Look What’s Brewing on Council- Officials Appoint Member

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Dr. Antoine Gayles, nominated new BOE President

By Cheryl Conway 

The Mt. Olive School Board of Education held its reorganization meeting on Monday, Jan. 9, at its administrative offices and assigned new members to lead. 

Four members were sworn into office: Dr. Anthony Giordano for a one-year term; and Lisa Fenton, Lisa Narcisse and newly elected member Louisa Melendez-Canedo, to a three-year term. 

BOE member Liz Ouimet nominated Dr. Antoine Gayles to BOE president. He won 6-2 with Giordano and Narcisse voting no. BOE member Christopher Zeier was not in attendance.  

Outgoing BOE President Anthony Strillacci nominated Jennifer Aquino as vice president and all voted yes. 

“Dr. Gayles, I know you are going to do a great job,” says Strillacci. 

Thankful for the nomination, Gayles says, “I’d like to thank my colleagues for the vote of confidence this year and I look forward to leading this year through a wonderful year. I’ve learned a lot from the past board presidents. Hopefully I can be as calm as you. Thank you very much for gracefully passing the mantle.” 

Jennifer Aquino, nominated at BOE Vice President

Also grateful for her first leadership role, Aquino says “thank you very much to my colleagues for your vote of confidence for this seat. “We’re going to do great things this year.” 

Ouimet concludes, setting the tone for the year in a positive light: “New beginnings and a new view for the new year of working together as one board.”     

Outgoing BOE President Sums Up Year  

I would like to thank my fellow board members for their support this past year and commend them for their restraint and resolve in performing their specified duties under the duress of many unpleasantries. 

This past year was a challenging year with continued attacks on the board as a whole as well as individuals. We were labeled dysfunctional, corruptive and non-ethical. 

I understand that we are a vastly diverse community with an array of different ideologies and when decisions are made by the board there will be some disagreement, but we have always maintained that we encouraged our citizens to attend board meetings and express their concerns. 

There are those however, under the guise of righteousness who will continue to attack the board and its members for their own agenda. 

I have spoken to a lot of community members over the past three months, and they are telling me that their rhetoric is wearing thin. 

It’s a complete mystery to me how these claims are even considered valid when you look at the function of a board of education and how it is comprised. 

The primacy of any board is to oversee the total operation of the district and for its members to be responsive and responsible to the community that entrusted them with their vote. 

The members of the board are not some outside entity. They are your neighbors, your friends, and maybe even a relative. Board members receive no financial renumeration, derive no material gifts or power, and they seek no accolades. They unselfishly dedicate their time and expertise to provide an excellent education to students. So, all the derogatory remarks leveled at them are inane and should be discounted. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the people that make our system thrive. They are our family, the support staff, the teaching staff, and our administrative staff. 

During all of this distracting time they never wavered. They always continued to provide outstanding care and education for our children. Mt. Olive is fortunate to have them. 

We now start on a new year with much to do. 

In addition to the everyday exigencies that need addressing we have to look at our total picture. At the top of the list will be a need for a referendum. We will get started on that shortly.  

The most important thing now is to coalesce behind a new leader and make our words be exemplified by good actions. 

I have seen our district blossom over my 30-year tenure on the board and I tell you we should never forget that we owe everything we have to best supporting and most generous partner anyone could ask for, our community. 

Let us repay them by having an exemplary year. 

Once again for all your support this past year I offer my sincere thanks. 

Submitted by Mt. Olive BOE Outgoing President Anthony Strillacci    

By Cheryl Conway 

More cats and dogs will be purring and praising the efforts by a mother/daughter team collecting food for the furry friends for the second consecutive year. 

Julianna Cioce and her mom, Karen Cioce, of Flanders are hosting their second pet food drive to fill the pet food shelves at the Mt. Olive Food Pantry located at Christ Episcopal Church in Budd Lake.  

“I am doing this pet food drive again because last year I received a great amount of donations and it was nice to know that I made a positive impact on the community,” says 13-year-old Julianna. “So, this year I hope to get even more donations to help feed our furry friends.” 

Their pet food quest began on January 8 and will continue until February 28.   

“This year we are still only collecting dog and cat food, as the donations will be going to the Mt. Olive Pantry,” says Julianna, an eighth grader at Mt. Olive Middle School. They are off to a good start. 

