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At Denville Medical, your licensed physical therapist's goal is to maximize your body's structure and increase its overall function for long-term health. To accomplish this, our physical therapists combine traditional and innovative techniques focused on increasing muscle strength and improving the body's range of motion. Our goal is to discover the root cause of your pain or mobility problems. That way, we can address the true reason why you need physical therapy, and work towards achieving long-lasting relief.
Of course, we understand that every patient is different. Your doctor can provide expert care in an encouraging environment by creating a customized treatment plan for you using modern, evidence-based research.
Some common reasons why patients need physical therapy at Denville Medical include:
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Sports Injuries Whether you are on the varsity team of your high school football team or a professional athlete, sports injuries are serious business. Our doctors and physical therapists will develop a plan to help you heal properly, so you can get back in the game sooner rather than later.
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Pre and Post Operation With decades of combined experience, our physical therapy experts know that there is a time for gentle healing and a time for aggressive physical rehab. Whether you are scheduled for surgery or have recently been released from the hospital, our therapists are here to help you recover, one step at a time.
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Neurological Issues At Denville Medical, we treat much more than sports-based injuries. Whether you're suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, or a vestibular problem, our therapists are trained and certified to help you regain your body's optimal functionality.
Life has a habit of throwing us curveballs. Sure, some surprises only hurt your bank account, like expenses around the home. But more serious incidents, like car wrecks, can inflict physical injuries causing long-term pain. Injury-related problems like neck and back pain affect many Americans daily. Even worse, many hardworking people turn to addictive pain medication and invasive surgeries for relief, only to find themselves deeper in a hole.
If you're in chronic pain or suffer from range of motion problems, you should know that options are available for safer, more effective pain relief. One of the most commonly used solutions is physical therapy. The main goal of physical therapy is to maximize your body's mobility and increase overall function. In order to accomplish this, physical therapy techniques focus on improving range of motion and building muscle strength.
Physical therapy helps people of all ages with illnesses, medical conditions, or injuries that limit their mobility and body functionality. At Denville Medical and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our doctors and physical therapists create customized physical therapy programs to help patients reclaim their lives.
When combined with diet and exercise, many patients are able to enjoy activities that they only thought possible with youth.
Some of the most common techniques that physical therapists use to help patients include:
From improper ergonomics at your office desk to injuries sustained in car wrecks, neck pain is a widespread problem. Taking the proper preventative steps to deal with pain provides relief and can prevent the need for surgery or medication.
Generally, there are two kinds of neck pain: chronic and acute. Acute pain shouldn't last for more than six weeks, while chronic pain can last months or even years. Physical therapy is one of the most recommended treatments for neck pain. Treatments often involve reducing neck exercise, strength training, and stretching. If you're suffering from acute or chronic neck pain, it's important to have tests done by a physical therapist to determine the extent of your injury.
Neck pain is caused by a wide range of problems, like:
After identifying the underlying cause of your condition, your physical therapist will develop a comprehensive treatment to address your pain and provide long-term relief.
Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in America. Back pain can start innocuously as a small muscle ache but can quickly become a more serious problem that disrupts daily life. Like neck pain, the best way to address the issue is to understand the root cause so that surgery is avoided.
Also like neck pain, back pain is either chronic (longer than six weeks) or acute (less than six weeks). Back pain can be caused by a number of events, like lifting a heavy item or simply sitting wrong for too long. To determine the extent of your injuries, you will need one or more diagnostic tests, like X-rays or MRI scans. Once the root cause of your condition is revealed, your physical therapist will work with Denville Medical doctors to create a treatment plan tailored to your body.
Common conditions linked to back pain include:
Experiencing a herniated disc is something most people dread, but many have to endure. Luckily, PT plays a significant role in herniated disc recovery. Physical therapy not only provides immediate pain relief, it teaches patients how to condition their bodies to avoid worse injuries.
At Denville Medical, our physical therapists and doctors have years of experience helping patients rehabilitate from herniated discs. Patients benefit from several time-tested techniques to relieve pain.
After diagnostic testing, active and passive treatments can include:
Do your hips feel uneven or misaligned? Do you suffer from hip stiffness or pain when the weather changes? Are you having trouble getting around the house like you used to? Your hips bear most of your weight, so it's no surprise that hip pain is very common among Americans.
Fortunately, physical therapy has been proven to provide relief for people dealing with acute or chronic hip pain. As with other forms of pain, you will need diagnostic testing to determine the extent of your hip problems.
