Soldier To Share Why We Serve; A Mother's Life After Loss

By Cheryl Conway

Last year’s storm cancelled the Remembrance Day program if anyone remembers, so this year’s event on Memorial Day will include two keynote speakers.

Instead of rain, attendees may anticipate tears at the Monday, May 26, program scheduled at the All Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake. A New Jersey Gold Star mother—Charlene Cosgrove-Bowie of Ledgewood—will address life after losing her military son, Lance Cpl. Chris Cosgrove III.

Her son’s comrade, Sgt. Cleveland L. Atwater IV, on the other hand will speak about “Why We Serve.”

The ceremony will bring light to the grief felt by parents who lost a child while serving in the military. A Gold Star Mother since 2007, Cosgrove-Bowie will share the heartbreaking story about losing her son while he was in Iraq serving in the marines.

The first civilian asked to speak at the AVM’s annual Memorial Day event, AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann thought Cosgrove-Bowie’s story of survival after losing her son would be most fitting.

Uhrmann first met Cosgrove-Bowie at the AVM's Inaugural Ceremony.

“After being introduced to Charlene, I can still recall her heartbreaking words,” says Uhrmann. “Through tears, Charlene said, ‘He was my only son, my only child. I will never see him get married. I will never have grandchildren.’

“Over the many years I have known Charlene, I have watched and admired her lifelong commitment to keep her son Christopher's memory alive,” continues Uhrmann. “I can think of no better speaker than a Gold Star Mother. There are no words that can aptly describe Charlene's or any other Gold Star Mother's immeasurable grief. I have always maintained that the Gold Star Families are the sole reason for my unwavering commitment to the AVM.

“Charlene's speech will highlight the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, the loss of a beloved child and the eternal grief of a parent,” shares Uhrmann.

A 2001 graduate of Whippany Park High School, Chris Cosgrove grew up in Cedar Knolls and had a desire to join the marines. He attended Monmouth University, majoring in history, and during his junior year attended boot camp at Camp Lejeune. After graduating in 2005, he pursued further training at Camp Geiger. Intent on becoming a police officer, he got engaged in October 2005 and volunteered for deployment to Iraq in January 2006. Tragically, he was killed by a suicide bomber in Fallujah on October 1, 2006, just weeks before he was due to return home. He was 23 years old.

Chris Cosgrove paid the ultimate sacrifice and his parents “have paid the ultimate price of losing their child, losing their family member.”

The 2025 Remembrance Day program will begin at 10:30 a.m. Other participants will include the Mt. Olive High School Air Force JROTC and the Mt. Olive Scouts.

Warrior Walkway Sets Path For Freedom Celebration

By Cheryl Conway

On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Events are being planned in all 50 states with festivities, parades, fairs and exhibits. A committee has been established in Mt. Olive to plan a local celebration to mark the day. The town is selling 24’’x48’’ Hometown Hero Banners for $300 to align Rt. 46, Budd Lake and Main Street Flanders for active duty, veterans, fallen heroes, EMS, police and firefighters.

Deadline to reserve the banner is June 13. For more info or to order, go to lmeininger@mtolivetwo.org.

The All Veterans Memorial organization is also gearing up by building a team to plan, coordinate and execute the AVM's recognition and denotation of the founding father's vision of independence and liberty.
“Our vision for this 250 year celebration is to relive and renew our nation's founding principles by reminding our community that freedom has never been free - that it has been fought for and protected by true Patriots throughout history,” says AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann.
“We can think of no better stage than the All Veterans Memorial Educational Complex to re-enact and recite the quotes of founding fathers, military leaders, historical figures and notable events,” she says.

Uhrmann plans to create a Warrior Walkway, a temporary display of photos at the AVM.

“This is absolutely separate from the Mount Olive Township Hometown Heroes campaign,” Uhrmann explains. “The Warrior Walkway will allow non-Mt. Olive residents to participate. Our campaign will provide a private, tranquil place for our visitors to learn about our nation's many wars, pay their respect and reflect.

“The idea was mine,” she adds. “Since majority of AVM supporters are not from Mt. Olive and therefore unable to participate in Mt. Olive's Hometown Hero campaign, we decided to provide them an opportunity at the AVM. The idea came to me while preparing and cleaning the complex for Memorial Day.”

Sponsored by Hackettstown Home Depot., this campaign will begin at the AVM’s Memorial Day Ceremony, when the AVM will begin taking orders.

Prototype panels with information regarding the campaign will be installed in September, says Uhrmann.

“The cost to be added to the panel is $98,” says Uhrmann. “I love this project. This campaign will be a small part of a larger program for our Nation's 250 Anniversary.

“Those who wish to participate will be asked to provide a military photo, the name, rank, dates of service and war served. The information will be transferred onto a 12" x 12" aluminum plate that will be coated with a commercial coating that would prevent rusting, fading and graffiti. After a minimum of six months and at the request of the sponsor, the plate can be removed and given to the family.”

The Warrior Walkway will have its own private, secluded area behind the War Horse and War Dog Memorials, she describes.

“Each section will be made up of a single 3' x 5' hardboard concrete supported by 4" x 4" braces,” says Uhrmann. “Each section can accommodate 15 individual warriors. We estimate there will be 25 panels on each side of the walkway. Since we are an educational complex, we will reserve the middle panel to add a real-life photograph and war stats of that particular war.

“The attached panel will be one contiguous panel along the asphalt walkway,” adds Uhrmann. “Each separate panel will hold (15) 12" x 12" military photo. They will be categorized by wars. The Vietnam War will be placed on the left (along soccer field) extending from the parking lot all the way down towards the pond. The other panels will be on the right side. With benches. This walkway will denote each war and provide brief details.
“We anticipate that the Vietnam War and Global War on Terror sections will garner the most support,” adds Uhrmann. “But you never know.”

To get more information, visit https://www.allveteransmemorial.org.

Skully’s Seed Stand Sprouts Community Gardening

By Cheryl Conway

Skully at 5 N. Mt. Olive Rd. in Budd Lake, and his skeleton friend are at it again— but this time they are providing free seeds for the taking.

The pair are breaking ground in a refreshing initiative to encourage gardening and plant seeds for community connectivity. Their new initiative, The Community Seed Stand— began in April 2025 by their landowners, the Adams family.

“The stand will stay open through the growing season or until supplies run out,” shares Minerva Adams.

Her family thought of the idea after seeing a seed stand concept at an event and adapting it for local community use, she explains.

Their goal is “To encourage gardening, reduce waste from unused seeds, and create a simple way for neighbors to connect,” says Adams. “It's low-effort and high-impact.

“Seeds grow food, flowers and opportunities,” continues Adams. “They promote sustainability, healthy living and give people—especially kids—something rewarding to care for.

“People can stop by anytime and take free seeds—vegetables, herbs, flowers,” adds Adams. “If they have extra seeds, they can drop them off to share with others. It's an informal, trust-based exchange.”

Adorned on the front lawn, the stand is a wooden display stocked with seed packets, organized on rows of string using clothespins. It includes signs to guide visitors and a flower box at the base for seasonal decoration.

A variety of seeds are displayed including a mix of vegetables like tomatoes, squash and lettuce; herbs including basil, cilantro and dill; and flowers such as zinnias, sunflowers and marigolds.

