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Mountain Lakes November 2026

& BOONTON TOWNSHIP

AN EYE FOR COLOR

ARTIST BARRY ZAWACKI

READY, SET, GO!

INSIDE THE 8TH ANNUAL TURKEY TROT

Dining on the Right Track THE STATION

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Contents NOVEMBER 2026

F EATU RES

A Beloved Tradition Inside the annual Thanksgiving Day 5k Turkey Trot that’s eight years and counting.

Dining on the Right Track

Experience upscale dining at The Station in Mountain Lakes, where community is the main ingredient.

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16 14 8

An Eye for Color

Mountain Lakes artist and sculptor Barry Zawacki talks his winding career, inspirations, and what makes his work sing.

I N TH I S I S SU E

PUBLISHER’S NOTE November Arrives

AROUND TOWN November Events

@BOONTON Sweet Success

Q&A The Power of a Pantry

LOCAL SOCIAL Double Barrel, Single Malt

PHOTO OP Natural Beauty

COVER

Carlos Vasquez, Bradley Cooper, and Steve Turkot at The Station Photograph by Antonietta Henry

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PUB LISH E R’S NOTE

Mountain Lakes

& BOONTON TOWNSHIP MAGAZINE

Publisher Mary Lima mary.lima@wainscotmedia.com 917-969-0924 Editorial Consultant Ranjan O. Bose Writers Antonietta Henry Ranjan O. Bose

THE COLD HAS SETTLED in, and we are full speed ahead towards the coziest time of the year! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we decided to visit the Turkey Trot, an annual 5k race in Mountain Lakes that is eight years strong. This year’s race is set to be a good one, so check out the details on page 12. We also stop by The Station, a beloved restaurant where community and cuisine come together. Step inside the historic building and find a welcoming

PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIA MALOOF VERDEROSA

NOVEMBER ARRIVES

atmosphere, an array of tasty dishes, and delectable drinks. And, speaking of drinks, have you heard of The Double Barrel? This local speakeasy is the true definition of “If you know, you know.” Writer Antonietta Henry gets the inside scoop on this fun basement bar started and maintained by Mountain Lakes locals. While the bar isn’t open to the public, you might just get a drink if you know the right people. As if this issue wasn’t already filled with mouth-watering food and drinks, we also get a treat (literally!) with Sweet Melissa Bake Shop, run by Melissa Camacho. Her sweets are so tasty, you’ll want to reach onto the page and take a bite. We hope your November is as much of a treat as this issue was for us to put together. Until December.

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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

Warmly,

Production Designer Chris Ferrante Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Mary Lima

Publisher mountainlakesmag.com @mountainlakesmag

Have a story idea?

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Photographers Antonietta Henry Ranjan O. Bose

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.

Email the publisher: mary.lima@wainscotmedia.com

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NOVEMBER EVENTS While the weather is getting colder, there’s plenty to do in the community. You won’t be indoors for long.

Nov. 1

MOUNTAIN LAKES JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY LAKELAND LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP MEET Central Park of Morris County Cross Country course. Mountain Lakes Recreation’s Junior Cross Country Team competes in the Lakeland League, which includes teams from 20 towns in the Morris, Passaic, and Sussex County area. The Mountain Lakes Team, comprised of members from Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township, is now competing in its ninth season with the Lakeland League. The Regular Season League races (which are divided by age group and gender) take place on Sunday morning from September through October.

Nov. 14

TOWN CLUB OF MOUNTAIN LAKES ANNUAL NEWCOMERS WELCOME PARTY Open to those who have moved into town since Oct. 25, 2025, and current Town Club Members. Find details and RSVP here: townclubml.org.

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Nov. 26

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DAY 5K TURKEY TROT The USATF-sanctioned event is open to all, (including people who prefer to walk and those with strollers) and begins, rain or shine, in front of Wildwood School at 9 a.m. Awards are distributed by gender and age group. Check out our feature on this amazing community event!

Nov. 21

SCOUTING AMERICA MOUNTAIN LAKES TROOP 41 WEST POINT FOOTBALL GAME Michie Stadium. Mountain Lakes Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) Troop 41 will travel to West Point for what is becoming a new fall tradition, touring the U.S. Military Academy, and cheering on the Black Knights at the recently expanded Michie Stadium, as they take on East Carolina University at West Point in a Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) match-up. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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@BOONTON

Melissa Camacho in her commercial kitchen space in Boonton.

