The Mendham Borough Recreation Committee will be hosting the town's annual Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 5th. The parade will begin at King's Shopping Plaza on East Main Street, move west on Main to Mountain Avenue then to Park Avenue. Parade floats should report to King's Plaza at 8:30AM, for judging. Other participants should report to King's Plaza at 9:OOAM. The theme for this year's parade is "Mendham Borough Celebrating Our 100th Year". The Grand Marshall will be former councilman Gerard Dolan. To take part in the parade phone Helen Cleary, Recreation Secretary, at 973-543-7152, ext.13.

Mendham Borough's 2005 tax rate has been set at 3.10 per hundred dollars of assessed value, a 5.45% increase over last year. The chart below illustrates how your tax dollars are allocated among the various entities that make up Mend-ham's tax rate.

County 16.59%
District School 40.01%
Municipal 17.20%
Regional School 25.88%
0.32% Surplus due to Rounding

This year's 8th Grade Fair will be held on October 1st. The theme is "Jammin' with the class of '06," so bring your dancing shoes and the whole family! You'll find plenty of games, prizes, raffles, auction items, local vendors, food, music and more. Up to and including the day of the Fair, donations of used-but-wearable clothing, shoes, accessories, and stuffed animals, will be accepted at the Mt. View School, 100 Dean Road. Drop off bags of clothes during school hours on weekdays, and from 9:OOAM-2:OOPM on Saturday, during the annual Fair. To make arrangements for a special drop-off, phone Kaki Pierson Halse, at 973-543-2781.

The 8th grade students have organized the clothing drive and Fair to benefit their class trip, to Washington, DC. The students will earn 10$ for every pound of clothing collected, and will ship the items to underdeveloped countries, through the American Used Clothing Corporation.

Have a little bit of leftover paint, pesticide, or other chemicals you'd like to get rid of? Unsure how to handle them? Fortunately, there is an easy solution. The Morris County MUA holds a series of FREE Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Events, to give residents a convenient way to dispose of hazardous materials in an environmentally safe way. The next Drop-Off will be held on Saturday, September 10th, from 9:OOAM-2:OOPM, at the Morris County Fire Fighters & Police Training Academy, in Parsippany.

In addition to the Drop-Off Days, the MUA operates a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Mount Olive Township, which is open year-round by appointment only. There is a fee for this service. For information, see the MUA Web site: www.MCMUA.

The Mendham Historical Society will sponsor a spectacular program by John Kraft, an authority on NJ prehistory, Lenape, and other Native American cultures. The program will include a slide presentation, hands-on objects and artifacts. A noted author and illustrator, Kraft's books and engaging teaching manner have proven popular with audiences. Mr. Kraft will appear in period clothing. The event will take place September 27th, at 10:OOAM, in the Auditorium of Hilltop School, 12 Hilltop Road. The public is encouraged to attend this marvelous activity.

The Mendham Business Association will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 13th, at 8:OOAM, at the Black Horse Inn. All businesses and home-based businesses in the Mendhams are welcome to attend. For more information, please phone Social Graces, at 973-543-2145. "

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of a "new year" for the Mendham Garden Club. The MGC meets monthly from September through June. On Tuesday, September 20th, the Mendham Garden Club will meet at 1 PM at the Garabrant Center. We are currently seeking new members to join our group. Our many projects and programs provide wonderful opportunities to learn about gardening, no matter what level of experience you may have. Please call t 973-543-3445, if you would like more information about becoming a MGC member.

Daytop New Jersey will host it Fifth Annual Golf Invitational at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown, on Monday September 19th. This is a wonderful day for all who participate, and all revenues will be devoted to the construction of the new Daytop Preparatory School. The outing will conclude with the drawing of three prizes totaling 50% of all tickets sold in a 50/50 raffle. Chances are $100, and will be available up to the day of the event, but don't wait: only 800 will be printed. Since this is Daytop's only major fun raiser they aim to make it a huge success. For further information, an invitation or a chance contact Midge O'Brien, at 973-543-0162, ext. 748.

The 4th annual Mendham 10K Run for Patriots begins at 11:30AM, on Sunday, October 2nd at the Brookside Community Club (BCC). All proceeds will benefit the Library of the Mendhams and the Historic Ralston Cider Mill. Runners of all levels and ages are invited to participate. The off-road trail race follows sections of Patriot's Path in Mendham, ending in Brookside. A 1-mile Family Fun Run will be held after the race. To register, phone Compuscore, at 908-665-8038 or visit www.compuscore.com The Mendham run for Patriots was conceived by resident Mark Ford, and is supported by local sponsors including Kings, Nabisco, The Mendham Bakery, Mariques, Jersey Boy Bagels of Morris-town, The Colonial Pantry, American Home Products, Culligan Water, and Shamrock Lacrosse. Volunteers include Mendham High School athletic program students, local fire departments, and the Board of Ed. Transportation Services.

The Mendhams' Senior Citizens club meets on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month, at 11:OOAM, in the Garabrandt Center. The next trip planned will be:
THURSDAY, OCT. 13™, WEEKEND COMEDY AT HUNTERDON HlLLS PLAYHOUSE
Enjoy Jamie Farr," best known as "Klinger," from TVs M*A*S*H and Lunch. Cost is $537 members, $58/non-members. Last day for signup, lunch choice, and payment in full is Sept 9th. Bus leaves at 10:OOAM. For full information, phone 973-543-4787.