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Mountain Lakes October 2026

& BOONTON TOWNSHIP

FALL SPORTS ARRIVE

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR KEVIN WALLACE

THE GOAT GRAZE

PRESERVING POCKET PARKS

SAFE and SWEET! THE HALLOWEEN

SAFE ZONE

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Contents OCTOBER 2026

F EATU RES

Autumn Athletics Behind the scenes of the Mountain Lakes Athletic Department with Athletic Director Kevin Wallace.

Trick-or-Treat, Safe and Sweet! Inside the Mountain Lakes Halloween Safe Zone, where a community comes together for secure trick-or-treating fun.

I N TH I S I S SU E

PUBLISHER’S NOTE That Fall Feeling

AROUND TOWN Fall Events

LOCAL TASTES Penne For Your Thoughts

PEOPLE WE KNOW Alyson Pearl

Q&A The Goat Graze

DINING GUIDE Eats on the Streets

BOOK NOOK Spooky Season Reads

PHOTO OP Swimming to the Championship

COVER

Enjoying the Halloween Safe Zone 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

OCTOBER IS THE month when we really settle into the season of autumn. And here in Morris County, we have a lot going on during this time of year! Perhaps the best part of October is Halloween, when little ones eagerly await trick-or-treating all month long. And while the night can be nerve-wracking for adults worried about their loved ones, our cover feature gets the inside scoop on the Halloween Safe Zone, a beloved tradition in the community that

PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIA MALOOF VERDEROSA

O THAT FALL FEELING

keeps the tricksters out and the treats sweet for the kids. We also stop by the Mountain Lakes High School athletic department to chat with Athletic Director Kevin Wallace, who has quite the exciting season of sports ahead of him. Wallace is passionate about the sports scene at MLHS, where every student can have the opportunity to play, create community, and boost confidence. We think you’ll see that love for his job both in these pages and on the fields (or courts!). As you meander through these pages and stop by Denville’s The Pasta Shop and learn about—what we affectionately call “The Goat Graze” that’s preserving our pocket parks, and more— we hope that you will get excited about fall in the borough. There’s plenty of exciting days ahead of us, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

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Photographers Antonietta Henry Ranjan O. Bose 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

Happy reading!

Production Designer Chris Ferrante Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Mary Lima

Publisher mountainlakesmag.com @mountainlakesmag

Have a story idea?

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Writers 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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AROUND TOWN

FALL EVENTS

Oct. 11 FALL FEST

On Sunday, Oct. 11, bring your family and stop by the Mountain Lakes Recreation’s Third Annual Fall Fest from 1 to to 4 p.m. at Birchwood Lake. There will be a variety of activities for family fun.

Oct. 17

DIWALI FESTIVAL The Mountain Lakes Diwali Festival of Lights Celebration is back again this year at Island Beach. Diwali is one of South Asia’s most important holidays, featuring food, dance displays, and light shows at dusk. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m.

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Oct. 23

HOMECOMING FOOTBALL On Friday, Oct. 23, show out at Wilkins Field at 7 p.m. for the Homecoming Football game. Mountain Lakes High School will play against Boonton.

Oct. 31

TRICK-OR-TREATING IN THE HALLOWEEN SAFE ZONE Starting at 4 p.m., bring your family for the annual Halloween Safe Zone trick-or-treat! To learn more about this event, check out our cover feature story.

Oct. 30

HALLOWEEN PARADE Friday, Oct. 30, come with your family to the annual Wildwood School Halloween Parade. The parade will go down Glen Road and around the Football Field.

OCTOBER 2026 |

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LO CAL TASTE S

Left: The Pasta Shop owners, left, Tommy Pollio, and right, Sergio Sciancalepore. Above: Pappardelle Bolognese.

Explore a world of freshly made pasta in the heart of Denville at The Pasta Shop. BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

Montville. Pollio has been working in restaurants since he was 14. As a teen, he worked at Sciancalepore’s specialty food shop, Sergio & Co., and completed the culinary arts program at Morris County Vo-Tech. “Now at 41, I’ve spent my life working for incredible chefs in some of the best restaurants in the country,” he says. Sciancalepore learned how to make mozzarella from family recipes. A son of Italian immigrants, he worked in their specialty stores to hone his craft. In 1999, he opened Sergio & Co. in Denville, known for the fresh mozzarella and oversized sandwiches. The Pasta Shop, coowned by Pollio and Sciancalepore, is now a not-so-hidden gem in Denville.

