Welcome readers to the 126th issue of Mt. Olive Online!

By Cheryl Conway 

It has been a sweet summer for three ambitious Flanders siblings who jumped into the season with homemade lemonade, a splash of creativity and a generous squeeze of community spirit.

Together, Olivia, 13, Natalie, 11, and 5-year-old Colton Zoltowski have transformed their driveway into Lemon Drop Lane- Lemonade Co., where customers can cool off with some lemonade, iced tea or both while supporting these young entrepreneurs. Part of their proceeds will be donated to MPS 1-Hunter syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

Who knew that their first year in operating their own stand would be so fruitful and educational! What started out as a fun venture has turned into important lessons about how to run a business and even extend their profits to even save up for their vacation.

“This business has been teaching them responsibility, money management, budgeting, inventory management,” says their mom Allyssa Zoltowski of Flanders. The two youngest even interviewed and hired their eldest sibling to work at their stand.

“The plan for the lemonade stand started May 30 over dessert,” explains Zoltowski. 

“Colton and Natalie were talking about starting a business. Once they decided the stand was a go, they said they need to interview Olivia.”

Olivia, who will be a freshman at Mt. Olive High School this September, says “I wanted to do something for the summer.”

Agrees Natalie who will be entering Mt. Olive Middle School,” I want a job, but no one hires a kid.”

Colton, who will be starting Chester M. Stephens, also decided to get into the business “cause it’s fun and I want to have other businesses when I grow up.”

Located at 149 Mount Olive Road in Flanders, Lemon Drop Lane- Lemonade Co. has been up and running daily since June 19, from noon “until whenever,” says Zoltowski. More than 85 cups of classic lemonade, iced tea, Arnold Palmers, flavored lemonades and bottled water have been sold.

Why lemonade? “What’s better on a hot summer day than lemonade, and lemonade with fun flavors!” they agree.

Even the rain won’t shut them down.

“We had some rain, so we didn’t open last week, but we have come up with plans to be open in the rain!” says Natalie. “We’ll either set up in the garage or the front porch.”

Who runs the stand? “We do! Olivia, Natalie and Colton!” says Colton. “Mommy fills in for our breaks.” 

Who makes the lemonade? “Mommy did the first few times but showed us how so now we do,” adds Colton. 

All their drinks are $1, except for the flavored lemonade which is $1.50.

“Oh my gosh!” says Natalie when asked how the stand is going!

“This is awesome,” adds Colton.

Their funds have gone back into their business to restock their product and materials, says their mom. But other proceeds will go toward their family vacation this August as well as a large donation to MPS 1-Hunter syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple systems in the body due to an enzyme deficiency. One of Colton’s friends was diagnosed with the disease at a very young age, says his mom.    

Also, as a way of giving back, they have offered several promotions since opening Lemon Drop Lane.

One big one is: Free lemonade for the police officers in town and the mayor! They even made a video and posted it on social media to invite them to their stand.

“We’re coming up with other ones,” they say about other promotions planned. “We’ll have specials.”

On Father’s Day, they gave away a free lemonade or drink of choice to all dads who dropped by.

“It was just a day to celebrate them in a small way,” says Olivia.  “We should celebrate moms and grandparents soon!” adds Natalie.

“Stop by, say ‘hi!” they add. “Pull onto Lemon Drop Lane (the driveway) to safely get a cup of refreshing lemonade! Cash and Venmo accepted.

“They plan to do another weekend in August for MPS,” adds their proud mom.  

By Cheryl Conway

A childhood lake, a lifelong friendship and a cause close to the heart are bringing this Budd Lake former swim team member home this summer.

Pat Albino, who has lived in Rome, Italy with his wife Erika for the past three years, plans to return to Mt. Olive next month to swim more than a mile across Budd Lake to benefit cancer research while paying tribute to two men who helped shape his life. Weather permitted, his swim is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Albino,70, swam across Budd Lake last summer during a reunion with about 20 former swim teammates. A former 30-year resident of Mt. Olive, Albino was a member of the Budd Lake Swim Team more than 65 years ago.

Pat Albino and Tommy Brown

After getting his feet wet last year, his attention was to return but perhaps swim for a charity. This time, he will be raising money for Swim Across America to support Cancer Research.

“For the past 12 years, one of the founders of the Budd Lake Swim Team in the 1950s (and for many years was a physical education teacher at Mt. Olive Upper Elementary School) has sponsored a team in the open water swim off Nantucket, R.I., where he’s lived since his retirement,” explains Albino.

