Mt. Olive Begins 2024 With New Leaders 

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By Cheryl Conway

Happy New Year Mt. Olive residents and with that the township welcomes a slew of new: Mayor, councilwoman, council president and vice president, police chief,  and even a middle school principal to name just a handful who will be in the helm of making decisions in 2024. 

Mt. Olive Township held its reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 2, to swear in Joe Nicastro as its new mayor; Mary Lalama to her first term as councilwoman; and Alex Roman, Colleen Labow and Chuck Aaron to another term on council.  

The Mt. Olive Twp. Council elected Alex Roman as its president and John Ferrante as its council vice president.   

At the December 2023 meeting, the council welcomed its new police chief Michael Spitzer. 

While there are quite a few taking on new leadership roles, some have returned such as Lisa Brett, who will serve as the mayor’s assistant.  

How refreshing it was to have Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman of the Chabad Jewish Center of Northwest New Jersey in Flanders give the invocation at the reorganization meeting. 

“Blessed the distinguished individuals who have been chosen to make laws and decisions for the citizens of our town,” recites Shusterman. “Grant these public servants wisdom, understanding and knowledge in their noble pursuit of governing with justice and equality. 

“Let us recognize we must unite in harmony as a peaceful process of government,” says Shusterman. “Even if we are not always in agreement, for in these times decisions need to be made for the common good. We are all beneficiaries of a democratic processing government. 

“Give our officials guidance to strive to enact laws with honesty and integrity,” he continues, “to build a just, moral and ethical society. Bestow upon our leaders the wisdom to turn adversity into opportunity and transform challenges into seeds from which will sprout the growth for tomorrow.”      

Nicastro then took the podium and gave his first State of the Township Address. See the full address below: 

State of the Township Address 2024 

Council President, members of the town council, municipal employees, friends, relatives, and fellow residents of Mount Olive, 

As I address you for the first time as the Mayor of Mount Olive, I extend my gratitude for the opportunity to present the 2024 State of the Township of Mount Olive. 

Congratulations to Council President Alex Roman and Vice President John Ferrante on assuming their new roles, and welcome to our newest Councilwoman, Mary Lalama, who now sits alongside the rest of our esteemed council. 

Having served on the council for 12 years, I take pride in having witnessed and contributed to the positive transformations that have shaped Mt. Olive into the outstanding community it is today. 

The State of our Township is robust, thanks to the dedication and focus of our Business Administrator, department heads, and employees who consistently prioritize the well-being of our residents. A comprehensive report of all departments, statistics, and accomplishments can be found on the township website. 

As Mayor, I have a series of projects I aim to pursue: 

Institute a Property Tax Reward Program to benefit residents, renters, workers, and local Mount Olive businesses. Participating in this program means a portion of sales from local businesses will directly come off of the residents’ property taxes, and renters or workers will receive a check for the amount saved. 

Establish a permanent Mount Olive food pantry by raising funds through donations and grants, with a focus on assisting families in need. 

Ensure that all residents, whether homeowners or renters, have a voice by creating an informal board comprising a council member, renters, and a property manager (or owner). This board will convene quarterly to address emerging issues and provide assistance if necessary. 

Establish a multicultural committee to generate ideas for educating and celebrating the diverse cultures and backgrounds that enrich our township. 

Prioritize road safety, particularly on Route 46, through collaboration with our police department and the state of New Jersey. 

Allocate $1 million for road resurfacing in my budget to maintain a portion of the over 135 miles of township roads.  

With funds that were allocated in the 23 budget we will make significant improvements to Budd Lake beach in 2024. 

Create a Veterans Day celebration to honor all Mount Olive Veterans. 

Collaborate with private companies to develop affordable housing for residents aged 62 and older who wish to remain in town. 

Work with internet providers to offer residents options for choosing their internet and TV provider. 

Grow our tax base creatively without compromising the beautiful open space and land we enjoy. 

Effective communication is vital, and I plan to utilize newspapers, social media, and videos to keep residents updated. 

In conclusion, I would like to express gratitude to the Township Council, our Business Administrator, Andrew Tatarenko, Finance Director Sherry Kolody, all directors, and department heads, and every municipal employee who work diligently to keep our township operating. 

Together, let us continue to build upon the strong foundation that defines Mt.  Olive as a vibrant and caring community. Happy New Year to all, and may God Bless America and Mt. Olive Township. 

Sincerely, 

Joe Nicastro Mayor, Mt. Olive Township 

Administration 

The Administration Department continues to coordinate all aspects of local government and is responsible for the day-to-day operations associated with all municipal activities.  Capital projects are back on track, staffing levels have been maintained and major private developments are underway.   

As with any large organization, a significant amount of time was spent on human resources, hiring and training 25 new employees in various departments.  In addition, three new contracts with the Mt. Olive Township Police Department were negotiated and the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual was updated in accordance with our employment practices liability program. As we enter into 2024, succession planning will be evaluated as many senior leadership roles are approaching retirement.  

Legislatively, we supported policies and made changes to our ordinances to reflect the current environment and we will continue to make recommendations as we encounter issues throughout the year.  Next year will bring significant changes as we conclude the legislative review of our code book and implement numerous updates.   

While not as busy as prior years with capital improvements, much was still accomplished in 2023.  Turkey Brook Park saw improvements with the rehabilitation of the tennis courts which are now striped for pickle ball along with resurfacing several parking lots.  An outdoor fitness gym was also installed at Flanders Park and EV Charging Stations are now available at every public facility.    

