Sample Cuisine at Fundraiser Tonight, View Work of Renowned Artist & More!

In addition to working on your Halloween costume and enjoying the refreshing crisp Autumn weather, we invite you to check out a few enjoyable and interesting events going on around town and in the area today.    

1. Tonight taste a sample of the great cuisine from 11 area restaurants at St. Luke Parish at a special event called Special Dishes Tasting Tournament beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will be able to vote on their favorite dish and chef.

The event will benefit St. Luke Special Needs Ministry 2012 Program and Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. The winning chef will receive a $500 cash prize. Soft drinks will be available and guests are welcomed to bring their favorite wine or beer. Tickets available at the door. A donation of $35 to attend the event is requested. For more information St. Luke Parish and its programs, visit: http://www.stlukeparishlv.com/

2. Want to volunteer your time with the Long Valley Dog Park, or just find out more about utilizing the park for your four legged pal?  Join the Long Valley Dog Park Volunteers Meeting tonight, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the , 35 E Springtown Rd, Long Valley, NJ.

3. What are the plans for the town going forward? Stay in the loop by attending the Washington Township Planning Board Meeting tonight, Wed. Oct, 26 at 7:30 pm at the , 43 Schooleys Mountain Rd,Long Valley, NJ.

4. Enjoy music? Thinking about what you might like to do the next couple of weekends? Mark your calendar for a special fundraiser for Operation Chillout, at the Stanhope House, 45 Main Street, Stanhope, NJ on Sat., Nov. 12 from 1 to 6 p.m.

Bands scheduled to perform include: Lenny and the 45’s Lost in Place, Instantly Blue Danny Nova, MU2 Fusion, Eryn Shewell, Fossil Fuel, True Jones and a surprise guest! For more information or to purchase tickets which are $20, visit the Stanhope House Web site at: http://www.stanhopehousenj.com

Operation Chillout was established over a decade ago by Ray Chimileski, a resident of Long Valley and a Deacon at St. Luke Parish. The organization provides necessities to the homeless in 11 counties throughout New Jersey, many of them US Veterans. For more information about the organization, visit the Web site at: http://www.operationchillout.com

5. In the mood to learn more about history and a great artist who lived nearby in Morristown NJ? Visit , 45 Macculloch Ave, Morristown, NJ, to enjoy the work of Thomas Nast, (1840 – 1902) who was America’s leading political cartoonist in the nineteenth century. 

From the studio in his Morristown, NJ home, Nast created many famous images such as Columbia, Christmas scenes, and life on the battlefield.  Nast is known primarily for the many images that he published in Harper’s Weekly, from about 1859 to 1887. 

In addition to his drawings that were ultimately transformed into engravings in nineteenth century newspapers, Nast also painted, drew with pen and ink, and sketched in pencil and crayon. 

The exhibit also includes two Christmas images, which Nast loved to draw.  It was Nast who helped create the modern American image of Santa Claus. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is proud to offer this exciting exhibit of original works by Thomas Nast. 

The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tickets for admission are sold at 3 p.m.  Admission is $6 Adults; $5 seniors; Students 12 years and under and museum members are free.  School tours, adult/senior tours and rentals may be scheduled by appointment.  For information, call the Museum weekdays at (973) 538-2404, visit the Web site  at www.maccullochhall.org