Welcome readers to the 115th issue of Mt. Olive Online!

By Cheryl Conway 

The amount raised so far at the second annual Skully’s Lemonade Stand is quite chilling to the bone!

“They met their goal! The children have raised $1,270 for charity so far,” announces Minerva Adams, of Budd Lake.

“They will keep raising for the remainder of the summer, but we wanted to send a special thanks to everyone for stopping by, the police officers and the mayor for their continued support, the Venmo donors and a very special donor that pushed them over their goal Sunday with a very gracious donation of $100!” she adds. 

The Adams’ family at 5 N. Mt. Olive Road started its lemonade stand initiative last summer to raise money for charity. 

Their neighbors— the Farrakhans and the Mneimnehs—along with their giant lawn skeleton, Skully, help every step of the way.

“We sold over $800, and all the proceeds went to the no kid hungry foundation,” says Lina Mneimneh, who helps run the stand. 

Visit https://www.nokidhungry.org/ to learn about this nonprofit that supports millions of children fighting hunger every day.

She explains that they chose No Kid Hungry “because when we researched about charities, we saw No Kids Hungry, and it reminded us of a time when we saw some kids with their mom who needed food and we wanted to be able to help as many kids as we could,” explains Lina.

“Our neighbor Rachelle Farrakhan told us about this foundation,” says Adams. “The kids looked into it and decided, based on some things they’ve seen personally, that they wanted to help.”

Sales for this season began in the beginning of June. Their stand is open from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on select weekends. The Adams plan to keep the stand going until their school year begins, they say.  

“They actually like giving up part of their weekends to give back, so this became their way to do that,” says Adams. “We don’t have a set schedule since it depends on our availability and our visitation scheduling. We post on the local community groups when we’re able to run the stand. We try to stay flexible with the hours in case someone wants to stop by, they can always drop a note on the online posts.”

They are selling many types of lemon aid, both regular and flavored. Customers can expect to pay $2 for regular and $3 for the flavored varieties.

“We also offer free lemonade to police officers, firefighters and the EMTs,” adds Adams.

Their first weekend sales this season started with a bang as they raised more than $500.

“We want to beat last year and raise $1,000!” says Taylor Farrakhan, another stand helper.

Who knew that raising money for charity would be such a sweet time.

Justin Mneimneh says he is all in “To raise money for the charity, and it's fun!”

Adds Jayden Farrakhan, “We started this because it’s a great way to spend our summer weekends together while also helping the community by raising money for people less fortunate.”

Adds the Mneimneh siblings, “None of the money goes to us kids, 100% goes to charity!” 

Anyone who would like to contribute, can Venmo the lemonade team @minervamk
As summer will soon wind down and the lemonade stand will be still, the Adams and their friends are looking forward to fall.
“We will have the Skully Costumes Closet to give away free costumes that have only been gently used,” reminds Jayden Farrakhan.

By Cheryl Conway 

“The end” ….a popular catch phrase on the final page of a book does not exist for this local mom who has taken her love for reading to her kids to a whole new level.  

Joanna Randazzo of Budd Lake started a new chapter two months ago by reading to thousands of children on her YouTube channel and Instagram page. Her initiative—Once Upon a Page with Miss JoJo—is free to any listeners who desire to tune in.

“I take videos of myself reading children’s books and then post them to my YouTube Channel for children of all ages to watch and listen to,” shares Randazzo, a mother of two who works as a postpartum nurse at Morristown Medical Center.

“I try and make story time come to life in a fun, silly and entertaining way!” she says.

Randazzo provides “Hours of entertainment while learning through books. I am also collaborating with children’s book authors to read their books!”

Reading aloud to children boosts language skills, sparks imagination, strengthens bonds, builds vocabulary, improves focus and encourages a love of reading.

“It is a way to expand children’s knowledge on different topics in an enjoyable way for them to learn,” says Randazzo.

 But children are not the only ones who learn and benefit from story time.

