Mountain Lakes January 2026
& BOONTON TOWNSHIP
PAWS FOR A CAUSE
THE LIBRARY’S CANINE VOLUNTEER
FAMILY FIRST
NBA ALL-STAR KELLY TRIPUCKA
Center Stage
BROADWAY STAR MICHAEL HOLLICK 0 MLB_Cover_0126_final.indd 1
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10/21/25 11:30 AM
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9/12/24 9:57 AM
Contents JANUARY 2026
10 F EATU RES
14
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Center Stage
Michael Hollick, longtime performer and Broadway star, talks the stage, theater for children, and balancing his cast at home. 14
A Hero at Home
From Bloomfield to Boonton Township, Kelly Tripucka, former NBA star, has never forgotten his family or his roots. 18
This Dog is Booked
Oscar the Leonberger is a hit with young readers at the Mountain Lakes Public Library. I N TH I S I S SU E
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20
24 18
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EDITOR’S NOTE Welcoming the New Year
6
AROUND TOWN What’s New in the Neighborhood
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Q&A With Mountain Lakes Bagel and Deli
24
LOCAL TASTES Signature Mocktails
26
DINING GUIDE Eats on the Streets
30
BOOK NOOK New Year, New Reads
32
PHOTO OP Above and Beyond
COVER
Michael Hollick plays the piano on stage. Photograph by Antonietta Henry
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E DITOR’S NOTE
Mountain Lakes
& BOONTON TOWNSHIP MAGAZINE
Publisher Thomas Flannery thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com (201) 571-2252
WINTER BLUES. Cabin fever. Doldrums. S.A.D. Whatever your preferred term for the long stretch between now and springing ahead, we’ve got your back. It’s a new year, which may bring to mind a reboot of sorts, and with that, a renewed sense of optimism about starting fresh. We’ve had some snow, but at least the sun has been hanging around a bit longer each day, just enough to bring us out of hibernation.
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PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS SHARKEY
w NEW YEAR, NEW START
So just shy of a winter excursion, consider this issue your winter survival guide. There’s a lot going on between these pages and in our neighborhood. While I didn’t intentionally set out for a theme, I landed just enough content to make for a celebrityish edition. Our sports writer Rich Luttenberger caught up with a retired basketball legend who called Boonton Township home, while yours truly shared some Hakuna Matata moments with a cast member from “The Lion King,” who lives right here in Mountain Lakes. Even the library has its own star, and he puts his best paws forward in exchange for bedtime stories and gentle pets. The celebrity-ish theme continues right into Mountain Lakes Bagels where celebrity-themed sandwiches have transcended generations. Will Smith slap anyone? Warmly,
Sales Director Maryam Taghipour maryam.taghipour@wainscotmedia.com (212) 495-9918 Editor Ellen S. Wilkowe Writer Rich Luttenberger Jenna Galletti Photographer Antonietta Henry WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden Regional Publisher Jodi Bruker VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O’Connell Executive Editor Elaine Paoloni Quilici Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam
Ellen S. Wilkowe
Editor ellen.wilkowe@wainscotmedia.com
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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WHAT ’S NEW
In the Neighborhood BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
CABIN FEVER got you down? Well, don’t let the cold keep you in. Isn’t that why layers are a thing? So, suit up and get exploring. That blast of cold may be just what the doctor didn’t order to wake you up.
HERE COMES THE BRIDAL SHOW Make that Elegant Bridal Show lifts their veil at the Mountain Lakes Mansion. Come Jan. 14, when premier wedding vendors will take over the mansion and offer up such services as entertainment, catering and dresses, dresses, and more dresses. While on site, toss your name into the ring to win a free honeymoon or select gifts. For more information: www.elegantbridalshow.com/bridalshow/2519 The Mansion is located at Route 46 East in Mountain Lakes. (www.themansionml.com.) Doors are open from 7 to 9 p.m.
WEE ONES Too much house? Parents of tots, this one’s for you and it’s right here in Mountain Lakes at St. Catherine of Siena at 10 North Pocono Rd. Pencil in Mondays for the Moms & Tots playgroup who meet regularly during the school year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the parish center gymnasium. A very small ask for a small monetary donation ($1) or canned goods for the Fr. English Food Pantry is appreciated. For more information, e-mail jesse. mynahan@gmail.com.
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MEET AN ATHLETE Ironman World Championship finisher Natalie Grabow continues her media blitz and now you can meet her up close and personal at the Mountain Lakes Public Library. Save the date: Jan. 18.
GOING, GOING GREEN
NOW PLAYING Break out your best distressed low-rise jeans and favorite flannel: The ’90s are back! Well, at least for a night when members of alt-rockers NINE DAYS, the band behind the pop-rock essential “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” roll up to Boonton Coffee Co. for an evening of storytelling and live music. It all goes down Jan. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. when John Hampson and Jeremy Dean take to the stage and wax late ’90s nostalgia and commemorate 25 years since the release of “The Madding Crowd,” the album that put the Long Islanders on the map and catapulted “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” to double-platinum certified status with more than 150M streams on Spotify. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.boontoncoffee.com.
