Hackettstown Life News

Follow the Music

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:03:52 -0400

If you are strolling up and down Hackettstown's business district on a summer's evening during the months of July and August, you are likely to hear the sound of music filling the air. It will be worth your while to follow that sound because the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) is running it's 3rd Annual Free Summer Concert Series in 2009. This summers offering includes four bands, from rock to country western, to doo wop, each performing at different Hackettstown business locations on performance nights. Four local businesses from lower Mountain Avenue up to the Main Street business corridor will be showcased, as well as many stores and restaurants which will be open throughout the evening.

The Summer Concert Series is being "Powered By" Grand Rental Station, located at 105 Maple Avenue, Hackettstown through their donation of a generator for each evening's concert.

The Summer Concert Series schedule is:

July 15 - REVERSE ORDER playing at the Home Town Hardware parking lot located at 234 Main St.,

July 29 - 45 RPM playing out front of Anthony's Italian Hotdogs located at 127-B Main St.,

August 12 - ECHOFISSION playing at Skyland's Community Bank parking lot, located at 176 Mountain Avenue;

August 26 - MESA playing at Paintpourri parking lot located at 324 Mountain Avenue.

Viewing area is on a first come first served basis and it is advised that you arrive early and bring blankets and lawn chairs for your comfort.

Mark these dates on your calendar now and join in on free family entertainment and shopping during the summer.

Hackettstown Council to consider municipal budget adoption

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:18:05 -0400

Town Council on Monday, June 22 will consider adopting the proposed $9 million 2009 municipal budget, which includes a property tax increase of 3.8 cents per $100 of assessed value (or $38 on each $100,000 of assessed property value).

Also during Monday's meeting, council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to establish a new stop intersection at Valentine and Beatty streets.

Stephens State Park in Hackettstown offers outdoor summer adventures

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:58:46 -0400

Summer is nearly here and, this year, many are facing the economic prospect of a vacation-less three months. As you wonder how to keep yourself and your family entertained and enjoying the outdoors (without spending loads of cash), consider the adventure that awaits right here in Warren County.

Stephens State Park lies along the Musconetcong River, the entrance just 1.5 miles from downtown Hackettstown on Willow Grove Street. There are six miles of marked trails of various terrains for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Mountain Ridge at Panther Valley Set to Grand Open

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:21:13 -0400

Mountain Ridge at Panther Valley, the new collection of townhomes rising in the exclusive Panther Valley neighborhood in Warren County's Allamuchy Township, will host its highly-anticipated public Grand Opening beginning on Saturday and Sunday, June 27th and 28th.

Interested homebuyers ranging from single-professionals and growing families to empty-nesters have been anxiously awaiting the official debut of the popular neighborhood where they can choose from five well-conceptualized three-bedroom townhome designs which are competitively-priced from $249,990.

The Grand Opening follows an extremely positive pre-sales program in which several of the community's residences were reserved, according to Barbara Cohen, Sales Representative for Baker Residential, developer of Mountain Ridge at Panther Valley.

"During our pre-sales period, Mountain Ridge is proving to be the ideal choice for buyers looking to purchase a spacious townhome residence at a very affordable price in a highly sought-after northwest New Jersey neighborhood," notes Ms. Cohen. "This unique housing opportunity translated to considerable sales to our VIP Buyers and generated strong public interest for our official grand opening.

"As a result, we expect prospects from throughout the buying spectrum to turn out for the opening weekend."

Homes at Mountain Ridge range from 1,968 to 2,850 square feet and boast 2.5 baths, one-or two-car garages, as well as designer interior appointments such as walk-in closets, gourmet kitchens and full finished basements included in the purchase price.

In addition to spacious townhome designs and low prices, the fact that Mountain Ridge is expected to be approved by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has had strong appeal to first-time buyers. This means qualified buyers could take advantage of friendly FHA financing that requires only 3.5% down. Add in historically low interest rates and a new lifestyle at Mountain Ridge at Panther Valley well within the first-time homebuyer's budget.

Homes at Mountain Ridge have been designed to reflect the natural beauty of Panther Valley, which is defined by rolling hills and heavily-wooded terrain. Each townhome building will combine design elements with country-inspired details to create streetscapes of enormous grace and flair.

"Our unique location at the top of a mountain provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside to strengthen the tranquil, small-town environment," says Ms. Cohen.

Situated within the gates of the exclusive Panther Valley neighborhood, the community will feature elegant townhome residences in an intimate, private setting enhanced by the picturesque natural backdrop of northwest New Jersey. The striking new community will be a part of Panther Valley and enjoy all of its world-class recreational amenities, creating a unique living experience that that can only be found in the rolling hills of Warren County.

"Located in the heart of the scenic New Jersey Skylands, Mountain Ridge will incorporate all that makes suburban living so special at a price today's homebuyer can afford," Ms. Cohen points out.

"With its well-planned and expansive living spaces, low-maintenance lifestyle, five-star amenities and sought-after location, this remarkable community will offer something for everyone, whether it's young professionals or growing families or empty-nesters looking to downsize from larger single-family homes and enjoy a worry-free environment."

