Mountain Lakes
& BOONTON TOWNSHIP
MAKING A SPLASH HUB LAKES SWIMMING
ALL ABOUT BRUNCH UPPERROOM COMMONS
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Photograph by Antonietta Henry
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
AWELCOMING AUGUST
AH, AUGUST. The Sunday of summer. This time of year is one of the sweetest and the hardest to let go of. Before we move into the beginnings of fall, there’s still plenty of time to savor the beauty of the season with your friends and family.
In this issue, we hear the story of Ferdinand Idio, a Mountain Lakes resident who knows how to capture joy. Many in the community will know him as a postal worker, delivering mail reliably and with a smile to our neighbors. But Idio also
creates incredible art, some of which is inspired by the gorgeous scenery right here in town. I’m sure you’ll be able to see his passion through these pages.
We also meet the coaches of the Hub Lakes Swim and Dive team. This small but mighty group provides opportunities for kids across the community to be in the water and get active this summer.
JULIA
Feeling a bit fatigued by the summer sun? Stop into the newly renovated Upperroom Commons in Boonton, where brunch is the best meal of the day. Owned by the Lee family, who renovated the building from a former IHOP location and work day-to-day to create a special dining experience for customers, this restaurant will have you heading to Boonton pronto. Summer is winding down, but it’s not quite done yet. Take this month to soak in the season, and all our borough has to offer.
Warmly,
Mary Lima Publisher
Mountain Lakes & BOONTON TOWNSHIP MAGAZINE
Publisher Mary Lima mary.lima@wainscotmedia.com 917-969-0924
Writers Antonietta Henry Alix Newton Corey Korinda
Photographer Antonietta Henry
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Regional Magazines
Thomas Flannery thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com 201-571-2252
Regional Publisher Jodi Bruker
VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan
Creative Director Kijoo Kim
Art Director Rosemary O’Connell
Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director Catherine Rosario
Production Designer Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
Mountain Lakes + Boonton Township magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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SAVOR SUMMER
August is the Sunday of summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to come to an end! Check out these family-friendly events around Mountain Lakes, Boonton, and Boonton Township to savor every last day of the summer and move into the beginnings of fall.
BY MOUNTAIN LAKES AND BOONTON TOWNSHIP MAGAZINE STAFF
Boonton Farmers Market
Every Saturday, August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Shop local, see friends, and get great, fresh produce and other goods at the Boonton Farmers Market.
Located at the Upper Plane Street Parking Lot. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
END OF SUMMER PARTY
August 2, 4 to 8 p.m.
Come celebrate summer at the Mountain Lakes Library! This event is affiliated with the Summer Reading Program. Located at the Mountain Lakes Public Library. Visit the library’s website to learn more.
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
August 6
Join Lakeland Hills Family YMCA and The Music Shop for a free evening of live music featuring memorable themes from “Aladdin,” “James Bond,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Star Wars,” and Titanic. 6:30 p.m.
Located at 100 Fanny Road in the back parking lot. Registration is requested. Find more information at lakelandhillsymca.com/special-events/.
BAND ON THE BEACH
August 6, 13, 20, and 27
Come catch Alex Laurenzi and Quartet at Island Beach on August 6 at 7 p.m. Bands will be playing live music for residents every Thursday of the month. See the Treble Band on August 13, Workingman Jed on August 20, and Tourne on August 27, all at 7 p.m.
Located at Island Beach, Mountain Lakes.
LITERARY OPEN MIC
August 20
Writers of prose and poetry, come read your work at Open Mic night at Boonton Coffee Company on August 20, at 7:30 p.m. Signups will open at 7 p.m., first come, first served. Can’t make this event? Literary Open Mic is open to residents on the third Thursday of every month. Please keep all material clean.
Located at Boonton Coffee Company.