“The idea for this channel was inspired by the sweetest book buddy I know—my oldest son,” says Randazzo, who has a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter.  “From the time he was tiny, we would spend hours reading the same stories again and again. But instead of feeling repetitive, those moments became something I looked forward to every single day. With each retelling, we’d find new ways to make the stories silly, surprising and full of giggles. That special time helped us build an incredible bond, and it’s something I’ll treasure forever.”

Right now, Randazzo is reading mostly children’s books appropriate for those aged 0-6 years old.

“There is a mixture of classic books and new books,” she shares.

She is also interested in reading books for older children as well as incorporate learning materials for school aged kids and chapter books.

Reading to her two children has been such a positive experience that she wants to share that joy with others.

“I created Once Upon a Page with Miss JoJo not only to share that joy with other children, but also to give fellow moms (and dads, grandparents, and caregivers) a few precious moments to breathe—whether that’s throwing in a load of laundry, taking a shower or just enjoying a well-deserved cup of coffee,” she explains.

She hopes the parents also utilize the story channel for some “me time.”

“The YouTube channel gives parents a little break and peace of mind,” she says. “It is as if the children are at the library but in their own homes. An educational way to watch TV.”

Another nice thing about her initiative is the convenience as the videos are always available for story time.

“There are over 40 videos on there now and many more coming!” she says. “I would love to hear recommendations too!” 

What is also great is that it is free for all to view.

“I have about 3.5K views so far!” she says proudly, “from all over the U.S. to Canada! It would be wonderful for more people to subscribe to the YouTube Channel if they find themselves or their kids enjoying the books being read. Don’t forget to share with family and friends too!

Listeners can turn in at https://youtube.com/@onceuponapagewithmissjojo?si=vmggg6XVF3sNHdMu

She is also on Instagram at Once Upon a Page with Miss JoJo.

“It’s my hope that children find as much joy in listening to these stories as I do in reading them,” says Randazzo. “I want the kids to grab their favorite stuffie, cozy up and we’ll turn the page together.”

By Cheryl Conway 

Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake is on the map, attracting those living near and far—

And now with its five new kiosks, trail blazers and hikers will have directions, safety tips and useful information to guide them along their way.

Aiden Newman, 17, of West Orange, completed this project last month to earn his Eagle Scout merit badge with Troop 6 in West Orange. A member since 2021, Newman has been a Boy Scout since 2015.

Led by his Scoutmaster Charles Coxe, Newman had seven scouts aged 15 to 18 help him with his project. He came up with the concept for his project from David Alexander, secretary of the Mt. Olive Twp. Open Space Advisory Board.     

“My project was to assemble and deliver five trail kiosks for the Mt. Olive Trails Department to use for a new trail system,” explains Newman. “These kiosks could be used to display maps, safety bulletins and helpful information for hikers.”

A graduate of West Orange High School this past June, Newman put in 17 hours to complete the project.

“I designed the concept with guidance from Mr. Alexander, bought the materials on June 11 and assembled my prototype on July 5,” details Newman. “Members of my Troop, parent leaders, my father and I, then assembled the remaining kiosks on July 13. We completed the final touches, delivered the kiosks, and installed one of them on July 16, completing the project.”

With multiple trails that outline and intertwine throughout the area, multiple kiosks are essential to help anyone navigate and find their way.

“My project aims to provide the Mt. Olive Trail Department an essential tool for hikers to use while navigating the new trails in Turkey Brook Park,” he explains. “I picked this project because I love hiking and getting outdoors, and I wanted a project related to hiking and woodworking. I hope these kiosks encourage and assist those looking to experience the trails in Turkey Brook Park.”

Those who helped Newman with his project included: Neil and Eshe Newman (his parents), Charles and Ryan Coxe,  Xavier and Johnny Kong, Akira Mura, Luke and JJ DelBello and Brian and Liam Coleman.

He spent approximately $800 out of pocket and he hopes to recoup some of those fund through his GoFundMe drive https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aiden-newmans-eagle-scout-project.