“The pet food drive has only been going for about two days and so far I have collected three cases of cat food and four  cans of dog food,” she says. Her goal this year is to either match last year’s amount collected or exceed. In 2022, the Cioces collected a total of approximately 375 items.  

Unlike last year, Julianna requested volunteer hours for her initiative, but this year her actions stem completely from the heart.   

“I get involved in volunteering, charities, and donations because I feel very satisfied with myself when I put effort into something that can change someone else's life and help the community,” she says. And her volunteering goes beyond pet food.  

“Recently, I have been volunteering for the Eleventh Hour Rescue,” she says. “I have made cards for the elderly and participated in a can shake to help raise money for an endangered dog. I participated in the can shake at the Rockaway mall in November.” 

Her goal right now is to help spread the word so more cats and dogs can be fed. 

“To get the word out about my pet food drive, I have made flyers and handed them out around neighborhoods,” says Julianna. “I have also posted my flyers on a variety of social media pages.”  

People can donate pet food by either texting (973)-440-0871 to ask for pick up or they can drop off items in the donation bin at 5 Fernwood Court, Flanders. 

“Anything that you are able to contribute, no matter how small, will help feed our furry friends in Mt. Olive,” she adds. If all goes well, she says “I look forward to creating this again next year.” 

By Cheryl Conway 

Hanukka, like the other winter holidays, have come and gone and menora’s have been put away but the light from within should stay a glow for all the days ahead. 

That was clearly the message shared by Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman, spiritual leader of the Chabad Jewish Center of Northwest N.J.- Western Region at the Mt. Olive Community Hanukka Celebration held Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.

About 35 people, including members of the Mt. Olive Twp. Council, police and fire departments gathered at the Mt. Olive Senior Center for some latkes, donuts, candle lighting, music and dancing. 

Shusterman spoke how he is thankful to be living in the United States which allows for the freedom to celebrate the festival of Hanukka “publicly and proudly.” 

He says, “this year like every year is a crazy year. We had war, economic turmoil and lately poisonous turmoil and hatred has begun rearing its head in a way we haven’t seen in America for decades. This is why we are here tonight. To celebrate the festival of lights with a unified goal to light up the night.”   

Shusterman then pauses and asks all in attendance to point to the menora in the room. It was located on the left side, and as everyone looked, he says, “You are pointing to the wrong direction, because the menorah is at yourself. Point to yourself because you are the greatest light that there is out there.”    

The rabbi then reflects on the story of Hanukka and the Maccabees who found the desecrated Temple and the oil that illuminated for more than one night. 

“This flask of oil represents the oil that’s deep inside you and me and everybody,” he says. “Even though it seems so small, it didn’t only go for eight days, it’s going and going for 3,000 years we light the menorah. There’s never been a year that the Jews did not light the menora.” 

He says “Judaism believes every person is a candle. Everyone of us has a divine soul that shines very brightly. At times we may have to dig around and may need to squeeze the olives a little harder to get the juice out. But the Hanukka story reminds that within each of us there’s a jug of pure holy oil. This is our Godly soul that each of us have the spark within us. 

“The oil is pure, it’s holy. It’s our soul, it’s indestructible. We should always look at ourselves and the world 50/50. Every mitzva we do can tip the scale. A little bit of light every day, a little bit of goodness, a little bit of mitzva can make a big impact.” 

Concludes Shusterman: “Allow that tiny spark to light up our inner menora and to shine and illuminate and make the world much more bright with goodness and Godliness.” 

He called up Mt. Olive Council President Joe Nicastro to say a few words and help with the candle lighting as Mayor Rob Greenbaum was not in attendance. 

“I’m glad to be here and I’m glad to be in a community to celebrate all diversities,” says Nicastro.          

Centenary University First Lady Jeanne Picariello Murphy of Hackettstown died  on Sunday, Jan. 8, of injuries suffered as the victim of a hit-and-run accident a day earlier while on her morning walk near home. She was 70. 

A retired U.S. Army colonel and the wife of Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., Mrs. Murphy was a native of Saint Louis, Mo. She was devoted to her family and an advocate for Centenary University and its students, as well as veterans. She also took great joy in her dog, Weegee, who was adopted by the Murphys last year. 