First Friday Songwriter Series
August 7
Interested in supporting musicians? Come check out the songwriter series at Boonton Coffee Company on August 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. Rick Fink and John Pronto will be performing original work. Donations to the musicians at the door are appreciated.
Located at Boonton Coffee Company.
BOONTON BREWFEST
September 19
From noon to 5 p.m., check out the Boonton Brewfest, where you can check out a variety of local breweries! Tickets are $60 for early bird and $70 for general admission. Ticket price includes drinks and a live band show at 3 p.m. Food is sold separately.
Visit tixfox.co/e/71Gsig7Hdw for tickets.
STORY TIME WITH MISS JO
August 21
Looking for a way to keep young kids entertained this summer? Stop by the library for story time with Miss Jo at 10:30 a.m. on the main floor of the library.
Located at the Mountain Lakes Public Library. Registration is required for this event.
MOUNTAIN LAKES PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK CLUB
August 20
Join the “Every Other” book club for their August monthly meeting. The group will be discussing “Whistler” by Ann Patchett from 7 to 8 p.m.
Located at the Mountain Lakes Public Library.
BOONTON PARK’S AND RECREATION DAY BOONTON DAY
September 27
Come down to Boonton Main Street from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 27 for a day of entertainment and community spirit. Enjoy live music, crafts, food, and more! This is a free event.
Located on Boonton Main Street.
BRUNCHIN’ in Boonton
Meet the Lee family, owners of Upperroom Commons, the new go-to brunch spot in Boonton.
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
“THE VISION FOR Upperroom Commons was to create a welcoming gathering place where great food, specialty coffee, and community come together,” says David M. Lee, owner of Upperroom Commons. Owned and operated by David, his wife, Executive Chef Kay Lee, and oldest son and General Manager Daniel Lee, Upperroom Commons is a family-owned restaurant in the heart of Boonton.
Although the official opening of Upperroom Commons was March 24, 2026, the family has been renovating the space since they purchased it a few years prior. “We had to completely transform the space, which used to be an IHOP,” says David. “It’s a special location for our family. We used to bring the kids to IHOP for breakfast, so this makes the space very nostalgic.”
It took time to create the experience the Lee family envisioned. “Upperroom Commons is an all-day brunch and café concept serving contemporary American breakfast and lunch favorites with Asian and international influence,” says David. Diners can feast on fresh salads, sandwiches, house-made brunch dishes, and chef-inspired entrées, as well as specialty coffee drinks and cocktails.
The restaurant is also BYOB. Patrons can bring a bottle of bubbly for popular brunch drinks like mimosas or their favorite bottle of wine. David is no stranger to the food business and previously owned an eatery in Tribeca, New York, bringing expertise to Upperroom Commons.
FOOD AS CARE
The food is the true star of the establishment. “Kay has a passion for creating recipes using fresh, highquality ingredients and enjoys putting thoughtful twists on familiar brunch favorites. She spends much of her time developing dishes that are both comforting and memorable,” says David. In fact, when creating the menu, the family traveled to South Korea a few times to get inspired, as brunch is heavily trending in Korea.
“Food has always been my way of caring for people,” says Chef Kay. “When guests enjoy a meal, linger over coffee and leave feeling refreshed and connected, that’s the greatest reward for me.”
The decor is vibrant, and the walls are dotted with gorgeous moss art. Chef Kay, a talented artist, operates “Atelier,” French for artist’s studio. “Patrons can order their own moss art, specially created for them by Kay,” says David. “No two pieces are alike,” he says. From the website, “Atelier at Upperroom Commons is all about thoughtfully handcrafted moss art,
created with care and intention. The designs are inspired by nature, bringing a sense of calm, freshness, and life into your space without any of the usual upkeep.”
The stunning moss art, turquoise booths, indoor trees, and brick accents create a rustic yet colorful space. There is plenty of seating between the bar stools, booths, and tables. A private party room is a perfect space for gatherings, and throughout the shop are local merchant items for sale. The restaurant hosted its first wedding in June!