Long standing problems continue to be improved at Budd Lake with aquatic lake treatment as the season concluded with minimal algae blooms.  In addition, the township continued with a long-term project in the Cloverhill Development related to removing overgrown shade trees and replacing damaged sidewalks.  The mitigation of the PFOA in the Pinecrest water system also took a major step forward as the DEP approved our permit and the treatment filtration system has been ordered.   

Our shared services continue to deliver as our contracting towns show confidence in our services by renewing their contracts and adding additional services.  In 2023, a new shared service was started with Washington Township for plumbing subcode services bringing our total revenues to more than $700k.    

More than $4.1 million was awarded in grants from Federal, State and County agencies and we will continue to look for additional grant opportunities to help offset our expenditures.  Major projects include funding for a new Health Center, a purchase of a sanitation truck, and the disbursement of State aid for Health Department funding.   

Finance Department  

The Finance Department, which comprises the finance, collection, and assessment divisions, expects to approximate, if not increase, our healthy fund balances at the end of 2023.  Moving into 2024 we are working diligently to keep property taxes as flat as possible and to maintain our utility budgets with no increases. 

In the finance division, the 2022 audit was completed for the 15th year in a row with no audit recommendations.  We also had no recommendations for the LOSAP audit, the JIF audit and the arbitrage audit.  We completed the best practice checklist satisfactorily to obtain our final allotment of state aid, nearing $100,000, and we met our continuing disclosure requirements.  We renegotiated our bank relationship to maximize interest and were able to take advantage of the healthy interest rates in the market to realize almost $1.4 million in interest earnings.  We implemented a time and attendance system upgrade through Kronos and a HR/ACA/Benefits upgrade through ADP allowing for computerized preparation and filing of the annual 1095 forms.  We completed the annual COAH report, UCC report, accumulated absence report and fixed asset inventory.  We also recently completed a $4.2 million note sale which resulted in a premium to the township of over $40,000 with our AA+ rating.  Finally, we migrated to a new budget preparation program to improve efficiency and provide more transparency to the public. 

With respect to the tax assessment division, the township billed more than $600k in revenue from added assessments.  We resolved all County tax appeals resulting in zero refunds.  For 2024, our property values are expected to grow by $18 million.  We continue to have the lowest number of pending state tax appeals, in comparison to similar Morris County towns. 

In the collection division, we were responsible for collecting more than $118 million in property taxes, water and sewer rents and sewer assessment. Our tax collection rate will exceed the 2023 collection of 99.41%.  We said goodbye to Rose Barsanti who retired after serving the township well for 28 years and welcomed Judith O’Brien to the role of tax collector.   

Police Department  

The Mt. Olive Township Police Department remains steadfast in our dedication to our community and to our Mission.  In addition, we remain committed in our endless pledge to preserve and emulate our Core Values: Professionalism, Respect, Courtesy, Integrity, Dignity and Accountability. The Mt. Olive Township Police Department continues to put forth great effort into building and maintaining relationships with the community and providing police services in a manner that provides for a positive impact on quality of life within the township.   

In 2023 the police department recognized and sought to improve upon the services and resources available to people facing daily challenges with mental health crisis.  Through great communication, effort, and teamwork we were able to secure funding through the Federal BJA Connect & Protect Grant which will be utilized to implement a joint response to calls by police and mental health clinicians.   

The department continues to maintain its own 

Communications Center. Callers to our dispatch center speak with highly trained, knowledgeable, and certified communications officers who are familiar with the community. This ensures prompt response by all emergency responders to critical incidents and routine calls for service.  In addition, walk-in residents get to speak with a dispatcher in-person 24/7/365 to address their concerns.  This year the department upgraded the Communications Center’s 911 and radio systems to begin the transition to be in compliance with the State’s new NexGen 911 system.  The police department is also in the process of seeking our first NJSACOP PSAP Accreditation for our communications center. 

To date our Support Services Division has processed 409 firearms permits and 45 concealed carry permit applications.  Support Services is also responsible for maintaining several programs and initiatives aimed to connect with the community to build trust and legitimacy.  For example, we continue to provide college students seeking a career in law enforcement with Internship Program opportunities.  In addition the department maintains a Ride-Along Program for high school students who show an interest in policing. The police department continues sponsor and participate in several community events, programs, and initiatives such as National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, Bag for Hunger, Pack the Cruiser, Touch a Truck, George Ottavinia Fishing Derby and Keeping Seniors Safe.  The police department also partnered with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office to host two DEA National Prescription Drug Takeback Days.  

The police department maintains an excellent partnership with the Mt. Olive Township School District and continues to collaborate with school administration and leadership to enhance safety, security and training for all school personnel and providing a dedicated Mt. Olive Township Police Special Officer in the MOHS during school hours.  Our LEAD officers also completed lessons in all four of our elementary schools throughout the year and many of our officers volunteered to read books again at several schools’ Read Across America events. 

The New Jersey Attorney General mandated the implementation of Body Worn Cameras in all NJ Police Departments.  The Mt. Olive Township Police Department is in full compliance with this requirement and all front-line uniformed police officers are presently equipped with body worn cameras. Of particular note, funding for this equipment was sought and acquired from state grants by the department for the purchase of each officers’ initial units.   

