9:00am we started the for the arrival for 400 Christmas trees arriving the day after Thanksgiving.
I swear time is really zooming by now. I just was finishing some of my Halloween activities with visiting the Blaze a week ago and now we just set up the stands for the Christmas trees that will be arriving next week, the day after Thanksgiving.
Arriving at the site with the new shed.
We all got to the site early to see our new trailer that will be replacing the Christmas shed that seriously got a lot of use over the last decade. It was time to replace it and this was a really good idea. It is better for storage, energy use and just looks better.
Getting the stands set up for the next week delivery.
It took all of us about three hours to clean the site, set up the stands, do the logistics for the site and get things ready for next Friday’s Christmas tree drop off. It is always a hectic day and a lot of work. Some of us have been doing this for years so it goes by fast. I just hold things and try to stay out of the way. There are drills and hammers all over the place.
We had the move the stands around several times to get them right.
This is where teamwork really comes into play. It was a lot of coordination and things got done smoothly. We are all ready to go.
Working on the shed set up and finishing the Christmas tree stands.
The finished site awaiting the trees.
Putting the last touches on the site before Thanksgiving 2023.
Now we wait for the trees to arrive and the sales to begin. Santa’s helpers are not this efficient.
We will be selling trees starting November 24th, 2023 until they sell out (which we are taking bets will be in less than two weeks). The best thing to do is get there early.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
My commercial from a few years ago:
I think I am a great salesman. We are getting more people from Manhattan every year. We also are getting Hoboken, Brooklyn and from all the surrounding towns.
Christmas Tree Drop Off on November 24th, 2023:
We gathered again with several high school volunteers for the Christmas tree drop off on Saturday November 24th, 2023. The truck delivering the trees of course arrived at 7:15am in the morning when he should have been there at 8:00am. I had just gotten out of the shower when I received the text so I got dressed as quickly as possible, ate a quick breakfast and off I went to the Christmas Tree stand site. Four hundred trees were waiting for us on the truck.
Four Hundred Christmas trees needed to be unloaded that morning.
Getting the game plan together that morning.
Getting to work that morning.
Our President Steve Palladino leading the troops that morning.
The unloading of the trees.
We unloaded the trees in forty-five minutes another record for us. We had the help of a half dozen high school volunteers from Hasbrouck Heights High School and we appreciated them very much. They really helped get the trees to the piles.
Unloading the Christmas trees that morning.
Kyle leading the unloading in 2023.
Moving the trees in record time.
Finished unloading the truck in forty-five minutes. New record!
We had a new sales record. We had our first customer buy a tree at 9:30am in the morning. People want to get a head start in decorating and get the best selection of trees by buying the first weekend.
The first Christmas tree sale was at 9:30am, a new record!
President Steve Palladino of the Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association helping sell the first few trees that morning.
The Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association 2023 Christmas Tree group shot. Let the sales begin.
We gathered for a group shot at 10:00am. All the trees were unloaded, tagged and ready to be sold. Another record for us. This was the quickest year for getting the job done.
The Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Christmas Tree sale has begun on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Terrace Avenue November 24th, 2023.
The Christmas tree site on December 8th, 2023. 75 more trees to go!
The new shed makes things so easy!
Only 75 more trees to go!
*Note: When the blogger left at 3:00pm that afternoon after a seven hour shift, we had already sold 27 trees and five stands.
On December 10th, on a gloomy morning and afternoon, I worked the morning shift with the two Stephens and we only had nine trees left at the opening shift. We had to work the 9:00am-1:00pm shift and were not sure if we would sell out before the end of the shift. We had a major storm coming up the coast and the Midwest had gotten hit hard by it.
The last shift of the season was on December 10th, 2023 from 9:00am-1:00pm.
It was funny though as it was warm for most of the morning and the sun kept peeking out of the clouds. We had shoppers who had tried to come to the site during the week but could not make it. For the most part the weather cooperated and was pleasant until about 11:45am and then it was a light rain. We had already sold seven trees at that point.
Us with two trees left at 12:45pm.
The last tree sold at 1:00pm as our shift ended. One tree was being donated and then we were done. The Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Christmas Tree sales officially ended at 1:00pm on December 10th, 2023. 400 trees sold in two weeks and three days. Great Season!
We are now done!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
On a warm January 27th, 2024 right after my return from Abu Dhabi, we met on a 50 degree day and took the stands down and cleaned the site. Thirty-five members got together and got the job done. It was another great season and we will see everyone in another ten months.
The Christmas tree clean up start. It is amazing that they say get here by 9:00am and it is half done.
Cleaning up the lot.
Almost done!
The last leaf blowing of the lot.
