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Mendham Matters
Monthly Events & News


December 2020

Please send your feedback, suggestions, or submit an item for the next issue. 

Find previous issues online.

Township Announcements

Township News Page - There are updates posted on the Mendham Township News & Announcements page. Please take a look for news there on a regular basis.

Holiday Tree & Menorah Celebration - On Saturday, Dec. 12, celebrate the holiday season at town hall! Enjoy songs, hot chocolate and festivities at the town's Christmas tree and menorah. Santa will be there for a socially distanced, and, masked photo opportunity! You must sign up on Community Pass in advance for a photo with the big guy. 
 
Starting on Friday, Dec. 4, drop off an ornament outside of town hall to leave your mark on our Christmas tree.

Volunteers Wanted! - Are you interested in serving on a township sub-committee or board? Then, please submit a resume and cover letter to the Township Clerk via e-mail mtclerk@mendhamtownship.org no later than Friday, December 4. Read more about volunteer opportunities.

Local Government Meetings
NOTE: Town Hall will be closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Happy Holidays!
Police & Safety Updates
Light it Up! - The Police Department is excited to announce its 1st Annual Mendham Township Holiday Lights & Spirit competition!  Judging will solely consist of PBA members driving throughout town to find their favorite displays. The only submissions that will be taken online are in the Kids 12 & Under Category.

The categories are:
  • Best overall house/lawn holiday decorations
  • Most creative house/lawn holiday decorations
  • Kids 12 & Under who spread the most holiday cheer! (Ex: Helping decorate, baking holiday treats, building a gingerbread house. Be creative! E-mail submissions to cgibson@mendhamtownship.org.
Judging begins on Dec. 7 by Mendham Township PBA Local 402 and ends Dec 21. Winners will be announced on Dec. 22! 

Scam Warning - We are seeing an uptick in fraud and scams, especially those targeting the elderly. Remember never to give out your personal information or pay for anything, until you have confirmed it is a legitimate offer. If you wish to report a possible scam, contact the Detective Bureau at 973-543-2584. 

9 PM Routine Reminder - Don't forget to practice your 9 PM routine. Ensure that keys and valuables are removed from vehicles. Lock up vehicles and residences, including garages, and report all suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.

Vacant Home Checks - Gov. Murphy has asked residents not to travel this holiday season, unless absolutely necessary. However, if you are going away, you may register your home for a vacant home check with the police department. Call the non-emergency number: 973-543-2581.
Environmental Commission

Save Your Styrofoam - The Mendham Borough and MendhamTownship Environmental Commissions are partnering to offer residents the chance to recycle Styrofoam on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Mendham Borough Public Works, 37 Ironia Road. 

The following items will be accepted:

  • Foam sheets
  • Foam coolers
  • Foam packaging

These items will not: 

  • White foam cups
  • Colored foam trays
  • Food service trays
  • Foam egg cartons
  • Packaging peanuts
Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force
Community Workshop - Join the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., to hear a young adult candidly discuss his mental health struggles and how he turned his life around.

This special Webinar entitled "Just Talk About It" is co-sponsored by Minding Your Mind, a mental health, educational nonprofit. The program is aimed at helping parents look beyond stigma and notice warning signs of stress, anxiety, depression and crisis and learn how to support loved ones in need. This information is especially important during this year's challenging holiday season.
Minding Your Mind speakers, Guy Iacono, New Jersey and New York Director, and Scott Prendergast, Outreach Coordinator, will take questions following their presentation.  

Register today to receive the Zoom link. 

Or, RSVP to mendhamstigmafree@gmail.com to sign up. The event is especially geared for parents, but anyone can learn from this program.

The mission of the
Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force is to foster a judgment-free environment around mental health issues and substance abuse and to create inclusion for people with special needs, disabilities and any other perceived “difference” that can make them feel marginalized, sidelined and not accepted.

Follow the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force on
Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about Minding Your Mind.
 
Outdoor Activities

Ski Club - The Recreation Department is excited to offer the annual Ski/Snowboard program for this coming winter! Our Ski Club is open to children in grades 6-12. Outings will take place over six Sundays at Camelback Ski Resort in Tannersville, Penn. Get details about COVID-19 protocols; costs and how to register.
 