To date Team Roethke has raised more than $600K. The official Nantucket Open Water event was set for Saturday, July 25, but Albino figured he would do the swim in Budd Lake a month later when he would be in town.

“I will be visiting family and friends in N.J. in August, including some in the Budd Lake area,” notes Albino. “Since moving to Italy I’ve tried to get here at least once a year. When I lived in New York City, I came to Budd Lake to see family and my childhood friends quite often.

“That same weekend a lifelong friend has organized one of our annual picnics and I’m looking forward to connecting with friends of six decades or more.”

Meeting up with his former swim team friends is certain!

“The Budd Lake Swim Team was one of the formative experiences of my life, and through which I made many lifetime friends,” explains Albino. “Some former members of the team and I had the idea of doing the Nantucket swim to honor Steve and thank him for his years of coaching when we were young. Since it’s been difficult to organize a trip to Nantucket, last year I had the idea to swim the lake from the beach near his former home to the municipal beach where the swim team trained in the 1950s and 1960s.
“Additionally, and equally important, my swim is dedicated to the memory of Tommy Brown, who piloted his boat alongside me when I swam last year, only weeks before he died in a tragic accident while driving to Florida with his wife Patsy,” adds Albino. “He was a great guy who loved Budd Lake. We’d known each other since childhood, and I was glad we had a chance to connect that day. I believe that a member of his family will drive the boat this year.”

Hopefully his swim this year will mirror last year’s swim.

“It was a quiet weekday, so it was quiet and uneventful,” he says. “The lake was calm and the water a comfortable temperature. It’s quite peaceful and quiet out in the middle.”

Since this is a fundraiser, Albino is hoping to raise more than $1,000. As of July 22, he raised $710 for cancer research and treatment.

“We’ve already received many generous donations, both large and small,” he says.

“Please consider making a donation to honor Steve Roethke and the glorious record and very fun times of the Budd Lake Swim Team.”

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has hosted charity swims to raise money for innovative cancer research that would lead to breakthrough treatments and therapies. Since then, Swim Across America has raised more than $150M to fund the next generation of pioneers in oncology and cancer support care. 

“With every dollar raised from Swim Across America-Nantucket, we are changing the game of cancer care on Nantucket,” as explained on the site. “Proceeds directly support the Nantucket Cottage Hospital (NCH) and the Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) oncology efforts to fund vital services for local and visiting cancer patients, minimizing their need to travel for appointments, testing and treatment.  Our support allows NCH oncology programs to keep more Nantucket residents on island for their cancer care, providing them a compassionate and caring environment.” 

Albino plans to swim from the former Roethke/D'Arcy-Healey/Brown corner of Budd Lake to the Municipal Beach.

“It’s about 1,800 meters at its longest angle, a little over one mile from the planned starting point on Sand Shore Road to the Municipal Beach,” says Albino who swims mostly freestyle. “I think it will take about 30 minutes, probably a bit more if other swimmers join me.” 

To support Albino, consider making a donation to help lead to a cancer-free world.

Visit https://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/OpenWater/Nantucket?pg=personal&px=2090111&fr_id=8751

To make a credit card donation, click on "Make a Gift" or send a check to Swim Across America - Nantucket, PO Box 3271, Nantucket, MA 02584.

Be sure to note “Team Roethke” and Albino’s swimmer ID; and note “In memory of Tommy Brown.”

By Cheryl Conway

A Budd Lake native and Mt. Olive High School graduate is turning his lifelong passion for music into a growing career with the release of his third studio album, an instrumental audio drama inspired by his life growing up in town.  

Carlos A. Lemos, 22, who goes by his stage name is D.O.C.C Music, recently released his third studio album “The Hensyn Night Blues,”  formatted as an instrumental compilation and audio drama. The dozen songs serve as a sequel to his 2022 record and highlights the residual social isolation several years post-lockdown.

While many musicians write about universal themes, Lemos rooted his latest project in a specific place. Inspired by the Hensyn section of Budd Lake, the album explores identity, community and the transition into adulthood through music influenced by blues, ambient soundscapes and film scores.

More than a collection of songs, “The Hensyn Night Blues” serves as a musical portrait of a side of Mt. Olive that Lemos believes is rarely represented. Through 12 original tracks and an accompanying audio drama, the Budd Lake native tells a deeply personal story about growing up in a working-class neighborhood, finding his identity and looking toward the future.

