Chatham’s Troop 280 Wins Big at Klondike Derby
Pictured from the Klondike (back row, left-right): Anaya R., Nitya R., Grace N., Sam W., Lily H., Sabrina W., Caroline C., and Julia K. Front row: Mollie M.
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roop 280, Chatham’s Scouts BSA girls’ troop, made history by winning first place in the Senior Sled category at the Patriots’ Path Council Klondike Derby, held at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation this winter. Competing against troops of boys and girls, Troop 280 showcased expert skills in fire building, outdoor cooking, pioneering, shooting, and shelter construction. Led by Scoutmaster Amy Wagner, Troop 280 has grown to 50 members, spanning grades 5 through 12. “This victory proves how hard these scouts have worked to master their skills,” Wagner said. The Klondike Derby is a winter scouting tradition where troops navigate a
Lily H. after completing her Board of Review for Eagle Rank.
course with a sled carrying essential gear, testing their survival skills and teamwork. Chatham’s other BSA troops also excelled, with Troop 121 placing second in the Senior category and Troop 8 earning third in the Junior category. Recently, Troop 280 welcomed its tenth Eagle Scout, Lily H. As Lily stated, “Each part of scouting provides an opportunity to learn and grow. The skills and friendships I have developed through scouting are things I will keep for the rest of my life.” Troop 280 meets at Gloria Dei Church in Chatham and welcomes girls from surrounding towns to join their adventures. www.scoutsbsa280.org
Summits’ Reeves-Reed Arboretum to Launch “A Path for All”
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eeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit is launching A Path for All, an initiative to enhance accessibility throughout its historic gardens. The project includes a continuous pathway loop, a new outdoor patio and educational space, and expanded accessible parking. Designed for inclusivity, the initiative will improve navigation for wheelchair users, families with strollers, and individuals with mobility, visual, auditory, or neurodivergent challenges, including autism and ADHD. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is partnering with J. Kest & Company and J.R. Prisco, Inc. Groundbreaking is set for September 2025, with completion by spring 2026. The horticulture staff will oversee preservation,
From Finance to Fabric: Chatham Designer’s First Showcase to Shine!
continuing Mrs. Reeves’s tradition of sharing her gardens each spring. Supported by Summit’s Common Council and Planning Board, the project is funded through a $1 million philanthropic campaign. A ribbon-cutting and public dedication will follow its completion. For more information, visit: reevesreedarboretum.org.
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essica Stephans of Chatham never imagined trading finance for fabric swatches, but five years after making the leap into interior design, she’s proving a second career can be just as fulfilling—and stylish— as the first. Now, as the founder of Jessica Stephans Interior Design, she is preparing to make her mark at the prestigious Mansion in May showcase, running throughout May in Chester from 9am-4pm daily. Her debut design, Whimsy in Woodland, brings her signature aesthetic to life, blending rich textures and sophisticated tones. The space features abstract artwork and wallpaper, layered linens, lively fabrics and dark accents that add depth and dimension. Before launching her own firm, Jessica worked as lead designer for Christian Siriano’s interior design studio. Siriano, best known for Project Runway, expanded into interiors and tapped Jessica to help bring his vision to life. For more information, visit: jessicastephansdesign.com.
If you or someone you know in Essex/Morris County is doing something interesting, send an email to Jackie.subessex@gmail.com March 2025 | MyVicinityMagazine.com | 7