VIDEO: Lake Valhalla Polar Plunge 2012

Participants jumped into the frigid lake Sunday to start the new year.

Residents packed the Lake Valhalla Club beach around noon on Sunday for the fifth annual Lake Valhalla Polar Plunge. Plungers took turns leaping from a dock into the cold water. The Montville Fire Department and First Aid Squad were on hand keep an eye on participants as they plunged into the lake, which was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, organizers said. The air temperature was around 50 degrees. The polar plunge tradition started with a handful of friends and has since grown, organizer Michael Metz said. Organizers hope the tradition continues to grow and can be used to support organizations. This year, the fire department made a donation to support to Adrian Simone. The master of ceremonies—a sportscaster character named Charlie …

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Tom McMillian

5:13 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2012

This was a great way to usher in 2012! It was very very brasing1   more ›

Partying Hard New Year's Eve? Have a Cab Number Handy

If you're planning on drinking, have a designated driver—or call a car service.

It's New Year's Eve, a time for revelry, celebration—and responsibility. If you plan on drinking tonight, Patch urges you to have a designated driver or other safe method of transportation home. The following taxi companies operate in and near town. It's going to be a busy night, and some cab companies prefer advance appointments, so consider calling during the day before you head out. If you know of others, leave the info in our comments to help your fellow partiers out:

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Drink Suggestions for Your New Year's Eve

We asked and Gary's Wine and Marketplace gave some options for whatever your taste.

The new year is fast approaching, and folks all over the globe will be celebrating. Here in Morris County, we want to help you find the right drinks for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Gary’s Wine and Marketplace, which boasts a location in Madison among its three stores, sees an influx of customers around the holidays, all of whom are looking for the perfect complement to a holiday meal or social gathering. The store has options for people of all budgets, so nobody has to be left out of the holiday fun. Sue Guerra, a wine expert and a representative for Gary’s, told Patch that any consumers who are looking for a place to start cannot go wrong with an Italian wine, such as the 2006 Azelia Barolo, which Gary’s is currently offering for $29…

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On Stage: A Peek At The Performing Arts

Embrace Theater in 2012

Montville's Barn Theatre is among the venues with opportunities to get involved on stage in the new year.

Why not make supporting North Jersey’s theater scene one of your New Year’s resolutions? You can start early by attending one of the final performances of “A Christmas Carol” at the Shakespeare Theatre or wait until “Marvin’s Room" or "Lend Me a Tenor" come to the Barn Theatre right here in Montville. And this is also a great time to get involved with a theater near you. Audition opportunities abound at the Barn and at Pax Amicus Castle theatres. And registration is going on for classes at Centenary College, Brundage Park Playhouse and the Growing Stage Company. There are also some children’s shows and concerts to see as 2011 comes to close. And be sure to read the On Stage Scoop throughout the year for your weekly theater update. ON STAGE…

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Got a New Smartphone? Make Patch Part of It

If Santa left a new iPhone or Android under the tree, get access to local news and events.

Did you get a new smartphone for Christmas? Here's a quick guide how to get Patch on your iPhone or Android devices. Patch for iPhone Patch for iPhone keeps customers connected to the latest news, weather, local business listings and current events happening in your neighborhood. Patch’s app will keep you engaged and mobile by delivering 24/7 local community coverage. You can download the Patch app for iPhones here. Patch’s features include: Plus, you can save anything from favorite stories to business listings direct to the iPhone for easy offline access. Customer opinions are extremely valued, so please send app feedback to the Patch team. Patch Places for Android Patch Places for Android is the go-to directory of local businesses in 800…

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When Will Santa Be in Your Neighborhood?

NORAD tries to predict when you might expect St. Nick coming to your home.

For 364 days out of the year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) spends its time tracking airplanes, missiles, space ships—anything flying near the United States and Canada. But on Christmas Eve, a team of volunteers spends the night tracking a very special pilot: Santa Claus. "We are the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications and the people to do it," NORAD said on its website. "NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house." Santa usually starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west, NORAD noticed, meaning he moves from the South Pacific to New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe …

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Laura Madsen

10:31 am on Saturday, December 24, 2011

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Fox Road Holiday Display 'For All to Enjoy'

Montville man goes all out with moving Christmas scene as he has for 28 years.

Penguins, polar bears and elves come to life at 5 Fox Road when the sun sets in December. Penguins ski. Polar bears decorate a gigantic Christmas tree. Elves build toys. The elaborate, mechanical display is assembled by John Verona, a Montville Township man who started creating the displays on his front lawn 28 years ago when he moved to Montville Township with his family. An electrician by trade, Verona parlayed his decorating tradition into a business, Christmas Spectacular, that sells and installs Christmas displays to towns. This year's display at 5 Fox Road took five men three days to assemble, plus another day of work for Verona, his wife, Candy Verona, said. The display has been entered into Patch's Deck the House contest, which is …

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Where In Montville?

Where In Montville: Bader Farm

Last week's Where In Montville: Holiday Edition featured a photo of the Christmas tree sign in front of Bader Farm on Changebridge Road. It's the Christmas tree place I pass most often, but we counted at least four places in Montville Township to pick up a tree. Bader Farm has been family-owned and operated since the late 1800s and is owned by Ivan Bader and his wife, former Committeewoman Jean Bader. The 20-acre farm is run by the couple and their two sons, Sean and Ian, according to the farm's website. Stay tuned for the next Where In Montville photo ID challenge.

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