Mendham Township Elementary School Principal Michael Craver Resigns

It started with rumors whispered at the Mendham Township Elementary School Halloween Parade this afternoon, and I confirmed it with Principal Craver himself after the parade. Mendham Township Elementary School Principal Michael Craver has resigned. He intends to pursue a doctoral program that will lead to greater opportunities within education in the future.

I'm disappointed to report that I did not receive the official letter from the Mendham Township Board of Education in today's mail, and there is nothing on the MTES web site, but as soon as I get a copy of it I will post it here. I'd also like to use my Roxy's Best Of... Mendham, NJ site to create a forum for discussion. When the Mendham Township School District hired our new superintendent Kristopher Harrison away from Maplewood, I was impressed with Maplewood's active online forum where parents lamented their loss and our gain with raves about their experiences with Harrison in their schools.

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Time to Update Roxy's Best of the Roxiticus Valley (Mendham, Bernardsville, Chester, and Far Hills, NJ)

Since we moved out to the Roxiticus Valley from Manhattan's West Village in October 2003, I've been looking for all sorts of local things -- restaurants, activities for kids, home improvements, etc. Five years later, I've found the answers to my questions and developed quite a bit of expertise on all things Mendham, Bernardsville, Chester, Far Hills, Morris County and Somerset County, NJ. I've written more and more about my favorite kid stuff (tennis lessons, ballet lessons, gymnastics, acting and singing classes), restaurants, food & wine (local butchers, caterers, cake ladies and wine merchants), shopping, personal services (hairdressers, tailors) and professional services (doctors, handymen, realtors). The Best of the Roxiticus Valley has blossomed into a complete web directory known as Roxy's Best Of...

Tell them all that Roxy sent you, and you just might get a special deal....


Best Places to Eat:

The Bernards Inn in Bernardsville, NJ.

Sammy's (Ye Olde Cider Mills) in Mendham, NJ.

Limestone Cafe in Peapack, NJ.

Grill 73 in Bernardsville, NJ.

Pierre's (http://www.pierresbistro.com/themenu.html) -- Morristown address, feels like Bernardsville to me. About twice a year, Rex & I get a bunch of friends together and take a table of ten at one of the Pierre's wine dinners....the summer seafood dinner is a favorite, as well as several dinners focused on a vineyard (Justin) or region (New Zealand, Argentinian Malbecs). The Roxiticus Desperate Housewives tend to get a bit rowdy and offend the more civilized clientele.

Pluckemin Inn (http://www.pluckemininn.com/cuisine.html) in Pluckemin. Note that Plucky's Tavern, their casual side, used to be a total dive bar with sawdust on the floor and real men.

Vine (http://www.vinerestaurant.net/) in Basking Ridge.


Wine:

56 Degrees (http://www.wineaccess.com/store/56degrees) in Bernardsville, NJ.

Gary's Wine & Marketplace in Bernardsville, NJ.

Stirling Fine Wine in Stirling, NJ. Stirling Fine Wines has a Red Tag Sale about four times a year. We went to Stirling's Red Tag Sale in November 2007 and on Groundhog's Day in February 2008 and stocked up.

Wine Library (http://winelibrary.com/) in Springfield, NJ.

Wine List (http://www.winelistsummit.com/wine/wineservices/wineservices.php) in Summit, NJ.


Cake Lady:
People are always asking us about our "cake lady" -- Carol Falcone, who does all of our fancy (and delicious) birthday cakes. So here's a link to her web site, As You Like It Cakes, in Far Hills, NJ: http://carolfalconespecialtycakes.com/.
Her phone number is 908-626-0693. I have now given you one of my best-kept secrets. Just remember to tell her the Roxiticus Desperate Housewives sent you.....

Yum:

Cakes, cookies, crumb cake, croissants, lots of baked treats at CocoLuxe Fine Pastries 161 Main Street in Peapack, NJ. You can reach them by phone: (908) 781-5554.

Catering:
Carl Posey of Grillmasters in Bedminster, NJ does all of our Roxiticus Sunset parties. Here's a link to his web site, which always seems to be under construction: http://www.grillmasternj.net/. In case that doesn't work, Carl Posey and Grillmasters can be reached by phone: (908) 719-3334.


Meat Market:
Go see Louie for an awesome steak or rack of lamb at the Chester Meat Market: 27 W Main Street, Chester, NJ. Phone: (908) 879-7523

Local Reading:
Bernardsville News: http://www.recordernewspapers.com/bernardsville_news/

Observer-Tribune (Mendham-Chester): http://www.recordernewspapers.com/observer-tribune/


Doctors and Dentists:
Somerset Pediatric Group in Bedminster: (908) 470-1124
Dr. David Matthews at Far Hills Dental Care: http://www.farhillsdentalcare.com/default.htm

Other Local Services:


Custom Mirrors and Glass:

Yesterday (1/28/08) I needed someone to install a custom mirror wall in our basement fitness room and I found Basking Ridge Glass & Mirror. They came the same day to do the measurements, and promise to complete the job within a week. They don't have a web site, but their phone number is (908) 766-9199. I'll report back after they finish the job.

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Reporting back after they finished the job (2/4/08): The mirrors are here, the mirrors are here! Thanks to Basking Ridge Glass & Mirror, I now have an amazing mirrored fitness/ballet room in my basement. So well done I wish I could take a picture for you....but I'm afraid I'm not smart enough to take a picture of a mirror that would come out half as nice as it looks in my basement.