“It would be great to have support to finish funding the cost of sourcing the materials and to build any additional kiosks the trail may need this summer,” says Newman. “I also would like to encourage people to experience the trails and see the kiosks in person once they are all installed.”

From start to finish, Newman enjoyed the experience on working on this project and hopes its effort and value stands the test of time.

“This project left me feeling accomplished and happy,” says Newman. “My project gave me the opportunity to spend time with my father, get closer to my troopmates, as well as contribute to getting people out to hike, something that I am passionate about.”

Looks like his project has mapped him to moving to his final rank as an Eagle Scout.  

“Aiden is to be commended for planning, supervising and building five Trail Kiosks for our Mt. Olive Open Space trails,” says Alexander. “His leadership and volunteerism set a fine example and his pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout is greatly admired. We look forward to him achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the near future.”

By Cheryl Conway 

Too many wars and so many heroes, military men and women who fought in battles to protect America’s liberty and freedom—our nation has so much to be grateful for especially with its 250th anniversary approaching next year.

To denote all of those conflicts the United States has been involved in and its war heroes, The All-Veterans Memorial will be adding On Behalf of a Grateful Nation Warrior Walkway at its site in Budd Lake. Board displays with heroes’ photos will be going up as early as this September for visitors to see and honor.

“Beginning with the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror, the display of war heroes will line the entire asphalt walkway located at the far corner of Parking Lot A, between the soccer field and War Horse and War Dog Memorials,” explains AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann. “Temporary benches will be installed for the convenience of our visitors.”

It was Uhrmann’s idea to create such a walkway and how fitting it be placed at the AVM, a one-of-a-kind veterans memorial that serves as a place for remembrance, prayer, volunteerism, creativity and education.

Established almost 20 years ago, the AVM has become a premier memorial in New Jersey with ceremonial grounds for multiple vigils and events throughout the year.

Individuals and families visit regularly to learn some American history and the battles fought, sponsor military pavers for friends and loved ones and pay respect to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.  

Uhrmann explains that the idea for the On Behalf of a Grateful Nation Warrior Walkway was inspired by Mt. Olive Parks and Recreation Ed Lata, who expressed wanting to honor his son who is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I had originally thought to purchase banners and affix them to the soccer field fence,” says Uhrmann. “After speaking to Hackettstown Home Depot Manager Ed Flynn regarding the project, he was immediately supportive of the idea.

“When our proposal was declined, Park & Recreation Department Head and longtime supporter John Geiger suggested free standing billboards,” shares Uhrmann. “He and I walked along the walkway discussing the details.  Geiger's offer to help bore the holes made the decision easy.”  

Project Details 

The 3' x 5' board panels will display 30 12" x 12" aluminum (action or military) photos of service members, details Uhrmann.  A special coating will be added to protect the photos from weather and possible graffiti.

Panels will be categorized by war: A 12" x 24" historical war scene will show the treacherous condition of war.

“Sponsorship opportunities are available,” adds Uhrmann. “If your company or organization is seeking a way to show your support, we are offering sponsorship opportunities for $300 per 3' x 5' panel.  Your name or the name of your organization/company will be donned front and center.  As a sponsor, you will receive one of our limited-edition challenge coins as a token of our appreciation.”   

The price for a 12" x 12" aluminum photo plate which will include a certificate of authenticity that the photo played a key role in the AVM's 250 Year Celebration of Independence is $98.  Applications can be obtained by emailing: info@allveteransmemorial.org  or picked up during the All Veterans Memorial's annual National POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil set for Sept. 18-19. 

“Several panels will begin being assembled in September, during our POW/MIA site preparation,” says Uhrmann.  The photos will be ordered individually, and each photo plate will be denoted with the warrior's name, rank, dates of service and branch of service.  The war they served will be denoted at the top of the panel.     

 "Upon the closing of the display, sometime in Nov. 2026, the 12" x 12" photo plates will be available to the family member to keep as a keepsake memento of our nation's 250 years of liberty and freedom,” adds Uhrmann. 

