Activities Make Living in Millburn-Short Hills NJ Worthwhile For All Ages

February 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Papermill Playhouse living in Millburn Shirts Hill NJ is great Activities Make Living in Millburn Short Hills NJ Worthwhile For All AgesLiving in Millburn-Short Hills NJ provides so many opportunities for individual and family entertainment!
Take for instance this line up of exciting theatrical performances playing at the Paper Mill Playhouse geared just for children between the ages of three and ten years of age.

In March, kids can come watch a favorite story, Click Clack Moo, come to life on stage.  In April both Happily Ever After:  A Cinderella Tale and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day will premiere.  A special “sensory friendly” presentation of the musical, Let Freedom Ring will also be happening on March 20th at 10 a.m. Opportunities to see these great shows so close to your Millburn-Short Hills NJ home are worth taking!

Adults have shows to pursue, too, with Ken Ludwig’s comedy, Lend Me a Tenor, playing through March 10th. Catch a glimpse of it below – it’s getting rave reviews so far! The laughter continues with A Night of Comedy featuring David Brenner with musical guest Tommy M on March 18th presented by Richard Nader Entertainment. The Millburn Playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive and they can be reached by calling 973.376.4343. You can also click here to see their full line up of shows for all ages.

Living in Millburn Short-Hills NJ? See What’s Playing Below:

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Chinese Food and Millburn-Short Hills NJ homes

February 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Millburn Short Hills NJ home favorites Chinese Food and Millburn Short Hills NJ homesDoes the advent of the Lunar New Year have you craving Chinese food? If so, it may be time to take a trip away from Millburn-Short Hills NJ homes to test out China Gourmet in West Orange. Whether you crave egg rolls and dim sum or Chinese pork dumplings, you’ll find a friendly, willing to please attitude from the staff at this traditional and authentic Chinese restaurant. The Lunar New Year officially starts on Saturday, February 16th, but I’m sure they would welcome you anytime between now and then!

Located at 468 Eagle Rock Ave in West Orange, this would also be a great place to visit when searching for homes in West Orange NJ. Open hours are Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The restaurant is also open Sundays between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., and you can order online for pickup or delivery, which is a huge benefit is you live in or a planning to buy a home in West Orange NJ. View their menu online here and prepare to start your Lunar Year off with a traditional and tasty start!

Looking for a parade as part of your celebration? Manhattan, Queens & Newark all have pretty amazing festivals planned for the celebration. You can also create your own Lunar New Year Lanterns with some tissue paper and a balloon or check Pinterest for other fun ideas on how to light up the sky near Millburn-Short Hills NJ homes.

 

 

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To Stay or To Go – Sandy’s Effect on New Jersey Homes, People and Pets

November 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Pets displaced from New Jersey homes too To Stay or To Go Sandys Effect on New Jersey Homes, People and PetsHurricane Sandy has left many of us who live in Midtown Direct towns in New Jersey in a difficult situation. With cold weather and another nor’easter on the way, the ability to stay warm in our New Jersey homes is a critical issue. Blankets and jackets can only do so much. And while some New Jersey homes have power, many do not. For those without power, like me in my Chatham NJ home, the options are limited. We can burn wood or fuel, but those items exhaust themselves quickly. Possibly restaurants and movie theaters have heat, but those cost money and have limited hours, so are not a complete solution, either.
After a little over a week of coping without electricity and other amenities, I’ve decided to take a friend’s offer and get out of town for a little while. Others are doing the same on a day-trip basis and three charter buses are transporting residents tomorrow, leaving the Madison Municipal Lot #3 at 7 a.m., for a trip into NYC for a round-trip charge of $20. Find out more at the Chatham website here.
Pets are not allowed on the bus for obvious reasons, which brings up another point. Now, I realize my next topic may not be the most important issue when it comes to priorities but for pet people who have been made homeless, our pets have become a big issue! We’re between a rock and a hard place. We board them if we’re lucky enough to be able to afford the incredible prices of boarding at $100 dollars a day or we stay in our freezing homes and pray for power! The truth is, none of our friends (as much as they love us) are going to take us in with our beloved pets.
When leaving,  I had to find lodging for Bailey so I could spend a few days away because quite honestly I just am not sure I’m up for another storm quite yet. Luckily Morristown Inn in Morristown NJ had space available.  We are expecting this next storm on Wednesday and with the ground as wet as it is and the trees being as precarious as they are, it could be more troublesome than a typical nor’easter. People need to be prepared once again, physically and emotionally. We’ll all be praying for each other. If you have online access, click here for important numbers and information on how to get help.