Sweet Success Boonton’s own Sweet Melissa Bake Shop serves fresh-baked treats with a smile. BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

FROM FLAKY CROISSANTS and tangy lemon bars to freshly baked muffins, Sweet Melissa Bake Shop is filled with the comforting aroma of homemade treats. Based in Boonton and owned by resident Melissa Camacho, the delicious baked goods she creates satisfy any sweet craving.

Packaged goodies by Sweet Melissa Bake Shop.

ROOTS Growing up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Camacho didn’t know the treats she made for her classmates would one day become her literal bread and butter. “I’ve always loved making people happy through food, but never realized that passion would one day become my career,” she says. Formally trained at the Institute of Culinary Education, Camacho then worked in high-end establishments including Buddakan, Morimoto, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you’re a “Top Chef: Just Desserts” fan, you may recognize her as a contestant on the show. Sweet Melissa Bake Shop started during the COVID lockdown when Camacho sold pastry boxes to friends and family. “As demand grew, I began hosting pop-ups at a local bodega, which gave me the confidence to take the next step,” she says.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

Clockwise from top left: Melissa takes fresh croissants out of the oven. Frosting peach strawberry “pop tarts” with pink glaze. Melissa at the mixing bowl.

Following Camacho’s move from Harlem to Boonton, a light bulb went off. “I had an idea,” she says. “Many small restaurants would love to offer housemade desserts but can’t justify hiring a full-time pastry chef,” she says. “I partner with restaurants to create custom dessert menus and provide handcrafted desserts at wholesale prices, allowing them to offer a unique dessert program for a fraction of the cost of employing a full-time pastry chef. Supplying restaurants with plated desserts has been wonderful,” she says. “Everything is specific to the cuisines of the establishment, and that makes the buyer very happy.” CAKES AND BAKES Camacho works with many restaurants and churns out treats from her commercial kitchen space on Myrtle Avenue. For local Lakers, you can find her cinnamon rolls in the sundaes at Corner Creamery. In

neighboring Montville, look for Sweet Melissa’s zucchini bread, olive oil cake, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, and gluten-free brownies Cafe Club. Camacho also offers in-town delivery of specialty cakes, cake pops, macarons, or dessert buffets, but the biggest news is the launch of the Monthly Pastry Box. “I’m so excited to offer customers a curated collection of handcrafted desserts that change every month,” she says. “Each box features a mix of seasonal flavors and bakery favorites, giving customers a chance to experience a variety of my creations in one delicious package.” To sign up, customers can use the Hotplate app to subscribe, allowing for preorders. Gift certificates can also be purchased on the app. The September pastry box included apple pie brioche crumble, tomato jam hand pie, and a malted chocolate tart with a coffee cream. Among some of the baker’s most popular items are cookies, lemon

strawberry bars and savory croissants stuffed with spinach and artichoke. The homemade “pop tarts” are a nod to the nostalgic breakfast treat, stuffed with peach strawberry filling and topped with icing and sprinkles. Chocolate chip scones, rich double chocolate muffins, and caramel popcorn cream puffs contain the finest ingredients. “I love combining unexpected and interesting flavors, like my passion fruit and brown butter cookie (thumbprint with passion fruit curd and a brown butter glaze) or my ruffle chocolate chip marshmallow cookies (chocolate chip cookies, ruffle potato chips and marshmallow),” says Camacho. “Turning simple ingredients into something memorable and bringing people together through dessert is so rewarding. Knowing something I made created a happy memory is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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@BOONTON

Clockwise from top left: Flaky croissants. Melissa, daughter Mia, son Ethan, and husband Ricky. Chocolate Chip Scones.