“The title track really represented the hill country that surrounds our town and surrounding towns,” he explains. “It represents the wide-open space of fields and the lonely nights that we have all encountered. The community I live in is called Hensyn, so I thought, as I walked through my neighborhood in the late summer afternoons into the night, I began to feel…The Hensyn Night Blues. That’s a very specific feeling, it’s a feeling that is based on personal history, class struggle, my identity as a Latin-American, being raised as an only child, and so many other things.

“It culminated into this feeling that bubbled up in young adulthood, and it has to do with the version of who you were, versus who you’re going to be,” he explains. The other conflict is where you were, versus where you’re going, so it’s the self vs. the environment.”

Lemos says “The Hensyn Night Blues” was inspired by a part of Mt. Olive that he believes is often overlooked.

“Where I live is a working-class neighborhood,” he says. “People assume that because Mt. Olive has the reputation it has, that it automatically means we all come from privilege. I responded, ‘It may be a rich area, but I don’t come from the money.’”

The son of Latino immigrants, Lemos said the album reflects the experiences of people who are pursuing the American Dream while growing up in neighborhoods like Hensyn, Eagle Rock and Kings.

“The language of the blues is meant to be the voice of people who don’t live on the mainstream,” he explains.

Through the album, he hopes to give a voice to working-class families and others whose stories are not often represented while celebrating the educational opportunities and community that helped shape his future.

Lemos worked on the original demo of the title track in July of 2023, shortly after he graduated MOHS. The track was finalized in December of 2023, shortly after he finished his first semester of college at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Florham Park where he is studying film. He finished the album in early September of 2025 and released it on Jan. 1.  

Lemos describes his album as “easy listening, ambient music with an audio drama podcast quality because of the accompanying narrative. Of course, because it’s “The Hensyn Night Blues,” there is ambient blues, but there are other expressions of ambient music, like neoclassical piano, synthwave chamber music, and Doomer Music.”

 In this album, Lemos plays piano, guitar, harmonica, “and then there are other kinds of sounds that are mimicked. Using a midi keyboard, you can play synths, strings, horns, anything you want really,” he says.

“The real challenge is trying to accomplish the real-life quality of the sound, and also managing the dynamics in the music,” explains Lemos. “Music isn’t just stagnant, it moves in waves of amplitude, frequency, harmony, rhythm, and melody.”

Music Background

When he was just 9 years old, Lemos took some basic piano lessons at his church by his instructor Jesse Paz.

“He later taught me about chord progressions, scales, improvisation, extensions, and things of that sort,” details Lemos. “That opened me up to what I always wanted to do, songwriting!”

From there, Lemos took music theory classes at MOHS for three years and got involved in Drama Club.

In college, he took more piano lessons “to refine technique and become more fluid. Anything more I’ve learned in music any further has been through my own exploration of different types of music and trying to mimic what I hear.

“I usually like to hear a song, and sometimes I learn it, but most times it’s a songwriting practice for me. How can I adopt certain musical tools used in this song in my own music? Then from that, I make a challenge for my song, that is, write a song that sounds like this, all while trying to still maintain my own identity.”

As far as instruments, Lemos shines at piano, diatonic harmonica, drums and guitar.  

His involvements at MOTSD really also helped shape his music career.

“Very early on in Mt. Olive Middle School, I got into the Film Club which I think that was my first educational expansion into film,” he shares.

At MOHS, he got involved in Mt. Olive Television for two years, with my first year on I had the opportunity to direct and make a music video for the title track of my second album “In A Matter of Days.”

“My time in MOTV for my second year included taking part in the news show Marauder Madness,” he details. “I did everything from editing, interviewing, being an anchor, directing and other technical crew roles.”

Lemos also took part in MOHS Stage Crew for two years from 2021 to 2023 with front of house operations, which included live sound mixing, miking the actors of the Drama Club, replacing on the wireless packs and playing sound cues.

 In music, he took part of The Big Band (which performs alongside The Jazz Ensemble) for three years.

“Doing Big Band definitely helped me learn to have a sense of rhythm and feel in music, especially since I was playing the drums for the first time,” he details. “I learned a lot about music and performing through that and I’m eternally grateful for that experience.  

“So overall everything I have taken part in is arts related, I guess including my induction into National English Honors Society as well my senior year is important too,” he adds. “Literature is an important art as well, and my relatively proficient practice of it is responsible for the creation of this album.”

From the lyrics, to the drama and music, Lemos brings all of his skills into his work but also welcomes collaboration with others.

