Maplewood Archives - Living in Millburn-Short Hills NJ

Maplewood Real Estate Owners Party at MayFest

June 9, 2016 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Go to the fair on Maplewood real estate Join in the revelry near Maplewood homes with the annual MayFest street fair on May 29 on Springfield Avenue. This annual event brings together the community living on Maplewood real estate for a day of dancing, shopping, dining and all around frolicking. With an average of 100 vendors, there will be plenty to see and do. Feast on a variety of delicious street fair food. And, while you are nibbling on this and that, shop for unique trinkets and gifts. There will be plenty of choices designed to delight everyone from jewelry, handmade crafts and artistic masterpieces. Music will flow through the air as local musicians are scheduled to perform throughout the day during this celebration of good tidings. Get your groove on and dance along with talented performers from regional dance and exercise studios. Follow the steps as they take the stage and laughingly try to learn the routines. Resident DJ’s will also be spinning sounds creating a vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss all the MayFest fun at this Maplewood real estate community event on Springfield Avenue. Grab the kids, some friends and the camera and come have a grand time. Make MayFest a yearly trip.

Celebrate the Community near Your Maplewood Home

The excitement for the event starts early online. Sponsored by Woolley Oil a multiple prize raffle gives the opportunity to win multiple prizes including an Amazon Echo. Find out more information about the contest and how to enter at the MayFest website.

Get Fresh Organic Produce Delivered to Maplewood Homes from School Lunch Farms

February 18, 2016 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Get fresh produce near Maplewood homes. Today I am really excited to tell you about School Lunch Farm, a certified organic farm in Hackettstown, NJ. Each year, Essex County residents have the opportunity to purchase a share in the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pool. This is a great way for people living in Maplewood homes to get super fresh produce and learn about veggies they’ve never seen before. From June to November, once a week shareholders receive a box filled to the brim with fruit, veggies, and herbs picked that day.

Anyone interested in finding out more about School Lunch Farm should come to Arturo’s Osteria and Pizzeria on Saturday, March 5th from 9 to 11 a.m., located at 180 Maplewood Avenue. Farmer Margaret Noon will be available to answer questions about the farm and how the CSA works. Participants will be able to taste a treat made from farm-fresh ingredients, too.

Children living in Maplewood homes and Millburn-Short Hills real estate get a great food education when their parents purchase a CSA share. Going to pick up their box, meeting other people in the CSA, and participating in events and volunteering on their farm open up the world of agriculture and nutrition to kids.

School Lunch Farm strives to be a good member of the community, and donates many pounds of produce to local food pantries. The farm is also able to take SNAP payments for CSA shares.

Visit School Lunch Farm to learn more about organic, sustainable farming methods and Community Supported Agriculture.

Indoor Farmers Market on Maplewood Real Estate at The Woodland

February 5, 2016 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Maplewood real estate owners go to the farmers market. It’s too chilly to be outside much, but that doesn’t mean health-conscious Maplewood real estate owners have to give up on quality farmers market produce. Each month during the winter, Slow Food Northern New Jersey is hosting an indoor farmers market. Come out on Sunday, February 7th from noon to 4 p.m. to The Woodland, at 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. If there is too much snow, the market will be rescheduled for February 14th. The suggested entrance donation is $3, which goes to support the school and community garden program.

The indoor farmers market will be full of amazingly delicious grass-fed meat, from beef, to chicken, to lamb and pork. There will even be nitrate free bacon. Many vendors will be selling fresh cheeses and sausage. Take the headache out of cooking and bring some prepared stews back to your Maplewood home for an easy, quick, and nourishing winter meal. Round it out with a load of freshly baked bread and handmade jams and chutneys. Pick up real Greek olive oil, tapenades, honey, and mushrooms. After you’ve browsed all the vendors, relax with a cup of coffee or tea or indulge in a scoop of gelato.

Visit Slow Food Northern New Jersey to see a complete list of vendors and find out about volunteer opportunities.

Help Needy Families in Maplewood Homes and Hear Great Music

January 5, 2016 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Help families in Maplewood homes. The holiday season is a time when many people turn their attention not only to gifts and celebration but also to less fortunate members of the community. It is a sad truth that many people in Maplewood homes struggle with hunger and food insecurity. Rent Party is a local group dedicated to ending food insecurity by hosting a unique type of food drive. Local musical groups perform, and proceeds from tickets go to buy food to donate to families who live in Maplewood and the surrounding area.

