End of Summer HLF GET TOGETHER

So, I rarely post and recently I have and gotten some fabulous ideas on where to go with my family. During the course of this endeavor, an idea came to mind about getting an HLF GET TOGETHER going. What are your thoughts?

happy2bhere July 19, 2008 1:18 am | Link

Im all for it!

Christine July 19, 2008 1:29 am | Link

Will there be beer? If so BF and I are in :)

Calico696 July 19, 2008 7:59 am | Link

That sounds very cool :)

excitedandsettled July 19, 2008 12:32 pm | Link

What do you guys think about Swarzwood up by Newton? Pick a date, everyone pack a picnic lunch and your swimsuits and we all meet there ~ how's that sound?

happy2bhere July 19, 2008 1:27 pm | Link

That sounds like fun!! Swartzwood Lake is a very nice place!!

Mansfield Mama July 19, 2008 11:08 pm | Link

Happy2bhere--sounds great! Pick a date! We could do a potluck-style barbeque if everyone is interested. That would be fun! Does Swartzwood have a covered pavillion in the case of rain? I've never been there.

SusieQ July 19, 2008 11:56 pm | Link

are kids welcomed?

excitedandsettled July 20, 2008 6:25 am | Link

I've never been there either, so I don't know about the covered pavilion ~ anyone else know?

happy2bhere July 20, 2008 8:00 am | Link

Just thought I'd push this up - anyone know whether Swartzwood has a pavilion?

happy2bhere July 20, 2008 9:51 pm | Link

Don't know about Swartzwood, but Schooley's Mtn Park does.

Calico696 July 20, 2008 10:05 pm | Link

Hi Calico - does Schooley's have a beach too where the kids can swim?

happy2bhere July 21, 2008 9:23 am | Link

Swartzwood does have a pavilion!

NewHere July 21, 2008 10:12 am | Link

Yah!! What is the consensus then? Anyone have a date and time in mind? AND do we agree on Swartzwood?

happy2bhere July 21, 2008 10:23 am | Link

Schooley's Mtn. Park does have swimming.

Calico696 July 21, 2008 10:47 am | Link

I've never been to Oxford Furnace, but that seems closer to Hackettstown than Swartswood (though we LOVE Swartswood) doesn't it seem like we should do something "closer to home" to celebrate Hackettstown?

CrunchyMom July 21, 2008 11:03 am | Link

CM-I was thinking the same thing about keeping the get together closer to H'town. Too bad Stevens State Park doesn't allow swimming. They have that nice big pavillion on the Waterloo Valley Rd side of the park and a great playground for the kids. Good fishing too for anyone into that.

Slade July 21, 2008 11:12 am | Link

You guys are right about keeping it close to "home" - where is Schooley's Mtn. Park, Calico? (with reference to Hackettstown) And, what kind of swimming - lake with beach? Thanks!

happy2bhere July 21, 2008 8:35 pm | Link

Schooley's Mtn. Park is in Long Valley on top of the mountain. There is a beach there. Here's the link.


http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/schooleysmain.asp

Calico696 July 21, 2008 8:51 pm | Link

I'm all for keeping it local--saves $$$ on gas!!

SusieQ July 22, 2008 12:57 am | Link

Question #1 - are we agreeing on Schooley's Mountain since it's close and has a gazebo?

Question #2 - which Saturday looks best for you. I am free the 9th, 16th or 23rd in August.

Does this work for the rest of you?

happy2bhere July 22, 2008 8:42 pm | Link

I'm not sure if anyone realized this but Schooley's Mtn. Park doesn't allow swimming. It did twenty years ago but has since stopped. I not sure if you still wanted a place for the kids to swim but i just wanted to tell you in case you didn't know. :)

Thanks, resident - no, I wasn't aware of this. What do the rest of you think? Swimming for the kids or not? Any thoughts or comments . . . anyone?

happy2bhere July 22, 2008 9:43 pm | Link

I believe the pavillon at Schooley's Mtn has to be reserved for a group. I know weddings are sometimes held there and other organization picnics. Best to check it out.

Copygirl July 22, 2008 9:55 pm | Link

I think ALL of the gazebos/pavillions in the area have to be reserved. I believe the one at Alumni field is reserved thru the town and the one at Stevens State Park is reserved at the office on-site.

happy2b...what do you think of Labor Day weekend? Do you think too many people already have other plans? I know several people will be away various weekends in August. Just seems Labor day weekend most people will be around getting ready for the start of school, etc.

