Sunday, February 6, 2011 – Mountain Lakes Day at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms was a special day out for many Lakers. The museum tours of Gustov Stickley’s home were fully subscribed. Young and old alike enjoyed stories about Stickley’s ideal community, furniture, magazine and family, as well as hot cider and cookies. One resident noted, “Gustov Stickley was really the Martha Stewart of his day.” Author Patty Herold enjoyed seeing Lakers from the past and signing the Mountain Lakes Centennial History. Residents from twelve neighborhoods attended and the Prestigious Hill Section won the second challenge with the most residents, just surpassing the Flats and the Acorns. Another resident commented, “I had no idea Craftsman Farms was here. It’s a jem. I will be back for lectures and workshops!”

February 12, 2011 – 8pm – “A Century of Choral Music” at St. Catherine of Siena sanctuary. The concert featured citizens and students from St. Catherine’s and Mountain Lakes High School performing as both vocalists and the orchestra. In addition, the eminently gifted local harpist Merynda Adams played in the concert. The main piece performed was Requiem by Maurice Durufle. For more information, contact Chris Wallace, cwallace@mtlakes.org.

On February 15th at 11:30 am, Architect Joan P. Nix spoke on “Mountain Lakes History through Architecture” at the League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes February Luncheon – held at the Mountain Lakes Club. Click here for more details, LWV February Luncheon

April 27, 2011 – Raising money and awareness for good causes, learning about local history and sharing with your community – all in one tremendous event. The Mountain Lakes High School was hub of activity as Lakers streamed in to support the “Empty Bowls” dinner and the Centennial Street Fair with 120 booths, exhibits, displays and performances, all celebrating “Mountain Lakes: Then & Now.” A record number of Lakers, comprised of at least three generations, enjoyed the evening. Event organizer Patricia McElduff was thrilled, “This was the biggest and best event ever. With three generations singing, eating and sharing their stories you couldn’t ask for more.” McElduff exclaimed, “Using two gyms and the cafeteria, we had enough space, although at 4,000, we ran out of tickets, but the games and fun carried on. The support for the event is a reminder of all that we love about our community.”

May 30, 2011 – Memorial Day - Mountain Lakes commemorated Memorial Day with a parade of veterans, boy scouts, girl scouts, school bands, Wildwood bicyclists and others marched from the Wildwood School to Memorial Park. A highlight was the procession of cars from each decade which showed the automotive evolution that paralleled the 100 year history of the Borough. MLHS Valedictorian Isabelle Laurenzi and Salutatorian Madeline Hu enjoyed an honorary ride in a classic red convertible.

Following the parade, Lakers gathered at Memorial Park for a ceremony of remembrance and appreciation of those who fought for U.S. freedom. Special tribute was paid to former Laker, Brigadier General Frederick Walker Castle (October 14, 1908–December 24, 1944), the only Mountain Lakes resident ever to have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Brig. Gen. F.W. Castle served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, and was killed leading a bombing mission in the “Battle of the Bulge.” Grand Marshall Suzannah Glidden, niece of Brig. Gen. F.W. Castle, gave a touching speech about her ‘Uncle Freddy.’

The mournful sounds of both the drum and bagpipe corps and the MLHS student band, and the inspiring rendition of the National Anthem performed by sisters Michele and Lauren Currenti, added to the reverential mood surrounding the ceremony.

As part of the celebration, the Centennial Neighborhoods are hosting the first ever “Barbeque on the Esplanade.” There were 23 barbequed or grilled entries in four categories: chicken, pork, beef or fish dish. For more information, go to the BBQ page.

September 9, 2011 – Over 300 Lakers turned out for the Taste of Mountain Lakes event at St. Catherine’s church (moved from the Esplanade due to the weather). There was a steady flow of guests in and out of the church, sipping wine, listening to music, trying many wonderful wines and sampling delicious food – all enjoying an evening with long time Lakers as well as our newest residents. The band, Walkin the Boulevard, as well as balloons and candles added to the festivities.

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September 18, 2011 – The Children’s Art Contest was a terrific display of art by young Laker artists. Ten pieces of art were selected to show at the s.h.e. gallery, 819 Main Street, Boonton, for the weekend. The theme was ‘What Mountain Lakes Means to Me.” The contest was open to all Lakes ages 5-11. The artists were treated to a bountiful reception at the s.h.e. gallery on Sunday afternoon. s.h.e.Gallery curator, Kim Saunders awarded the best in show was to Lydia Marshall for her sculpture titled “Nature.” The artists with works in the show were: Annie Borin, Daniel Cinnamond, Evan Cinnamond, Will Cinnamond, Horowitz, Emma Lenthe, Lydia Marshall, Vera Marshall, Robert John Miller, and Sandhya Rajagopalan.