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING When not baking, Camacho enjoys spending time with her husband, Ricky, a chef/partner of Anejo Restaurant in both Tribeca and Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan and Playa Taqueria in Montclair. “He truly understands the passion, long hours, and sacrifices that come with working in the hospitality industry,” she says. “On the difficult days, he’s the one who reminds me why I started and encourages me to keep going. Beyond being my biggest supporter, he also handles much of the behind-the-scenes work for Sweet Melissa Bake Shop, allowing me to focus on creating and growing the business,” she says. “Having someone who understands this industry and believes

in me has made all the difference.” Family is everything to Camacho. “My children, Ethan (14) and Mia (10), are my biggest motivation. Every decision I make is with them in mind,” she says. “Whether it’s creating a flexible schedule so I can be present for their milestones, cheering them on at soccer games and school events, or showing them what it looks like to work hard for your dreams, they inspire me every single day.” Providing sweets to Boonton and local communities is much more than mixing butter, sugar, and flour to Camacho. “To me, being part of the Boonton community means belonging. It’s about supporting my neighbors, collaborating with other local businesses, and giving back whenever I can.”

“Through Sweet Melissa Bakeshop, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of birthdays, weddings, fundraisers, and everyday moments that bring people together,” she says. I’m grateful to call Boonton home and proud to contribute to the community that has supported my dream.” For more information and to order, look for Sweet Melissa Bake Shop on Hotplate, Facebook and Instagram, or email her at melissa@sweetmelissabakeshop.com. 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.

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A Beloved Tradition

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Inside the annual Thanksgiving Day 5k Turkey Trot that’s eight years and counting.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY RANJAN O. BOSE

BY RANJAN O. BOSE

THE VERY FIRST Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot took place on Thanksgiving Day morning in 2018, and has grown and evolved since then into a treasured community tradition, sponsored since 2024 by the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. Last year’s race included approximately 1,200 participants, many dressed in whimsically appropriate and festive holiday accoutrements, with awards distributed by gender and age group, as well as for the overall Turkey Trot champion. The first Turkey Trot was organized by Mountain Lakes resident Joe Oliver as a fundraising charity event in support of children with Type I

Diabetes and Type I Diabetes research. Called the “Type I Willpower Turkey Trot,” the 5-kilometer race was named in honor of his son William, currently a junior at MLHS, who had been diagnosed with the condition at the age of four in 2014. Joe, who had himself been a standout runner as a member of the University of Richmond track team while an undergraduate, conceived the idea of raising funds in support of children with Type I Diabetes. An estimated 1.45 million Americans have Type I Diabetes, an autoimmune condition unrelated to sugar consumption, with approximately 200,000 of these under the age of 20. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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HELPING AT HOME “We wanted to have a local impact,” says Joe, noting that over the five years of the Type I Willpower race (the Turkey Trot was cancelled for the year of 2020), $195,000 was raised. Most of the event’s proceeds went to Camp Nejeda, in Sussex County, for summer camp scholarships for disadvantaged children with Type I Diabetes, and their families. Contributions were also made to Beyond Type I, a global foundation that supports Type I Diabetes research, and the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami, in Florida. The first Type I Willpower Turkey Trot had 550 registrants, a number which had grown to over 1,500 runners by 2023 for the USA Track & Field-officially sanctioned race, from not just Mountain Lakes and the surrounding communities, but from across New Jersey and from 18 states, including Texas, Colorado, Vermont and Florida. As the planning, logistics, and operations of the Turkey Trot expanded along with the number of participants, Joe decided that the ongoing tradition would be better handled by a community organization. In 2024, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA took over the annual Turkey Trot.

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“Joe left very big shoes to fill,” says Katie Burke, the Lakeland Hills YMCA vice president for Fund Development and fellow Mountain Lakes resident. “But we knew that it was very important to continue the Turkey Trot Tradition for the community.” The Turkey Trot proceeds will now go to support the Lakeland Hills YMCA philanthropic programs, which include $200,000 in annual funding for child care for working parents, summer camp fees for underprivileged children, and cardio-care rehabilitation classes. “The whole staff of over 350 contributes to the Turkey Trot planning and operations,” says Katie. “Our entire team is behind this event, dedicated to making it memorable and fun; it’s a great way to start the holiday season!” The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Turkey Trot is open to all (including people who prefer to walk and those with strollers), and begins rain or shine, in front of Wildwood School at 9 a.m