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE PASTA SHOP

Penne for Your Thoughts

Café Club in

SINCE 2017, Tommy Pollio and Sergio Sciancalepore, partners in business and pasta, have been churning out delicious Italian cuisine from their storefront space at 13 First Avenue in Denville. Friends for years, the two knew they had found the right place downtown. “My goal was to share my craft and expertise with my hometown,” says co-owner and executive chef, Pollio. “This has been the foundation and inspiration for The Pasta Shop,” he says. “We transformed a laundromat into a restaurant space where we could feature quality ingredients prepared simply, cooked with love, and served with a smile at a reasonable price.”

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE PASTA SHOP

FROM THE HEART The delicious pastas are all made in house, from scratch and in the front window. Attention to detail, freshness, and quality are very important to the owners. “Some of our most popular dishes are Pappardelle Bolognese and Rigatoni Vodka,” says Pollio. “We also have seasonal favorites like Sweet Corn Ravioli in the summer, and our Ziti Norcina with Homemade Sausage in the fall and winter,” he says. Glutenfree options are also available. Don’t just stop at pasta on the menu. The eatery is also known for its homemade mozzarella sticks. “These aren’t just for kids,” says Pollio. In addition, the menu boasts delicious house garlic bread, burrata, and entrees like pork shoulder, roasted salmon filet, and chicken parmigiana. End your meal with a cannoli and an espresso. The Pasta Shop is BYOB, but also sells great local New Jersey wines. “We work with our friends at Old York Cellars, a winery in Ringoes, New Jersey,” says Pollio. “We sell half-size bottles also, which is two glasses, the perfect way to try their wine if you’re not ready to commit to a full bottle,” he says. “We’re proud to offer a fun seasonal wine cocktail, and we also have their wines available for retail, so our guests can enjoy them at home.” If you’d like a table at The Pasta Shop, be sure to plan ahead. The restaurant only seats 24 and does not take reservations. “We operate on a first-come basis so we’re able to accommodate as many customers as we can,” says Pollio.

Rigatoni Vodka.

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LOCAL TASTES

The method is simple. Upon arrival, check in with your mobile number; an approximate wait time is given, and a text sent when your table is ready. The bonus of their downtown Denville location is the opportunity to stroll and shop while you wait. The Pasta Shop also offers takeout. “Many of our customers enjoy food to-go at Diamond Spring Brewery across the street or on the picnic tables on First Avenue next to the shop,” says Pollio. Being a part of the local community means everything to the owners. “Whenever we can, we try to work with and support local farmers, artists, musicians, and other small businesses,” says Pollio. “We love Denville and our surrounding towns, and we’re proud to contribute to many initiatives that benefit our schools, youth programs, and local organizations,” he says. “What makes it really special is how connected we’ve become with the people around us. Our customers support our restaurant, we support their businesses, and over the years many of those relationships have grown into friendships.”

Ziti Norcina with homemade sausage.

The Pasta Shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Private events are offered on Sundays; closed Mondays. For more information, visit thepastashopdenville.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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Alyson Pearl Begins a New Chapter

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PEOPLE W E KNOW

Long-time Laker and active community volunteer introduces an updated version of her first children’s book, “A Big Halloween Surprise.” BY RANJAN O. BOSE

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ALYSON PEARL

ALYSON PEARL, well-known in Mountain Lakes as a former president of the Home and School Association, founder of the Mountain Lakes Educational Foundation, president of the Town Club, and director of the Acolyte Program at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, is also a published children’s book author. Arriving in Mountain Lakes in February 1984, having grown up in nearby Wanaque, Pearl’s first career was as a physician’s assistant at a medical office in Pompton Lakes, a position held for 25 years. Raising her two children, Alanna (MLHS Class of 2000), of San Diego, California, and Andrew (MLHS Class of 2002), of Charleston, South Carolina, Pearl soon found herself deeply involved in community volunteerism and athletics, including membership on the Swim Team Board, in addition to her work with the Home and School Association in the ’80s and the Mountain Lakes Educational Foundation in the ’90s.