Some common causes of hip pain include:
Once your hip issues are properly diagnosed, it's time to find relief. Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center offers several custom solutions, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and personalized physical therapy.
Like hip pain, knee pain is a common condition in the U.S. and affects millions of people every year. Pain in the knee is caused by many things, including strains, injuries, age, and repetitive trauma. Sometimes, there's no apparent reason for knee pain. When it occurs, you may experience limited knee functionality, like difficulty standing, walking, sitting, and walking up and down stairs.
There are many conditions associated with knee pain, including:
If you notice symptoms like clicking or popping sounds, locking, inflammation, or sharp pains in your knee, physical therapy might be your best bet for relief.
Sometimes, surgery is the only option a patient can choose to alleviate pain from injuries and accidents. When this is the case, physical therapy plays a vital role before and after surgery.
To help you get a better sense of the scope of our physical therapy treatments, we're listing some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive at Denville Medical:
Answer : While some physical therapists rely on outdated techniques to treat patients, our team uses a combination of tried-and-true methods and modern strategies, including:
Answer : During your first visit with our physical therapist, we will complete a series of tests and screenings to establish a baseline for your care. You can expect to complete stability screenings, strength tests, and computerized range of motion tests. These tests ensure your doctor understands how your muscles are functioning. Once complete, your therapist will create a custom treatment plan for your physical therapy, so we can move forward with your care. During your time at Denville Medical, you should expect adjustments to your treatment plan as you make progress.
Answer : We get this question a lot, and we can certainly understand why. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with an exact answer because every patient has different needs relating to their injuries and issues. Your level of stability and functionality depends on your condition, your goals, and your motivation to heal. For acute pain, patients typically experience relief in 2-3 weeks. Patients with forms of chronic pain usually feel optimal results after their first full course of therapy (4-6 weeks). Since our goal is to achieve maximum medical improvement, our doctors continuously monitor your progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
Whether you're dealing with chronic knee pain or acute back pain, relief is in sight. Rather than dangerous medicines and invasive surgeries, we specialize in non-surgical treatments like physical therapy. Our team of physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and primary care doctors have years of experience and work hand-in-hand to give you real pain relief.
If you're sick and tired of living life full of physical pain, now is the time to act. Don't let your body deteriorate – find your new lease on life at Denville Medical and Sports Rehabilitation Center.
973-627-7888
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Nicholas Angrisani talks about education and reflects on some personal experiences as a student.Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (October 18, 2022) – Mr. Nicholas Angrisani, is the newly appointed Assistant Principal of Mendham Township Middle School (MTMS). While he is getting to know educators, staff, and students at MTMS he took some time to talk about education and share some of his reflections on being a student himself....
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (October 18, 2022) – Mr. Nicholas Angrisani, is the newly appointed Assistant Principal of Mendham Township Middle School (MTMS). While he is getting to know educators, staff, and students at MTMS he took some time to talk about education and share some of his reflections on being a student himself.
For the past seven years, Mr. Angrisani was a Special Education Teacher and Technology Trainer at Hillsborough Middle School supporting literacy, science, social studies, and study skills. He is a Kean University alumnus with a master's degree from The University of Nottingham in England, and Principal Certification from Thomas Jefferson University.
Q. Can you provide a brief overview of your philosophy on education and managing student behavior? As soon as a child enters the academic world, we are helping them to prepare for life. When a student enters middle school, their learning environment transitions into a more self-reliant and independent structure. Instead of material being presented, students want to engage, to understand the relevance, and to be challenged. They want to discover! I firmly believe in optimizing instructional time by providing meaningful learning experiences for students. You can read about teamwork but collaborating with fellow students on a project is a far more enriching and meaningful experience. This is a good example of what I mean by optimizing instructional time. We have a rigorous curriculum in place to engage all of our students. We challenge our students while providing them with the necessary support to succeed and to grow. Most importantly, we continue to focus on supporting the growth of the “whole student.” We want our students to advance academically AND socially and emotionally.
When it comes to managing behavior, I am a firm advocate of restorative practices and positive reinforcement. Ideally, the focus includes identifying any learning opportunities. The goal is to advance, discover new options, and prevent a negative pattern being established.