Tinkergarten - Tinkergarten continues to offer online circle time for children 2-8 years old. The next session with a local leader begins in January with a theme of "Problem Solving." Each 30-minute session is conducted over Zoom. Tinkergarten leaders engage with each child to capture their attention (even over the computer!). The small group classes spark curiosity and inspire nature play. Tinkergarten provides follow-up activities and insights for parents as well. All are welcome - from caregivers/parents home with toddlers to homeschoolers! Register with Mendham's local leader (and see other options nationwide).
Critter Cove Story Time - Youngsters ages 3-5 with an adult, are invited to join a naturalist for outdoor story time and songs at Schiff Nature Preserve. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 10:30 a.m., meet at the Nature Center and then head up to Critter Cove to celebrate nature. This program is an all-weather event and held entirely outside; with the exception of thunderstorm or extreme wind warnings. The member fee is $5 per person; non-members pay $8 per person. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Register at least 24 hours in advance.

Deer Santa - Celebrating the "Nature" of Christmas - Share the joy of nature and enchantment of the animal world at Schiff Nature Preserve on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.! Children will discover the differences between reindeer and the local white-tailed deer; explore "Christmas" trees (evergreen trees) growing right here in the forests of Schiff; and learn about animals of the North Pole and what our wild neighbors are up to during this wintery holiday! Activities include animal games of the North Pole, going on an "evergreen" scavenger hunt to gather branches and pinecones that will be used to create a woodland scented "kindling kit" for the fireplace/fire pit and making "reindeer food" to sprinkle on the lawn Christmas Eve! This is a drop-off program for children ages 5-10. Social distancing and face coverings are required for use when distancing is not possible. This program is an all-weather event so dress accordingly. Member fee is $10 per child. Non-member fee is $15 per child. Register today!


Winter Solstice Weekend - Schiff Nature Preserve is planning to celebrate the longest night of the year with two special programs. On Sunday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m., hike to the highest point at Schiff as the sun sets; hear tales of solstice traditions from around the world; make 'smores by a fire, bringing light into this darkest of days. Advance registration is required. The member fee is $5 per person. A member family/group of four pays $18. Non-member fee is $8 per person. A non-member family/group pays $30. Register now to reserve your spot.
Schiff's Winter Solstice Celebration For Kids - On Monday, Dec. 21, at 9 a.m., drop your child off for a fun outdoor exploration of the woods and fields, as they learn about the Winter Solstice through activities and games. This program is for children ages 6-12. The member fee is $15 per child; non-members pay $20. Register today before the program is filled.
Library News

Activities for Adults:

The Summer of Love… or Not - The year 1967 was a tale of two worlds: hippies and violence; peace and war. Join journalist Even Weiner as he discusses the summer of 1967. Register at mendhamtwplib.org to receive the Zoom link.

Activities for Teens:

YALC Holiday Party - Pick up a gingerbread and hot chocolate kit from the library, then meet on Zoom on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., to hang out and wrap up the year! Pick up begins on Dec. 7. This program is for young people in grades 6-12. Send an e-mail to Kristina.Rivero@mendhamtwplib.org to attend.

Activities for Children:

Gingerbread Houses - Grab and go starting Dec. 7. Pick up a gingerbread house kit to make your own gingerbread house at home. All supplies are included in the kit!

Flavorful Festive Fun - On Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m., make fun, edible treats to give to a friend. Register at mendhamtwplib.org, then pick up the supplies at the library, and join the Zoom call to make the snacks!

Story Time - Live on Zoom with Miss Rachel on December 2, 8, 16 and 22 at 10:30 a.m. Register at mendhamtwplib.org to receive the Zoom link. Join the library on Fridays on Instagram and Facebook for another shortened story time.

Support Small Business!
Mendham Tea Towel - Show your Mendham love with this 100 percent cotton twill tea towel exclusively from Harmony Brookside. It comes in two colors: Brook Blue and Trail Green.

This lovely addition to any kitchen is available for
online ordering and at the shop, located next to the Brookside Post Office. Harmony Brookside is our community's only store, offering "beautiful gifts, fun stuff and home elements, where you can always find something lovely for a present." 
Mendham TV

Mendham TV is featuring a special series about re-opening after the pandemic. View the latest installment. 

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Mendham Township · PO Box 520 · 2 West Main Street · Brookside, NJ 07926-0520 · USA

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