and Josie, an inquisitive Yorkshire terrier, whose interactions and antics around the house and yard provided endless amusement (and potential storylines). After completing a writing course, specializing in children’s literature at the University of Connecticut in the late ’90s, she began to think about a series of stories based upon Josie and Blackie. “I thought it would be fun to write stories that hopefully would teach children the value of friendship, and how it comes in all shapes and sizes!” recalls Pearl. Her first book, “A Big Halloween Surprise,” featuring a black cat named Blackie, and a Yorkshire terrier named Josie, was originally published by Tate Publishing of Oklahoma in 2007. A new

updated edition has been released this year by Austin Macauley Publishers, of New York and London, just in time for this year’s Halloween season. Pearl will be reading her book this month to the children at the Academy for Children, which is housed at St. Peter’s Church at 215 Boulevard in Mountain Lakes, another aspect of her ongoing dedication to education, community involvement, and volunteering in her hometown of more than 40 years. Pearl explains, “Mountain Lakes is a community rich with natural beauty, where residents young and old support one another. Just go to a high school game, concert, or musical. Laker Pride! It doesn’t get any better.”

GIVING BACK Pearl has been part of Saint Peter’s since arriving in town and was presented with the David Paul Hegg II 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Commission on Aging of the Diocese of Newark. The current enrollment in the acolyte program she runs exceeds 40 young people from kindergarten through high school. “Volunteering is a very important part of being in a small community,” says Pearl. “Necessary things get done and key needs are filled when people get involved.” With her children grown, and her work at the medical office finished, Pearl took inspiration from the family’s two pets, Blackie, an authoritative black cat, OCTOBER 2025 |

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Autumn Athletics

Behind the scenes of the Mountain Lakes Athletic Department with Athletic Director Kevin Wallace.

MLHS field hockey

Kevin Wallace, MLHS Athletic Director

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

AS THE AIR becomes crisp, leaves turn crimson and orange, and fall sports begin with the Mountain Lakes Athletic Department. The games bring out the crowds and fill the community with excitement under Friday night lights. We spoke with Kevin Wallace, Mountain Lakes athletic director, for a glimpse at athletics for high school Lakers. It’s his fifth year as athletic director, but Wallace is in his 29th year in the Mountain Lakes school district. Playing football and baseball in his own high school days and then a college football

career at Gettysburg College, Wallace gives students experience and dedication to coaching. “After I graduated college, I coached football and baseball at Glen Rock High School until I moved full-time to Mountain Lakes High School, where I coached both football and baseball,” says Wallace. “I was an assistant baseball coach for 6 years, head coach for 17 years and an assistant football coach for the Herd for 13 years.” Wallace also coached swim for six years and ran the weight room at MLHS for many years when he wasn’t coaching winter sports.

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MLHS cross-country.

SPORTS GALORE At Mountain Lakes High School, the fall season is thriving, including tennis, soccer, football, field hockey, volleyball, and cross-country. The athletic department has a strong philosophy. From the website, “MLHS Athletics is dedicated to providing a wide range of opportunities for any student athlete who is willing to dedicate his or her time and energy in a positive way to a particular sport or team. Athletics at MLHS provide a means for studentathletes to learn, to grow, and to excel. Our teams provide opportunities for student-athletes to learn the values of mutual respect, sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, dedication, healthy competition, and overall fitness.” Wallace is excited for the season and proud of the turn out this year. “I believe all teams will compete at high levels this fall and continue to improve as the season goes on,” he says. “The great thing about this fall has been the record number of athletes that have signed up to participate in fall

sports,” he says. “For a smaller Group 1 School, we have such a high number of student athletes that want to be part of a sport at MLHS. It’s great to see such high levels of interest from our kids.” So far this season, MLHS has had strong showings. At the end of August and early September alone, there were great wins across the board. On the athletics website, you can track the highlights to stay current on Laker sports. Homecoming is an important

milestone and highlight of football season, taking place on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. Students look forward to the fun, and this year, playing Boonton High School adds a little local rivalry. “It’s always good to have a homecoming against our neighbors,” says Wallace. The bigger athletic events bring out the crowds and bond locals. Wallace encourages attendance, saying: “State and county events are always a great way the community can support our student athletes.”

