, Borough Council members, members of the Kinnelon Board of Education, and Trustees of the Kinnelon Library, CLL and the Friends of the Kinnelon Library, our Superintendent of Schools and our Mayor, and everyone in between!

By the thoughtful showcase of students' literary works in a way that demonstrated the continuum of learning from 3rd grade through 8th grade.

By the boundless energy of 'Hurricane Aileen' - aka Aileen Florio - who masterminded (or rather mistressminded?) this unbelievable event, and produced the summary below.

KINNELON PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES 50^TH ANNIVERSARY

WITH BOROUGH-WIDE EVENT

KINNELON, NJ—June 15, 2013. More than 500 members of the community joined a borough-wide celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Kinnelon Public Library on Saturday, June 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the library. The event, titled “Student Starlit Showcase,” featured a collaborative effort with Stonybrook Elementary School and Pearl R. Miller Middle School and showcased information books and other texts written by students in grades 3 through 8.

The entire community came out to celebrate the library’s
50^th anniversary at the “Student Starlit Showcase” on June 8.

The event, hosted by the Kinnelon Public Library, drew crowds including guests Mayor Robert Collins; Borough Council members Carol Sventy, Ronald Mondello, and Gary Moleta; Board of Education members Marianne DeAlessi, Brian Davin, Michael Petruccelli, and Marcy Pryor; Superintendent of Schools Diane DiGiuseppe, school principals Jodi Mulholland (Kiel), Mark Mongon (Stonybrook), Jack Hynes (PRM) and assistant principal Louis Caruso (PRM); as well as teachers Gina Koonjy, Annika Levitt, and Nancy Bosch (Stonybrook), Karen Baker (Kiel), Marisela Lane (ESL), Jeanne Chamberlain, Lisa Kelly, Amy Stickley, Faith Vanderzee, and Aileen Florio (PRM).

Teachers Faith Vanderzee (left, with daughter)
and Lisa Kelly attend from PRM.

Kiel School Principal Jodi Mulholland (center) with teachers
Annika Levitt (left, with daughter Jenna) and
Gina Koonjy celebrate with students and residents.

Listening to student presentations are Stonybrook School
Principal Mark Mongon with daughters Paige and Kyleigh (left to right) and PRM
Middle School Assistant Principal Louis Caruso with son Christian (pictured)
and daughters Ella and Olivia.

“2013 marks a very special year for our library,” said Library Board of Trustees President Anne Vosatka. “We are so excited to honor 50 years of service to our borough, and we wanted to kick off the year with a celebration that involved our entire community with a special spotlight on our young patrons.”

Ms. DiGiuseppe enthusiastically supported the joint celebration idea. “Having the Kinnelon Public Library as a key partner of our school district is a win-win for school administrators, staff, parents, and especially the children. Bringing together the extraordinary talents and resources of our teachers, students, borough leaders, and library is a spectacular way to celebrate.”

“The ‘Starlit’ Showcase featured a number of rising stars,” added borough Mayor Bob Collins: “our supportive residents, our talented children, our outstanding teachers, the Borough Council, the Board of Education, and of course our Library, a community center for Kinnelon.”

PRM Principal Jack Hynes (left) and Kinnelon
Mayor Bob Collins talk with seventh-grade students.

Dr. Vosatka and Ms. DiGiuseppe greeted guests as they arrived to the event and directed students to the raffle table in the main lobby. Library Trustee and Board Secretary Linda Farmer and Borough Councilwoman Carol Sventy invited each student to fill out a free raffle ticket. Prizes, generously donated by Friends of the Kinnelon Library and the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL), included two Nooks, two iPod Shuffles, and gift cards for iTunes, Dairy Queen, and Subway.

Two students fill out free raffle tickets while Kinnelon Library
Board of Trustees Secretary Linda Farmer wishes them luck

Ron Leavesley, President of CLL and Friends, said, “I was impressed by the response of the school students, the creativity of what they submitted, the synergy between the library and the school system, parent involvement and the terrific opportunity to capitalize on the momentum of this joint effort.”

Al Louis Music (a.k.a. Alan “Mr. T.” Tedesco, Stonybrook School band director) donated his DJ services on the main floor, where the lights were dimmed and strobe lights provided a party atmosphere for kids. He took music requests throughout the evening and announced raffle winners toward the end of the event.

