It's officially summer, and things are heating up in Warren County! Live music fans have plenty to choose from Thursday through Sunday in Phillipsburg, Blairstown, Knowlton, Oxford, Columbia,and Finesville.The weather forecast looks perfect for swimming and boating, and all area pools and lakes are open and ready! Read on for this and much more, and Happy Wanderings!
Photo of Merrill Creek Reservoir courtesy of Cortney Torres
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Vol . 9 No. 24
In This Issue:
Joe's Steak Shop
Tuesdays
274 South Main St. 
Phillipsburg
 
908-454-9545

Zeek's Place
Wednesdays

118 County Road 519
Belvidere

908- 475-4088

Cruise Nights

Humpty Junior's 
will be having
Cruise Nights on 
Fridays, 6 -9pm
72 US Rt. 46
Columbia, NJ
908-475-4376
Warren County Library

The  Annual Summer Reading Program is now underway:
 
Readers of all ages will explore all things sports and fitness this summer as the Warren County Library presents "On Your Mark, Get Set, Read" for children age 3 and up.  The 2016 summer reading program includes something for everyone infant through adult.   We will also have a "Little Runners Club" for infants and toddlers through age 2 and a "Get in the Game - Read" reading club for teens.  Adults are invited to "Exercise Your Mind - Read."
Registration began June 20 at all branches of the Warren County Library.  The program continues through August 13.  The complete list of programs will be available on the library web site, www.warrenlib.org.  We hope to see you at the library on June 20 and all summer long!  The summer reading program is sponsored by the Warren County Library and is supported by the Friends of the Warren County Library

 Happenings at Headquarters:

Hogwarts Party
Return to Hogwarts at the Warren County Library Headquarters
Calling all muggles, witches, wizards, and ghouls! The magic comes alive at the library! Help us get ready for the continuation of Harry Potter's story by attending our Hogwarts Party on June 29 at 12pm. There will be games galore, curious crafts, and perilous potions. For those in grades 
5 -12.

Chess Knights, a program for chess players of all skill levels, will be on the following dates:  
July 11, July 25, August 1, August 8, and August 29.  All programs begin at 6pm and run until 7:30pm and are open to players of all ages.  Learn to play chess or test your skills by playing a game with another player.  Registration is required.  

 Creative Haven Adult Coloring Club for Adults (18+)
Calling all adults. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month from 6-7pm to create, relax and unwind while having fun...coloring!  Let your artistic juices flow while relieving stress and escaping the gloominess of winter.  Coloring has become the new adult fad!  Join our newly formed group to see why!  Registration is required.

Register online or call the number below: 

Warren County Library Headquarters
2 Shotwell Drive
Belvidere 

908-475-6322 
Scenic Air Tours

Orlandi Flight Center provides a way for you to escape the rigors of everyday life, lift your spirits, and offer a view you will never forget.  Flown by experienced and professional pilots year-round, this FAA authorized air tour operation is an opportunity for you to relax and marvel at the splendor of flight as you feel your ground bound problems fall away. 
 
Rates start at $105 (per plane, not per person) for a local half-hour tour.
 
Also offering flight and ground training in powered airplanes for all pilot certificates and ratings; aircraft rental. 
Blairstown Airport
36 Lambert Road
Blairstown
 
201-874-5458

Thursdays at 6:30pm: MUSIC IN THE PARK at Phillipsburg's Shappell Park (mostly)
This week is Rocking by the River - the first of three incredible shows by the banks of the Delaware River at Union Square

Click image above for full schedule/locations
Joyous














Pburg
Performing June 23 in Union Square: Joyousa highly entertaining and energetic musical act performing in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas since 1979.  Featuring Mook Stanton, well known for his dynamic showmanship, the band performs a wide range of musical styles, specializing in classic R&B and Soul.
Friday, June 24: An Evening with the Gibson Brothers at Roy's Hall

RoysTickets: $30 General Admission
Shippen Manor
Sundays, through September 4:
Shippen Manor
Summer Lawn Concert Series 
8 Belvidere Avenue
Oxford NJ, 07863

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, pack a picnic if you like, and relax and enjoy a variety of  live musical performances - FREE- all summer long on the lawn of Shippen Manor. 

June 26,6-8pm: Bovine Social Club
July 3, 6-8pm: This Way to the Egress
July 10, 6-8pm: BanditosShippen
Bovine Social Club
This Way to the Egress

For the full summer lineup,   

For more information on the history of Shippen Manor, 
Visit a  Warren County Winery!
  Please check websites for event details and hours of operation.
  
269 Rt. 627, Milford, NJ (Finesville) ~ 908-995-7800

Music under the Arbor is back on the weekends -  Saturday 1:30-5pm and Sunday 1-4:30pm.