MLHS soccer.

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MLHS tennis

MLHS football

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Above: MLHS volleyball. Right: The Wallace family, from left, Taylor, Kevin, Jennifer, and Courtney.

CREATING COMMUNITY Being athletic director is not a position Wallace takes lightly, and at the center of it all, are the students and the Laker community feel. “I love to see the way our kids compete and the intensity they bring to each and every game, meet or match,” he says. “Our student athletes really enjoy participating in high school sports, and it shows when you see their performances.” Wallace also values the connections he makes with the entire athletic staff. “We have great coaches who care so much about the kids and want them all to have success in all facets of their lives,” he says. “It’s great to work with them and help them accomplish their goals. Ms. Britton, my administrative assistant, and Mr. Bongiorno, our athletic trainer, also make the athletic community such a special place,” says Wallace.

The kids make the job easy, and Wallace admires the way they support one another. “You frequently see seniors taking care of freshmen and sophomores that are new to the team, creating great team culture. You don’t always see that at other schools,” he says. In his spare time, Wallace enjoys spending time with his wife of 26 years, Jennifer, and their two daughters (one in college and the other a high school senior). “We like to travel together when time and schedules permit,” says Wallace. “They love the beach, and I’m more of an outdoors person. I enjoy hiking and running the mountain trails and skiing in the winter,” he says. “I also like to play golf, just not as well as I’d like,” he quips. “I am a big Boston Red Sox fan and love watching college football in the fall.”

Mountain Lakes holds a very special place for Wallace, and he’s happy to be a part of it. “I love to see the way the community rallies for the benefit of our student athletes. Just look at Flynn Field. The entire community got together to bring this field to fruition. Now we have a second turf field for everyone to use that looks awesome. That is a direct result of the way the school district and community support our past, current, and future student athletes,” he says. Wallace continues, “The Mountain Lakes community is very passionate about athletics and takes pride in the success of our teams. This is what makes us one of the best small school programs in the state.” For more information about MLHS sports, visit hs.mlschools.org/athletics. OCTOBER 2026 |

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Trick-or-Treat, Safe and Sweet!

Laker trick-or-treaters ready for the festivities.

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Inside the Mountain Lakes Halloween Safe Zone, where a community comes together for secure trick-or-treating fun.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

BY ANTONIETTA HENRY

IT ALL STARTED in the 1980s when local Laker parents had an influx of over 100 trick-or-treaters. As the years went on, the numbers climbed. Local resident Lauren BricknerMcDonald noticed more and more families flooding into “The Village,” a picturesque neighborhood in town, ideal for the Halloween tradition. “While trick-or-treating with my children, I witnessed a youngster whose costume was brushed by a car, nearly hitting her,” says BricknerMcDonald. “As a member of the Traffic and Safety Committee, I reached out to the Mountain Lakes Police Department for solutions that would ensure the safety of trick-ortreaters. By the following Halloween, the department provided the neighborhood with barricades, street closures to cars, traffic control, and police presence,” she says. As the number of treat seekers climbed, the coordination among

residents rose as well. “Now we had a name: The Halloween Safe Zone,” says Brickner-McDonald. “The numbers became staggering and somewhat taxing to the residents. The organizers decided to begin counting trick-or-treaters,” says Brickner-McDonald. The group started to ‘click and graph’ the numbers and now has 20 years of graphs noting the day of the week, weather, temperature, and peak trick-or-treating times. Both Lauren and her husband Bob BricknerMcDonald enjoy keeping track of the stats each year. The numbers continued to climb and the count increased from 586 to over 1,000 by 2014, to the all-time high of 1,326 in 2017. In 2025, the count was 1,301. “These numbers are only for trick-or-treaters—although many adults join in the Halloween festivities with elaborate costumes. The Safe Zone is a lively place,” says BricknerMcDonald. OCTOBER 2026 |