General Manager Daniel Lee, son of David and Kay, “carries the vision of Upperroom Commons into the dining room, overseeing daily operations and guest experience,” says David. Daniel stays focused on making sure guests feel welcomed and cared for when they walk through the doors.
The food is beautifully presented, unique yet classic, and absolutely delicious. Try the Croffles (a croissant waffle) with a variety of toppings or the Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes. Other popular dishes include Eggs Benedict
selections, Chicken & Waffles, Avocado Toast, and the Signature Burger made with fresh ground beef.
“In addition to our regular menu, we frequently offer seasonal specials that highlight fresh ingredients and creative flavors. Guests can enjoy rotating brunch features, specialty beverages, and limited-time dishes
Opposite page: Owners and spouses Chef Kay Lee and David Lee. This page: The Lee Family at the coffee bar at Upperroom Commons. From left, David, Kay, Daniel, Christopher, and Andrew. Beautiful wall art by Kay Lee, part of the Atelier collection.
throughout the year,” says David. Due to popular demand, the restaurant has added Friday evening dinner service to its routine.
The location is very special to the Lee family. “Being part of the Boonton community means much more than simply operating a restaurant,” says David. “We see Upperroom Commons as a gathering place where neighbors, families, friends, and local organizations can connect over great food and coffee.”
The spacious interior is a perfect meeting place for locals, whether they grab a seat at the coffee bar, a cozy
booth or a table for two; patrons won’t be disappointed by the ambience, service and delicious fare.
The Lee family doesn’t take the local support for granted. “We have been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and support from the community since opening,” says David. “Our goal is to create a place where people feel at home while contributing positively to the town we are proud to be a part of.”
David, Chef Kay, and family welcome you to Upperroom Commons and can’t wait for patrons to experience what they’ve created. “As a family-owned
business, we are incredibly thankful for the support we have received from Boonton and the surrounding communities. We look forward to serving our guests for many years to come!”
Upperroom Commons is located in Boonton Plaza at 304 Wootton Street in Boonton. 973-265-4532. The restaurant is open for brunch Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner service on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit the website for more information and to subscribe to their newsletter! upperroomcommons@gmail.com.
Sparkling Pineapple Lime Iced Tea
Brioche French Toast with strawberries, blueberries and organic bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup.
Latte art Pistachio Burrata
Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
Croffles (croissant waffles) three ways. Biscoff, Raspberry, and Oreo.
Shakshuka, Mediterranean tomato sauce, a poached egg, bell peppers, avocado, onions, feta, cilantro and chili flakes served with sourdough.
Peanut Butter Granola Bites
BY ALIX NEWTON
AS THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL season brings busy mornings and packed schedules, these Peanut Butter Granola Bites offer the perfect blend of wellness and kid-friendly fun. Quick to prepare, endlessly customizable with favorite add-ins like seeds, dried fruit, or mini chocolate chips, and ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox snacks, these wholesome treats make healthy eating simple, delicious, and something the whole family can enjoy together.
Peanut Butter Granola Bites
Serves: 12 to 16
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
INGREDIENTS
For the Peanut Butter Granola Bites
• 1 cup (80 grams) rolled oats
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) chia seeds
• ¾ cup (180 grams) smooth peanut butter
• ½ cup (150 milliliters) maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Grease a 12-hole mini muffin tin with butter and set aside.
2. Add the rolled oats, ground almonds, and chia seeds into a medium bowl, then add the peanut butter and maple syrup.
3. Mix everything together until well combined, then scoop a heaping teaspoon of the mixture and fill each of the mini muffin moulds. Flatten them down using a spoon or tamper, then set aside.
4. Melt the dark chocolate, then spoon a layer on top of each granola bite. Put the tin into the fridge and leave it to firm up for two hours.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 7 days.