Also donated were platters of cookies from Baker’sPerfection in Rockaway.

DJ Alan Tedesco of Al Louis Music creates the
party atmosphere for the library’s 50^th anniversary.

Upstairs, the meeting rooms housed the writing showcase—a gallery filled with more than 250 information books and other texts written by students in Stonybrook and PRM schools. The writing pieces were the result of a concerted K-8 formal implementation of Writing Workshop, an integral component of the district’s writing curriculum. With information writing as one of the three pillars of the Common Core State Standards, all students in K-8 learned and practiced the techniques specific to writing texts that teach readers. Topics ranged from pets to pollution, soccer to skateboarding, food allergies to Ford’s Theater.

Students, teachers, parents, and school administrators
admire the writing of students.

In the children’s library, students who volunteered to talk about their work and the writing process captivated audiences.

“It was such an honor to be able to present my work at this amazing community event,” said fifth-grade student Jack McHenry, whose presentation about his writing began with his congratulations to the library on its 50th anniversary. Jack’s sister Caitlyn, also in fifth grade, added, “It was fun learning about what other classes do for their writing assignments, and sharing that with friends was a cool experience.”

Fifth-grade writer Jack McHenry congratulates Kinnelon Public Library
on 50 years of service before delivering his presentation.

 “It was a great evening where all children were celebrated for their creativity and hard work,” said Karen Baker, mother of three and kindergarten teacher. Her son Kevin, a third grader at Stonybrook, gave a presentation of his writing at the event. “It was fun listening to other kids talk about their writing,” Kevin commented.

Guests attentively listen to student-led presentations
simultaneously underway at both ends of the children’s library.

Eighth-grade student Derek Cavallo tells audience members
why he chose to write his information book about Ford’s Theater.

Eighth-grader Derek Cavallo agreed. “It was great to be able to hear what the other students liked to write about. The library was set up as the perfect place to present our books.” Derek’s mother Carolyn added, “It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the library's 50th anniversary by bringing the community together to listen to our children present their books! Thank you to all who helped organize this wonderful event.”

Third-grade writer Braeden Carroll talks about his
experiences writing his information book.

Resident Karen Carroll said, “This was a wonderful opportunity to bring the entire community together. It was so nice to see so many different people celebrating the library's 50th anniversary. There were children of all ages, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers and school officials, and many others from town. It was great to see the kids' writing projects and to hear them discuss their work. What a perfect opportunity for these kids to gain skills in public speaking – skills, which will serve them well in the future. We all look forward to attending more events like these in the future."

Carroll’s three children each presented their writing. Third-grader Kristyn said, “During this writing presentation, I was very proud of when I spoke to more than 20 people about my writing process. My grandparents and parents supported me by just standing near me. I also enjoyed the refreshments and music. This time will always be a fun memory." Her brother Braeden, also in third grade, agreed. “I enjoyed going to the library's 50th anniversary. I liked sharing my writing with the audience. This was a very fun experience for me." Fifth-grader Graeme added, “The 50th anniversary of the library was very organized. It was really fun presenting our non-fiction books to other kids. Overall, it was a great experience."

Yet another room featured Kinnelon High School student Brett Smith who gave presentations on the latest apps and information technology. Students and parents rotated through his room to learn how to make the most of their mobile phones, iPads, and other technology to access educational and other informational apps.

"Being part of the library's 50th anniversary was a really cool opportunity,” Brett commented. “I was able to display many applications for Apple and Android devices. I also showed computer programs as well as the TI N-Spire graphing calculators."

The library’s golden anniversary has been recognized and honored by Congressman Frelinghuysen, who entered a brief history of the library into the Congressional Record.

###

About the Kinnelon Public Library

The Kinnelon Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of Kinnelon, New Jersey and beyond. With 18 computers total on both the first and second floors dedicated to public use, and free Internet access, the library offers many programs for both adults and children as well as free materials, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. Founded in 1963, the Kinnelon Public Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013.

For more information, visit http://KinnelonLibrary.org.

----------------

Thank you, "Hurricane" Aileen!

I invite you to share this story with your friends and family; congratulate every one of our young writing stars. If you couldn't attend the Student Starlit Showcase, ask a young star to share his or her written work with you. Then, come visit the Kinnelon Public Library. Explore its wonders. If you don't yet have one, register for your own public library card. 