Tailors:

Joseph D'Apolito & Son (includes a random little shop with ties and other men's clothes): 16 Peapack Road, Far Hills. Phone: (908) 234-0399

Monetti's Tailoring: 104 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, NJ. Phone: (908) 766-4847

Jane's Tailoring & Dressmaking: 20 Olcott Square, Bernardsville, NJ. Phone: (908) 766-5363

Handyman:
Somerset Hills Handyman: http://www.thesomersethillshandyman.com/

Plumber:

Reissman Plumbing: (908) 879-5530. They don't have a web site, but give them a call!

Our Realtor:

Ann Tannen, a great realtor with the patience of a saint, spent 2 years searching Bernardsville, NJ and Mendham, NJ and helped us to find our dream home in the Roxiticus Valley. Here's a link to Ann Tannen's Realty Executives web site: http://www.tannenrealty.com/. Before Roxiticus Desperate Housewives and our Best of Mendham, Chester, Bernardsville, NJ directories existed, Ann was our only resource for a handyman, tailor, pre-school, etc. Give Ann Tannen a call at (908) 221-9900 and tell her the Roxiticus Desperate Housewives sent you.

Movers:

So you've decided to join us here in the Roxiticus Valley (Mendham, Bernardsville, Chester, Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills, NJ). Give Padded Wagon a call at (973) 335-5055 or visit their web site (http://www.paddedwagon.com/) and have them move you here from wherever you are. Leave a comment on the Roxiticus Desperate Housewives blog and we'll try to line you up with some friends.


I hope the next few sections don't get me labelled as a "mommy blogger." Eew.

Early Childhood Education (Age 2 - 5):
In the "better late than never" category: http://www.westmontmontessori.org/. For anyone in the Mendham, NJ/Chester, NJ area looking for a terrific pre-school ("early childhood education"), we're done here but we had a great bunch of years (age 2 through 5) at Westmont Montessori. An amazing experience not just for our kids but for the adult friendships that started there and continue on.


Kid Birthday Parties:

Last Sunday, we had a birthday party at Mennen Sports Arena (http://morrisparks.net/aspparks/mennenmain.asp) in Morristown. A perfect ice skating venue for a party of 30 kids and about 10 skating adults.

Other good times we've had include Randolph Rock Climbing (http://www.randolphclimbingcenter.com/) and Randolph Gymnastics (http://www.randolphgym.com/).

Mr. Ray (http://www.mrray.com/) sings great kid music (roughly age 2 through 5) that adults can listen to without pain. He does a lot of live shows in the area, is available for private parties, and you can buy his CDs online.

Kid Stuff:
There's not a lot of kid stuff right in town in Mendham, NJ, but my older daughter just had a great time with her Brownie troop at Pastime Bowling Lanes in Mendham, NJ. It is a cute little place, with only four lanes. One of our friends has planned her daughter's birthday party there in April, so I will report back on Pastime Lanes as a kid party venue.


Fun Stuff for Kids to Do:
Little Musicmakers (http://www.littlemusicmakers.org/overview.html), from babies to about age 4.

West Morris YMCA (http://www.wmaymca.com/) -- all ages. We've used it for toddler
gymnastics, toddler swim lessons, and several summers with the Backyard Pool Program (private lessons in your own pool)

Annie's Playhouse (http://www.anniesplayhouse.com/) -- acting, singing, musical theatre stuff, including summer camp. Starts around age 5, on up to teenagers. Summer camp for all ages.

Garden State Ballet (http://www.gardenstateballet.org/) -- with a branch in Randolph, NJ, GSB starts ballet classes around age 4 and continues through high school.

Randolph Gymnastics (http://www.randolphgym.com/) -- in addition to birthday parties, Randolphy Gymnastics is the best place for weekly gymnastics classes from about age 4 up through high school.

I just signed up both of my girls for another 8-week session at Pavan's Munchkin Tennis Academy at the Fox Chase Tennis Club. Phone: (908) 879-5231. Pavan Patel is great with the kids and just introduced a new, European approach for developing high level junior tennis players (aged 10 and under) involving red, orange, and green balls that are different sizes and "speeds." Neither Pavan nor Fox Chase Tennis has a web site yet. Pavan is also running a tennis camp this summer at Fox Chase Tennis for 9 weeks starting June 23rd. It looks like kids can sign up for as many weeks as they want...we may try it in August.

Awesome family fun at the Somerset County, NJ 4-H Fair: http://somerset.rcre.rutgers.edu/4hfair/. I believe the Somerset County 4-H Fair is touted as the biggest free family fair this side of the Mississippi. It started in 1948, and I've been going since about 1971. There are still no admission or parking fees, no midway or carnival rides. Instead you'll find kids aged 6 to 18 and their horses, dogs, sheep, cows, other pets, projects and activities. The Somerset County 4-H Fair recognizes the accomplishments of 1,000 Somerset County 4-H members and is a showcase for visitors to see a wide variety of 4-H projects in action. Dates for 2008 are Wednesday, August 13th through Friday, August 15th.

Pumpkin picking at Alstede Farm in Chester, NJ: http://www.alstedefarms.com/

Best toy store: Toys With Love, in Chester, NJ: http://www.toyswithlove.com/

Chester Schools Science Fair: http://www.chestersciencefair.org/. Chester hosts one of the largest annual Science Fairs in the statewith over 500 students presenting more than 400 projects. It is open to students in grades K-8 living in Chester Boro or Chester Township, NJ. This year's science fair was held on Saturday, March 1st. Can't wait to hear about all the fun from our friends in Chester.

Charity Begins at Home:
Visiting Nurses (http://www.visitingnurse.org/) take cash donations as well as all sorts of new and used goods (clothing, computers, toys) for their rummage sale, twice a year (May/October) in Far Hills.