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From top: Some of the volunteers who help make Safe Zone a success. One of the many display tables of treats during Safe Zone. The skeleton makes a noncandy selection from the teal pumpkin

A COORDINATED EFFORT In early October, the committee reaches out to Mountain Lakes residents asking for donations of candy and treats. There are drop points throughout the town at the Mountain Lakes Library, Mountain Lakes Borough Hall, and a trailer at Wildwood School (the week prior to Halloween). Volunteers gather to count the number of treats and divide by participating houses. “Treats are then available for Safe Zone homes to pick up a few days prior to Halloween,” says BricknerMcDonald. The successful event requires dedicated planning. Safe Zone is mapped out in August with collection boxes, publicity to residents, and communication to the Safe Zone residents. “Confirming a home for collection drop-off from the Library and MLPD, the Maker Space starts working on this year’s creation, and the teal pumpkin project buckets are confirmed for trick-or-treaters who cannot take part in candy or sweets,” says Brickner-McDonald. The Teal Pumpkin Project in Mountain Lakes has been headed by Erin McQuillan since 2019. McQuillan gathers donations and non-food treats to fill the teal buckets.

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“Under the guidance of Ian Matty, Christine Kelly and Richard He, Maker Space creates a 3D one-of-a-kind Teal Pumpkin toy for the Safe Zone. Last year’s glow-in-the-dark robot was a big hit,” says Brickner-McDonald. Library Director Jennifer Lynch (along with all the librarians) supports the event with a town collection site at the library. Brickner-McDonald is grateful for all the help. “Last year we had over 12,000 pieces donated there. Another neighbor, Heather Hornyack, delivers the candy for storage to a home in the Safe Zone until the Halloween countdown,” Brickner-McDonald says. It definitely takes a village to pull off such a well-oiled Halloween machine. “Over the years, I have coordinated the event,” says Brickner-McDonald. “A neighbor, MaryEllen Theel, has coordinated with me for years. In 2025, Jessica Bickham and Emily Nagler have taken on more coordinating and communicating with the schools, neighbors and residents. Another neighbor, Heather Hornyack, delivers the candy for storage to a home in the Safe Zone until the Halloween countdown,” she says. In addition, a neighborhood garage serves as the counting place where Safe Zone treats are distributed to the homes in the zone. Residents even sign up for shifts of “candy watching,” and each household in the Safe Zone picks up their candy.

Top: From left, Sergeant Zachary Walsh, Patrolman Kevin Stewart (who grew up in Mountain Lakes and participated in Safe Zone as a child), and Chief Shawn Bennett work together with MLPD to keep trickor-treating safe in Mountain Lakes Left: Lauren and Bob Brickner-McDonald, ready with clickers and graphs.

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Top: Children, parents, police and volunteers for Safe Zone in Mountain Lakes. Right: Excited trick-or-treaters ready for Safe Zone fun.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? CERT Program: Give support by walking the neighborhood during Halloween and by providing a short relief to families who would like to trick-or-treat with their children. There is free training and equipment provided. Anyone who Opposite page, top:would Padel like to join the Program contact Chief courtCERT in bright blue. Acan game of Bennett at:page: A drone paddle ball. This photo of all the courts at Park sbennett@mtnlakespd.org and/or Lakessbennett@mountainlakes.gov Tennis and Paddle Club. Photograph by Will Maddox.

Volunteer: Safe Zone is looking for residents who would like to volunteer for a brief time on Halloween to allow parents the time to trick-ortreat with their own children. Email villageinml@gmail.com to volunteer. Donate: Candy or non-food items can be taken to drop-off locations: the Library, Borough Hall, and Wildwood School Trailer.