Alix Newton is a baking blogger and photographer who, along with her family, recently moved to the U.S. from the United Kingdom. Sharing her tasty food creations is her way of giving back to the community that has welcomed her. Visit Alix online at mykitchensdrawer.com and follow her on social media @mykitchendrawer.
Delivering Joy
Opposite page: Ferdinand Idio with a larger work of art at one of his favorite places in Mountain Lakes, the Esplanade.
Meet Ferdinand Idio, artist and Mountain Lakes postal worker delivering smiles to the community.
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
IIF YOU’RE A LAKER, you may recognize the warm smile of Ferdinand Idio, postal worker for the community. His charismatic personality makes him a beloved part of Mountain Lakes, and his artistic talents have been bringing popular town landmarks to life.
Ferdinand’s story starts in the Philippines. “I immigrated from the Philippines in 1994,” he says. A longtime resident of Nutley, Idio spends a great deal of time in Mountain Lakes, where he has worked for the postal service for 29 years. The beautiful town has given him inspiration when painting, a hobby he has held for decades.
“I started painting when I was in sixth grade in elementary school in the Philippines,” says Idio. At such a tender age, Idio knew he had found his niche. “I realized my craft and love for the arts when I won my first drawing contest. That’s how it all started,” he recalls. “Then I enrolled and finished college with a degree in Architecture. Art classes were included during that time.” Idio made the decision to give up a freelance career in Architectural designs and eventually joined his wife Elsa in the United States in 1994.
This page: Ferdinand Idio with a painting of his place of work, Mountain Lakes Post Office. The Idio Family vacationing on Lake Como, Italy. From left, son Joshua, wife Elsa, Ferdinand, and son Elliot. Photograph courtesy of Ferdinand Idio.
AN EYE FOR INSPIRATION
The relaxing effect of painting is the biggest perk for Idio. The idea of recreating favorite places on canvas is calming. “It is a limitless freedom to translate complex feelings and ideas into something tangible and provides a unique way to experiment with color, texture and light,” he says. The landscapes of Mountain Lakes give him plenty of inspiration.
“You could say Mountain Lakes is my second home,” says Idio. “I’ve worked here for almost 29 years; it has been very close to my heart, especially the locals and some neighboring towns.”
Whether it’s helping residents with mail and buying stamps at the post office or painting special local scenes, Idio loves the service he provides. “I
help tend to their needs, whether at the post office or painting, and customers just keep coming back,” he says.
Idio is dedicated to his craft and understands that good results take time. “As an Impressionist and landscape artist, you give your best representation of your work. And no shortcuts. I must have at least 40 different watercolor and acrylic paintings just alone, around the town. Some homes already own some of my local works,” says the artist.
You can see Idio’s exhibits in The Mountain Lakes Library, and he has completed commission work for the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. He held an art show at the local YMCA, and some of his smaller acrylic landscape paintings dot the
walls of popular local sweet spot, The Corner Creamery.
Idio loves the scenic Esplanade in town and has participated in the Arts at the Esplanade twice. His work has also been featured at The Christmas Bazaar at the Mountain Lakes Club. He has showcased his work at the Arts in the Park Festival at Fairlawn, and if you received the 2026 Mountain Lakes Calendar, his work is featured throughout. Local scenes in watercolor or acrylic highlight each month.
Besides painting the popular spots in town, like Island Beach, Crystal Lake, or Sunset Lake, Idio also commissions home portraits, a wonderful way to preserve your residence. Whether having your childhood home preserved or celebrating a new home purchase,
Clockwise from top left: A lake scene by Idio. A very familiar view for Lakers! Painted by Idio. The gazebo at Island Beach by Idio. The Mountain Lakes Library by Idio.
his renderings are to be treasured for years to come.
In his spare time, Idio enjoys karaoke and singing in his church choir. “I like to watch movies, line dance, and do a bit of photography and gardening,” he says. Travel is also a big part of his life. “A lot of my original watercolor paintings feature famous landmarks, landscapes and street scenes that I’ve been to, like cities in Europe, Canada, the Philippines and here in the United States,” he says.