While the AVM is in Mt. Olive, the photo display is not restricted to just local heroes.

“The All-Veterans Memorial do not recognize any division in our offerings,” says Uhrmann.  “We support One Nation Under God and therefore, consider it an honor to recognize all those who honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces.” 

While Mt. Olive is also honoring heroes this year with its Hometown Hero Campaign this year, Uhrmann does not compare the two.  
“We love and support the HomeTown Hero campaign—however, we believe our exhibit will give the visitors a better feel of the condition of war and those who endured such conditions,” says Uhrmann.  “Our display will provide an up-front and personal experience for those who come to visit.  We believe our chronological timeline of actual war-torn landscapes, along with the faces of our heroes, will invoke a greater level of education, thought and appreciation.  We hope to achieve a walk back in time.”

Just as the celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary comes around only once, this commemorative walkway is really a unique project to honor the countries’ military.  
“This is anticipated to be limited to the 250 Anniversary,” notes Uhrmann. “The Warrior Walkway is a small part of a much grander event.”   

Stay tuned for more details of the AVM 250th Year Celebration set for June 14, 2026.

Applications can be obtained by emailing: info@allveteransmemorial.org  or picked up during the All Veterans Memorial's annual National POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil set for Sept. 18-19. 

 The New Jersey Highlands Council recently renewed its support of the City Green Farm at South Branch Preserve Farm in Mt. Olive Township with an additional award of $90,000 for the 2025 farm season. The Highlands Council Sustainable Agriculture grant program supports organizations working to protect the agricultural land and watershed in the Highlands region. City Green was initially awarded $90,000 through the program in 2023 and based on progress in the 2024 season the grant was renewed for 2025.

“Agriculture in the Highlands is not only a defining characteristic of the region, but it’s also an essential economic driver and a vital component of climate resiliency for the entire state,” said Highlands Council Executive Director Ben Spinelli. “The New Jersey Highlands has the ability to deliver a wide range of agricultural products within a two-hour drive of more than 20 million people. This will become increasingly important as a changing climate makes growing food crops difficult or impossible in places like California’s Central Valley or Florida. This is why the mission of organizations like City Green are so important.”

Funding from the Highlands Council directly contributes to the City Green Farm at South Branch Preserve, an 8-acre vegetable and fruit farm located in the Highlands region.  This land is farmed in partnership with the Land Conservancy of New Jersey that has conserved over 200 acres called The South Branch Preserve. The City Green Farm at South Branch Preserve implements both organic and regenerative farm practices primarily focused on soil health and increasing organic soil matter, allowing it to act as both an active land conservation method and a productive vegetable operation.

Since 2024, Highlands Council funding has contributed to a number of projects and improvements on the farm. These include supporting the cover cropping strategy at the farm; supporting soil building with mulching and composting materials; funding the purchase of new tractor implements;  and funding seed purchases for the farm season. City Green has also directed Highlands Council funding towards the recent installation of 4 150’ hedgerows consisting of 12 varieties of native shrubs and 20 varieties of native perennials. These hedgerows serve as a wind break and erosion control between the agricultural fields while also providing habitat for native pollinator species. 

On average, City Green harvests over 60,000 pounds of produce annually at the City Green Farm at South Branch Preserve. This food is sold at farm stands and mobile markets throughout Passaic County and Essex County. “City Green is so grateful for the support of The Highlands Council, that helps City Green’s food access work connect food grown in New Jersey’s rural Highlands to urban communities. With support from the Highlands Council, City Green will continue to deepen its work preserving the land it stewards in the Highlands and cultivating food for communities across northern New Jersey,” said Jennifer Papa, City Green’s Founder and Executive Director. 

More information about City Green’s programs, events, and impact can be found at their website at CityGreenOnline.org. City Green also operates the statewide SNAP Incentive Program Good Food Bucks. Good Food Bucks provides discounts on fresh produce to customers at farmers markets, CSA, and other fresh food retailers in New Jersey for customers who purchase vegetables with SNAP. 