“Seeds come from leftover personal supply, local donations and online,” says Adams. “Cost is minimal to us. They're completely free for anyone to take.”

Since the Adams’ family is busy with work and school, they are not able to man the stand so they recruited Skully, “the 12-foot skeleton mascot at our home, already well-known in the community from Halloween,” says Adams. “He and our groundbreaker skeleton stand near the seed stand to attract attention and bring a fun, recognizable face to all our seasonal events.”

For those wondering when the groundbreaker skeleton joined the lawn, Adams explains: “The groundbreaker skeleton was gifted to our family and Skully last year. I guess he looked like he needed a friend. While Skully is our main focus, sometimes a friend or two like to join him out front.”

The Adams’ family has adorned its front lawn with Skully the giant skeleton since Halloween 2021, when it was purchased from Home Depot. It has been a permanent decoration for this family used during themed events and holidays all year round.

The community can check back this summer when Skully will return to the front lawn as host of the family’s summer lemonade stand fundraiser.

“We're working on new seasonal setups to keep him active and engaging year-round,” says Adams.

Until then, stop in to donate or pick up some seeds for planting.

“We appreciate everyone who participates and shares seeds,” says Adams. “Community efforts like this only work because people care and pitch in. We’ll keep the stand going as long as there’s interest.”

Feel free to follow Skully on Facebook and Instagram @skullyadams or #skullyradams.

Longtime MO Finance Leader Closes Her Books

By Cheryl Conway

By Cheryl Conway

“What can we do, instead of what can’t we do,” has been her motto as director of finance of Mt. Olive Twp., and now after 25 years she has decided she can retire!

As she announced in March, Sherry Kolody’s last day as director of finance/CFO/treasure of Mt. Olive Twp. will be June 30. Hired in 2000, she just celebrated her 25th year in this role.

A resident of Mt. Olive since 1992, Kolody is grateful for the time she has spent in this role and all the community support over the years.

“My thanks to everyone for their support and faith in not only me but the finance department in general,” says Kolody. “I was honored to serve and to make a difference for the residents.”

Working with numbers has always been her passion and expertise.

Kolody graduated from Montclair State University with a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

“I became an accountant because I enjoyed working with numbers and moved to government work because I liked the idea of helping residents, especially in the community I lived,” says Kolody.

“I began my career as a municipal and school auditor with Nisivoccia and Company,” she continues. “I also worked for the Borough of Mountain Lakes as an assistant tax collector and the Borough of Lincoln Park and Township of Maplewood as chief financial officer.”

Sometimes challenging, Kolody has enjoyed her role as a township employee for the last quarter of her life.

“The biggest changes I have seen in a government environment come from the continued additional responsibilities placed on you by the state and other regulatory agencies as well as the leadership rotation,” she admits.

But with her team, Kolody did her part to keep the township’s finances in check.

“It’s been a total team effort,” says Kolody, who plans to speak more at the June meeting.

“Together with my long-term supervisors Rose Barsanti and Jack Marchione, who both recently retired, we have had many successive clean audit reports, high tax collection rates and strong maintenance and defense of the ratable base,” shares Kolody. “We also transformed the budget process providing more transparency to the public. We also increased our debt rating, allowing us to issue debt at a lower interest rate.

“Our motto was what can we do instead of what can’t we do?” she adds.

“I enjoyed working with all the different mayors and working to achieve their vision and their financial goals,” says Kolody. “I also valued the help we were able to give our residents and employees by being proactive instead of reactive.

“I enjoyed the collaboration with Mayor Robert Greenbaum and Administrator Sean Canning who defined a new level of vision and leadership for the township,” she adds.

Looking back at all she has accomplished over the years, Kolody says she feels complete.

“I feel I have accomplished everything I wanted to,” says Kolody. “I leave with a sense of great pride in all the improvements we made and the financial policies and procedures I put into place.”

While a successor had not been named before press time, Kolody shares her hopes for her replacement: “I would like to see my replacement continue audit free reports and maintain a stable tax rate while providing consistent levels of service.”

She looks forward to her next chapter which includes sunny skies and some down time.

“My husband and I are relocating to Florida where I plan to volunteer for some projects I am passionate about as well as enjoy more time with family and friends,” says Kolody.

Township officials, sad to see her go, wish her well.

“Sherry, you can’t retire,” says Councilwoman Mary Lalama. “You’ve done and amazing job and I really appreciate it!”

“Congratulations on a job well done,” says Councilman John Mania.

“She’s been phenomenal to work with,” says Councilman Greg Stewart.

Township and School District Team Up to Field Cricket in MO

By Cheryl Conway

Already known for its awesome fields at its parks and schools, Mt. Olive is batting a 1,000 now that it will also have a cricket field in its borders.

The Mt. Olive Twp. Council unanimously approved resolution #146 at its April 1 meeting to partner with the Mt. Olive Twp. School District to build and maintain a new cricket field in town. It will be located in the sports field behind Sandshore Elementary School in Budd Lake.

The field will provide a local location for cricket teams and students to play the sport which is upping its game.

“Cricket is becoming a very popular sport in New Jersey, particularly among the Indian American community, with the growth of leagues and youth programs,” shares Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko and Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sumit Bangia in a shared response. “This field may be the catapult that also brings cricket as an established school club/sport to Mt. Olive.”

The idea came up early in September 2024, when a group of residents attended the Mt. Olive Township Council meeting expressing their desire to bring cricket to Mt. Olive, explains Tatarenko.

Two-year Budd Lake resident Uday Kumar Kota and other team members who live in town, approached the council with their request.

“Every year starting from April to October we have a cricket league in New Jersey where around 200 teams participate and play games,” shares Kota. “Each team needs a home ground to host their home games and do regular practices. We are working with township to have our home ground with cricket pitch installed.”

Tatarenko and the mayor met with the group shortly thereafter to discuss its needs, says Tatarenko.

“After evaluating the current fields on township property, due to the size requirements and availability of the field, the township did not have an appropriate site,” he says. “In late October, 2024, I approached Dr. Bangia about the possibility of a partnership to utilize a school property, and she ecstatically agreed to bring it to the board’s consideration.”

Leaders found a perfect location behind Sandshore Elementary School.

“A 300 foot diameter field is required,” to play the game, says Tatarenko. “A typical football/soccer/baseball field is not large enough to accommodate that size playing field. Sandshore was one of the only options that had a viable size field, required no additional maintenance, other than construction of the pitch area, and was not being utilized during the playing season. In addition, it provided ample parking.”

Kota describes the sport cricket as “a bat-and-ball game played between two teams, each usually made up of 11 players. The objective is to score more runs than the other team.”

His team currently plays in Morristown cricket fields, he says. They enjoy “big hits and boundaries; close matches and nail-biting finishes; strategies and mind games.”

Mt. Olive is one of the few towns that will have a cricket field. “In our research, several municipalities have started to add cricket fields – Sparta and Parsippany,” says Tatarenko. “Morris County also recently constructed new cricket fields at Lewis Morris Park.”

The playing field of the cricket court is a 300-foot diameter with a center pitch area, describes Tatarenko.

“The pitch area will be turfed and the outfield will remain grass,” he adds.