Q. Can you share a childhood experience/memory that influenced and perhaps shaped your philosophy on education?As a child going to elementary, middle and then high school, I learned that trust is absolutely essential between the educator and the student. Not only is trust important for learning the required curriculum, but also for a child’s overall development and growth. If a child does not trust you then there is a “gulf” between the student and teacher that impairs the student’s ability to learn. Educators should strive to act as a mentor to their students, understanding that each child is different due to their culture, experiences, and socio-economic background. From a personal reflection, when a teacher or coach built a rapport with me based on trust, then my motivation and self-confidence increased dramatically. This reiterates the point I raised earlier, I believe that utilizing the “whole student approach” can ensure that each student can feel supported both in and out of school.
Q. We live in a fast-evolving environment (pandemic, technology advancements, media communications), can you suggest one or two questions that parents should be asking their children on a regular basis?“How was school today? Can you tell me something that you learned?” These openers may seem like simple questions, yet they are incredibly powerful in putting an emphasis on wanting to know what your child is thinking and doing when they are not with you during the day. Not only asking a child what they learned, but what they thought about the lesson is a nice way to open a dialogue and demonstrate interest in their reasoning capabilities. You may be surprised and impressed by their insights and the conclusions they are forming.
I am also a big advocate of parents asking their children if they want to go for a quick walk. Going outside and enjoying fresh air is great for getting everyone away from long “screen times.” I truly believe that time with the family is everything and going for a walk naturally starts everyone chatting without putting pressure on any one person.
Q. On a lighter note, if you were talking to a student, how would you finish this sentence: "Growing up, I … ."Growing up … well growing up, I made a discovery about myself. Growing up I learned to cook, and I learned that I loved to cook! It may seem a little unusual, but even as a child I began to enjoy researching ingredients for a dish, preparing them, and then creating a dish. I loved the reaction from my family and friends as we tasted the dish I had prepared. When I was in middle school, I began to up my game, and would even prepare a full meal! Everyone in my life supported me with their enthusiasm, I enjoyed making people happy, and I have great memories of conversations around some of the meals I had made. So, I would say to students that growing up, I found I could learn to do something that made me very happy and I would encourage students today to take time and maybe try some new things. You never know, you may surprise yourself with how much fun you are having as you learn to do something new.
Thank you, Mr. Angrisani for taking the time to talk and share your insights with us.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Michal Ferenc shares some insights on education and offers some practical suggestions for connecting with students.Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (October 6, 2022) – With the 2022-2023 school year well underway, we had an opportunity to speak with the newly appointed Assistant Principal of Mendham Township Elementary School (MTES), Mr. Michal Ferenc, and gather his insights on education and connecting with elementary-aged studen...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (October 6, 2022) – With the 2022-2023 school year well underway, we had an opportunity to speak with the newly appointed Assistant Principal of Mendham Township Elementary School (MTES), Mr. Michal Ferenc, and gather his insights on education and connecting with elementary-aged students.
Members of the community may already know Mr. Ferenc, as he had previously served as Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher and Technology Integration Specialist at the Middle School in Mendham Township. In both roles, he had the opportunity to work with teachers at all grade levels and subjects at the middle school. Mr. Ferenc was born in Poland and came with his family to the United States when he was five years old. He completed his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at Montclair State University and acquired his Principal and Supervisor certification in 2017.
Q. Can you provide a brief overview of your philosophy on education and managing student behavior? I believe that every child can learn and that we, as educators, are responsible for providing a well-rounded education with the necessary foundational academic and social/emotional skills to realize their full potential. These skills include the ability to be able to read and process information, explain thoughts and ideas through written and expressive language, and understand mathematical concepts. All of these skills, by being built upon incrementally from early childhood, provide learners with the foundations to pursue any dreams they will have in the future. In addition to these foundational academic skills, schools also have a responsibility to ensure that students have a strong social and emotional foundation to persevere and overcome the obstacles of life.Sometimes certain obstacles may impede a student’s ability to learn, and it is the duty of the school, in partnership with the parents/guardians, to identify the root-cause of the issue and develop an action plan to help the student find success. Which leads to my belief that early intervention is key to helping students make up any skill deficits impeding their development and putting them back on track with peers. Without interventions, students who struggle as readers in first grade will probably continue to struggle in fourth grade and the gap between these learners and their peers continues to widen. These learners are also perceptive of their struggles which in turn may manifest as issues with motivation, behavior, and/or confidence. Which is why it is so important to take into account the whole story of the child when attempting to help a struggling student get back on track and to remember that what we see on the surface are symptoms of an underlying issue that we need to discover and address.