“I primarily like to write all my lyrics, instrumentals and produce on my own,” he says. “I am always open to songwriting and producing collaborations. People I work with bring out things I don’t usually bring out on my own, so I invite that, I need that.”

Lemos produced his first album, “Mixing Console,” in 2018; and his second album, “In a Matter of Days,” in 2022 which was written as a pandemic memoir that explores the sudden shift in reality during global lockdowns. He has other notable singles too featuring country, blues and rap styles.

“Quite simply, my songs are about my story, my desires, my history, my environment, my values and my insecurities,” shares Lemos. This is true for “The Hensyn Night Blues,” and it rings true for most of what I do. For “The Hensyn Night Blues,” the songs and spoken word pieces are about the beginning of a young man’s journey into adulthood and how he overcomes his past. In “A Matter Of Days,” demonstrated an initial coping mechanism for a young boy dealing with a global crisis.

“This album on the other hand deals with the long-term consequences of those events on a young adult and how it can be psychologically trapping,” he explains. “The album demands young people like me to not be captured by the trap of nostalgia, or to be fixated on world events they can’t control, or the ideas our parents put into our heads about what life should be like. The album tells us to always look forward into the future, recognizing that there are things we can’t control, and we have to actively make the world we want to see. We are the ones that define what life should be like, not what the establishment, or societal norms dictate to us.”

What’s Next For Media Star

Lemos still attends college and works as a production assistant at a performing arts school, Performers Theatre Workshop in Millburn; is currently a college TA; and does freelance video editing.

“I’m working on some new singles, and I got some soundtrack material from student films I’ll release soon,” he says. “Got some things for “The Hensyn Night Blues” coming out in the next year. I might be putting something else together, but I rather leave you with the mystery.”

He calls himself more of a media man: “I don’t just want to do music, I studied film, so I want to combine services because I know I’m not just a music man. I’m all about the production and putting a show together.

“Just continuing on trying to make into this media industry, not just music or film, but any aspect of it, I want to have my hands on it,” he says. “Other than that, I’m leaving it to God to make the way, and to guide me on the straight path.”

Lemos’ music can be heard on all digital streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, iHeartRadio, Tidal, and much more. Here is the link to his latest album:

https://doccmusic.hearnow.com/the-hensyn-night-blues-an-audio-drama-written-by-carlos-a-lemos

Follow him at @d.o.c.c_music

https://www.instagram.com/d.o.c.c_music/ and subscribe to his YouTube Channel @d.o.c.cmusic

https://www.youtube.com/@d.o.c.cmusic

By Cheryl Conway

Business is booming for the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce— since January, a dozen new members have joined the mix.

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards—it's about building relationships. That's the philosophy behind the MOACC, which has spent more than 70 years connecting business owners across the greater Mt. Olive area.

This fall, the chamber is offering a full lineup of networking events designed to help local businesses connect and thrive. Whether it's over breakfast, a barbecue or speed networking, the MOACC promotes its business with a conversation.

“As a volunteer-driven organization, we connect business owners, foster strong professional relationships and offer meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and promote your business,” says Patricia Singer of Wantage, president of MOACC. “Our mission is to strengthen our members' professional networks and increase their visibility and success within the local business community.”

A member of the MOACC for the past 14 years, Singer is the owner of Follow Me Social Media Consulting. Established in 1954, MOACC supports the business community throughout the greater Mt. Olive area.

“The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce is not just for business in Mt. Olive,” stresses Singer. “We have businesses from all over western Morris County including Flanders, Chester, Washington Township, Long Valley and Hackettstown. We also have members from Pennsylvania and Sussex County.”

Networking events are planned year-round. It has monthly Marketing in the Morning networking meetings on the third Wednesday of each month.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, an Open Chamber Networking BBQ is set to be held at the Budd Lake Fire House. It is open to anyone who would like to network and learn about the chamber, says Singer.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, The Oliver Awards is open to MOACC members to showcase their marketing efforts.

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Networking at Night Event is set to promote speed networking; Wednesday, Dec. 9 is its Holiday Party as Vasa Park in Budd Lake.

“In recent years we have streamlined our programs, narrowing them down to what our members have said they wanted and had the time for,” says Singer. “Focusing on the second and third Wednesdays of each month, with exception when timing doesn't work.

“Those programs are Networking at Night on the second Wednesday of each month sharing with our premiere events: Breakfast with the Mayors, Share Your Success Women's Panel, Business Person & Humanitarian of the Year Awards, Networking BBQ, Oliver Awards and the Holiday Party.”

A dozen new members have joined this past year!   