RACE DETAILS Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 — Rain or Shine Race start: 9 a.m. Check-In and Race-Day Registration: 7:30 a.m. Start and Finish: Wildwood Elementary School 51 Glen Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, 07046 Race Day Schedule 7:30 a.m. — Check-in and registration 8:50 a.m. — Call to the post 9 a.m. — Start trotting Race packets may be picked up at the start location on race morning, but advance packet pickup is strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and additional wait time. Preferred Packet Pickup Tuesday, Nov. 24 & Wednesday, Nov. 25 8 a.m to 8 p.m. For signup information, visit runsignup.com/ Race/NJ/MountainLakes/

NOVEMBER 2026 |

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DINING ON the Right Track 16 | MOUNTAIN LAKES+BOONTON TOWNSHIP 16-19 MLB_Station_1126_final.indd 16

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Opposite page: In the stone room, from left Steve Turkot, Bradley Cooper and Carlos Vasquez.

Experience upscale dining at The Station in Mountain Lakes, where community is the main ingredient.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

OPERATING SINCE 1999 and housed in Mountain Lakes’ former train station, The Station is a fine dining experience with a charming community feel. The philosophy is simple. Delicious and fresh scratch cuisine, caring service, and a “Cheers”-like atmosphere, where everybody knows your name. Owner and executive chef Bradley Cooper, owner and managing member Steve Turkot, and owner and manager Carlos Vasquez combine their expertise to create a nostalgic and historic venue that locals return to, some even daily. “We have customers who visit us every day,” says Vasquez. “Others come weekly or for all their special occasions; we have a family feel at The Station,” he says. The owners want guests to feel welcomed upon entering the establishment, combining the familiarity of a neighborhood-gathering place with upscale cuisine. “We want our guests to feel taken care of

throughout their visit,” says Turkot. The historic building has recently received some needed attention, including a new roof, fresh paint, and updated flooring. While these improvements bring new life to the space, the heart of The Station remains unchanged. Guests can still savor a memorable meal in a setting that reflects the rich history of the town. Stepping into the restaurant bar gives a nod to nostalgia. Order The Station Martini to start the evening, a fruity twist on a Cosmopolitan. The bar also boasts a varied wine selection to complement any dish. A few steps downstairs brings diners to the stone room, beautifully decorated with a classic steakhouse feel. The cherry on top is the lovely outdoor dining on the patio, open whenever weather permits. “We have even had outdoor service on unseasonably warm December days,” says Vasquez. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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First row from top: Pear Gorgonzola and Walnut Salad. Firecracker Calamari. The Savory Puff Second row from top: Filet Gorgonzola. Chicken Jambalaya. Grandma’s Chocolate Cake

BITES AND DELIGHTS The food speaks for itself. “We’re a scratch kitchen,” says Cooper. “Everything is homemade, from sauces to dressings and desserts. We butcher our own meats, and we monger our own fish,” explains the chef with 42 years of experience. “We use only highquality fresh ingredients including fresh fish, shellfish, and premium Black Angus beef,” he says. “Everything on the menu is either dishes we’ve created or adapted to our style of cooking. We make all our entrées to order; it takes a little longer, but the result is worth it, and I’m so grateful to our loyal customers.” Start your meal with Pear Gorgonzola and Walnut Salad, tender Firecracker Calamari, or the Savory Puff. The Filet Gorgonzola, Chicken

Jambalaya, and Panko Crusted Tuna are longtime favorite entrees. Don’t forget to indulge in a slice of Grandma’s Chocolate Cake to end your meal. In addition to the food, something that makes The Station special is its strong sense of community. Guests return time and again not only for the delicious food, but also the friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome. “We have taken care of three generations of families over the years,” says Vasquez. “Clients who visited us when they were children now come in with their own kids,” he says. “We are so grateful for that kind of support, and we care just as much about them as they do about us.” Vasquez continues, “We want the experience to feel personal and relaxed while still giving people the attentive service they deserve when

The famous Station Martini

they go out for a wonderful meal with friends and family.” Vasquez described a recent story of a young man planning to propose to his girlfriend on the restaurant patio. He planned secretly with the client, including flowers at the table and the ring presented to the young lady when dessert was served. The problem? Vasquez wanted to make it grand, but didn’t have a cloche (silver domed cover) to put over the ring. On his day off, he searched high and low in local stores, and even ordered on Amazon until he eventually found the perfect accessory. When the time came, the extra effort made everything worth it as the lifted cloche revealed the sparkling ring. “We love becoming part of our client’s story and their joy,” says Vasquez.