“Since there is already a good playing field in existence, the only capital cost is to construct the turf center pitch area which is approximately $40K and was budgeted for by the township in the 2025 Capital Budget,” shares Tatarenko.

It is anticipated that construction will start once school session is out for the summer, he adds. The pitch area itself will only take a few days to construct. The township is contracting with Applied Landscape Technologies to install the cricket pitch.

As far as maintaining the field, he adds, “Cost to maintain field is minimal as the board already maintains the field on a weekly basis.”

The cost to build and maintain it will be minimal compared to the benefit it will provide to residents and students, leaders agree.

“Anytime the township can add a new service to the residents based on the needs of the community is a positive outcome,” says Tatarenko. “In addition, the township partnering with the board on this project, is a great way the two entities can work together, offer services and minimize the cost to the taxpayers.

“The township and school district have worked together to afford our community with a variety of facilities/fields/courts to meet our growing needs,” continues Tatarenko. “You can see by how all our facilities/fields/courts are in constant use! But the cricket field is the first "official" shared agreement between the school district and township.

“Utilization of the field by residents will be through a basic permit process similar to how our other fields are utilized by the various sport associations,” he continues.

The elementary school can also use it during the school day.

“Our physical education always aim to have our students engage in new learning experiences and the addition of a cricket field will certainly align to this practice,” adds Bangia.

Future Business Leaders from MOHS Head to National Stage

By Cheryl Conway

No more teachers, no more books for students this summer, but for this half dozen students, business will continue as usual.

Six students from the Mt. Olive High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter have qualified to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., this June. Congratulations to Kanav Jaitly in Computer Problem Solving; Sven Morais in Financial Math; Noor rizk in Human Resource Management; Nakul Ramprasad

in Intro to Financial Math; Laure Thoman in Organizational Leadership; and Ayesha Shaik

in Public Policy and Advocacy.

From March 10 to March 12, they each won in the category at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) New Jersey State Leadership Conference. More than 35 students participated from MOHS.

“Mt. Olive School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter has once again demonstrated its excellence, capturing many awards,” says Mr. Patrick Fahy, Mt. Olive business teacher / FBLA Advisor.

Like other clubs offered in Mt. Olive, students prepped early for the competitions during the school year.

“In December 2024, a dedicated team of 45 FBLA members competed with determination at the regional level, leading to an impressive 32 students qualifying for the prestigious New Jersey State Leadership Conference—where 12 of them placed in the top 10 within their categories,” says Fahy, expressing his pride and excitement on the success of his students.

“FBLA allows students to learn about business and gives them the opportunity to see the "real world" through interaction with business leaders from around the state,” shares Fahy. “Students learn to speak confidently with prospective employers and experience the challenge to test their business skills in state and national competitions.”

The first round of testing in the regional competition took place in November, with students able to test in an area of their choice ranging from accounting, advertising, business management, economics, journalism, networking infrastructures or public speaking, he explains.

Students must show their smarts to get in the door.

“Placement tests featured 50 multiple choice questions with an hour allotted to complete the test,” says Fahy. “The tests were then sent to the New Jersey FBLA organization for grading.”

Fahy has been mentoring his students in these competitions for the past five years and every year brings in new opportunities for his students.

“Mt. Olive's FBLA program cultivates a professional demeanor and honing the skills necessary to excel in the dynamic world of business,” says Fahy. “Mt. Olive FBLA places great importance on initiatives like leadership, emphasizing the vital connection between personal presentation and professional success. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship opportunities and real-world simulations, the Mt. Olive FBLA program empowers student members with the essential tools to navigate the challenges of personal and professional growth.”

This school year he had 45 MOHS students sign up.

“We hold a student club fair at the beginning of each school year and students can sign up to participate,” he shares.

His passion for the program drives his students toward success.

“The FBLA leadership program helps students find their passion and future area of study,” says Fahy. “I am especially proud of the incredible achievements of the Mt. Olive students. There’s a lot of different programs, workshops, and activities that are available that, if students take advantage of, they could really learn a lot. It could serve them well, both in the college admissions process in choosing their major and in choosing their career path.”

Having a dozen of his students place in the top ten of their categories at the state leadership conference this past March is a testament to the MOHS FBLA program and its success among its competition.

“The NJ Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference witnessed the participation of over 4,300 talented students from across New Jersey, each vying for the opportunity to represent their school and state at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Cali., this June. The FBLA state conference had the largest number of student attendees in N.J. state history again this year.

“The NJ State Leadership Conference serves as a platform for FBLA members to engage in competitive events, attend workshops and network with peers from across the state,” he continues. “It's an occasion for students to exhibit the outstanding education they received from their teachers throughout their time at Mt. Olive High School.”

Out of the six MOHS students who qualified, three are sophomores. Read their spotlights below.

Tenth grader Nakul Ramprasad, 15, joined the FBLA as a freshman.
“Each year, I’ve grown more involved and committed to the organization,” he says.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the world of business—how decisions are made, how markets move, and how ideas grow into real companies. I joined FBLA because I wanted to explore that interest beyond textbooks. It’s given me the chance to challenge myself, learn practical skills, and connect with other driven students who share that same passion.”

This year, he competed individually in the Intro to Financial Mathematics event.

“It was a written assessment that tested how well we could apply core financial principles to real-world scenarios,” explains Ramprasad. “The competition was a comprehensive exam covering topics like budgeting, interest rates, basic accounting and financial decision-making. It wasn’t just about knowing formulas—it was about understanding how to use math as a tool for smarter business choices.”

Ramprasad won first place in N.J. for his event, which qualified him to represent his chapter at the National Leadership Conference this summer in California.

“I received a medal and a 1st place glass trophy, which was a proud moment for me,” says Ramprasad. “There were hundreds of students across New Jersey competing in the same event. Knowing how competitive the field was earning first place was even more meaningful.

“I was beyond excited,” he adds. “It felt like a huge payoff for all the late nights and focused preparation. More than anything, it was a reminder that hard work, consistency and belief in yourself really do matter. I’m honored to have the chance to represent my chapter on a national stage.”

Ramprasad is thankful to Fahy and credits him for his success.

“He gave us resources, shared strategies and encouraged us every step of the way,” says Ramprasad. “He has made sure we understood not just the content, but the “why” behind each concept. His support was a big reason I was able to perform well.”

Being around like-minded individuals has motivated Ramprasad to continue in this field.

“What stood out to me the most was the energy and passion at the conference,” he says. “Being surrounded by students who are just as driven and excited about business was really inspiring. I loved the challenge of applying what I’ve learned in a competitive setting, and it gave me a clearer picture of how business and math intersect in the real world.”

Outside of FBLA, Ramprasad is on the tennis and soccer teams at MOHS and is part of the school’s Technology Student Association (TSA).

Being involved in various things works to his advantage.

“Balancing everything—school, sports, other commitments—tested my time management skills,” says Ramprasad. “I had to be intentional with my schedule and make sure I stayed consistent with my studying. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but pushing through helped me grow both as a student and as a competitor.”

While he still has two more years of high school, Ramprasad has an idea of what he wants to pursue.
“FBLA has helped me realize how much I enjoy working at the intersection of business, data and decision-making, says Ramprasad. “I plan to keep exploring that through competitions, summer programs and college courses. In the future, I hope to study something related to business, finance, or data science, something that allows me to solve real problems with numbers and strategy.”