The candy is counted by hand, bag by bag. “The garage of Elaine Campbell and Steven Hercek has been our distribution center for residents,” says Brickner-McDonald. In 2025 alone, the committee collected 62,000 pieces. They were actually still short by 1,300 pieces per home. That’s where the community comes in. Most treats are supplied by Mountain Lakes residents. The goal is to gather enough candy and noncandy treats for approximately 60 houses in the zone. The Safe Zone residents are very generous by donating time, decorating, setting up welcome stations, and dressing in costumes. Candy is passed out for

hours, and there’s even live music. The MLPD plays a key role in keeping the event safe. “From the start, the MLPD has been very supportive and is available to us throughout the planning process and during Halloween Safe Zone hours,” says Brickner-McDonald. “They organize and provide traffic control, Port-o-Johns, lighting, police presence, and the CERT Program (Citizens Emergency Response Team),” she says. “The Borough provides MLPD with a Halloween Safe Zone budget for a portion of the candy; this helps offset the unusually high cost of candy for the residents. The remainder of the budget goes

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toward Port-o-John rentals.” Chief Shawn Bennett supports the event before, during, and after, while Officer Rhemone Bryan coordinates candy donations with the schools, Borough Hall, Mountain Lakes Library, and the Halloween trailer at Wildwood School. Brickner-McDonald loves the community effort. “Sharing in the fun of this event with everyone, welcoming new folks into the planning and execution process, and bringing together new groups to make this a truly town-wide community event is a reminder of just how special it is to be part of this great community,” she says. “Our family has been so fortunate to be a part of it for more than 35 years. Not only does this event provide a Safe Zone for the children, but we are all brought together.” This year, the event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. (a new time this year). OCTOBER 2026 |

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Your Home. Our Commitment. ACTIVE LISTINGS

289Blvd.com, ML 4 BD, 2 BT $949K

440RVR.com, BT 4 BD, 2.1 BT $1.399M

34WShoreRd.com, ML 7 BD, 8 BT $3.5M

310MainSt.com Comm, Boonton $899K

104LaurelHill.com, ML 7 BD, 5.1 BT $2.45M

31LockleyCt.com, ML 3 BD, 3.1 BT $774K

7FernwoodTrl.com, ML 4 BD, 2.1 BT $815K

MARY’S SOLD LISTINGS ADDRESS 21 Lockley Ct 11 Albie Dr 6 Van Duyne Rd 63 Crane Rd 5 E Shore Rd 161 Boulevard 21 Fernwood Pl 77 Hanover Rd

LIST PRICE $ 669,000 $1,100,000 $ 795,000 $ 989,000 $1,100,000 $1,995,000 $1,995,000 $1,039,000

SOLD PRICE $ 650,000 $ 1,111,000 $ 865,000 $ 1,106,303 $ 1,200,000 $2,000,000 $ 1,999,000 $ 1,012,680

% of LIST PRICE DOM 97% 21 101% 10 109% 14 112% 14 109% 0 100% 17 101% 9 97% 68

Mary Menard Real Estate Specialist M: 973.879.2860 O: 973.315.8180 mary.menard@compass.com themenardgroup.com

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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Recent Home Sales

Recent YTD Statistics Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township *GSMLS Data –1/1/26 - 4/10/26 8/13/2026 9/18/2026 GSMLS

Address

Area

Bed

Bath

List Price

Sale Price

Sale Price % of List

DOM

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%

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

Mountain Lakes

$1,039,000

$1,012,680

97%

11 Yorke Rd 5 Craven Rd

The Market is4 Moving...are you? 4 Mountain Lakes

2.1

Mountain Lakes

$1,200,000

$1,275,000

106%

$1,200,000

$999,999

83%

$1,350,000 mean you $1,355,000 100% 3 Albie DrBuyers: Limited Mountain Lakes 3 3.1 inventory and strong demand should act quickly. 6

Mortgage ratesMountain have Lakes shown slight volatility with a general trend of holding steady $1,389,000 $1,600,000 115% 13 34 Wilcox Dr 4 2.1 or nudging upward from recent lows, with the 30-year fixed rate hovering in the $1,399,000 $1,375,000 98% 14 Mountain Lakes 5 3.1 mid-6% range.

430 Morris Ave 74 Ball Rd

Mountain Lakes

4.1

$1,740,000

$1,827,000

105%

Sellers: It’s a strong seller’s market with homes selling quickly and often above 9list $1,995,000 $1,999,000 100% Mountain Lakes 4 3.1 price. Buyer’s are looking for their dream home, yours might be the one!