Coming up :
June 25: Bob Lanza Blues Band
June 26: Acoustic Gumbo
July 2: BC Gumbo
July 3: Catmoondaddy
Alba
Famed New York City restaurant operator Altamarea Group and New Jersey's largest estate vineyard, Alba Vineyard, have formed a joint venture - "Morini at Alba" - to create an exceptional food and wine experience every weekend at the winery.  This new enterprise features a wood fired pizza oven that allows guests to watch Chefs Kevin Knevals and Brian Beers craft unique pizzas and other culinary treats featuring local ingredients.  Executive Chef Bill Dorrler oversees the operation and his straight-from-the-earth cooking philosophy naturally complements the food and wine experience.


594 Route 94, Columbia ~ 908-496-8200
 
Relax and enjoy live music at Brook Hollow most weekend afternoons.

Coming up:

June 24, 6-8:30pm: Stan & Elise
June 25, 1:30-4pm: Michael Long
June 26, 1:30-4pm: John Cain
July 3, 1:30-4: George Baier
Brookhollow

YOGA at Brook Hollow Winery - Relax, Unwind + Wine
June 26 and July 2, 10, 16, 24 & 30; 10:30am-12:30pm
A one-hour yoga class in an outdoor pavilion overlooking vineyards, followed by wine tasting. Beginner-friendly and open to all levels. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Bring a mat or towel. 

Saturday, July 30: Murder Mystery Dinner at Brook Hollow
6-8:30pm, $35/person + tax. Click image at right for details.

783 County Rt. 519, Belvidere, NJ ~  908-475-3671

Happy Hour Fridays on the Deck at FSW, 5-8pm every Friday.
Special $2 off glass of wine, bottle of wine or any food item consumed on the deck. (Limit one coupon per person.) A Light Open Air Cafe Menu available, $8/item.

BBQ Sundays on the Deck on Sundays with Live Music, 12-4pm
Includes choice of pulled pork, chicken quarter (leg/thigh) or pork ribs.  Each dinner comes with baked beans, coleslaw, and bread. Wine available by the glass and bottle and free tours and tastings. In advance: $12/adult ~ $8/child (12 & under) Call 908-475-3671.  At the door: $16/adult ~ $12/child. 

Bring on the Burgers and Cruisers!  5-8pm Mondays, May-September
Relax on the new deck at FSW, listen to some classic music and enjoy your hearty burger with friends and family.  Toppings and other menu items  available.  Burgers start at only $8 and up to $12. Bring a car, truck, motorcycle or any vehicle built before 1990 and receive a $5 coupon good for any food or wine item on that night. Only one coupon per vehicle.
winery
Saturday, June 25: Murder Mystery Dinner
Formal wine tasting, buffet style dinner of baked ziti with meatballs, salad, bread and dessert. Interactive guest roles with characters and detectives. Dessert wines will be served back in the winery after an educational tour of the wine cellar.
Event runs from 1-4pm and tickets are $35/person plus tax and 10% gratuity. Includes FSW Wine glass. Reservations are required and seating is limited to reserve your ticket now! Call the winery at 908-475-3671.

33 Warren Glen Road, Finesville, NJ ~ 908-995-2072

Weekends: Ride the Wine Train! The Winery Train stop includes a guided tour of Villa Milagro's vineyards, winemaking, aging and bottling areas and a wine tasting with hot hors d'oeuvres. 

Jully 25-26: Smokey Cheese Tasting

July 2-3: Picnic at the Vineyard
Area Lakes and Pools  Open for the 2016 Season 
Mountain Lake Beach  (photo by Dave Snyder)

Welcome, summer! Each of these destinations is now open for chilling out during the week. Season passes are available for most, and boating is permitted on the lakes.

Mountain Lake
Lakeside Drive West
(Liberty Township)
Belvidere, NJ 07823
(Google Chrome required to view)

Kauffman Drive
Oxford, NJ 07863  
908-453-3405




Water Park / Amusement Park
354 Great Meadows Road
(County Rt. 611) 
Hope, NJ 07844
908-459-9000

Manunka Chunk Road
Belvidere, NJ 07823
908-475-3200

Warren Street
(across from Hackettstown High School)
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
pools
9 Wildew Ave.
(entrance on Belvidere Rd.
across from Lukoil gas station) 
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
908-859-6267
Oxford Furance Lake

2 Meyner Road
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
908-859-5020

Access from Broad Street or 
Rt. 31 South
Washington, NJ 07882


PLAN AHEAD!


Dinner Served 5-9pm
Thisilldous ~ 320 Front Street, Belvidere ~ 908-475-2274
Saturday, July 2: Celebrate Independence Day 
                            E arly at Rutherfurd Hall!

Bring your chairs, blankets, coolers and the entire family to enjoy music, games, awesome food vendors and an amazing Fireworks display.
 