Family is everything to Idio. His wife Elsa, a retired ICU Nurse, has been his partner in travel and life, and they share two children. “I am the proud father of two boys. My oldest, Joshua, is a music composer and music
teacher, and my youngest, Elliot, is a civil engineer from Virginia Tech who works as a project manager with a respectable engineering company in Florida,” says Idio with pride.
Idio looks forward to the next chapter in his life, retirement. “In retirement, I plan to create a website of over 100 original works and find new ways to participate in the arts. “Arts Without Limit” is his motto, never holding himself back from being inspired and expressing his creativity with a painter’s palette.
For anyone interested in booking a home portrait, social media is where you can find Idio. You can find him @fmidio14837 on Instagram or via email at Ferdels1992@ verizon.net.
Clockwise from top left: Idio admires his beautiful work. Idio’s work in the 2026 Mountain Lakes calendar.
Making a Splash
Coaches of Mountain Lakes Swim and Dive, from left: Assistant Coaches Serena Dickey, Kathryn Walsh, Zoe Wianecki, Max Hann and Head Coach Lauren Markowitz.
Dive in with Hub Lakes Swimming, the summer spot for swim and dive team fun, fitness, friendship, and tradition.
BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
WWITH SUMMER HEAT upon us, there’s no better way to keep cool than taking a dip in one of the beautiful lakes in the Mountain Lakes community. Practicing and competing mostly at Birchwood Lake, the Mountain Lakes Summer Swim and Dive team showcases local talent amongst the waves. When not at Birchwood, you can find them taking the plunge at White Meadow Lake, Indian Lake or Cedar Lake.
The swim team is part of Hub
Lakes Sports, which started in 1957. Athletes from Mountain Lakes, Boonton, Denville, Rockaway, and Parsippany make up the group.
The chair of Hub Lakes Swimming, Michelle Cromwell, is proud to be a part of the organization. “Being the Chair of Hub Lakes Swimming is a role I treasure,” she says. “I know the impact this league has extends far beyond the lane lines. Every summer, we help create memories that swimmers and families carry with them for a lifetime.”
“What makes Hub Lakes so special is the culture of spirit, sportsmanship, and community,” says Cromwell. Our swimmers learn to cheer for one another, support their teammates, and develop a love for the sport that lasts well beyond their competitive years. It is an honor to help preserve these traditions and to be part of a league that has brought generations of families together and continues to shape not just strong swimmers, but great people.”
Left: Head Coach Markowitz.
Right: Diving rules at Birchwood Lake.
A PLACE FOR CONNECTION
A unique aspect of the league is the inter-community aspect of competing against neighboring towns. From the Borough of Mountain Lakes webpage, “Each summer, Mountain Lakes residents compete with neighboring lake communities in a variety of sports as members of the Hub Lakes League. It is a wonderful opportunity for residents of all ages to participate in a chosen sport and to get acquainted with people from other communities.”
Head Coach Lauren Markowitz, a lifelong resident of Mountain Lakes, enjoys working with the swim team and has many years of experience. “I started competitive swimming at the age of five. That’s also when I joined the Mountain Lakes Summer Swim Team,” she says. “I swam for Lakeland Hills YMCA until the summer going into junior year. Before high school, I
also played lacrosse and soccer. Going into junior year, I decided to stop swimming for LHY, and I started rowing for RowNewJersey. I kept swimming for my high school, Newark Academy, and I am going to continue rowing at Colgate University next year.”
Last year, Markowitz was an assistant coach. As this is her first year as head coach, she is grateful to her assistant coaches Max Hann, Serena Dickey, Zoe Wianecki, and Kathryn Walsh.
“We all swam for the team over the years,” she says.