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A Hard Day and A Good Day at My Chatham NJ Home

October 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Today was a good day.

A day to witness miracles and a testament to the strength of our communities.

Leaving my Chatham NJ home to visit and see family and friends alive and well and standing next to their Millburn/Short Hills homes (many of which were still standing) was amazing. Visiting the Millburn Deli brought a tear to my eye as I watched them remove the boards from windows, a sign that things were going to be okay. Many of you can remember when that wasn’t the case.

Preparing for disaster in Millburn A Hard Day and A Good Day at My Chatham NJ Home

Yes, there was devastation in our community yesterday.

Yes, it will take time (many months, likely) to recover and rebuild.

Yes, it was a hard day.

But, it was still good.

And I will sleep well tonight knowing that my friends, family, pets and loved ones and their homes in Summit, Millburn/Short Hills, and Chatham are still here. We will continue to draw strength from one another and make each day good until one day everything will be great in our small communities again.

Tree falls on Chatham home copy A Hard Day and A Good Day at My Chatham NJ Home

You see, we as a community are resilient. Our towns have weathered major storms, like Hurricane Irene and last years ice storm on Halloween and now Hurricane Sandy, and have bounced back. In fact, we are already bouncing – Halloween has been re-scheduled to Monday in many of our towns so that we can embrace our neighborly spirit despite the tragedy that has occurred. I am excited to have a chance to have trick or treaters visit my Chatham NJ home this week and recount the blessings of having children who are able to dress up and walk through our community.

Please join me in embracing the challenges that lie ahead – the challenges that will try our patience and resolve and may at times seem insurmountable.

Tree crushes NJ home A Hard Day and A Good Day at My Chatham NJ Home
Together as a community, whether you live in Summit NJ or have a home in Millburn/Short Hills, Chatham, or another of the affected areas, we need be strong, patient and move forward.  We have no choice.

Millburn, Summit & Chatham NJ Home Resources & Emergency Numbers

Listed below are some emergency resources that may be of help as you seek to rebuild and repair whatever challenges you may face individually and as a family. If I can be of service to you, please give me a call.

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Using “Comps” to Sell Your Short Hills NJ Home

September 26, 2012 by 1 Comment

It seems that lately, even when DSC 0069 300x204 Using Comps to Sell Your Short Hills NJ Homeyou live in Short Hills NJ, life is constantly on the move. Technology is continuously evolving and when it comes to technology in real estate, there have definitely been improvements! It is now easier than ever to search for a Short Hills NJ home. It is also easier to know how to price a home (or think you do, anyway).

In days gone by, when a person decided to sell their home, they made a critical call – to their local real estate agent – to discuss something called “comps.” “Comps” stand for “comparables” and are still valued today. Knowing what a home down the street sold for or how long the home was on the market prior to the sale were essential elements to setting up a marketing and listing plan for every Short Hills NJ home for sale.

In reality, “comps” are a comparative (and competitive) market analysis which relies in part on the expertise of your agent in tracking and compiling data. You’ll find Short Hills NJ market reports on my website (and for all my towns) that can help you to piece together this information. However, if you call me, I can give you detailed information about your home and those in surrounding boroughs, too. Personally I think that would be quicker and easier for you.

Anyway, it seems that with technology, that personal touch that I prefer to offer is being lost. Clients are turning to “zestimates” or “eppraisals” to make up for the knowledge that used to be generated by local, expert real estate professionals. While that might be a quick answer, and great for when you wake up in the middle of the night, I hope you realize that those numbers are not 100% accurate and can lead to you listing your home in Short Hills NJ for much less of a sales price. Working with a local, seasoned, out-for-your-best interests real estate agent is what you need to sell your home and to discover true, up-to-date “comps.” Knowledge of the current local market market is essential when considering sale price, size and square footage, age and value of a property and it doesn’t always boil down to a numeric formula created by averages.

