Registration prices will increase as the August 3rd event date gets closer, and close completely on July 30th.

The easiest way to describe Warrior Dash is through pictures, and readers can click here to view the obstacles.

Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent accompany them, and you must be at least 14 years of age; but a review of the obstacles and race should provide some help in deciding what age is appropriate. Readers can click here for more frequently asked questions about the event, participants and spectators. Along with training videos here.

The free beer upon completion of the Warrior Dash is only available to those of legal age.

The event is family friendly, befitting the purpose of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and is free for spectators to attend. Food, beverages, and music will be provided – but attendees cannot bring their own food.

And this page provides some suggestions on preparing for things like the mud run section.

LOCATION
Lewis Morris Park
270 Mendham Road
Morristown, NJ

*Obstacles, location, venue, date and course are subject to change.

Race Length
3.10 miles

PRICING:
$65* until 11:59pm** on Wednesday, June 5, 2013

$70* until 11:59pm** on Wednesday, July 3, 2013

$75* until 11:59pm** on Wednesday, July 24, 2013

$90* until 11:59pm** on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

A fishing license is needed for those 16 and older, there are a couple of fishing days in New Jersey that are license-free so people can get their feet wet…pun intended.

Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, will be New Jersey’s Free Fishing Days in 2013

A free fishing day is a great for those who have not fished in a few years and are looking to give it another try, or for those who want to join their children in the fun while introducing them to fishing. If you need some reasons to take your kids fishing, here are A Dozen Reasons To Take Your Kids Fishing.

Besides the Ramapo River, there are a variety of ponds and lakes that also offer some great fishing.

Below is a list of local areas provided by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife

Lakes & Ponds

Survived by proud and adoring parents David and Jill Altana, loving brother Brady (his best friend), grandparents Bud and Sydney Kobuskie of Glen Rock, Althea and Frank Hoffman of Irvine California and Harriet Altana of Evergreen Colorado. He was predeceased by his loving grandfather, Walter Altana. Michael is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Michael will forever be a gift to his family. From the very first moment when they took his hand in the orphanage in Siberia and every day thereafter, he brought them endless joy. His unquenchable spirit and boundless energy challenged him to try any new adventure that crossed his path including, skiing, surfing, lacrosse, hockey, football, basketball.

He loved sports, he loved his friends, he loved to laugh, he loved life and lived every moment to the fullest.

Family will receive friends at the Oakland Memorial Home 330 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ on Friday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00. Funeral Liturgy will be on Saturday at 11 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 117 Franklin Ave. Oakland NJ.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd floor, Bethesda MD 20814 or Oakland Recreation via Sports Association of Oakland P.O. Box 236.

Plans will be made for placing benches at the Recreation Center and other park improvements in memory of Michael whose life revolved around family, friends and sports.

For additional information or directions please visit www.Oaklandmemorial.com

Donations to the  Michael Altana Memorial Fund established by the Sports Association of Oakland can be made online using the link below.

Magnets are available for purchase at Michael’s Sporting Goods located on Elm Street in Oakland.

All money raised by the SAO is devoted to Oakland, and your purchase of an OAK magnet for your car is a way of showing your support for Oakland’s nationally recognized recreation program – and Oakland itself.

Magnets are 5$ each, you can contact caronmccormick@yahoo.com for individual purchases or to arrange for your local business to sell them .

There are many trails that are safe for people of all ages, from senior citizens our for a walk to parents pushing babies in strollers. It is also possible for the more adventuresome to get lost or injured in the woods – so following the Hiker’s Code of Responsibility can help keep you safe – and help first responders in case of an emergency.

You can click here for information on trails in the Ramapo State Forest. There is also a free mobile app for iphones and androids developed specifically for NJ state forests & historic places – you can learn about that app by clicking here.

Last year rescuers were called in to lead hikers out of the Ramapo woods after they failed to get out before night fell, and in another 2012 incident there was an accidental drowning.

Accidents can happen, so plan on following some basic safety precautions outlined in the Hiker’s Responsibility Code.

You are responsible for yourself, so Be Prepared…

1. …With knowledge and gear.
Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

2. …To leave your plans.
Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

3. …To stay together.
When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

4. …To turn back.
Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.

5. …For emergencies.
Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.

6. To share the hiker code with others.

http://hikesafe.com/index.php?page=hiker-responsibility-code

The network also engages a diverse community of institutes, organizations and industries by providing a forum for publishing and presenting research, reports and case studies on children’s health and nature, and related program-development strategies and support.

