On May 1st, the Mendham First Aid Squad will commence its Annual Fund Drive, with a mailing to all residents. The Mendham First Aid Squad is a completely volunteer organization. It provides emergency medical services to Borough residents and visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Proceeds from this fund drive will support all the activities of the squad. Residents can be assured their donations will help the squad improve their capabilities and service to the community. Volunteers are also always needed. If you have an interest, visit the Squad at the Firehouse any Sunday from 10:00 -11 :OOAM.

The Mendham Borough Fire Marshal wants to remind everyone that New Jersey law prohibits or regulates all open flames, fires, or burning on any premises. Only Barbecue Grills, Highway Safety Flames and Smudge Pots, and similar occupational uses do not need prior approval from the NJ-DEP or Local Fire Official/Marshal. Campfires are not allowed, and bonfires require a permit. Additional requirements regarding propane grills, torches, and other outdoor fire matters are available online at www.MendhamFirePrevention.org .
For specific questions, contact Craig Bellamy. Fire Official/Marshal, at 973-543-7152

Second Quarter 2005 Property Taxes are due now. Payments are accepted at the Bowers Building, 6 West Main Street, by mail, walk-in, drive-up window, or front door drop box. Current taxes can also be paid online at the Borough's website: www.mendhamnj.org, for a 3% convenience fee. The Second Quarter interest-free grace period extends through May 10th. Interest is based on the day payment is received, not the postmark date. Tax questions can be e-mailed to rlauerman@mendhamnj.org, or phone 973-543-7152, ext. 17.

The Borough of Mendham was established May 15th, 1906. To celebrate its anniversary, the Phoenix House will hold an open house from 1:30-4:30PM, on Sunday, May 15. Use of the recently-restored 200-year old classic Federal style building for this occasion is fitting as the icon for Mendham. Exhibits and escorted tours will explain the restoration work performed as well as the history of the municipal hall, formerly a genteel roadhouse, its owners, and its famous guests. Newly discovered Phoenix House memorabilia will be on display too.

Dr. David A. Sperling, noted clock historian, will present newly uncovered information about the 200 year old "Uriah Gould, Mendham" grandfather clock, located in the Phoenix House. Dr. Sperling has collected Americana and American clocks for some forty years. Since retiring from private pediat-ric practice in 1997, he has been a full-time lecturer, horological feature writer, and clock appraiser. In addition to presenting new information about the Gould clock, Dr. Sperling will donate a set of three brass finials to replace those that have been missing. At that time, he will reveal the name of the true clockmaker, and present evidence along with a life summary of the clockmaker to the people of Mendham.

An exhibit worthy of particular mention is one showing seven generations of the over-200 descen-dents of William Phoenix (1783-1860), the original innkeeper of the Phoenix House, who married twice and fathered sixteen children. Many of today's village residents may be surprised to see their names appear on the giant family tree charted by Mendham Historical Society Secretary and local genealogist Peggy Oswald.

Other members of the Society will act as docents and serve light refreshments. Current and former municipal officials will be on hand to share their own reflections and experiences as occupants of this grand old building. Ceremonies starting at 3:OOPM will include presentations to contractors and contributors to the historic preservation project.

THE WATER-WISE LAWN
Conserving water doesn't mean abandoning your lawn. With some savvy landscaping techniques, you can save water, time, and money on your yard, and increase its natural beauty. Chances are you maintain more lawn than you actually use. You may want to consider planting native trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, or low-growing ground covers. (For a list of plants appropriate for our region, you can visit www.nwf.org BackYardWildlifeHabitat/NatiuePlants.cfm.) These attractive, less water-intensive alternatives to grass provide the additional benefit of bringing birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to your yard.

In the warm summer months, you can water less often by mowing the grass high. Longer grass blades shade the soil, which helps retain moisture, promotes deeper roots, and blocks out sun-loving weeds. In periods of extended heat, consider letting part of your lawn go brown - it may not look pretty, but will save a lot of water. The dormant grass will green up as the weather turns cooler and wetter.

Choosing the right type of grass for your yard is also important. Avoid water-intensive varieties such as bluegrass and ryegrass. Instead, look for drought-resistant varieties such as fescue. Monitor sprinkler use to avoid over watering. If you have automatic sprinklers, you can install a sensor to shut them off during rainstorms. With any sprinkler, be sure to position it so it doesn't water the driveway or sidewalk.

For more information about water-conserving lawn care, see the Web site of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Web site, at www.nrcs.usda. gov/feature/backyard/watercon.html

The Bernards Township Health Department (which serves the surrounding communities) is offering health screening clinics in two locations this May, on the following schedule:

GARABRANT CENTER, MENDHAM
May 14th 8:00-9:30AM ST. JAMES CHURCH, BASKING RIDGE
May 19th 7:00-9:00AM May 20th 7:00-9:00AM May 21st 7:00-9:00AM
The screening includes a blood test, urinalysis, stool blood test, and blood pressure check, to find conditions such as diabetes, gout, kidney or liver disease, cholesterol/triglycerides levels, anemia, leukemia, severe infections, certain cancers, and hypertension.