Morristown Memorial Hospital (http://www.morristownmemorialhospital.org/en/morristown/ways+to+help/foundations+and+donations/index.html). While we'd rather not end up in the hospital, we've always felt like we've been in good hands when we've come here. We've been involved with donations to the Goryeb Children's Hospital, the new Gagnon Heart Hospital, and the opportunity to honor nurses.

Bridge of Books (http://www.bridgeofbooksfoundation.org/main.htm): a great way to share used children's books with kids who need them the most yet have the least access to books.

Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf/fm-ndos?OpenForm&go=1&zip=07960), 95 Spring Street in Morristown. Phone is (973) 539-2700. I had some lightly used kids clothing and spent a lot of time trying to find a local charity that didn't want only brand new. The Salvation Army is happy to accept clothing in good condition to help out local families.

Somerset Medical Center: Charity begins at home (and a good time is had by all) at the Far Hills Race Meeting to benefit Somerset Medical Center: http://www.farhillsrace.org/. I've only been once (October 2007), the sun was shining, the horses were running, the beer was flowing, the kids were playing in the mud, and I'll hope the weather repeats in October 2008.

Hey, Where Did You Get That Great Nanny?

We've had two great nannies, and used two different agencies:
Choice Care (http://www.cho1cecare.com/)
A Choice Nanny (http://www.achoicenanny.com/montvale/)

For temporary child care (I used them on our nanny's maternity leave) or one-offs (evenings, weekends, a day off from school), you'll find In A Pinch at http://www.inapinchnj.com/.

I also used a national online service (http://sittercity.com/) to find a local babysitter when we traveled to Baltimore. It worked out well in Baltimore, and I've remained a member (at $9.95/month) in case I can't get one of my usual teenage babysitters on a weekend.


Things We Love That Aren't Soooo Local:

Suzie Hot Sauce (in New Hope, PA and online): http://www.suziehotsauce.com/

Station Pub & Grub in Bernardsville, New Jersey

Rex and I "diverge" when it comes to the Station Pub & Grub in Bernardsville, New Jersey. After a disappointing experience there about a year ago, Rex will not likely go back. That afternoon started with the opening of Charlotte's Web at the Clearview Bernardsville Cinema, where the seats smelled rank and moldy and the film came to an abrupt end after reversing course and playing upside down and backwards, and the evening ended with a refreshing glass of cranberry & seltzer in Rex's lap (accidental, but nonetheless chilling).

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Pavan's Tennis at Fox Chase Tennis Club Has A New Web Site!

Pavan's Tennis Academy at Fox Chase Tennis Club in Chester, NJ, just launched the Pavan's Tennis Academy Web Site to keep parents informed about their children's tennis program through out the year. Parents can also visit Pavan's site to see the latest information in the tennis world.

I just signed up both of my girls for another 8-week session at Pavan's Munchkin Tennis Academy at the Fox Chase Tennis Club. Phone: (908) 879-5231.

Pavan Patel is great with the kids and just introduced a new, European approach for developing high level junior tennis players (aged 10 and under) involving red, orange, and green balls that are different sizes and "speeds." Serve, rally, score is the slogan the ITF uses to explain how tennis can best be introduced to starter players. Pavan believes it is important that coaches make the first experience of the starter player positive. The ITF believes that getting starter players to play the game (serving, rallying and scoring) from the first lesson is vital in ensuring an enjoyable experience that they’ll want to continue.

Pavan is also running a tennis camp this summer at Fox Chase Tennis for 9 weeks starting June 23rd. It looks like kids can sign up for as many weeks as they want...we have signed up for one week of half-day Munchkins Tennis Camp in August. If you're interested in three or more weeks of tennis camp, click here to take advantage of a special offer to save up to 15% on Pavan's Tennis Academy Summer Camp if you sign up by May 30th, 2008.

The Somerset County 4-H Fair is Coming! August 13, 14, and 15, 2008

Looking for the Morris County 4-H Fair in Chubb Park, Chester, New Jersey?

Click Here!

My older daughter had a 4-H Prep Club meeting tonight, where ads were due for the 4-H Fair Directory. I actually placed an ad for my family-friendly spinoff of Roxiticus Desperate Housewives, Roxy's Best Of. More on that another time...this post is dedicated to the Somerset County, NJ 4-H Fair.

What began as a dairy show in a farm field has become one of the marquee events on the Somerset County cultural calendar and the premier free fair in New Jersey...

I have been going to the Somerset County 4-H Fair for over 35 years, since before I was even old enough to be a 4-H Prep Club member. Despite the fact that we live in Morris County, as soon as my older daughter was old enough to join last September, I started taking her over to the Prep Club meetings at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater, NJ (Somerset County, about five minutes from the house I grew up in). Somerset County 4-H is the best 4-H experience in the surrounding area. The Somerset County 4-H Fair, rather than going commercial with rides and games, focuses on the kids and their achievements. Our whole family loves to see the dogs, cows, sheep, rabbits, goats, horses and alpaca. In the chicken tent, there's always an incubator full of eggs with chicks being hatched before your eyes.

This year's Somerset County 4-H Fair promises to be bigger and better than ever, attracting tens of thousands of visitors with its wholesome mix of arts, entertainment, agriculture, animals, science, food, fellowship and just plain fun.

The 2008 Somerset County, NJ 4-H Fair runs Wednesday, August 13th through Friday, August 15th. 10am-10pm all days. Don't worry, we'll be reminding you here at Roxiticus Desperate Housewives many times in the upcoming weeks. And you can look for me in the 4-H Prep Club Cotton Candy Tent!