The next Rent Party concert will be held Friday, January 8th at 8 p.m. Everyone from Maplewood homes who’d like to help should come to The Woodland, located at 60 Woodland Road. Three great bands will be playing: Girls on Grass, The Transplendent, and The Defending Champions. Entrance is only $5, but as they say at Rent Party, “The more you give, the better you’ll feel”.

Even if you can’t come to the concert, you can donate online at Rent Party Live. Back Pack Pals is one of Rent Party’s initiatives. School children in need are sent home with a backpack full of food, so they have enough to eat on the weekends. Just $25 will buy a month’s worth of groceries to fill a backpack. The Rent Party Garden produces 2,000 pounds of fresh produce in a year for local food pantries. Find out about volunteer opportunities on the website.

Halloween Parade Near Your Maplewood Home in the Village

October 29, 2015 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Those who call Maplewood home are invited to attend the Maplewood Village Halloween Parade. This beloved tradition is returning to the area this year. All families are sure to have a safe and great time. Come on out the day before Halloween on Friday, October 30th from 2:30 until 5:30 p.m. Families are invited to go trick-or-treating at the businesses located in Maplewood Village between Baker Street and Durand Road. The road will be closed for safety, so consider taking the train to the Maplewood Train Station. There will be no parking allowed on Maplewood Avenue and in the Ricalton Square parking lot after 1 pm, so plan accordingly if you need to be out that day.

All Maplewood real estate owners can thank the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this event, as well as the businesses located in Maplewood Village for participating this year. In addition to trick-or-treating there will also be entertainment and a costume contest for the little ones. This is expected to be a very popular event with hundreds of people planning to come out for the festivities. Maplewood home owners and all other interested families are invited to visit the Maplewood community calendar to find out more about this event.

New “Know Before You Owe” Rule Takes Effect in October

September 29, 2015 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

A new mortgage rule goes into effect in early October. The rule, called “Know Before You Owe”, is designed to protect buyers from surprises at closing. In response to the housing crisis, Congress directed the Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFBP) to come up with easier to understand forms. Under the old system, home buyers received four different forms disclosing the terms of the loan and closing costs. These contained overlapping information, complicated wording, and often resulted in confusion. Under Know Before You Owe, consumers are given only two forms: the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. All costs and fees are laid out in an easy-to-read format.

For people considering buying or selling Short Hills or Maplewood homes, this is an important change. Consumers are more educated than ever about the nature of the mortgage debt they are taking on, and, in some circumstances, they can walk away from a deal that won’t work for them. Home buyers are given three days to look over and understand the new forms, whereas the old rules required that the forms be given on the day of the signing.

Home buyers and sellers need to be aware of this three day rule, since it can affect move-in dates. If interest rates go up by more than an eighth of a percent during the three-day period, or if other fees increase, the three day period starts over and new documentation is required. People working on a tight schedule need to get to the negotiating table early, and cash buyers may have an advantage over those who need a loan. It will no longer be possible to make last-minute changes to loans.

Overall, the new rules will help a lot of consumers to understand this momentous financial decision better. Be sure to visit the CFPB webpage explaining the new forms.

Booklovers’ Favorite Maplewood Real Estate: Words Bookstore

September 17, 2015 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Bookworms reading in Maplewood homes can take a short drive to Words Bookstore for their next great read or to see a favored author speak. With a vast and diverse supply of books covering the store, Woods Bookstore is not only dedicated to providing a large variety of reading material to its customers, but is also committed to the Maplewood community as a whole as well.

The mission for this small, independent bookstore is to promote learning to those craving knowledge, with an emphasis on helping those with special needs. Unique activities geared towards special needs youth are often held at this comfortable space of Maplewood real estate, and Words Bookstore welcomes and encourages special needs adolescents with employment options. Saturday storytime is held for all little readers and their parents with staff led stories. On occasion a nationally recognized children’s author may stop in to do the storytime read.