The screening cost is S30 for Mendham residents. S40 for non-residents. A Thyroid function test is available for an added S30 for residents. S40 for non-residents. Appointments are necessary. To schedule an appointment in Mendham. telephone the Mendham Borough Board of Health, at 973-543-7152. ext. 10.
For an appointment at the Basking Ridge location, stop by the Bernards Township Health Dept. office, at 262 South Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge. or phone 908-204-2520. Also phone the Bernards Township. Health Dept. for information about the upcoming Male Cancer Screening on June 7 and 8

Located at 339 Pleasant Valley Road, the Schiff Nature Preserve is 350 acres of open space open from Dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Schiff also offers a number of nature programs throughout the year, including the following:

INCREDIBLE INSECTS
Wednesday May 1 1th 4:00-5:30PM. (ages 6-8) Thursday May 12th 4:00-5:30PM. (ages 9-12) COST: $5 Members, $10 Non-Members Space is limited and pre-registration and prepayment are required.

ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING & "WOLF VISIONS"
Sunday May 15'" 1:OOPM COST: FREE (Families) In "Wolf Visions," Vinnie Reo, will dispel myths about the "Big Bad Wolf." answer questions, and introduce a real wolf.

SONGBIRD SATURDAY
Saturday May 21st. 8:OOAM COST: FREE (Families) Join naturalist, Mike Bisignano, for an early morning search for spring migrants. All ages are welcome — bring your own binoculars.

ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK CLUB
Monday May 23rd 7:OOPM COST: FREE (Adults only) Meet at the Schiff Nature Center to discuss Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the Ail-American Meal, by Eric Schlosser. Phone 973-543-6004 or visit Schiffs website SchiffNaturePreserve.org to register, or for more information on these and other programs.

The Mendham Garden Club is seeking donations from community gardens to sell at their annual Plant Sale, to be held this year on Saturday, May 14th, from 8:00-11:OOAM, in the King's Shopping Center.

If, in working in your garden, you find you need to divide some plants, please consider donating them to the Plant Sale. Phone in the week of May 9th, and one of our members will pick them up. Thank you in advance.

The May monthly meeting will be our Annual Spring Dinner and Installation of Officers, to be held on Tuesday, May 20th, &30PM, at Mariques in Mendham. This dinner will culminate a very active year of meetings, programs and projects. We will brake for the summer months and resume our monthly meetings and activities in September.

The Woman's Club of Mendham meets the 3rd Tuesday evening of every month from oeptember through May. All women in the area are invited to visit us and we always welcome new members. For more information phone me. at 973-543-4587.

The Mendhams' Senior Citizens club meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month, at 11 :OOAM, in the Garabrant Center, for brown-bag lunches and programs on a variety of topics. The club also sponsors day-long and multi-day trips.
THURSDAY, JULY 14™, "SPIRIT OF NEW JERSEY"
Luncheon cruise out of Weehawken, N J.
The cost is $40/Members, $45/Non-members for this elaborate buffet-style luncheon in a climate-controlled deck, while cruising up the scenic Hudson River. Bus will leave from the parking lot behind the King's MarkeVChinese Restaurant, at 9:30AM. and return by 4:30PM. The last day for sign-up and payment in full is May 10th.

For more information, or registration, phone Trip Planner, Anne Schmidt, at 973-543-4787

The Mendham Business Association (MBA), is planning its sidewalk sales for Friday. May 13*. and Saturday, May 14th, in conjunction with the Anniversary Weekend of the town. The sale will run from 10:OOAM-4:OOPM, each day. and during regular business hours in the shopping center.

The MBA will also sponsor a town-wide garage sale, that weekend. Local residents will hold their own yard or garage sales on these two days. A listing of locations for the garage and sidewalk sales will be in the Observer Tribune. For more information, phone Social Graces, at 973 534-2145.

On Sunday. May 15th. the Willowwood Foundation will present "The Lilac Party" at the Willowwood Arboretum. 300 Longview Road, in Chester, from 4:00-7:OOPM. Stroll through the gardens with lilacs in bloom; sip Spring wines specially chosen by Chris Cree, Master of Wine and owner of 56 Degree: listen to a cappella music by "The Ten:" tempt yourself with delicious hors d'oeuvres and cheeses, and have fun placing bids at the Silent Auction, which will feature unusual plants, botanical artwork, dinners at Pierre's or Limestone Cafe, and other wonderful gift items. Reservations are required for this event. Ticket information is available by phone, at 234-1815, or e-mail, at wwfoundation@earthlink. net