Mountain Lakes, all nine of them, are officially in good hands. Thanks to a grant from the New Jersey Highlands Council in collaboration with Princeton Hydro, the borough will institute a lake and watershed management program. The initiative, in partnership with Princeton Hydro, aims to restore and protect lakes greater than 10 acres.
CALLING ALL THOSE 55 AND OVER Mountain Lakes has its very own community dedicated to residents ages 55 and older. The Laker 55 + Club offers residents opportunities to connect, stay active and just plain have fun. From social gatherings to game nights, fitness activities to hobby groups, even day trips, there is a niche for everyone. So, come in and give it a try. Open to residents 55 + only. For more information contact Recreation Director Laurie Stepper at recreation@ mtnlakes.org to get your name on the list.
A LITTLE FRESH AIR Take a binge-watch break and head on out into the cold. Elevate your mood and your heart rate by exploring the trails at The Tourne, and there’s snow excuse. Sledding, snowshoeing, and crosscountry skiing are yours for the taking: www.morrisparks.net/parks_ trails/tourne-county-park.
Do you have an upcoming event that needs a shout out? Are you a member of a group that meets regularly? Drop us a line and we’ll put it on the calendar. Ellen.Wilkowe@wainscotmedia.com.
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12/19/25 9:22 AM
Recent Home Sales Market Statistics Market Statistics Market Statistics Market Statistics
Mountain Lakes- and Boonton Township 11/1/2025 12/17/2025 11/1/2025 - 12/17/2025 11/1/2025 - 12/17/2025 11/1/2025 - 12/17/2025 11/1/2025 - 12/17/2025
Town
Address
List Price
Sell Price
Sell Price % of List Price
DOM
108%
10
Boonton Township
28 Sunrise Rd.
$665,777
$721,608
Boonton Township
5 De Camp Dr.
$675,000
$750,000
111%
20 86
Boonton Township
379 Rockaway Valley Rd.
$800,000
$765,000
Boonton Township
4 Kent Ave.
$915,000
$895,000
98%
33
Boonton Township
{insert chart} {insert chart} {insert chart} {insert chart} $981,100 47 Miller Dr. $949,000
96% 103%
22
Mountain Lakes
3 Fernwood Trl.
$499,000
$600,000
120%
23
Mountain Lakes
330 Morris Ave.
$899,000
$860,000
96%
80
Mountain Lakes
38 Robinhood Dr.
$975,000
$958,888
98%
68
Mountain Lakes
15 Ball Rd.
$1,185,000
$1,200,000
101%
11
$1,199,000
$1,199,000
100%
28
Average:
$828,439
103%
38
Mountain Lakes
12 Overlook Rd.
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BD 887BA BA GRG $3,600,000 77BD 338 GRG 7BD BD 8BA BA3$3,600,000 3 GRG $3,600,000 $3,600,000 GRG
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CENTER STAGE Michael Hollick, longtime performer and Broadway star, talks the stage, theater for children, and balancing his cast at home. BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
MICHAEL HOLLICK OF Mountain Lakes knows how to make a scene. As a long-time professional Broadway actor embedded with “The Lion King” franchise, he’s been on stage since kindergarten, a credit he gives to his teacher. Hollick never had to give up his day job because he never had one. His day begins in the late afternoon and peaks in the evening for the performances at the Minskoff Theater in Times Square. It is a lifestyle he relishes not only for living the dream but also pairing well with parenthood. He and his wife Angela have two children, Max, 15, and Eva 12, both in the school district. So, how did this family man and new-ish Laker make his way to the esteemed stage of Broadway, as well as the borough?
ROOTS Raised in Maryland and Delaware, Hollick peels back the layers to kindergarten and a classroom circus of sorts. “I was a sensitive and shy kid,” he says. “My teacher, Mrs. Cook, would always pick the shyest kid to be the ringmaster.” That just so happened to be him. “I came out of my shell, and by elementary school I was doing choir, plays and children’s theater.” High school theater was the next natural progression, where he received further encouragement by his theater teacher, Dave Patch. In his junior year, he auditioned for Carnegie Mellon University’s summer pre-college theater program. He was accepted and entered his senior year in high school, knowing he had
secured his first-choice school. “It was the perfect place for me,” he says. He was in the big time in what he described as a “rigorous and competitive” program that would cut students during the first couple of years. “There were 40 kids to start and by junior year, half were gone. It was ruthless,” he says. His daily college grind involved a rigorous 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule with only two allotted breaks. Then there was rehearsal or shows, from 7 to 10 p.m. “And then you had to do homework, and by that time it was after 11 p.m.,” he says. Upon completion of the four-yearprogram, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
M
Busy hands behind the scenes.
Actor Michael Hollick in the Mountain Lakes High School performing auditorium.