City Green is a 501(c)3 urban farming and gardening organization based in Clifton, New Jersey working to revitalize urban areas through agriculture and educational programming. It offers practical, technical, and financial resources in support of environmental stewardship, equitable access to healthy food, and ecologically sustainable communities. For more information contact Jasmine Moreano, Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy or visit www.citygreenonline.org.

Summer still kicking so why not try 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) Circuit Training - Circuit training is a type of interval training class fun combinations of 50 second either cardio or strength training moves to whip you into shape!

Thursday 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.  (Cheryl)Cardio Blast- alternating cardio intervals including Step, kickboxing, aerobics with the ball and strength training. The activity you are doing changes with each song or generally 4-5 minute intervals.

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.

Mt. Olive Celebrates National Night Out with thousands of attendees.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, the community  came together in a powerful show of unity and celebration for National Night Out 2025.  With more than 3,500 residents in attendance, the event was a resounding success, highlighting the strong bond between local law enforcement, emergency responders and the community they serve.  

Held at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake, the evening was packed with excitement and entertainment for all ages.  Attendees enjoyed live music from the local and a dazzling display of fireworks and interactive booths hosted by emergency responders, the Health Department and other community organizations.  

National Night Out is an annual community event. Children and families were thrilled by hands -on experience including the dunk tank, games, fire truck tours, helicopter and meet and greet rescue dogs.  Hots dogs and pop corn for all ensuring no one left hungry.

"This year’s National Night Out was one of our biggest yet," said Mayor Nicastro. "It’s a testament to the incredible spirit of Mt. Olive and dedication of our first responders and volunteers who made this event possible."

The Mt. Olive Carnival that was held at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake this past July was an overwhelming success, drawing more than 40K visitors for a week filled with excitement, entertainment and unforgettable memories. 

From dazzling fireworks displays to adrenaline-pumping rides, the event offered something for everyone.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant lineup of live performances featuring top bands such as Big Short, Hate Ash, Boomerang, The Watchung Mountain Riders, Vintage Feedback, and Rock and Roll, creating a lively musical backdrop that kept the energy high throughout the event.

Families and thrill-seekers alike reveled in the array of fun rides, including the iconic Ferris Wheel offering breathtaking views of the area. Kids and adults enjoyed classic carnival games, with plenty of prizes to be won. Delicious treats like funnel cakes topped with whipped cream, refreshing smoothies, and fluffy cotton candy added to the festive atmosphere. And of course, Jersey Girl Brewery was able to attend as well as Summer Santa.

The night sky lit up with a spectacular fireworks display, marking a perfect end to an incredible weekend of fun, laughter, and community bonding. Attendees created lasting memories, sharing smiles and laughter amid a sea of colorful lights and joyous sounds.

"This carnival exceeded all expectations," said organizer Liz Meininger, director of Recreation.  "It was wonderful to see our community come together to enjoy such a memorable event. We thank everyone who attended and made this celebration truly special." 

Special thanks to John Johnson Automotive Group, Eastern Auto Trading, Van Cleef Engineering ,SD Apartments, Hunkele Equities, Pro Automotive of Flanders, Benjamin Moore, My Limousine Service, ABB, and Flanders Car Wash for their continued support.

Plans are already underway for next year's carnival, promising even more fun and surprises for all ages.

Three Shows Running Now Through August 23 

Beat the summer heat and treat yourself, family or summer camp group to one last out-of-this-world adventure at the Longo Planetarium at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph! Now through Saturday, Aug. 23, experience the final chance to catch any of the three current shows before the new schedule launches this fall. Sit back in our comfortable, air-conditioned theater and experience Digistar 7, the world’s most advanced planetarium system, on a 33-foot dome. 