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The people of Mountain Lakes are at the heart of what makes The Station so special. That sense of community was especially evident during the pandemic, when neighbors showed their support through takeout orders, holiday catering, and even simple phone calls to check in on the staff. Diners even stopped by to purchase gift certificates for future use, just to keep the restaurant in business during the pandemic. This kindness and loyalty of locals kept the team together during an incredibly challenging time. The Station fits the bill for all kinds of gatherings, and the owners are grateful. “We’re thankful and proud to be a place where friends and neighbors come together, whether for a casual meal, a family gathering, or a special celebration,” says Turkot.

The Station has welcomed guests for countless private parties and special occasions, becoming a part of many families’ most cherished traditions. The owners have watched families celebrate a child’s christening to graduation and then years later, their bridal shower. “Being part of these meaningful moments has helped shape the family-oriented atmosphere that makes The Station so special,” says Vasquez. Cooper agrees, “We’re grateful our guests continue to choose us to share in life’s most memorable occasions.” More recently, The Station has added weekday happy hour, featuring small plates and cocktail specials. Another way to bring people together while offering a relaxed and inviting place to unwind with friends and enjoy good

food and drinks, even when there’s no special occasion to celebrate. “The Station has always felt like a gathering place for this community,” says Turkot. “We’re grateful for the people who have made it part of their traditions, and we want every guest— whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth—to feel welcome here.” For current hours and more information, visit thestationatmountainlakes.com/. Reservations are made easily on OpenTable. 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. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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An Eye for

Color

Mountain Lakes artist and sculptor Barry Zawacki talks his winding career, inspirations, and what makes his work sing.

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A BY RANJAN O. BOSE

ACCLAIMED ARTIST, sculptor, educator, and Mountain Lakes resident Barry Zawacki and his wife Jody (an interior designer also professionally active in town), moved into Mountain Lakes in 1975, where they raised their daughter Cinda (MLHS Class of ’88). Growing up in nearby Hanover, Zawacki had been encouraged by his grandfather to follow his interest in drawing and talent for art from a very early age. A graduate of Hanover Park High School (Class of ’63), Zawacki played quarterback on the Hanover Park football team (in an era before Mountain Lakes and Hanover Park had become fierce football rivals). Zawacki earned his degree in art at the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley, Colorado, and

earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Denver, specializing in painting. Later, he continued his education at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, in the fields of ceramics and illustration. After finishing his graduate degree at Denver, Zawacki was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at a U.S. base in Panama, where his background as an illustrator was first put to professional use in the preparation of training materials. Following his discharge from military service in 1971, Zawacki was offered the position of art teacher at Montville Middle School, a position he went on to hold for 32 years, while also pursuing his professional work as a painter and sculptor. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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LIVING THROUGH ART “I have always been a colorist,” says Zawacki, whose paintings explore “the importance of place in composition,” as well as the expression of “positive and negative space.” In such a perspective, “less is more,” Zawacki explains. He has also been strongly influenced in his sculptures by Indigenous American pottery of the American Southwest, seeking to portray warmth and texture in his work. After leaving the Montville School System, Zawacki worked as a ceramics professor at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station for five years, establishing that school’s ceramics program. He then served in the same capacity as an adjunct professor for another eight years at the County College of Morris, in Randolph. Zawacki found working with dedicated and interested college-level students particularly rewarding and inspiring. His first exhibition was in 1969 at his MFA graduate showing at the University of Denver, which also resulted in his first works sold as a professional artist, including one sold to the new Denver Children’s Hospital facility. Keeping busy with new projects is important for an artist to maintain a rhythm, especially for a painter: “Rhythm is key,” advises Zawacki. Some of his recent work was recently showcased in a September exhibition titled “Unseen Perspectives” at the Maxfield Engine House, on Main Street in Boonton, which is now operated by the New Jersey Highlands Coalition. In 2025, the Compton Gallery, also on Main Street in Boonton, presented “Barry Zawacki: 60 Year Retrospective.” Reactions to his ceramics and paintings have also been inspiring; Zawacki recalls one viewer telling him that his use of color made her feel joyous. “You can’t ask for anything better than that.” NOVEMBER 2026 |

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Contact me today to find out more about the Compass Experience!