Help us continue the magic of the Kinnelon Public Library 50th Anniversary celebration!

P.S.: I'll share with you in a separate article Congressman Frelinghuysen's entry about the history of the Kinnelon Public Library into the Congressional Record. 

Kinnelon Library 50th Anniversary Kickoff Event on June 8, 2013

Happy 50th anniversary to the Kinnelon Public Library!

The library's 50th anniversary year-long celebration kickoff event takes place on Saturday evening, June 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Kinnelon Library.

I hope you'll come with your entire family!

This specific event represents a partnership with the Kinnelon Public School District to present a “Student Starlit Showcase” when students in grades 3 through 8 and their parents are invited to browse through and experience the writings of Kinnelon's students. It is masterminded by fellow Kinnelon Public Library Trustee (and amazing Pearl R. Miller English teacher) Aileen Florio!

Other highlights on the Kinnelon Library 50th anniversary kickoff event include:

• Brief student presentations about their experiences writing 
• High school students will lead presentations about new and popular apps and other engaging information technology
• DJ music provided by Al Louis Music - including the talented Mr. T (aka Alan Tedesco) from Stonybrook School!
• Light refreshments and coffee bar, and 
• Raffle prizes. 

From a practical perspective, if you don't yet have a library card, this is your opportunity to sign up for one!  If you haven't yet shared your email address with the Kinnelon Public Library - so you can receive a copy of the Library's newsletter - you'll be able to do so.

From a community perspective, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the kind of community magic we experienced when everyone in Kinnelon was hanging out at the Kinnelon Library after Hurricane Sandy.

You'll also have a chance to meet all of the Kinnelon Library Trustees: Anne Vosatka, Linda Farmer, Mike Odian, Bernadette Morrisroe, Aileen Florio and myself.

Mark your calendars. Prep your kids. Get ready to start the celebration of 50 years of the Kinnelon Public Library on June 8th by spotlighting "the citizens and leaders of the next 50" as Kinnelon Superintendent of Schools Diane DiGiuseppe explains in Kinnelon Public Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Stonybrook, PRM Student Writing Showcase.

I hope you'll come.

Kinnelon Security Shredding on May 4, 2013

With tax season over, you can turn to clearing out the unwanted paperwork and getting it securely and confidentially banished... 

How? With Kinnelon's Security Shredding Event taking place on May 4th, 2013.

Here are the details so you can start collecting and preparing now for those documents you want disposed of securely!

SECURITY SHREDDING - Confidential and Secure 

WHEN: Saturday, May 4 from 9 AM until Noon… 

WHO: Security Shredding of Morris Plains, NJ 

WHERE: Behind the Borough Hall where Volunteers will be ready to help you 

WHY:  For a multitude of reasons!

• A unique opportunity for confidential and secure treatment of your personal information 
• Optimum security… Dispose of important but obsolete personal documents. Don’t just toss personal information in the trash…especially after tax season. 
• Using the latest state-of-the art equipment…Done in the most secure way while you watch. 
• Fully bonded and insured. 
• Makes disposing of documents easy, safe and economical. 
• Drive in, unload your papers, drive out with peace of mind 
• It's economical and safe! 

Just a $5.00 donation per box…

Please note that boxes should be no larger than 14”W x18”L and 10” D.

Here's what particularly wonderful about this event. 

Not only is it a great opportunity to get rid of personal and tax documents, but in the process you support the Friends of the Kinnelon Library!

We look forward to seeing you and helping you with your security shredding!

Kinnelon Fine Arts Silent Auction 2012: Start Bidding Now!

Last week, while I enjoyed the Kinnelon Library - aka the only warm and connected refuge around - Ron Leavesley invited me to come preview the 2012 Artistic Delights featuring our very own artists. The artwork had just been hung despite all of power mess.

[Have you seen this wonderful article about Ron? It's titled Know Your Neighbor: Busy Volunteer Spends Time at Kinnelon Library.]

You need to check Artistic Delights 2012 out!

You'll find over 60 beautiful oils and watercolors all of which you can bid on in a silent auction now through Thursday, November 29, 2012.

Here are details!

A Fine Arts Silent Auction Featuring Area Artists

ARTISTIC DELIGHTS 2012

This Fine Arts Silent Auction is sponsored by the Friends of the Kinnelon Library and managed by the CLL, source of the artistic talent!