21 Fernwood Pl

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The Goat Graze Inside the surprising and delightful appearance of goats in Mountain Lakes’ pocket parks. BY RANJAN O. BOSE

INTERVIEW WITH KAREN MACLEOD

Who first thought of bringing the goats into town as an unconventional landscaping crew? I came up with the idea a couple of years ago. We had been working for a long time to find a solution as to the best way to restore the pocket parks in Mountain Lakes and remove debris, invasive plant life, and severe overgrowth. Large equipment and manual human labor were not feasible options due to cost, difficult access, and lack of available labor. I was out visiting a friend in somewhat rural California and noticed herds of goats being used to clear property. We began to research in the Northeast to find vendors, of which there were few. Bob Dewing

(Woodlands Advisory Committee Co-Chair) finally discovered Crescent Nūr Ranch, which enabled us to launch the pilot project we just completed. Crescent Nūr Ranch has been providing grazing goat service to municipalities and other clients in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Our research indicated several benefits of goat grazing, including brush and invasive removal, habitat restoration, improvement of plant communities, and restoring biodiversity. The goats’ digestive systems kill the invasive seeds, so they are not refreshed in the process. This option causes the least damage to the natural environment that we are working to protect.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF KAREN MACLEOD

MOUNTAIN LAKES WELCOMED some voracious temporary new guests in August: a small herd of goats tasked with clearing out invasive and unwanted plants on Borough properties. For over five years, the Mountain Lakes Woodland’s Committee had been studying various solutions to address the severe overgrowth and debris cluttering many of Boroughowned pocket parks across the community. A two-week pilot project was initiated, employing a small herd of South African Savannah goats, supplied by the Crescent Nūr Ranch, located in Tewksbury, New Jersey. The idea was first proposed by Mountain Lakes Woodlands Advisory Committee Co-Chair Karen Macleod, a Laker since 1998, whose three children have gone through the Mountain Lakes school system. Originally from Kensington, California, a small town similar to Mountain Lakes near the San Francisco area, Karen has also been very involved with volunteer work in town and in the State as Vice President of the Mountain Lakes Garden Club, Member of the Board and Chair of the Finance Committee of the Lakeland Hills YMCA, and Treasurer of the New Jersey Garden Club.

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How were the locations selected for the Pilot Program? The Woodlands Advisory Committee had completed an inventory of all the pocket parks in town, and had ranked them in terms of potential for successful restoration. We met with Crescent Nūr and worked with them to select a good location for the pilot that would have high visibility and impact for the community. They gave us a proposal for a two-week pilot for the two ajoining pocket parks located at the intersection of Cobb and North Briarcliff Roads. The Committee wrote up a proposal and presented it to the Borough Council, requesting a Woodlands Advisory Committee budget allocation for 2026, which was then approved. What were the Pilot Program’s criteria? We limited the size area to about an acre. We selected a location that was highly visible in town, had relatively flat terrain, and a manageable amount of overgrowth and debris. We needed to have access to water for the goats, and the area had to be cleared 10 feet around the perimeter in order to install the fencing.

How many goats were in the crew, and what was the cost to the Borough? There were 16 goats in the herd, and the cost to the Borough was $5,865. We ended up being able to add a third pocket park to the pilot project, located on the Boulevard between Glen Road and Briarcliff Road, midway through the planned pilot time frame, as the goats completed grazing the first plot faster than expected. Was the program deemed a success, and will the goats be returning? The Pilot was only recently completed, so the Committee needs to do a formal assessment for the Borough and propose future steps. Our initial conclusion, however, was that the pilot was an enormous success! The goats achieved an amazing amount in the two weeks, and the before and after view of the pocket park shows exceptional improvement. The response from the community was also overwhelmingly positive. People loved the concept of a “natural” and environmentally friendly approach. They seemed to truly adore the

goats and loved having them in the community. We received constant input and feedback from people walking by or intentionally visiting the goats. There seemed to be great interest in and willingness to contribute time and money to support Goat Grazing as an ongoing effort in the community. Committee Co-Chair Dewing says: ‘A goal of the Committee is to encourage and set an example for the Community to take on stewardship of the pocket parks, and remove unwanted vegetation and not deposit unwanted trash/rubbish in these community spaces. Trash and litter can often be camouflaged by the invasive growth’. There are over 100 pocket parks in Mountain Lakes, and many are worth renovating. Preliminarily, we envision the Borough establishing an annual contract to have the goats return each year to clear a selected number of Pocket Parks. The goat grazing would be supplemented by additional assistance from the Borough and the community.