“It has been a great year when it comes to new members,” says Singer. “We have added 12 new members since January. They are varied types of businesses that span a wide array of different industries.” 

New members that have joined this past year represent a diverse mix of industries, including banking, health care, education, insurance, real estate, fitness, marketing, restaurants and professional services. Centenary University also recently joined the organization.

Membership does fluctuate, she admits.

“As it happens every year, we lose some members and then we gain new ones,” says Singer. “Our membership holds steady at 110 member businesses.”

While existing members have been seasoned on MOACC’s agenda, new members like to share and tell their take on the organization.

“We hear from new members that they love the camaraderie and helpfulness of each member,” says Singer. “They like the opportunities to network in the morning and/or in the evening as their schedules allow. They also like that we keep our event pricing low for members as an added benefit. They also like the diversity of our events, keeping the gatherings fresh.” 

New businesses are even recognized with ribbon cuttings managed by their townships.

“Ribbon cutting and grand opening are handled through the mayor's office in which we are invited to and love to attend,” says Singer. “It is always great to see new businesses come into the Mt. Olive Area.”

As for goals for the remainder of 2026, Singer shares: “To make sure our membership is happy, they are heard, and that we are offering them the best way to network with fellow business owners and showcase their business.”

Making connections even with outside organizations and companies is always worthwhile.   

“We are always open to collaborations,” says Singer. “We love to support the township as well as our nonprofits.”  

With the holiday season on the way, MOACC stays informed with all that is planned and tries to promote with any means necessary.

“Both our retail and services provider members are always ready to share their offers and plans with each other as well as promote it through their different marketing channels,” says Singer. “As a chamber, we have a dedicated Facebook Group where members can post about their business and offering so we all can stay informed.”

The positive experience has kept Singer involved in the group and a leader in promoting its benefits.  

“I loved this chamber from day one,” she says. “I have never met a more friendly and supportive group of people. Each member is always willing to discuss things that could be affecting another’s business, or flat out just help when needed. 

“There are so many positives to the chamber,” she adds. “New business owners can gain knowledge from the seasoned business owners; they don't have to feel like they are alone in the business world. They have a strong and supportive group that is willing to help them grow as well as refer them to other people within their sphere. As we tell all of our members, you need to come out, you need to network, you need to be seen to get the most value.”

To learn more, visit www.mountolivechambernj.com, register to attend an event  or reach out to Singer at president@mountolivechambernj.com.

“Also, as a volunteer organization, we would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our members and sponsors who support us year after year!” she concludes. 

One Hour Fitness in Flanders is adding more classes on its clock, with more morning classes while summer is still in session. 

Classes are at 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 6 p.m. weeknights; and morning classes on weekends.

Beginner and advanced step classes, Pilates, Zumba, kickbox, aerobics, toning and various size and strength of bands, balls and bells ring in the hour! 

Remember if you haven't attended a class before you can come and take your first class for free. Hope to see you soon. The schedule is on our website: https://www.onehourfitness.net/

By Cheryl Conway

From gas prices to groceries, necessary services and more, Mt. Olive residents like many others are feeling financial strain.

With inflation continuing to impact household budgets, Mt. Olive officials are examining ways to strengthen the township’s finances without placing additional pressure on residents. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko presented a series of proposed revenue-generating measures to the Township Council on June 9 that could bring in more than $1 million in one-time revenue and nearly $360,000 annually if approved.

 His next step is to draft ordinances for council approval.    

“I would anticipate about nine different ordinances as each recommended change is in different chapters of the code and should be voted on separately,” explains Tatarenko. “Our legal department is currently drafting the ordinances, and I would anticipate all of them to be introduced within the next two months.”

With a 2026 Municipal Budget described as “challenging,” Tatarenko contacted each department within the municipality—Administration, Clerk, Board of Health, Public Works, Recreation, Finance, Fire Prevention, Zoning, Municipal Court, Police and, Building and Grounds—to recommend ideas to bring in new revenue.

“We’re trying to limit the amount to taxpayers,” he says.

If all of the recommendations are approved and council passes the ordinances, Tatarenko projects a reduction of spending by $48K, he shares at the council meeting. For municipal tax purposes, this revenue will save taxpayers who own an average assessed value home $32 annually.

Here are some of his suggestions:

The Administration Dept. can bring in revenue for three public properties that do not exist in open space such as a commercial property in Rt. 46 and the Pond View property that is for sale. It can also allow a cannabis manufacturing and warehouse to utilize space in the International Trade Zone. This could bring in $800K plus taxes moving forward, says Tatarenko.