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He landed an agent and began to test drive different roles, even in television. His CV includes stints on “Guiding Light,” “Sex and the City,” and the “Law and Order” franchises. In taking advantage of “The Lion King” tour in Honolulu, he also secured a spot on “Hawaii Five-O.” A LOVE FOR THE STAGES The stage, however, was his one true home, but not before test driving an aerial opportunity early in his career. As part of De La Guarda, a popular off-Broadway experience involving audience participation, he performed as an aerialist. “It was a very formative experience,” he says. “It was New York City rave party meets theatrical poetic narrative movement.” The audience interaction component introduced Hollick to his wife and current councilwoman Angela Tsai. He can say with confidence that he swept her off her feet in flight. “I flew her,” he says. “There was some flirtation involved.” “The Lion King” came to light in 2010, which just so happened to coincide with the birth of his first child, Max. The couple moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas when Angela was pregnant, and Hollick took the stage as the understudy of Scar. The baby, however, had an act of his own planned and decided to make his debut two weeks early and almost smack in the middle of the show. “The doctor said that she [Angela] would be in labor for a long time,” Hollick says. True to theater fashion, the show must go on, and it did, along with Hollick, who managed to hold it together for the performance. “I showed up to the hospital in full makeup,” he says. “It was crazy. The Las Vegas paper even did a story on it.” As for Angela? A Jersey girl with entertainment roots of her own, her accolades span both the sports broadcasting and Broadway realms. She served as the general manager for the producers of “Moulin Rouge” and “The Outsiders,” as well as chief of staff for Zuckerberg Media, founded by one of Mark Zuckerberg’s sisters. It was her ties to Jersey that paved the way to their current residence in Mountain Lakes, not to mention the many detours, in addition to Las Vegas, that the tour provided them.
Below: Hollick on stage wearing his “The Lion King” gear.
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EXPANDING THEIR CAST With their son Max in tow, the growing family embodied a nomadic lifestyle that Hollick likened to a traveling circus. The tight-knit theater community traveled en masse, sharing housing and forging friendships that come from living in close proximity, Plus, they got to stay in a bunch of cool places including an organic farm and a historic tudor mansion. When the tour hit The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Hollick received the Broadway offer. Plus, there was another baby on board. Their youngest, Eva was also born on tour. The young family returned to New Jersey to raise their family, choosing Mountain Lakes for its access to public transit, as well as the borough’s good school district. Meanwhile, Angela continued to make a name for herself, winning a Shark Tank investor competition for Mamachic, which was featured on Good Morning America. With Hollick in the city during unconventional hours and Angela
consulting, the power couple continue to balance raising a family with raising the curtain and they’ve got it down to an almost science. For Hollick, this translates to a mid-afternoon 45-minute commute to the city, always erring on the side of caution by heading in earlier. With only an hour allotted for makeup alone, there is little wiggle room for being late, or even on time. But more often than not, he arrives with time to kill and takes it all in stride. It is a lifestyle he relishes. “It’s perfect for parenthood,” he says. “I have freedom to break up the day. And if I get there early, maybe I’ll do hot yoga.” The yoga helps with the physical demands of the complicated costume of Scar, which involves wires and motors that clock in between 30 and 40 pounds. Hollick also has to tame the formfitting plaster molded to his head. That’s where the mask is attached. “There’s a finger controller that operates it,” he says. He also wears a corset-like “cage”
to protect the motorized costume. “And 20-pound leather pants,” he says. “It’s a demanding role.” In addition to Scar, Hollick also plays the understudy for Zazoo, which entails another intricate costume complete with wings, eyes, and a head. He is also well-versed as Pumba, which involves a costume tipping the scales at 50 pounds. Somewhere before joining the animal pride, but deep into his role in “Tarzan,” Hollick made an additional name for himself in the video game industry, specifically in Grand Theft Auto IV. “I was the protagonist,” he says. “It was a long process but a fun process.” Hollick assumed the identity of Niko Bellic, performing voice acting and the motion capture. “The game broke all sorts of revenue records,” he says. “It also broke the mold for storytelling in video games, the first of its kind to be so cinematic. Hollick clinched a VGA award for his role as well as a fan following that he corresponds with to date.
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Children practice and perform as part of The Mountain Lakes Children’s Theater, founded by Hollick.
GIVING BACK In paying his gifts forward, he founded The Mountain Lakes Children’s Theater, a summer program that immerses Borough students in the K-8 district in all matters performing. The high school students also lend a hand, serving as mentors for their younger counterparts. “The kids can benefit directly, especially now with the mechanization of the arts,” he says. In the current arts-indifferent climate, Hollick stresses the overall teachable moments involved in theater both on stage and behind the scenes. “Some of the greatest civilizations have had strong theater traditions,” he says. “Theater instills life skills such as empathy, collaborating, the exchange of ideas and respect for others. By taking on a character, the kids get to walk in someone else’s shoes.” The program provides a safe environment for children to express themselves on stage and even overcome their fears of public speaking. As a technology-driven generation adapting to a rapidly advancing AIecosystem, the younger generations are more in tune with their devices than they are with each other, he notes. Theater helps to recreate the human connection, he says. “AI is meant to give humans exactly what they need, and the architects of the technology have designed it to increase engagement for profit,” he says. “In order to be successful, you have to be able to understand human beings and have people skills.”
The program is equal parts about the process as it is the performance, not to mention the downright giddy fun. There is more focus on the overall experience leading up to the main event than it is the spotlight on performancedriven results. Angela, too, is involved, taking on the roles of producer as well as mentor for student producers in the business of production and live events. “When you apply yourself with your friends to a common goal and get through the hard stuff, there’s a certain pride in the end,” Hollick says. “There are many aha moments.” On his current stage, Hollick remains optimistic that he will not be replaced by humanoid actors. In the meantime, he hopes to expand accessibility to live experiences on the local level, and the children’s theater is just the start.
