Event - Arrival of Spring

Place - Hopatcong Hills

The beauty of Hopatcong is not just found by the lake, but in the colorful foliage when spring arrives in the Hopatcong Hills. Our town is endowed with so much natural charm......country roads, ponds, the lake, unusual rock formations, streams, rolling hills and lush valleys. Each season brings its own spectacular display and offers a variety of activities and sports to enjoy and appreciate Hopatcong's natural gifts.

Event - Wildlife in Town

Place - Hopatcong Hills

Hopatcong still provides a home for wildlife such as the turtle meandering across the street in the Hopatcong Hills. The country landscape in our town provides shelter and nourishment to a large variety of animals, fish, and birds. Other wildlife that is commonly found in Hopatcong are: bear, raccoon, squirrel, chipmunk, red fox, deer, coyote, opossum, groundhog, beaver, skunk, muskrat, occasional bobcat, wild turkey, geese, duck, swan, osprey, bald eagle, vulture, heron and many other birds.

Event - Emergency Treatment Practice Drill

Organization - Hopatcong EMT Police

Hopatcong is fortunate to be one of only a few towns in Northern Jersey to have trained Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Police. The officers are fully trained and come completely equipped to handle all aspects of a medical emergency except patient transport. In order to be certified as an EMT, they are required to have two hundred hours of training. Because of their 24/7 availability, they are often on the scene even before the ambulance arrives.

Event - Directing traffic

Organization - Hopatcong Police

The traditional image of the local police officer helping children cross the street can still be seen in Hopatcong. Officer Joe Magrini steps in to assist when crossing guards are not available. As shown he is helping children cross the street in front of Hudson Maxim School on River Styx Road.

Event - Workout Routine

Organization - Police Explorers

The Explorers program is open to individuals 14-21 years old who are interested in a law enforcement career. The Police Explorers go through the same vigorous training as they would experience in the police academy, including working out, patrol "ride-alongs", community service, search and rescue, radio procedure, proper use of force, traffic stops, building searches, arrest control, crime scene investigations, high risk car stops and gunman situations, crisis negotiation and weapon training.

Event - Easter Egg Hunt

Place - Maxim Glen and Modick Park

The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a special day in Hopatcong and a favorite activity of the children in our town. The children bring decorative pails and baskets to hold the eggs that they find tucked away in secret places. Everyone leaves the event with plenty of eggs and delicious treats.

Event - Easter Bunny

Place - Maxim Glen and Modick Park

The Easter Bunny was one of the favorite attractions at the 2010 Easter Egg Hunt. Fascinated by the tall, furry creature in white, the children lined up just to get the chance to sit beside him. Many of the families used this opportunity to take pictures which capture the moment and will bring back happy memories in the future.

Event - Easter Egg Hunt

Place - Maxim Glen and Modick Park

The annual Easter Egg Hunt is held in Modick Park and Maxim Glen. Over one thousand eggs are hidden in the grasses and shrubbery. Children of all ages scamper throughout the park, eagerly searching for the brightly colored eggs that are filled with candy, small toys or prizes.

Event - Charity Hike

Organization - Hudson Farms

Every year Hudson Farms welcomes the people of Hopatcong to a charity hike and barbecue. The walk winds through four miles of nature trails up and down the hills in the colorful woodlands. The hikers can choose which town organization they would like to support and Hudson Farms generously makes the donation on their behalf.

Event - Barbecue Luncheon

Organization - Hudson Farms

After the hike, everyone was invited to take part in a delicious barbecue with generous amounts of food and cold drinks supplied by Hudson Farms. Everyone seemed to be having such a good time including the volunteers from the Hopatcong Fire Department who cooked and served the food. A large tent was set up in a scenic area of the extensive grounds, providing a place in the shade where the hikers could gather, relax and eat their lunch.

