Before the Races: Far Hills Connections Rekindled at Trattoria MV

On Thursday, October 16, more than 35 members of the Far Hills Country Day School community gathered at Trattoria MV in Bernardsville for the second "Before the Races" event. Alumni, parents of alumni, and current and former faculty filled the restaurant with conversation, laughter, and heartfelt reunions. Over dinner and drinks, stories from years past flowed as easily as the warmth of shared memories and school pride.

The Before the Races gathering was originally created to bring together Far Hills families and friends ahead of The Hunt — the Far Hills Race Meeting, a landmark event that draws thousands to town each fall. Recognizing that many alumni and parents return for the weekend, the Development Office saw an opportunity to reconnect with the broader Far Hills Country Day School community while celebrating the lasting relationships that began within its halls.

Throughout the evening, guests shared updates about their families, careers, and lives since graduation. Faculty members Amy Burns, Maedean Kramer, and Dan Kramer enjoyed hearing how their former students have grown — and how Far Hills continues to shape families long after commencement. Jim Walton, parent of Bella '11 and Pito '14, talked about the deep community of friends that Bella still shares with her Far Hills classmates.

As Head of School, Georgia Zaiser mingled with guests; she heard story after story of how Far Hills connections endure across generations. Melanie Maffucci P'18 and Eileen Hannaford P'13, '16 reminisced about their sons' time at Far Hills, with Melanie sharing that her son Robbie '18 still counts his Far Hills classmates among his closest friends. "No matter how much time passes," she said, "they always connect and pick up right where they left off.”

Georgia also caught up with Errol Giordano P'07, '14, who shared joyful news that both of her twins are expecting — and how special it felt to reconnect with so many familiar faces from the school community. Later in the evening, she chatted with alum Chris Lightcap '16 and Nadine Marran P'14, '16, '18, '24, who reflected fondly on their boys' years at Far Hills and expressed how grateful they were to be part of the gathering once again.

"Events like this remind us that Far Hills isn't just a school — it's a lifelong community," said Georgia. "Seeing our families and faculty reconnect, some after decades, is both joyful and inspiring.”

Director of Development Tom Evans echoed her sentiment, adding:

“The relationships that parents create with one another while their children are students at Far Hills don’t end after graduation, and it’s very rewarding to be able to play a part in them seeing each other again — whether it’s been 15 months or 15 years since their children graduated.”

As the evening came to a close, the atmosphere remained vibrant and warm. Guests lingered for hugs, handshakes, and promises to stay in touch — a true reflection of the enduring Far Hills spirit. The Before the Races event continues to build momentum, reminding us all that Far Hills isn’t just where friendships begin — it’s where they continue to thrive.

Want to check out the fun? Click here to view the photo gallery!