The Mt. Olive Township Police Department continues to maintain its capability to respond to and investigate all incidents, offenses, and crimes. The Investigation Division investigated 201 cases. From January through November 30, 2023, Mt.  Olive Police Officers made 230 arrests; 34 of these for DWI and six for drug offenses. Officers conducted 6,162 motor vehicle stops, issued 991 citations, and responded to 816 traffic crashes.  

Department of Public Works 

In the Roads Department, another successful year of paving was accomplished by resurfacing more than 26 roadways, notwithstanding the increased cost in asphalt, and improving drainage in areas prone to flooding.   

The Parks, Building and Grounds Department continued to address the original HVAC systems in the municipal building by replacing two units and is preparing for a new HVAC system in the Fleet Maintenance Garage.   

In the Water and Sewer Department, engineering plans continue for the installation of water lines in the Pershing Estates Development and PFAS mitigation in the Pinecrest Water system.   The Carlton Hills Water System and Clover Hill Sewer Treatment Plant were also rehabilitated.   

The Sanitation Department continued with another successful town wide large item cleanup and had a successful first year of a shared service agreement with picking up sanitation for the Borough of Netcong.  

The Fleet Department continues to handle all maintenance issues for township owned vehicles and held a successful public auction bringing in more than $80k in revenue.   

Recreation Department  

The Recreation Department was focused on the theme of Inspire by offering 14 events, which included a concert in the park series and the following new events: Non-Profit Day, the George Ottavinia Memorial Fishing Derby and the Any Who’s Winterfest. Programs for children and adults also increased and included science, engineering, art, dance, fashion design, music, sports and much more.  Summer brought camps in sports, music, film and a new Fun4All program series that included Slime Week.  The Pirates Cove Splashpad continued to be popular with visits from more than 36k guests.  Administration also was awarded a grant for Flanders Park to add some intergenerational, inclusive activity centers, which will be installed in 2024. 

2024’s theme for events and programing is Together! Together, we all make our community stronger, inspiring, and fun, bringing out the best in each other. This year, we will all be working and playing together to make Mt. Olive the best!  

Health Department  

The Health Department continues to be a leader among local health departments in the county. The department applied for and received over $700k in grant funding in 2023.  With this, the department continues to strengthen its resources; increasing its ability to respond to the needs of the community, as well as emergent public health threats. These resources have allowed the department to link at-risk populations with services, institute a home-bound vaccination program, administer more than 300 vaccinations, increase educational outreach, and disseminate more than 6,100 disease prevention tools.  Grant funding has also allowed the Health Department to return to its National Accreditation efforts. National Accreditation will ensure that the department employs best practices in its delivery of service to the community and allow the department to stay competitive in the public health space. The Health Department also initiated Lead-safe inspection and Flavored Vaping enforcement programs. The latter allows the department to address the increasing presence of vaping units suspected of containing cannabis oil, resulting in the issuance of summons and fines.  

IT Department  

The IT department strives to promote security awareness among all employees through interactive training, educational courses, and email security guidelines and best practices. To strengthen email security awareness, the township utilizes, at no cost, Morris County JIF's Cyber Risk Management Program. The program allows us to mitigate risk, enhance resilience and lower insurance premiums through various practices, such as simulated cybersecurity phishing attacks and mandatory online training. 

Turkey Brook Park has recently upgraded its system to approximately 50 cameras, ensuring public safety and enhancing law enforcement surveillance. The cameras now provide coverage for many areas of the park, including maintenance garages, park fields, concession stands, bathrooms, tot lots, park entrance/exit ways, and parking areas. 

As part of our efforts to improve communication reliability, we recently installed a secondary fiber optic line dedicated to VoIP and internet services. The new redundant fiber line ensures that if one component or pathway fails, another is readily available to take its place, minimizing downtime and maintaining service and public safety for the residents of Mt. Olive. 

Planning Department  

The department prepared reports for ­­­­­­19 development matters for the Planning Board in 2023 bringing in a total of $16,585 in application fees.  Action by the Planning Board in 2023 included approval of a new residential development known as Continental Crossing with 494 residential units of which 394 will be market units consisting of single-family detached homes and townhomes.  The remaining 100 units will be designated for low and moderate-income households distributed in eleven, two-story buildings. These affordable units will be credited towards the township’s affordable housing obligation.  Phase I is expected to begin in 2024.   

Approvals were granted to demolish the former BASF complex and construct a 585,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility at this location.  A second warehouse facility just under 200,000 sq. ft. was also approved and is now under construction at the intersection of International Drive and Continental Drive.  

A new 19,000 sq. ft. Kia sales and service facility to be built on vacant tract at the corner of Rt. 46 and Harris Lane and a 6,900 sq. ft. expansion for Johnson Dodge/Chrysler were also approved in 2023.  

ITC Crossings shopping center, now known as The Gardens, received approval for a new restaurant building for Chipotle and Panda Express.   

An amendment to the township’s master plan was prepared by the Township Planner with the Planning Board to propose a new R-8 zone district.  The amendment was adopted in April; the ordinance to create the zone was enacted this past December.  The new zone will enable the redevelopment of the former Cobblestone nursing home site with seven single-family dwellings, all of which will qualify for credit towards the township’s affordable housing obligation.  

The Planning Department issued 294 Zoning Permits, collecting $12,000 in related fees. Enforcement of the township’s zoning ordinance and property maintenance regulations resulted in the issuance of 70 violation notices.  All were resolved except three which required Municipal Court action.  All three ended with guilty pleas and fines imposed.   