This fine arts, silent auction featuring area artists is sponsored by the Friends of the Kinnelon Library…. It is an exceptional opportunity to acquire quality fine art done by area artists while supporting the Friends at the same time. Your bid determines the selling price… It is that easy.

The auction will feature a variety of oil paintings and watercolors.

Artwork will be exhibited at the Library from November 5 through November 29 for you to review and bid.

Wine and Cheese Reception and Silent Auction results: Thursday, November 29. The reception starts at 7 PM, but you can still bid until 8 PM. You do not have to be present to be a winner.

If you've never participated in a silent auction, here's what's involved.

• Obtain a bidding instruction sheet and bid number. 
• Use that number to enter you bid on any of the Silent Auction artwork. 
• Bid numbers and information will be available at the Library’s circulation desk starting Monday, November 5 and up to and including the night of the auction.

I hope you'll check out the artwork, bid on as many of the art pieces as you can, then attend the reception on November 29th!

By the way, how are you enjoying the return to power and almost-normalcy? Ted and I went for a walk this afternoon and the contrast with last week was eerie. Twisted trees, snapped telephone poles, remnants of wires and phone pole debris along the roadways, some snow, warm weather, trunk-or-treating at the high school, ...

Be well.

Surviving Sandy in Kinnelon

What a week it has been since Sandy made landfall in New Jersey!  I hope everyone in Kinnelon has made it through and is back on the power grid.

Hats off to the Kinnelon Office of Emergency Management which has maintained a flow of information via Facebook.

Hats off, too, to the Kinnelon Nixle system for getting information out via text and email.

I'm really grateful to the New York Sports Club in Butler for a marvelous shower on Thursday evening.

I'm incredibly appreciative for the warmth and community that the Kinnelon Library offered on Friday and Saturday - not to mention free WiFi, power and running water.

NorthJersey.com published photos of the devastation in West Milford. Zillions of trees and power lines down.

[I shared some of my digital survival tips in another blog article titled 10 Digital Marketing 'Still Climbing Out' Tips: Bathroom Blogfest 2012.]

Have a great Sunday. Stay warm and safe.

Best,

C.B.

P.S.: To put Sandy into perspective, SlideShare has published the following  Crowdsourcing and curation by SlideShare community helps distribute news and photos of superstorm Sandy.

K-Fest 2012: October 7, Lake Rickabear

If you attended K-Fest last year, you'll remember what a fun celebration it was and you'll desperately want to do it all over again!

Good News! You can on October 7, 2012 when K-Fest Returns!

Here are details...

K-Fest takes place at Lake Rickabear, located at 414 Kinnelon Road, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm.

Shuttles will be available from the Kinnelon High School parking lot since parking at Rickabear is limited.

K-Fest will include...

*Live Music * Artist’s Colony * “Main Street” * Food Court *
Kidz Zone * Rides * Beach Games * Magician * Hay Rides * Bingo*

You can donate to:

*Kinnelon Food Pantry * Kinnelon Volunteer Animal Shelter * Friends of Chas

I'm sure that volunteer opportunities are still available.

Find more information by visiting www.KinnelonDay.org

This is a marvelous free community event sponsored by KAMELOT and the Borough of Kinnelon [last year, Kinnelon Borough Council members grilled some of the best hot dogs and hamburgers ever!]

Happy K-Fest everyone! Join in on the fun!

Smoke Rise History in Photos: 9/22/12 at the Inn

For those of you who love Kinnelon history, you might want to attend the upcoming History of Smoke Rise presentation taking place at the Smoke Rise Inn on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 5pm.

The Saint Hubert's Chapel Conservation Committee has organized the photographic presentation of the history of Smoke Rise, which hasn't taken place in a while. 5 years to be exact!

The event benefits St. Hubert's Chapel.

Here's how to participate:

Contact JoAnn Brett at 973-838-8228 or email her at jobrett@optonline.net.

Tickets are $25.00 per person [children under 18 are free].

Make checks payable to "Kinnelon Heritage Conservation Society Inc."

By the way, I just heard from William Child who will attend and be available to sign maps - should you decide to purchase one!

If you are planning on coming, consider having dinner and/or drinks at the Smoke Rise Inn.  Here is a link to the dinner menu. The food is outstanding!