The township clerk can increase fees in various areas such as ABC licensing, peddler permits, bingo and raffles, taxis and limousines, notary services and business registration certificate which can bring in $30K in revenue.

“We looked at what other towns are doing,” says Tatarenko. “We want to cover our cost.”

For the Board of Health, an additional $80K in revenue can be sought with sewage disposal permits, well permits, retail food establishments and multi-dwelling inspections.

Public Works is looking at ways to reduce costs. Ideas are to increase dumpster rentals which are currently at $260 per dumpster; adding a $25 fee for chipping service which was offered for free as part of spring cleaning. Last year there were 180 calls for chipping, adds Tatarenko. Another idea is modifying the annual bulk item pick up service to charge residents once they hit their three items for pick up.

The bulk item pick that was done in April cost $20K in overtime costs, says Tatarenko. The program costs $60K “that we are offering for free,” he adds.

 For Recreation, the suggestion is to start charging a daily fee or seasonal use fee at the Pirate’s Cove splash pad.

It costs the township $65K annually to staff the splash pad at Turkey Brook Park, along with chemicals and maintenance.

“It should be treated like a pool facility,” he says. Charging a fee can bring 90% of the cost back to the town.

It has been recommended to charge seasonal fees of $50 per child for residents, and $75 per child for non-residents; or $2 per day for those aged 3-17 for residents and $4 per child for non-residents; 2 years old and under are free.

Pirate’s Cove has attracted 6,000 residents per year and 7,400 non-residents, equating to 55% attending from out of town, he says.

A few years back, the township did consider removing the splash pad which cost $40K to install, says Council President Alex Roman.

“The cost to remove it was never looked into,” adds Roman. “Every year I see complaints— out of towners, food, other manners.

Councilman Raffaele Ruggiero suggests that $100 for two children is steep so he suggests a lower fee per child.

“Almost any fee will discourage out of towners,” says Tatarenko.

If this is approved, attendees will have to show driver’s license at the splash pad’s entrance to determine residents from non-residents.

The finance department has suggested that the tax division bill for duplicate tax bills, tax searches, redemption statements and lien holds.

Fire prevention can charge fees for smoke alarm certifications, reinspection, business registration totaling $110K in increased revenue.

Zoning department can increase permits from $25 to $50 for residential zoning; and $100 to $200 for commercial zoning permits.

Municipal court has 1,600 delinquent cases resulting in $400K in outstanding municipal fines. Debt collectors can pursue those delinquent fines, suggests Tatarenko.

Police department has suggested burglar alarm registration for businesses. The police responded to 1,900 burglar alarm calls over the past five years, with most being false alarms. There are about 100 alarms that can be registered, says Tatarenko.

Lastly, the building department can require construction fees for buildings requiring electrical use.   

“At this point it appears that the council is in agreement with the recommended changes,” says Tatarenko.

“I wouldn’t characterize the changes as extreme,” he notes. “We periodically review our code and make changes to reflect current market conditions.  However, given the budget challenges we are facing with development slowing down and the need for more long-term fascial sustainability without putting the burden on the taxpayer, we did a comprehensive review of all departments to find new sources of revenue.” 

By Cheryl Conway

Starting this school year, Mt. Olive High School students will not be allowed to use their cell phones during the entire school day, except if there is an emergency or approved accommodation.

The Mt. Olive Township School District is not alone in this call for action as school districts statewide must comply with requirements being mandated by the New Jersey state government.

“The changes result from new state requirements directing N.J. school districts to limit student access to personal internet-enabled devices during the school day,” explains Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sumit Bangia. “Districts throughout the state are now updating their policies and procedures in preparation for the 2026–2027 school year.”

Starting with the 2026-27 school year, a new N.J. law mandates that boards of education adopt policies restricting student use of internet-enabled devices—such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches—during the school day, on school buses and at school-sanctioned events.

This legislation, signed by former Gov. Phil Murphy in early 2026, aims to improve student mental health, well-being and academic performance. The requirement follows guidance from the NJDOE and recommendations from the “Growing Up Online” report, which advocated for a full ban on phones and social media during school hours. School-provided educational devices are exempt from this policy.

With this new policy on the line, N.J. is requiring all public-school districts to adopt a "bell-to-bell" policy prohibiting non-academic cell phone use during the entire school day, starting in the 2026–2027 school year. This mandate applies to grades K through 12, covering classroom instruction, hallways and school events.