Mendham Township Elementary School Students Participate in St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Math-A-Thon

The children of Mendham Township Elementary School are participating in a Math-A-Thon to raise money to help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital find new treatments for cancer, sickle cell and other diseases. At St. Jude, no family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. Thanks to millions of kids who help to raise money, St. Jude's is also able to pay for transportation for patients and their families and give them a place to live while they are at St Jude. Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has treated patients from all 50 states and more than 70 foreign countries. Your participation in Math-A-Thon makes you a part of a mission to find cures and save children.

By making an online donation, you too can help St. Jude continue its life-saving work against pediatric diseases with your donation. Thanks for helping the kids at Mendham Township Elementary School reach their goal for the kids of St. Jude!

Brookside Community Club

I just renewed my annual membership with the Brookside Community Club in Brookside, NJ (part of Mendham Township, near the Mendham Township Elementary School).

The Brookside Community Club puts on a number of annual events for Mendham Township families, including:

• Mendham Juniors Easter Egg Hunt in the Community Club Field, usually scheduled for the Saturday morning before Easter;
• Annual Brookside Fourth of July Parade;
• Family Clam Bake, usually scheduled around Labor Day. This year the Brookside Family Clam Bake will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 1:00pm

The Brookside Community Club has been a gathering place for Mendham Township residents since 1923, which means that this year (2008) marks the 85th anniversary since the Community Club held Brookside's first Fourth of July Parade in 1923. The Community Club accomodates non-profit organizations and sports groups for their fundraisers and dinners. Local women and men have used the Brookside Community Club over the years to attend classes in Ballroom Dancing, Tango Dancing, Yoga and Aerobics.

There's a $35 minimum for membership. Members can reserve the Brookside Community Club for private events (birthday parties, bridal showers, weddings, etc.). Phone: (973) 543-5637.

Chester Riding Club

Today my younger daughter and I are off to a 6-year-old birthday party at Chester Riding Club in Chester, NJ. I've attended one other birthday party there, back in October with my older daughter, who has an unfortunate horse allergy....but we knew that going in and dosed her with Benadryl. The earlier party was a "girl party" (birthday girl invites the girls in her class as well as other gal pals) and I suspect this one will be as well. The girls had a blast....at least at this age, no serious riding takes place. Three or four of the girls at a time don helmets, mount mid-sized horses, and an instructor leads each one around the horse ring. Parents and the other party-goers can watch from behind the glass windows at ground level or up in the second floor party room.

Due to the horse allergies, we haven't signed up our girls for riding lessons, but Chester Riding Club offers them for all ages. Several of the other Roxiticus Desperate Housewives' children (from age 6 through high school age) do take lessons there. The moms, while warning that riding is an expensive habit, highly recommend the Chester Riding Club for its quality instruction.

According to their brochure:

Jamie Maillet, who founded the Chester Riding Club in 2005, was raised in a family with a long, established equestrian history (unlike mine). He continues the tradition by encouraging his students to reach the best of their riding abilities and aspirations. Chester Riding Club's instructors share a life-long passion for horses and are active in their students' success. The lesson program is personalized to each student's needs and accomodates a wide spectrum of skill levels from the true beginner to Grand Prix competition. Quality instruction offered for all skill levels in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines.

Chester Riding Club is a year-round equestrian facility on 30 acres in the heart of Morris County. Facilities include an outdoor arena with all-weather footing, turn-out paddocks, heated indoor ring with European-style lounge viewing area, and Grand Prix jumping field.

Chester Riding Club is located at 80 US Highway 206, Chester NJ 07930. Phone: (908) 879-0578.

Sammy's Ye Olde Cider Mill in Mendham, NJ

Every couple of months, Rex & I will be in the mood for a steak, and we'll round up some friends and/or take the girls to Sammy's in Mendham NJ. It's a funny place with no sign to announce itself, a white building on "old" Route 24 (353 Mendham Road West) in Mendham, near Westmont Montessori School.

From Sammy's web site: Established in 1933 and now run by third generation family members, Sam, Phil and MaryAnn Fornaro, Sammy's has outlived most other restaurants and the prohibition era to become a legend in these parts because it consistently serves its clientele the best.

You'll order your food as you walk in the door. The fun starts when they send you down to the bar in the basement, where the kids can play pinball and you can get a start on one of over 120 bottles of fine wine. Sammy's is where we discovered Darioush Cabernet with our friends Susan and Mike, Lynette and Tom, back when we all had kids over at Westmont Montessori and we'd all sneak off together after back-to-school night.

For about a month when they're in season in the summer, Sammy's has the most amazing, huge soft shell crabs that they serve in a lemon garlic butter sauce. The rest of the year, we'll order veal chops, steak, lobster, or a little of both. I like Sammy's surf & turf combo because they'll serve a New York strip steak with a lobster, instead of insisting that filet mignon is the only "turf" in the house. Rex and I always start with shrimp scampi Sammy's style and spaghetti with roasted garlic & oil.

If you need directions, you can reach Sammy's by phone: (973) 543-7675.

I'm getting hungry just thinking about it....why don't you call me up and invite us out to dinner at Sammy's tonight?

Starting to Think About Summer Camp

The Roxiticus Desperate Housewives are starting to think about summer camp, and I'll do my best to cover the camps my kids have tried, and the ones my friends recommend.

Mendham Township Elementary School Pathways to Learning Summer Camp:
For starters, I can highly recommend the Mendham Township Elementary School Pathways to Learning Summer Camp that (soon-to-be-former) Superintendent Christine Johnson launched last summer. Last year, my girls attended the camp's first two weeks in July and begged me to go back for the final week in August. The MTES Cub Camp was the perfect way for my rising kindergartner to get to know some of the other kids she'd be in class with in September, and to get to know her way around the elementary school ahead of time. Camp is open to all children (from rising kindergartners through eighth grade) in Mendham Township and the surrounding communities.

