The Mendham Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is considering forming a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT program is creating a volunteer resource that is part of the community's operational capability following a disaster. CERTs supplement and enhance the volunteer professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel already in place, in the event of a large-scale disaster.
CERTs are considered "Good Samaritans," and are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act. target=_blank Training will be provided which will not only help the community in time of need, but also help the CERT volunteers prepare for emergencies and take care of themselves along with their neighbors.

For more information, or to register your interest in participating, please phone OEM Director Even Thomas, at 973-543-1466, or Deputy Director Tom Berenbak, at 20 1-572- 1308. pj]

Pictures taken at Labor Day Parades since 1972 to 2005 are wanted by the 100th Anniversary Book Committee. As part of the celebration in 2006 of the centennial of the incorporation of the borough, a "coffee table" book will be published about the ^hjstpry, culture, and...activities of Mendham. The annual Labor Day Parade will be featured and the contribution of your pictures will help to portray the evolution of this icon of the coming together of our spirited community.

Please send your pictures to the Book Committee Diana Callahan Phoenix House 2 West Main Street Mendham, NJ 07945
Any questions may also be directed to Diana Callahan at the Phoenix House. Phone 973 543-7152, ext. 20.

We've run notices for some time now that The Mendham Messenger is not drawing the advertising revenues necessary to support operations. Our contract with the Borough to publish official government news expires in December, and unless there is a significant increase in interest in the next few weeks, the December issue may be our last.

We know that Borough residents look forward to reading The Messenger each month, but that popularity has not translated into financial support. If you frequent a business that does not advertise with us, would you please suggest to them that they do so? If you are a business owner, please consider advertising in The Messenger, and let your neighbors know that you support community news in Mendham. Full contact information is on the back page. We look forward to hearing from - editor

On Tuesday, October 25th, the Mendham Borough Historical Society will host a presentation about the Rockaway Valley Railroad. The program will be presented by William Wilkie, at 7:30PM, in the Garabrant Center, on Wilson Street.

Operating from 1888-1913, the railroad, also known as the "Rock-a-Bye-Baby" Railroad, ran from Whitehouse to Morristown. It was built to transport fruit from local orchards to market, as well as to provide access to the grist mills, saw mills, lime kilns, and iron mines located along its path. It was the only railroad that ever came through the Mendhams. Many of the families who founded or operated the railroad—with surnames of Garabrant, Hill, Durling, Bowman, Melick, Lindsley, Sutton, Quimby, Babbitt, Losey, Thompson, Cole, Phoenix, Allen, Dilley, and Price—have descendants who live in Mendham today.

The Interchurch of the Mendhams is sponsoring the 29th Annual Crop Walk, which will take place on October 16th. Registration will begin at 1:30PM, at Grace Lutheran Church, 65 East Main Street. The 5K Walk begins at 2:OOPM. Seventy-five percent of the money raised by the Walk will go directly to Church World Service for worldwide (including US) disaster relief, refugee assistance, and poor country economic development. The other 25% will be donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry. For more information, contact any local church.

The Mendham Borough Home School Association (HSA) has contracted with Innisbrook, the most widely recognized manufacturer of beautiful gift wrap and accessories, as the new vendor for this year's Gift Wrap Fundraiser.

All Hilltop and Mountainview School students have catalogues that display numerous premium gift wrap, gourmet foods, chocolates, and unique gift items, which make perfect personal or corporate holiday gifts. The gift wrap is a bargain, as one roll of the high-quality paper wraps 13 shirt boxes, compared to a standard roll, which wraps only 3 shirt boxes.

Your order can help generate great support for this most important school fundraiser which will help fund cultural arts programs. The sale runs through Oct 7th however late orders can be placed on-line at www.innisbrook.com after the October 7th deadline—enter #104918 as the school number. Merchandise is expected to arrive by mid-November. For more information, phone Dana Grifflth-Hogoboom, at 973-543-8025. M

Stock up on books for all ages and interests at the Mendham Borough HSA Book Fair October lgth_21st The fair yrfft run from 8:30AM-6:OOPM, Tuesday-Friday at Hilltop School. There will be Halloween storytelling ,and a book-themed pumpkin-decorating contest, from 6:00-8:00PM, on Wednesday. Start your holiday shopping early! Proceeds support cultural arts and programs at Mountain View and Hilltop schools.

The Newcomers and Neighbors of the Mend-hams is kicking off what promises to be their best year yet. A community-driven organization, the club's purpose is to develop friendships among residents, new and old, and to acquaint them with civic and social activities within the community.

This year, the club is offering its rtieiniiefs ail even wider range of social activities for all. Families, adults, and children can enjoy activities that include The Children's Play Group, Beer/Wine Tasting, Ladies' Night Out, Bowling, Book Club, Bridge Club, Couple's Poker, and monthly outings.

As they welcome the new season, The Newcomers & Neighbors of the Mendhams invites everyone join them for Wine, Cheese, and Fruit at the Black Horse Inn, on Wednesday, October 5th, from 7:30-9:30PM. Present and prospective members will enjoy a relaxing evening and share information about this wonderful organization.

For more information, phone Nicole Schoen-brost, at 973-543-0876, or Lorna Cantale, at 543-6230.

Upcoming trips include: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3*° , "GERMANFEST" AT EHRHARDTS WATERFRONT, HAWLEY, PA

Strudel-making demo., make-you-own pretzels, family-style lunch, dancing, and sing-along. Cost is $35/members, $40/non-members. Last day for sign-up and payment in full is Oct. 18th.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, "A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS 2005" AT HUNTERDON HlLLS PLAYHOUSE
Enjoy an original revue by talented performers, and lunch. Cost is $49/members, $54/non-members. Last day for sign-up, meal selection, and payment in full is October 24th. For full information, phone 973-543-4787.