This is a FREE EVENT. Buses will shuttle you from either Panther Valley  Ecumenical Church on Rte 517, Allamuchy Town Hall or at Allamuchy Green Acres, both on Alphano Road. Free buses will start at 4:30-4:45 but will stop when we reach capacity. Fireworks start at 9:20.

Rutherfurd Hall Premier Parking passes are on sale now while supplies last. Park on premises at Rutherfurd Hall starting at 5:00pm. You must pick up your actual pass for your vehicle at Rutherfurd Hall  Mondays 6-8pm, or Wednesdays 12-4pm.  $25 per Premier Parking Pass.

If you purchase a Premier Pass, you may also reserve a pr eferred space in a designated area on the lawn where you can put up a pop-up tent. (no larger than 10x10 please) Only those who purchase the prepaid passes will be permitted to bring a tent on property. These spot are very limited and going fast.  $15 per reserved spot.



To reserve your parking or lawn spot, go to  www.Rutherfurdhall.tix.com

Monday, July 4: Washington Celebrates America!


Get ready to celebrate our country  with lots of fun all day and all night in Washington. This is a longtime tradition in Washington, and it's all free!

The Washington Celebrates America festivities start off with the iconic Orange Crate Derby for kids, an Old Fashioned Parade that runs from Broad Street to Belvidere Avenue to Carlton Avenue with Bob Detrick as the Grand Marshal, and of course, Fireworks!

"The town - and the area - looks forward to this event every year," said Rich Maguire, Chair of the Washington Celebrates America committee. "It's a lot of work, but in the end, it's always well worth the effort!"

The fun kicks off in the morning with the Orange Crate Derby on Broad Street at 8am. The parade steps off at 3pm. Prior to the fireworks, DJ Doc South will entertain at the Middle School. And once dusk sets in get ready for the awesome fireworks!
Monday, July 4: Good Old-Fashioned American Fun 
in Blairstown

Blairstown will once again celebrate Independence Day with a terrific line-up of festivities. Enjoy an entire day filled with American spirit and pride at Footbridge Park, located between the Paulinskill Valley Trail and Route 94, on Monday, July 4. Festivities begin at 10:30am and will include family-friendly contests, children's activities, delicious food, amazing vendors and will end with an exciting Duck Race courtesy of the Blairstown Rotary Club.


Plan FURTHER Ahead!

Coming to Knowlton Township July 15, 16 & 17:
Tickets available online.
Friday, July 15 at Shappell Park and Saturday, July 16 at Walters Park (Phillipsburg):

The Phillipsburg Ole Towne Festival Committee, along with the Town of Phillipsburg, presents the 29th Annual Phillipsburg Ole Towne Festival.

Friday Night at Shappell Park includes a 50's Themed "Sock Hop" kick-off concert featuring the prominent Lehigh Valley band - Flamin' Dick and the Hot Rods. Attendees will also enjoy a historic car show and a selection of gourmet food trucks.
 
Saturday, July 16 the action moves to the town's iconic Walters Park.  The day will feature at least six well-known Lehigh Valley bands covering every genre for all to enjoy. Local restaurants and non-profit organizations will serve a variety of delicious food offerings to tempt all taste buds. Since this event is for the entire family, we will have roaming entertainment, educational acts for the kids, a petting zoo, a BMX bike demo, free hot-air balloon rides, a youth soccer competition, carnival rides and games, etc.
 
The festivities end with an amazing fireworks display, which is highly anticipated every year!












It may seem a little early to start planning for the Warren County Farmers' Fair, 
but contest registrations are now open! Click logo above for general information 
about this year's fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival, and click on the image at 
right for contest rules and regulations, including the Pitiful Pooch Contest. New
this year, the Pitiful Pooch Contest will feature Celebrity Guest Judge Anthony
Rubio, "Internationally Acclaimed Pet Couturier." 

Community Corner
community
 31 RIDE
Click image above for full map/schedule

Warren County has a new shuttle program: 31 RIDE!

This shuttle provides Warren County residents with transportation b etween Oxford and the Clinton Park and Ride. It is designed to alleviate traffic along the Route 31 corridor and the hassle of finding a parking space at the lot in Clinton, where other public transportation is available.

Motorists can now park their cars at three designated park and ride facilities:

Rt31
- Oxford Municipal Building
- Washington Township Municipal Building
- Family Dollar Store, Washington


In addition, regular service is available to the Hawk Pointe Plaza/ShopRite and on demand service is available to Abilities of Northwest Jersey and the Glen Gardner Post Office, but there is no parking at these three stops.

CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY'S SUMMER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 
STILL ACCEPTING NEW AND RETURNING APPLICANTS

Registration deadline for both of the following programs is June 27:

The TYRO Theatre Program provides an introduction to theatre skills and performance for children. Tyro I and II is a two-week theatre arts program meeting Monday through Friday and running July 11 - 22.  The program is designed specifically for young thespians ages 6-11 years of age. 

