A Guide to Morris County Real Estate & More
Jackie Scura’s
Summer 2014
homes Jackie’s Summer
Market Report Grow it Green Organic Garden Tips
Jackie’s
Spring Cleaning
Survival Guide
Plus Hot
Listings in Your Town!
Summer Fun Staycation Guide! Jackie Pictured at 2 Woodside Dr. in Montville. See More of this Property on the Inside Cover!
Spotlight Property
$1,250,000 Montville Stunning 4 Bedroom, 3.1 Bath luxury home
with deep crown moldings, designer colors, hardwood floors & 88 total windows for amazing light throughout. Large inviting porch leads to 2 story Foyer featuring wainscoting, chandelier w/lift, wrought iron balusters on stair. Formal Living & Dining Rooms for gracious entertaining. Family Room w/cathedral ceiling, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, sliders to deck & patio. Gourmet Eat-In Kitchen offering Dacor cooktop & double oven, granite, center island w/breakfast bar, pantry. 1,100 bottle climatecontrolled Wine Room. 40’x25’ Great Room with custom crown & picture rail moldings. 1st Floor Office, Half Bath, Full Bath & Laundry. Master Bedroom Suite with soaring ceiling, Sitting Area/Loft, MBath w/Jacuzzi, dual granite vanities, glass stall shower. 2nd Bedroom with WIC, cathedral ceiling. Hall Bath with double vanity. Exterior features include cedar clapboard, large cedar deck, professional landscaping & lighting. 9 Zone UG sprinklers. 1.99 Acres.
• 4 Bedrooms • 3.1 Baths
• 1,100 Bottle ClimateControlled Wine Room
• 3 Car Attached Garage
• Year Built: 1994 • 1.99 Acres
• Cedar Clapboard
• Taxes: $21,462
Jackie’s Mailbox Q&A Get Your Questions Answered by the Local Expert!
My Real Estate license turned 28 in May!
People know me by my face and name after all these years, and so I get a lot of home-related questions. It’s not just customers, either. I welcome calls and emails from people in my community who just need some advice. I meet new people this way all the time, and sometimes they turn out to be experts in something I need advice about later. It takes a village to get by in life, and Morris County is one big, beautiful village. Below are some of the most recent questions I’ve gotten and I hope you’ll find the answers helpful!
Q. A.
What are the advantages of 55+ Active Adult communities? I’m ready for a change and wonder how they differ from owning a regular home or condominium. One of the most important factors that I point out to my buyers is that these homes are designed to suit your changing needs for many years to come. First Floor Master Suites mean that if stairs become a challenge, you won’t need to give up the best bedroom in the house or remodel your downstairs. Floorplans are designed to be handicap accessible, if needed, and the necessity to use stairs is minimized throughout the community. These communities also make it easy to enjoy exercise and activities with others your own age - a great way to make new friends! Most communities have amenities like pools, exercise rooms, club rooms and a roster of events. The third advantage is that if you currently own a regular single family home, ownership costs can be unpredictable and problems are annoying to deal with. In an Active Adult Community, you have all exterior maintenance taken care of by your fees so you don’t need to worry about a spike in expenses or scrambling for contractors. This makes your budget much more secure for retirement or saving.
Q. A.
— Jackie
A tree in my neighbor’s yard has a very large branch over my yard. I’m really tired of all the extra leaves every Fall and it’s starting to mix in with my power lines. Can I cut the branch? For the record, I do recommend talking to the owner first as a friendly gesture, but you have the right to trim back that branch. You’re completely legal as long as you trim back no further than your own property line and don’t cut it back severely enough to harm the tree. If you kill the tree, your neighbor may have the right to demand compensation for a new one. (And you’ll get the evil eye every time you go outside!)
Q. A.
I have a fenced dog-run in my backyard and I’m wondering if this is a bad thing when I’m selling. My dog loves it, so I’d hate to pull it out without knowing when my home will close! There may be some buyers who hate it, but I recommend leaving the run in for a couple of reasons. First, it’s always best to have dogs out of the house before it’s shown since you never know if the dog (or the buyers) will be afraid. If the dog just needs to be let into a run, that makes life easier for showings. Secondly, a well maintained run could be a selling point for dog lovers. Anything that makes it easier for buyers to envision a happy life in your home is a positive. Keep it immaculately poop scooped (there are services you can hire to do this) and get an estimate for what removing the run would cost. That way if your agent gets feedback indicating the buyer loves your home, but is more of a cat person, then you can always offer to sweeten the deal with a touch up on the yard!
Let’s keep in touch! I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned from my 28 Years of working in Real Estate! Never hesitate to ask for advice. 973.335.4600 | www.JackieScura.com | JackieScura@aol.com
Spotlight Property
$2,499,000 Denville Completely custom country Villa. Could not
be replaced for the price! Dramatic entry w/695 lb. mahogany door & 3 story spiral stair. Brazilian Cherry floors, elegant moldings & 9’ mahogany doors throughout. Music Room. LR w/stone accent wall, wall of French doors to Patio. DR w/built-in granite top buffet, Butler’s Pantry w/wine fridge, dishwasher. Gourmet Kit. w/brushed bronze apps, copper farm sink, SubZero refrig & freezer, refrig drawers, granite island, custom cabs. Stunning 2 Story Great Room w/architectural ceiling, stone fireplace, breakfast area, doors to Patio. Luxury 1st Flr Master w/tray clng, FP, private hot tub Patio, dressing room, 2 WICs. MBath w/huge stall shower, sauna, arched ceiling, separate lavatory. Office. Separate In-Law Suite w/BR, Bath, LR, private entrance. 2nd floor Family Room. Finished Basement w/tiered Theatre Room., Exercise Room, Game Room w/Bar, wine cellar, Full Bath, fieldstone stone fireplace, w/o to bluestone Patio. Large property with private pond.
