Welcome readers to the 116th issue of Mt. Olive Online!

By Cheryl Conway 

The Mt. Olive Parade will soon be marching through the streets Saturday, Sept. 27, but before that members of the community are invited to Family Fitness Night!

Get off that couch and run over to Flander Parks on Flanders Bartley Road on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., for some fitness, games and fun. This is Mt. Olive’s first Family Fitness Night!

Organized by the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, the community event is inviting all ages, young and old, fit and unfit, to promote wellness, connectivity, good spirit and family togetherness.

“The Mayor’s Wellness Committee believes wellness is a community effort,” shares Jenna Murphy,  project coordinator for Mt. Olive Recreation. “We are not just promoting exercise; we are building connections and community spirit. This event is a great opportunity for family bonding.

The event was created by the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, which is comprised of Murphy, along with Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro, Mayor’s Assistant Lisa Brett, Recreation Supervisor Liz Meininger and Health Officer Derrick Webb.

“Mt. Olive Township commits to the Mayors Wellness Campaign every year,” says Murphy. “The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a statewide initiative that provides assistance to mayors to help their residents achieve a healthier lifestyle.”

Flanders Park is the perfect location for the event.

“Flanders Park was designed to be multi-generational,” says Murphy. “There is playground equipment, interactive games, exercise equipment and a neighboring track.”

For the two hours, different activities will be planned throughout the evening. Events will include guided adult exercise, group walk and game night featuring cornhole, ping pong and outdoor fun!

There will be a schedule for the group walks to be organized at the event, details Murphy, who will serve as one of the instructors during the event, along with Meininger and  Bianca Marinelli, Recreation Program coordinator.

“All ages and fitness levels are welcome!” she stressed. “Ages 0-100. There is something for everyone.

“We have been working diligently to create Mayor’s Wellness events with alternatives for the community” she adds. “This evening will have activities for everyone. We hope to see families, senior citizens, and singles!”

Attendees should come dressed in comfortable clothes and sneakers, and they should bring water to stay hydrated.

Parking will be available in the main parking lot at the park and the gravel lot located on Pleasant Hill Road, next to the temple, she advises.

Like the parade, the event is free. No registration required. Look for other future events planned through the Mayor’s Wellness Committee.

“Throughout the year, we’ve hosted a variety of events and programs,” says Murphy. “As part of our commitment to inclusive wellness, we’ve introduced Chair Yoga sessions designed specifically for our senior residents. The response has been incredible, with many participants sharing how it’s boosted their energy and confidence. It has been wonderful to see more seniors in our community getting involved!”

By Cheryl Conway 

Dozens of programs kept younger generations quite busy at the Mt. Olive Public Library this summer but one new one that rolled in was a hit and had hundreds jumping and flipping to the scene.

The MOPL held a skateboarding event on Saturday, July 26, from noon to 1 p.m., pulling in 216 attendees for the show.

“We are the first library to ever hold an event like this outdoors, and it was well received,” shares Monica Powers, Program coordinator & assistant Youth Services at MOPL. “This was the first time any library has ever held an "action sport" event! My son is an avid skater himself and it's what gave me the idea to think outside the box.

“Every year we try to incorporate a new program that hasn't been done before,” says Powers.

This year it was a skateboarding event with Cultivate Skate in Morristown.

“They brought the talent, and knowledge of history and current events revolving around skateboarding,” she adds. “How it started, how far it's come and where it's going.”

The program attracted a good mix of children and adults of various ages.

“The skateboarding demos were left to our professionals, while the audience watched,” says Powers. “We provided fun drinks, snacks and music to add to the fun of this event. We also had a raffle where Cultivate Skate gave away two skateboards and cool merch!”

With multiple programs held at the library, Powers says the skateboarding event definitely drew a crowd.

“I feel like providing an event like this definitely opened the door for skateboarding information that isn't always available for families and children who are interested in a sport like this,” says Powers. “Where to go and shop, how do we size for a skateboard, where do you skate, how do you learn to skate and clubs they can join? 

“The popularity of the event is the fact that so many kids want to skate and unless you're located in a busy city, it's very hard to find the appropriate information on skateboarding,” she adds. “There's not many outlets for kids that want to skate, so we were able to bring the skateboarding to them! Hoping events like this will broaden the skate community to more rural areas like ours.”

Because of its popularity, Powers says the library will most likely offer the skateboarding workshop again.