During her 30-year career in the military, she served with distinction in many leadership roles in posts spanning the United States and abroad, including Europe, Latin America, South Korea, and the Middle East. Col. Murphy served as chief of health promotion for the U.S. Southern Command in Panama and spearheaded Army health, wellness, and support programs in Germany, Virginia, in the Pentagon, and at the Army War College. During and after the Gulf War, she worked with combat troops in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. She later worked with the American Red Cross in Gulfport, Miss., during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. 

Before retiring from the military in 2001, Colonel Murphy was given oversight of the military’s program for world-class athletes, a task that placed her on the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors and as chair of the USOC Multi-Sport Organizations Council for 10 years. For the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, she was designated Chef de Mission for the U.S. Paralympic Team. A former competitive runner and swimmer, Mrs. Murphy was the first woman ever selected to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team in 1975, competing for the team until 1978. 

Serving as the First Lady of Centenary University for the past three years, Mrs. Murphy was an enthusiastic supporter of Centenary’s academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. She held a special place in her heart for the University’s Equine Studies program, especially TRAC (Therapeutic Riding At Centenary), which provides horsemanship opportunities for disabled riders and veterans. Her experience as an Army nurse and knowledge of the field helped to inform the University’s new RN to BSN degree.  

Mrs. Murphy was extremely active in the local Hackettstown community, including as a member of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) and the Women’s Club of New Jersey. She was dedicated to improving the well-being of fellow veterans through advocacy and support for veteran’s services at Centenary and in the broader community. Now, Mrs. Murphy is continuing her lifelong service of helping others by giving the gift of life as an organ donor.   

A graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mrs. Murphy earned a master’s degree in cardiovascular nursing and exercise physiology from the University of Washington. 

Mrs. Murphy was predeceased by her parents, Ciro and Theresa Picariello, and her brother, Paul Picariello. She leaves her beloved husband, Bruce Murphy; three brothers, David Picariello of San Francisco, Calif.; James Picariello of Rochester, N.Y., and his wife, Jean; and Gary Picariello of Brindisi, Italy, and his wife, Giulia; two nieces, Jasmin Picariello and her husband, Justin Fisk, of Washington, D.C.; and Lauren Picariello of Rochester, N.Y.; a nephew, Jonathan Picariello, who is serving with the U.S. Air Force at Hurlburt Field in Florida; a step-daughter, Alondra Howard, and her daughter, Ashley Carnahan, and her grandson, Oshyn Blu, of Winona, Texas; and a brother-in-law, Captain Dennis Murphy (US Navy, Ret.), and his wife, Laura, of Hendersonville, N.C.  

A celebration of life for Jeanne will be held on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. EST in the Sitnik Theater at Centenary University’s David and Carol Lackland Center. The celebration of life will be livestreamed and can be viewed here. Interment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Halpin-Bitecola Brookdale Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Flowers may be sent directly to the funeral home. However, Jeanne would have preferred contributions in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, the U.S. Paralympic Team through the Team USA Fund, Centenary University for the TRAC (Therapeutic Riding At Centenary) program, the Centenary Students Emergency Fund, or to the Sigma Foundation for Nursing through Sigma Tau Theta, an international organization dedicated to advancing the field of nursing. 

For the past decade Pastor Alan Pirello of Budd Lake Chapel, has donated more than $2,500 in gift cards to the Mt. Olive Health Department /Food Pantry.  His compassion and love of community is apparent each and every day.
Budd Lake Chapel is a non-denominational church that firmly and truly believes in the inerrancy of the Bible. Visit www.buddlakechapel.com. 

Musconetcong Lodge #42 in Budd Lake is hosting its January breakfast this Sunday to help defray the Lodge building overhead

Sunday January 15, 2023

8 am – 11:30 am
Menu includes: 

Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Texas French Toast, Home Fries, Belgian Waffles with Homemade Strawberry sauce and whipped cream, Bacon, Sausage & Pork Roll 

Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Chocolate Milk, Coffee, Tea

$10 per person, $9 senior (+62), $5 (children age 4-10), under 4 free

All you can eat, bring a friend or 2!!!

After a terrific December of holiday -related concerts and events, MPAC returns to regular programming in January, featuring comedy, ballroom dance, classic hits and more. 

Here’s the lineup: 

Tickets for all events are available at www.MayoArts.Org or by calling the box office at 973-539-8008. 

Please note that MPAC’s schedule is subject to change.  

Manhattan Comedy Night 

Friday, Jan. 13, at 8 p.m. Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only. Cost is $25-$30. 