He is thankful for his journey thus far.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities FBLA has given me,” he concludes. “It’s taught me leadership, resilience and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. Being part of a school community that encourages students to aim high and pursue what they love has made all the difference. FBLA has truly been one of the most formative experiences of my high school journey so far.”

Kanav Jaitly, 16, joined the FBLA this year “because many of my friends told me about their past experiences and I thought it’d be fun to partake in another club.”

He was a competitor for Computer Problem Solving in the March event. He too had to take a test.

“The score I received from that test was then compared with all other participants from the state and the four highest scores qualified to nationals,” explains Jaitly, who competed against 70 other students throughout the state and received a trophy for winning 4th place.

“Everyone there looked like they knew what they were doing, so I was surprised that I qualified to nationals my first year attempting it,” he admits.

Jaitly is also thankful for Fahy who “was really supportive throughout the entire preparation process. He would provide us with materials to study and guide us throughout the process.”

As a newcomer, Jaitly did what he could to get up to speed.

“The biggest challenge I faced was trying to get used to all the new things since I’ve never done the club before so doing things studying for all the tests and working everything out even at the competition itself came as a bit of a challenge,” he admits.

Besides placing for nationals, Jaitly enjoyed “making new friends at the event. I met new people from our school as well as from all around the state.”

Outside of business, Jaitly does robotics and volunteers.

He hopes to continue doing FBLA in the future as he plans to align business with computer science in college.

“FBLA was a great experience for me,” Jaitly says. “It exposed me to many different things, introduced me to many new people and I am excited to represent the state in nationals this summer and meeting more people with similar goals.”

Sven Morais, 15, is another sophomore who just joined FBLA this year.

“I wanted to gain valuable experiences, build my network and prepare for a successful future in business and beyond,” says Morais.

He chose Financial Math as the area to explore for this year’s competition.

“I had to take a regional level test for Northern New Jersey and a state level test for N.J. to evaluate my understanding regarding financial math,” he shares.

Surprised by his results, Morais placed first in Northern N.J and second in N.J. in the Financial Math test, receiving a medal for top 10 finalist and a trophy for placing second at the state level.

“I was pleased that my efforts had borne fruit, and it was exciting to know that I could continue my journey to test myself against the best in the nation,” he shares, adding that he prepared for the contest himself.

“The topics covered in Financial Math were new for me and some of the concepts took time to understand but I took those challenges as an opportunity to widen my horizon beyond the traditional school curriculum,” he says. “The learning journey has always excited me and this was no different”

Outside of business, Morais is on the varsity robotics team, junior varsity tennis team, soccer team and volunteers for chess, STEM and church events.

Being involved with so many other things, Morais is “still exploring” his future endeavors, he says.

Price is Right When It Comes to Women in Politics

By Cheryl Conway

A local Girl Scout of Troop 6124 is working on her Gold Star Award by educating her peers about politics.

The 17-year-old Mt. Olive High School student Sydney Price is getting it right when it comes to society and its lack of females involved in politics. Her project for her Gold Star Award is Informed and Inspired: Educating Girls on Politics.

Well into her project, Price sat in on the April 1 Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting and has enlisted Councilwoman Mary Lalama as her mentor. Her goal is to create a curriculum that can be shared in the schools at a national level.

“I knew for my Gold Award I could not just tackle a small community issue, but one our nation as a whole is facing: Lack of political efficacy and engagement, especially in girls and women,” explains Price. “I found that in the classroom, many of my peers were unaware of the current political landscape, which was particularly concerning knowing that this makes up the future voters of this country.

“In addition to this, I found myself and fellow female classmates often being ignored or our opinions being disregarded in favor of our male counterparts,” she adds. “I wanted to find a way to instill the confidence in young girls to fight to be heard when it came to political discussions and situations, and I found the creation of a curriculum to be one of the best ways to address this issue.”

As a Girl Scout for the past eight of the nine years that she has lived in town, Price joined as a brownie in third grade. She knew ahead of time that she wanted a project that made a difference.

“The topic I’m focusing on was a culmination of my past projects and my own experiences,” shares Price. Silver and Bronze Award projects, which specifically analyzed smaller issues within my community, specifically addressing running in school parking lots through an incentive system for my Bronze Award; and disseminating information on bike safety for my Silver Award.”

Price started working on her Girl Scout Gold Award in October 2024, “where I spent most of my time developing an idea for my project. It will hopefully end towards the fall of next year after I release my curriculum nationally and monitor the impacts.”

The Gold Award must be worked on for a minimum 80 hours to be accepted by the Girl Scout Board, she says, adding that she plans to commit 100 hours spread over several months.

Price explains her project in further detail: “My Gold Award project seeks to address the pervasive issue of gender inequality in political participation, particularly the barriers that discourage young girls from engaging in political discussions and leadership roles. By focusing on equal access to political information, through the development of a curriculum, it gives young children and girls the knowledge to break free from their constraints and confidently claim their rightful place in the political arena.

“The different parts of the curriculum are tailored to different ages, as knowledge is not ‘one size fits all’, it needs to adhere to the skills and abilities of each age to properly inform them,” explains Price. “It will include information in different mediums, including articles, teaching lessons and even projects for children to do at home with their parents. It will be published nationally to reach the most people.”

Her plan is to release her curriculum publicly on a website to reach as many individuals as possible.

“The problem of political efficacy and confidence, especially among girls and women, is not one that just affects the Mt. Olive community, it is a national issue,” says Price. “It also relates to the sustainability of my project, as a website with the curriculum allows it to be seen and benefitted from for years to come.”

Price’s goal is to focus on equal access to political information and create a curriculum that will promote enhanced political awareness among young children.

“This knowledge empowers students to understand democratic processes, human rights and their role in shaping society,” says Price. “When children are educated about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, it fosters a culture of active engagement, contributing to a well-informed generation.

“The project specifically targets barriers that discourage young girls from engaging in political discussions and leadership roles as well,” continues Price. “Empowering girls with the knowledge and confidence required to pursue political participation can lead to increased female representation in political spaces overall.”

Knowing that the Gold Star Award is “the highest a Girl Scout can receive,” Price says she wanted an impactful project.

“I wanted to do something with my life that would make a difference, whether that be in my community, nationally or worldwide,” says Price. “The Girl Scout Gold Award gave me the opportunity and resources to make that change. I was so excited to start, and I have enjoyed every step of the process!”

Mt. Olive Councilwoman Mary Lalama with Sydney Price.

Girl Scouts have so many projects they could choose to earn their merit. Price justifies why she chose this one: “I chose this as my project due to my own experiences at school with my peers,” shares Price. “Whenever given the opportunity, I have always involved myself in discussions and debates; whether it be in or outside of class. What I found was that my male classmates tended to dominate the conversation, even to the point where they frequently spoke over girls when they spoke.

“Everyone, including teachers, were prone to accepting and promoting the boy’s opinions over the girls as well,” she continues. “When I joined the high school’s Model United Nations club which gave me a formal platform to debate the world’s issues, I saw that this issue is not just at my school but present everywhere. Ever since this realization I did everything I could to keep myself and my friends informed on the current political situations, but I knew I could do more. This project is how I plan to amend this problem.”