“We are definitely anticipating on holding an event like this again,” says Powers. “We have also confirmed that they will be donating to our annual holiday reading raffle, so the friendship will continue. I love to see kids outside being active and creative, and I believe skateboarding is a great way to see this!”

For those not into skateboarding, the MOPL offers a host of events and programs to meet so many various interests.

“For this summer reading, Color Our World, 56 total programs for the entire library were provided for the public,” shares Powers. “From June 21 to August 8 the library does its best to make fun and diverse programs for all ages. From painting, guessing games, arts & crafts, reading challenges, trivia, music, cooking and more!”

Some other highlighted events that brought the crowd were The Christmas Luau with Santa.

“He came in on his vacation time wearing his cool Hawaiian summer gear along with Mrs. Claus,” says Powers.

“Pearl Observatory is always a big hit with the kids,” she continues. “Who doesn't like to go into a dome and look at the constellations and the night sky!

“Adults had some fun events too, with Bad Art, Jewelry Making, Edible Art and daily in house trivia to win prizes,” says Powers. “The entire library was decked out in tons of color to go with the theme. Fluorescents, rainbows and colored retro games added to the displays.

“Every summer we work very hard to provide a memorable visit whether you're coming to a special event or enjoying some quiet time reading,” says Powers. “We welcome everyone with a smile and a helping hand.

“So, to say that we love when we know people enjoy themselves when they are here is an understatement,” sums up Powers. “Sometimes life can be very heavy, so we are here to provide happiness, simplicity and creativity to your library experience.”

As for the remainder of 2025, much more is in store at the library.

“We have currently started to plan for the new school year, fall fun events and the holiday raffle which will be held on a Monday night this year, Dec. 15,” concludes Powers, so mark that calendar. “It's always a welcomed event from everyone who participates. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer.”

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. 

By Cheryl Conway 

There was a giant snake slithering along the entranceway of the Mt. Olive Public Library this summer but instead of causing any harm it brought some charm, cheer, creativity and camaraderie.

This new initiative—Our Community Colored Rock Snake, Roscoe—was created by Monica Powers, Program coordinator & assistant Youth Services at MOPL.  Roscoe was a long snake made out of rocks at the right of the front doors of the library and it grew every day with colorful painted rocks as its body.

The Roscoe initiative started on opening day,  June 21 and went through Aug. 8. Summer was certainly sizzling with Roscoe slithering at the MOPL!

“Everyone of any age was welcomed to choose a rock from our grounds and decorate it with paint markers provided,” explains Powers. “They would then add the rock to the body of the snake making him colorful and long for all to see all summer long.”

The sign at its head read: “Please grab a rock off of our grounds and paint or color the rock however you like and add it to the body of our snake. There is a table set up with all the supplies. Let’s see how long we can make him. Think colorful; polka dots, stripes, rainbow.”

Its green head was made out of a large rock and had black eyes and a bright pink tongue. By the time it was done, its body had colorful rocks with hearts and rainbows, creators’ names, suns, waves and inspiring words.

“Roscoe reached about 45 ft. long until we started to adjust his length and add to his existing body by moving some of the rocks up,” says Powers. “We wanted him super long, and we got what we asked!”

But like Frosty the Snowman who melts on a warmer day, Roscoe had to go away to leave room for other ideas.

“Roscoe will be dismantled at the end of summer reading with many of the rocks returning to our grounds,” shares Powers. 

“There were some rocks that stand out with very creative art. Those will be pulled and put on display for a month in our glass case for all to see.”

Powers was pleased with the community’s response and participation in helping to build Roscoe.

“This was a great way to bring art and creativity to each person,” says Powers. “All of the rocks show a small piece of each participant in our community.  I loved seeing the ideas people came up with and watching Roscoe grow. Each day I came into work he was bigger and brighter than the day before.

COE “We have never done something like this before, but, like many activities we try to come up with new ways for all ages to participate in something fun and creative,” she concludes as she looks forward to fall initiatives to come.“

By Cheryl Conway

The main highways in Mt. Olive will be getting a few more lights down the road to promote safer driving and hopefully less accidents.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation approved two new traffic lights and an emergency control light on Rt. 206 and Rt. 46. These new lights have been a long-time coming and will help not only the flow of traffic but will help drivers merging onto the highway or turning into their housing developments.

Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro was happy to provide an update on these new lights at the July 22 Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting.   

“This has been a battle for us for a very long time, and we finally have good news to report,” says Nicastro.  

Three new lights have been requested, explains Mt. Olive Twp Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko.