• 6 Bedrooms
• Separate In-Law Suite
• 6.1 Baths
• Private Pond
• 6 Car Attached Garage
• Year Built: 2011
• Stucco & Cultured Stone Exterior
• Taxes: $30,101
• 6.79 Acres
J ac k i e S c u r a’ s
Summer 2014 Real Estate Report The Government and Real Estate Good News: In my Fall/Winter Forecast, I wrote about new fees that homebuyers could expect to find on their mortgages if they purchased in 2014. These fees were meant to offset potential loan defaults and had the potential to add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the course of a 30 year loan. Fortunately, there was a last minute reprieve! The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s incoming President, Mel Watt, has said that he intends to postpone, and possibly cancel, these fees pending further analysis. Bad News: As of May, the tax exemption for mortgage debt forgiveness has not been renewed. What this means is that underwater homeowners who opt for a short sale in 2014 could wind up with massive income taxes. When a bank agrees to a short sale price below what is owed by the homeowner, they usually forgive the difference in dollar amounts. Technically, forgiven debts count as taxable income to the IRS, despite being what some call “phantom income.” During the downturn and market crash, the government created a tax exemption to help struggling homeowners escape debt, but the exemption has not been renewed yet, despite efforts by some Senators and the Real Estate industry. It’s entirely possible that the tax exemption will be retroactively reinstated by the end of the year, but right now there are no guarantees that this will happen. If you’d like to see this change, I encourage you to write your government representatives and ask them to lend their voices to the effort to get this legislation passed.
Mortgage News Jumbo Loans: Lenders are finally getting less cautious with Jumbo loans, which is great news for an area with as many high end homes as Morris County. Traditionally, Jumbo loans have been more expensive than conventional loans, as well as requiring a 20% down payment. With the market blooming and defaults at new lows, big banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo have dropped their minimum down payment to 15% and rates are running as low or lower than those for conventional 30 year loans. You’ll still need a high credit score to qualify, but these changes could make dream homes possible for many buyers who were previously on the border of banks’ strict requirements. Consumer Protection: We all remember the dark days when the real estate market was floundering and banks were using automated “robo-signing” to keep up with the high volume of foreclosure notices. This lack of human oversight led to ridiculous mistakes, questionable fees and completely illegal foreclosures. Well, despite all the talk of reforms, our government still needs to keep an eye on these practices. Many loans get sold by the original lender as part of investment packages. These loans are then handled by “mortgage servicers” hired by the investors. These sales involve such a high volume of loans at once that many fear there’s no way they can all be handled properly and responsibly without a complete overhaul of current practices. This seems especially important in light of recent lawsuits. In December, Ocwen Financial had to pay out a $2.1 Billion dollar settlement to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and 49 states in order to compensate for widespread mishandling of loans and almost 200,000 illegal foreclosures. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection act made provisions based on these problems, and as of 2014 new regulations are in place to ensure abusive and/or incompetent practices by servicers will stop. If you’ve experienced problems with a servicer, visit consumerfinance.gov to file a complaint and get some help.
Want to talk with Jackie about Current Market Conditions?
Call 973.335.4600 eMail JackieScura@aol.com
Dog Friendly Gardening For Plants & Pet A Guide to
Directing Doggie Playtime If your dogs love to play, you might need a buffer between them and your delicate flowers. Use small hedges or hardy ground cover plants at the front of floral patches to keep their paws out of the petunias. If that doesn’t work, you might need to try keeping the flowers in pots or raised garden beds. Smart placement is also key. If your dog patrols the property lines, leave a gap between your garden and the fence and you’ll save yourself a lot of trampled tomato plants. Creating inviting pathways can also help keep dogs right where you want them. Dogs hate rough gravel, but pea stone gravel, flagstones or other smooth surfaces can help guide them in the direction you want, rather than directly through the herb garden. Be careful who’s watching you do your gardening! Dogs who see you burying bulbs, weeding or digging holes for plants may mistake this for canine behavior and go back later to see if you buried anything tasty. It seems silly to resort to secrecy, but a smart dog is a curious dog.
Careful Plant Care Mulching and fertilizing can be a challenge with dogs. Finely shredded mulches become a cleaning nightmare if a long-haired dog gets into them. Avoid the nuisance of half of your mulch coming inside tangled in Pomeranian fur by buying mulch that comes in larger chunks. Cocoa mulch, which is made from the shells of cocoa beans, has its own set of problems. While cases of dogs eating the (chocolate-y smelling) mulch and suffering from chocolate toxicity are rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Curious dogs have been known to try eating this mulch, with side effects ranging from upset stomachs to severe heart problems. You also need to be careful with your fertilizers. Bone meal fertilizers smell appetizing to pets, but diarrhea and potential organ failure are the result if they sample some. Fertilizer isn’t the only potential poison in your garden. Pesticides don’t differentiate between pets and pests. Rodent poison resulted in over 40,000 calls to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center last year. Use all natural methods like planting mint in your garden. You’ll repel mice and have the makings of a great Mojito.
PH Patchwork If your dog is creating yellowed patches in the yard, you have a few options. Diluting the urine they leave behind with your hose is a good one - especially if you do so immediately after they go. Compost will also help balance out the pH by reducing alkilinity. If the grass is already dead, add some grass seed to the compost mix for a quick touch up.
Spotlight Property
$799,000 Boonton Twp This Custom 4 BR, 3.1 Bath Victorian perfectly blends modern amenities wth traditional charm. Amazing open flow throughout the 1st Floor. Pro-Grade Center Island Kitchen w/granite counters, Breakfast Room. 1st Floor Master Suite w/2 WICs. 2.24 Acres w/restored 2,000 sq. ft. barn ideal for cars, collections, craftspeople.
Spotlight Property
$864,900 Boonton Park Must see 5 BR, 6.1 Bath custom-built home! Elegant moldings & gleaming 5� Brazilian cherry floors throughout. Gourmet EIK w/granite, 5 burner cooktop, 2 convection ovens. 2 Story Family Room featuring floorto-ceiling FP. 2 BR Basement Guest Suite w/Kitchen. Backyard paradise with outdoor Kitchen & Pavillion w/electric, cable.