As a Short Hills NJ real estate agent, there are several things I take care to notice when establishing true “comps” for you. I consider what other properties have sold in the last month. I consider what other properties have sold in the last three months. I evaluate what is occurring in the pending sales market and if open houses are being well attended. I determine whether square footage amounts, home styles and age, and locations are comparable. I ask myself how will the buyer view the home and how can we entice them. I also personally evaluate comparable homes to see why they warranted the sales price to determine if we can do more.

Yes, it takes longer and yes, it requires some footwork on my part. But, I guarantee you will see  a difference in sales price by using the correct “comps” and seek me out when you want to sell your next Short Hills NJ home.

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Fair Helps “Green Up” Your Chatham NJ Home

September 18, 2012 by 1 Comment

Green Fair Coming to Your Chatham Home Fair Helps Green Up Your Chatham NJ HomeWhether you are already living a “green” lifestyle or want to learn more about ways you can be more eco-friendly, you’ll find a number of tips, tricks, and resources at The Green Fair of the Chathams this weekend!  On Saturday, September 22nd, you’ll find plenty to do, see, and learn for greening up your Chatham NJ home from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reasoner Park, on Fairmount Avenue, and Railroad Plaza North.

Themed, “What You Can Do to Live a Greener Lifestyle,” the fair is set up as as how-to event to help all residents who live in Chatham NJ gain information.  If you feel your life is “too busy” to be green, this is definitely the place to go this weekend.  Fair organizers suggest walking or biking to the event, unless you live far enough away to take the train.

Several interesting events can help you to clear the clutter in your Chatham NJ home, when you attend the fair.  A community shredding/recycling project will be held and confidential documents can be micro-shredded anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Railroad Plaza North.  Also, if you have a need to donate items from your home in Chatham NJ, you’ll find them put to good use at the Fair, as well.  Residents can donate “gently used” furniture and building materials to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, at Railroad Plaza North, and used bicycles are welcome, too.  Used books can also be swapped at the event or donated to the Chatham Library, giving you more opportunities to build your community in your green efforts.

Even children enjoy the green experience found in the hour-long show provided by Rizzo’s Reptiles, at 11:30 a.m. However this event is open to any age and enjoyment will be had by all as a local community band plays, food booths are attended, and free filtered water (if you bring a water bottle) and yoga classes are by Powerflow Yoga (in the morning 9:30 a.m.).  Vendors and the nearby Farmers’ Market will have plenty to offer attendees, too.  This “green” day is sure to be great and will have you feeling better about you and your efforts toward helping the environment and will continue rain or shine.  Plan to attend!  You can also find out more about living a “green” lifestyle by visiting the Chatham Township Envitonmental Commission online.

 

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Chatham NJ Home Owners Encouraged to Recycle

August 24, 2012 by 1 Comment

Chatham NJ home owners recycle Chatham NJ Home Owners Encouraged to RecycleThe Chatham Borough is encouraging (or rather pleading) with residents who live in Chatham NJ to join in their newly launched recycling efforts. In a recycling challenge issued by SC Johnson Green Choices on July 1st, communities were asked to have residents register and check in weekly on their recycling habits. Chatham NJ home owners have from now until December 31st to gauge their progress and provide a change for Chatham to win a $100,000 community sustainability grant.  Help Chatham NJ win!

Register Your Chatham NJ Home Efforts

Click here to register and get started. Now is a fantastic time to start new habits as school is just beginning and schedules are being adjusted. In the coming weeks you are likely to see an increase in the amount of paper that you can recycle, too, as Chatham NJ teachers send reminders home with your students. That alone may give you cause to get a jump on recycling! You can also find even more ideas on recycling after registering on the Recyclebank website. Chatham NJ officials will be notified on January 15, 2013 if our recycling efforts place us as a Potential Community Winner and the official determination will be announced on March 1, 2013.

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New Providence NJ Home to Innovation

August 24, 2012 by 1 Comment

New Providence NJ Home to InnovationAs heads turn to New Providence NJ schools with their recent amazing performance assessments, residents who live in New Providence NJ will also notice some physical changes to local schools. Over the past year, the New Providence school district installed two new solar power systems to help reduce costs to taxpayers AND reduce environmental impact. Take a tour of the neighborhood near your New Providence NJ home and you’ll see the improvements at Allen W. Roberts Elementary and at the high school. Together it’s anticipated that the school district will see a reduction of at least $30,000 each year!