Gasland at the Kinnelon Library 9/27/12

Mark your calendar for 9/27/12 at 7 pm when the Kinnelon Library will present a special documentary screening of “Gasland” (2010, 107 minutes).

This movie presentation is co-sponsored by Kinnelon Conserves, the Franciscan Response to Fracking and Food & Water Watch.

Here are details:

Thursday, September 27, from 7 to 9:30 p.m, view the movie then participate in Q&A.

Josh Fox’s study of hydraulic fracturing (often called “fracking”) to obtain natural gas from shale leads him from his Pennsylvania home across the country, to Colorado, Texas, and other states, and to the Nation’s capital. He documents a dizzying number of cases of serious harm caused by this practice.

There is more to the discussion of America’s energy future than the one-sided ads from the natural gas industry. Come and learn more.

Anne Mandanayake from the Kinnelon Library shares the following additional information about Gasland the movie:

Faced with a lucrative offer to have drilling for natural gas take place on his parents’ Pennsylvania land, Josh Fox, in his award-winning documentary, travels to 34 states and talks to dozens of property owners and environmental experts on the under reported menace of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and the truth about the dangers of fracked gas.

Seating is limited, so please be sure to call the Library to sign up: 973-838-1321.

Here is the Gasland movie trailer: [view Gasland trailer on YouTube]

Ramstein Beer and SR Fresh Hot Sauce Open House Sat. Sept 8, 2012 at 2 PM & 3:45 PM

The One and Only!

Here is a reminder for this weekend’s Ramstein Beer Open House and Tour, Saturday, Sept 8.

There will be 2 tour and tasting sessions -- 2 PM and 3:45 PM.

Beers on tap - Oktoberfest Lager, Double Platinum Blonde,  and Unfiltered Golden Lager.

2 liter growlers will be in stock, as will the very rare 1 liter wide-mouth growlers.

There will be heavy attendance, since this is the most anticipated release of the year for a seasonal beer, and Ramstein Oktoberfest has received the highest rating for an Oktoberfest beer for 2 years running from Beer Advocate. Consider the 2nd session at 3:45 on Saturday for a slightly less crowded tour.

And SR Fresh Hot Sauce will be there with the Fresh Cayenne-Cherry Pepper, Habanero Gold, and XXXXTra Hot Habanero Hot Sauce. We will also have our new Caribbean Hot Sauce, and brand new Thai Style Habanero Sriracha, Cayenne Sriracha, and Jalapeno Poblano (our first green pepper sauce) 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

September 8, 2012: Kinnelon's 36th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival!

Happy Kinnelon Labor Day! I hope you are all enjoying this last blast of summer... I hope you also have penciled into your calendar a big event happening next weekend in Kinnelon:

Kinnelon's 36th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

This is a yearly event which takes place at the Kinnelon High School parking lot.

The 36th Arts and Crafts Festival is happening on September 8th from 10-4 rain or shine!

You'll find Artisans and Crafters from near and far exhibiting their paintings, hand-thrown pottery, gemstones, jewelry and sculptures.

You will see gift items, crafts for the holidays and art work to decorate your home.

Handmade soaps and candles, dried and silk flower arrangements are all beautifully displayed for your browsing and buying pleasure.

The Friends of the Kinnelon Library urge you to bring your family, friends, and your appetites too!

The Friends of the Library will run the food concession and offer a variety of munchies hot off the grill.

Enjoy the rest of your Labor Day and see you on Saturday!

Kinnelon's Girl Scouts: Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders

Rebecca Sinski, Kinnelon Girl Scout & One
of Tomorrow's Leaders

Several years ago, I attended my first Eco-Trek at Lake Rickabear, a Girl Scout Camp located in Kinnelon. It had been almost 30 years since I was last a Girl Scout, and I was really glad to see that the organization was still going strong.

The following year I was invited to an orientation for team captains to kick off the next Eco-Trek. The speaker was Helen Wronski, the President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. She spoke about the importance of Girl Scouts in today’s world and how the organization has shifted its focus from the 3 “C”s – crafts, camping and cookies, to empowering young girls to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Yesterday, Helen’s words came back to me as I read a letter that was left in my mailbox by a young woman named Rebecca Sinski. She moved into my neighborhood with her family 2 years ago. In the letter, Rebecca asked for help from neighbors with one of her biggest goals- receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Let me introduce to you my new neighbor Rebecca Sinski. I’ll let her fill in the details about her goals in life and her upcoming project.