$345,000 Denville Enchanting 2 BR, 1.1 Bath stone cottage in scenic Rock Ridge. LR w/beamed cathedral ceiling, hardwood
S OL
D
!
floor,. floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace. Charming circular Dining Room in the home’s distinctive turret - which was formerly the community’s water tower! Cheery Kitchen with slate floor, custom cabinets, door to yard. Circular stair to Loft w/Half Bath.
$279,900 Parsippany
4 Bedroom Cape. LR w/HW floor & bow window. First Floor Master BR.
$279,900 Mt. Tabor/Parsippany Amazing gingerbread cottage with whimsical details throughout.
$379,900 Livingston
Roughed in 2nd Floor ready for your finishing touches to be 4 BR, 2 Bath.
Dominique’s Financial Corner: Get The Gift Card Facts I give a lot of Gift Cards with my closing gifts to clients, so it’s important to me that they get the most out of them. Here are some facts that will keep more money in YOUR pocket!
1. Don’t you hate when you wind up with just
3. Fees for activation or replacement of lost
2. New gift card laws mean that stores can’t put
4. Got a card for
a few dollars left on a card? In NJ, if you’ve redeemed your card (originally worth more than $5) and have less than $5 left on the balance, you can request the rest in cash! a quick expiration date on your money. Cards purchased after 7/1/12 never expire, and if you see an expiration date, that’s just for the card, not the money. Just request a new card.
Dominique Scura Sales Associate
RE/MAX First Choice Realtors cell: 973.219.8909
office: 973.335.4600
Dominique.Scura@gmail.com ShopMorrisCountyHomes.com
cards are legal, but they must be clearly disclosed when you buy them to be legal. If you think you’ve been unfairly charged, contact the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. someplace you never shop? Sell it or trade it at GiftCardGranny.com!
Want great Real Estate Tips and News? Go to Facebook.com/ ShopMorrisCountyHomes or follow me on Twitter @ShopNJHomes
Talking Dollars & Percents with Marc Demetriou Maybe you can’t succeed 100% of the time, but Marc Demetriou succeeds 99% of the time! That’s right. He has a whopping 99% closing rate on his loans, and that’s no ordinary number. So what does it take for a Mortgage Consultant to achieve this level of success for his clients? It takes expert advice. Below are 5 of Marc’s top tips - gleaned
from years of top-ranking performance in the mortgage industry!
Marc’s Homework for First Time Homebuyers
1.
3.
Make a wish list of the type of home and amenities you would like so you are ready to discuss everything with your Realtor. You’ll be amazed at how fast an experienced Realtor can add up those amenities and put a realistic price tag on them for you! This infomation, in addition to your preapproval, will get you ready to shop with complete confidence in your buying power.
Don’t wait until you’re already house shopping to get pre-approved for a mortgage. First, if you’ve got any unexpected credit issues, you need time to correct them before you find that dream home. Additionally, your pre-approval is the most important part of your budgeting information. It will outline the loan amount you can qualify for, along with the down payment and the monthly payment for your home.
4.
Research all the other monthly expenses associated with being a home owner to make sure it fits into your new budget. Consider cable, electric, phone, water, sewer, security, landscaping, pest control…etc. Once you begin to narrow down your home search, your Realtor can even request utility information from the homeowners for you.
5.
2.
Shopping for a family home? Once you have narrowed down the towns you would like to live in, try to attend a PTA meeting and Board of Education meeting to learn about the town’s commitment to education. This is a small price to pay for finding the right fit for your new hometown. (That Board of Ed meeting might also clue you in on upcoming tax increases!)
Find a good home inspector, attorney, and homeowners insurance agent. Think of your real estate transaction like a coach drafting a dream team. Each one of these people will play a key role in your closing’s success. Hire All Stars!
Jackie Says… When you spend as much time in the car as I do, you need a great podcast like Marc’s! His financial expertise and fascinating guests keep me listening! Recommended!
Want more advice? Marc covers a new topic every week on
The Real Estate & Money Show Tune in Every Thursday 10am on WVNJ 1160 AM
Visit RealEstateandMoneyShow.com for Upcoming Guests and Downloads
Do you know Marc? You should! Talk to one of NJ’s Top Mortgage Experts Today!
Marc C. Demetriou CLU, ChFC Branch Manager/Mortgage Consultant O: 973.492.0117 Ext 22 C: 201.286.3386 NMLS # 111118 | Company NMLS # 34973
Subscribe to the Podcast on
The Scotsman Guide ranks him in the Top 1% of Mortgage Originators in NJ & the US, with a closing rate of 99% Mortgage Professional America Magazine named him to their Hot 100 list of experts!
mdemetriou@rhfunding.com | RHFBloomingdale.com | 39 Main Street in Bloomingdale, NJ 07403
$509,000 Rockaway Twp Beautiful & modern 4 BR, 2.1 Bath Colonial. 2 Story Foyer with Palladian window. LR w/ soaring vaulted ceiling & diagonally laid HW floor. Family Room w/gas FP. Formal Dining Room w/HW floor. Amazing finished basement w/tiered seating in Theatre Room and Rec Room with built-in Bar. Spacious Master Suite. Large Deck.
Jackie Says… Jay - Linda and Joe thanked me over and over for finding them a trustworthy plumber with the best prices in the area!
Brienza
973-296-2210 Rockaway, NJ Contact:
Mechanical, LLC.
Parsippany
Today for a Free Estimate!
Plumbing / Heating / Air Conditioning
C O N TRA C T
UN
D
ER
4 BR, Split w/LR, DR & Family Rm, HW floors. Gorgeous granite Kitchen.
Jay Brienza
$525,000 Parsippany
5 BRs, 3 Baths. Totally renovated w/ In-Law Suite. Gorgeous Kitchen.
$200,000 Boonton
1 BR Condo in Victorian Mansion. Private porch, high ceilings.
$535,000 Parsippany
4 BR, 2.1 Bath home built in 2007. HW floors, EIK w/stainless apps.
Q. Why Do I Need a Real Estate Attorney? A. My role in your transaction is to be your personal expert on your contract and your rights under that contract. When you sign your name to those hundreds of lines of terms and conditions, I want you to understand what they mean for you as a buyer or seller. I have practiced Real Estate Law for over 15 years, and closed 1,000s of transactions successfully. Trust me to guide you through this very important event in your life. Call me with any questions!