Practices begin after school ends, and this summer, the Lakers started swimming on June 22. Having won the championship last year, they’re ready to keep at it and hope to increase numbers. “The last few years, we’ve been a smaller team, but with the group we have, we’ve planned to work hard while also having fun on our fun Fridays
Top: Coach Markowitz at work.
This page, top: Throwback of Lauren Markowitz swimming.
Left: The lanes at Birchwood Lake.
and social events,” says Markowitz. “So far, we have about 50 kids with the swim team and PreTeam combined.”
Some of the social events include an Ice Cream Beach Party, Parent Potluck Lunch, Dive Team Awards and Party, Swim Aquathon, Team Photo and Pizza Party, Family Pasta Party for Hub Lakes Swim Championship Weekend, Laker Fun Day for all swimmers, divers and their families, Team Fun Night on Birchwood Beach, Parent Social and The Swimming Awards Ceremony following the Lakeland “A” Championship.
The Mountain Lakes Summer Swim and Dive Association competes within the Hub Lakes Swim League. “Anyone in Mountain Lakes can sign
up for either swim or dive or both as long as you pass your beach test,” says Markowitz. “If you haven’t passed the beach test, we also offer PreTeam, which is an hour after swim practice when the coaches teach kids freestyle, backstroke, and tread water in order to pass the test. However, in order to do PreTeam, you have to be able to swim a 25 unassisted. Swimmers aren’t timed for this and can do any type of swim style to get there,” she says.
Markowitz has found coaching gratifying. “Seeing all the kids progress over the summer, especially seeing the swimmers from PreTeam eventually pass their swim test, is very rewarding.” She is grateful for the opportunity to carry the traditions of the team.
“The Mountain Lakes Summer Swim Team is more than just a team; it’s a family with people and memories that I will never forget. Growing up on this team has been such an incredible experience, one that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
For more information, visit the Hub Lakes section of The Borough of Mountain Lakes website: mountainlakes.gov/recreationdepartment/hub-lakes.
Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four, and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about towns throughout her home state of New Jersey.
Recent Home Sales
Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township 6/16/2026 - 7/20/2026 GSMLS
Stay Savvy: Spotting AI Scams
AI is EVERYWHERE! We need to be very diligent when using it. I wanted to share a couple of quick tips on how AI is changing the real estate world and how you can stay protected.
Seeing the Real Picture:
When it comes to looking at homes online, AI tools can now digitally alter photos to change everything from the When browsing homes online, it’s important to know that AI tools can now digitally alter everything from flooring to the surrounding landscape. While I use AI to virtually stage vacant rooms—always with clear disclosure—others may use it to mask flaws or enhance views. Automated home estimates face similar limitations. These algorithms often miss the nuances of unique properties and specific market shifts. While online tools offer a convenient starting point, they can’t replace a professional who understands how a home’s distinct character truly impacts its market value.
Thinking of selling your home in Morris County? Now might just be the perfect time! With strong buyer demand, low inventory, and competitive market conditions, sellers are in a prime position to maximize their equity. Morris County’s desirable neighborhoods, excellent schools, and vibrant communities continue to attract buyers eager to find their dream home. Don’t wait—seize the opportunity and make the most of this seller’s market!
Eats on the Streets
In the mood for food? From bagels to baked goods, pizza to pasta, American to Asian and diners to delis, there’s a taste for whatever you crave.