Slade July 22, 2008 10:31 pm | Link

Sorry, but Saturdays are our Sabbath day, so we won't be able to make it that day. We are at church almost all of the day on Saturdays... At least until about 2:30 pm.

I think that a place for swimming would be great for the kids. What is the next closest swimming beach? Oxford? Too bad you can't bring food into the H'town pool. I don't think there is a picnic area nearby there, is there? I don't recall seeing one.

Its still nice and warm even after school starts. What about doing a get-together one of the weekends in early September?

SusieQ July 23, 2008 1:21 am | Link

What do you guys think about SusieQ's suggestion above about doing the get together in early September?

SusieQ - if Saturdays don't work for you, is Sunday better?

happy2bhere July 24, 2008 9:17 pm | Link

Yes I like September idea....I was thinking of the Pavilion on Willow Grove next to the American Legion. It is covered and they have a baseball field and a park for the kids. If it wasnt too hot of a day it would be good place to have it. Just my suggestion! :)

I think the Pavilion is a great idea!!! We will still be in Hackettstown and it will be a good central location!!! Sounds good!!! Sunday is a good day also!! Thanks for your suggestion Kim!!!

Yes, Kim, that's a great suggestion. So now we're back to picking a date and time to reserve it.

I am away the first weekend in September, but we have:

the 14th, 21st and 28th ~

Let me know which one works best for you guys.

happy2bhere July 25, 2008 10:16 am | Link

Sundays are best for me, but please don't schedule it around me. Whatever works best for the majority!

SusieQ July 25, 2008 12:13 pm | Link

Just in case you didn't know, that pavilion and the fields are on American Legion property. You would need to reserve it through them, not the Town. I think Rich Barry would be the guy to talk to.

Sundays are good for me also. Saturday is a busy day at the store. I would be willing to make my signature potato salad to bring. Also depending on the number of people coming we can have it at my house. We have a pool and yard. As long as everyone broughr something and I would not have to put alot of $ out.

Christine July 25, 2008 12:36 pm | Link

Christine, that is so generous of you! I will look into the weekend dates above and see if I can book something and if there's a fee and get back to everyone.

The idea of a potluck with everyone bringing their special dishes and something to drink sounds very appealing to me and it would keep the cost down.

I'll get back to you guys, but if there's a date that really works for you (from the list above, or otherwise), please post it. Thanks!

happy2bhere July 25, 2008 6:35 pm | Link

Hi Guys! Just thought I'd give you an update. I've had a hard time getting a call back from the Legion on Willow Grove. Does anyone have a number and/or contact person that I could reach out to to find out about the pavilion? Thanks!

happy2bhere July 31, 2008 3:22 pm | Link

I don't know why this didn't get bumped up, so I'm posting again to see if it works this time.

happy2bhere July 31, 2008 3:23 pm | Link

Try Rich Barry... his number's in the book: 850-0092.

Thanks, ianimal, I just left him a message.

happy2bhere July 31, 2008 5:01 pm | Link

Glad everyone liked my idea. Saturday would be better for me but if you pick Sunday I will just have to work around the time. My daughter cheers for Tiger Football on Sundays starting in September. Hope we can get it booked!:)

Okay, I've tried to get a hold of someone at the Legion all week and I can't seem to get a call back. If any of you have a contact person there, would you mind inquiring as to the get together for a weekend in September? (See above thread).

Thanks!

happy2bhere August 1, 2008 5:57 pm | Link

Hi Everyone:

I finally got a call back and here are the prices for the American Legion: Upstairs Hall $400 holds 125-150 people; downstairs hall $300 plus $50 for clean up holds 65+ people; and the Pavilion is a cool $400.

I don't know how many people are planning on attending and this kind of made it complicated. I'm still for getting together, but I really like the idea of picking a place that will be good for grown-ups and kids, everyone pays their own way and brings their own food and gathers to meet each other and share what they've brought and some relaxing time together to End The Summer.

Any thoughts and/or comments?

happy2bhere August 4, 2008 12:31 pm | Link

You can rent a pavilion at one of the Morris County Parks for a lot less than that and Morris County also allows alcoholic beverages for an additional fee on your permit. If Schooley's Mountain Park isn't available, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson Township is huge and usually has sections open. I wouldn't wait much longer before calling though.

Thanks, ianimal - any phone numbers with contact info you could provide?

happy2bhere August 4, 2008 4:10 pm | Link

http://parks.morris.nj.us/reservations.asp

or, if you prefer to call, the # for reservations is 973-326-7631.

Thanks, i.

happy2bhere August 4, 2008 8:22 pm | Link