“Two of which are your standard traffic control lights at the intersection of Rt. 46/Connelly and Rt. 206/Overlook Apartments (northern entrance) and one emergency control light on Rt. 46 near the Budd Lake Fire Department,” details Tatarenko.

“Two are your standard lights and one is an emergency light which is activated during a fire response,” he adds. “I have not yet seen the final design from the DOT so I am not sure if there are any dedicated turning signals.” 

Although Rt. 46 and Rt. 206 are N.J. State Highways controlled by the Department of Transportation, the installation of new traffic signals requires a cost sharing agreement of which the township is responsible for 25% of the cost, says Tatarenko. Mt. Olive Twp. has bonded for capital funds in the 2025 budget specifically for this project.

The light at the intersection of Rt. 46/Connolly Ave. has gone through the preliminary design phase and the estimated cost is $191,000 of which the township will contribute $47,750, he shares.  The cost of the other two lights has not yet been determined. 

The date that they are going up is not yet determined by the DOT, says Tatarenko.

“This is in the design phase now which is good,” says Nicastro. He expects the projects to be completed in about one year.  

Why more lights, some may question?

“Traffic safety along the highways has always been a concern and Mayor Nicastro has made it a top priority,” says Tatarenko. 

There have been “Motor vehicle crashes as you enter/exit onto the highways,” he adds. “Since 2019, there have been 4,363 crashes, 909 of which resulted in Fire/EMS services and seven fatalities.  That data is not specific to the intersections, just the highways in general.” 

The most recent fatality was Sunday, Aug. 3, around 9 p.m. when a 26-year-old man was killed when his motorcycle collided with a jeep at intersection of Rt. 206 and Oakwood Dr. North in Flanders.

“Just another reason I really tried to do what we could do on these highways,” says Nicastro. The new light on Rt. 206 will be the only access point into the apartment complex.  

Having these traffic lights near Oakwood Village and Connelly Drive will help slow the traffic down and also provide drivers with easier access to merge onto the highway or turn into their developments.

The blinking light near the fire department will be beneficial “so people know to stop.”

The highways will be “a lot safer,” says Nicastro. “We’ve been after this for many years.”

Tatarenko provides some background.

“This has been a priority since Mayor Nicastro took office,” explains Tatarenko.  “Within three months of taking office, the administration and police department met with the NJDOT to review our concerns and discuss solutions.  Meetings were also held with the ownership of the Overlook Apartments as they are stakeholders in the project.

“On May 14, 2024, the governing body took official action, requested the traffic control devices and agreed to the cost-sharing proposal,” he adds. “Once it was officially requested, the NJDOT completes its traffic study to determine if the lights are warranted.”

It took more than a year to get approval.

On March 13, MO Twp. officials were notified via email that the signal warrant analysis was completed by the N.J. DOT.

“Based on the data, a signal was not warranted at that location,” says Tatarenko. “That same day, the mayor sent a letter appealing their decision and requesting the NJDOT to reconsider their decision.  On July 14, the township was informed that our request was approved.” 

Concludes Nicastro, “A lot of safety things going on Rt. 46 and Rt. 206! We are just going to keep moving forward with safety.”

Looks like more sidewalks will be considered next! Stay tuned for more info!

With fall almost here, holidays will be kicking in before you know it, 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 Mayor Joe Nicastro met with the 7th and 8th grade lacrosse team on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

In the spring 2025 season, they went 20-3-1.  They were the #1 seed in the "A" division playoffs and won the "A" division Championship.  

The team was composed of 11 8th graders and 12 7th graders.  These boys are now entering 9th and 8th grade . 

Front row, from left, left: Noah Fletcher, Blake Perkoski, Jonny Galdieri, Griffin Kazan, Joey Sacco, Jimmy Baccaro, Danny Donohue, Cam Tyburski, Stephen Norris, Parker Cooke, Mayor Nicastro.

Back row: Coach Brian Tyburski, Jackson Scibetta, Charlie Darbig, Jake Burke, Coach Jon Galdieri, Jason Hills, Coach Joe Sacco, Cooper Dahms, Coach Steve Toto, Coach Ryan Dahms, Brody Cumming

Not pictured: Matthew Campbell, Justin Sanders, Tobi Fasehun, Cole Rebels, Owen Vogt, Ethan Reilly, Joey Doherty. 

A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, the magnificently macabre hit musical THE ADDAMS FAMILY comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown for three performances, Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $79-$129. 

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.

On the heels the new season of Wednesday, the 3rd most-watched show on Netflix of all time, Big League Productions, Inc. presents THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a devilishly delightful musical comedy based on the creepy, kooky characters by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams.