Check out their website at : http://www.childrenandnature.org

The Classes will run for 8 weeks beginning the week of February 1st running through the first week of April (Please check individual classes for exact dates – dates listed may be subject to change).

If you have any questions please email Caron McCormick @ caronmccormick@yahoo.com

REGISTRATION CLOSED

PHOTOGRAPHY – CLOSED

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS CLASS PLEASE CONTACT caronmccormick@yahoo.com
– Grades 7-12 – Thursday – 6:30-7:30 PM (At the Library) Limit 15 students, Minimum 5 students.
2/7/2013, 2/14/2013, 2/28/2013, 3/7/2013, 3/14/2013, 3/21/2013, 3/28/2013 and 4/4/2013
Fee $100

Photography class where children would learn both theory and hands-on: Basic Photography, Camera Controls, Light, Composition, and artistic expression. What makes a good photograph and how to use a camera off of ‘automatic’ . We will take example photos and critique them for improvement. We will end with a display of each student’s best photo.

Jim DeLillo is an internationally-published photographer who specializes in travel, local color and editorial. Avidly working since 1972, Jim’s many years of experience have provided such esteemed international publications like Woman’s World Magazine with a refreshing break from stiffly-posed shots often found within them. His photojournalist, reality based, eclectic style spans travel, both domestic and abroad – the wilderness, and ultimately outer space. Did we mention that Jim is also an accomplished astro-photographer?

Jim and his work is simply put, astounding. Jim won a Nikon.net Award for his series, “Children of Belize.” Other accomplishments include reaching the Gold Level (10,000 downloads) with iStock, Getty’s microstock offering.

When he is not making beautiful things happen with his camera, Jim is a Senior Project Manager at a major biotech company in New Jersey.

MINI PICASSOS THURSDAYS

- Age 6-10, Thursday, 4:00-5:00 (At the Library) Limit 10 students.
2/7/2013, 2/14/2013, 2/28/2013, 3/7/2013, 3/14/2013, 3/21/2013, 3/28/2013 and 4/4/2013
Fee: $105

This beginner level class incorporates art history with creative art. Each week students will learn about a well-known artist and the type of work they did. The students will then work on an art project inspired by the work of that week’s artist. Students will enhance their artistic skills while gaining a general base knowledge of art history. A supply list will be sent a week prior to classes.

1- Andy Warhol – repeated image and paint
2- Piet Mondrian – Abstract square painting Picasso – Cubist painting
3- Alexander Calder – mobile
4- Picasso – Cubist painting
5- Henri Matisse – collage
6- Chuck Close – squared off painting
7- Georgia O’Keefe – shells, flowers, rocks
8- Edvard Munch – Scream self-portraits

Taught by Tracy DiTolla who currently teaches art and art history at Warren County Community College and exhibits regularly in northern New Jersey.

MINI PICASSOS FULL

CLASS FULL – Check back to see if we will add another class
- Age 6-10, Monday, 4:00-5:00 (At the Library) Limit 10 students.
2/4/2013, 2/11/2013, 2/25/2013, 3/4/2013, 3/11/2013, 3/18/2013, 3/25/2013 and 4/1/2013
Fee: $105

This beginner level class incorporates art history with creative art.  Each week students will learn about a well-known artist and the type of work they did.  The students will then work on an art project inspired by the work of that week’s artist.  Students will enhance their artistic skills while gaining a general base knowledge of art history. A supply list will be sent a week prior to classes.

1- Andy Warhol – repeated image and paint
2- Piet Mondrian – Abstract square painting Picasso – Cubist painting
3- Alexander Calder – mobile
4- Picasso – Cubist painting
5- Henri Matisse – collage
6- Chuck Close – squared off painting
7- Georgia O’Keefe – shells, flowers, rocks
8- Edvard Munch – Scream self-portraits

Taught by Tracy DiTolla who currently teaches art and art history at Warren County Community College and exhibits regularly in northern New Jersey.

DRAMA

– Ages 8 -11 –Thursday, 5:00-6:00pm (Ramapo Valley Baptist Church) Limit 20 students.
2/7/2013, 2/14/2013, 2/28/2013, 3/7/2013, 3/14/2013, 3/21/2013, 3/28/2013 and 4/4/2013
Fee -$100
Learn basic theater and performance skills while building confidence, self esteem, poise, public speaking abilities, focus and memorization skills. This Semester will all focus on working together, sharing the stage and appropriate action/reaction.