Macleod and BobDewing

OCTOBER 2026 |

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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 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 Coffee Co. 602 Main Street, Boonton 862-261-0228 boontoncoffee.com

Chili Willie’s Mexican Restaurant 702 Main Street, Boonton 973-299-8775 orderchiliwillies.com

BOONTON

Boonton Sushi House 701 Main Street, Boonton 973-394-8870 sushiboonton.com

Don’s Sandwich Shop 606 Main Street, Boonton 973-263-3189

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 Thai Cuisine 315 Main Street, Boonton 973-794-6263 boontonthaitogo.com Catfight Coffee 3616 Main Street, Boonton 201-686-4608 catfightcoffee.com

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

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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 OCTOBER 2026 | 29

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BOOK NOOK

SPOOKY SEASON READS These books will fright and delight. PLAY NICE

by Rachel Harrison After the death of her estranged mother, an internet influencer inherits her childhood home and turns the renovation into social media content. Her mother’s claims that the house was possessed were just the rantings of a madwoman, weren’t they? But the demons that lurk within a dysfunctional family cannot be wallpapered over.

THE UNVEILING by Quan Barry

A luxury cruise to Antarctica turns chilling when a freak accident leaves a film scout and a handful of wealthy tourists stranded on a remote island. As they struggle to survive the hostile landscape, the thawing ice seems to unearth ghosts of past explorers and

the darkest secrets of the living. Barry’s literary horror blurs the line between the supernatural and the terrors within.

GONE BEFORE GOODBYE by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon

Maggie McCabe was once a leading combat surgeon, but as situations unfold, her license is revoked. Desperate to work, a colleague offers her an opportunity to practice her skills anonymously with a high-end clientele and a huge payout. For one of the biggest clients yet, Maggie takes the job–but when he goes missing, Maggie becomes a fugitive….

WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME by Nat Cassidy

This book evolves into so much more than the cover would imply. Server/

struggling actress Jess finds a small boy outside her apartment hiding from his raging father. How far will she go to protect the young runaway, and what happens when the monster is one she can’t outrun? Buddy read with a non-squeamish friend because the jaw-dropping conclusion is one you’ll be dying to talk about.

THE INTRUDER

by Freida McFadden Strap in. Page one. You won’t move for the remainder of the day. Set in a cabin in the woods with a hurricane pounding at the door, Casey doesn’t fear the storm, but she fears the wounded girl standing outside her kitchen window holding a knife. If you love addictive suspense and twists you never saw coming, McFadden delivers in this action-packed, entertaining read.

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PHOTO OP

SWIMMING TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP The Lakeland Hills Women’s Swim Team secured its first national championship earlier this year. THE LAKELAND HILLS YMCA Women’s Swim Team won the 2026 YMCA Long Course National Swimming Championship, with MLHS Senior Serena Dickey named as the top female swimmer of the meet, based on total points scored. Held in Ocala, Florida, from July 28 through August 1, the meet included 94 YMCA teams from 20 states, with 348 girls, and 427 boys in total competing. This is the first women’s national championship for a Lakeland Hills YMCA Swim Team, which has offered competitive swimming since first opening in Mountain Lakes in 1972. Serena Dickey competed in five individual races, winning the 400 meter freestyle and 100 meter butterfly events. She also swam in five relay races, with the Lakeland Hills Team winning the 400 meter medley relay. Serena (whose mother, Carrie, MLHS class of ’98, was also a noted swimmer for both the MLHS and Lakeland Hills YMCA swim teams), specializes in the 200 meter butterfly. Serena was named an All-American swimmer for the 2025 to 2026 school year in the 200 Meter Individual Medley race; this distinction is given to the Top 100 competitors in the U.S. in each event. Serena has committed to the University of Illinois, where she will swim next year. PHOTOGRAPHS AND WORDS BY RANJAN O. BOSE

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9/21/26 6:00 PM

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