The Doo Wop Project 

Saturday, Jan.14, at 8 p.m. 

Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys, A Bronx Tale and Motown: The Musical, The Doo Wop Project recreates and reimagines the greatest music in American pop history! The Doo Wop Project takes audiences on a musical journey from classic groups like the Crests and Belmonts to the sounds of The Temptations and The Four Seasons, to “DooWopified” versions of modern artists like Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5. Cost is $29-$59. 

Dancing with the Stars: Live! – 2023 Tour Thursday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. 

America’s favorite dance show is back on tour! See the ballroom brought to life in this brand-new production featuring your favorite Dancing with the Stars pros, PLUS special guest co-host Gabby Windey of The Bachelorette! With dazzling routines in every style, jaw-dropping talent, and non-stop entertainment, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night full of all the magic of the TV show and more! 

Tickets are $79-$149 for 7:30 p.m.  

DC’s Reflecting Fools 

Featuring Former Members of The Capitol Steps 

Friday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. 

The stairway to heavenly political satire originally laid by The Capitol Steps continues upward with DC’s Reflecting Fools— the new musical parody group created by the performers and co-writer from The Capitol Steps. DC’s Reflecting Fools hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that continue to inspire belly laughter. 

Tickets are $29-$49. 

Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience & The Breakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty 

Saturday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 p.m. 

Hollywood Nights performs your favorite Bob Seger songs like “Night Moves,” “Still the Same,” “Against the Wind,” “Old Time Rock and Roll” and many more. The Breakers encompass the true unmistakable sound of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers on such favorites as “Refugee,” “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’” and many more. Tickets are $29-$59. 

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 2022-2023 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.  Call (973) 539-8008; visit www.mayoarts.org  

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

It's that time of year again...Time to set our goals for the New Year. Resolutions usually don't last but goals and action steps can help you to move forward. The New Year is a good time to get started on those goals. 

1. Identify your goals for the New Year. 

2. Create action steps for each goal. 

3. Take action to move forward. 

4. Evaluate your goals every three to four months. If you accomplished a goal, create a new one. 

If you didn't accomplish a goal - why? What could you do differently? What's not working?  

Do you need to change your goal? Did you find out the goal wasn't sustainable or realistic? Sometimes it's a good goal but it needs tweaking. 

Is the time frame realistic? You don't have to set a time frame but if you do make sure it's realistic. 

Identify your goals for the areas you want to work on - only one or two goals for each area. Some areas you will be happy with and don't have any goals. If you have too many goals, you will feel overwhelmed and stressed which can lead to procrastination.  

Areas to look at: 

1. Career/Volunteer 

2. Health- Physical and Emotional 

3. Religion/Spirituality 

4. Family

5. Socialization/Friends/Community 

6. Financial 

7. Time Management 

After you set your goals and action steps for each area ask yourself: 

1. What abilities or skills do I need to achieve the goal? 

2. If you don't have those skills or abilities - will you hire someone who does? Or learn those skills through classes, mentors, certificate programs, etc.? 

3. How can you maximize your chances of accomplishing your goals? Do you need a coach as a partner? Do you have a friend you can work with? Make sure you have a support system. 

4. What obstacles are you encountering? Not enough support? Toxic people? Your limiting belief system?  

4. Review your goals often to make sure you're heading in the right direction. Tweak your goals if needed.  

Looking to be more mindful in 2023? Want to cultivate more happiness in 2023? My Book gives you the tools to live your best life. 

The E-book is $5. 

Email Diane at diane@dianelang.org for details or to order. 

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

Once again, County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph has been rated the Best for Transfer Students by Intelligent, adding to the college’s growing list of accolades. 

This is the second year in a row that Intelligent has rated CCM as the best community college in New Jersey for students who start at the college and then transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

The 2023 ranking of the Best Community Colleges in New Jersey is based on the transfer agreements CCM holds with colleges and universities across the state and nation. CCM has more than 170 transfer agreements to ease the process for students who want to earn an associate then a bachelor’s degree. More than 70 percent of CCM graduates transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree within three years of graduation – enrolling in schools from New Jersey’s top colleges and universities to the Ivy League. 

