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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Good Tidings & Gratitude
The Friends of High Point State Park wish a Happy New Year to our members, volunteers, and the staff at High Point State Park

We deeply appreciate all of the time, energy, and donation dollars that you so generously give to support our organization throughout the year. Without you, we would not be able to bring our many free programs to the High Point State Park community. 

Thank you!



Expanding Our Horizon…
Membership Renewal Reminder
We greatly appreciate your past support of the Friends of High Point State Park. Now is an important time to show your continued support for our parks and the people who use them. Our dedicated volunteers have planned many wonderful programs for this upcoming year. We need your help to continue offering them to the local community and visitors to High Point State Park. Your membership and donation dollars support these programs and activities. It is our hope that you renew your Friends of High Point State Park membership for 2014. Thank you!

Help our membership grow, please tell a friend who loves High Point State Park as much as you do to join the Friends of High Point State Park. Membership forms are available for printing from our membership page. Thank you for your support!


Winter Festival - A Celebration of Snow & Ice at High Point
Please join us for our annual Winter Festival on Saturday, January 25, 2014, from 12 pm to 3 pm in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center. Bring the whole family for a day of winter fun at High Point State Park. Activities will include winter themed crafts, story corner, guided hike, sing along, hot cocoa & cookies by the fire, winter weather program, and snowshoeing and ice-fishing demonstrations (conditions permitting).
Snow Date is Sunday, January 26, 2014.
FREE, donation of $5 or more per family appreciated


We hope to see you on the mountain soon!


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

2013 Yoga on the Mountain final class

The peaceful days of late autumn are now upon us. The crowds of summer visitors and leaf peepers have migrated off the mountaintop. The silhouette of the landscape is revealed as the winds carry away the last of the changing leaves. Park visitors seeking a retreat from the bustle of the holiday season enjoy the quiet solitude that is High Point State Park in November.    



What better way to start your weekend and recharge your spirits than a Yoga on the Mountain class. The Friends of High Point State Park Yoga on the Mountain Series runs once a month April through November. Come enjoy the beautiful views while relaxing your mind and body.

Yoga on the Mountain
Saturday, November 9, 2013 
9:30 am - 10:45 am,  
Instructor: Diane
LAST CLASS OF 2013!

Yoga on the Mountain is held in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center. Please bring your own yoga mat. Walk-ins are welcome. However, registration is suggested so that we may contact you in the event a class is cancelled.   

To register, please call 973-702-0488.
A minimum donation of $5.00 per class is recommended. 
Yoga on the Mountain is sponsored by the Friends of High Point State Park. 

See you on the Mountain!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Autumn is in the air

Autumn is a beautiful season to visit High Point State Park!

Lake Marcia in autumn

Migration is underway, a gentle breeze stirs the changing leaves, and visitors flock to the mountain to enjoy the crisp autumn days. 

Come explore High Point State Park this fall. Bring your friends and family up for a day of fun. Join us for our favorite event of the year...

Open Hearth Cooking
Saturday, October 26
11 am – 3 pm
High Point State Park Interpretive Center
FREE*, donations appreciated

Open Hearth Cooking, 2012

Join the Friends of High Point State Park for a demonstration of open hearth cooking on the Interpretive Center fireplace.  Autumn is the season of bountiful harvests and the air will be filled with the aromas of pumpkin and apple.  Enjoy a sample tasting of delectable soups, meats, and desserts all cooked fireside.

2013 marks the 90th Anniversary of High Point State Park! We will hold a special anniversary celebration at this year's Open Hearth. Stop by and learn about history of High Point State Park. The anniversary celebration will begin at 2 pm.

Save the date and come be a part of this wonderful day!

Yoga on the Mountain


There are only a few more classes left on the 2013 season schedule. Don't miss out!

Saturday, September 21,  9:30 am - 10:45 am,  Instructor: Brian

Friday, October 18,  5:30 pm - 6:45 pm,  Instructor: Rita

Saturday, November 9,  9:30 am - 10:45 am,  Instructor: Diane

Yoga on the Mountain classes are held in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Walk-ins are welcome.  However, registration is suggested so that we may contact you in the event a class is cancelled.   

To register, please call 973-702-0488.
A donation of $5 or more per class is recommended. 
    