The Young Performers Workshop Summer Intensive is a 5-week program designed to meet the needs of beginning, intermediate and advanced performers interested in working in the theatre. This program runs July 11 through August 14. The Summer Intensive culminates with a Summer Festival of Shows with performances August 8 through 14.
Registration began June 20 for the Warren County Library's Summer Reading Program:

Readers of all ages will explore all things sports and fitness this summer as the Warren County Library presents "On Your Mark, Get Set, Read" for children age 3 and up. The 2016 summer reading program includes something for everyone! There will  be a "Little Runners Club" for infants and toddlers through age 2 and a "Get in the Game - Read" reading club for teens. Adults are invited to "Exercise Your Mind - Read."

Registration begins June 20 at all branches of the Warren County Library.  The program continues through August 13.  The complete list of programs will be available on the library web site, www.warrenlib.org.  


Ongoing:

Ridge and Valley Conservancy offers kayaks at White Lake for public use this Summer

Through donations and a grant from the Warren County Health DepartmentRVC is able to offer kayaks at White Lake Natural Resource Area for public use. Drop in during one of the times listed below and paddle around the pristine waters of White Lake. Observe turtles, fish, and the beautiful shoreline ecosystems.

June 8 - July 31 , 2016
Wednesdays, 9am-12pm
Fridays, 3pm-6pm
Second and fourth Sundays of the month, 8am-11am

The kayaks are offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are interested in a group outing, or using the kayaks outside of the listed times, please contact: [email protected] or call 973- 937-7989 and leave your contact info.

97 Stillwater Road (County Route 521)
Hardwick, NJ 07825
Programs and Events at Pequest Trout Hatchery

Click here for details on all programs listed below. 
  • All programs and special events, including parking, are FREE unless otherwise noted.
  • All programs require pre-registration unless noted. Registration opens two weeks prior to the event. For registration or information call 908-637-4125 ext. 0.
  • Events are held rain or shine outdoors so dress for the weather. 

Fly Fishing with Nymphs: Saturday, June 25 at 10am
In this course, reading a trout stream, basic knots, fishing nymphs and a review of nymph patterns will be discussed. After the morning discussion, students will get to test their new knowledge on the Education Pond. This program is the third in a series of seven fly fishing/tying classes. Students completing all seven classes will receive a course completion certificate. Those not able to attend all classes or wishing to earn a certificate may pick and choose the classes to attend. Students should bring their own equipment if available. Open to anyone 10 years old and above. 

First Saturday Hikes, 9am and 12pm first Saturdays of the month through October.   Join Wildlife Conservation Corps  member and member of the NJ Woodland Stewards Program , John Hooven in a two-mile guided hike on our trail system. Explore animal tracks and evidence and immerse yourself in a variety of different habitats as you explore the Pequest Wildlife Management Area . Open to anyone able to walk two miles on moderate trails. Trail map.

Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Education Resource Center
605 Pequest Road ~ Oxford, NJ ~ 908-637-4125
The former Belvidere Farmers Market has renamed itself "Warren County Farmer's Market" 
and is now being held  at the corner of Routes 519 & 46 (White Township School parking lot) 
 Sundays, 9am-1pm. 

Keep an Eye on Well-Sweep Herb Farm's Calendar of Events

This farm, a family endeavor, is home to one of the largest collections of herbs and perennials in the country. Features include a multitude of herbs and perennials, display gardens and a gift shop. Its butterfly, herb, medicinal, perennial and rock gardens burst forth with breathtaking displays throughout the farm and have been featured in national magazines and books. 

You may bring a picnic lunch, play with your children on the swings, visit the farm animals, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the garden paths or just relax and enjoy the beauty of the day.

Well-Sweep Herb Farm
205 Mount Bethel Road
Port Murray, NJ 
908-852-5390
Warren County Winery Train now running, weekends through the Summer! 
 Back to topwinetrain
Every Saturday night, April through October:
Come see the Evening Stars at UACNJ Observatory 
 
T he United Astronomy Clubs of NJ at the UACNJ Observatory runs a FREE outreach pr ogram for the public every Saturday night, April thru October, conducted from around 8-10 pm.

June 25: Night Sky Landscapes - Stan Honda, AAA
July 2: What's up in the July Sky?Lonny Buinis, RVCC

Please check  UACNJ.org     for a list of topics to be presented, directions, and for any additional information. 
Located on Far View Road in Jenny Jump State Forest, Hope, NJ.   Observatory
Warren County Public Information | [email protected] | http://www.co.warren.nj.us
Wayne Dumont, Jr Administration Building
165 County Route 519 South - Belvidere, NJ 07823
908-475-6580 / 800-554-8540