Local Buzz

Putt It Here

If you’re like us, you didn’t knock any strokes off of your golf game this season. That’s why we’ll be shooting for a hole-in-one on National Miniature Golf Day, Sept. 21. Mini golf is a perfect way to pass the time—whether you’re a PGA tour hopeful or just looking for a fun afternoon activity with family and friends. Check out some of our favorite courses:

The Golf Zone, 239 Route 206, Flanders, 973.252.1266

Castle Cove Mini Golf & Arcade, 705 Route 15 South, Lake Hopatcong, 973.891.1248

Clubhouse Golf Center & Grille, 1594 Route 10, Randolph, 973.584.1504

Essex County Safari Mini Golf, 9 Cherry Ln., West Orange, 862.520.5024

Monster Mini Golf, 194 Route 46 East, Fairfield, 973.244.0026

Ruff Life? Bring Home A Furry Companian

National Dog Day was Aug. 26, but you can improve every day for a shelter pooch by giving one a forever home. And according to research, caring for a pet can improve your outlook too. If adopting a pet is in your future, consider PetMD’s top 10 friendliest dog breeds: bulldog, beagle, bull terrier, collie, Newfoundland, vizsla, Irish setter, poodle, Labrador retriever and golden retriever. Of course, mutts make lovable companions too. Search for your perfect pal at one of many adoption options in the area:

Bloomfield Animal Shelter, 61 Bukowski Pl., Bloomfield, 973.748.0194

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 NJ-10, East Hanover, 973.386.0590

Township Montclair Animal Shelter, 77 N Willow St., Montclair, 973.744.8600

Homeless Animal Adoption League, 56 Dodd St., Bloomfield, 973.985.6344

In Good Company

Why commute into New York City when some of the country’s biggest and best companies are headquartered in our own backyard? The Fortune 500 companies make a combined total of $12 trillion in revenue and $890 billion in profits. Of the businesses appearing on this year’s list, 10 are located in Morris and Essex counties. Which do you know? The company’s value is in parenthesis.

No. 48: Prudential Financial ($58.78 billion), Newark

73: Honeywell ($39.3 billion), Morris Plains

172: PBF Energy ($15.92 billion), Parsippany

240: ADP ($11.67 billion), Roseland

254: Celgene ($11.23 billion), Summit

306: Public Service Enterprise Group ($9.06 billion), Newark

319: Avis Budget Group ($8.66 billion), Parsippany

366: Quest Diagnostics ($7.96 billion), Madison

448: Realogy Holdings ($5.81 billion), Madison

461: Wyndham Worldwide ($5.6 billion), Parsippany

Keep On Running (Or Walking)

Tired of the same road races and flat 5K courses? Put some fun into your next run by choosing an event that goes the extra mile to make your race a memorable experience. Here are a few that might pique your interest:

GIRLS, GUTS, GLORY DUATHLON, SEPT. 17 Hey, ladies, this one’s for you. Be sure to stretch out before venturing off on this race, which begins with a 1.5-mile run, goes into a 6.5-mile mountain bike ride and ends with another 1.5-mile run. The course winds through hills and takes place mostly on dirt roads. Proceeds from the event benefit the Mental Health Association of Morris County. Info: trisignup.com.

MINE HILL 5K, SEPT. 17 Feel like running on the sand? This 5K will take you through the streets of Mine Hill before leading to the finish line at Mine Hill Beach—you can plunge into the water to cool off after the run! Registration fees will support the Mine Hill Food Pantry. Info: minehill5k. itsyourrace.com.

RUNNING WITH THE DEVILS, SEPT. 24 You won’t be racing a cheetah or gazelle, but you can run wild at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. The 5K run and family-friendly walk, which benefits Clara Maass Medical Center, will take participants in and around the zoo’s scenic campus, and afterward you can enjoy a relaxing day with the animals. Members of the New Jersey Devils will be on hand as well to cheer you on! Info: runningintheusa.com

SCOTT-A-PALOOZA 5K, SEPT. 24 Even if you can’t physically make it to this 3.1-mile race (there’s also a 1-mile walk) at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, you can still participate from afar. When you sign up online, select your race distance or choose to join as a “virtual” runner, meaning you’ll run whenever and wherever you are. Proceeds from this event will benefit local resident Scott Fleming, a U.S. Marine who is living with ALS. Info: runsignup.com

What’s On The Market?

If you missed National Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17, you’re in luck. Morris and Essex counties are packed with seasonal farmers markets where you can find Jersey fresh fruits and vegetables as well as honey and jam, breads and pies, flowers and plants. Be sure to check out these popular markets:

Morris County Winter Farmers Market, 24 Mills St., Morristown. Sundays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Morris Gourmet Farm, 30 Lafayette Ave., Morristown. Everyday 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Wharton Farm Market, 350 N Main St., Wharton. Everyday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Rt 10 Farmers Market, 577 W Mt Pleasant Ave., Livingston. Everyday 8 a.m.–7:45 p.m.

Orange Farmers Market, 502 Main St., City of Orange. Everyday 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Categories: Morris/Essex Health & Life