2017 Mendies Honorees Announced

MENDHAM, NJ— For the tenth time, Mendham T.V. has announced their annual crop of Mendies honorees, recognizing the best the township and borough have to offer.

Brookside Engine Company, Jim Baglin and the "Mendham Fundraisers" will all be recognized at the annual awards dinner.

The Brookside Engine Company was founded in January of 2016, after legend says a building burned down because there was no one to put the fire out. They responded to 299 calls for service in 2016, and are currently celebrating their 100th year serving the community.

Jim Baglin served as the basketball coach at Mendham High for 33 years before retiring in 2012 (he served as athletic director for several years after that). He coached the team through 700 games, and two state championships with an impressive 685-193 record. Baglin retired to Florida, but was unable to stay away from the game: he currently coaches at a high school there.

The "Mendham Fundraisers" are a group of five families (the Franklins, Joneses, Purdues, Salernos and Santomos) who have helped raised nearly $1 million for the community. Projects that have benefited from their work include a brand new press box and turf field high school's football field, and the First Responders Golf Outing at Mendham Golf & Tennis to benefit first responders.

The dinner will be held Friday, April 7 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the Brookside Community Club. Tickets are $50 ($60 at the door) and include entertainment, a buffet dinner, beer and wine, and desserts. Tickets can be purchased at Lakeland Bank, Provident Bank, Wicker Basket, Brookside Post Office, Borough Offices or Township Offices.

Organizers are expecting the event to sell out, so it's recommended those interested in attending buy their tickets in advance.

Ticket sales benefit Mentham TV, a non-profit community access television station. It is the television station's primary fundraiser for the year.

Image: Patch File Photo