Bernard J. Schulte, Esq. PC 79 Old Cherry Hill Road Parsippany, NJ 07054 p. 973.394.1212 f. 973.394.1214
Jackie Says: “Do you need a true expert on Real Estate Law? Call Bernie Schulte! I can’t recommend him highly enough!”
The Future Is Here! Next Generation Innovations for today’s Homeowner!
Solar energy is both green, and a real money saver. Companies like Vivant Solar (vivantsolar.com) have already been making this technology accessible to homeowners for years. Unfortunately, many homes lack the consistent exposure to sunlight that traditional, flat solar panels depend upon, and overcast days mean less green energy to go around. A company called Rawlemon has invented a way to increase the energy taken in by using moving, light gathering spheres rather than flat, fixed panels! Their clear spherical devices have the beauty of a crystal ball, but they’re improving the future rather than predicting it. Rawlemon hopes to begin by producing rooftop solar devices as well as smaller units for charging portable devices. Over time they hope to create solar car charging stations and more, for cleaner, cheaper energy. rawlemon.com Nest Protect is a carbon monoxide and smoke detector made by the same company
that brings us the intelligent and efficient Nest thermostat. This device is similarly smart. One of its attractive features is that if you have one in the kitchen, you can stop burnt-food related alarms simply by waving an arm in the air. It also networks with others of its own kind - even without WiFi. If you have Nest Protects throughout your home, each will know its location and, upon detecting smoke, tell you clearly and through all devices where the danger is. A voice telling you that there's smoke in the Living Room, rather than just beeping from an undetermined location, can get your family to safety faster. nest.com
Steam Convection Ovens are the next big thing in cooking. By now you’ve probably heard about air-circulating convection ovens. Now high end appliance makers like Viking & Thermador are taking it a step further by adding moisture to the mix. Controlling humidity as well as heat circulation means moister meat and faster cooking. Imagine cooking a 14 pound turkey in as little as 90 minutes! The moist environment makes it possible to avoid dry food - even when cooking with less fat. These ovens are also ideal for re-heating, since they restore moisture lost in the fridge overnight for perfectly fresh results. Steam ovens are still a new and pricey option but, like other devices, they’re bound to become increasingly accessible. If you can’t wait, but don’t want to spend thousands, you can already buy a countertop-sized model by Cuisinart for $300 from Williams Sonoma. It’s still large enough to hold a 6 lb. whole chicken! williams-sonoma.com
Computerized home control systems keep getting more affordable and easier to use. If you’re interested in being able to control systems in your house via the web or your smartphone, look into Insteon’s state-of-the-art line of products. Their starter kit (currently available in the $120 range) comes equipped with dimmers to plug your lights into and a hub that attaches to your network. Branch out beyond lighting with accessories like thermostats, smoke detectors & a water leak sensor. Imagine how much trouble could be saved by knowing your basement is flooding, wherever you are, and this convenience only costs $35, plus a few minutes of configuration. Amazing! insteon.com
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$599,900 Denville Totally renovated 3 Bedroom, 2.1 Bath Custom home with HW floors & a spacious, open flow throughout. LR w/floor-to-ceiling stone FP. Formal DR w/shadowbox paneling. Gorgeous EIK w/marble counters, SS apps, center island, Breakfast Area w/door to maintenance-free deck. 1st Floor Master Suite. .92 Acre yard.
Jackie Says…
If you have any questions about planting, you'll always be greeted with a smile by Kim & Anthony at Condurso's Garden Center! Their selection is huge, but they still offer that personal touch!
Condurso's Garden Center
96 River Road, Montville | (973) 263-8814 www.Condursos.com
$299,999 Parsippany
3 BR, 2 Bath home. LR w/Pergo & stone FP. First Floor Master + Bath.
$379,900 Boonton 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Colonial combining the best of old and new. Dark, dramatic chestnut trim,
window seats & leaded glass windows offer traditional charm, while high-end updates make it ideal for modern living. The gourmet Kitchen features granite counters, SS appliances, Sub-Zero fridge & custom cabinets. 20x22 Rec Room. Deck.
Jackie Says . . .
“ I highly recommend Dante for all your Preferred Home Financing! He’s never too busy to help!”
Dante Puorro NMLS# 267435 Branch Manager
Cell: (973) 985-7233 Fax: (855) 214-4562 Dante.Puorro@caliberhomeloans.com http://caliberhomeloans.com/dpuorro
5 Time Winner of the Top Producer Award
Jackie’s Spring Cleaning
Survival Guide What to do when everything goes wrong! Blocked vacuum hose?
Have you ever had that moment where you look away from where you’re pointing the vacuum hose for one second and somehow suck up a loose plastic bag or a pet toy hiding under the couch? It’s always something just small enough to get into the hose, but too large to get back out the other end! Ironically, your best bet for fixing the vacuum is to break out your broom. Detach the hose from the vacuum and slide it onto the broom handle to poke the blockage through.
Poison ivy from weeding?
First, learn to identify poison ivy. Its leaves grow in groups of three, with a larger center leaf on its own stem. It can grow as a free standing plant on the ground, and if it finds a larger plant or tree along the way, it will twine up it as a furry looking vine. Even dead poison ivy will give you a rash, no matter how much herbicide you use. The whole plant is covered in an irritant called urushiol that rubs off and spreads to anything you touch. Wear, then toss, cheap work gloves and don’t touch anything else until you’ve scrubbed down your hands and arms using dish soap. You need a tough cleaner to remove oily urushiol. Already got a rash? Apply Tea Tree oil for healing itch relief and let the rash air out as much as possible!
Ceiling fan dust storm? Do you wind up
with the dust from your ceiling fan on your head and all over the room when you clean? There’s a simple solution for that. Grab an old pillow case and slide it onto the fan blade. Wipe the debris loose with the blade still inside and slide it right off. The only mess you’ll have left is one dirty pillowcase that you can throw in the wash along with your other cleaning cloths!