The Planning Dept. addressed 417 Open Public Record (OPRA) requests and processed a total of 38 vacant, abandoned and foreclosed property registrations which generated $23,750 in fees. 

Construction Department 

During the past year, the Construction Department has collected more than $690k, issued more than 1,300 construction permits and conducted more than 4,800 inspections with the continued goal of bringing the best possible service to the residents, business owners and contractors of Mt. Olive.   

Fire Prevention  

The Mount Olive Township Fire Marshal’s Office enforces all NJ State Fire Codes for commercial and residential structures in the township. The Fire Marshal’s Office has completed more than 1,800 Non-life and Life Hazard Use business inspections, and 665 residential inspections generating more than $306k in annual revenue.  

The Fire Marshal’s Office continues to provide services to Chester Borough, Hackettstown, and Allamuchy Township through our shared service agreements. 

New fire safety programs will be rolled out for 2024 that would include Fire safety lectures and the Emergency Services Event to be held at Turkey Brook Park.  

For 2023, the Fire Marshal’s Office responded to more than 340 emergencies consisting of 58 fire investigations and 282 calls providing support to the Volunteer Fire & EMS Services.  

Library  

This past year was a stellar year for the library!  We increased our programming for both kids and adults, expanded our offerings in our maker space room and had our best circulation numbers in nine years with checkouts reaching nearly 150k items!  Our "All Together Now” Summer Program was a great success, and we are closing out the year with our first ever Holiday Reading Raffle! All you need to do is check out a book for a chance to win!   

The Friends of the M.O. Library generously provided funding in the amount of $10,166 which supported our adult and children’s summer reading programs, the museum passes for the community’s use, holiday programs as well as new window treatments for the Quiet Room.   These monies were generated from their book sales throughout the year, membership dues, donations and various fund-raising events. 

By Cheryl Conway  

It is the heart of football season with playoffs about to begin and those who play fantasy sports are either celebrating their wins this season or contemplating what players to choose next season. 

Imagine a fantasy sports site that allows its members to pick teams rather than players. What a great concept to those who may not know which specific players to choose or who was questionable or injured before game time.  

Sports fans no longer have to imagine as this dream has come true at Fantasy Sports Evolution (EVO), a daily sports site which allows members to pick teams instead of players. Founded by Flanders residents, Fantasy Sports EVO just rolled out its first full NFL season this past fall.  

This concept, conceived by Mark Hazen back in 2018, simplifies fantasy sports, making it accessible and enjoyable for all, from avid fans to casual participants. 

“My neighbor, Mark Hazen, came up with the idea while driving home from work one day,” explains Tara Kovatch of Flanders, who is vice president of Player Accounts for Fantasy Sports EVO. “He was an avid daily fantasy sports player. One day before leaving work he put in his lineup and by the time he got home, a player was pulled from the game. It was too late to change his lineup and he lost. That was when he thought to himself, ‘There must be a better way to play daily fantasy sports.’ Shortly after, Fantasy Sports EVO was born. He figured out a completely new way to play. The key difference? You pick TEAMS, not players for your lineups. Much simpler and less time-consuming. Also, more fun!” 

Hazen began building the platform six years ago, then rolled out its beta testing in 2022, “and this was really the first full season of playing,” shared Kovatch.  

Fantasy Sports EVO is played online at fantasysportsevo.com. In addition to the NFL,  the fantasy sports site also follows the NBA, NHL and MLB. With football, basketball, hockey and baseball, sports fans can get in on the action and root for their teams all year round.  

“We are changing the way daily fantasy sports is played,” explains Kovatch. “Our unique concept is that users pick teams. In addition to hard core fantasy players, we also appeal to those who feel left out during fantasy sports season because traditional fantasy is too complicated and time consuming. 

“EVO is truly super easy,” she says. “We eliminate the need to spend hours researching players and their positions and stats. We offer a variety of contests in the lobby every day with different entry fees and prize pools.”  

Unlike other fantasy sports sites, Fantasy Sports EVO is “team-based,” stresses Kovatch. It also reaches fans who enjoy other sports besides football. 

“Our site is for all sports fans, not just hard-core fans constantly following player news,” says Kovatch. “If one player gets injured, you still get points from the other players in the category.”  

A resident of Flanders for the past 11 years, Kovatch and her wife teamed up with Hazen to get in on the action in launching and operating Fantasy Sports EVO. Although its roots are local, the company is much more far reaching being that is accessed only online.   

EVO is available to residents in 28 states plus Ontario, Canada. For a full list of participating areas, visit fantasysportsevo.com.  

“There is no limit to the number of users on our site,” says Kovatch. “The more users we get, the higher the prize pools. 

Users must be 18 or older to play in all states except in Massachusetts where they must be 21 or older, and located in a state where EVO is permitted. 

Cost to join requires a $20 minimum deposit.  

“We currently are running a promotion where we will match deposits of up to $100,” adds Kovatch. “A great opportunity for those who join now!” 

Besides enjoying the competition, users can win money based on prize pools, entry fees and contest sizes.  

“Winnings vary depending on the entry fee and contest size,” says Kovatch.  

A fantasy sports fan herself, Kovatch enjoys this site compared to her competitors.  