Q : Rebecca, tell me a little bit about yourself.

A : Though I just moved to Stonybrook Highlands two years ago, I’ve lived in Kinnelon my entire life. This year I’ll be a senior at Kinnelon High School where I’m involved in Winter & Spring Track and Student Council. I’m hoping to have a memorable last year, make it through the college application process, and earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Q : What do you like about living in Kinnelon?

A : Kinnelon is beautiful, community-oriented and simply a great place to grow up.

Q : How long have you been a Girl Scout and what do you enjoy most about scouting?

A : I’ve been a Girl Scout since I was in second grade. When I was younger I loved it because I was always doing fun things with my friends but now I realize that being a Girl Scout has allowed me to do things that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to. The best part, though, is being able to help others.

Q : What is the Girl Scout Gold Award?

A : It is an 80 hour community service project designed to encourage young women to take action and make a difference in their communities.

Q : What have you chosen as your project?

A : To establish and sustain a food pantry at the Tomorrows Children’s Institute (TCI) at Hackensack University Medical Center. At TCI, pediatric patients with cancer and serious blood disorders seek treatment in a warm and caring environment from dedicated professionals. But many families and patients struggle during their time at TCI as treatment puts an economic and emotional strain on them. I hope that a food pantry at TCI will alleviate some of their stress.

Q : Why did you choose this particular organization for your project? Does the Tomorrows Children’s Institute have special meaning to you?

A : My mom, Annette, has been working at the Tomorrows Children’s Institute as an Advanced Practice Nurse for 14 years. Because of her, I’ve always had a concern for cancer patients and their families. In 2010 I started volunteering at TCI during the summer and have continued to volunteer for the past three years. When it came time to decide on a project for my Gold Award, I immediately knew I wanted the patients of the Tomorrows Children’s Institute to benefit from it.

Q : I see that you are collecting a list of specific food items.

• Protein food: canned or dried beans (kidney or garbanzo), lentils, peanut butter, nuts, tuna fish, canned fish, canned ham, canned turkey, canned chicken
• Grains: whole grains or regular pasta, quinoa, couscous, brown or white rice, whole grain mac & cheese, canned pasta (beefaroni or spaghetti and meatballs), whole grain crackers, granola bars, cereals (cheerios, raisin bran, whole grain, or no sugar added)
• Fruits & Veggies: canned fruits in natural juices, dried fruit, canned vegetables
• Other: any canned soups, canola oil, olive oil, vinegar, boxed milk (unrefrigerated cow, soy or almond)

A : Yes

Q : I noticed that your food choices are more health conscious, for instance, whole grains and no added sugar. Was this deliberate on your part or is it typical of what food pantries collect? 
   
A : Though most food pantries aren’t so specific in their collection requests, both the dietician at TCI and I agreed that healthy foods would be best for the patients of TCI during their treatment. Many cancer patients struggle with eating during their treatment due to side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, so it's important that the foods they do eat are high in nutrients.

Q : Rebecca, I’ll be leaving my donation at the bottom of my driveway as you instructed in your letter. But how will you continue to stock the pantry once it is setup? Also, If others outside the neighborhood would like to contribute, how can they do so? 

A : I’m going to be doing several more collections through school, church, local businesses and the hospital in order to stock the pantry. Once it is set up, I plan on making arrangements for a different Girl Scout Troop or organization to stock the pantry each month for the next year. If anyone would like to contribute, I can be reached at rebeccasinski@gmail.com and we can arrange a pick up or drop off date.

Q : What are your plans after you graduate High School?

A : I plan to attend college next year where I hope to study either communications, journalism or English.

It has been great chatting with you, Rebecca. Best wishes for a successful project and a bright future. 

~ Mary Beth Grybowski

35th Annual Kinnelon Book Sale: Donate Aug 1, Buy! Aug 24

It's that time again: the Annual Kinnelon Book Sale, now in its 35th year!  Here follow details in two parts.

Part I: Book Donations Needed, August 1-17, for Kinnelon Library’s 35th Annual Book Sale August 24-27

Your book donations are welcome starting August 1 through 17, 2012. Don't wait until the last minute, though, to donate as the Firehouse can only hold so many books. Beyond a certain safety point, your donations will be turned down and you'll have to wait until next year.