Tioga Energy and the school district worked to develop a 15-year power purchase agreement so that bonds and additional community taxes were not needed to make these school improvements. Tioga, who owns and maintains the solar systems will now be able to provide lower cost solar electricity to the school district, accounting for the reduction mentioned above. Read more about developments from the New Providence School District by visiting their website or calling 908.464.9050.

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Jazz Live in West Orange NJ

August 15, 2012 by 1 Comment

Jazz Live in West Orange NJA nice dinner date can go a long way when you live in West Orange NJ. But, when you throw in some jazz, specialty drinks, candlelight, and a lovely scenic view, you create an evening that is unforgettable.

Highlawn Pavilion, located super close to your West Orange NJ home, is very conscious of this little known fact. And, is the reason why the exquisite four star restaurant (so dubbed by by The Star-Ledger and named “Excellent” by The New York Times) has extended it’s special “Jazz Menu” nights. Already a favorite of those who live in West Orange NJ and named as “Best Romantic Restaurant” in Montclair Magazine, it’s hard to go wrong at Highlawn.

You and the one you love can enjoy some high end entertainment, along with a deluxe $29 Prix-fixe meal, featuring your choice of appetizers, entrees, and desserts! You can enjoy your evening on the Patio or in the Bar, but the Jazz performance takes place in the Piano Room. From 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, you’ll be treated to live jazz performances, locally grown rich cuisine, and a night on the town at Highlawns Pavilion.

To see the full summer jazz schedule, please visit Highlawn Pavilion online and make a reservation, so you don’t miss out on the opportunity for a lovely evening away from your West Orange NJ home.

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Your Chatham NJ Home : “Must Love Dogs!”

July 26, 2012 by 1 Comment

IMG 1822 225x300 Your Chatham NJ Home : “Must Love Dogs!” Remember the first time you fell in love? Remember how you wanted the world to know? Maybe you even considered climbing on top of the rooftop of your Chatham NJ home to share your good fortune?

Well, I have to tell you, I have had that experience. Only my shout is about a local business owner, not my first love. My shout goes out to all dog owners living in the New Jersey area. If you are a “Must Love Dogs!” kind of person like me, then there is someone you NEED to know about.

As most of you know, I am a dog lover, having owned Golden Retrievers for most of my life. Even now I have a 16 month old yellow lab as my side-kick. However, a few years ago I had a different pup named Zoe. Zoe was adorable and a true joy. At a young age, she became ill at a time I was unable to give her the attention she needed. I sought help and I was given the name of “Karen Byrnes.”

I’d heard of Karen, actually seen her walking dogs near my Chatham NJ home, and everybody seemed to love her. When we met to discuss Zoe’s needs, we immediately clicked, and I knew that Zoe would be well loved while I was away and nurtured by Karen’s kids. She took my Zoe into her home, gave her tons of love and attention, and cooked her special meals when she had lost her appetite. Zoe died a week later, from what we think was Lymphoma. I will never forget what Karen did for Zoe and that is why I am sharing this post with you.

Many of you work during the day, or take “day” trips or field trips with your kids and families. When you go away for vacation, you have to decide what to do with your dog, often enough. You may be lucky to have family close by your Chatham NJ home to care for your pups, but I have the next best thing and another solution for you to consider…Karen.

Karen will meet with you to decide your dog’s specific needs. She will suggest what she think is best for your dog, while you are away. Karen takes the time to personalize each puppy plan, whether it be four (4) walks a day from your home, a live-in situation, or a boarding situation. You work together with Karen to decide what will be best for you and your dog. She also cares for cats, but that’s a different story. icon smile Your Chatham NJ Home : “Must Love Dogs!”

Karen is a local, having grown up in Summit NJ, and was raised with Boxers, and Tibetan Terriers. Her mother, Anke Cornell, worked for Dr. Badgely at Badgley Animal Hospital for 16 years, so Karen always had dog walking jobs throughout high school and in college. In 2005, Karen got a Portuguese Water Dog (Chloe) and decided to start her own business. She and her fiance and five children now live in New Providence, NJ. Karen is fully insured and bonded to protect your animals and your home, during her care. She has a team that work with her which are all close friends and major dog lovers. You will be delighted by the services they provide. Karen services over 100 clients in Summit, Chatham, Millburn, Short Hills and the surrounding towns. Please feel free to reach out to Karen with any questions or for any pet needs (908-875-7564). You’ll be glad you did.

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