“If we can use the same buy-local mentality that is applied to markets to live community-based events, that would be a start,” he says, acknowledging the often-excessive ticketing prices. “You’re paying for the value of a live experience.” The Mountain Lakes Children’s Theater is part of the school district’s summer academy. The four-week program runs from the end of June through July and will culminate in a live performance. Last year, the theater produced “The Addams Family,” and this year’s show is currently being decided. Ellen S. Wilkowe is a freelance writer and former journalist who lives in neighboring Denville. JANUARY 2026 |
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A Hero at Home
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From Bloomfield to Boonton Township, Kelly Tripucka, former NBA star, has never forgotten his family or his roots.
BY RICH LUTTENBERGER
WHEN DEBATING THE best high school basketball players to ever play in New Jersey, the name Kelly Tripucka has to be in the conversation. A versatile athlete, Tripucka scored more than 2,000 points in just three years at Bloomfield High School in Essex County. He then became a four-year starter and All-American at Notre Dame, and he averaged 17 points per game over 10 years in the NBA. While he played in a different era, the indicators of his success—hard work, tenacity, confidence, and court smarts—are timeless. Born and raised in Bloomfield, Tripucka grew up at the tail end
of the golden age of suburbia where he was part of a generation who enjoyed much freedom and independence as kids. “There was never any pressure,” he remembers. “The rules were simple: ‘Just make sure you’re home for dinner and stay out of trouble.’” There are many fond memories of his youth, where going outside, riding bikes, and playing with neighborhood kids was the norm. “I had a wonderful childhood,” he says. “We were very, very fortunate to grow up in that time. It was a great place and a great town.” As the second youngest in a family of seven children, Tripucka
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Opposite page: The Tripucka family in front of their home in Bloomfield. Bottom left: The Tripucka family at Notre Dame, where Kelly’s banner hangs in the Purcell Pavilion Ring of Honor.
often looked up to his older siblings, but he also learned hard lessons from them because it was difficult to compete with four older brothers. However, that struggle helped him develop toughness and resilience. With very athletic siblings and a former NFL quarterback for a father, Tripucka recalls how there was a lot of competition in his youth, but none of it was forced. His father, Frank, whose number 18 is retired in the Denver Broncos ring of honor, never pushed for his sons to follow in his footsteps. “My father didn’t pressure us to be athletes,” the younger Tripucka recalls. “Sports just came by itself.” A FUTURE CALLING By high school, Kelly Tripucka was an accomplished three-sport athlete. He won a state title in soccer where
he was a defender on a team that only gave up four goals the entire season. On the track team, he set a then-school record for high jump at 6’ 7”, and he won a state championship throwing the javelin. “I played other sports, because that’s what you did,” he says, “but basketball was my path.” On the hardwood, Tripucka was a beast, scoring 1,045 points in his senior season and winning a state sectional championship. For his career, Tripucka tallied 2,278 points, which he did without a three-point line, and over the course of just three seasons since grade nine was part of the middle school. With offers to play collegiate basketball pouring in, Tripucka’s short list included Duke, South Carolina, and Maryland, but he chose to play at Notre Dame, his
father’s alma mater. Even though he grew up in a Fighting Irish football family, the decision had nothing to do with his father playing there. “Notre Dame at that time was just right for me,” Tripucka admits. “They were up and coming, they were independent, and they played all over the country.” Even better, he saw a chance to get on the court early. “I had an opportunity to play.” And play he did, making his way into the starting lineup early in his freshman season on a team that made the school’s only Final Four appearance. In Tripucka’s four years, the Irish reached the NCAA Tournament every year, and this was prior to the expansion to a 64-school field. Leading the team in scoring for three of his years at Notre Dame, JANUARY 2026 |
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he twice earned a spot on the consensus All-American second team. In his final two seasons in South Bend, Tripucka averaged 18 points per game, and in 2020, he was awarded the ultimate Notre Dame distinction when they hung a banner for him in the Purcell Pavilion Ring of Honor. “It was a great experience,” he says. “I chose wisely.” TO THE BIG LEAGUES Tripucka continued his success in the NBA. As the 12th overall draft pick, by the Detroit Pistons, in 1981, he averaged 21.6 points per game over five years in the Motor City. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year vote, and he made the
All-Star team twice. He led the league in minutes played in the 1982-83 season, showing incredible toughness and durability to go along with his great playing abilities. In looking back at his career, the Bloomfield native acknowledges how the foundation of his success was forged through the experiences of his childhood. Independence. Grit. Resilience. And confidence. “I was never afraid,” Tripucka says of his time on the court. “I don’t back down from anybody. That’s part of who I am. You’re going to get my best every time.” After a successful decadelong career in the NBA, Tripucka became a broadcaster for the sport for almost 30 years. In 1992,
he and his wife, Janice, a native of North Caldwell, settled in Boonton Township. They liked the area, citing its good schools, central location, and strong sense of community. Being Essex County natives, they also wanted more property. The Tripuckas raised three children, all of whom went to Mountain Lakes High School and excelled in sports, particularly lacrosse. Like their father and grandfather, the kids played multiple sports under coaching legends. Tripucka appreciates how fortunate both of his sons were to play for local icons in football coach, Doug Wilkins, and lacrosse
Tripucka attended Notre Dame, helping catapult the Irish into the NCAA Tournament in each of his four years attended Notre Dame where he played for the Fighting Irish.