Admitting that she has no relatives working in politics, Price says “I plan to be the first! “My father has spent his life promoting the importance of understanding of government and politics, and that got passed down to me. As a child, he would give me little anecdotes about the current political system in addition to my learning at school.

“When I said to him that I was going to be the president one day, he told me that he had no doubts,” she adds. “When I expressed uncertainty about a future in politics, he encouraged me no matter what. It is thanks to him and my mother that I’m interested in politics today.”

Price says she thinks it is her calling.

“I love the idea of working internationally or with the ignored members of our society through the United Nations or non-profit organizations,” says Price. “I just want to make a difference in our world.”

Until then, she plans to enjoy her time as a Girl Scout.

“There are so many things that I enjoy about being a Girl Scout, particularly the community it provides me,” says Price. “It is something I absolutely love being a part of, as it not only enriches the lives of its members but also inspires us to make a positive impact in our world. The support, encouragement and shared experiences truly make being a Girl Scout a cherished journey. And I could not ask for a better troop and troop leader to be on that journey on.”

She thanks her family and troop for their support in her project.

“I could not have done any of this without the help of my family and troop leader Mrs. Allyson Gallinis,” says Price. “They have all been there for me during every point in my life and have been integral to helping me complete each step of this journey, and I appreciate everything they have done for me!

“I also want to thank Mrs. Mary Lalama,” she adds. “She has provided me with better mentorship and opportunities than I could ask for.”

Lalama is happy and proud that she could guide Price along the way.

Price had contacted Lalama last November via email, introducing herself and asking if she could serve as her advisor. Lalama agreed by sharing her story about how she got involved in politics.

“I plan to be available to help give direction and guide her about political awareness in young girls/woman,” says Lalama, who just finished serving her first year in politics. “I invited her to sit in on a council meeting to see how local politics works.”

The only female on the Mt. Olive Twp. Council, other than Councilwoman Colleen Labow, Lalama agrees that the shortage in females involved in politics is concerning.

“I think more women are needed and I believe Sydney's project will bring awareness to this issue,” says Lalama. “I love the idea. I think it's great that at her age she sees an issue and is working on the solution.

“With only two women on the council alongside five men, I strongly believe we need to encourage more women to get involved in our town's leadership,” says Lalama.

She shares her ideas on how more women can be encouraged to consider roles in politics.

“Encouraging young women to consider leadership roles in politics can be supported through several approaches: Positive Representation— Increasing visibility of women in politics through media, campaigns, and educational materials helps challenge stereotypes and show that leadership is attainable,” says Lalama.

“Education and Training— Providing young women with opportunities to learn about politics, public speaking, policy-making and leadership skills from an early age can prepare them to take on leadership roles,” she continues.

“Addressing Barriers— Identifying and working to remove barriers, such as unequal access to resources, societal expectations, or lack of childcare support, can make it easier for young women to pursue leadership careers in politics,” Lalama lists.

“Encouraging Confidence— Encouraging young women to develop self-belief and overcome impostor syndrome through leadership development programs can help them recognize their potential,” she concludes.

“For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.” - Michele Bachelet

MO Takes Healthy Step Forward with Mayor’s Wellness Walk

By Cheryl Conway

Come one, come all to the first Mayor’s Wellness Walk set for Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake.

Gather at the Turkey Brook Park Event Field for this 1.5 mile walk for some wellness, fun and community connection. Entrée is free and there are no restrictions to participate.

“EVERYONE! All Ages, All Paces, One Community Walk!” says Jenna Murphy of Mt. Olive, project coordinator for Mt. Olive Twp. “The purpose of our event is to promote community wellness and encourage participation from all individuals- from stroller moms to super seniors.”

Nothing to lose in participating, and so much to gain like more steps on those walking trackers and some health tips from vendors and sources onsite for the day. Just put on some comfortable clothes and sneakers and some positive vibes for some nice weather and an enjoyable day.

“I’m excited to host the Mayor’s Wellness Walk!” says Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together for a great cause—getting healthier. While it’s just a one-day event, my goal is to inspire everyone to keep taking steps toward better health in their daily lives.”

The Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) is a comprehensive statewide initiative focused on community health, explains Murphy. It equips mayors and community leaders with evidence-based tools and strategies to promote healthier lifestyles among residents, ultimately enhancing overall health and wellness within their communities.

“Mt. Olive Township has been signing the MWC yearly pledge to promote community wellness for many years,” says Murphy. “The MWC offers towns the opportunity to apply to be designated a Healthy Town, Healthy Town to Watch or Healthy Town Up & Coming.

“This year I wanted to join the application process and potentially elevate our status,” says Murphy. “We needed to elevate our efforts and prioritize the delivery of engaging, community-based events for our residents and connect with the community.

“I wanted to offer a walk/run to the community, so I sought assistance from Recreation Supervisor Liz Meininger and her department,” explains Murphy about her steps in getting this initiative going. “Liz and I started working on a walk that would be appropriate for everyone in our community from ages 0-100, thus the Mayor's Wellness Walk was born!”

From there, she formed a Mayors Wellness Committee which is comprised of Nicastro, Mayor's Assistant Lisa Brett, Meininger, Health Officer Derrick Webb and herself.

“Together the committee has been developing ideas that we hope to turn into future community events,” says Murphy, like the one on May 31.

“Join us for a refreshing and scenic 1.5-mile walk that blends wellness and fun!” repeats Murphy.

Along the walkway, participants will discover health tips and engage in suggested exercises and stretches designed to energize their body and mind and connect with local health-related vendors and businesses to explore resources that promote a healthy lifestyle.

“We are also spotlighting Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month,” adds Murphy. “Together, we’ll show our support for Cancer Awareness Month while enjoying a beautiful outdoor experience. Lace up your sneakers and let’s make a difference—step by step!

“Since this is our first Mayors Wellness Walk, we are hoping to see a minimum of 100 people participate,” she adds. “We will have free T-shirts for the first 90 participants!

“Hoping for a beautiful day,” she says, adding that there is no rain date planned.

Visit the Mayor's Wellness Campaign Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/685313580674184 for more events and daily health tips and incentives throughout the year.

Local News

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Celebrating a remarkable milestone! At the Council Meeting on May 13, Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro along with Mt. Olive Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko and The Mt. Olive Council, recognized Teresa Petrocelli for her incredible 25 years of dedicated service as a Crossing Guard in Mt. Olive.

Peetrocelli's unwavering commitment to the safety of local children and residents over the past quarter-century is truly inspiring. Thankful for her years of hard work, kindness, and dedication to the community.

Adopt a Planter

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Exercise for Better Health

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Spring into action at One Hour Fitness in Flanders to get those bodies in shape. Check out https://www.onehourfitness.net/

We are a female only group and our classes are low impact. The routines are easy to follow. Come and try a few classes.

We have package pricing so you can sign up for just 4 classes a month, 6 classes a month, 8 classes a month or unlimited classes (which is usually 26 or 27 classes a month).

Email lmhars@gmail.com or call
Hars at 973-903-0453.

Monday 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.- Zumba (Deanna)- a total dance/cardio workout to hip-hop or Latin music. Join the party and dance those pounds off. Some weight training is also added in the middle of the dance routine.

