Everyone has their favorite Paper Mill Playhouse production, and each season brings more favorites. There are two performances remaining in the 2010-11 season with "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" opening soon and "Curtains" to follow. But the playhouse also is looking ahead to the 2011-12 season. Last month Paper Mill officials announced the five productions for that season, which is highlighted with the new musical adaptation of Disney's "Newsies." Paper Mill will be the first theater to host the new production, as it was with "High School Musical" a few seasons ago. Also …

School officials were assuming they wouldn't receive any state aid for 2011-12. But after losing all their aid a year ago, state officials reinstated a fraction of the aid this week. All school districts received a portion of a $250 million increase, and Millburn is receiving approximately $760,000. Schools Supt. James Crisfield said this week there are no plans to reinstate the $4.7 million in cuts made to the proposed 2011-12 school budget. Instead, the money should be used to further close the reported $6.5 million gap between expenses and revenues. Crisfield said the cuts already made …

This weekend marks the start of February vacation for Millburn-Short Hills schools, but the vacation could be much shorter in 2013. The Millburn Board of Education on Monday night reviewed a proposal for the 2012-13 school year. In an effort to prevent the school year ending as late as June 28, the proposal includes cutting February break to two days off. The remainder of the week would be three half days. School board members said their priority was to make sure the school year ended no later than June 21. Under the proposal, the school year would end on June 21. The board, though, split its…

Downtown Millburn has become home to not one but three bakeries. And they're not the only three in town. There's also Cait and Abby's in Short Hills. Each of the bakeries offers their own specialty and twist. Bella's Bakery downtown has a strong following because its treats are nut free. Gina's Bakery has "artisan" pastries and breads. Splurge Bakery was first known for its cookies before it had a storefront. Cait and Abby's has Jewish breads and treats for the holidays. And each has their own following. Which is your favorite Millburn-Short Hills bakery? Vote in our (completely unscientific…

Sunday is the Super Bowl, and while the game is important, so is the food. The spread can include chicken wings to chips and dip. But you can be sure a few parties around town will include pizza from one of the local shops. Millburn-Short Hills' pizza shops all have the traditional types, which include plain and sausage. But they also carry their own specialty types of pizza ranging from Buffalo chicken to baked pasta to salad pizza. And many residents have their favorite, and they're quite opinionated about it. What's your favorite pizza place in Millburn-Short Hills? Vote in our (completely…

January has been full of early school budget discussions. Earlier this month school officials said they had a $6.4 million budget gap to fill, and this week they unveiled some cuts they already made and others that are up for discussion. The cuts already made add up to $2.8 million, requiring another $3.6 million in cuts. The list of possible cuts up for discussion add up to $2.7 million, but no decisions have been made on those choices. The possible cuts for discussion include (FTE means full-time equivilent positions): Eliminating courtesy busing and offer a subscription option—$750,00 …

If you drive to the train station in the morning, you may have one opinion on a parking garage. If you live nearby, you may have another. The Millburn Township Committee is examining the issues of commuter parking and plans to hold a public meeting on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at town hall on the topic. Residents who have an opinion are encouraged to attend the session. Right now the commuter parking subcommittee is reviewing requests for proposals to design a garage. But where should the garage go? Where should the parking garage be built? Click here to vote in our (completely unscientific) poll …

Plenty of snow has fallen since Christmas, and that means Millburn-Short Hills families have most likely spent some times hitting the hills. Some of the local favorites include the hills along Brookside Drive in South Mountain Reservation, the hill in front of Wyoming Elementary School and the hill behind Hartshorn Elementary School. But everyone has a different favorite in town. Where's your favorite Millburn-Short Hills spot for sledding? Where does your family like to go? Why is it your favorite spot? Take our online poll by clicking here to choose your favorite spot for sledding. Tell us …

Every November Millburn-Short Hills residents vote for members of the township committee. But what they don't vote for is mayor. At the reorganization meeting on the first Tuesday in January the newly-formed committee chooses the township's mayor. The mayor serves as the chairman of the committee for the year. Last Tuesday the committee elected Sandra Haimoff as mayor. It's her third time taking the position in the last four years. Tom McDermott, who was elected to a new three-year term in November, served as mayor in 2010. Who would you choose for mayor if given the chance? Vote in our (…

The holiday season evokes plenty of memories for people. It can range from the presents received during Hanukkah or Christmas morning to making cookies with your kids. We're sure everyone has a favorite memory from the holiday season, whether it's from this year or from your childhood. And we want you to share with us your stories. What are your favorite holiday season memories? There's no poll associated with this week's question, so post your stories and thoughts in the comments below. Last Week's Question In last week's edition, we asked you what school officials should do with the …

The school calendar always provokes an interesting discussion, and it did again last Monday night during the Millburn Board of Education meeting. There were two topics for discussion—what to do about half days and how to prevent school from ending on June 27. The concern from board members was half days aren't productive for students and disrupt the school year. They also are concerned students won't be in classes the final week of school because of camp and other commitments. Also, what will happen for high school students who complete work in May after Advanced Placement exams? The matter …