Q. Can you share a childhood experience/memory that influenced and perhaps shaped your philosophy on education?This leads on from my previous answer that every child deserves to learn to read and write, and a child is not responsible for their circumstances. In my own personal experience as a five-year old coming from a non-English speaking country, this belief resonates strongly with me. My educators were pivotal and essential in providing me with a great education and inspiring my academic career. I moved from Poland at the age of five and was fortunate to have great teachers that were willing to put in extra time and effort to help myself and other children acquire the language and assimilate to the culture. They helped me to succeed academically and to excel as a member of my new community. It is because of their commitment to teaching that I knew and felt that I belonged and had opportunities to succeed! I often think about how different my life would have been had I not had those same teachers. I see that same care and commitment with the teaching force at Mendham Township School District and look forward to continuing to support it. As I said, regardless of any student’s circumstances, everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and to be able to participate successfully as a member of their community.
Q. We live in a fast-evolving environment (pandemic, technology advancements, media communications), can you suggest one or two questions that parents should be asking their children on a regular basis?A great dialogue to have with your children on a regular basis is to discuss what may be the peaks and valleys of their day, and to be ready to also share what may have happened during your own day. Children need to understand that you are also human and not every day may go exactly as you want. Even as an adult, you have your own obstacles. It is a great opportunity to model resilience and grit.Another gentle opener with younger children is to ask them what they think the future will look like. Ask them if there is anything happening in the world that they have heard about that does not make sense to them. As much as we would like to protect our children from some of the events of the world, we cannot always control what they hear from peers. This way they can have a platform to share what they are hearing and provide you with an opportunity to discuss events at an age-appropriate level.
Q. On a lighter note, if you were talking to a student, how would you finish this sentence: "Growing up, I ..."Growing up, I loved to get mail addressed to me. It was great to see something in the mailbox addressed to me. I felt like a grown-up. Now, when I get mail it’s only bills and advertisements! So students, enjoy this time. At school you may use your writing skills to prepare cards and thank you notes for parents, teachers, members of the services, and other community members. Remember your notes are probably their favorite mail that they will receive that day!
Thank you, Mr. Ferenc, for taking the time to share your insights with us. We look forward to catching up with Mr. Nicolas Angrisani, Assistant Principal of Mendham Township Middle School, for an upcoming news article.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
The Morristown St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of New Jersey's biggest, returns this weekend with a longtime volunteer and dedicated fundraiser leading the procession.Ryan Dawson will serve as grand marshal for this ye...
The Morristown St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of New Jersey's biggest, returns this weekend with a longtime volunteer and dedicated fundraiser leading the procession.
Ryan Dawson will serve as grand marshal for this year's parade, which kicks off at noon on Saturday, March 11. Dawson has helped organize the event for the past 13 years, most notably as chairman of its finance committee, and also as a member and past president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County.
The parade was still on as of Friday afternoon despite a forecast calling for 3 to 4 inches of snow by Saturday morning.
"We are looking forward to stepping off this Saturday at 12 p.m. sharp," said Mike Leavy, a publicity coordinator for the parade committee. "This weather is made for Irish sweaters and Irish coffee!"
More than 4,000 marchers and close to two dozen bands will take part in the parade, which begins on South Street before making its way around the Morristown Green and through town. The day's festivities will get underway with a mass at Assumption Church at 9:30 a.m.
An interactive map on the parade website, paradeday.com, includes a guide to comfort stations and parking around the route. Entertainment will be provided throughout the morning by groups including the Celtic Rebels Band, the Heritage Irish Dance Co. and Morristown High School.
This year's grand marshal nomination was unusual in that Dawson, in addition to his other parade roles, sits on the event's Board of Trustees, which chooses the recipient of the annual honor. Dawson knew he was in contention but was otherwise in the dark about the board's decision, so he was pleasantly surprised to be added to the prestigious history of grand marshals.
"There's so many legends, and I just feel honored to be in that category now," Dawson said on Tuesday.
A Mendham resident who works for Weichert Realtors, Dawson is the first new grand marshal to be selected in three years. Mary Waller was chosen to lead the 2020 parade, but she did not get to serve until last year after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the previous two events.
Dawson's prowess in guiding financial matters for the parade set him apart from other candidates, Leavy said. The event is entirely funded through sponsor donations, he said, and the 2023 grand marshal has been "nothing but perfect" in his work.
With "his dedication to the parade and what it stands for, really it was a no-brainer," Leavy said. "Some people say it was long overdue."