The 45-minute show, “Mars: The Ultimate Voyage,” takes audiences on the first mission to the Red Planet, the farthest voyage ever made by humans.  Viewers can see the challenges astronauts face on their journey, plus learn how to spot Mars in the night sky. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 and up, this experience is offered on Friday, Aug. 15 and 22 at 9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 23 at 3:30 p.m.  

Also recommended for viewers aged 8 and up is “Edge of Darkness.” Narrator Hayley Atwell (Marvel’s Agent Carter) takes visitors on a thrilling flight through the great cliffs of comets, along the asteroid belt, to Pluto and its moons. This 45-minute production is being shown on Saturday, August 9, 16 and 23 at 5 p.m.  

“One Sky: Sky Stories from Around the Globe” is a 40-minute international collaboration of short films, each representing a different perspective from around the globe. Most suitable for children aged 6 and up, shows are on Friday, Aug. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. 

Tickets for all shows are $10 per person and online reservations are strongly encouraged as seating is limited. For more information, show trailers and tickets, visit the Longo Planetarium on CCM’s website at https://www.ccm.edu/meet-ccm/longo-planetarium/.   

County College of Morris is located at 214 Center Grove Rd in Randolph, NJ. Visitors can park in Lot 7 and follow signage toward the center of campus to the Longo Planetarium in Cohen Hall, 207. Programs begin promptly at showtimes.  

About Longo Planetarium 

Since 1973, the state-of-the-art Longo Planetarium at CCM has inspired curiosity and brought the universe closer to home in northern New Jersey. With the newly upgraded Digistar 7 planetarium system, visitors may see thousands of stars, planets and beyond on a 33-foot dome. Shows are available for the public to attend; school and scout groups can be scheduled in advance. Questions may be emailed to planetariuminfo@ccm.edu. 

 Worthy Honor—Centenary University was recently recognized by Prevention Connections and the New Jersey General Assembly and Senate for its dedication to promoting the health and safety of Warren County residents through partnerships with a number of community-based organizations. 

A program of the Center for Family Services offered through the Warren County branch of the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, Prevention Connections is a leading provider of substance abuse prevention services, with the goal of reducing and preventing substance use among Warren County youth, adults, and senior citizens.

Pictured from left are, Director of Prevention Services and Regional Coalition Coordinator Jessica Szczepanik; Warren Hills Community Coalition Coordinator Jessica Bartelloni; Centenary University President Dr. Dale Caldwell; Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students Kerry Mullins; and Manager of External Conferences, Events, and Pre-College Summer Programs Darlene White. 

Distribution Event Helps Morris County Students Start the School Year Strong 

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph is partnering once again with Table of Hope to host the annual Backpack Giveaway to help Morris County families gear up for the upcoming school year. 

This community-driven event will take place on Friday, Aug. 15, from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 at CCM, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Families must be Morris County residents and are encouraged to pre-register at www.tableofhopenj.org/backpack-giveaway-registration. 

To ensure a safe and smooth distribution process, participants must remain in their vehicles. Walk-ups are not permitted, and backpacks will be distributed to Morris County families in need on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. 

Now in its fifth year, this much-anticipated distribution event, which includes backpacks and school supplies, is part of CCM’s ongoing partnership with Table of Hope and other dedicated community organizations. In addition to the backpack distribution, CCM also collaborates with Table of Hope each November to host a Thanksgiving food distribution event, which provides holiday meals to more than 600 families. 

“Partnering with Table of Hope for this annual event reflects our commitment to changing lives and strengthening communities,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “As part of our mission, CCM embraces the opportunity to bring the community together for the benefit of others. We take pride in supporting local families, helping ensure children have the tools and resources they need to succeed in school. We are grateful to the many partners involved in this event, from those who provide the supplies to those who help it run smoothly.”  

Centenary University’s adaptive riding program provides equine-assisted services for adults and children with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as specialized populations like veterans.

TRAC (Therapeutic Riding at Centenary) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from PATH Intl., a global organization leading the advancement of professional equine-assisted services that support more than 53,000 special needs individuals. The University’s adaptive riding program is one of the few collegiate training grounds in the nation for students seeking a career in equine-assisted services.