See you on the mountain!


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

2013 Bait & Boat Festival

Join the Friends of HPSP on the beach at Lake Marcia as we say goodbye to summer with a fun-filled day of fishing and boating.

BAIT & BOAT FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 7, 2013
1 pm - 6:30 pm

   (Rain Date Sunday, September 8, 2013, 1 pm - 6:30 pm)   

Boat Race, 2012
This special event is the one day of the year that boats are allowed on Lake Marcia. Participants may borrow one of the Friends’ kayaks or canoes for a short paddle or bring their own non-motorized boat and spend the day exploring. 

Participant brought his fishing kayak, 2012
Afternoon activities include a boat race, fishing contest, nature hike, and crafts. An early evening campfire on the beach with stories, songs, and s’mores will conclude the festivities. 

Kids Craft, 2012
Fishing Contest, 2012
All persons fishing, age sixteen or older, must have and display a valid NJ State fishing license. Please bring your own fishing equipment. All boaters must wear a PFD while on the lake. Participants who plan to bring their own non-motorized boat, remember your PFDs, and stop by the beach for instructions before putting your boat in the water.

Bait & Boat Festival Schedule
1 pm – 5 pm Boating
1 pm – 4 pm Fishing Contest & Crafts
2 pm Boat Race
3 pm Nature Hike
5 pm Campfire starts
5:30 pm Storytelling/Sing-along/Smores
6:30 Event ends

Pack a picnic and bring the whole family for a day of adventure at High Point State Park. The event is FREE, but donations are appreciated. Rain date is Sunday, September 8, 2013.

See you on the lake! 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Join us for our final concert of the summer!

A change of plans….Unfortunately, The Ray Sikora Band is unable to join us for our final concert of the summer. 



We are happy to announce that we have found a new band! 

   The Acoustic Wolves will perform our August concert  
  and close out the 2013 Summer Concert Series!   

The Acoustic Wolves, George and Jeff, will be playing many of your summertime favorites as well as many other songs that you are sure to recognize. Come join us on the beach at Lake Marcia and sing along!

The Acoustic Wolves
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Lake Marcia Beach Area
High Point State Park
6 pm - 8 pm
    RAIN OR SHINE   


In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center. Please remember to bring your own chairs!

The summer concert series at High Point State Park is FREE, but donations of $5 per adult are appreciated. 

Seating at Lake Marcia Beach Area is lawn seating. Please bring your own blankets and chairs. All concerts are family friendly events.

Concessions are available at the beach. Picnicking is encouraged. Alcohol is prohibited. 

Park entrance fees apply before 4 pm and will be charged at the gate. 




See you on the mountain!

Monday, July 8, 2013

Welcome Emish!

Please join us as we welcome the Celtic Rock band Emish to the Friends of High Point State Park 2013 Summer Concert Series!

EMISH
Saturday, July 20, 2013
6 pm - 8 pm
Lake Marcia Beach
FREE*
   RAIN OR SHINE  

(In the event of rain, concert will take place in the HPSP Interpretive Center) 


Emish, 2013 promo pic
New York natives, Emish, have forged their own Americana folk rock sound by colliding a background of Irish, rock, and folk influences. This independent, power-folk band initially found success in a grassroots manner. Supported by their local and dedicated fan base, Emish has repeatedly been voted the "Best Band of the Hudson Valley", including the 2012 title. Since it's inception in 2005, the group has grown to include support from the national stage as well. Their high energy, live performances and distinct sound have catapulted Emish to be a sought-out headlining act at major festivals and concerts across the US, including the likes of Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Folk & Irish festivals, as well as, the more intimate setting of theaters or small concert settings.

In Emish's fourth album, the group ventured further into the Americana movement focusing on their original songs written by award winning front man, Bobby Curreri, while highlighting the bands multi-instrumentalists Christy Brown and Jen Curreri on fiddle, flute, cello, accordion, trumpet and whistle and rounding out the sounds with powerful rhythm of bass and Andrew Hulle on percussion. With the anticipated release of this album, which was completely funded by their fan base, it will be more evident than ever why one of the largest US festivals, Irish 2000 has quoted Emish as a "Force to be reckoned with", while the NY based IPH radio station awarded the first annual "Mighty Craic Award" to Emish. Bobby Curreri has also been named as the"Best Singer/Songwriter" of both 2011 and 2012 while the full band took home "Best Band" for the fourth year.”

