Cavalcade of Luminaries Headline 2013 Mendies

Father Ken Lasch, former Mendham Borough Councilman Jerry Dolan, long-time Mendham fan Joan Parish and Brookside's "first family" the Mentons will be inducted into the Hall of Fame when this year's Mendies are held March 15 at the Sisters of Christian Charity off Mendham Road.  

"Tickets are selling at record pace for this year's event," said nominating committee member Evan "Buzzy" Thomas. "We urge residents to buy their tickets early."

Advance tickets for the fifth annual event are available for $35 from members of the Mendham TV Board or at participating sponsors, including Mendham Capital Management, Somerset Hills Bank, the Provident Bank and the Brookside Post Office starting in January.  

Prices will rise to $50 after March 1 or, if available, at the door.  Last year was a sell out, so interested residents are encouraged to heed Thomas' words.

The Inductees

Father Ken Lasch

Born in Jersey City back three quarters of a century ago, Father Lasch has been active in his faith ever since.  He was graduated from Bayley Ellard Grammar and High Schools, Seton Hall University, the Immaculate Conception Seminary and Saint John School of Canon Law in Rome.  And he served as the Pastor for St. Joseph's Church Parish in Mendham for over 20 years as well as on numerous Church committees and boards.  

Jerry Dolan

Jerry Dolan was born 80 years ago in New York and has now lived the past 40 years in Mendham Borough.  A retired US Naval Air Intelligence officer and senior bank official, Dolan has been a long-time volunteer in the Mendhams.  He served as a councilman for 18 years, was a long-term trustee at St. Joe's, a life member of both the Pastime Club and Borough volunteer fire department, a past President of the Little League and a Grand Marshal of the Labor Day Parade.

Joan Parish

Joan Parish has lived in the Mendhams for over 40 years, raising four Mendham High School graduates, along with her late husband Bob.  The grandmother of 15, "Grandma" Joan has been active in supporting Mendham teams across all sports and has attended thousands of local sporting events, both for her family and others. She also awards an annual scholarship to a deserving high school senior.

The Mentons

Denis and Lynda Menton have lived in Brookside for over 40 years and have a world of difference in that community.  The Mentons, along with Lynda's dad Bob Conable, ran the world-famous Brookside Parade for years, reinvigorated the Brookside Community Club where they are still involved and have been active for decades in the Brookside Church; the First Aid Squad, where Lynda served for 20 years and as captain and Denis 17 years; and the Brookside Engine Company No. 1, where Denis volunteered for 25 years and served as Chief and President for five years.    

Sponsored by Mendham TV, the Mendies are the annual awards celebration of the Mendhams. They are designed to recognize the best of the Mendhams and bring residents from Mendham Township and Mendham Borough together for a night of local revelry.  The Mendies will once again feature a "Red Carpet" walk, a reception, the awards ceremony, a buffet dinner, adult beverages, and dancing at the After Party to the tunes of Catz & Dawgs. 

In addition to the induction of the 2013 Hall of Fame class, the evening's award include the best of the Mendhams on video and the ever-popular Silent Auction, an opportunity to bid on locally donated gifts and raise money for the station.