The Mary Menard Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass RE and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No ﬁnancial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reﬂect actual property conditions.

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10/21/26 3:35 PM

Recent Home Sales Mountain Lakes andStatistics Boonton Township Recent YTD 8/13/2026 – 10/19/2026 GSMLS

*GSMLS Data 1/1/26 - 4/10/26 Address

Area

Bed

Bath

List Price

Sale Price

Sale Price % of List

DOM

11 Oak Rd

Boonton Twp

$559,000

$500,000

89%

116

18 Grove St

Boonton Twp

$599,000

$615,000

103%

11 Bradford Ter

Boonton Twp

2.1

$799,900

$775,000

97%

1 West Rd

Boonton Twp

$800,000

$842,000

105%

5 Pepperidge Rd

Boonton Twp

$829,000

$865,000

104%

883 Boonton Ave

Boonton Twp

2.1

$839,000

$810,000

97%

6 Terrace Rd

Boonton Twp

3.1

$949,000

$999,999

105%

447 Rockaway Valley Rd

Boonton Twp

$1,285,000

$1,099,990

86%

290 Powerville Rd

Boonton Twp

2.1

$1,395,000

$1,200,000

86%

19 Cliffside Way

Boonton Twp

6.1

$1,975,000

$2,000,000

101%

18 Yorke Rd

Mountain Lakes

$800,000

$830,000

104%

25 Albie Dr

Mountain Lakes

2.1

$999,999

100%

77 Hanover Rd 18 Hillcrest Rd

4 The Market is3 Moving...are you? Mountain Lakes

Mountain Lakes

3.1

$1,039,000

$1,012,680

97%

$1,100,000

100%

Buyers: Limited inventory and strong demand should act quickly.20 $1,200,000 mean you $1,275,000 106% 11 Yorke Rd Mountain Lakes 5 2.1

Mortgage rates have shown slight volatility with a general trend of holding steady $1,200,000 $999,999 83% 23 Mountain Lakes 4 4 or nudging upward from recent lows, with the 30-year fixed rate hovering in the $1,350,000 $1,355,000 100% 6 3 Albie Dr Mountain Lakes 3 3.1 mid-6% range.

5 Craven Rd

34 Wilcox Dr

Mountain Lakes

2.1

$1,389,000

$1,600,000

115%

Sellers: It’s a strong seller’s market with homes selling quickly and often above list $1,399,000 $1,375,000 98% one! 14 430 Morris Ave Mountain 3.1 dream price. Buyer’s areLakes looking 5for their home, yours might be the

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10/20/26 10:27 AM

The Power of a Pantry Inside the Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry, where food is free for all.

AS THE HOLIDAY season and colder winter months approach, local residents wanting to help address food insecurity in the community have an organization nearby. The Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry, a project between First Presbyterian Church of Boonton and Boonton United Methodist Church, is a wonderful local resource serving Boonton and surrounding communities. We spoke to the president of Loaves & Fishes, Marjorie B. Roller, a member of the founding team. “The team was assembled by the First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, where the pantry is located,” says Roller. “The pantry is led by Marilyn Ward, a beloved Boonton community leader, and Annette Mills of the Boonton Methodist Church,” she says. The pantry believes in feeding the community with dignity. Their mission includes providing food to those in need, encouraging good nutrition, increasing self-sufficiency, and giving hope.

Tell us about the history of Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry. The Pantry was incorporated in 2019 and opened its doors at its current location in the spring of that year. Prior to our opening, Boonton Methodist Church operated a food pantry that was rapidly outgrowing its space. We invited them to join us, and that collaboration has developed into a strong and successful partnership. Today, approximately 60% of the individuals and families we serve are residents of Boonton. The remaining come from surrounding communities. Most of our clients are families with children facing food insecurity, the economic condition of limited access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. Regardless of their circumstances, our mission is to help ease that burden while providing hope and dignity.