The elegance and sophistication of Mountain Ridge is further enhanced by its superb amenities, most of which are already open and functioning. As part of the Panther Valley neighborhood, residents will enjoy two sparkling lakes, two beautiful pools with a third to come, a wealth of tennis courts and the 18-hole Panther Valley Golf & Country Club located within the gated Panther Valley community and available on a membership-only basis.

Mountain Ridge homeowners will also appreciate the community's convenient location which offers a quick trip to the array of business, cultural and entertainment opportunities throughout northern New Jersey and beyond. The community is located in close proximity to a several major highways, including Routes 80, 287 and 78.

"If its outdoor recreation they seek, Mountain Ridge is in the heart of one of New Jersey's natural havens," Ms. Cohen indicates. "The community lies in the shadows of the Allamuchy and Stephens Mountains, while the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap is nearby where fishing, boating, camping, kayaking and more can be found.

"Within the Township, residents will find the scenic Pequest and Musconetcong Rivers, as well as several township parks and nature trails."

Shopping, fine dining and entertainment are also close at hand at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall which features several national retailers and department stores. Local shops and boutiques can also be found in historic downtown Morristown and Parsipanny.

For additional information on Mountain Ridge at Panther Valley please call 908-852-0016 or visit http://Town.HomesAtMtnRidge.com. To visit, head south west on Route 80 West. Take exit 19 for County Highway 517 towards Hackettstown. Turn left at County Highway 517/County Road 517. Turn right at Bald Eagle Road. Proceed to gatehouse and ask for Mountain Ridge at Panther Valley.

Hackettstown officials discuss $9 million municipal budget

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:24:15 -0400

"Doing more with less" is the theme of a town budget this year that nevertheless raises property taxes, Mayor Michael Lavery said.

Departments are holding expenses largely to 2005 levels, except for contractual increases or those deemed absolutely necessary, officials said during a public hearing Monday before town council.

The roughly $9 million budget comes with a property tax increase adding 3.8 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Hackettstown PBA summer food drive benefits Lord's Pantry

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:27:36 -0400

Hackettstown PBA #369 is sponsoring a summer food drive through June 15 to benefit the Trinity United Methodist Church of Hackettsttown Lord's Pantry.

The drop-off location is the Hackettstown police station, located at 215 Stiger Street.

Food items needed include: canned vegetables, pasta, canned meat, soup, stuffing, muffin mixes, canned fruit, pasta sauces, canned dinners, juice, instant potatoes, cereal, or any other non-perishable food.

For more information about the food drive, contact the Hackettstown police station at (908) 852-3302.

Centenary College project draws union protest

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:25:56 -0400

Scabby the Rat, the inflatable symbol of unhappy unions, made an appearance this week at Centenary College, as two area trade unions picketed a construction job, the college confirmed in a statement Friday.

The college contracted Abington, PA based E. Allen Reeves to manage construction of the new David and Carol Lackland Center. The firm is responsible for picking workers for the various trades required for the project.

Break-ins Reported at Shops on High Street

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:26:24 -0400

Police are investigating two early morning burglaries that took place at two businesses Tuesday on High Street. At 5:30 am, police responded to Enzo's Pizza after receiving a report that rocks were thrown through the front door and about $180 in cash and a cash register was stolen.

The burglar also threw a brick through the window at Unique Launderette, which is housed in the same building, and about $200 in cash was stolen, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hackettstown Police Department at 908-852-3302.

Hackettstown Elementary PTA Raffle - Trip to Walt Disney World

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:37:03 -0400

Raffle tickets are $5.00 each to benefit the Hackettstown Elementary Schools. Prize includes a 4 nights/5days stay at a value hotel, magical express transfers, 5 day park hopper pass & basic meal plan for a family of 4. Does not include air fare.

Tickets will be sold at the Cops & Rodders show on Thursday night (6/4/09) at the Lowes/Wendy's parking lot or email jaz1894@yahoo.com.

Drawing to be held on June 12, 2009 at Hackettstown Middle School. Winner need not be present - black out dates apply - minimum age 21 - No substitution of the offered prize may be made & no cash will be given in lieu of the prize. (RA-862).

Casino Night Event to Benefit Arc Children�s Services

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:35:20 -0400

What do babies and "Texas Hold 'em" have in common? The answer will be apparent when the gaming tables of Las Vegas appear Sat., June 13 at The Arc of Warren County's 5th annual Casino Night fundraiser at Hawk Pointe Golf Club, 294 Rt.31 South.

Roulette wheels will spin and dealers will shuffle the cards for poker, blackjack, and other Vegas-themes games from 6 to 11 p.m. as local Celebrity Dealers keep the action going. Licensed professional dealers will be on hand to oversee the activity, and Cairo, "The area's best rhythm band", will perform its catalog of reggae-infused and classic rock favorites. A Silent Auction will feature an impressive array of sports and Broadway memorabilia and tickets, and a basket raffle will offer top-quality gifts and prizes donated by local merchants and businesses. Gifts include a weekday membership to The Architects Golf Club and other golf play, restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, and more.

Tickets, at $65 per person, include casino "cash", superb cuisine, entertainment, and more. Guests must be age 21 and over, and there will be a cash bar. Guests are encouraged to "dress to impress", and formal attire is encouraged.

For tickets and more information, please contact Arc Development Director Kevin Guyette at 908/689.7525 x212 or visit: arcwarren.org