Tuesday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.-Step & Strike” (Lisa)– 25 minutes of Step, 20 minutes of cardio kickboxing and abs at the end.

Wednesday 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.-(Laura)“Cardio Blast” - alternating cardio intervals including Step, kickboxing, aerobics with the ball and strength training.

Thursday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Total Tone” (Cheryl)-Cardio and Toning starting with shoulders, chest, biceps/triceps and back. Lower body moves like squat and lunges are also included. Weights, dyna-bands and medicine balls are used.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. -(Laura)- 10/10/10/10”- an interval cardio class alternating different cardio activities every 10 minutes. Intervals of kickbox, medicine ball aerobics, step and strength training with dyna bands are included.

Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. - “Step & Sculpt” (Lisa) - toning segments added to a step class for all levels alternating using low level weights. Some aerobics with ball, weights and band may be added.

Address for exercise program:

New Beginnings Bible Church

104 Bartley Flanders Rd, Flanders.

Breaking Bread and Coffee with a Few Cops

Coffee/Pizza with a cop was held on Saturday April 26 at Enzo's Pizzeria in Budd Lake. Officer John Simonetti, Corporal Andrew Spotts, Sgt. Mike Russell, Ernesto and Emilio Buonincontri owner of Enzo’s Pizzeria and Ristorante, Lt. Paul Ottavinia, Corporal Lonnie Elbaum.

Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Morris Chase Residents

Nicastro had the pleasure of joining the residents of Morris Chase on May 4 for their vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration. The event, filled with joyful community spirit, offered families an afternoon of fun and connection.

Residents enjoyed a variety of games and indulged in delicious food, creating a truly enjoyable atmosphere.

"It was truly a fun event," said Nicastro. "Seeing families come together and enjoy themselves was a wonderful experience. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your Cinco de Mayo celebration."

Applicants Sought for Affordable Housing

Warren County Habitat for Humanity (WCHFH) is seeking applicants to purchase six for sale affordable housing units to be constructed at 2537 Route 57, Franklin Township in Warren County. Three duplex houses will be constructed for low and moderate income families as follows: low income families – two units will be 2 bedrooms (BR) and one unit will be 3BR, and will range in price from $129,626 to $151,590; moderate income families – one will be a 2BR unit and two will be 3BR units and will range in price from $168,858 to $197,025. Anticipated occupancy is early to mid 2026. Maximum income limits for low income maximum income varies with family size as follows: 2 person - $51,766, 3 persons - $58,337; 4 person - $64,708; 5 person - $69,885; and 6 person - $75,061. Maximum income for moderate income varies with family size as follows: 2 person - $82,826, 3 person - $93,180, 4 person - $103,533, 5 person - $111,816, and 6 person - $120,098. Warren County Habitat for Humanity does provide near 0% interest mortgages for qualified families, however each adult within the household must provide a minimum of 200 hours of volunteer “sweat equity” towards the construction of homes and other approved volunteer activities. The application fee is $20 at the time of Mortgage Application. All preliminary applications must be received, and in our office, by 3:00 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025. Electronic applications will not be acceptable. The Lottery for this project will be held at 31 Belvidere Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882 on June 17, 2025 at 4:00PM.

Preliminary Applications are available at the Morris County Library in Whippany; Warren County Library Headquarters in Belvidere; Essex County Hall of Records in Newark; and Union County Administrative Building in Elizabeth; and the Franklin Township Municipal Building located at 2093 Route 57, Broadway, New Jersey. Preliminary applications can also be obtained by email request (office@habitatnwnj.org) or contacting our Office at 908-835-1300 #10 between the hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee and Morris County Board of County Commissioners this week launched their 250th Anniversary website: morriscounty250.org.

This new platform, designed by Kraus Marketing of Morristown in collaboration with the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee, will serve as the central hub for all events, updates, educational resources and community engagement opportunities tied to Morris County’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday.

“The 250th Anniversary celebration is a historic event that holds deep significance for Morris County. As a pivotal region during the American Revolution, Morris County’s contributions to our nation’s founding will be honored through year-round programming, public involvement and events that bring history to life,” said Commissioner Christine Myers.

The 250th anniversary, or "Semiquincentennial," marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. More Revolutionary War battles and encampments occurred in New Jersey than any other colony -- with Morris County hosting many key figures from the era and preserving numerous historic sites that will be the focus of public events in 2025 and 2026.

Morris County’s 250th website will keep residents, educators and visitors informed with regularly updated details on upcoming events, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, historical content, and ways to participate and donate.

“Whether you're a lifelong history buff or simply looking to engage with your community, the site is designed to connect everyone with this once-in-a-generation celebration,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw.

Last year, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners committed $100,000 to the Morris County Economic Development Alliance (MCEDAlliance) and the Morris County Tourism Bureau to coordinate 250th anniversary celebrations. The Commissioners committed another $100,000 to the effort this year.

“As we welcome visitors to experience history where it happened, we look forward to having them discover and explore our vibrant communities and visit our local businesses across Morris County,” said Meghan Hunscher, President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation.

The Morris County 250th Anniversary website was made possible by the financial commitment of the Board of Commissioners, as well as by the support of dedicated planning partners, representing the:

County of Morris
Morris County Tourism Bureau
Morris County Chamber of Commerce
Morris County Economic Development Corporation
Morris County Board of County Commissioners
Morris County Historical Society
Morris County Library
Morris County Heritage Commission
Morris County Vocational School District
County College of Morris
Morris County Park Commission

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners, with the Morris County Tourism Bureau and Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee, will be highlighting the county’s rich history, particularly its significant roots in the American Revolution, throughout 2025 and 2026 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Please sign up for alerts about upcoming events and join us in the celebration by visiting morriscounty250.org.

College News

GED Preparation Courses Now Offered at CCM

Help is Available to Earn a High School Diploma

County College of Morris (CCM), the community’s college, is committed to helping individuals achieve their educational and career goals. The Center for Workforce Development at CCM invites individuals who have not completed high school to enroll in a General Education Development (GED) Preparation course. Courses will begin on September 8 and run through November 3.

The courses, offered at $100 each, will be led by an exemplary group of dedicated instructors to equip students with the skills, test-taking strategies and overall tutoring support needed to pass the GED exam.

“This program is more than just prep courses, it’s a steppingstone to a brighter future,” said Alexandra Hoffmann, director of the Center for Workforce Development. “At CCM, we are dedicated to meeting our students where they are, whether they aim to enter the workforce, fast-track and advance in their career or continue their education.”

Enrollment in these courses includes access to a wide range of additional student support services such as in-person or virtual counseling through the Center for Student Well-Being. CCM is committed to easing the test prep process and helping students succeed and move forward with confidence.

Do you know someone who has not yet earned their high school diploma or has faced challenges completing the GED? Encourage them to take this important step toward a promising future. CCM serves as a GED testing center as well to further enable students to fully complete this milestone.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.ccm.edu/programs/ged-prep. To get started, complete an application form, take a pre-assessment test and then register for a GED prep course and finalize enrollment. CCM’s Center for Workforce Development can be reached for questions by email at wfd@ccm.edu or by phone at 973-328-5187. CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph.