Dawson said the "pinnacle" of the parade season came Friday when he was officially introduced at the grand marshal reception. He became emotional during remarks from James Weichert Jr. and John Murphy − the latter a former Morris Township politician who served as the 2018 grand marshal − and was happy to see so many close friends and family members in attendance.
On parade day, Dawson will march alongside his wife Melinda, with the couple's parents following in an antique car. His favorite part of each year's parade is greeting the sponsors after the procession ends − an activity that he admitted will be extra special as grand marshal.
The parade was first organized in Wharton in 1979 by the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey. The group partnered with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County to move it to Morristown in 1991, where it has become one of the most well-attended St. Patrick's parades in the state.
Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties.
Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @KMorelNJH
Not so far away from Hudson County is the town of Mendham, New Jersey. The small, quaint main street lined with gorgeous Victorian homes and nice restaurants is a great day away from the hustle of Hoboken + Jersey City life. Filled with historical sites, walking trails, and places to grab a bite, there are plenty of things to do in Mendham that won’t disappoint. Keep reading for more on the history, travel plan, w...
Not so far away from Hudson County is the town of Mendham, New Jersey. The small, quaint main street lined with gorgeous Victorian homes and nice restaurants is a great day away from the hustle of Hoboken + Jersey City life. Filled with historical sites, walking trails, and places to grab a bite, there are plenty of things to do in Mendham that won’t disappoint. Keep reading for more on the history, travel plan, where to dine, and what to do in Mendham, NJ.
Mendham has a rich history dating back to before the Revolutionary War. It was named after Mendon, Massachusetts, where one of the area’s most distinguished settlers, Ebenezer Byran, hailed from. Visitors can see a grist mill that helped feed troops stationed in Jockey Hollow during the winter of 1779 to 1780, or a farmhouse-turned-tavern that was one of the main stops between Newark and Scranton (and is still in business today). There are so many ways to take a stroll down memory lane when visiting Mendham.
Mendham Township was incorporated in 1749 and included Mendham Borough and parts of Randolph Township and Chester Township, just after the Hilltop Church (20 Hilltop Road) was created for the area. The borough of Mendham was then then created in 1906.
There are a few ways to get to Mendham. By car, it’s just under an hour right down Interstate 78 (and, of course, a few other roads, too). Once you’re off the highway, it’s a lovely drive through the rolling hills of New Jersey.
If you’re looking for a mass transit route, you can take the Morris + Essex line to the Morristown stop. This is a little more than an hour ride, and then it’s a quick Uber to Mendham. What’s great is that once in town, visitors can do so much right on Main Street that there’s no need to Uber everywhere.
Read More: Destinations Near New Jersey Accessible By Public Transportation
While there are two different buildings to dine at here, the tavern is only open for private events — though you can still enjoy the pub. During the warmer months, there are tables on the patio for outdoor dining. The ambiance is old charm meets all-American fare. The menu consists of pub staples including pub burgers but also has tavern favorites like chicken pot pie and filet mignon.
Opening in 1991, Dante’s has been an Italian staple on Main Street in Mendham for more than 30 years. While many order the pizza from Dante’s, patrons shouldn’t sleep on the rest of the menu. From the various parmesan options to the baked pasta, there are so many delicious dishes to choose from. There is also dining available inside and outside until just past sundown.
These old-fashioned kettle-boiled bagels are great for breakfast or lunch. Cafe-goers can get a usual breakfast bagel sandwich, or they can also get a cold cut sandwich on a bagel (Hoboken Girl loves a good turkey sandwich on a bagel). There are also other menu items including wraps, burgers, and omelets. Seating is first-come, first-served both inside and outside.
This restaurant is a great mix of modern aesthetics and vibes with even better food. The artisan pizza is smaller in size, but still packs amazing flavor. The oven-baked meatballs and the stone-fired meatball sliders are good choices, or you can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. There is a full bar, and patrons can dine inside or outside (though outdoor seating is limited). Piattino’s also has a location in Summit.
This coffee shop is a cute stop during a Mendham adventure. The staff is lovely and they brew a mean cup of joe. This place also sells smoothies and pastries. Simple Coffee occasionally has Cars and Coffee events on the weekend where all muscle, exotic, and classic car owners bring their rides to an event in the parking lot.