This year, the Pathways to Learning Camp is back at MTES, running June 24 through August 1st with expanded hours (8:30am - 2:00pm). Campers are grouped by grade levels in order to provide appropriate activities and meaningful experiences.

• Cub Camp - For students entering Kindergarten in September 2008
• Junior Tiger Camp - For students entering 1st and 2nd grades in September 2008
• Tiger Camp - For students entering 3rd and 4th grades in September 2008
• Bulldog Camp - For students entering 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades in September 2008

Campers will spend an action packed week or weeks (you can sign up for 1 week or all 6 weeks or any number in between) engaged in activities such as creative fitness & sports games, visual and performing arts, challenges & contests to build teamwork & personal leadership skills, technology, theme days, literacy and math enrichment & skills reinforcement, and hands-on science projects. Certified teachers, district administrators, and junior camp counselors will staff the camp. In addition, a certified nurse will be on-site at all times. The MTES camp sounds "educational" but my girls never felt like they were in school, they were having too much fun!

Transportation and food services are also available at an extra cost. My kids won't eat anything but mom's home-made peanut butter and honey sandwiches, but there's a round-trip (or one way) bus option that I'll probably try this year. Last year, we signed up for it but cancelled the bus trip when they wanted my kids on the bus at 8:10am for a 9:00am start, so I dread the possibility that this year's bus ride could start at 7:30 in the morning. We are not morning people!

Camp tuition is $269 per 5-day week, $218 for 4-day (holiday) weeks, or you can pay $1,490 to register for all six weeks. The MTES Pathways to Learning Summer Camp is a great value if you don't need full-day day care. At some of the "country club" camps mentioned below, you could pay $1,000 for one week of camp.


Annie's Playhouse Summer Stars:
My girls also attended the Annie's Playhouse Summer Stars camp for three weeks last summer, and we'll do that again this year. The camp runs 8 weeks, from June 16th to August 8th. Most importantly the show, where your kids sing and dance and show off what they've learned, is Friday, August 1st.

West Morris YMCA Backyard Pool Program:

No, it's not a day camp, but it's what my girls do on summer afternoons. For three summers now, my kids have had private swimming lessons in our backyard pool. The West Morris YMCA sends out a high school or college kid who's passed their lifeguarding tests and the kids learn at their own level on their own turf (or surf, as it were).

All of the Usual Suspects:

Of course, all of the usual Roxiticus Desperate Housewives "kid stuff" suspects have summer programs. Check out Randolph Gymnastics, Garden State Ballet, and Pavan's Munchkin Tennis Academy at the Fox Chase Tennis Club (no web site, phone 908-879-5231).

Word of Mouth Summer Camps, Untested by this Roxiticus Desperate Housewife:

We have friends who swear by Harbor Hills Day Camp in Randolph, NJ. Since I have an nanny (remember, I'm an investment banker, not really a housewife), I'm not really interested in putting my kids on a bus at 8 in the morning and not seeing them again until 4 or 4:30pm. However, if you're looking for a full day camp with round-trip bus service and all the "country club" extras your kids can imagine (swimming, bungee jumping, go carts, etc.), Harbor Hills may be the place for you.

Hi-Hills Day Camp at Gill St. Bernards is right down the street from us in Gladstone, NJ. Cheaper than Harbor Hills but not quite as luxurious, Hi-Hills does offer horseback riding.

Meadowbrook Country Day Camp in Long Valley, NJ is another option if you're looking for full day care, want to spend a bit less than you would at Harbor Hills, and want your kids to have a more outdoorsy camp experience (e.g., fishing instead of bungee jumping).

Strange (but Effective) System for Distributing Free Stuff in Morris County, NJ

Maybe six months back, I joined an online group called Freecycle, designed to help people give their no longer wanted stuff to other people who want it, reducing the amount of otherwise usable clothes, toys, appliances, you name it, that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Freecyclers can post items they want to give away, or items on their wish lists, then other Freecyclers receive the posts via email and respond. My only complaint is that the e-mail contact from Freecycle can be a bit overwhelming.

A Trip to Mendham Books

My older daughter asked for nothing but books for her birthday back in January, so we had several gift cards for Mendham Books. We went there on Saturday after the Mendham Juniors Easter Egg Hunt and came back with an amazing number of good books for both girls.

My kindergartner is past the three-letter-word books (like The Bob Books, which I highly recommend for pre-schoolers) and is on the verge of reading chapter books like her older sister, but not quite....so we found several easy reader chapter books that I will post here soon.

The books my girls like to read (or have read to them) are an interesting combination of old favorites from my childhood (e.g., Charlotte's Web, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing), new stories from my old favorite writers (e.g., the Amber Brown series by Paula Danziger), and new stories from new writers (e.g., Junie B. Jones).

FYI on Mendham Books....they do not appear to have their own web site, but Mendham Books is located in the Kings shopping center. Mendham Books Phone is 973-543-4949.

Garden State Ballet

Roxiticus Desperate Housewives can't say enough good things about Garden State Ballet in Randolph, NJ. My girls have danced there with Miss Katie for two years now (baby blue pre-ballet class last year, "white" beginner class this year) and plan to continue in the pink class in Fall 2008. Miss Katie also delivered a beautiful ballet lesson at my younger daughter's birthday party in our home this month.

While the Roxiticus Desperate Tomboy Mother has no idea where my girls got the ballet gene, I have developed quite a bit of experience and wisdom about ballet, for pre-schoolers on up to high-schoolers, over the past five years.