Done by 11:00am! We will see everyone again on November 22nd, 2024.
Exploring Hasbrouck Heights to find the best ghosts, ghouls, witches and things that go bump in the night took up much of my last two weeks as I finished my papers at NYU and then as the weather started to finally cool go searching for the best decorated house for our Men’s Association’s Third Annual Best Halloween Decorated House Contest.
That meant al lot of driving around town looking at lawns for the best decorations and for the most creativity. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ is the perfect place to come haunting for a good time with our Window Painting Contest downtown, decorated dollhouse and the Circle and the Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Third Annual Halloween House Decorating Contest.
The Historic Dollhouse on the Circle in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.
The Hasbrouck Heights Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest.
As I told the guys on the committee, anyone can put up inflatables but to really decorate a home similar to the caliber as Christmas takes some talent. There may have been a bit less than last year but the people who did decorate went all out. It took about a week and a half but we announced our winners for both the House Decorating Contest and the Merchant Decorating Contest.
Heights Flower Shoppe in Downtown Hasbrouck Heights was the winner for a second year in a row.
Here is our press release on the event:
The Third Annual Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Halloween House Decorating Contest 2023
By Justin Watrel
Halloween has come to Hasbrouck Heights and the Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association has picked the winners in the Third Annual Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Halloween House Decorating Contest. We traveled every road in town both during the day and at night to find the best ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night on people’s lawns and houses, showing off the creativity of the residents of Hasbrouck Heights on Halloween night. The contest was under the direction of Chairman and Executive Board member Justin Watrel.
Justin Watrel, Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association Executive Board Member and Chairman of the Halloween House Decorating Contest.
The winners of the House Decorating Contest were Frank and Mary Rose Blunda at 510 Henry Street.
Frank Blunda with Chairman Justin Watrel, Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association.
The Blunda’s have been runner-up for the last two years and had ‘upped their game’ with new decorations and designing their lawn to be more of an ‘open haunted house.’
This year’s winner was 510 Henry Street. The Blunda’s upped their game this year after being runners up for the last two years.
The Blunda’s do not just decorate, their decorations invite you into the the display to admire and enjoy it.
When told they had won, Mrs. Blunda said, “I thought you were going to tell us we were runners up again” but the committee informed her and her husband, Frank, the master mind behind each year’s creative show, that they had won. “I added some extra things this year,” Frank Blunda said. “You should see the way we have lit the house at night. We have a lot of fun with this.” The Blunda’s have done an excellent job with decorating each year and have made the town proud with their creativity. It is an award well earned.
510 Henry Street at night
510 Henry Street in Hasbrouck Heights at night.
The Blunda’s decorations at night.
The two runners up this year were 36 Hamilton Avenue and 42 Central Avenue. The boarded-up windows and Mad Scientist display of the lawn at 36 Hamilton Avenue is the creative genius of residents Alex and Laura Pena.
Alex Pena in front of 26 Hamilton Avenue
“I love decorating the house for Halloween,” Alex Pena said. “This year I added more things to give it the look it has. I try to find a creative way to display all the skeletons and pieces I have.”
36 Hamilton Avenue was runner up in 2023.
36 Hamilton Avenue was looked like a haunted house.
The house has the appearance of a home abandoned except for the ghoulish residents on the lawn getting their final goodbyes. The walkways, roof and door awning were covered with skeletons welcoming you to this haunted abode.
The Mad Scientist display at 36 Hamilton Avenue.
The Chief of the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department Chief Joseph Rinke and his wife Lisa at 42 Central Avenue were the other runners-up in the contest. The roof and sides of the house have skeletons climbing and crawling their way into the house.
42 Central Avenue was another Runner up for the House decorating contest.
Ghosts and ghouls greet you from the walkway to the entrance of the house. When you enter, the entire house is decorated to the hilt with decorations in every room and even a spider display in the bathtub.
“Our daughter was born on Halloween so we like to entertain and have the house decorated for Halloween,” Lisa Rinke said of all the wonderful decorations around the house. “My husband spent a lot of time clasping skeletons around the house.” It showed in the way the skeleton army wanted to enter the home.
Joe and Lisa Rinke’s house at 42 Central Avenue had a skeleton army all over the house.
Chairman Justin Watrel with Joe and Lisa Rinke the Runners Up at 42 Central Avenue.
The Rinke family with their award.
The Merchants did their share of decorating along the Boulevard. This year’s winner for the Merchant category is the winner for the second year, Heights Flower Shoppe owner Ray Vorisek. Heights Flower Shoppe always does an excellent job not just with their windows but inside and outside the store as well.
Heights Flower Shoppe at 209 Boulevard won for the Second year in row.