Wicker Basket Delicatessen (Wicker, as the locals call it) is a staple for all in town. The half and half is a must order, and the ratio of lemonade and iced tea is going to have you coming back for seconds. The crispy chicken sandwich on a roll is something all the locals love to order, but really everything is great. There is no seating, as this is a grab-and-go sandwich and grill. But trust us, it’s worth it.
See More: A Day Trip Guide to Maplewood, NJ
This part of New Jersey is known for its farms and produce. A few Jersey City farm stands are actually from this region. Backer Farm has been in Mendham since 1927 and offers many types of produce. Guests can pick in-season strawberries, which is a fun activity in the earlier part of the summer.
During the fall, pumpkin patches and hay rides are a must. There is also a farmstand with produce and other locally produced items. This farm is also working to create a Backer Brewery Project, where it will produce and sell small batch brews. You can visit the website for more information on when this will open.
There are so many great hiking locations in Mendham. Buttermilk Falls is a short hike that leads to a lovely waterfall that many swim in during the summer heat. The Patriot’s Path also has a few locations to hop on and explore, which is a great and mostly flat trail. There is also Schiff Nature Preserve, which has various trails among other events.
The kiddos will have a blast at this park in Mendham. There is a jungle gym that is in the shape of a farm (which is quite apropos for this area of New Jersey). There are also swings and other fun areas, including a baseball field. As you are driving on Route 24, there is a Yellow Volunteer Fire Station, and the park is located behind that.
Mendham is known to be a town without many chain restaurants and stores — but there are still a few cute boutiques and locally-owned stores to check out. The first is The Bees Knees, an adorable boutique that opened a few months ago. Here, customers can get great clothing pieces, as well as other items including jewelry and bee-themed skincare.
Just up the street is Mendham Gardens. The front area will have guests feeling like they are frolicking in a field of flowers. Stop by for a lovely plant during your time in town. Mendham also has Hole in the Wall Thrift Store (6 Hilltop Road), which has a great mix of name brands. Next to this is The Grand Bazaar, a great antique store with unique pieces.
Mendham is in between two great towns to also consider visiting while in the area. Chester is known for its adorable main street and epic corn mazes during the fall. Morristown is a little metropolis in the area and has great shopping and dining options.
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Residents addressed the committee, discussing environmental concerns about the future of the Backer Farm Brewery project. MENDHAM, NJ — The ongoing process aiming to convert a local preserved farm into a farm-based brewer has recently sparked a new round of conversation as members of the public spoke out in concern about potential environmental impacts.Backer Farm has been seeking permission to establish a brewery operation on their property, which currently has produce and livestock. The farm's plan was initially appro...
MENDHAM, NJ — The ongoing process aiming to convert a local preserved farm into a farm-based brewer has recently sparked a new round of conversation as members of the public spoke out in concern about potential environmental impacts.
Backer Farm has been seeking permission to establish a brewery operation on their property, which currently has produce and livestock. The farm's plan was initially approved by the Mendham Township Zoning Board of Adjustment last year with a 5-2 vote.
Local resident Melissa Rainis spoke before the township committee on Monday evening, requesting that the environmental committee weigh in on the environmental impacts and aspects of the application.
"The township environmental committee has weighed in on Hillandale and recently Mendham Mushrooms and Irene’s Spring Tree Farms, all of which are much smaller projects and have less impact on the environment than this brewery project," Rainis said.
The Backer Farm brewery project is currently still on the docket for the Morris County Agriculture Development Board, although the official application has not yet been heard.
After months of waiting, the Morris County Agriculture Development Board scheduled a virtual hearing on the farm's proposal for a brewery and tasting room on Aug. 11, but it was canceled.
According to Katherine Coyle, Director of the Morris County Agriculture Development Board, the reason for the delay was that the Morris County Agriculture Development Board needed time to review additional information that was submitted.
"Yes, this project is not going before the town board, like the planning board, but the environment does not care who will be negatively impacting it. This will be on the land of our township, and we ask you to defend it and protect it as needed from this commercial development," Rainis said.
Following her remark, resident George Koenig expressed similar sentiments, stating that a project like the brewery would typically have to go through the Mendham Township Planning Board. Under that process, applicants would be required to hire a consultant who would oversee the entire project from an environmental and stormwater management standpoint, according to Koenig.
"That is not the case here because the jurisdiction has now moved to the agriculture board, but I believe that that base still needs to be tagged. I am fully in support of the request to have the environmental committee be designated for a review," Koenig said.
To view Backer Farm’s application on the county’s website, click here and here for the County Agriculture Development Board meeting agendas and schedule.
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