My youngest daughter started ballet at age 3.5 when we first moved out here to the Roxiticus Valley from the West Village in NYC. We went to a place called Showcase Studios in Far Hills, NJ. While my daughter enjoyed dressing up in a leotard and tutu and "making cookie dough" and "dancing like fairies," we didn't take it very seriously, it was just for fun. Good thing. Despite the pressure, we didn't sign up for the recital or the accompanying $300 costumes etc. Two weeks before the recital, Showcase Studios was evicted...no more lessons, no recital.

The next year, we "started over" at Art of Dance in Chester, NJ. This time both girls signed up for ballet class. I think all of my friends have tried Art of Dance for some period of time, but no one stays on....my girls just didn't have much fun there, and in pre-school, that's what ballet classes should be all about. Again, we thankfully skipped the recital....waaaay too much make-up and kinda trashy costumes.

In September 2006, both girls and one of their best gal pals signed up for the baby blue pre-ballet class (4 and 5 year-olds, I believe) at Garden State Ballet. When I learned that the recital was on Father's Day, I was all set to skip another year's recital...but I'm glad I didn't. At the recital, each class performed a basic routine and we snapped pictures of our little darlings. After a brief intermission, the stronger dancers returned to demonstrate almost professional skill in modern dance. While my daughters may or may not continue to dance as they get older, if they do, Garden State Ballet is the right place for a serious dancer.

Kid Stuff (Morris County)

Kid Birthday Parties:

Back in January, we had a birthday party at Mennen Sports Arena (http://morrisparks.net/aspparks/mennenmain.asp) in Morristown. A perfect ice skating venue for a party of 30 kids and about 10 skating adults.

Other good times we've had include Randolph Rock Climbing (http://www.randolphclimbingcenter.com/) and Randolph Gymnastics (http://www.randolphgym.com/).

Mr. Ray (http://www.mrray.com/) sings great kid music (roughly age 2 through 5) that adults can listen to without pain. He does a lot of live shows in the area, is available for private parties, and you can buy his CDs online.

Kid Stuff:
There's not a lot of kid stuff right in town in Mendham, NJ, but my older daughter just had a great time with her Brownie troop at Pastime Bowling Lanes in Mendham, NJ. It is a cute little place, with only four lanes. One of our friends has planned her daughter's birthday party there in April, so I will report back on Pastime Lanes as a kid party venue.





Fun Stuff for Kids to Do:
Little Musicmakers (http://www.littlemusicmakers.org/overview.html), from babies to about age 4.

West Morris YMCA (http://www.wmaymca.com/) -- all ages. We've used it for toddler
gymnastics, toddler swim lessons, and several summers with the Backyard Pool Program (private lessons in your own pool)

Annie's Playhouse (http://www.anniesplayhouse.com/) -- acting, singing, musical theatre stuff, including summer camp. Starts around age 5, on up to teenagers. Summer camp for all ages.

Garden State Ballet (http://www.gardenstateballet.org/) -- with a branch in Randolph, NJ, GSB starts ballet classes around age 4 and continues through high school.

Randolph Gymnastics (http://www.randolphgym.com/) -- in addition to birthday parties, Randolphy Gymnastics is the best place for weekly gymnastics classes from about age 4 up through high school.

Pumpkin picking at Alstede Farm in Chester, NJ: http://www.alstedefarms.com/

Best toy store: Toys With Love, in Chester, NJ: http://www.toyswithlove.com/

Sold Out!! Somerset Hills Education Foundation's Chili Cook Off Benefit in Bernardsville

The Somerset Hills Education Foundation (SHEF) is hosting its fifth annual Chili Cook Off benefit on Saturday, March 29th at 6:00pm. The event, to be held at the Carriage House at the Upton Pyne Estate in Bernardsville, NJ, is now sold out....do you think there will be any Roxiticus Desperate Scalpers?

The Somerset Hills Education Foundation’s mission is to promote and provide education opportunities through innovative programs and projects for the benefit of the students of The Somerset Hills School District (Bedwell Elementary School, Bernardsville Middle School and Bernards High School). Read more on their web site at http://www.shefnj.org/index_AboutShef.htm.

New Butcher Shop Opens in Far Hills, NJ

Since we haven't tried Perrotti's Butcher Shop and Prepared Foods in Far Hills, NJ, we cannot yet offer our Roxiticus Desperate Housekeeping Seal of Approval. However, we did want to let our readers know that there's a new butcher shop in Far Hills, NJ. M&M Perrotti's is located in the Far Hills Center, next to Country Curtains (probably in the sadly missed Romo Books location), 27 Route 202 South. Phone: (908) 306-8806.

Updated July 15, 2008, despite the fact that Google search results haven't acknowledged the latest post: please click here to read Roxy's ringing endorsement of Perrotti's Butcher Shop and Prepared Foods in Far Hills, New Jersey.

Best of the Roxiticus Valley (Mendham, Chester, Bernardsville, Far Hills, NJ)

Since we moved out here in October 2003, I've been looking for all sorts of local things -- restaurants, activities for kids, home improvements, etc. Since I've found answers to some of my questions, I've decided to post them here in case someone else may find it useful....who knows whether Roxiticus Desperate Housewives will show up when someone Googles "Mendham, NJ"??

Tell them all that Roxiticus Desperate Housewives sent you....


Best Places to Eat:

The Bernards Inn (http://www.bernardsinn.com/content/blogcategory/67/96/) in Bernardsville.

Sammy's (http://www.sammyscidermill.com/) in Mendham.

Limestone Cafe (http://www.artfuldiner.com/limestonecafe.html) in Peapack. Limestone doesn't seem to have their own web site, but the link is to a review. Phone number is 908) 234-1475.