Education Never Ends

The director of medical education for a medical device company, Raab juggled challenging coursework and frequent international professional travel to finish her degree.

At 51, Hackettstown resident Jessica Raab didn’t have to finish the college degree she started more than three decades ago. Raab has a successful career with Corza Medical, where she travels the world as the Director of Medical Education. Through the years, she had enrolled in several remote college programs, but none could support her work schedule. Then, she moved to Hackettstown—and discovered Centenary University.

Raab graduated from Centenary University on Saturday, May 10, as a member of the Class of 2025, earning a bachelor's in Creative Writing. Reflecting on her circuitous college journey, she said, “If something is important to you, it never goes away. It’s important to always finish what you start, and every step of the way makes me a better person. Lifelong learning colors every interaction you have with others.”

After graduating high school in 1992, Raab earned a scholarship to attend a New Jersey college. However, several personal reasons caused the first-generation college student to leave, and soon after, she began working for Corza Medical. As she rose through the ranks of the company, overseas travel for the job made it nearly impossible to make meaningful progress toward her degree.

After moving to Hackettstown in 2017 with her boyfriend, Raab decided to enroll at Centenary: “We try very hard to be invested in our community and support local businesses. Plus, I live only four blocks away. Centenary is incredible, especially for non-traditional students. My advisor, Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo, has done everything in her power to make it possible for me to attend classes, no matter where I am in the world.”

Raab was a part-time student for more than three years, juggling her classwork with travel and job responsibilities. While professors sometimes offered to accommodate her busy schedule, Raab never asked for an easier path: “You still have to do the work, and you have to do it really well and take it seriously. I understood that when I didn’t complete assignments on time, I’d get a zero. So, while Centenary went out of its way to give me a great experience, ultimately it was my responsibility to get the work done.”

As she contemplates her college career, Raab values the different perspectives of her younger classmates and the support she’s had from Centenary: “As an adult student, I’ve taken away some truly great learning from other students in my classes. Today, the world is so different from the one I grew up in. Some people have a hard time embracing change, but it’s wonderful to continue learning—especially when so many people are working for your success. Centenary is a great university and a wonderful local resource.”

Centenary University’s TRAC Program Offers Equine-Assisted Learning Program for Veterans

Slated to begin in late July, free program teaches veterans to care for horses, while emphasizing trust, communication, and partnership skills.

Centenary University in Hackettstown plans to launch a restructured equine-assisted services program for veterans beginning in late July. The course introduces participants to horsemanship, while enhancing skills including trust, communication, and partnership. Offered through TRAC (Therapeutic Riding At Centenary), the free six-week program will take place at the Centenary University Equestrian Center in Washington Township.

TRAC Veterans Program Instructor Sgt. Corey Briggs (Ret.) understands the power of equine-assisted services in helping veterans reacclimate to civilian life after discharge. The Marine Corp veteran was attending Raritan Valley Community College when he first saw a flyer about Project Horses for Forces, another equine-assisted services program for veterans. Frustrated with traditional therapy offered through the Veterans Administration, he visited the program —and soon found himself connecting with horses in a way he hadn’t with his therapist. At first, he hesitated to go near the horses, but soon found himself spending more time with the horses and fellow veterans who were also participating in the local program. He spent a year bonding with a horse, Kody, through grooming, leading, and general groundwork. Sgt. Briggs was hooked.

“I had tried everything the VA offered for treatment and nothing was helping,” Sgt. Briggs recalled. “A lot of the structure in my life had been lost when I was discharged. I wasn’t sure where my life was going—but then I found that working with the horses was a good way to reintegrate myself, without relying on talk therapy or medications. I was able to spend time bonding with a horse and never had to say a word. On a bad day, I could just groom the horse if that’s what I wanted to do.”

Soon, Sgt. Briggs envisioned a new career path. Finding a new sense of purpose, Sgt. Briggs devoted his time learning how to help give fellow veterans the same experience he had while working with horses. He decided to enroll at Centenary University, and while attending he learned about TRAC and everything it has to offer the local community, including veterans. Sgt. Briggs graduated in 2023 with two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Equine Assisted Services and Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies: Equine Business Management. Today, he directs TRAC’s program for veterans and is certified as a therapeutic riding instructor and an equine specialist in mental health and learning through PATH Intl., a global organization leading the advancement of equine-assisted services professionals supporting more than 53,000 special needs individuals, including nearly 6,000 veterans. Sgt. Briggs said, “I could have gone on to pursue a business finance degree and found a more ‘typical’ job. Instead, I wanted to do something that I think is more impactful, for my life and for other people.”

Bachelor of Social Work Program Field Director and Associate Professor Candice Daly, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice. She is also a TRAC volunteer, alongside her 14-year-old daughter. While traditional therapy and medications can be very effective for some people, Daly said those approaches may not work for others. “As a psychotherapist, I know that some people just don’t respond as well to talk therapy,” explained Daly. “Programs like TRAC can be very effective. Some riders may be nonverbal or don’t necessarily want to identify their emotions verbally; they communicate in other ways. Through active observation, I see how in tune the horses can be connecting with human emotions. No words are spoken, and yet it’s a very therapeutic relationship.”

TRAC Director Karen Brittle noted that the combined professional and personal experiences of Sgt. Briggs and Daly have strengthened the veterans program: “Having a veteran serving other veterans is really fantastic and Corey is a wonderful TRAC instructor. Also, Candice’s expertise as a psychotherapist and associate professor of social work—as well as a trained TRAC volunteer—is invaluable. They’ve designed a very comprehensive summer program for veterans.”

For the new summer program, each veteran will sign up with a support person—spouse, family member, or friend—for six weekly sessions. Under the guidance of instructors, the veteran teams are paired with one horse for the duration of the course. No prior equine experience is necessary.

“Centenary is a really welcoming space where people from all backgrounds find common ground,” Sgt. Briggs said. “We’ll never push anyone to do a task they’re not comfortable doing. The only thing we ask is that participants come with an open mind. This is all about our veterans—bringing them together with horses and letting them decide what they want to do with this experience.”

Veterans and their supporters can learn more about the summer program by contacting Sgt. Corey Briggs (Ret.) at corey.briggs@centenaryuniversity.edu or 908-852-1400, ext. 7225.

New Garden at Centenary University Will Improve Biodiversity and Population of Monarch Butterflies

Students from two campus organizations developed the garden plan, sowed seeds, and recruited volunteers for a spring planting day.

Centenary University students are marking Earth Day this year by planting a garden to improve biodiversity and rehabilitate the populations of Monarch butterflies, honeybees, and other pollinators. The project is a collaboration between the University’s Evergreen Club and Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc., which has adopted the butterfly as its symbol.

Planned for a spot in front of Taylor Memorial Library on the Hackettstown campus, the garden was first envisioned by Amanda Lorenzo, a Delta Xi Nu sister. The Bayville, NJ, resident had worked on a similar garden initiative in high school and wanted to bring her experience to Centenary. So last summer, she reached out to her friend, Evergreen Club President Jordan Henderson, an animal science major with an environmental science minor and an affinity for the outdoors. “I love the natural world and I want to protect everything that has to do with endangered species,” said Henderson, a resident of Newark, NJ, who has planted vegetables and flowers at home to support pollinators. “When Amanda proposed this garden, it was right up my alley.”