“It is much simpler and less time consuming than traditional fantasy sports,” says Kovatch. “The platform is easy to use and we offer unique features such as private contests, where players can create their own contests using our platform to play against their family and friends.” 

Join the evolution today!  

“Fantasy Sports EVO represents the next evolutionary step in the world of daily fantasy sports,” reveals Kovatch.  

“Say goodbye to the intricacies of knowing individual players; instead, revel in the simplicity of selecting pro teams to construct your winning fantasy lineup,” she adds. “Whether you're a seasoned sports aficionado or a casual fan, our user-friendly interface empowers you to effortlessly choose your preferred sport, assemble your dream team, and immerse yourself in the sheer joy of the game.” 

A Purrrrfect Tail To Warm Your Holiday          

By Cheryl Conway 

With their wish coming true just in time for the holidays, it’s beginning to look like a bright, happy New Year for these two siblings!  

Gizmo and Gadget were just adopted in December and they got the greatest gift of all— A stable home and the ability to stay together as brothers. They have been under the care of Mt. Olive Trap Neuter Return Project (MOTNR) for months waiting to find the purrfect home for them. 

Together ever since they were born, the 3-year-old brothers are domestic shorthair cats. Gizmo is the tuxedo and Gadget is the black cat, describes Michelle Lerner of Mt. Olive, founder and coordinator of MOTNR.  

“They were surrendered by a family living in one of the apartment complexes who had adopted them as kittens during the lockdown and weren't able to keep them long-term,” says Lerner. So MOTNR took them in.  

“They're from the same litter and have always been together,” she adds. “They really love each other —we have a video of them hugging each other and each grooming the other simultaneously.” 

With a handful of dedicated volunteers, Lerner was able to first find a foster home for Gizmo and Gadget.  

After just a few months of getting involved with MOTNR, Dawn Huber of Budd Lake took in Gizmo and Gadget in October 2023 as her foster cats.  

“I read an article about the rescue needing volunteers and I wanted to help,” says Huber. “These big handsome boys were in need of care while they waited to find their forever home. When we met them, we fell in love with both of them.” 

As the owner of a few cats, Huber says she did not have the space in her home to adopt any additional cats. 

“I already have cats and my home is small,” says Huber. “If we had more space at home we would’ve adopted them. But we loved them as our own since they have arrived and it shows! They have put on some weight, their coats are really shiny and soft and they are very social. They were very comfortable here.”  

She is grateful that her kids, Benjamin, Charlotte and Matt Lauridsen help her with the foster cats. 

“We have fostered for several years,” says Huber. “They are foster cats 29 and 30 for me and my kids. We started in 2019.” 

They get to learn their mannerisms and become part of the family so letting go can be their greatest challenge. 

“Gizmo looks like a very distinguished gentleman with his long, gorgeous tuxedo coat,” describes Huber. “He’s very smart, always inquisitive, purrs all the time. He loves to explore and investigate things like the Christmas tree and our frog cage.  He’s so sweet. He responds to his name and is very talkative.  Gizmo did not like to be held and carried at first, now he loves it.  

“Gadget is all black with gorgeous golden eyes,” continues Huber. “He is extremely playful, loves to snuggle and sometimes growls like a dog if he sees someone walk by! He’s a great guard cat lol. He demands to be picked up and put on our shoulders, like a baby. We often find he has crawled into bed next to us when we wake up. They both love their cat tent and will play in it every day.” 

As a foster, Huber did not lose sight of the mission to find that permanent home for the two brothers.  

“There is no better feeling than knowing we helped these guys and found them a perfect home,” shares Huber. “It makes it much less sad to say goodbye to them after we met the woman who is adopting them. They will do great together. Without Mount Olive TNR and having a foster family I don’t know how it would have been for them.  We feel lucky to have been a part of their lives.“

On Saturday, Dec. 23, Gizmo and Gadget’s wish came true when Mackenzie Thumser of Jefferson adopted them. 

“I applied a day or two before meeting them and brought them home on Saturday,” she says. “I had just moved so the timing was right for myself and the cats.” 

She is getting to know them more and more each passing day.  

“I like that they’re affectionate with each other and with others,” says Thumser. “They’re adjusting better than I thought they would. They run towards me now whenever I come home, and they hear my voice. It probably helps they have each other for the process.” 

Finding a stable home for two sibling cats is never easy. 

“It almost always takes a long time to find bonded adults a home together, because most people are looking to adopt only one cat at a time,” explains Lerner. “It actually took less time for them than it has for other bonded pairs. We had them a few months. It once took us 18 months to adopt out another bonded pair of adults. And we currently have a bonded pair who have been looking for a home since before we got Gizmo and Gadget.” 

Concludes Lerner: “We're thrilled that Gizmo and Gadget are going home for the holidays, and to a great adopter. Our Christmas wish is for Bluebell and Azalea, and Angelina, to have the same luck and find their forever homes soon too.” 

Read about them below.  

Bluebell is a 3-year-old grey cat and Azalea is one year old tabby. They came to MOTNR separately and met in foster care. They immediately became close friends, and Azalea looks up to Blue like an older sister and follows her lead with everything, to the point that it became clear it would upset them to be separated. It's coincidental that their names are both flower names — it's like they were meant to be together.  Blue is very talkative and adventurous and playful, while Azalea is more hesitant and quieter but loves to snuggle and sit in laps — her foster mom says she's a real lap cat. Both healthy, they've been waiting for a home for more than three months.  