Instrumentation
Bobby Curreri - Guitar, Lead Vocal, Song Writer
Jen Curreri - Vocals, Trumpet, flute, Whistle
Christy Brown - Fiddle
Andrew Hulle - Drums, Percussion

Discography
2007 - This Light
2008 - One More Round
2011 - Sinners Make the Best Saints
2013 - Sparkle


Discover more about Emish on their website www.emishmusic.com

The summer concert series at High Point State Park is FREE, but a suggested donation of $5 or more per adult is appreciated. All concerts will take place on the beach at Lake Marcia and run from 6 pm to 8 pm. In the event of rain, concerts will take place in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center. Bring your own blankets and chairs. All concerts are family friendly events. Picnicking is encouraged, but alcohol is prohibited. Concessions will be available. Park entrance fees apply before 4 pm. 

The concert series will come to a close on Saturday, August 17, with beach party tunes performed by the Ray Sikora Band.

The Friends of High Point State Park have brought many musicians to the mountain over the years through their summer concert series and other special events. It is with great pride that the Friends of High Point State Park present their first compilation CD, “Music on the Mountain: Performers at High Point State Park,” which features sixteen songs by groups and individuals who have generously shared their musical talents in performances at High Point State Park. The “Music on the Mountain” CD may be purchased for $10 at the High Point State Park office and Friends of High Point State Park events.



We hope to see you on the mountain this summer!





Wednesday, June 26, 2013

"Another Time Band" to kick-off Summer Concert Series!

The Friends of High Point State Park are happy to announce that we have found a new performer for our kick-off concert!

"Another Time Band" is bringing their mix of Country and Southern Rock to High Point State Park! Please join us in welcoming them to the Friends of High Point State Park 2013 Summer Concert Series.

Another Time Band
Saturday, June 29, 2013
6 pm - 8 pm
Lake Marcia Beach
FREE*
RAIN OR SHINE

(In the event of rain, concert will take place
in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center) 

The series will continue on Saturday, July 20, with the Celtic Rock sounds of the group Emish. The concert series comes to a close on Saturday, August 17, with beach party tunes performed by the Ray Sikora Band.

The summer concert series at High Point State Park is FREE, but a suggested donation of $5 or more per adult is appreciated. All concerts will take place on the beach at Lake Marcia and run from 6 pm to 8 pm. In the event of rain, concerts will take place in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center. Bring your own blankets and chairs. All concerts are family friendly events. Picnicking is encouraged, but alcohol is prohibited. Concessions will be available. Park entrance fees apply before 4 pm. 

View of Lake Marcia from the viewing platform on the Appalachian Trail

The Friends of High Point State Park have brought many musicians to the mountain over the years through their summer concert series and other special events. It is with great pride that the Friends of High Point State Park present their first compilation CD, “Music on the Mountain: Performers at High Point State Park,” which features sixteen songs by groups and individuals who have generously shared their musical talents in performances at High Point State Park. The “Music on the Mountain” CD may be purchased for $10 at the High Point State Park office and Friends of High Point State Park events.

We hope to see you on the mountain this summer!







Monday, June 24, 2013

Change of performer for kick-off concert...

Hi Folks,


This evening, Monday, June 24, the Friends of High Point State Park received last-minute notice from the Farmer Phil Band that they are cancelling their performance and participation in our summer concert series, which was to have kicked-off this upcoming Saturday, June 29. 

We are trying to our best to find another performer for Saturday evening so as to not disappoint our loyal concertgoers and park visitors. 

Please stay tuned for updates!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Summer Fun!

The Friends of High Point State Park are excited to announce their 2013 Summer Concert Series. The public is invited to High Point State Park this summer for three magical evenings of music in the park. Bring your family and friends up the mountain for a day of outdoor fun and stay for a fabulous concert on the beach.




The Friends of High Point State Park 2013 Summer Concert Series will kickoff on Saturday, June 29, at 6 pm, with local country favorite, the Farmer Phil Band. The series will continue on Saturday, July 20, with the Celtic Rock sounds of the group Emish. The concert series comes to a close on Saturday, August 17, with beach party tunes performed by the Ray Sikora Band.