Laura Belle discovered that all the world is indeed a stage in 5th grade at Dogwood Hill School. She was transformed from a quiet insecure girl to a confident performer. After years of experience and several degrees, Laura returns to Oakland looking to share her love of the stage with Oakland’s newest stars.

ZumbAtomics

- Ages 4-11 – Thursday – 4:00-4:45pm (Ramapo Valley Baptist Church) Limit 20 students.
2/7/2013, 2/14/2013, 2/28/2013, 3/7/2013, 3/14/2013, 3/21/2013, 3/28/2013 and 4/4/2013
Fee – $75

The crazy-cool dance-fitness workout for kids (ages 4-11) set to hip-hop, salsa, reggaetone and more. It’s a TOTAL BLAST!! THIS SEMESTER, We are gonna ROCK THE AGES and learn dance steps and styles from the 20s, 30′s, 40′s…all the way up to today!

Taught by licensed Zumba and certified group fitness instructor Laura Belle. Laura teaches at various local facilities including American Woman, Spa 23 and The Oakland Senior Center

CREATIVE WRITING – STORY TELLERS

- Grades 4-8 – Monday 4:15-5:00pm (The Danny D) – Limit 12 Students.
2/4/2013, 2/11/2013, 2/25/2012, 3/4/2013, 3/11/2013, 3/18/2013, 3/25/2013 and 4/1/2013
Fee – $75

Students will learn the basics of character development, plot development and descriptive writing. Young writers will develop a “story board” and get to choose from one of following final projects for completion: short story, comic book (writers will be responsible for their own artwork as well), or a script. They may develop current projects or start new ones.

Marisol Kozlovski is Published Poet & Essayist with15+ years of college textbook publishing experience, Degrees in English Literature and Communication.

BASIC DRAWING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

– Ages 11-14 Monday – 5:15-6:15pm (The Library) Limit 10 students.
2/4/2013, 2/11/2013, 2/25/2013, 3/4/2013, 3/11/2013, 3/18/2013, 3/25/2013 and 4/1/2013
Fee – $100

This class is for young beginner artists looking to learn the basic skills, techniques and tools to use as a starting point to grow as an artist.  There will be a focus on measuring objects against each other to get the correct proportions when taking a three dimensional object and transforming it to a two dimensional image, one point perspective, light and shadow and some fun stuff as well.  This helps beginners create a more realistic and true portrayal when drawing.

Taught by Tracy DiTolla who currently teaches art and art history at Warren County Community College and exhibits regularly in northern New Jersey.

Too often people think winter is not a good time for hiking, but there are certain pleasures to be found in the winter months that are lost in the green of summer.

Oakland is surrounded by many trails, and even with snow covering the ground there are a lot of trails that can be traversed with no special gear other than warm clothing. Trails around the Ramapo Reservation off Rt 202 across the border in Mahwah, around Potash Lake off West Oakland Ave, or near the river off of Glen Grey.

Depending on where you go, the views can often be more stunning as the fallen foliage gives way to grand vistas. The lack of winter hiking popularity also leaves the trails less populated, and often one can enjoy a rare solitude and stillness walking through the woods.

Also, for those who use hiking as part of their exercise regimen — you will burn more calories in the cold than in the summer – go figure.

Dressing for a winter hike means staying warm, but also being able to shed a layer should you start getting to warm. Sweating in the summer helps keep you cool, but sweating in the winter can help get you sick.

The time when a chill on a sweaty face or head can lead to catching a cold is when you are stopping. If you are stopping to photograph a scene, have a snack, or simply taking a break, your body will begin to cool down and your sweat will create a chill.

This is why layers have always been key to both staying warm, and allowing you to shed a layer if you get too warm.

The Layering System:

• The first layer helps move sweat away from your skin.
• The second layers are for warmth, and these are the layers you might want to remove at some point if you are getting too warm.
• The third layer is your outer one, that offers protection from wind, rain, snow – your jacket. If you need to take off your jacket because it is too warm, that’s a pretty warm winter day.

Keeping hydrated in winter is just as important as in summer. Water loss occurs through perspiration and when you are breathing through your mouth — so don’t think hydration is just for hot sunny days.

One method of dealing with proper hydration is to plan on a pre and post hydration process. Drink some water before and after, and that should limit the need for drinking cold water when you might be preferring some hot chocolate.

Trail and hiking resources can be found at : http://www.nynjtc.org/