A bright idea for broken bulbs. If you’re up on a ladder, juggling two light bulbs and a shade, unless you have some circus training, you’re going to drop a bulb sometimes. Light bulbs are particularly awful to clean up because they can explode several feet in all directions. Your first step here is NOT to use the vacuum. The big chunks aren’t good for the vacuum’s insides. Get a broom and sweep all the damage inwards. Get rid of all that and then grab a piece of bread. Its combination of light moisture and sponginess is ideal for grabbing those tiny pieces that you don’t want your feet to find later. Rubber glove rash? Did you just finish
cleaning and discover that under your gloves, your hands have developed a bumpy, red rash? You may have a sensitivity to latex or one of the chemicals used in manufacturing it. Give any part of your hand and arm that was in contact with the glove a good soap and water cleaning and apply calamine lotion. Antihistimines like Benadryl can also help in the immediate aftermath. The next time you clean, try gloves labeled as hypoallergenic or gloves made out of a non-latex material.
Deadly cleaning combos! The most important tip on this list is a BIG don’t. Never mix ammonia and bleach or the cleaners that contain them. Everything else on this list is just annoying or itchy, but this combo can kill you. Mixing these chemicals creates deadly gases which will quickly overwhelm you and knock you out. You could die, or wind up with permanent eye and lung damage. The crazy part is that lots of people know this, but it’s still deceptively easy to do by mistake. So many bathroom and kitchen cleaners contain one or the other that you may combine them simply by using them near each other. You might even wind up mixing them in your tub’s drain if you use one, then the other without running the water for long enough after you rinse. Be careful!
Cooking with Fire! 6 Easy Steps to Grilling Greatness! 1)
Know when to use direct vs. indirect heat. Direct, or right over the flame, is great for burgers, chicken breasts, steaks and seafood when you want to sear in the juices. Indirect, or far away from the flame, is a sure fire way to cook larger pieces of meat or dark meat poultry in order to get the most tender and juicy results.
3)Keep
done-ness. Don't let undercooked meat ruin the fun! A list of recommended cooking times for meats is available here: www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/ mintemp.html.
5)
When cooking items over direct heat, less is more Flip only once to preserve your meat's juices.
6)
Always allow meats to rest a minimum of 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices time to absorb back into the meat.
We also recommend… The Jackietini! 3 Shots peach vodka 2 Shots grapefruit juice 1 Shot cranberry juice A splash of lime
Add ice and shake for a delicious and refreshing cocktail that’s sure to be the life of the party!
Moppin’ Sauce:
1 cup cider vinegar ½ stick unsalted butter 1 whole chicken, about 1 tbsp hot sauce 3-4 lbs, with gizzards 1 tbsp worcestershire removed sauce ½ cup Universally Juice of ½ Lemon Awesome BBQ Rub ½ tsp salt Moppin’ Sauce 1 orange - slice into 8-12 pcs ½ tsp sugar 1 lemon - slice into 8-12 pcs ¼ tsp dry mustard 8-10 cloves garlic - lightly Add all ingredients to sauce pan. Bring smashed to a simmer. Reduce 6 handfuls woodchips by ⅓ to ½ and Pecan, cherry, or apple remove from heat.
2)
4)Use a probe thermometer to check
personal chef & caterer. He loves to throw deluxe Summer cookouts with woodsmoked BBQ and all the fixings. Want to step up your grill game? Chef Adam was generous enough to share a few of his signature Summer recipes as well as Pro Tips for perfect results!
Smoky Whole Chicken:
Take your meats out of refrigerator about 20-30 minutes prior to putting on the grill. Allowing the meats to come to room temperature will ensure that they are cooked more evenly. oil and a brush or towel with you when grilling so you can always keep your grill grates lightly oiled. Keep grates free of debris and remember it is always easier to remove stuck on food when the grill is hot.
Chef Adam Rothgarn is an experienced
Universally Awesome BBQ Rub:
Instructions:
1)Wash chicken thoroughly, inside and out. Pat dry with paper towels. Apply BBQ Rub liberally over the entire skin of chicken and under skin where possible. Stuff the apple and lemon slices along with the garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken. Allow to sit for at least 1 hour. 2)Soak your woodchips at least
30 minutes prior to use to avoid flame ups. Drain them prior to adding to the grill. If you’re using a gas grill and no smoke box, you will need some aluminum foil. Wrap the chips in packages of 2 handfuls each, poking holes in the top side of each package to allow the smoke to escape.
3)Ignite gas grill and set to low
heat. If using charcoal, make a stack of coals on one far side of the grill and ignite. Maintain a grill temperature of 250°. Chicken takes approx. 4 hours to cook.
Mixed rub will keep in an an airtight container for up to 3 mos. Good for use on all cuts of grilled/bbq chicken, pork, and beef. ¼ cup paprika 2 tbsp sea salt 2 tbsp black pepper 2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tbsp celery salt 3 tbsp granulated garlic 1 tbsp chili powder ½ tsp curry powder ½ tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tbsp dried oregano or ¾ tbsp dried thyme
4)Place chicken over indirect heat, or the farthest part of the grill from the heat source, back side down. Add 2 handfuls wood chips directly over heat source and close grill cover for 1 hour. 5)After one hour, liberally apply Moppin’ Sauce to exterior of the chicken. Add 2 more handfuls woodchips. Close cover for one hour and repeat. Apply Moppin’ Sauce again at 3 hours and close cover for one more hour.
6)Check internal temperature of chicken near bone in fattest part of breast. Temperature should read 165°. Remove chicken from heat and allow 20 minutes to rest before carving.
Need a Great Caterer? Get Chef Adam!