As you may have read already, "Why not clear out your book shelves and support the Kinnelon Public Library by donating hardcover or paperback fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, videos or books-on-tape in good condition?" 

That's right!

Keep in mind that there are items that cannot be accepted. More specifically, 

No magazines, textbooks, encyclopedia sets, Reader’s Digest Condensed or records, please.  

When you have your book donations ready, please only bring them to the Kiel Avenue Firehouse and not to the Kinnelon Library starting August 1 until the 17th.  

Be warned, if you try to leave books at the Library rather than at the Firehouse, you will not be successful :-)

Part II: The Kinnelon Used Book Sale from August 24 through 27

The Book Sale will be held on August 24 to 27 at the Kiel Avenue Firehouse which is located at 103 Kiel Avenue in Kinnelon.

The hours of the Book Sale are as follows:

• Friday 8/24/12:      9am to 6pm
• Saturday 8/25/12:  9am to 4pm
• Sunday 8/26/12:    11am to 4pm
• Monday 8/27/12:   9am to 4pm

If you've never been to the Kinnelon Annual Used Book Sale - proceeds from which support the Friends of the Kinnelon Library - you are in for an amazing event: thousands of bargain priced fiction and non-fiction books to choose from. 

Books are organized by subject and author with special sections for children’s books and gift-quality editions.   

For more information and especially if you'd like to volunteer to help out, be sure to call 973-838-1321 or visit the Friends of the Kinnelon Library online. You can also email FLCLL@yahoo.com.

Kinnelon's L'Ecole Museum Garage Sale: 6/9/12

Emma back in ~2008 or so

It's that time of year again: the annual garage sale benefiting the L'Ecole Kinnelon Museum! In case you haven't read the news in the local publications or seen the signage on Kiel Avenue, here is your notice!

The event takes place Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

If it rains [as it has been lately], the event will take place Sunday, June 10 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

L'Ecole museum is located at 25 Kiel Avenue, across from the Kinnelon Mall [i.e., Pathmark].

You have two ways to take part in the annual Kinnelon Museum garage sale fund raiser:

1. Donate your items for the garage sale. [Note: No Clothing or Stuffed Animals Please!] You can do so every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM when the Friends of the Kinnelon Museum will welcome you and your donations with open arms.  By the way, all of your donations are tax deductible

2. Come buy a few items on Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

All funds made from the sale will be used toward a computer projector.

Finally, if you enjoy history, consider becoming a member of the Friends of the Museum.

[Thanks to Jill Iannino at the Kinnelon Library for submitting this announcement.]

Meet Carol Sventy, Candidate for Kinnelon Borough Council

Kinnelon neighbor Carol Sventy is running for Borough Council. Have you had a chance to meet her?

I first met Carol when I had my first meeting with Ron Leavesley about the Kinnelon CLL Program. Not a surprise given her intense involvement with CLL and the Friends of the Kinnelon Library.

In case you've not had a chance to spend time with her, I want to share with you this interview in which Carol Sventy explains why she is a candidate for Kinnelon Borough Council, what she loves about Kinnelon and how she has contributed as a volunteer to our community.

You'll also find contact information and opportunities to meet with her in person before the June 5th election to discuss what's important to you.

C.B.: Carol, please tell me about yourself and your background.

Ever since I can remember, I have been a volunteer. Starting when I was very young, my mother was involved in many activities (Girl/Boy Scouts, League of Women Voters, Historical Society, School Organizations - PTA, Civic Organizations). Whenever she saw something was not quite right in our community, she did something about it … and this is where I ‘got the bug’.

I was born in Montclair, NJ and moved when I was five & grew up in a small town in Michigan. I attended public schools up until 9th grade when I attended  Culver Girls Academy. I then went on to study Business Management and Horsemanship Stable Management at Virginia Intermont College where I met my husband John.

Soon after college graduation, we moved to New Jersey, got married and moved to Kinnelon. We fell in love with Kinnelon. We’ve had a few opportunities to move to other states, but did not due to family and because we didn’t want to leave Kinnelon and the friends and neighbors we have here. I want to protect Kinnelon’s unique lifestyle and environment. We are fortunate to live in a town that appreciates and nourishes its natural environment and the people who reside here. I have always been very passionate about and actively involved in education, open space, recreation and environmental issues within the Borough of Kinnelon. All of my work has been to improve the lives and environment for our children and our residents.

