What I love about Willow Hall . . . (4)

There is always something new to learn about Willow Hall. The house is full of surprises, though some are the unwanted kind. I love the incredible craftsmanship that went into building the house. The attention to detail and the amount of details throughout the house are astounding. I also think I picked the best office with the most sunshine. - - Allyson, Environmental Specialist & Outreach Coordinator

What I love about Willow Hall . . . (3)

I love sitting at my computer in my spacious, sunny offices that has two huge windows. The windows are four feet by six feet. I see the beautiful oak, maple, and spruce trees from my desk chair. When I stand up, I can watch the seasonal changes at Speedwell Lake. Our huge yard is quiet and litter free unlike our last office where the trash just blew in from the highway. And the space is warm compared to my house and the ski barn I visit weekly. When I want to go out for a walk, our property offers many quiet nooks and new places to explore. - - Susan, Development Director

What I love about Willow Hall . . . (2)

The view from the rear of the house overlooking the lawn, trees, and Speedwell Lake is fantastic. I also like how with help from a lot of people, we were able to preserve it all. - - Matt, Land Trust Director

Willow Hall has become our home. After 40 years, it feels very satisfying to know that the Passaic River Coalition finally has a permanent place to live. And it is a beautiful place with a character and history all its own. - - Ella Filippone, Executive Director

What I love about Willow Hall . . .

Watching the wildlife wandering through the property. Especially the deer and squirrels, they walk right by my window. - - Kate, Administrative Assistant

I love the natural setting, that Willow Hall is surrounded at least on three sides by greenery and even a small lake. Because of its surroundings Willow Hall provides foods and homes for many forms of flora and fauna. Even the name 'Willow Hall' sounds inviting, soft, and graceful. The building is a perfect setting for an organization whose goal is helping to preserve a very important element of nature: water. - - Faith, Local Volunteer

Grow it Green Morristown Event

Grow it Green Morristown is holding an information session and volunteer night on February 18, at 7pm in Morristown Town Hall (200 South St. Senior Center, 3rd Floor). Check them out!

Will you be our Valentine?

There’s a lot to love about our new headquarters, Willow Hall – it’s got history, architecture, and nature all in one beautiful six acre package. We know many people in Morristown loved Willow Hall enough to help preserve it.

We need your help to continue preparing Willow Hall to be open to public on a monthly schedule. If you love Willow Hall and Morristown history, will you be our Valentine by making a donation to the Passaic River Coalition for Willow Hall? Your financial support will help us continue restoring Willow Hall, do routine maintenance, and create an educational program for visitors.

If you make a donation the week of February 14, we’ll send you, or another special Valentine, a Willow Hall Valentine themed postcard. You can mail a donation to: Passaic River Coalition, 330 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960. Please make checks out to: Passaic River Coalition, Memo: Willow Hall. You can also donate online using the "Donate" button on the right side of this blog.

Thanks for your support!


This is a 1850 Valentine. Esther Howland created the first mass-produced embossed paper lace Valentine in 1947 in Worcester, Massachusetts. (Wikipedia) Our Valentine won't be quite so fancy.

Happy Ground Hog Day?

Dear Punxatawney Phil,
I don't know what you and you crazy top hat wearing followers over in Pennsylvania are talking about. Here at Willow Hall in Morristown, IT WAS CLOUDY! I didn't see my shadow, therefore, spring should be on its way. At least that's what the Passaic River Coalition staff, with their temperamental boiler, are hoping.
Respectfully,
The Willow Hall Ground Hog

PS: I wish I had a cool name like Pauxatawney Phil or Staten Island Chuck. So submit your ideas for naming the Willow Hall Ground Hog!

Gravity

Late last week one of our beautiful chandeliers lost a fight against gravity. We’re not sure exactly what happened since the fall happened some time between closing and opening the office. We’re all very upset since this particular chandelier had been a gift from a Morristown friend. We are hoping it can be repaired.