Shoppers are greeted at 209 Boulevard with Mr. Pumpkin Head and various ghosts welcoming you into the story which was decorated to the hilt with interesting Halloween decorations, candy, and beautiful flowers to welcome guests to a Halloween feast.
Two time Merchant Division winner Ray Vorisek with Chairman Justin Watrel at Heights Flower Shoppe at 209 Boulevard.
“I love decorating the store for the holidays,” Ray Vorisek said. “The staff and I have a lot of fun during the holidays.” We are so proud of Mr. Vorisek and his staff for the excellent job they do each year with all the holidays especially between Halloween and Christmas.
Owner of Heights Flower Shoppe owner Ray Vorisek in front of his award winning windows.
The inside of Heights Flower Shop at Halloween
The Runner Up this year was Mimi and Jose Rodriguez at Mimi’s VIP Pet Salon & Boutique at 444 Boulevard. Their creative display of a skeleton girl walking her skeleton dog was pure genius and built on the logo of the store.
Mimi’s VIP Pet Salon & Boutique at 444 Boulevard was the Runner up for the Merchant Window Decorating Contest.
“The logo is my wife walking her dog,” Jose Rodriguez said. “My wife built on that.” Mimi Rodriguez was just as surprised by being runner up. “We thought this was a great way to decorate the store for Halloween and we had fun with it.” It was a clever way to incorporate the logo of the store with the design of the windows.
Owner Mimi Rodriguez with Chairman Justin Watrel in front of her windows.
There were many great houses with Halloween decorations to choose from but we awarded Honorary Mention to 115 Ottawa Avenue for their continued creative decorations including the madman being electrocuted in the front yard and lavish displays by 82 Woodside Avenue and 253 Henry Street, both previous winners of the contest in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
Chairman Justin Watrel with Mimi’s VIP Pet Salon & Boutique owners Jose and Mimi Rodriguez in front of the their award winning window.
Winners Jose and Mimi Rodriguez in front of their business.
Owner Scott Varicario decorates to the hilt every year with ghosts, ghouls and witches and things that go bump in the night all over the lawn at 253 Henry Street. Things crawl, reach and grab while they climb up trees and cover the yard.
253 Henry Street was the winner in 2021 and Runner up in 2022 and 2023.
Owner Scott Varicario always does an excellent job with decorating his house.
253 Henry Street is an excellent display that shows the spirit of Halloween.
“I love decorating for Halloween,” Scott Varicario said when we handed him the Honorary Mention to his creative efforts.
253 Henry Street
Last year’s winners, Matt and Lisa Fiduccia at 82 Woodside Avenue also showed off their creative efforts with a display on their front yard that always changes and has creatures popping out from here and there. There is always a rivalry between these two winners to show their love of the Halloween spirit.
82 Woodside Avenue was the winner in 2022 and the Runner up in 2023.
82 Woodside Avenue in all it gory!
A special Honorary Runner Up was given to 115 Ottawa Avenue owner Dennis Hall for his excellent displays over the last two years. Mr. Hall was very touched by the Honorary Award and said, “I didn’t even finish decorating this year. There is a lot more I will add in the future.”
115 Ottawa Avenue (Special Honorary award)
Honorary Runners-Up and Honorary Mention to Dennis and Aidan Hall of 115 Ottawa Avenue.
The Hasbrouck Heights Men’s Association wants to congratulate all the winners and the many homes that we visited. A special Honorary Mention to the following:
446 Burton Avenue
108 Central Avenue
237 Madison Avenue
417 Madison Avenue
308 Lawrence Avenue
84 Lawrence Avenue
116 Bell Avenue
123 Washington Place
103 Hamilton Avenue
103 Hamilton Avenue trees
94 Wood Street
143 Kipp Avenue
Bill O’Shea’s at 231 Boulevard windows at Halloween.
I was invited to a Metropolitan Museum of Art Private Members Night the night before Halloween, known as ‘Mischief Night’, where more tricks than treats are part of the fun. The museum has these private nights so that members can enjoy the museum on their without the huge crowds that come during the day. These events are so popular now and they have adjusted the hours to 7:00pm-10:00pm where working people can now enjoy the evening.
The Met lit at night for the Private Members Night did look a little spooky but a festive environment was inside waiting for us. A giant house of mystery awaiting us with treasures inside.
The lines started to fill as we entered the museum at 7:30pm. I got there after my Digital Marketing class at NYU was over. All the tricks and treats of the museum were open to members who entered the front door if they dared!
The very festive entrance of The Met at the information booth represented the coming of fall and the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays.
The beautiful Fall arrangements in The Met’s nooks. It really made the night festive.