Event - Waterfall on Charity Hike

Organization - Hudson Farms

One of the most popular attractions of the charity hike is the sight and sounds of the waterfalls on the spectacular Hudson Farms property. The four mile hike winds through the woods, passing ponds, streams and the breathtaking waterfalls. The Hudson Farm Spring Charity Hike brings the community together for a day outdoors exploring the natural beauty of our area. Jacki Hangley spends several months organizing the many facets involved in the hike that results in this annual event our town enjoys so much.

Event - Flag Ceremony Practice

Organization - Girl Scouts

On May 21, 2010, Members of Girl Scout Troop 1050 prepared for the flag ceremony preceding the presentation of their Bronze Award. Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest earned recognition in Junior Girl Scouts. This award acknowledges their committment to excellence as they develop skills and values to meet present and future challenges.

Event - Bridging Ceremony

Organization - Girl Scouts

Members of Girl Scout Troop 1050 participated in a bridging ceremony celebrating their transition from Junior Girl Scouts to the Cadette level of Girl Scouts. They lit a candle, pledged their willingness to the new goals and responsibilities and walked across a wooden bridge symbolizing their advancement to the new Girl Scout level.

Event - Bronze Award Ceremony

Organization - Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts from troop 1050 hosted a Hearts for Hope Event for their Bronze Award Project. They organized more than a hundred Girl Scouts from Hopatcong to paint ceramic hearts for cancer patients and soldiers. Afterwards, the hearts were glazed and packaged for distribution. They delivered many of the hearts to patients in neighboring hospitals, while other hearts were packaged and given to soldiers at Fort Dix.

Event - 40th Anniversary Luncheon

Organization - Hopatcong Seniors Inc.

On May 14, 2010, Hopatcong Seniors Inc. celebrated their 40th anniversary at a special luncheon served in their honor. Many of the seniors danced to the music provided by the talented Ron Anthony. Today's club is filled with dynamic senior members who take pleasure in the many trips and activities offered by Hopatcong Seniors Inc. throughout the year, such as the bi-monthly socials at the Civic Center, Halloween and Christmas parties held at The Arlington, and trips to Atlantic City, The Poconos and The Sands Casino.

Event - 40th Anniversary Luncheon

Organization - Hopatcong Seniors Inc.

An array of delicious foods were served at the senior luncheon. The smorgasbord buffet included a dazzling variety of entrees, vegetables and desserts. The luncheon was held on the other side of the lake at The Arlington. After the meal, the lucky winners of the raffle tickets were announced.

Event - 40th Anniversary Luncheon

Organization - Hopatcong Seniors Inc.

Dignitaries from Sussex County delivered speeches and presented plaques in recognition of Hopatcong Seniors Inc. 40th Anniversary. Senator Oroho, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Sussex County Freeholder Richard Zeoli, and Sussex Planning Board Member Rich Voyhen paid tribute to the group's 40 year anniversary along with representatives from the Borough of Hopatcong. The luncheon at The Arlington was just one of the club's many social events and activities scheduled throughout the year, offering its members the opportunity for shared fun and developing friendships.

Event - Memorial Day Parade

Location - Borough Hall to Veterans Field

The Memorial Day 2010 parade through town was greeted by flag-waving crowds all along the one mile route through town. The proud participants in this year's parade were: members of the military, Veterans of Foreign Wars, police department, fire department, ambulance squad, antique cars carrying dignitaries, CERT Team, Hopatcong High School Marching Band, the Woman’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Sussex County Sheriff's Office, religious congregations, athletic teams and sports organizations.

Event - Memorial Day Ceremony

Location - Veterans Park

Sergeant Ryan Burns placed a wreath on Veterans Memorial Monument in honor of all of the brave men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. After the Hopatcong High School Band played a selection of patriotic music, Tim Carey from the VFW opened the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. Speeches were then delivered by Mayor Petillo, Councilman Richard Bunce and Councilman Howard Baker. Additional wreaths, flowers and flags were respectfully placed on the monument by Police Chief John Swanson, and representatives from Hopatcong's Woman’s Club, EMS and Fire Department.