Disbursed over two years, the PATH Intl. Bob and Toni Mallet Access Grant will support diversification of program offerings, thus reducing the waitlist for TRAC, which provides equestrian opportunities for adults and children with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as specialized populations such as military veterans, at-risk youth, and residents of assisted living facilities. TRAC participants benefit from equestrian experiences that can result in physical, social-emotional, and cognitive benefits, while enhancing goals such as balance, strength, and sensory integration. In addition, the grant will support three paid internships per year for enrolled Centenary University students in the process of becoming PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructors (CTRIs). 

TRAC currently serves 95 individuals annually with a staff of three credentialed professionals, as well as a host of trained volunteers from the University and surrounding communities. The program usually has a waitlist of 10 for its therapeutic riding and horsemanship programs, which can translate into more than a year’s wait for services, according to Director of TRAC and Assistant Professor of Equine Studies Karen Brittle. “Ten people on a waitlist may not seem like a large number, but when you consider that TRAC’s therapeutic riding program generally serves 25 individuals in any given program session, that number is significant,” Brittle explained. “Typically, individuals wait between 12 and 18 months for participation in therapeutic riding or horsemanship—and sometimes longer. We’re so grateful to PATH Intl. for this grant and their commitment to TRAC and our participants.” Brittle noted that there is not currently a waitlist for TRAC’s veterans programming.

Centenary is a higher education member of PATH Intl., with TRAC designated as a Premier Accredited Center. In recent years, PATH Intl. has recognized TRAC staff and participants for excellence: TRAC participant Vika Christian was selected PATH Intl. Youth Equestrian of the Year, while the University’s resident veterinarian, Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy, D.V.M., was named PATH Intl. Veterinarian of the Year for Region II. More recently, Brittle earned PATH Intl. certification as a master level therapeutic riding instructor—the highest certification offered by the organization.

Centenary University graduate students have provided hundreds of hours this summer to tutor youngsters as part of the University’s Master of Education in Literacy Instruction. 

The degree candidates are providing reading assistance for students in grades kindergarten through eight enrolled in the Allamuchy Township School District.

The Master of Arts in Literacy Instruction requires graduate students to complete clinical hours—similar to doctors completing a medical residency—to meet their certification requirements. Throughout the program, graduate students accumulate clinical hours culminating in this summer experience. Under the guidance of New Jersey Department of Education-certified school leaders and reading specialists who act as professors-in-residence, the students step into the role of reading specialists in a local school district and provide tutoring using evidence-based best practices.

Director of the Master of Education in Literacy Instruction Dr. Lexis McCoy,  explained, “This program strives for ‘books in hands and smiles on faces.’ Our goal is to cultivate a love of reading from the earliest years, so as children grow in proficiency they are motivated to continue reading widely. We can teach students how to read, but if they don’t enjoy reading, they will not continue. Our goal is to teach children the foundations so they know how to read well, as we motivate them to want to read more."

Children participating in the program attend one-on-one tutoring sessions intentionally planned by the future reading specialists. In addition to the more technical aspects of reading, there is a strong emphasis on helping children gain self-confidence and ability to see themselves as readers. During tutoring sessions, the graduate students create positive relationships with young readers as they implement the evidence-based practices learned throughout their graduate program.

Centenary University Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Battistini said, “This is a fine example of university and public school partnerships. We are appreciative of this school district, which also hosts many of our undergraduate student teachers. It’s a win/win, providing the children with tutoring and Centenary students with a consistent opportunity to work in a real-life setting. This program benefits the whole community: Future literacy instructors will be better able to reach young readers and area children will read better.”

Mountain Villa School Principal Dr. Jennifer Gallegly added, “Centenary University has been a strong component of our summer enrichment and extended school year program for the past 10 years. I strongly believe in the value of school and university partnerships like the one we have maintained with Centenary and I am extremely proud of it.”