Guide Me Home to Chatham, NJ

Even though we’ve had the hottest summer in recent memory, I still love the summer time. I love the way the shade trees line the streets. I love the sound of kids at the pool. It seems like endless enjoyment can be had just jumping into the pool, swimming, and playing Marco Polo for hours.

I love the smell and freshness of a summer day, garden’s in full bloom, fresh cut grass, butterfly bushes covered with swallowtails, and darting hummingbirds. Our area towns; Madison, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Summit, Harding Township and Bernardsville are all well situated for a quick getaway or vacation.  There are many pools, parks and golf clubs in these areas to enjoy as well.

In other parts of our area, the Jersey shore beckons to the south, or the great city of Philadelphia, home of the Phillies. North in the Bronx, you will find the Yankees, the famous Bronx Zoo, the Catskill Mountains and destinations in New England. The east will take you to New York City, Long Island beaches and the Mets. West on Route 80 offers great rafting and wonderful Pocono Mountain destinations.
 

Barbecue’s, baseball, ice cream and movies also remind me of summer. A little closer to home is the Somerset Patriots minor league baseball stadium.

There is no greater summer pleasure than relaxing in a special spot to read a book. While most students have summer reading lists, a host of titles may be found at your local library. Why not ‘check out’ the Madison, Harding, Summit and Chatham libraries.

Posted by:  Lois Olmstead

Chatham, New Jersey has its very own theatre, where live productions of Broadway plays (and original works) are performed each season by the Chatham Community Players.

Many local residents participate in the productions. The Players began in 1922 at the Parish House of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chatham. Their first production was “the Finger of God,” followed by the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet.” In 1930, the Players moved to the Lum Avenue School. Props and scenery were stored in a barn on Fairmount Avenue, until it burned down in 1948.

In the early 1960’s, the Players moved again to Chatham High School, and stored props and scenery at the Chatham Women’s Club on the corner of Washington Avenue and Main Street. Finally, in 1967, they purchased the American Legion Hall on North Passaic Avenue, where they are located today. They completely renovated the space, and opened their doors for great community theater!

The original mission of the Chatham Community Players was to “produce high quality theater for a diverse audience, while elevating the standard of excellence, and providing a creative outlet with educational opportunities and outreach programs.” Today, the Players consist of five different groups: The Chatham Players Mainstage, Fantasy Theater, Jersey Voices, Outreach, and the Joint Theater (Intern) Program.

Funding for the Chatham Community Players has been made possible in part by funds from the Arts Council of Morris Area through the New Jersey Council on the Arts.

Posted by:  Cynthia Edgar

The Madison Farmers Market is now open on Waverly Place every Thursday from 2:30-7pm. Stop by and check out the fresh local produce, plus they have added a few surprises this year!

The schedule for farmer’s markets in other towns may be found by clicking here.

A rare treat in Madison is the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. This summer they are running several interesting shows. Click on the link above for more details about the entire season. I did want to highlight the outdoor presentation which is running from June 23 to August 1. This years’ play is Moliere’s: The Servant of Two Masters. The show is performed at the Greek amphitheatre on the College of Saint Elizabeth campus in Morris Township right next door to downtown Madison. Last year, we saw people picnicking before the show, playing Frisbee and just enjoying the night while waiting for the show to start. Some people brought pizza, while others went upscale with chairs, blankets and more elaborate food choices. It pays to get there early to claim a spot on one of the rows surrounding the stage as it is first-come first-served. The atmosphere was friendly with some late arrivals bringing food to their seats. If you keep the weather in mind, bring a blanket to sit on and food/drink, you may be pleasantly surprised by a live performance under the stars. We look forward to going again this year.

Until next time,

Posted by:  Lois Olmstead