The summer concert series at High Point State Park is FREE, but a suggested donation of $5 or more per adult is appreciated. All concerts will take place on the beach at Lake Marcia and run from 6 pm to 8 pm. In the event of rain, concerts will take place in the High Point State Park Interpretive Center. Bring your own blankets and chairs. All concerts are family friendly events. Picnicking is encouraged, but alcohol is prohibited. Concessions will be available. Park entrance fees apply before 4 pm. 


The Friends of High Point State Park have brought many musicians to the mountain over the years through their summer concert series and other special events. It is with great pride that the Friends of High Point State Park present their first compilation CD, “Music on the Mountain: Performers at High Point State Park,” which features sixteen songs by groups and individuals who have generously shared their musical talents in performances at High Point State Park. The “Music on the Mountain” CD may be purchased for $10 at the High Point State Park office and Friends of High Point State Park events.

We hope to see you on the mountain this summer!



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

May I Have This Dance?


The Friends of High Point State Park cordially invite you to a

Mountain Top Square & Line Dance
Saturday, May 18, 2013
6 pm to 8 pm
High Point State Park Interpretive Center

Adults and teens, age fourteen and older, are invited to High Point State Park for an evening of square and line dancing. Come kick up your heels and swing your partner! 

Professional square dance caller and dance instructor Howard Richman will be sure to keep you entertained and on the dance floor all evening. 

Howard Richman calling at the Paper Mill Playhouse Hoedown in Millburn, NJ Sept. 14, 2008.

Refreshments will be available. Alcohol is strictly forbidden. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone that stays on the premises.

Admission to the Mountain Top Dance is FREE, but donations to the Friends of High Point State Park are appreciated. 

To learn more about Howard Richman, please visit www.cateringcowboy.com/squaredance1.html.

View of Lake Marcia
See you on the mountain!








Monday, May 6, 2013

Nature Scrapbooking for Families


The Friends of High Point State Park will be sponsoring an afternoon of creative fun!

Nature Scrapbooking for Families
Saturday, May 11, 2013
1 pm to 4 pm
High Point State Park Interpretive Center

Join the Friends of High Point State Park as we capture memories and create keepsake scrapbooks and nature journals. Bring printed photos from your favorite place, family vacation, or latest outdoor adventure. The Friends of HPSP will provide all the scrapbooking supplies and tools.


The program is FREE, but a donation of $5 or more per family is appreciated. Space is limited. REGISTRATION is REQUIRED. For more information and to register, please contact Michelle at 201-650-8475 or friendshpsp@gmail.com.


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Get Outside!


EARTH DAY CHALLENGE!

Saturday, April 27, 2013
(Rain Date Sunday, April 28)
High Point State Park
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Pack a picnic!        FREE*        Bring your bike!
*Donations welcomed and appreciated

Join Us for a Day of Challenges on the Mountain
In celebration of Earth Day, the Friends of HPSP challenge visitors of all ages to spend the day outside exploring and having fun at High Point State Park! We have planned a full schedule of activities for adults and families. Participate in three activities in your category and become an Earth Day Challenge Champion!

Adults
Families
9:30 am
Yoga on the Mountain
(Interpretive Center)
1:00 pm
Guided Hike
(Interpretive Center)
11:30 am
Bike Hike w/BYO Bag Lunch
(Winter Parking Lot)
2:30 pm
Scavenger Hunt
(Interpretive Center)
2:00 pm
Guided Hike
(Cedar Swamp Trail)
3:00 pm
Children’s Activities & 
Eco Crafts
(Interpretive Center)

4:00 pm Closing Ceremony and Challenge Champion Recognition at Interpretive Center


Sponsored by the Friends of High Point State Park
For more information on the event, call 973-702-0488


The Adult Bike Hike is supported by the Black Bear Cycling Club and the Sussex Bike and Sport Shop. Participants must bring their own bike, helmet, water, and bag lunch.

Do you have what it takes to be a Challenge Champion?
See you on the mountain!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

A Bear-y Fun Afternoon!


The Friends of High Point State Park are sponsoring a Teddy Bear Picnic!