MOUNTAIN LAKES
Barka Mediterreanan Seafood and Steak
60 US-46, Mountain Lakes 973-917-3386
Hapgood’s Restaurant 44 Midvale Road, Mountain Lakes 973-299-3399 hapgoodsrestaurant.com
Mountain Lakes Bagel and Deli 350 US-46, Mountain Lakes 973-627-4999
Paul’s Family Diner
320 US-46, Mountain Lakes 973-627-4436 paulsfamilydiner.com
The Station at Mountain Lakes 99 Midvale Road, Mountain Lakes 973-335-5330 thestationatmountainlakes.com
BOONTON
Al Hara 624 Main Street, Boonton 973-265-0808 ombraboonton.com
Bagels n’ Crumbs 704 Main Street, Boonton 973-588-3021 bagelsncrumbs.com
Bella Sicillia Restaurant 408 Main Street, Boonton 973-334-3400
Boonton Coffee Co. 602 Main Street, Boonton 862-261-0228 boontoncoffee.com
Boonton Sushi House 701 Main Street, Boonton 973-394-8870 sushiboonton.com
Boonton Thai Cuisine 315 Main Street, Boonton 973-794-6263 boontonthaitogo.com
Catfight Coffee 3616 Main Street, Boonton 201-686-4608 catfightcoffee.com
Chili Willie’s Mexican Restaurant 702 Main Street, Boonton 973-299-8775 orderchiliwillies.com
Don’s Sandwich Shop 606 Main Street, Boonton 973-263-3189
Delizia Pizza Kitchen 308 Wootton Street, Boonton deliziapizzaboontonnj.com
Empanadas NJ 506 Main Street, Boonton 973-265-0536
Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine 309 Main Street, Boonton 973-334-0102
Heavenly Temptations
712 Main Street, #187b, Boonton 973-316-8909
Java Smugglers Cafe and Health Bar 922 Main Street, Boonton 973-662-6270 javasmugglers.com
Johnnies Tavern 301 Boonton Avenue, Boonton 973-263-9787
La Bamba Grill 2 905 Main Street, Boonton 973-265-4233 labambagrillboonton.com
Latin American Restaurant 800 Main Street, Boonton 973-794-6115 latinamericanboonton.com
Main Street Bagels
605 Main Street, Boonton 973-530-4020
Roma Pizza of Boonton 709 Main Street, Boonton 973-335-1614 romapizzaofboonton.com
Ombra 516 Main Street, Boonton 973-367-1196 ombraboonton.com
Pasquale’s 307 Main Street, #1, Boonton pasqualesboonton.com
Reservoir Tavern 99 Parsippany Boulevard, Boonton 973-334-5708 therestavern.com
Sazon Latino 209 Main Street, Boonton 973-794-4121
Sharkey’s West 108 Boonton Avenue, Boonton 973-917-4466 sharkeyswest.com
Tentaciones Colombianas Bakery & Cafe 720 Main Street, Boonton 973-588-4307 tentacionesbakery.com
Top of The Park 1007 Main Street, Boonton 973-402-0989 topoftheparkrestaurant.com
Wasabi Bistro 126 Myrtle Avenue, Boonton 973-334-2663 wasabibistronewjersey.com
Uzbekistana Mediterranean Restaurant 1175 Main Street, Boonton 973-263-0495 uzbekistanamenu.com
MONTVILLE
Asian Kawa 6652 Main Road, Montville 973-794-6416 asiankawamontville.com
Bagels & Beyond Café 191 Changebridge Road, Montville 973-588-3991 howardsmedcafe.com
Black Rabbit 8 Main Road, Montville 973-588-3340 blackrabbitsaloon.com
Cafe Club
67 Boonton Avenue, Montville 973-208-4081 cafeclubmontville.com
Columbia Inn 29 Main Road, Montville 973- 263-1300 thecolumbiainn.com
Harrigan’s Family Restaurant 145 Main Road, Montville 973-263-0111 harrigansmontville.com
Scalini Fedeli 157 Main Road, Montville 973-541-1234 scalinifedelinj.com
Tuscany Villa Ristorante 233 Changebridge Road, Montville 973-334-1400 tuscanyvillaitalian.com
TOWACO
Colombo’s 900 Degrees 626 Main Road, Towaco 973-335-2555 900degreespizza.com
Dear Thai Kitchen
634 Main Road, Towaco 973-588-4394 www.dearthaikitchen.com Landauer Café 632 Route 202, Towaco 973-394-1100 landauercafe.com
Rails Steakhouse
10 Whitehall Road, Towaco 973-335-0006 railssteakhouse.com
Red Barn Restaurant
446 Main Rd #5, Towaco 973-316-5686 redbarntowaco.com
AUGUST READS
Summer may be winding down, but these books will keep you engaged through the very last days of the month.