Angelina is a calico, about 3 years-old and is a very sweet, friendly girl with a sassy side and a ridiculously cute face. She's lived well with another cat. Instability has followed her as she already lost two homes to eviction. She lived at one of the apartment complexes and when her family was evicted, another tenant took her — and then he was evicted too. Poor Angelina was traumatized by this and took a few weeks to adjust to being in her foster home, but once she realized she was safe, she transformed overnight into a happy-go-lucky girl. We think she should go to an adopter who's had other cats and can be patient with her during her transition to new surroundings.  

For more information, contact  mtolivetnr@gmail.com. 

Mt. Olive High School Football Team

The Mt. Olive Township School District recognized its fall sports teams for the 2023 season with Athletic Awards.

The teams, its coaches, players and family members, attended the Dec. 18, 2023 BOE meeting held at the Mt. Olive Middle School at 6:30 p.m.  

The teams that were awarded included football, soccer, unified sports and gymnastics.

Coach Brian O'Connor received Coach of the Year as coach of the football team and the Unified Physical Education Program at MOHS. Mt Olive football has been around for 49 years  and 10 of those years they have gone to the playoffs with O'Connor taking the team to the playoffs for the past seven years, says MOSD Athletic Director Colleen Suflay. 

Two of those times they were state finalists and one of those times state champions, she adds.

"It was actually a great year for the entire program," says O'Connor.  The freshman team went 7-2; JV went 9-0 and varsity finished 11-2.

"So the future looks bright and we're very excited, hopefully we'll be back here next year to celebrate again since we have a lot of players coming back." 

MOHS Boys' Soccer Team

The MOHS Boys' Soccer Team also had a successful season. '"This is our sixth conference championship in school history," says Varsity Coach Daniel Gryzwacz. The team finished 12-1.

"I'm so proud of what we accomplished as a team this year," says Gryzwacz. Calling them his freshman COVID kids with the "most unique experience in soccer. They rose to the ranks and won our conference this year. So super proud of them!  

On December 20, 2023, work began on a much-needed project for The Arc of Warren County’s Camp Warren site in Knowlton Township. 

The need to replace 16 toilets before the beginning of the summer camp season is funded by a generous grant from The Hackettstown Rotary Foundation, with matching grant funds from Rotary International’s District 7475.  The Hackettstown Rotary Club will be contributing $2,500 toward the project, with the District providing a partial match of $1,700. The Arc Foundation will be funding the remainder of the costs of this initiative. Valley Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Lawn Sprinklers, LLC. is the contractor who will be responsible for the installation of the toilets. The toilets were purchased at Lowe’s in Hackettstown. 

The grant proposal and oversight of this project was spearheaded by Hackettstown Rotary member, Robyn Jensen, financial advisor with Edward Jones in Hackettstown. 

“We are extremely grateful that Hackettstown Rotary Club decided to support this project,” says John Whitehead, CEO of The Arc of Warren County. “It was a needed upgrade that would have taken longer to do without the financial support. The fact that we can replace all 16 toilets, because of this grant, is extremely helpful for us as they will not need to be changed for many years.” 

Camp Warren is in rural Knowlton Township but is conveniently situated between Rt. 80 and Rt. 46. It is designed for campers aged five and older and provides a 3:1 staffing ratio. Campers enjoy fun-filled days packed with programs including arts and crafts, swimming, music, sports and games, nature appreciation, group activities.  Camp Warren is managed by the Recreation Department at The Arc of Warren County and has provided a quality summer camping experience since 1962.  

About The Hackettstown Rotary Club 

The mission for the Rotary in 2023 is “Create Hope in the World”.   Hackettstown Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.  Solving some of the world’s most complex and pressing problems takes real commitment and vision. Rotary members believe in a shared responsibility to take action to improve our communities.  The Hackettstown Rotary invites friends and neighbors to join us, so that we can make an even bigger impact together. 

About The Arc of Warren County 

The Arc is a national organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family members since 1950.  The Arc of Warren County is one of 700 chapters of The Arc and serves more than 1,100 people annually for the past 69 years. Programs include residential group homes and supervised apartments, day services, community-based supports, advocacy services, recreation and summer camp, Special Olympics training, early intervention and a wide variety of additional social services. 

The Morris County Commissioners join local officials to break ground for the new Career Training Center at CCM on Sept. 27, 2023. 

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recently unveiled a comprehensive capital spending plan for 2024 that prioritizes their commitment to education, public safety, health and the needs of our veterans and vulnerable residents, while continuing to invest in county roads, bridges and infrastructure. 

The board’s Capital Budget Committee, which includes Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Stephen H. Shaw and Deborah Smith, outlined the plan during a public meeting in Morristown. The 2024 Capital Spending Plan, minus state grants and ongoing legacy commitments, invests nearly $35 million into educational facilities, human services support, public safety, health, county parks and upgrades to roads, intersections and bridges. 

“The capital budget process began several months ago with the administration getting requests and back-up from the various county departments,” said Commissioner Shaw, chairman of the county budget committee. “We like to get our capital plan completed early so we can be among the first public entities to send projects out to bid.  

“The inventory of County assets is not only extensive but very diverse as well. In addition to traditional infrastructure like our 287 miles of roads, 1,000 bridges and 3.4 million square feet of buildings, we have over 20,000 acres of parkland, right-of-way trees and three freight railroads,” Shaw added. 