908.963.0700 http://about.me/chefadam heychefadam@gmail.com
Greek Pork Burgers with Fresh Tzatziki Sauce For the Burgers:
Tri-Color Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomato Dressing For the Salad:
1 ¼ lbs ground pork 1 egg 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese 1 dozen Kalamata olives, chopped 2 clove garlic, minced 2 tbsp red onion, minced zest of ½ lemon 2 tsp oregano 1 tsp black pepper ½ tsp sea salt 3 tbsp olive oil and brush
1 lb tri-color fusilli 1 small red onion, very thin julienne ¾ lb baby spinach 2 tbsp olive oil 1 cup Kalamata olives, chopped Zest of one lemon 1 cup pinenuts, toasted 1 can artichoke heart quarters, roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
1 cup Olive Oil ½ cup golden balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 cup sundried tomatoes 6 tbsp chopped basil 1 tbsp oregano leaves Juice of one lemon 4 cloves garlic ½ tsp salt
For Tzatziki Sauce:
16 oz plain Greek yogurt 1 cucumber, peeled and diced, seeds removed 1 clove garlic, minced Juice of ½ lemon 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped 4-5 mint leaves, finely chopped
Instructions:
1) Combine all ingredients for Tzatziki
sauce in a mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate. Sauce can be made 1 day in advance to save time if necessary.
2) Light your charcoal or preheat grill to a medium high heat.
3) Combine all ingredients for burgers
except oil in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly combine. Shape mixture into 8 equally sized patties. Use a ½ cup measuring cup if needed for assistance in portion and shaping. Make an imprint with your thumb into center of each patty.
4) When grill is ready, brush each patty lightly on one side with olive oil Place burgers oiled side down on the grill over direct heat. Grill on one side for approximately 4-6 minutes. Brush top side of burgers with a touch more olive oil before flipping. Grill 3-5 more minutes until done. Internal temperature of ground pork should reach 160°. 5) Allow burgers to rest 3-5 minutes before serving to let juices settle back into the meat. Serve burgers on pita or your favorite roll, accompanied by Tzatziki sauce and fresh veggie fixins.
Did you know… ? Summer Cookout Facts & Trivia •
86% of all US households own a grill, BBQ or smoker.
•
99% of grill owners used their grill in the last year.
•
You might think that Texas has the most grilling going on, but actually the Northeast US is home to the most barbecuers
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Modern outdoor grills were born in the 1950s as Americans migrated into Suburbs with cookout-ready backyards. The first affordable, easy to use grill was the Weber kettle grill invented by George Stephen, Sr. of Weber Metal Spinning. It's been a bestseller since 1952!
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86% of grill owners use their grill on the 4th of July.
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Americans consume an average of 7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day & Labor Day.
Instructions:
1) To make dressing, prepare your
sundried tomatoes. If using jarred product, drain all liquid prior to adding to food processor. If using dried tomatoes, place them in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Allow to sit for 10-12 minutes then drain.
2) Add all ingredients for dressing
except the oil to your food processor. Puree. As the mixture becomes smooth, slowly add the olive oil, allowing the ingredients to emulsify. Once emulsion is thickened, remove from food processor. Keep at room temperature if serving immediately or covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3) Bring a pot of water to a
boil. Cook fusilli until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and rinse to cool.
4) Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a sautee pan and set burner to medium heat. Add spinach and sautee until wilted, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
5)Put drained pasta into a large bowl with all other ingredients. Add desired amount of dressing and mix throroughly.
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Jackie Scura’s Seal of Approval
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$499,900 Boonton Twp
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$359,900 Parsippany
3 BR, 2.1 Bath Bi-Level with freshly updated EIK, Family Room, Patio.
$279,900 Parsippany
2 BR, 2 Bath Ranch w/HW floors, beamed ceilings, Bsmt Guest Suite.
$439,900 Parsippany 5 BR, 3 Bath Colonial totally remodeled in 2010! Living Room with HW floor, picture windows. Poss. In-Law Suite on 1st Floor. Gorgeous Eat-In Kitchen with granite counters, SS appliances, wood cabinets, breakfast area. Spacious MBR w/WIC. Finished Basement. Deck with Naural Gas gas hook--up for grill, hot tub. New 98.5% efficient gas boiler & HWH.
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“Jackie was amazing through our entire process. My husband and I really had no idea where to start but I remembered having been in the area for a long time seeing Jackie's signs everywhere. I did some research and set up an appointment with her. Working with Jackie was easy as she knows what she's doing. Once she figured out what we wanted, which we didn't think we could afford, she centered in and found a few listings that we were totally stuck on. A few second visits and we had the house we wanted to make an offer on. Again we said we don't think we can afford this - her words "You let me worry about that." She got the price down to a point that we could afford it. She made the process simple and un-intimidating. Her staff was also awesome, coming out to assist with home inspection and helping us get documents together. In the end we used Jackie's referrals for our mortgage lender, our home inspection, and our real estate lawyer. They all worked out to be fantastic people who provided us with the best service for our money. Jackie really is the real estate queen of Morris County, give her a call if you're looking to buy or sell in the area!”
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2 BR, 2.1 Bath Townhouse. Turn-Key condo living. Beautiful throughout!
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Gorgeous 4 BR, 2 Bath Bi-Level w/HW floors. Family Room w/wet bar. Deck.
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Outdoor Party Problem Solvers! Once it’s warm out, I don’t ever want to be inside. There’s nothing I love more than a beautiful day outside with friends and family. Unfortunately, if you like to throw a cook-out, there’s so much that can go wrong! Whether you’re worried about bugs, heat or losing your eyebrows to a grill flare-up, I have a solution for you to try! Have fun & invite me over!
Keeping guests comfortable An outdoor party and an unexpected heat wave? One of the quickest ways to cool down without AC is to chill your major arteries. Putting a cold compress on wrists and around the back of your neck is surprisingly effective. Get some cheap washcloths or dishcloths at the dollar store, roll and rubber band them and then immerse the whole batch in a container full of ice water so guests can grab and refresh them as needed.
Bee-Free Beverages Are you afraid of ants, bees and yellow jackets getting into your soda can? After you pop the top, rotate the tab to cover the opening and insert a straw through the hole in the tab. Then you can drink without fear of any added insects. Also, avoid red and yellow cups. If bugs are making a beeline for your drinks, it’s not just the sweetness that’s attracting them. Red and yellow both attract bugs, so skip the red Solo cups and you’ll cut down on unwanted insects.
