With spring just around the corner and the warmer months ahead, many homeowners start to consider home improvement projects. Planning ahead can be helpful to the homeowner and, if applicable, the contractor. One important step in the planning of any project is to see if a Construction Permit is needed. If a contractor tells you that a permit isn't necessary, it's always best to check with the Mendham Borough Building Department, to confirm what the Borough requires.

Permits are needed for a variety of "warmer weather" projects—re-roofing, re-siding, air conditioning, and furnace replacements are just a few. Larger projects, such as swimming pools, additions/alterations, and decks, require a Zoning Permit as well as a Construction Permit.

If you are planning on building a shed on your property, you will not need a Construction Permit if the shed is 100 square feet or less, however, you will need a Zoning Permit, to ensure correct placement of the structure on your property. Sheds over 100 square feet require both the Construction and Zoning Permits.

If you have any questions about requirements for a particular home improvement project, please contact the Mendham Borough Building Department. The Department is on the second floor of the Bowers Building (6 West Main Street), and is open Monday-Friday, 9:OOAM-1 :OOPM. The phone number is 543-7152, ext. 18.

The Zoning Officer is located in the Phoenix House (2 West Main Street), and is available on Mondays, from 1:30-3:30PM. and Wednesdays, from 10:OOAM-12:OOPM. Her phone number is 543-7152, ext. 23.

Regarding fences: no fence over four feet high is allowed in your front yard. A Fencing Permit is required for all new fences and replacement fences. A Fencing Permit can be obtained from Jeanne Pugsley, whose office is in the Phoenix House, and can be reached at 543-7152, ext. 16.

The Mendham Borough Environmental Commission (EC) has openings for new members. The Commission watches for environmental problems and opportunities. It informs and advises elected officials and the public. Members serve on committees, develop educational programs, hold an Earth Day cleanup and native species planting, and advocate for sound environmental policies.

The Commission works on many issues, including wetlands and water resource protection, recycling and litter, environmental cleanups, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency and conservation. An environmental background is helpful but not absolutely necessary.

If you are looking for an opportunity to serve Mendham Borough and wish to help protect our natural resources, the Environmental Commission might be right for you. The regular monthly meeting is at 7:30PM, on the third Thursday of the month, in the Phoenix House (Borough Hall). For information, phone Janis, at 543-4755.

Mendham Borough offices will be closed on Friday, March 25th, Good Friday.

Applications for the NJ Property Tax Reimbursement "Freeze" Program for are now available in the Tax Collector's office. This program is sponsored by the State and is designed to reimburse seniors and disabled persons for property tax increases. To qualify for the reimbursement, all of the following requirements must be met.
• Age 65 or older or disabled as of 12/31/2003.
• NJ resident since 1 /1 /1994,
• Own and live in current residence since 1/1/2001,
• Annual 2003 income less than $40,028 if single or $49,082 if married (combined income),
• Annual 2004 income less than $40,869 if single or $50,113 if married (combined income).
• Full amount of property tax for 2003 and 2004 must have been paid,
• Application must be filed by June 1. 2005.

If you qualified for this program in the past, you should have received an application in the mail. For more information, contact the Tax Collector, by phone, at 543-7152. ext. 17. or by e-mail, at rlauerman@mendhamnj.org.

The Mendham Historical Society will host genealogist Ruth Willis, on Tuesday, March 22nd, at 7:30PM, in the Phoenix House, 2 West Main Street. Ruth will discuss the "first visit" of an interested genealogist to the Family History Center, in Morristown. She will explain what to take, what facilities are available, and how to use the Family Search Web site, the International Genealogical Index, and the Library Catalog—all valuable tools in researching your family tree.

The Mendham Borough Recreation Committee is conducting a brief survey to gauge interest in a skateboard/roller blading pafk. Please complete the survey below and return it to:
Mendham Borough Recreation Department
6 West Main Street
Mendham, NJ 07945
OR Complete the survey on the Web. at: http://mendhamnjrec.freepolls.com/cgi-bin/polls/ 003/poll _center.htm

The Sanctuary Concerts are a twice-monthly acoustic music series, held in the Union Village Methodist Church, at 1130 Mountain Avenue, Berkeley Heights. The concerts usually take place on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.

The producers believe that acoustic music is a diverse and lively assortment of musical styles, from a capella to satire, to blues, bluegrass, klezmer, pop/rock, and the work of contemporary singer/ songwriters. A full slate of performers is scheduled for the-coming months, including:

SUSAN WERNER, MARCH 19th
Fan Favorite Susan Warner is known for her timeless songs and powerful stage performances. As a young music-school graduate from the Midwest, Susan left the world of opera to write and perform whimsical, jazz-influenced songs like "If I Wrote Cole Porter" and "Last of the Good Straight Girls."

A break-out singer-songwriter in the mid-90's, Susan toured with many luminaries, including Joan Armatrading and Richard Thompson. She also appeared on the Peter. Paul & Mary Lifelines special seen on PBS. Her 2002 release, "New non-fiction," received many accolades for its insightful social commentary and introspective stories.

Most recently, Susan released "I Can't Be New: Fifteen Songs in the Style of the Great American Songbook," in which she reinvents the golden age of Tin Pan Alley music with original songs that sound like the best of George Gershwin. Cole Porter, or Richard Rodgers. Who else writes sophisticated. playful songs with titles like "Let's Regret This in Advance"? What other folk singer could have been invited by Michael Feinstein to perform at the Carnegie Hall tribute to Irving Berlin? This concert will feature wit, swing, and all the charisma that has made Susan an audience favorite around the world.