The plan also continues a strategy of offsetting the county’s future borrowing needs for necessary capital projects with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. 

“We will continue to lead the state in bridge upgrades with the addition of $5.4 million to our 2024 Capital Plan. Bridges in Dover, Mt. Olive and Parsippany are among those targeted for improvement in 2024. By the end of next year, we will have replaced 43 bridges and rehabilitated six others over the past eight years,” said Selen. 

He also noted the 2024 Capital Plan anticipates resurfacing 30 miles of county roadways next year, bringing the total to 220.8 miles of roads since 2016, an average of nearly 28 miles per year. 

“Our 2024 Capital Budget Plan will continue to expand on our commitment to educational excellence at the Morris County Vocational School District (Votech), as well as at the County College of Morris (CCM), where we are making a $4.2 million investment in constructing a 70,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Center for Health Professions,” said Smith. “We also will continue investing in the equipment and training for our public safety agencies, addressing the human services needs of our veterans and homebound residents, and maintaining the safety of our parks – the largest county park system in New Jersey.” 

The 2024 Capital Spending Highlights 

Improving Our County Road Network 

$2.6 million for intersection improvements, including: 

• Ridgedale Avenue and School Avenue in East Hanover 
• Columbia Trail Crossings in Washington Township 
• Guide Rail upgrades and installations throughout the County 

$16.5 million for roadway resurfacing in 15 municipalities, including: 

• 4.2 miles of Ridgedale Avenue (CR 632) from Littell Road to New Road in East Hanover 
• 2.2 miles of Green Pond Road (CR 513) from Jacobs Road to Route 23 in both Jefferson and Rockaway Township 
• 4.7 miles of Tempe Wick Road/Glen Alpin Road (CR 646) from Main Street Mendham Boro to Blue Mill Road in both Mendham and Harding Townships 
• 1.6 miles of Schooley’s Mountain Road (CR 517) from Mill Road to Springtown Road in Washington Township 

$5.4 million for bridge and culvert projects, including: 

• Intervale Road in Parsippany-Troy Hills over a tributary to Troy Brook (Bridge #386) 
• Stephens Mill Road in Mount Olive over the South Branch of the Raritan River (Bridge #1127) 
• Hurd Street in Mine Hill over Jackson Brook (Bridge #992) 

Commitment to Education 

• $4.2 million invested in the construction of a new Center for Health Professions Building at CCM 
• $1 million for HVAC upgrades at Votech’s Denville campus 
• $165,000 in Information Technology for Votech’s Career Training Center at CCM 

Traditional Capital Projects Augmented by ARPA Funds 

• Votech - $9 million, including $7 million towards construction of the Career Training Center at CCM 
• County Correctional Facility - $3.8 million in upgrades 
• Public Safety and Health - $1.9 million, including replacement of a mobile command unit, hazmat and training gear, and equipment to train EMS candidates. 

Morris County government has a massive and diverse inventory of responsibility, ranging from the Morris County Administration Building in Morristown to Human Services and Law & Public Safety complexes in Morris Township and Parsippany. 

The infrastructure includes: 

• 287 miles of county roads in all 39 Morris County municipalities 
• 1,000 bridges and culverts throughout all Morris County municipalities 
• 3 Freight Railroads 
• 1,200 vehicles and or pieces of equipment used by various county agencies 
• 3.4 million square feet of buildings and structures 

The County of Morris also is responsible for: 

• Maintaining all trees within county road rights-of-way 
• Facilities required by the judiciary, sheriff, law and public safety 
• Mosquito Control services throughout all Morris County 
• 20,437 acres of Parkland 

"Hairspray," Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown for three performances Friday, January 26 at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $59-$109. 

"Hairspray" is the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the ’60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” "Hairspray" is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). 

The cast will be led by Greg Kalafatas as Edna Turnblad, Caroline Eiseman as Tracy Turnblad and Deidre Lang as Motormouth Maybelle. Joining them are Josiah Rogers as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Skyler Shields as Link Larkin, Ralph Prentice Daniel as Wilbur Turnblad, Andrew Scoggin as Corny Collins, Caroline Portner as Amber Von Tussle, Sarah Hayes as Velma Von Tussle, Scarlett Jacques as Penny Pingleton, and Kaila Symone Crowder as Little Inez. Micah Sauvageau is Male Authority Figure, and Emmanuelle Zeesman is Female Authority Figure. 

In the first two seasons of touring, "Hairspray" played in 118 cities, reaching 44 states and the District of Columbia. More than 886,000 audience members have experienced the “must-see production” (Spectrum News 1 Milwaukee) that is “as buoyant as its bouffants” (Boston Globe), full of “humor, heart and unstoppable energy” (Minneapolis Star-Tribune) and quite simply, “Marvelous — and nearly miraculous” (Omaha World-Herald). 

“It’s a brand-new world we find ourselves in today, and "Hairspray" is even more relevant than twenty years ago when it first burst onto the scene. With a whole new generation of wildly talented kids across the board, we cannot wait to raise the various roofs once more with dance, joy, music, and that glorious, famous, energy-packed score!” shared Director Jack O’Brien. 

Choreographer Jerry Mitchell added, “Hairspray" has always been about all of us dancing together! I am thrilled to welcome this new company of amazing #FULLOUT talents to lead the way as we dance across America with a message of inclusion and hope because ‘You really Can’t Stop the Beat!’” 