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“You can never be afraid to fail. You fail more than you succeed. That’s ok, because you learn from it and you get better.” - Kelly Tripucka
coach, Tim Flynn. “They were two unbelievable coaches, long-time successful, nose-in-the-dirt kind of guys.” With two generations of professional athletes in their pedigree as well as guidance from coaching legends at MLHS, it is no wonder that the Tripucka boys went on to play college sports. And like his father did with him, Tripucka allowed his kids to make their own choices, which resulted not only in successful sports careers for all three, but also memorable journeys with their teammates, something
that the elder Tripucka still holds dear to his own heart. As a retired empty nester, Tripucka now splits his time between Boonton Township and Boynton Beach, Florida. When he is in Morris County, he enjoys seeing friends and playing golf at Rockaway River Country Club. When looking back on his time in Boonton Township, he recognizes the similarities to his own youth. He appreciates the sense of community and the willingness to prioritize what is best for the kids. “We’re in this together, and we want
to see our kids do better than we did,” he says. Doing better than Kelly Tripucka is a very high bar, but with the help of him and the communities of Boonton Township and Mountain Lakes, it is certainly a bar that can and will be raised. Rich Luttenberger is a lifelong Morris County resident. He is a teacher at Morris Knolls High School, writer, and occassional podcast host for the “Sons of Saturday,” a multimedia platform focused on Virginia Tech Sports.
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This Dog is Booked
O
Oscar the Leonberger is a hit with young readers at the Mountain Lakes Public Library. BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
OSCAR THE 160-POUND Leonberger is one-storied dog. As the Mountain Lakes Public Library’s official reading dog, he turns equal amounts of heads, as he does pages of the children who read to him. An established staff member for three years now, Oscar is as well read as he is bred. He boasts a host of credentials including Good Canine Citizen and is an esteemed graduate from the Top Dog training program at Garden State Canine—yes, there was a ceremony. Most importantly, he is always willing to lend a paw–and an ear–to his adoring pint-sized fans on the ready with their favorite reads.
“Leonbergers are gentle giants,” says his human, Heather Hornby of Mountain Lakes. “They’re family dogs, and one of the pack. Oscar is a funny, unique guy. He’s enormous but a big cuddly bear.” This is the library’s second reading dog. Their first pooch, Gus the Goldendoodle, proved equally as popular with the kids, but he retired out of state with his humans, and he has since passed. “He was with us until he was 10. I remember because the kids had a birthday party for him with hats and books,” says Mountain Lakes Public Library Director Jennifer Lynch.
Left: Tina Krawczyk is one of the owners of Brookhollow’s Barnyard, a family-run petting farm in Boonton Township.
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN LAKES PUBLIC LIBRARY AND HEATHER HORNBY
DREAM JOB Oscar came on board almost by way of star alignment. Hornby was working at the library right when Oscar was still a young pup but in training. “When Heather told me this, I was thinking ‘here’s our next reading dog,’” says Lynch. “He’s the sweetest guy.” Hornby enrolled him in the same school that Gus attended, and the story has been writing itself ever since. “He loves his job,” Hornby says. “He gets super excited and knows exactly what’s happening. It’s good for him and is mentally stimulating. “ To his young readers, Oscar is also next level star status, especially on Monday evenings when his regulars show up for bedtime stories. “The kids are very responsive and he has his regulars,” she says. “They come in their pajamas.” So, here’s how it works in real time. Oscar walks into a welcoming committee of sorts and snuggles into his training bed ready to tune into the hand-picked stories. The unconditional affection is a given and the reading-to-petting ratio is a close call. “They just like spending time with
a dog,” says Hornby of the children. “I now bring a brush because someone asked to brush him.” Oscar is Hornby’s third Leonberger, a breed that found its way into her home and heart decades ago when she and her husband were looking for childfriendly dogs. “There was a breeder near our house when we were living in Michigan,” she says. “We went there on a whim.” An established Laker for 20 years and now an empty nester, Hornby decided to certify Oscar after witnessing the effects that a therapy dog had on her father while he was in the hospital. The therapeutic value also translates in dog time. Oscar recently lost his sister Leonberger, Coco, and has been in a bit of a depression, Lynch notes. “So, coming to the library and seeing the kids has been like his therapy, too.” Oscar is pretty booked this month. He’s on the calendar for Jan. 10 from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and again on Jan. 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. Residents can sign their children up to read at www.mountainlakeslibrary.org/ calendar. JANUARY 2026 |
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INTERVIEW WITH
On a Roll Mountain Lakes Bagel and Deli: Freshness served by family. BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
EDDIE MURPHY. Howard Stern. Barbara Streisand. That’s quite the A-list lineup and all regulars at Mountain Lakes Bagel and Deli, where they keep good company on the sandwich menu alongside Clint Eastwood and John Travolta. “The younger generations may not know some of these names, but they still order them,” says Dawn Imbert, who owns and manages the store in concert with her husband, “Bagel” Bob. A labor of love indeed. Imbert checks her titles at the door and is just as comfortable taking orders the oldfashioned way (pencil and paper) as she is catching up with the regulars on a first-name basis. As of this year, the Laker establishment is celebrating three decades of serving up fresh, hand-rolled bagels, assorted homemade shmears, wraps, and an assortment of baked goods that are on the ready for sampling atop the counter. Whimsical names just add that much more homegrown flavor to what puts
Jersey’s reputation for bagels on the map, right up there with the forever Taylor ham v. Pork Roll feud. (In these parts it’s Taylor ham, hands down). While ingredients, technique, and passion are paramount, the success of a bagel is also as good as the water that brings it to life. And on that front, Jersey water delivers. So, says manager Paul Singh. He is one of a handful of between 12 to 15 employees that keeps the bagels boiling, the baked goods rising and the sandwiches fresh. Speaking of fresh, try the “Will Smith Slap,” named for the star’s infamous hand-swipe at Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards. But hey, tradition is what keeps the lights on and ovens warm. In keeping traditions of our own, we headed over to the Laker’s bagel hot spot to research the recipe and secrets for their success. While the recipe remains classified, Imbert did dish on the priority one status of top-shelf ingredients.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY
NATALIE SPINGOLD
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So, why the bagel business? I worked in a bagel shop throughout high school. My husband has been in the restaurant industry forever. He owned a bunch of pizzerias and Blimpies. This is his eighteenth store.