Grills, Grease and Gases Beware of flare-ups! If you’re using a charcoal grill, you need to know that lighter fluid is very dangerous to add to already hot coals. While it burns as a liquid, the added heat from the hot coals turns it into a gas rapidly, which can lead to an explosion. Additionally, not cleaning the grease from your grill can cause an out of control fire. It’s best to clean after every cook-out because it only takes a few parties to build up pounds of grease.
Quicker, better cooling A cooler full of ice will chill your drinks, but ice mixed with salt and water will do the job quicker while getting it colder! Put some ice and your drinks in the cooler, as usual, then cover the ice with water. Add a few tablespoons of salt and even your warmest sodas will be ice cold in 20 minutes or less. Stirring speeds the process, so if you’re really thirsty, mix it all all around with a wooden spoon for a few minutes. Salt and ice are also a handy solution for worries about heat spoiling the dips AND your party with food poisoning. Simply place your dish inside a larger bowl filled with kosher salt sprinkled ice. Also, consider serving perishables in smaller portions and then refreshing the supply straight out of the refrigerator. It’s more trips to the kitchen, but that way nothing will have been sitting out for longer than is safe.
Dry Out Your Muddy Yard Fast If your yard is a muddy mess and your party is coming up fast, don’t despair. You can fix that quickly before your guests start sinking into the mud. Pour clumping litter onto those muddy patches. Leave it to absorb, shovel up and toss the muddy clumps and re-apply as needed. Once you’ve scooped the last of the excess moisture, you can till the ground and add soil as needed to fill holes and improve drainage. Afterwards, add some seed and you’re done!
Share Your Household Tips and I’ll Credit You in the Next Issue! E-Mail me at JackieScura@aol.com!
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No better value! 10,000 sq. ft. house, 30+ car garage. 7 Acres. Tennis court.
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It Came from . . . New Jersey III
Some of Our State’s
Delicious Traditions & Inventions!
NJ had America’s First quality wine! America has had vineyards for almost as long as there have been European settlers, but it took a while to get it right. According to England's Royal Society of the Arts, it was two NJ vineyards who produced the first quality wine grown from American grapes in 1767. Our wine industry is still thriving, with over 40 wineries operating in the state. Visit NewJerseyWines.com to find out about local wine trails and tasting festivals!
On the other hand, WINE
if you like your grapes unfermented, you’re in agreement with Thomas Bramwell Welch, inventor of modern pasteurized grape juice. He invented his own process of creating grape juice in 1869 while living in Vineland, NJ and originally marketed it to churches as a pure, non-alcoholic alternative to wine for their services. His son, Charles Welch, founded the company we still buy juice from today in 1893.
If we’re in NJ, why are there so many Texas Weiner places? The name
is inspired by this distinctive dog’s chili sauce topping, but the cooks who invented it were actually early 1900s Greek immigrants to NJ. So there you go - a native NJ hot dog with a Texan name and a Greek influenced flavor. A true culinary mutt!
Thirsty for a nice, cold glass of water? Fresh water wasn’t always
so easy to get. In the early 1900s tens of thousands died every year from unsanitary tap and well water. That all changed when a Belleville engineer named Charles Frederick Wallace, Invented a device that could chlorinate local water supplies to rid them of bacteria and other pathogens. The Jersey City water department was his first customer. For $150 they were finally able to sanitize the Boonton reservoir and give their citizens the Nations first safe tap water. Within just a few years Wallace’s chlorination devices were purifying half the world’s water supply!
Are you craving a Sloppy Joe for lunch? Northern NJ has its own, special, version of the Sloppy Joe, and those in the know would be incredibly disappointed to get a ground beef sandwich when they were looking for that perfect combination of rye, swiss, cold cuts, coleslaw and Russian dressing. This sandwich originated in the 1930s with Maplewood politician Thomas Sweeney. On a trip to Cuba, he visited a bar named Sloppy Joe’s and, at a buffet where patrons could assemble their own sandwiches, he created our state’s native cold cut sandwich. After returning home, he asked the Town Hall Deli in South Orange to cater his poker games with his creation - naming it after the famous bar.
There’s one Native NJ treat you can’t get in the Summer and that’s the Mallomar. They were born in Hoboken 101 years ago and, at first, were only manufactured during colder months to keep the chocolate from melting. Nowadays they’re still seasonal for nostalgia’s sake, but true Mallomar fans know that stocking up pays off! Mallomars have a 6 month shelf life in addition to freezing well!
$549,900 Parsippany
5 BR, 2 Bath Expanded Ranch. HW floors, 1st Flr Master, IG Pool.
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4 BR, 3 Bath Ranch w/soaring ceilings, amazing space. .6 Acres, Deck + AG Pool.
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4 BR, 2 Bath Raised Ranch w/LL Family Rm, BR & Bath. Paver Patio.
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“Jackie and her team really pulled out all the stops to bring the deal to the closing table. We were living out of state at the time and she took care of all the details that needed to be completed. The extra things that she did made the very tight closing possible (we had a 10 day closing) and it went off without a hitch!”
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$485,000 Kinnelon 4 BR, 2.1 Bath Split Level with updates throughout. Living Room with hardwood floor & pocket doors to Dining Room. Great Room with cathedral ceiling & sliders to deck. Master Bedroom featuring WIC & Full Bath. Amazing finished Lower Level w/brick FP & wall accents, bar with Kegerators..Additional finished rooms in Basement. .78 Acres w/deck.
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3 BR, 2 Bath home with Reservoir views! Chic new Kitchen w/granite.
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5.14 Acres to build your dream home! Water & electric at curb.
Jackie Says . . . You can get anywhere you want to be! Call Angela Today! When you want to make changes in your life, I believe it all starts with your thoughts.