Teddy Bear Picnic
Saturday, April 13
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
High Point State Park Interpretive Center

Families with children ages 2 through 10, and their favorite teddy bears, are cordially invited to come out of hibernation for a bear-y fun afternoon! Join the Friends of High Point State Park as we celebrate spring and explore the natural history of the North American Black Bear. Activities will include a bear discovery station, craft corner, story time den, and picnic snack. Bring your favorite teddy bear or plush animal friend.

The program is FREE, but donations to the Friends of High Point State Park are appreciated. Registration is highly suggested. Walk-ins are welcome to attend. For more information and to register, please call Michelle at (201) 650-8475 or send an email to friendshpsp@gmail.com.

See you on the mountain!





Sunday, March 31, 2013

Opps...

SORRY FOLKS....

We have become aware that on Sunday, March 31, the NJ Herald inadvertently advertised in their "Local" section, the Basic Self-defense Workshop offered by the Friends of High Point State Park as taking place Monday, April 1.

However, the workshop took place as scheduled on Saturday, March 30. We apologize for any confusion and inconvenience this error may have caused. The Friends of High Point State Park hope to offer this workshop again in the future.

Thank you for your interest in our programs. Please visit our Save the Date - Upcoming Programs and Events page for our 2013 program calendar. We hope to see you on the mountain again soon!





Thursday, March 28, 2013

Basic Self-Defense Workshop


NEW for 2013! 

Basic Self-Defense Workshop

Saturday, March 30
9:30 am - 11 am
High Point State Park Interpretive Center
FREE* 



Join the Friends of High Point State Park for a morning of empowerment on the mountain. Come learn simple and effective basic self-defense skills in this unique workshop instructed by Clay Allison of Allison’s Okinawan Karate-Do in Pompton PlainsNJ

This beginner level workshop is for adults and teens, age 14 or older. No previous self-defense experience is necessary. Participants should wear comfortable clothing, sneakers and bring a water bottle.

The workshop is FREE, but a suggested donation of $5 or more is welcomed and appreciated. 

Donations go to support future Friends of High Point State Park events. 

Registration is recommended, but not required. Please call 973-702-0488 to register or for additional information. 

To learn more about the instructor, please visit www.allisonskarate.com.


We hope to see you on the mountain!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Music on the Mountain CD


The Friends of High Point State Park have brought many musicians to the mountain over the years, each with their own style, but all with hearts of gold. 

It is with great pride that we present our first compilation CD featuring groups and individuals who have generously shared their talents in performances at High Point State Park. 

Music on the Mountain may be purchased at the High Point State Park office and Friends of High Point State Park events.

CD cover, photo credit Michelle Stubbings

CD image

Inside CD cover, photo credit Michelle Stubbings

Behind CD, photo credit Kate Foord 

CD back cover, songs & performer 



MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN:   Performers at High Point State Park

North Jersey Fields
Kilby Taylor
Written by Jim Kilby

So Beautiful So Blue
Patrick Fitzsimmons
Itz Fitz Music ASCAP

Saffin’s Pond
Steve Gough

The Woodpile
Tim Blohm

Mansion of Music
John Fisher & The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus

Remember Me My Friend
Kindred Spirit
Written by Dean Dobbs

If It Ain’t Love
Written and performed by:  Brian McArdle, Kevin McArdle, Gary Georgett
Publisher:  BBK Music

Crimson Skies in June
Kilby Taylor
Written by Jim Kilby

Woman from Jamaica
Joe Rocco

Gone Like a River
Patrick Fitzsimmons
Itz Fitz Music ASCAP

Lay on the Bridge
Written and performed by Jim Kilby

Hello There, John
Performed by Kindred Spirit
Written by Dean Dobbs

Hold the Woodpile Down
The Lost Ramblers
jcuuu@ptd.net

Tumbleweed Hop
Tim Blohm

Tribute to Vets
To honor the veterans past, present, and future
Performed by Lynn Panico, Sean Duda, Jeremy Stevens
Written by Lynn Panico

Fare Thee Well
Patrick Fitzsimmons
Itz Fitz Music ASCAP

Producer: Dwayne Sumal, Lynn Panico
Mastering Engineer: Raymond “Luge” Cornelison
Photo Credit: Michelle Stubbings and Kate Foord
Sponsor:  Friends of High Point State Park




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