Opposite page: Phillip Kutyla gearing up to make bagels at Mountain Lakes Bagels. This page, clockwise from top left: Kutyla rolling out the bagel dough. The handiwork of bagel maker, Kutyla. The storefront of Mountain Lakes Bagels.
What sets your bagels apart from nearby competitors? Each bagel is hand-rolled and kettle-boiled. Everything is fresh: from the tuna, chicken and egg salad to our cream cheeses. It’s all made in house. Plus, the fact that we’re family owned makes us more personal. How does one make cream cheese? I can’t tell you that! What I can tell you is that we use only the finest ingredients and never cut corners. Everything is made-toorder on the spot; there are no warmers here.
How many bagels are produced on a daily basis, and how does that work in terms of possibly too many cooks in the kitchen. We have five shelves of bagels that hold three dozen per shelf, so a total of 15 dozen bagels. Phil, the roller, comes in around 3:30 a.m. to get it all started. We have a separate baker, too. What’s the most popular and how many flavors do you offer? Plain and “the blitz,” which is an everything bagel. (There are 22 flavors including essentials such as onion, cinnamon raisin and the ever-beloved rainbow bagel. Chocolate chip and Black Russian are also in the mix here.) So, what exactly constitutes, say, a John Travolta? Hard genoa salami, Provolone, hot and sweet peppers, and oil and vinegar.
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From top: Breakfast menu items at Mountain Lakes Bagels. Fresh bagels ready to be cooked. Bagels for miles. Opposite page: Have you tried a Blitz? Beautifully crafted bagels at Mountain Lakes Bagels.
Do you collaborate with area businesses or organizations? We partner with The Oaks in Denville, The Rockaway River Country Club, churches. We also partner with The Mansion and The Embassy Suites in Parsippany. We provide bagel breakfasts to the bridal party getting ready (at The Mansion) and the groomsmen (at Embassy Suites.) We also do Bat Mitvahs. In our short time here, we’ve seen a few customers who seem to know everyone behind the counter. We do have our regulars, but people come from all over. We actually had customers from Germany. And when kids from college come home, they’ll come directly here. . Tell us about flagels, and can you also provide insight as to whether there’s a bagel version of the munchkin or donut hole? Flagels are just flattened bagels and while we haven’t offered bagel holes, I believe that one of the chain coffee shops offered them stuffed with cream cheese. What do you see as the future of bagels? We’re not going anywhere. Mountain Lakes Bagels is located at 350 Route 46 East. For more information, call (973) 627-4999 or visit www.mountainlakesbagel.com.
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LO CAL TA ST ES
Signature Mocktails Refreshing sips for all ages BY JENNA GALLETTI
GONE ARE THE DAYS when your only alcohol-free option at a party was sparkling water with a lemon wedge. With health, wellness and mindful living on the rise, more people are skipping the booze, and mocktails are having their moment. They’re stylish, flavorful and hangover-free. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque or a game night with friends or just want something that feels festive without the alcohol, mocktails are here to raise the bar (pun intended). Today’s mocktails are more than just sugar-loaded drinks. Think fresh herbs, coldpressed juices, fancy garnishes and even gutfriendly ingredients like kombucha or apple cider vinegar. These drinks don’t just look good in your hand; they can actually make you feel good too. Here are three signature mocktails you can easily make at home for everyone to enjoy.
1
The Citrus Spritz: INGREDIENTS • Juice of 1 orange • Juice of ½ lemon • ½ tsp honey (optional) • Sparkling water • Orange slice and rosemary sprig (for garnish) INSTRUCTIONS Shake the juices and honey with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish like you mean it.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JENNA GALLETTI; GETTY IMAGES
A sunny, sparkling refresher
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2
Berry Bramble Fizz:
Perfect for porch sitting and gossiping with friends
INGREDIENTS • ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (raspberries or blackberries work best) • 1 tsp maple syrup • Juice of ½ lime • ½ cup club soda • Mint leaves (for garnish)
3
INSTRUCTIONS Muddle the berries and maple syrup in a shaker. Add lime juice and shake with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, top with club soda and toss in some mint for flair.