Grill 73 (http://www.grill73.com/BISTRO_CLASSICS.htm) in Bernardsville.

Pierre's (http://www.pierresbistro.com/themenu.html) -- Morristown address, feels like Bernardsville to me. About twice a year, Rex & I get a bunch of friends together and take a table of ten at one of the Pierre's wine dinners....the summer seafood dinner is a favorite, as well as several dinners focused on a vineyard (Justin) or region (New Zealand, Argentinian Malbecs). The Roxiticus Desperate Housewives tend to get a bit rowdy and offend the more civilized clientele.

Pluckemin Inn (http://www.pluckemininn.com/cuisine.html) in Pluckemin. Note that Plucky's Tavern, their casual side, used to be a total dive bar with sawdust on the floor and real men.

Vine (http://www.vinerestaurant.net/) in Basking Ridge.



Wine:

56 Degrees (http://www.wineaccess.com/store/56degrees) in Bernardsville, NJ.

Gary's (http://www.wineaccess.com/store/garyswine) in Mendham, NJ.

Stirling Fine Wine (http://www.stirlingfinewine.com/) in Stirling, NJ. Stirling Fine Wines has a Red Tag Sale about four times a year. We went to Stirling's Red Tag Sale in November 2007 and on Groundhog's Day in February 2008 and stocked up.

Wine Library (http://winelibrary.com/) in Springfield, NJ.

Wine List (http://www.winelistsummit.com/wine/wineservices/wineservices.php) in Summit, NJ.


Cake Lady:
People are always asking us about our "cake lady" -- Carol Falcone, who does all of our fancy (and delicious) birthday cakes. So here's a link to her web site, As You Like It Cakes, in Far Hills, NJ: http://carolfalconespecialtycakes.com/.
Her phone number is 908-626-0693. I have now given you one of my best-kept secrets. Just remember to tell her the Roxiticus Desperate Housewives sent you.....

Yum:

Cakes, cookies, crumb cake, croissants, lots of baked treats at CocoLuxe Fine Pastries 161 Main Street in Peapack, NJ. They don't have a web site, but you can reach them by phone: (908) 781-5554.

Catering:
Carl Posey of Grillmasters in Bedminster, NJ does all of our Roxiticus Sunset parties. Here's a link to his web site, which always seems to be under construction: http://www.grillmasternj.net/. In case that doesn't work, Carl Posey and Grillmasters can be reached by phone: (908) 719-3334.


Meat Market:
Go see Louie for an awesome steak or rack of lamb at the Chester Meat Market: 27 W Main Street, Chester, NJ. Phone: (908) 879-7523


Local Reading:
Bernardsville News: http://www.recordernewspapers.com/bernardsville_news/

Observer-Tribune (Mendham-Chester): http://www.recordernewspapers.com/observer-tribune/


Doctors and Dentists:
Somerset Pediatric Group in Bedminster: (908) 470-1124
Dr. David Matthews at Far Hills Dental Care: http://www.farhillsdentalcare.com/default.htm

Other Local Services:


Custom Mirrors and Glass:

Yesterday (1/28/08) I needed someone to install a custom mirror wall in our basement fitness room and I found Basking Ridge Glass & Mirror. They came the same day to do the measurements, and promise to complete the job within a week. They don't have a web site, but their phone number is (908) 766-9199. I'll report back after they finish the job.

.

Reporting back after they finished the job (2/4/08): The mirrors are here, the mirrors are here! Thanks to Basking Ridge Glass & Mirror, I now have an amazing mirrored fitness/ballet room in my basement. So well done I wish I could take a picture for you....but I'm afraid I'm not smart enough to take a picture of a mirror that would come out half as nice as it looks in my basement.

Tailors:

Joseph D'Apolito & Son (includes a random little shop with ties and other men's clothes): 16 Peapack Road, Far Hills. Phone: (908) 234-0399

Monetti's Tailoring: 104 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, NJ. Phone: (908) 766-4847

Jane's Tailoring & Dressmaking: 20 Olcott Square, Bernardsville, NJ. Phone: (908) 766-5363

Handyman:
Somerset Hills Handyman: http://www.thesomersethillshandyman.com/

Plumber:

Reissman Plumbing: (908) 879-5530. They don't have a web site, but give them a call!

Our Realtor:

Ann Tannen, a great realtor with the patience of a saint, spent 2 years searching Bernardsville, NJ and Mendham, NJ and helped us to find our dream home in the Roxiticus Valley. Here's a link to Ann Tannen's Realty Executives web site: http://www.tannenrealty.com/. Before Roxiticus Desperate Housewives and our Best of Mendham, Chester, Bernardsville, NJ directories existed, Ann was our only resource for a handyman, tailor, pre-school, etc. Give Ann Tannen a call at (908) 221-9900 and tell her the Roxiticus Desperate Housewives sent you.

Movers:

So you've decided to join us here in the Roxiticus Valley (Mendham, Bernardsville, Chester, Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills, NJ). Give Padded Wagon a call at (973) 335-5055 or visit their web site (http://www.paddedwagon.com/) and have them move you here from wherever you are. Leave a comment on the Roxiticus Desperate Housewives blog and we'll try to line you up with some friends.



I hope the next few sections don't get me labelled as a "mommy blogger." Eew.

Early Childhood Education (Age 2 - 5):
In the "better late than never" category: http://www.westmontmontessori.org/. For anyone in the Mendham, NJ/Chester, NJ area looking for a terrific pre-school ("early childhood education"), we're done here but we had a great bunch of years (age 2 through 5) at Westmont Montessori. An amazing experience not just for our kids but for the adult friendships that started there and continue on.