In Mt. Olive, “the work is focused on updating our existing practices to comply with state requirements while developing procedures that best meet the needs of Mt. Olive students and staff,” explains Bangia.

“The Board of Education will be required to approve revisions to Board Policy 5516 to ensure that the district’s policy fully aligns with the new state requirements,” she adds. “The district is currently working through those revisions, including the changes necessary at the high school level. The board has also been kept informed regarding the district’s implementation planning.”

Since most of the requirements have already been met regarding cell phones at the middle and elementary schools in town, it is the high school which will have to deal with significant changes.  

“The updated policy will apply districtwide to students in PreK through grade 12,” says Bangia. “However, because our elementary and middle school students already follow restrictions that are largely consistent with the new state requirements, the most notable change will affect students in grades nine through 12.

“Mt. Olive is fortunate that many of the expectations required under the new state law are already reflected in our existing Board Policy 5516,” says Bangia.

“At the elementary level, students in preK through grade five are currently prohibited from using electronic communication devices anywhere on school grounds during the school day, including during before- and after-school programs, co-curricular activities and while riding on a school bus,” she details.

“At the middle school level, students in grades six through eight are currently prohibited from using electronic communication devices during the designated school day and devices must remain in student lockers,” continues Bangia. “Limited use is permitted during before- and after-school programs and on school buses at times designated by the principal or designee.

“As a result, we do not anticipate significant changes for our elementary and middle school students,” says Bangia.

“The most substantial change will occur at the high school,” she explains. “Under the current policy, high school students may use electronic communication devices during passing periods, lunch and on school buses at designated times. Students may also use a device during instructional time when directed by a staff member. The revised policy will require high school students to secure their personal devices for the entire school day, except when an approved accommodation or emergency circumstance applies.”

Students will be allowed to bring their cell phones, under the new law, but they must be out of reach.

“The high school is primarily planning to use assigned hallway lockers for full-day device storage,” shares Bangia. “The Doorman app is also being reviewed as a possible supplemental support tool, but the hallway locker model remains the primary approach.”

The Doorman app is a student cell phone blocker used as a popular classroom tool that allows students to keep their phones but automatically disables non-academic applications, social media and internet access during class time. 

With ongoing changes in the law regarding cell phones in classroom, MOTSD complies when required.

“The district periodically reviews and updates its policies in response to changes in law, regulation, technology and student needs,” says Bangia. “We are reviewing the policy history to confirm the exact number of prior amendments to Policy 5516.”

So far Mt. Olive school board members have been on board, but some parents have addressed their concerns.”

“The board has been supportive of the district’s planning efforts and of ensuring that the district complies with the state requirements while developing age-appropriate procedures for students,” says Bangia.
“The district has received questions and feedback from parents regarding how the new expectations will be implemented,” she adds. “To date, the discussion has primarily focused on understanding the procedures, student access to devices, emergency communication and how the expectations will be enforced.”

It is the older students who will have to change their ways.

“The greatest adjustment will likely occur at the high school because students have traditionally been permitted to use their phones during passing periods and lunch,” says Bangia. “We anticipate challenges related to consistent enforcement, ensuring that all lockers are functional and accessible, managing early dismissals and extracurricular activities, and helping students adjust to staying informed, organized and connected without immediate access to their phones.

“We are also reviewing communication platforms such as Inform911 to help keep families informed during school-related drills and emergencies when students may not have access to personal devices,” she adds.

While adhering to change is never easy, preventing the use of cell phones in the school can have its benefits.

“The goal is to reduce distractions, improve student engagement and academic focus, encourage stronger face-to-face interaction and support a positive and safe learning environment,” says Bangia. “We also want the transition to be practical, consistent and respectful of student needs.”

While the details to the revised cell phone policy is still being mapped out, the school community should expect changes to occur soon!

“The revised expectations will be implemented at the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year,” says Bangia. “Schools have been using the spring and summer to develop procedures, engage students and staff, test implementation strategies and communicate expectations to families.”

All students will be expected to adhere to the policy changes and disciplinary action will be taken if necessary.  

“Consequences will be outlined through revisions to the Student Code of Conduct and will follow a progressive discipline approach,” says Bangia. “The district’s focus will be on education, consistency, accountability and providing students with a reasonable opportunity to adjust to the new expectations.

“At the high school, proposed consequences under review include confiscation of the device, parent retrieval, detention and increasingly serious consequences for repeated or willful violations,” she details. “The final expectations and consequences will be communicated to students and families before implementation.”