BIG LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS (Producer) is celebrating its 31st season of producing and general managing Broadway tours of shows and attractions throughout the world. For more information, visit www.BigLeagueProductions.org.

More information about The Addams Family at MPAC.

About MPAC

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2025-2026 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. 

On August 23, the Mt. Olive  community came together for an unforgettable day celebrating local food, music, and spectacular fireworks! The event featured a diverse array of food trucks, many operated by non-profit organizations, offering delicious eats for all attendees. With lively music performances and perfect weather, over 10,000 people enjoyed a fun-filled day full of entertainment and community spirit. The highlight was undoubtedly the dazzling fireworks display that lit up the night sky, capping off an outstanding event that brought joy to everyone involved. 

 Plans are underway for the inaugural Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic to be held at the Grayfields Polo Club in Allamuchy on Saturday, Sept. 13. Proceeds will benefit the agency’s services for low-income individuals and families in Northwest New Jersey.

“We are excited to be partnering with NJ Polo to raise funds for the programs and services which are essential for struggling families in our area,” said Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “The Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic invites people of all ages to come together in a fun and relaxing environment, enjoy a tailgate and time outdoors, and support local families in need.”

The event kicks off at noon as VIP Tent ticketholders will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, fine cuisine, and signature drinks catered by Andre’s Lakeside Dining while tailgaters will welcome their guests to their elaborately customized spaces, and general admission ticketholders will set up their viewing areas.

Welcoming arrivals will be Sussex Brass Quintet musicians Chris Arnold, Joshua Jenkins, Kevin Shinall, Jason Whitaker, and Harold Woods. Meanwhile, the Pro Tempos, featuring Carol and Gary Kraemer, will entertain inside the VIP Tent.

During half-time, spectators will be encouraged to take part in the treasured tradition of divot stomping, smoothing the field for the second half of the polo match. Other activities will include competitions for best hat and best tailgate, a silent auction, and naming of the match MVP and Best Playing Polo.  After the match, all are invited to move onto the field and enjoy a festive after-party featuring the Mike Lawlor Band.

Presenting sponsor for the Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic is Mercedes-Benz of Newton which will have several models on display.  Other sponsors include First Hope Bank; Lakeside Construction; Sue and Greg Murphy; Blake and Cathy Ellman; Dee and Jim Fernandez; Lorraine and Tim Parker; Franklin Mutual Insurance; Alissa and Joel Isaacson; Provident Bank; Mary Ann and Tony DeSantis; Acrisure; and Nisivoccia.

More information about available sponsorships, tailgates spaces, VIP and general admission tickets can be found at www.projectselfsufficiency.org  and www.njpolo.org.  Questions: Call 973-940-3500 or emailpss@projectselfsufficiency.org.

Vasa Park is proud to announce the return of Gormánuður Viking Fest, a medieval and Viking-themed harvest celebration, taking place November 15–16. Inspired by the ancient Norse calendar, Gormánuður marks the first month of winter—a time traditionally reserved for feasting, community, and preparation for the cold months ahead.

Gormánuður is a New Jersey local community festival sponsored by Vasa Park in partnership with various NJ based historical nonprofits.. We seek to bring Viking and medieval history to the community through a fun engaging environment that is accessible and welcoming to all.

This immersive two-day festival invites guests to step into a world of medieval wonder, complete with:

• Live Entertainment: A variety of musicians, performers, games, and interactive classes and workshops. New performers include world folk troupe GypsyFunkSquad, fire breather Needlez the Dragonborn, and the historical reenactors from Clan of the Raven and the Kingdom of Acre.
• Viking Market: A daytime bazaar featuring over 30 artisans and vendors offering handcrafted goods, food, and drink.
• Combat & Archery: Witness armored knights fight for glory, or partake in our various archery stations for adults and children. Young guests will also get the opportunity to test their strength against the Acre warriors during the “Whack-a-Knight” children’s event, a crowd favorite!
• Medieval Camping: An authentic Viking inspired 5-course meal on Saturday evening, where guests will partake in courtly ceremony and celebration.
• Medieval Camping: A unique opportunity to experience life as a Norse traveler under the stars and partake in community evening campfires.

Performer and vendor applications are currently open, and tickets are available now through the official website.

Whether you're a seasoned reenactor or a curious newcomer, Gormánuður offers a rare chance to celebrate the spirit of the Viking age in a vibrant, family-friendly setting.