Kid Birthday Parties:

Last Sunday, we had a birthday party at Mennen Sports Arena (http://morrisparks.net/aspparks/mennenmain.asp) in Morristown. A perfect ice skating venue for a party of 30 kids and about 10 skating adults.

Other good times we've had include Randolph Rock Climbing (http://www.randolphclimbingcenter.com/) and Randolph Gymnastics (http://www.randolphgym.com/).

Mr. Ray (http://www.mrray.com/) sings great kid music (roughly age 2 through 5) that adults can listen to without pain. He does a lot of live shows in the area, is available for private parties, and you can buy his CDs online.

Kid Stuff:
There's not a lot of kid stuff right in town in Mendham, NJ, but my older daughter just had a great time with her Brownie troop at Pastime Bowling Lanes in Mendham, NJ. It is a cute little place, with only four lanes. One of our friends has planned her daughter's birthday party there in April, so I will report back on Pastime Lanes as a kid party venue.



Fun Stuff for Kids to Do:
Little Musicmakers (http://www.littlemusicmakers.org/overview.html), from babies to about age 4.

West Morris YMCA (http://www.wmaymca.com/) -- all ages. We've used it for toddler
gymnastics, toddler swim lessons, and several summers with the Backyard Pool Program (private lessons in your own pool)

Annie's Playhouse (http://www.anniesplayhouse.com/) -- acting, singing, musical theatre stuff, including summer camp. Starts around age 5, on up to teenagers. Summer camp for all ages.

Garden State Ballet (http://www.gardenstateballet.org/) -- with a branch in Randolph, NJ, GSB starts ballet classes around age 4 and continues through high school.

Randolph Gymnastics (http://www.randolphgym.com/) -- in addition to birthday parties, Randolphy Gymnastics is the best place for weekly gymnastics classes from about age 4 up through high school.

I just signed up both of my girls for another 8-week session at Pavan's Munchkin Tennis Academy at the Fox Chase Tennis Club. Phone: (908) 879-5231. Pavan Patel is great with the kids and just introduced a new, European approach for developing high level junior tennis players (aged 10 and under) involving red, orange, and green balls that are different sizes and "speeds." Neither Pavan nor Fox Chase Tennis has a web site yet. Pavan is also running a tennis camp this summer at Fox Chase Tennis for 9 weeks starting June 23rd. It looks like kids can sign up for as many weeks as they want...we may try it in August.

Awesome family fun at the Somerset County, NJ 4-H Fair: http://somerset.rcre.rutgers.edu/4hfair/. I believe the Somerset County 4-H Fair is touted as the biggest free family fair this side of the Mississippi. It started in 1948, and I've been going since about 1971. There are still no admission or parking fees, no midway or carnival rides. Instead you'll find kids aged 6 to 18 and their horses, dogs, sheep, cows, other pets, projects and activities. The Somerset County 4-H Fair recognizes the accomplishments of 1,000 Somerset County 4-H members and is a showcase for visitors to see a wide variety of 4-H projects in action. Dates for 2008 are Wednesday, August 13th through Friday, August 15th.

Pumpkin picking at Alstede Farm in Chester, NJ: http://www.alstedefarms.com/

Best toy store: Toys With Love, in Chester, NJ: http://www.toyswithlove.com/

Chester Schools Science Fair: http://www.chestersciencefair.org/. Chester hosts one of the largest annual Science Fairs in the statewith over 500 students presenting more than 400 projects. It is open to students in grades K-8 living in Chester Boro or Chester Township, NJ. This year's science fair was held on Saturday, March 1st. Can't wait to hear about all the fun from our friends in Chester.

Charity Begins at Home:
Visiting Nurses (http://www.visitingnurse.org/) take cash donations as well as all sorts of new and used goods (clothing, computers, toys) for their rummage sale, twice a year (May/October) in Far Hills.

Morristown Memorial Hospital (http://www.morristownmemorialhospital.org/en/morristown/ways+to+help/foundations+and+donations/index.html). While we'd rather not end up in the hospital, we've always felt like we've been in good hands when we've come here. We've been involved with donations to the Goryeb Children's Hospital, the new Gagnon Heart Hospital, and the opportunity to honor nurses.

Bridge of Books (http://www.bridgeofbooksfoundation.org/main.htm): a great way to share used children's books with kids who need them the most yet have the least access to books.

Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf/fm-ndos?OpenForm&go=1&zip=07960), 95 Spring Street in Morristown. Phone is (973) 539-2700. I had some lightly used kids clothing and spent a lot of time trying to find a local charity that didn't want only brand new. The Salvation Army is happy to accept clothing in good condition to help out local families.

Somerset Medical Center: Charity begins at home (and a good time is had by all) at the Far Hills Race Meeting to benefit Somerset Medical Center: http://www.farhillsrace.org/. I've only been once (October 2007), the sun was shining, the horses were running, the beer was flowing, the kids were playing in the mud, and I'll hope the weather repeats in October 2008.

Hey, Where Did You Get That Great Nanny?

We've had two great nannies, and used two different agencies:
Choice Care (http://www.cho1cecare.com/)
A Choice Nanny (http://www.achoicenanny.com/montvale/)

For temporary child care (I used them on our nanny's maternity leave) or one-offs (evenings, weekends, a day off from school), you'll find In A Pinch at http://www.inapinchnj.com/.

I also used a national online service (http://sittercity.com/) to find a local babysitter when we traveled to Baltimore. It worked out well in Baltimore, and I've remained a member (at $9.95/month) in case I can't get one of my usual teenage babysitters on a weekend.


Things We Love That Aren't Soooo Local:

Suzie Hot Sauce (in New Hope, PA and online): http://www.suziehotsauce.com/