BY MOUNTAIN LAKES AND BOONTON TOWNSHIP STAFF
YESTERYEAR
by Caro Claire Burke
The buzziest debut of 2026—and it earns every bit of it. Natalie Heller Mills is a “tradwife” influencer selling a picture-perfect pioneer life to millions of followers... until she wakes up in the actual 1800s, with no idea whether it’s a hoax, a twisted reality show, or something far more sinister. Darkly funny, razor-sharp, and impossible to predict, this satire-meets-suspense sensation is already headed to the big screen with Anne Hathaway. Read it before everyone’s talking about the ending.
WHISKEY BUSINESS
by Adrian Andover
This book is perfect for fans of an old school mystery: think “Murder, She Wrote” by Agatha Christie and “Sherlock Holmes” vibes. The story takes place at a literary-themed speakeasy in which main character and owner, Reece, discovers someone has been murdered in the back alley of his bar. This mystery leans into cozy with great minor characters and fun literary-themed cocktails! The sequel, “Pour Choices,” is out now, too!
THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER AND LOUISE
by Colleen Oakley
Being the subject of a nationwide FBI manhunt wasn’t what Tanner had in mind when she accepted the job as the live-in caregiver for elderly Louise. That prim and proper octogenarian is actually the prime suspect in a decadesold jewel heist, and Tanner gets roped into being her getaway driver
THE YELLOW BUS
by Lorn Long
“The Yellow Bus” is such a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that will tug on your heartstrings. While aimed for kids, we loved reading this as adults too! At the start of the story, the bus is brand new, ready to take on a new school year with its student passengers. As the years go on, drivers change, the bus ages. No matter where the bus ends up, she finds new people who love and care for her.
THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE
by James McBride
It’s 1972, and workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania unearth a human skeleton in the dilapidated Chicken Hill neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side. Who the skeleton was and how it got buried there were just two of the long-held secrets that had been kept for decades by the residents. An unforgettable cast of characters, living on the margins of white, Christian America, closely guard a secret— especially when the truth is revealed about what happened and the part the town’s white establishment played in it.
HOW TO AGE DISGRACEFULLY
by Clare Pooley
When a police officer pulls over their senior center minibus, each passenger is convinced she’s there to arrest them. As they confess their long-harbored secrets and recent misdeeds, the criminal the police are actually after slips away. Will they ever be found, and does every crime deserve punishment?
PRIDE IN MOUNTAIN LAKES
Take a look back at the colorful celebration from June!
THE 4TH ANNUAL celebration of Mountain Lakes Pride on June 12 happened at Birchwood Lake. Each year, a group of committed friends have gathered the community together at Birchwood Lake to share information about local resources, eat some treats, and play games. And it is steadily growing!
This year, contributing businesses and nonprofits included: Kalandra Decor; Cornerstone Creamery; Thainybites; Bako Pizza; Edge New Jersey; MLBT Social Justice Coalition; Lakeland Hills YMCA; RWJ Barnabas Health; and Family Support Organization of Morris and Sussex.
Throughout the month of June, we also arrange for Mountain Lakes Pride yard signs as well as other gear for a donation fee; then we choose an LGTBQ+ involved charity to send the final amount from our town. This Pride year, we selected PFLAG. In solidarity, the Mountain Lakes Library also hosted an event for the community on June 24. It was a lovely storytime for children to learn more about individual diversity as well as family inclusivity. Pride Month in Mountain Lakes is all around and is a wonderful opportunity to connect and share with your neighbor.
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY SEAN PATRICK RILEY; WORDS BY COREY KORINDA