Contact: Louisa Valentín, Event Director

Email: info@gormanudur.com

Website: www.gormanudur.com

Phone: 702-850-7869

Morris County Encourages Residents to Sign Up for Alerts, Build a Plan & Communicate It

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are urging residents to strengthen their readiness this September, which is National Emergency Preparedness Month, by following the ABC method: which means sign up for Alerts, Build a Plan and Communicate the Plan.

“Morris County is well-equipped to respond to all types of emergencies. The Office of Emergency Management is an incredible resource, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the tools they offer,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. By taking a few simple steps, you are not only protecting your family but also strengthening the entire community.”

The ABC Method offers practical guidance for every household:

• A – Alerts: Sign up for Morris County’s emergency alerts to stay informed during severe weather, public safety incidents and other emergencies. Alerts are available via text, email, social media and the county website.
• B – Build a Plan: Every household should create a written emergency plan with evacuation routes, medical needs, pet care and essential supplies. Residents with disabilities or functional needs can register for the NJ Special Needs Registry for priority assistance.
• C – Communicate the Plan: Make sure all family members understand the plan, know emergency contacts and can access critical information. Consider creating a Smart911 profile so first responders have immediate access to important details during an emergency.

Morris County OEM also encourages residents to take their preparedness a step further by volunteering with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT provides citizens with a 20-hour training course in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic medical operations, light search and rescue, and disaster psychology.

“CERT members learn the hazards they may face in their community and gain the skills to help their families and neighbors when first responders are overwhelmed,” said Jeffrey Paul, director of Morris County OEM. “It’s one of the most effective ways for residents to get directly involved in protecting their community.”

CERT volunteers not only support their neighborhoods during emergencies but also assist with special projects that improve community preparedness year-round. To learn more about CERT, visit ready.gov/cert or contact your local Emergency Management Coordinator.

Residents can access emergency planning guides, downloadable templates, safety checklists, and links to additional resources by visiting the Morris County OEM website. For weekly alerts, tips and updates, follow Morris County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook.

Centenary University has announced the appointment of Pete Vincent of Hackettstown as its new director of athletics, marking a homecoming for the former Cyclone student-athlete and experienced athletics administrator. A 2007 graduate of the University, Vincent returns to his alma mater with over a decade of experience in collegiate athletics, coaching, and youth development. A native of Jersey City, Vincent has been a fixture in the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Department of Athletics since 2011.

“At Centenary, we have been steadily growing our NCAA DIII athletic programs and Cyclone student-athletes are achieving extraordinary success in the Atlantic East Conference,” said Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students Kerry Mullins. “Now, with Pete Vincent at the helm, the Cyclones are poised to soar to new heights.” 

A former shooting guard for the Centenary University men’s basketball team, Vincent was a three-year player after redshirting and serving as a student-assistant coach during his freshman season. He won the Cyclone Award all four years, an honor given to student-athletes who exemplify commitment, sportsmanship, and leadership.

Over his 14-year tenure at NJCU, Vincent served in a wide range of leadership roles, most recently as assistant director of athletics. Previously at NJCU, Vincent was the co-founder and assistant director for the Rising Knight Institute, coordinator of the academic retention program in athletics, and sport administrator for programs including baseball, cross country, track and field, women’s bowling, and men’s tennis. He was also a key operations figure at NJCU’s Thomas M. Gerrity Athletics Complex, where he served as the outdoor sports site supervisor.

Outside the collegiate realm, Vincent has long been a mentor and leader in youth basketball. He is currently a co-director for the United AAU basketball program, coaching and managing multiple basketball teams, and was the head girls’ varsity basketball coach at Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City from 2013 to 2022. His coaching résumé also includes time as an associate head coach at Marist High School and assistant boys’ coach at St. Mary High School, where he taught history prior to the school’s closing in 2011. Vincent has also contributed to the sport on a national level as assistant director of overnight camps for the Philadelphia 76ers since 2004 and has served as a coach for the renowned Five-Star Basketball Camps.

Vincent is a graduate of St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, where he was a three-sport athlete. He said of his Centenary University homecoming, “I am honored that the Centenary University administration has selected me to be the next director of athletics. I am extremely excited to come back to Cyclone Nation and devote my time and energy to making the next chapter here one of the best ever written. As a Centenary student-athlete, I had an amazing experience, both on and off the court. My goal is for every student-athlete to have the opportunity to feel the same way I feel about this wonderful place I call my second home.”