Cucumber Cooler: Like a spa day in a glass INGREDIENTS • 4 slices cucumber • Juice of ½ lime • 4 oz coconut water • Splash of tonic or soda water • Cucumber ribbon and lime wheel (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS Muddle cucumber and lime juice in a shaker. Add coconut water and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and top with tonic. Garnish like you own a wellness brand.
The best part? You don’t need to be a bartender or own a cocktail shaker to enjoy these. A mason jar and a wooden spoon will do just fine. These easy, feel-good sips prove that skipping the booze doesn’t mean skipping the fun. So, pour something pretty, take a sip, savor the moment and drink to your health—no hangover in sight. Cheers! Jenna Galletti is a photographer, marketer and creative producer who splits her time between New York and Boston. She finds endless inspiration through the energy of urban life. Visit her online at www.jennagalletti.com and follow her on Instagram @jennagalletti.
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DINING GUI DE
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 craves you.
MOUNTAIN LAKES Barka Mediterreanan Seafood and Steak 60 US-46, Mountain Lakes (973) 917-3386 Hapgood’s Restaurant 44 Midvale Rd., Mountain Lakes (973) 299-3399 www.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 www.paulsfamilydiner.com
The Station at Mountain Lakes 99 Midvale Rd., Mountain Lakes (973) 335-5330 www.thestationatmountainlakes.com
Boonton Coffee Co. 602 Main St., Boonton (862) 261-0228 www.boontoncoffee.com
Chili Willie’s Mexican Restaurant 702 Main St., Boonton (973) 299-8775 www.orderchiliwillies.com
BOONTON
Boonton Sushi House 701 Main St., Boonton (973) 394-8870 www.sushiboonton.com
Don’s Sandwich Shop 606 Main St., Boonton (973) 263-3189
Al Hara 624 Main St., Boonton (973) 265-0808 www.ombraboonton.com Bagels n’ Crumbs 704 Main St., Boonton (973) 588-3021 www.bagelsncrumbs.com Bella Sicillia Restaurant 408 Main St., Boonton (973) 334-3400
Boonton Thai Cuisine 315 Main St., Boonton (973) 794-6263 www.boontonthaitogo. com
Delizia Pizza Kitchen 308 Wootton St, Boonton www.deliziapizzaboontonnj.com Empanadas NJ 506 Main St., Boonton (973) 265-0536
Catfight Coffee 3616 Main St., Boonton (201) 686-4608 www.catfightcoffee.com
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DINING GUI DE
Top of The Park 1007 Main St., Boonton (973) 402-0989 www.topoftheparkrestaurant.com Wasabi Bistro 126 Myrtle Ave., Boonton (973) 334-2663 www.wasabibistronewjersey.com Uzbekistana Mediterranean Restaurant 1175 Main St., Boonton (973) 263-0495 www.uzbekistanamenu.com
Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine 309 Main St., Boonton (973) 334-0102 Heavenly Temptations 712 Main St. #187b, Boonton (973) 316-8909 Java Smugglers Cafe and Health Bar 922 Main St., Boonton (973) 662-6270 www.javasmugglers.com Johnnies Tavern 301 Boonton Ave., Boonton (973) 263-9787 La Bamba Grill 2 905 Main St., Boonton (973) 265-4233 www.labambagrillboonton.com Latin American Restaurant 800 Main St., Boonton (973) 794-6115 www.latinamericanboonton.com Main Street Bagels 605 Main St. Boonton (973) 530-4020
Roma Pizza of Boonton 709 Main St. Boonton (973) 335-1614 www.romapizzaofboonton.com Ombra 516 Main St., Boonton (201) 367-1196 www.ombraboonton.com Pasquale’s 307 Main St., #1, Boonton www.pasqualesboonton.com Reservoir Tavern 99 Parsippany Blvd., Boonton (973) 334-5708 www.therestavern.com Sazon Latino 209 Main St., Boonton (973) 794-4121 Sharkey’s West 108 Boonton Ave., Boonton (973) 917-4466 www.sharkeyswest.com Tentaciones Colombianas Bakery & Cafe 720 Main St., Boonton (973) 588-4307 www.tentacionesbakery.com JANUARY 2026 | 27
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MONTVILLE
Asian Kawa 6652 Main Rd., Montville (973) 794-6416 www.asiankawamontville.com Bagels & Beyond Café 191 Changebridge Rd., Montville (973) 588-3991 www.howardsmedcafe.com Black Rabbit 8 Main Rd., Montville (973) 588-3340 www.blackrabbitsaloon.com Cafe Club 67 Boonton Ave., Montville (973) 208-4081 www.cafeclubmontville.com Columbia Inn 29 Main Rd., Montville (973) 263-1300 www.thecolumbiainn.com
Harrigan’s Family Restaurant 145 Main Rd., Montville (973) 263-0111 www.harrigansmontville.com Scalini Fedeli 157 Main Rd. Montville (973) 541-1234 www.scalinifedelinj.com Tuscany Villa Ristorante 233 Changebridge Rd., Montville (973) 334-1400 www.tuscanyvillaitalian.com
TOWACO
Colombo’s 900 Degrees 626 Main Rd., Towaco (973) 335-2555 www.900degreespizza.com
Landauer Café 632 Route 202, Towaco (973) 394-1100 www.landauercafe.com
Dear Thai Kitchen 634 Main Rd., Towaco (973) 588-4394 www.dearthaikitchen.com
Rails Steakhouse 10 Whitehall Rd., Towaco (973) 335-0006 www.railssteakhouse.com
Red Barn Restaurant 446 Main Rd #5, Towaco (973) 316-5686 www.redbarntowaco.com
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Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
SUMMER
Providing guidance and knowledge at no cost to you.