The first exhibition that I visited was “The Northern Renaissance European Sculpture and Decorative Arts 1520-1630” and the exhibition held some of the most exquisite art of the collection. Beautiful decorative objects with the detailed work in the permanent collection. These treasures were gathered in one spot to show their true beauty.
The sign for ‘The Northern Renaissance European Sculpture and Decorative Arts 1520-1630’ exhibition
The craftsmanship of these objects were some of the most sophisticated of the era and royals competed to have the most beautiful objects adorn their homes. Some of the objects were pulled from the permanent collection and are different parts of the museum but when housed together they really make a statement of the quality and precise workmanship. These objects made a statement of the owners and who they were in society.
One of the most detailed pieces of the show was “Diana and the Stag”. The craftsmanship of the piece was amazing and it is such a beautiful piece.
The silver Diana and the Stag art object.
The next room I went to was the Wrightman Wing down the stairs to see Vertigo of Color” Matisse, Derain and the Origins of Fauvism. All these beautiful and bright colors in paintings from the French coastline.
The Vertigo of Color Exhibition in the Wrightman Wing of the Met.
My favorite piece and the painting that stood out the most was ‘Open Window Collioure’ by Henri Matisse. It was the most beautiful painting of the show.
“Open Window Collioure” is one of the most vibrant paintings in the show.
The other painting that really stood out in the exhibition was by artist Andre Derain.
The Andre Derain Painting “The Faubourg of Collioure”
The sign for the painting.
My next stop was the “Tree and Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, 200-400 CE” exhibition on the second floor. The display of Indian art was from all over the world and displayed some of the most unusual icons. The exhibition the immense craftsmanship of these early artists.
The entrance to the “Tree & Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India 200 BCE-400 CE” exhibition.
The Railroad Panels of the exhibition
The Railing pillars of the exhibition.
The Railing pillar sign.
Statuary from the exhibition.
The Pillar Abacus with elephants venerating the Ramagrama stupa.
The Elephant Pillar sign.
The Drum Panels in the exhibition.
The Drum Panel signs.
The Stupa Panel at the exhibition. I thought this was the most impressive work in the exhibition.
The Stupa Panel sign.
After visiting the intriguing art of India and all the splendor that comes with it, I made my way back downstairs, bypassing the very busy “Manet/Degas” which I had already seen and I made my way back downstairs where the crowds were either heading to the bar area that had been set up in the middle of the museum or to one of the three restaurants that were open that night. The restaurant in the American Wing was only serving popcorn (at $6.00 a bag!!) or drinks as well as the Balcony Restaurant. This was a bit too much for me, so I decided to wait until I left the museum to have some dinner.
The last exhibit for the evening that I visited was the “Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery” in the American Wing. These beautiful pots and decorative pottery is art from the Pueblo culture.
The entrance to the “Grounded by Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery”
In the middle of the museum, the staff set up a festive Halloween bar for members to enjoy and relax. With a lively museum and even livelier cocktails, patrons conversed with their friends and made new ones. This whole part of the museum was alive with laughter and people having a good time before they had to deal with the trick or treating that awaited them the next week. It was a Spooktacular good time!
The cocktail party and bar on the main floor.
When we left the museum that night into the darkness that would become Halloween the next day, the museum employees wished us a good evening and gave us this sweet treat, a chocolate pumpkin that we were all munching on as we left the museum. It was the perfect way to end the evening. This is why I love the Met and have been coming here since 1973 and a member since 1993. It is a place of magic!
The delicious “Treat” we got when we left The Met that evening. The museum knows how to treat its members!
After the haunted night at the museum was over, I walked along the streets of the Upper East Side of Manhattan enjoying the decorations in preparation for Halloween the next day. Families really decorated their homes and the stores and brownstones were decked out for the Halloween holidays. This is becoming just as big as Christmas. Here are some of the great decorations that I saw that night.
Most of the these pictures were taken in the East 80’s and 70’s along the side streets between Madison Avenue and Third Avenue as I explored the neighborhood looking for the best haunts. People were really creative this Halloween.
Walking around the Upper East Side on Halloween week.
Halloween windows at a Park Avenue Florist during Halloween week.
Halloween decorations on the Upper East Side in the East 80’s.
Halloween on the Upper East Side in the East 80’s.
Halloween on the Upper East Side.
The haunting of the Upper East Side.
The haunting of the Upper East Side.
Caught in a spider web on the Upper East Side.
Ghosts protecting the entrance to the apartment building.
The haunting of the Upper East Side.
Escaping spider island on the Upper East Side.
Who says that New Yorkers are not creative? Decorating your home is not just for the suburbs.
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