Players are invited to enjoy a day of friendly competition on the golf greens or the pickleball courts at the 2025 CCM Foundation President’s Golf Classic, taking place on Monday, October 6. The annual fundraiser will take place at a new venue, Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown, one of North Jersey’s premier private clubs, and for the first time, will include an option to play pickleball. Benefiting CCM Athletics and Foundation programs, this event enables participants and sponsors to directly impact student success, while supporting the community and strengthening the region’s economic vitality. 

The day begins at 10 a.m. with registration and a BBQ lunch, followed at noon by a shotgun start for golfers on the championship 18-hole course. Not a golfer? Participates can choose the newly added “Pickleball & Wine Tasting Experience,” featuring a lesson coached by one of the club’s pros, paired with a guided tasting of Italy’s finest wines led by a professional sommelier. At 4:30 p.m., all guests gather for an open bar cocktail reception, buffet dinner and awards program. Both experiences include amenities such as bag drop-off, driving range and locker rooms, along with a special thank you gift, plus opportunities to join in a tricky tray, 50/50 raffle and other prize drawings. 

Sponsorships begin at $350, ranging from tee signs and ad journal placements to lunch, dinner and beverage cart sponsorships, all the way up to the Champion Sponsor package. For more information, email foundation@ccm.edu or call 973-328-5060. 

Corporate foursomes, pickleball teams and individual participants are invited to pre-register by September 22 by visiting www.ccm.edu/events/foundation-golf-classic-2025/. 

The Centenary University Institute of Entrepreneurship will host the Small Business Summit: Growing Stronger Together on Monday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the David and Carol Lackland Center on the University’s Hackettstown campus.

Presented in partnership with the Hackettstown BID (Business Improvement District), the event will feature workshops, panels, vendors, and networking opportunities to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs. 

Workshop sessions will include The Art of Networking for Introverts led by real estate broker Tez Roro; Start With the End in Mind: The Value Today of Exit Planning led by Erin A. Madonna, financial advisor at Edward Jones; The Truth About AI in Small Business Marketing led by digital marketer Tim Rowe; Canva for Beginners led by Brie Devlin, owner of Something Good Marketing Company; Resources for Small Business Panel led by representatives of local, state, and national small business organizations; HR Solutions for Small Businesses led by Mark and Lisa Velez, owners of HR First Solutions; Starting Small, Serving Smart: What It Really Takes to Build a Sustainable Charity led by Holly Turner, business owner and founder of Raising Hands Literacy Project; and Customer Relations Panel: How to Make Good Connections and Keep Them, led by local business owners Brunno Pascale of Marley’s Gotham Grill, John Johnson of John Johnson Auto Group, Denise Maguire of Maguire Memorial Home, Ricardo Alvarado of Everitt House Bed and Breakfast, and Jordan (Falzarano) Ferrara of David’s Country Inn.

Founded in 2024, the Centenary Institute of Entrepreneurship provides business owners and prospective entrepreneurs with coaching and guidance from Centenary faculty, credentialed consultants, and experienced business students. A key part of its mission is to partner with leading business organizations to build a growth environment for small businesses in the Skylands region, as well as the broader New Jersey business community. The institute is the cornerstone of a strategy created to establish the University as an intellectual leader in New Jersey by Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., and Director of the Institute of Entrepreneurship Linda Poisseroux, Ph.D., professor of business and director of the University’s competitive business team, Enactus, which launched the initiative.

In addition to the Centenary University Institute of Entrepreneurship and Hackettstown BID, event sponsors include WRNJ, the Hackettstown Rotary Club/Foundation, and Centenary University’s Taylor Memorial Library.

The registration fee includes lunch and all event offerings. Early bird general admission registration is $25 per attendee with light refreshments, or $35 with lunch included.  Call 908-852-1400 ext. 5071, or email entrepreneurship@centenaryuniversity.edu  

 Pollinator Paradise—A pollinator garden designed and planted last spring by Centenary University students is already lending a helping hand to the monarch butterfly population. The garden, which is a collaboration between the University’s Evergreen Club and Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc., features plants including native milkweed, showy goldenrod, and cardinal flower grown from seeds by the students. When students returned for the fall semester, they found that butterfly caterpillars and full-grown Monarchs had taken up residence among the blooms. Led by Amanda Lorenzo and Jordan Henderson, the students designed the garden to improve biodiversity and rehabilitate the populations of Monarch butterflies, honeybees, and other pollinators.

Solemn Remembrance—Centenary University marked the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks  with a solemn ceremony on the University's Hackettstown campus. The Centenary community joined local police, veterans, and area residents to pray for and honor the fallen.