Special guest Jeremy Wallace of Montclair, a student of the legendary Dave Van Ronk, is getting a lot of attention for his gritty and intelligent song writing, and fierce guitar playing. He has opened recently for Steve Forbert, Tom Rush, and Vance Gilbert, and will be performing at Merkin Hall in March, as part of a tribute to blues great Sippie Wallace.
Tickets cost $20.

JOHN GORKA, APRIL 1ST
All that needs to be said is, "John Gorka is coming to The Sanctuary Concerts." This "preeminent singer/songwriter of the new folk movement" (Rolling Stone) is one of the most loved and admired of all modern acoustic performers. His nine albums of stirringly profound songs speak directly to the soul (and, often, to the funnybone). The New York Times raved, "listening to John Gorka sing, one can get goose bumps all over."

Special guest Tom Kimmel keeps some good company. Artists as diverse as Johnny Cash, Shawn Colvin, The Stray Cats, and the Spinners have recorded his spare, poignant songs.

SHOW INFORMATION
All shows start at 8:OOPM. Tickets can be ordered online, at www.SanctuaryConcerts.org Admission includes desserts and coffee at intermission. For more information, see the Web site, or phone 376-4946.

The Schiff Natural Lands Trust, Inc. manages almost 350 acres of open space in Mendham Borough and Mendham Township. The Main entrance is at 339 Pleasant Valley Road. Open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, Schiff also offers nature programs throughout the year, including the following:

SUGARING ON SCHIFF
Saturday March 12th 2:OOPM, Raindate-Sunday March 13th, 2:OOPM COST: FREE (Families) Looking for a unique family outing? Meet Schiff staff at the Marge Davidson Administration Building for the annual maple sugaring event. Learn how to identify a maple tree in winter, witness a demonstration of tree tapping at the preserve's own maple grove, and watch as the sap is boiled to make syrup. Each participant will get a taste of the sweet success. Please wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions for this indoor/outdoor event.

SIGNS OF SPRING HIKES FOR KIDS
Tuesday, March 22nd 4-5:30pM (ages 6-8) Wednesday, March 23rtl 4-5:30PM (ages 9-12) COST: $5 Members, $10 Non-Members Welcome and enjoy the spring weather with some after-school hikes around Schiff. Play trail games and search for signs that spring has sprung. Space is limited; pre-registration and pre-payment is required.
ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK CLUB
Monday March 28th 7:OOPM
COST: FREE (Adults only)

When the groundhog told us last month that we were in for six more weeks of winter, many of you probably groaned at the prospect. However, for gardeners, the next six weeks are just the beginning of the countdown for the upcoming growing season.

What seeds should I order? What color scheme do I want to see? Is there enough room this year for that favorite perennial I promised myself last year? Which new clippers should I buy? These are just a some of the many decisions that have to be made in only six weeks. As we scour the pages of catalogues, surf the Web. or browse through a book, we do find some great information for our gardens. However, as members 'of the Mendham Garden Club, our group also benefits from a very special resource—the experience, knowledge, and wisdom of our fellow members' years of gardening.

The Mendham Garden Club is currently seeking new members to join our active group. If you would like more information about the MGC, please phone me, at 543-3445. for a brochure, and list of meeting dates.

The Mendham Borough and Township Libraries are looking for volunteers to help them offer more programs for their summer reading programs. "Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds" is designed to encourage children to continue reading during their summer vacation, so that valuable reading skills won't be lost. We hope to offer a variety of activities for children. If you are interested in helping us, please call either library and ask to speak with Jennifer Leimone.

Tuesday, March 15th, at 7:30PM, is the date to put on your calendar. That night, the Woman's Club of Mendham will celebrate our 70th anniversary, in the Garabrant Center. Seventy years of service to the Mendham community deserves notice and a special program! We are delighted that we will have award winning author and poet Diane Sterling join us to present her program "poetry comes alive". All women in our area are invited to join us for this special event.

For more information about this special evening, or about the Woman's Club, please phone joanne, at 543-4587

The Mendhams' Senior Citizens club meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, at 11 :OOAM. in the Garabrandt Center. Each month's meeting offers members a chance to visit and enjoy their own bag lunches (beverages and desserts are provided by the club), as they observe informative and informational programs on a wide variety of topics. In addition to the monthly gatherings, the club sponsors a number of day-long and multi-day trips.

Membership in the club is open to Mendham Borough or Township residents over age 55. Annual dues are $12. (Bus transportation for day trips is subsidized by the local governments.)

The next trip(s) planned will be: THURSDAY, MARCH 24™, "BROADWAY IN CONCERT" at Villa Luncheon Theater, Mountain Lakes. A two act performance, based on the all-time favorite Broadway Musical hits,"Cabaret," and "Chicago",
The cost is $39/members. $44/non-members. which includes a buffet-style luncheon, with generous dessert tray. The bus will leave from the parking lot behind the King's Market/Chinese Restaurant, at 10:45AM, and return by 5:OOPM. The last day for sign-up and payment in full is March 8th.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7th, "OKLAHOMA!" AT NJPAC.
Dorothy Kupferle planned this trip before her "retirement" as Trip Planner. She will discuss the details at regular Club meetings.

All trips are offered on a first-come basis; members are given priority. For more information, or registration, please phone Trip Planner, Anne Schmidt, at 543-4787.