Together, the two Centenary University sophomores developed a proposal for the pollinator garden to present to the University, ordered seeds including native milkweed, showy goldenrod, and cardinal flower, collected plastic water bottles to use as planters, and arranged for an indoor growing space in Taylor Memorial Library. In addition to the garden area near the library, the students plan to plant the perennials in other spots around campus. “One of my founding sorority sisters had already suggested that Centenary should have a butterfly garden near the library,” explained Lorenzo, a double major in criminal justice and psychology. “There are also a lot of planter boxes around campus that we’re going to use, too. We plan to start small, and then expand. The garden should be fully mature in about two years.”

Both Lorenzo and Henderson hope to have careers supporting nature. Lorenzo wants to work toward further criminalization of animal cruelty and expand therapy animal programs, while Henderson plans to earn a degree in veterinary medicine from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine before traveling to Africa to preserve endangered species like giraffes and elephants, or opening a wildlife rehabilitation center closer to home.

As they finalize plans for the pollinator garden at Centenary, Henderson said, “I strongly believe that this is a good way to introduce people to conservation. There’s a quote that says, ‘Kids won’t protect something they don’t know or care about.’ I want people to learn about the pollinators we’re protecting, so this monarch butterfly project makes a lasting impact on the future.” Lorenzo agrees: “There are so many positives to this. It’s super important to me to bring people together because after COVID, a lot of people just don’t go outside. Through this garden, I want to bring the community together.”

CAPTION: Amanda Lorenzo, Bayville, NJ; Jordan Henderson, Newark, NJ; and Mia Mullins, a freshman at Hackettstown High School, Hackettstown NJ who will support this project over the summer watering plants.

Discover Engineering in Action at County College of Morris

Are you a high school student or career-changer curious about how engineers shape the world? County College of Morris (CCM) invites you to “Engineering Day” on Friday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to learn more about the high-demand field. This free, hands-on event will be held at the state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, the college’s first regional building designed to serve, support and positively impact engineering and manufacturing throughout northwest New Jersey.

“CCM’s Engineering Day is designed for students who want to explore the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering technologies,” said Preethi Ganapathy, assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Technologies & Engineering Science at CCM. "Roll up your sleeves and experience interactive activities such as materials testing, 3D modeling, 3D printing, robotics and electronics. Our passionate faculty will also lead guided tours and live demonstrations, giving an insider’s look at our cutting-edge labs, tools and equipment. Don’t miss it—your future in engineering starts here!”

Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking to pivot into a new career, the event will also provide information about the programs CCM offers in the engineering field, including a variety of certificates and associate degrees. Many certificate programs can be completed in less than one year, and the credits can be applied towards an associate degree program. To learn more about these programs now, visit www.ccm.edu/pathways/engineering-advanced-manufacturing.

Engineering is a sought-after field offering competitive salaries and exciting career paths. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in engineering occupations is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade, with a median annual wage of $100,000. Top in-demand fields include electrical, robotics, chemical, industrial, biomedical, materials, health and safety, and software engineering, according to Indeed, the global job matching platform.

Engineering Day is free, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so early pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Visit bit.ly/4jwNPXL. For questions about Engineering Day at CCM, email Dr. Zahra Khalkhali at zkhalkhali@ccm.edu.

Please park in Lot 7 or 9.

Innovative Learning Kitchen Opens in CCM’s New Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science

County College of Morris (CCM) is turning up the heat by expanding its facilities for the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs, opening a state-of-the-art baking kitchen. This new learning lab is part of the forthcoming 11,325-square-feet Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science, which is set to fully open for the Spring 2026 semester and will serve as the home to CCM’s Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ). This essential portion of the expansion enables students to specialize in artisanal baking and pastry arts, gaining hands-on experience in a professional-grade environment tailored for precise, high-quality instruction.
“This isn’t just a kitchen. It’s a launchpad,” said Mark Cosgrove, chairperson of Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts at CCM. “Our students now have the opportunity to learn, experiment and build their futures in a space that reflects the innovation and energy of today’s culinary world. I’m incredibly proud of what we have built here, and even more excited to see the incredible work our students will do in it.”
A Learning Lab Designed for Innovation and Enterprise CHAI-NJ blends culinary mastery with entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students for both leadership and ownership in their future careers. This stunning new facility reflects the highest standards of professional baking and culinary arts. CCM students will gain hands-on skills from advanced pastry techniques, breadmaking and chocolate work to business planning, marketing and sustainable practices.
The cutting-edge space is outfitted with top-tier equipment, including:

Advanced Combi-ovens and a rotating bread oven for flawless baking
Marble-topped tables ideal for chocolate tempering and intricate confectionery work
Maple-topped “Boos” block workstations for classic breadmaking and pastry production
A 14-foot dough sheeter, allowing for large-scale lamination and dough preparation, paired with a dough divider to help students master portion control in high-volume production
Four 40-quart globe mixers, from delicate batters like meringues to heavy doughs
Four Vulcan stoves to support a full range of culinary instruction

With this advanced kitchen, CHAI-NJ continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for executive chefs, aspiring bakers and culinary professionals. Built with the Community, for the Community This initiative was shaped through meaningful collaborations with top local chefs, bakers and hospitality leaders who offered their expertise to guide the design and future use of the space. Many partners have committed to mentoring students, offering internships and co-hosting events at CCM. “This expansion is about more than education, it’s about community,” said Virginia Rich, Dean of the School of Business, Mathematics, Engineering & Technologies at CCM. “We’re providing our students a direct link to the culinary industry's vibrant professional community. And we’re helping them acquire the skills to make dreams a reality.” CCM aims to address the rising demand for culinary and hospitality professionals and support future food entrepreneurs. According to the American Bakers Association, the U.S. baking industry provides nearly 800,000 jobs, generates over $42 billion in wages and drives more than $186 billion in economic activity. Locally, "Accommodation and Food Services" is a leading sector in Morris County with projected employment growth for the next decade (Source: JobsEQ® Perkins V Report, 2023). CCM is proud to lead this momentum. 

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Welcome readers to the 112th issue of Mt. Olive Online!

Soldier To Share Why We Serve; A Mother's Life After Loss

Warrior Walkway Sets Path For Freedom Celebration

Skully’s Seed Stand Sprouts Community Gardening

Longtime MO Finance Leader Closes Her Books

By Cheryl Conway

Township and School District Team Up to Field Cricket in MO

Future Business Leaders from MOHS Head to National Stage

Price is Right When It Comes to Women in Politics

MO Takes Healthy Step Forward with Mayor’s Wellness Walk

By Cheryl Conway

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Local News

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Adopt a Planter

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Exercise for Better Health

Crossing Guard On Step for 25 Years!

Breaking Bread and Coffee with a Few Cops

Applicants Sought for Affordable Housing

College News

GED Preparation Courses Now Offered at CCM

Education Never Ends

Centenary University’s TRAC Program Offers Equine-Assisted Learning Program for Veterans

New Garden at Centenary University Will Improve Biodiversity and Population of Monarch Butterflies

Discover Engineering in Action at County College of Morris

Innovative Learning Kitchen Opens in CCM’s New Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science

Events around town

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