C.B.: How long have you lived in Kinnelon?

29 years, in the same house, with the same husband and the same phone number!

C.B.: What do you like most about living in Kinnelon?

This is a tough one … simply because there are so many things I like and love about Kinnelon. It would have to be a toss-up between the residents of Kinnelon and the actual landscape of Kinnelon. Whenever I leave Kinnelon either to run errands in other communities, traveling to other states to visit family/friends or away on vacation … when I return to Kinnelon, I don’t need to see the borough sign saying “Welcome to Kinnelon Borough” to know that I’m home. I can ‘feel’ that I’m home and safely away from the ‘rat race’ that exists outside our community. I can take a deep breath and relax in the beauty of our community and the friendships with the residents here.

C.B.: How did you first get involved in public service for Kinnelon?

It all started when I filled out a volunteer form that had been mailed to me by the Friends of the Kinnelon Library along with a request for a membership donation. The form asked if I would be interested in volunteering for any one of a number of activities and I selected two items: Book Sale and Arts and Crafts Festival since both were things that I was interested in. I then became active with another group called ‘Ambling Along’ sponsored by the Center for Lifelong Learning … and now, as they say: the rest is history!

C.B.: Carol, what is the range of activities you are currently involved in? 

Everything blossomed from that point on to where I am now actively involved in the following organizations.

• The Friends of the Kinnelon Library Board of Governors (since 1997)
• Currently serving as Vice President (since 2002)
• The Center for Lifelong Learning Board of Governors (since 1998)
• The Center for Lifelong Learning Registrar (since 1999)
• The Kinnelon After School Enrichment program (since 2000)
• Kinnelon's Open Space Advisory Committee (since 2002)
• Currently serving as Chairperson (since 2004)
• Kinnelon's Environmental Commission (since 2004)

Then in 2011 I was honored to be named by the Lakeland Hills YMCA as Kinnelon’s Citizen of the year.

C.B.: Why are you running for office?

I have worked long and hard for positive change in Kinnelon and I have contributed and helped to improve the quality of life for ALL Kinnelon residents.

Having worked with the council for the past 10 years or more has given me a unique insight. I’m involved in local government now, and want to continue to contribute and in order to be more effective, I must run for Kinnelon council.

C.B.: What does the Kinnelon Council need and why do you think you can fill it? 

I believe Kinnelon needs a new choice – and a new voice. I will listen to what residents have to say and will take action and get results. I feel Kinnelon needs a balanced perspective. We are one community with different needs and wants for ourselves and our children and to provide these needs, we must have a balanced perspective in making the decisions that affect ALL Kinnelon residents.

C.B.: What will you bring to the Kinnelon Borough Council?

My experience in working with people in the Borough renders me an approachable, knowledgeable, well organized and effective individual that gets the results our community needs and requires.

Carol Sventy with Denise DeBernardi,
Mary Cobell & Eileen Gelenter

C.B.: Where should Kinnelon residents go for more information about you and your background?

Residents can go to my website: www.CaringForKinnelon.com where there is a calendar of events, along with additional information about me.

C.B.: I understand Kinnelon residents can meet with you and ask questions at the following sessions. Would you fill me in? 

All residents are welcome to attend any of the following Meet & Greet sessions I have scheduled. We ask that you please RSVP through my website, since this greatly helps in our planning. We wouldn’t want to run out of refreshments for any of the residents attending!

If you are unable to attend, then residents are welcome to email or call me with their questions and / or their concerns regarding Kinnelon. I firmly believe, welcome and encourage comments and suggestions. Without valuable public input, government is left to make decisions based on statistics and their own personal experience ... let YOUR voice be heard!

Monday, May 21 - 7:00pm-9:00pm - Adair, Woodchase Lane - Coffee, Tea & Cookies

Tuesday, May 22 - 7:30pm-9:00pm - DeBernardi, Daisy Ct. - Wine & Cheese Reception

Thursday, May 24 - 8:00am-10:00am - Kiel Firehouse, 103 Kiel Ave. - Bagels & Coffee

Thank you, Carol! We wish you the very best. 


Readers, I hope you'll go vote on June 5, 2012.


If you have questions for Carol, please visit her website or leave a comment and I will forward it to her. Consider, too, attending one of the sessions above to meet Carol in person.