This new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team, led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell, to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences. "Hairspray" is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. HAIRSPRAY features an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. 

Visit www.hairspraytour.com   

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 2023-2024 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.  r 

Submitted by Diane Lang, positive living expert, life coach, speaker.   

When we take time to reflect, we get a chance to pause. We get to take some time to regroup and think back on the year we just had and process it. We can recognize what we have learned and how it changed who we are. We can see what worked and what did not work. How strong and brave we have been. What risks we took and what we could have done differently. 

We can untangle our lives and give the situations and challenges we have been through meaning. 

Ways to Reflect On 2023

What did you learn about yourself? I think for most of us we can see how stressful this year was but if you are writing out your reflection then you know you survived and cultivated resiliency. What other things did you learn about yourself?

What do you want your life to look like one year from now? After reflecting on 2023, you can see the things you do not want to deal with anymore. What didn't work and how can you prevent that from happening in 2024.

Why didn’t your goals from 2023 go as intended? Did confusion and uncertainty take over? Did you get paralyzed by the fear? Do you need help? Do the goals need to be tweaked?

What did you love to do in 2023? What cultivated happiness for you? Did you do those things often? If not, why? How could you change that for 2024? 

What habits and beliefs do you have that you need to stop - that are holding you back and keeping you stuck? What unhealthy habits did you do in 2023 that you want to change? 

How did you grow and change in 2023? We are always growing and changing, we need to take time to reflect and be self-aware.

Do you have good routines? Do you have a good morning and evening routine? Routine, consistency, and schedules are a must for balance and happiness. 

What am I bored of, that I need to let go off? Social media? Internet/googling? Binging on TV/Netflix? Etc.

What did you find yourself jealous/envious of in 2023? Jealousy and envy are different. Jealousy is fear of losing someone. Envy is noticing the lack of something in your life. Jealousy and Envy are both great teachers. Don't judge yourself for those feelings, observe and learn.

What frustrations/Challenges came up for you in 2023. Did you work through them? 

Has your definition of success and/or happiness change for you this year? If it did, write out your new definitions.

For more information visit: www.dlcounseling.com or email Diane Lang at DLCounseling2014@gmail.com.   

Centenary University in Hackettstown formally dedicated its new mural, “Empowering Our People,” during a ceremony on the quad in the center of campus. 

The mural embraces the beauty of the university’s diverse student population. It has been carefully designed to help make the campus a welcoming and safe place for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students. EOP has been an integral part of Centenary University for four decades. The mural is fully supported by Centenary University President Dr. Dale Caldwell, and the University’s senior leadership team, and is widely appreciated by EOP students, staff, and faculty. 

The mural was funded by a special grant from the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Program through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Its name is an inclusive extension of the program’s name and mission. Dr. Hasani Carter, executive director of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund, attended the dedication. 
Devon Vialva, assistant dean of diversity and inclusion and EOP director, said "The Empower Our People mural is a visual representation of the program's impact on campus and a testament to the contributions EOP students make—both on campus and after graduation. The hands around the world reflect the different cultures that make Centenary unique and how we all play a part in helping to support change in our communities and the world. For over 150 years Centenary has changed lives and our EOP students are prime examples of how a welcoming and supportive environment can encourage growth, drive success, and foster a sense of responsibility for the world around us.”  

About Centenary University

Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the university aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.  

SCCC To Offer Community Journalism Certificate 

Sussex County Community College in Newton will be offering a FREE certificate focusing on helping community members develop themselves as community journalists with the skills to cover community-centered news happening in their hometowns and county. The certificate is called Becoming a Community Journalist and will be offered at SCCC in spring 2024.

The program will offer a hands-on exploration of how journalism works. Participants will learn the tools needed for understanding the local issues that are affecting themselves and their neighbors and how to report important stories with and for their communities.

The certificate’s instructor will be Prof. Cheryl Conway. Conway teaches Journalism I and 2 at SCCC and has decades of experience as a reporter and editor for community newspapers and magazines.

Conway said, “I want the participants to begin thinking like journalists and be prepared to effectively engage with their neighbors and local government. Our aim is to prepare them to become more civically active and get involved in the community media ecosystem.”

Dr. Nancy Gallo wrote the grant application on behalf of SCCC and its Center for Lifelong Learning and is the grant’s administrator. Gallo, who is also the Center’s director, said, “We are so appreciative to the New Jersey Council for the Humanities for choosing SCCC as a worthy recipient of this grant.”

SCCC was one of only three community colleges statewide chosen to participate.

Gallo added, “This grant promises to have far-reaching and long-term benefits for our county and its citizens. The certificate is designed to teach journalism skills and design practices for anyone in greater Sussex County who wants to share stories and information that their communities need to thrive.”

The Becoming a Community Journalist program is offered with support from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and Journalism + Design at The New School. The program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, an independent, publicly-funded nonprofit organization that supports quality local journalism, promising media startups and other efforts meant to better inform people.

Those interested in registering for the Becoming a Community Journalist Certificate can check the Center for Lifelong Learning’s webpage on the SCCC website at https://www.sussex.edu/community/center-for-lifelong-learning/ for further information about the certificate, specific start date and how to register. The certificate will be offered in person and online beginning in spring 2024. The in-person workshops will meet eight consecutive Tuesdays on the SCCC campus. The online version of the certificate is offered asynchronously and will also be taught by Conway. Further information is available by calling 973-579-0555 ext. 1277.