How does the food pantry operate? Our pantry operates with a clientchoice model, allowing families to shop much like they would in a supermarket and select the foods that best meet their needs and preferences. On average, we serve between 190 and 210 families each week. We welcome everyone and are committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all participants. In addition to providing food assistance, we are committed to reducing food waste. We recover food from more than 14 stores that would otherwise end up in landfills. Fresh food, especially produce, is a priority for our organization, helping ensure that families have access to nutritious options. What are the best items to donate? Does it vary based on the season? The pantry is always in need of staple

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LOAVES & FISHES COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY.

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

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Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry.

food drives, while local businesses such as Walter Bauman Jewelers and Peapack Private Bank and Trust have provided both modest and significant financial support. Their generosity helps ensure that we can continue meeting the needs of local families with dignity and compassion.

items, including cereal, pasta, and personal hygiene products. Seasonal needs vary, like condiments and salad dressings in the summer and soups and oatmeal in the winter. Individually wrapped snacks are always in high demand, as they help us fill take-home bags that are a favorite among families with children. We also enjoy offering seasonal and themed shelves throughout the year, such as baking items during the holidays. Are there specific drop-off and pick-up times? We have a bin outside our facility that is checked daily. Fresh food can be accepted Tuesdays and Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m., plus various other times by appointment. Please

avoid distribution hours, which are Wednesday, 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., as the parking lot becomes difficult. Tell us about the connection Loaves & Fishes makes with the community. We are grateful for the opportunity to support families in our community, and we are equally grateful for the community’s tremendous support in return. Through both financial contributions and food drives, our neighbors, businesses, and community partners help make this work possible. A simple social media post almost always results in a generous outpouring of items needed by the families we serve. Walmart in Boonton has been a consistent host for our monthly

Any future plans? Looking ahead, we are exploring the development of a dedicated food distribution program for families caring for individuals with special needs while also facing food insecurity. We believe there is a need for this specialized support and hope to implement the program based on community input and needs. I am grateful to play a small role in this work, but the greatest privilege has been working alongside close to 100 active volunteers from every corner of our community. Together, we have become a family united by a single purpose. What’s the best way for people to make their donations and get involved if they’d like to volunteer? Please visit our website: lfcfp.org. Our email is info@lfcfp.org. The website features tabs for volunteering, financial donations, how to shop for food, run a food drive and features an Amazon wish list. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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LOCAL SOC IAL

Double Barrel, Single Malt Exploring a neighborhood private speakeasy pub in Mountain Lakes. BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

TUCKED SAFELY BENEATH a suburban Mountain Lakes home lies an underground sanctuary that channels the thrilling charm of the 1920s. Far from the prying eyes of street level, this private basement speakeasy is the ultimate exclusive neighborhood pub. The historic vibes begin on Ball Road in a 100-year-old home sitting on a street named after one of the first three influential Mountain Lakes land-owning families. Owners Christopher and Karen Grove moved to the property in Mountain Lakes during the pandemic. “We made the move when our daughter graduated high school, and

Left: The Groves with their children. Above: A Night in 1926 Cocktail Menu.

our son transferred to Seton Hall Prep. We love our time as Lakers so far,” says Christopher. “We were pretty familiar with Mountain Lakes as Karen is from Denville, and our first house when we got married in 1999 was an old farmhouse in Boonton. Our neighbors here on Ball Road have become family, and Karen loves being back in a lake community,” he says. A self-proclaimed spirit’s aficionado, Christopher named his basement bar The Double Barrel after the doublebarrel shotgun that belonged to his grandfather and hangs over the bar. “It’s also a reference to having two kegs on tap at all times,” says Christopher.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER GROVE

Left: Christopher and Karen Grove stepping back in time at The Double Barrel. Above: Getting ready for a pour at The Double Barrel.