Knowing that everyone wants to save a dollar or two, Words Bookstore offers customers living in and around Maplewood real estate discounts for book clubs and Frequent Buyer’s Club gift cards. Words Bookstore is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, so anytime is a great time to select an intriguing new book and settle into a story. Visit Words Bookstore online to see the events calendar and to learn about their partnership with Kobo e-books.

A Taste of France Near Your Maplewood NJ Home at Lorena’s

July 24, 2015 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Maplewood, New Jersey is home to some of the best eateries in New Jersey. One little gem locals frequent is Lorena’s, one of the top restaurants in the US according to OpenTable. The great choice in restaurants, bars and music venues is just one of the reasons investing in Maplewood NJ real estate is a great choice. Your Maplewood NJ home will retain its value because of places like Lorena’s – great food, low-key elegant atmosphere and local pride.

Lorena’s is overseen by Chef Humberto Campos Jr. and – according to Zagat – offers “sublime” cuisine that’s close to “perfect”. The restaurant works with local organic and sustainable farmers in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to prepare thoughtful, healthy, delicious cuisine.

A popular first course celebrating truffles is the Spring Pea Soup with Fresh Mint, Truffle Crème, Brioche and Truffle Oil. One of the most popular main courses is the Pistachio and Dijon Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb, with Sauteed Greens, Bell Peppers, Cipollini, Polenta Cake and Rosemary Scented Lamb Jus.

Maplewood NJ home owners often plan celebrations at Lorena’s – the restaurant is the pride and joy of the community and a hub for elegant parties and events. Expect to spend between $60-$70 per person. Gift cards are available in $50 increments. For reservations and directions, visit Lorena’s online. Bon appétite!

Celebrate July 4th All Day Near Millburn-Short Hills and Maplewood Homes

June 29, 2015 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Everyone from Millburn-Short Hills and Maplewood homes know how to celebrate July 4th right. Start out in Maplewood at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K race beginning and ending on Dunnell Road, and opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. Throughout the day there will be athletic challenges, art projects, baking contests and even an ice cream eating contest.

Help your kids be creative and decorate their bike, wagon or tricycle with red, white and blue decor to take part in the Kids Fourth of July Parade. Children of all ages living in Maplewood homes will be delightfully entertained by the Zerbini Family Circus.

This unforgettable celebration of Uncle Sam will conclude at 9 p.m. with breathtaking fireworks. Go to maple4th.com for a full list of the day’s festivities.

Residents of Millburn-Short Hills real estate can start the day off at 9 a.m. in Taylor Park for the Opening Ceremony. Beginning with a flag raising and salute to Old Glory, there is a red, white and blue bike parade for the kiddos and a softball game to follow.

Later on in the day, head over to Millburn High School for the afternoon events, starting at 3 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Pack a picnic or enjoy delicious selections provided by local vendors. Live bands will be playing, and there is plenty of entertainment for kids. Radio controlled planes will be on display. There is a rock wall to climb and raffles to be won.

The evening ends with a bang as vibrant Fourth of July fireworks mingle with the stars on Millburn High School field. For more information please go to mshjuly4th.com.

Monday Farmers Market for Foodies Who Live in Maplewood

June 27, 2015 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Families, foodies and farmers who live in Maplewood come together Mondays at Maplewood Farmers Market, held at the Indiana Street Municipal parking lot adjacent to Springfield Ave. from 2pm to 7pm. The Maplewood Township is celebrating its 21st season sponsoring the community market. The market opened June 8 and the last day will be October 26, if the weather is poor, or November 9, if the weather is fine.

Local producers and food vendors bring many seasonal fruits, vegetables and prepared foods every week for you to take home and try. If you live in Maplewood, you’ll want to visit at least a few times this season to pick up delicious treats like cheeses, pastries, preserves, breads and olives. Not yet a Maplewood resident but shopping for Maplewood real estate and in need of a quick meal while checking out local properties? Market vendors prepare all sorts of on-the-go food like veggie burgers, gluten-free meals, steaks, burgers and crab cakes.

This year’s vendors include Alstede Farms; Hoboken Farms, Jersey City Veggie Burgers; Paolo’s Kitchen – Gluten free Specialist; Pickles. Olives, etc. and Stony Hills Gardens. For more information about the market, contact the market manager at (957) 762-8120 X2003 or visit the Maplewood calendar of events.