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Become a contributing writer or photographer for Mountain Lakes & Boonton Township Magazine.
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BOOK NOOK
New Year, new Reads RECOMMENDATIONS COURTESY OF THE STAFF AT MOUNTAIN LAKES PUBLIC LIBRARY
IS READING ON your resolution list? Yes? No? Undecided? Either way, the Mountain Lakes Library staff is happy to help you lock in—for at least one good read. For the thriller-seeker to the historycurious and readers driven by matters of the heart and humor, there’s no page left unturned. FICTION
THE STORM
by Rachel Hawkins Releases on Jan. 6, 2026 A storied Gulf Coast beach motel is the subject matter in this gothic noir from bestselling author Rachel Hawkins. If walls could talk, they would clue the reader into weathering a century of hurricanes, as well as bearing witness to multiple deaths.
DEAR DEBBIE
by Frieda McFadden Releases Jan. 27, 2026 Call it revenge print. A columnist going through it finds healing and humor by dishing
out her own “payback” methods on those who she feels have wronged her. From the author of “The Housemaid,” Frieda McFadden incorporates dark humor with a wicked twist.
A historical mystery based on an old family secret takes the reader from the streets of Sydney to Italy’s Neapolitan coast.
SOME BRIGHT NOWHERE
NONFICTION
by Ann Packer A marriage tested by illness and a simple request that fosters a couple’s deep dive into selfreflection as to who they are as a unite and apart. This is the author’s first novel in over a decade.
WE WHO WILL DIE (EMPIRE OF BLOOD #1)
by Stacia Stark Calling all vapid vampire fans. This one’s for you. Think romantasy set amid a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. The first in a series of novels from the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series checks all the boxes: combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures.
THE ITALIAN SECRET by Tara Moss
MOTHERLAND: A FEMINIST HISTORY OF MODERN RUSSIA, FROM REVOLUTION TO AUTOCRACY by Julia Ioffe A combination memoir, journalistic meanderings, and history, Ioffe peels back the layers to reveal how women of the past played their parts in shaping the Russia we know of today.
IN THE ARENA: THEODORE ROOSEVELT IN WAR, PEACE AND REVOLUTION by David S. Brown For history buffs or the historically curious alike, this biography is a must for those who want a better understanding of how this pivotal period and president shaped the country.
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Mountain Lakes NOVEMBER 2025
& BOONTON TOWNSHIP
LAUNCHING BIG IDEAS
THE MAKERSPACE SCIENCE LAB
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A Touch
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When you become a partner—you’re more than an advertiser.
LAKER GABI LOMBARDI’S NOSTRANA
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PHOTO OP
ABOVE AND BEYOND Mountain Lakes applauds its volunteers.
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE may have been frightful, but that didn’t keep the Mountain Lakes Borough Council from pulling out all the stops for their annual volunteer service award ceremony—with a jam-packed house to boot. The awards included Citizen of the Year, which recognizes a Mountain Lakes resident who “by his or her actions, has shown themselves to be an asset to the borough.” The council presented the 2025 plaque to long-time Laker Ranjan O. Bose, recognizing his accomplishments as historical preservation committee chairman, his help at the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, and his avid contribution to the “You know you’re from Mountain Lakes” and “Mountain Lakes History” Facebook pages as well as events in the borough. Bose is always on the scene, his camera on hand, documenting moments, such as Diwali, Turkey Trot, Christmas Tree lighting, sporting events, reunions, and more for generations to come. This earned him a claim to fame as the unofficial but official borough photographer (and he has added color to our publication as well). “His photographs are the visual heartbeat of how we see ourselves, and his spirit of generosity builds a more vibrant place for all of us and makes Mountain Lakes the best place to call home,” says Deputy Mayor Melissa Muilenburg, who presented the award.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ELLEN S. WILKOWE AND RANJAN O. BOSE
In addition to Bose, the council awarded Bob Trachtenberg the Janice D. Hunts Lifelong Service Award, recognizing his 40-year milestone of service with the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. Trachtenberg joined the department after moving to town in 1985. His accolades include having served as lieutenant for 10 years, truck driver, and most recently, the role of department secretary for the past 14 years. Trachtenberg was also recognized for having answered “hundreds of calls at all hours,” and also assisting with mutual aid partners. He was further recognized for his humble persona, downplaying his own contributions and putting the focus on how the community has enriched his own life. The volunteer appreciation awards are made possible through a nomination process and are open to residents who have lived here for 10 or more years. Have a great image for Photo Op?
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