Enforcing the new policy will require a call for action for all school leaders.

“Enforcement will be a coordinated effort involving administrators, teachers, support staff and security personnel,” says Bangia. “At the high school, students will be expected to place their devices in their assigned hallway lockers at the beginning of the school day and retrieve them after dismissal. Staff and security personnel will support compliance through consistent supervision, reminders and follow-up when violations occur.

“The district has emphasized that consistency among staff will be essential,” she adds. “Department supervisors are also working with teachers to identify any instructional activities that have historically relied on student phones and to develop appropriate alternatives using district-issued technology.”

While there are pros and cons to cell phone usage in schools, school leaders are trying to stay positive with the upcoming changes.

“The district is trying to approach this transition in a positive and student-centered manner,” says Bangia. “Students have been consulted through class meetings, student leadership groups, lunch discussions, surveys and pilot activities. Their feedback has helped identify practical concerns involving locker access, lunch payments, dismissal procedures, early releases and emergency communication.

“We have also asked the high school administration to explore incentives that make the transition more engaging for students,” she adds. “Ideas under consideration include grade-level or class competitions based on the fewest cell phone infractions, donations from local businesses to class accounts, raffles and other schoolwide activities.

“While the district did not create the state mandate, we want to make the best of the transition and encourage students to take ownership of its successful implementation,” she concludes.

The Mt. Olive Township Police Department led another successful National

night Out! An estimated 2,000 residents and neighbors were in attendance. The night was filled

with fun activities including pony and hot air balloon rides, inflatables, cute adoptable puppies and

dogs to cuddle, amazing music, and of course the fireworks! 

Special visitors met with Mayor Joe Nicastro and Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko on Aug. 4,  from the New Jersey Department of Health Division of Local Public Health Rikiyah Mixson and Karima Saidhatimi. They were given a tour on the progress, and everyone is looking forward to the expansion and serving the community. From left, is Derrick Webb, director of Health /Health Officer; Mayor Joe Nicastro; Rikiyah Mixson, Public Policy Specialist/Transformation coordinator; Karima Saidhatimi, Public Health liaison; and Andrew Tatarenko, Business administrator.  

On Saturday, July 25,  Mayor Joe Nicastro, Councilwoman Mary Lalama, former Councilman Greg Stewart, and Deputy Director Commissioner John Krickus gathered to celebrate Vasa Park’s 90th anniversary. The event was a grand celebration filled with joy, smiles, and camaraderie among attendees of all ages. Congressman Kean also attended the festivities, recognizing Vasa Park’s long-standing significance to the community.

During the celebration, proclamations and citations were presented in honor of Vasa Park’s 90 years of service and its deep-rooted heritage. The park, originally established by Scandinavian immigrants, reflects the rich cultural traditions of Nordic countries. The event highlighted the park’s importance as a cultural and recreational hub that honors the Scandinavian heritage and brings people together across generations.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join the 25th Anniversary Morris County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Morris County 9/11 Memorial, 460 W. Hanover Ave., Parsippany-Troy Hills.

The keynote remarks will be delivered by Dennis Letts, a retired United States Secret Service executive and Tunnel to Towers Foundation ambassador, who was at the World Trade Center in New York City when jihadist terrorists carried out the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. This year marks a quarter century since nearly 3,000 people were killed after four commercial airliners were hijacked by Islamic extremists, who flew two planes into the Twin Towers and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought to regain control of the aircraft.

The Morris County remembrance ceremony this year will begin after sundown, more than an hour later than in previous years, to accommodate residents observing Rosh Hashanah.

The evening will feature a candlelight vigil, musical tributes, an invocation, the reading of the names of the 64 Morris County residents who perished in the attacks, and a procession of firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, veterans and other dignitaries.

About Keynote Speaker: On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Dennis Letts, a U.S. Secret Service special agent at the time, was exiting the North Tower of the World Trade Center when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building directly above him. He immediately returned to assist with the evacuation of thousands of occupants and later supported the emergency evacuation of civilians from Lower Manhattan after the towers collapsed. For his extraordinary courage and leadership during the attacks, he was awarded the United States Secret Service Medal of Valor.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the Morris County ceremony, as seating is limited.

Parking is available at the Morris County Department of Human Services offices at 340 West Hanover Ave., Morris Township. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the memorial.

Police, fire and rescue departments may participate by sending one apparatus per agency and assembling by 6 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Ave.

The 9/11 ceremony will also be livestreamed on Facebook: facebook.com/share/19AqWm3TEx/