A STORIED HISTORY Gathered over lifetimes, the items lining the bar tell a story of where the Groves have been and whom they love. The shelves hold a blend of childhood relics, travel finds, meaningful gifts, and Polaroids of every guest who has shared a drink at The Double Barrel. Visitors always catch sight of a new detail, unfolding a brand-new story about a moment, a place, or a friend. Karen reflects on the initial thoughts of the space. “I think it’s interesting to note that when we first looked at the house, Christopher commented that he might rip the bar out from the basement and put something in the garage because, ‘Who’s going to want to drink and hang out in a basement?’” she says. “As it turns out, quite a lot of people.” Christopher utilizes his knowledge of cocktails for the perfect bar experience. “I think my love for craft cocktails and spirits really comes from my decades of working in New York City and being able to frequent some of the best cocktail bars in the world such as Death & Co. or Please Don’t

Tell,” he says. “I’ve also spent a good amount of time in Kentucky visiting distilleries and tasting rooms to learn about the history and process of making spirits.” The Double Barrel isn’t just for spirit enthusiasts. “Don’t underestimate the mixology and quality of a good mocktail,” says Karen. “As someone who is allergic to alcohol, the availability of premade mocktails, alcohol free wines, and alcohol free spirits makes The Double Barrel a nondrinker’s bar of choice too,” she says. Word spread on Instagram when Grove set up a page dedicated to the bar @thedoublebarrelml. The pinned post boasts their motto. “No sign. No Hours. No Strangers. Built below the ground for the people who know better than to drink upstairs. Strong pours. Loud laughs. Questionable decisions. The Double Barrel isn’t open to the public…just the right kind of trouble.” The Groves decided to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of their home with a 1920s-themed party replete with a

drink menu featuring classics from the era. Karen came up with the idea, and Christopher helped her run with it. “I do love the overall aesthetic and mystique around the ’20s and the history of speakeasy culture,” says Christopher. “I’d say it is more about some of the most classic cocktails coming out of that era, like the Bee’s Knees, the Sidecar, and the Boulevardier that have drawn me to that time,” he says. “We felt like we wanted to honor the birthdate of our home and acknowledge what life might have been like here at the time of its inception in 1926,” says Christopher. “Having the basement bar already lent itself very naturally to turning it into a 1920s-style speakeasy with periodperfect craft cocktails being served.” Karen adds, “The history of Mountain Lakes and its story of development is fascinating to me. We have historic pictures of the town, lakes, and landmarks throughout the house that we’ve purchased from the town’s Historic Preservation Committee,” she says. NOVEMBER 2026 |

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LOCAL SOC IAL

Over the years, The Double Barrel has truly become the ultimate gathering space for family and friends. The Groves have made it a tradition to host near-annual Kentucky Derby parties—complete with themed cocktails and festive attire—and it’s been a go-to spot for cheering on everything from major football and baseball games to the Olympics. The space has also set the stage for major family milestones for the Groves, from graduations to a special send-off Luau when their daughter moved to Hawaii. As of late, the space has taken on a new life as a hub for regular mahjong gatherings. “I’ve been playing for years out and about,” says Karen. “The increased interest in the game has led to teaching lessons to new players and hosting seasoned players for games in the DB,” she says. Although it isn’t open to the public, a few have stopped by to check it out thanks to the Instagram page. In one instance, an HVAC worker knocked on the door after seeing the Instagram account, looking for a drink. True to his welcoming reputation, Christopher invited him inside for a beer despite not being open to the public.

“We love that the people we have met both here in Mountain Lakes and prior enjoy coming to The Double Barrel as much as we enjoy having them be a part of its story,” says Christopher. “It’s been a blessing that this chapter of our lives has allowed us the opportunity to make our house a home with friends, family and community in Mountain Lakes,” says Karen. Looking ahead, the Groves have considered a podcast or small music events. In his spare time, Christopher loves to fish, ride motorycles and go to see

live music of all types. “The DB has a bit of a biker bar vibe to it as well as the merch of many of the rock bands I have come to love,” he says. Karen loves to kayak or read on Island Beach. “I love being back in a lake community,” she says. “If I’m not in, by, or on the lake, I’m playing pickleball or mahjong, reading, or scooting around town with Christopher on my Vespa.” Although the Groves have no plans to open to the public, they will continue to post on Instagram and are always happy to host a fellow Laker for a good chat and a fresh pour.

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10/23/26 12:48 PM

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NT DR

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8/25/26 6:47 AM

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PHOTO OP

NATURAL BEAUTY A BEAUTIFUL SHOT from Birchwood Lake and a visitor to Barton Road paint a vivid autumn picture! PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RANJAN O. BOSE

Have a great image for Photo Op?

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Submit your high-resolution shot to thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com

10/23/26 12:50 PM

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