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6 Easy Tips for Growing Green & Clean Veggies
Get More Out of Your Organic Garden
1. Make a comfortable bed for your plants
Raised planter beds are one of the biggest timesavers a gardener could hope for. Planting so that you can access your garden beds from all four sides means you don’t need pathways between plants & they can grow closer together. This leaves fewer prime spots for weeds to sprout and more shade under your plants to prevent their growth in the first place. More vegetables with drastically less weeding! Your back will thank you! When you plant your raised garden beds, try laying out your plants in triangular formations rather than squares and rows. Alternate upsidedown and right-side up triangles for more plants with less crowding
3. The sky is the limit
A smart, but often under-utilized, strategy for highyield gardening is to form your garden beds into gently rounded mounds. That upwards slope adds up to 20% more square footage for your plants to flourish. Leafy greens love the good drainage they get from the sloped sides, so grow your salad from the bottom upwards! Garden trellises are good for a lot more than displaying morning glories. Anything with a vine can grow upwards to save you space. Tie the vines of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and even melons to your trellises for efficient upwards growth. Heavy fruits will develop thicker stems to compensate for gravity! Plus, you’ll be able to harvest more quickly this way wihout digging around in the vines and leaves for your prize.
5. Less is more
Planting twice as many seeds doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting more fresh vegetables in the end. Spacing is crucial to maximizing the final size of your plants. A couple of extra inches between heads of lettuce can result in double the growth! Follow the recommended spacing for each type of plant and thin seedlings as needed for maximum growth.
2. Garden from the ground up
Your garden is only as good as your soil. Good nutrients yield the best, most flavorful vegetables for your table. Chemical fertilizers will promise you fast, lush growth, but studies show that slower growing plants are often more resistant to disease & pests. Make (or buy) good compast & fertilize with manure from vegetarian-fed animals.
4. Clever combinations for success
If you mix compatible crops together, you can reap unexpected benfits. Native Americans traditionally combined the “Three Sisters” of corn, beans & squash. Fast-growing corn is a natural trellis for the beans, which then add nitrogen to the soil for the corn, and squash will surround the base to crowd out weeds. Basil and tomatoes grow beautifully together. Aromatic basil will repel aphids & hornworms and, when the season ends, you’ll have 2/3 of a nice Caprese salad. Broccoli and lettuce can be alternated with surprisingly tight spacing. Their roots grow at separate depths, eliminating competition, so pack them in for more variety and a better yield! Add a few radish plants to your cucumber bed and you’ll almost eliminate cucumber beetles. How easy is that?
4. Flower power for your vegetables
One of the easiest ways to keep away pest insects is to attract the their enemies. Ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps are like tiny exterminators in your garden. Plant marigolds, sunflowers, daisies, conflowers, salvia and herbs like parsley, dill & coriander. The best part of this natural pest-control strategy is that it gives you a bonus cutting garden and herb garden! Attracting pollinators is great for your vegetables, too, so bring on the bees with sweet peas & zinnias. It’s also possible to directly repel pests. Protect your precious Jersey tomatoes from worms with borage!
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Trying to plan a vacation, but you're short on time or money? Don't worry! You have…
Jackie’s Summer
Staycation Guide!
One of the best things about living in Northern NJ is that we have EVERYTHING! Whether you've been craving a day in wine country, a trip to a castle or a night out at the theatre followed by drinks and music - we have it here. You barely need to leave your backyard to have an adventure or find amazing cultural opportunities. Tour NJ’s Vineyards and Breweries
Whether you’re dreaming of Tuscan vineyards or Belgian breweries, you can live the dream close to home! Visit newjerseywines.com for information on following wine trails and upcoming wine tasting & music festivals!
Newjerseycraftbeer.com is your resource for genuine Jersey brews all over the state.
From delicious paired dinners at brewpubs, to carry-out kegs of handcrafted beers for your Summer parties, you’ll find it all there!
A Night At The Theatre
Broadway is a big ticket to buy - and that's not including tolls and dinner! Why not see what we have on this side of the river? The Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown gets an amazing range of shows. This Summer it's playing host to top NYC comedians, Hairspray the Musical, dazzling daytime children's programming and music acts from soul singer John Legend, to Deep Purple.
The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ offers world-class theatrical productions. If
you'd rather be outside, the theatre also offers an outdoor show at the College of St. Elizabeth's amphitheater each Summer as well as free, abridged outdoor performances of the classics by the Next Stage Ensemble as part of their Picnic Series.
The historic Darress Theatre in downtown Boonton is as diverse and creative as the town it calls home. This local gem offers up works by local playwrights, crowd-pleasing concerts and screenings of classic movies - from Casablanca to vintage B-movies.
Celebrate the 4th of July 1776 Style
Washington DC and Colonial Williamsburg get all the attention when it comes to patriotic fun, but this year Morristown is throwing a big 4th of July party in honor of New Jersey’s 350th birthday! Head for the Morristown Green for crafts, games, music, costumed performers reading the Declaration of Independence and tours of town.
You can celebrate all weekend at Randolph’s annual Freedom Festival. There will be games, carnival rides and festive food from the 3rd through the 5th. Friday night will be all about music and then fireworks are on Saturday the 5th at 9:45.
Royal Roadtrip
Dreaming of visiting castles in Europe? Skip the trip and find some royal real estate nearby. It might not be quite as old, but the fairytale charm is still there! Enchanting Fonthill Castle is located right over the border in Doylestown, PA. This 44 room fantasy is filled with handcrafted tile murals from the Mercer Tileworks. Go for a tour, enjoy the beautiful grounds and visit the tileworks, which are still running right down the road.
Lambert Castle is even closer - in nearby Paterson, NJ. It's a uniquely NJ experience to tour a castle and then enjoy its panoramic views of the NYC skyline! There are also concerts all Summer long on the castle grounds! Visit lambertcastle.org for details. Take a Boat Ride on Swan Lake
When Central Park opened, its most popular attraction for visitors was the swan boats. They’re still a sign of Spring in the Boston Public Garden and many other great US cities. The Essex County park system can rival any big city park - especially when it comes to boating. The South Mountain Reservation has a new boating and picnic pavillion where you can rent swan or paddle boats, and Verona Park offers the same in a classically beautiful setting. Relaxing & fun!
Jacqueline Scura RE/MAX First Choice Realtors 1160 Route 46 West Parsippany NJ 07054
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