Event - Memorial Day Parade

Location - Borough Hall to Veterans Field

The 2010 Memorial Day Parade started at Borough Hall, and ended at Veterans Field, marching and rolling its way along the crowd-lined one mile route to Veterans Field. Although in many places Memorial Day seems to be evolving into a forgotten holiday, Hopatcong chooses to remember, honor and participate. Our community came out in the largest numbers ever to take part in the parade and the ceremony at Veterans Park.

Event - Memorial Day Parade

Location - Borough Hall to Veterans Field

Patriotism and pride in America were strikingly evident both in the parade participants as well as the flag-waving onlookers. Hopatcong remembers the sacrifices that others have made for us by honoring the memory of all of the heroes who lost their lives in service to our country. Through this remembrance we say publicly that their deaths have not been in vain.

Event - Incident Command Center

Organization - CERT Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are the first responders in the face of a disaster, and Hopatcong is fortunate to have 80 members comprising the largest team in Sussex County. The primary function of the CERT Team is to offer immediate assistance to people and animals while waiting for more extensive help in an emergency situation or disaster. They could manage utilities, assist with search and rescue, fire safety problems, problems confronting animals, disaster medical operations and house to house searches.

Event - Line Search

Organization - CERT Team

In this practice drill, members of the CERT Team demonstrate how the Line Search is used to find missing people in an emergency situation or disaster. Members of the CERT Team line up and walk in unison to uncover, as thoroughly as possible, any visible clues that might be detected in a specific area. Clues might include something that a missing person dropped or lost, footprints, or signs of a wound, accident or struggle.

Event - Rebuilt Brush Utility Truck

Organization - Fire Co. # 4, Hopatcong Hills

The Hopatcong Fire Department acquired three, free National Guard trucks from government surplus. The volunteer firefighters from Company No. 4 repaired the bodywork, rebuilt the pumps, restored the electrical system and repainted the entire vehicle. The smaller, more maneuverable truck will enable the firemen to access fires more efficiently on narrow streets and wooded areas. Standing beside the newly restored "Brush Utility Truck" are (from left): Firemen Jim Madar, Chris Tacinelli, Frank Dubis and Tony Rosado.

Event - Fire Rescue Truck

Organization - Fire Company #4, Hop. Hills

The three fire companies in Hopatcong all have large, specialized firetrucks that can each serve a different purpose during a fire emergency. As shown, the truck from Fire Co. #4, Hopatcong Hills Fire and Rescue Co., is used for motor vehicle emergencies. The major truck used from Defiance Engine Co. #3 is capable of handling large fires and high structures up to 75', while Northwood Engine Co. #2 contributes its specialized firetruck which enable the firemen to extract water from the lake. The Fire Department has served the Borough for over 87 years and to this day remains staffed by volunteers from our community.

Event - (EMS) Emergency Practice Drill

Organization - Hopatcong Ambulance Squad

The Hopatcong Ambulance Squad consists of approximately 35 Emergency Medical Squad (EMS) members who can provide basic life support in an emergency situation as well as transporting the patient to the hospital in the ambulance. They are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who have served an 80 hour hospital internship along with 120 hours of classroom instruction to obtain certification.

Event - Catch Basin Repair

Organization - Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works installs, repairs and maintains the over 1000 catch basins and hundreds of miles of pipe which make up the elaborate storm water system in Hopatcong. The DPW is also responsible for repairing and maintaining the roads, snow plowing, parks, athletic fields, Borough vehicles and town buildings. These are only a few of the many and varied jobs that are required of the multi-faceted DPW to maintain Hopatcong's 10.96 square miles. It takes great dedication by the men at the Department of Public Works to cover all of these endeavors and keep our town looking good and running smoothly.

Event - Athletic Field Resurfacing

Organization - DPW

The yorkrake tractor plowing the athletic field is just one of the many trucks and vehicles needed by the DPW to perform all the different jobs necessary to maintain our town. The vehicles include snowplows, edgers, road sweepers, tractors, road clippers, salt spreaders, cement mixers, dump trucks, pickup trucks and packer trucks, which the DPW maintains themselves. The DPW and Water and Sewer Department work together 27/7 to keep the Borough roads clear of snow during the winter months, and have well earned their reputation as the best snow removal team in Sussex County.

Event - Water Hook-Up

Organization - Water and Sewer Department

The Water and Sewer Department is responsible for maintaining the Borough's water and sewer system, monitoring all of the town's wells, flushing the hydrants and sewer mains and monitoring for leaks in the system. In conjunction with the DPW, the Water and Sewer Department provides hook-ups  to the water and sewer system and expertly installs many of the hundreds of miles of water pipes in the Borough, eliminating the need to hire outside work crews. The Water and Sewer Department has an enormous system to monitor, and keeps it running so smoothly and seamlessly that it can be hard to realize just how much energy and expertise are required to keep the water moving in town.

Event - Hopatcong Days

Location - Modick Park and Maxim Glen

A bright colored array of tents, booths and activities transformed Modick Park and Maxim Glen into a joyous celebration for Hopatcong Days. Over 700 people came out to enjoy the traditional day of family fun. The day started with a parade from Borough Hall to Modick Park. After a tribute to our soldiers and a ceremony recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts, the festivities began.

Event - Hopatcong Days

Location - Modick Park and Maxim Glen

Balloons, strollers and children were everywhere. People enjoyed walking through the parkland and discovering interesting booths and concessions which offered a wide array of information and homegoods. Facepainting was particularly popular, and intricate ballon-sculptures adorning children's arms and heads could be seen bobbing amidst the crowds.

Event - Hopatcong Days

Organization - Modick Park and Maxim Glen

Food was plentiful and gaily displayed in the brightly colored tents. Hot dogs and hamburgers were offered, and the benches throughout the park served as a popular place to enjoy the meals. Desserts, popcorn and cotton candy all contributed to the amusement park atmosphere, and the crowds were filled with groups of people enjoying ice-cream and sweet, cool snow cones as they walked along.

Event - Hopatcong Days

Location - Modick Park and Maxim Glen

Modick Park and Maxim Glen bustled with wide-eyed children running to discover and enjoy the many activities of the fair. Children raced up and down brightly colored two-story high slides, rode on real ponies, jumped and rolled inside the air inflated bubble tent, spun on the gliders, bounced on the bungee jump, scaled the climbing wall, listened to the reptile man and enjoyed watching the magic show.

Event - Senior Picnic

Organization - Hopatcong Seniors Inc.

The Senior Picnic is a special day set aside to celebrate summer. It is a time to renew friendships, relax in the fresh-air atmosphere under the Pavilion, and enjoy the planned activities for the afternoon. The highlight of this year's picnic was the recognition of the two seniors who were named Senior of the Year 2010. This year the award went to Constance Janowski and Willliam Sigismondo for their dedication and commitment to the seniors in Hopatcong.

Event - Senior Picnic

Organization - Hopatcong Seniors Inc.

Seniors were inspired by the familiar tunes piped throughout the Pavilion with music provided by Mike Juskus. Country Western was the theme of this year's picnic, and the catchy rhythms of the music moved the seniors to get out on the dance floor. Throughout the day, gifts donated by local merchants were raffled off and many lucky seniors received an assortment of home decorations, gift certificates, spa and hair products.

Event - Senior Picnic

Location - Pavilion at Civic Center

The enticing smells of the food permeated the air under the pavilion, mixing well with the smiles, laughter and atmosphere of good old-fashioned fun. Everyone lined up to fill their plates with the traditional selection of summer barbecue foods including hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, sausage and peppers, slices of cool watermelon and a delicious custard-filled cake for dessert.