“CCM has made it a priority to develop transfer agreements with other institutions to ensure our students can seamlessly continue with their higher education,” notes Kari Hawkins, coordinator of Transfer Services & University Partnerships. “We are delighted to receive this recognition as additional proof of the high-quality education and support services students receive at CCM so they can meet their educational goals.” 

Besides its success at transferring students to other colleges, CCM also enrolls a large number of students each year who begin at another institution and then decide the community college is a better fit for starting their higher education. 

Along with this latest distinction from Intelligent, the college earned several other national and state rankings in 2022. Included among those, CCM was selected as a Top 10 Community College in the U.S. by the Lumina Foundation, rated the Best Community College in New Jersey by Best Accredited Colleges, and #1 For associate degree graduates in New Jersey who earn the Best Salaries by Payscale, a distinction it has received for five consecutive years. 

The college is currently enrolling students for the Spring 2023 Semester. Don’t delay; enroll today to benefit from an exceptional higher education and support services designed for success. Visit, www.ccm.edu/spring-2023/. 

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph recently celebrated the latest graduates from its Culinary Opportunity (COP) and Horticultural Opportunity (HOP) programs, as it also has begun recruiting for the next class to take part in the training sessions for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

COP prepares students for entry-level positions in food production or packaging in a grocery, supermarket, convenience store, food market or restaurant. Students in the program also obtain Serv-Safe certification and are provided with resume preparation and interviewing skills, along with the opportunity to meet potential employers. 

Students in HOP gain hands-on experience in horticultural practices ranging from greenhouse production to landscape maintenance to floriculture. Students learn about the safe use of tools, soil preparation and seeding, transplanting techniques, car­ing for houseplants and more. As with the COP program, students learn how to put together a resume and interviewing skills and have the opportunity to meet with potential employers. 

On December 16, the college held a ceremony to honor the graduates from the Fall 2022 Semester COP and HOP programs. Speaking to the graduates, Irena Kaler, director of Workforce Development & Community Partnerships, commended them for their hard work, determination and positive attitudes, saying, “Here at CCM, celebrating these great students, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.” 

Both programs are limited to eight 

students to provide for individualized and extensive hands-on training. For more information on COP, visit http://www.ccm.edu/workforce/cop and for HOP, go to http://www.ccm.edu/workforce/hop/. 

 The Centenary University Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB) hosted a holiday toy drive to benefit the Warren County Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC). From left, Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy; Patricia Mahaffey, alumna and coordinator of study abroad and international student admissions counselor; Carol Allen, alumna and AAEB immediate past president; Dr. Jill Zinckgraf, DASACC executive director and Centenary University trustee; Nancy Johns Paffendorf, alumna, AAEB recording secretary, and alumni trustee; honorary alumnus Maj. George W. Paffendorf; alumna Angie Desai; and Onoshope N. Itunoya-Musa, current student and AAEB student representative.  

Centenary University in Hackettstown has announced a new $500 scholarship that will be offered to an incoming student who plans to enroll in the university’s Bachelor of Arts in Writing program for the fall 2023 semester. The winner of the competitive award will be selected by a scholarship committee at the university. 

For consideration, scholarship applicants must be accepted by Centenary University for fall 2023 and submit a 650-word writing sample addressing this prompt: How do you think technology like artificial intelligence (AI) or virtual reality (VR) will change how writers write in the future? Submissions will be evaluated based on theme, artistic vision, personal voice and technical skill. The scholarship is open to both incoming first-year students and transfer students. 

“This scholarship will recognize a talented student who aspires to a career in writing,” explained Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo, associate professor of English and director of composition at the university. “Through the Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Centenary prepares students to succeed across the broad spectrum of careers in the field, from journalism to creative to professional writing.” 

The Bachelor of Arts in Writing at Centenary University provides a broad-based educational approach that exposes students to many genres of writing. It is designed to meet growing demand in the profit and nonprofit sectors for employees who can think analytically and communicate clearly across a variety of platforms. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above average job growth over the next decade in fields including public relations, technical writing, and content creation for advertising and marketing firms. 

Entries for the Centenary University writing scholarship must be received by 5 pm on Jan. 30. Click here for complete scholarship requirements and to submit an entry. 

Students looking to begin an associate degree or certificate program, continue their studies, or get ahead in their professional career can register at Sussex County Community College (SCCC) in Newton. Registration for the Spring 2023 Semester is open.  

New academic offerings and campus changes make SCCC the best college around to begin an exceptional education. With more than 70+ degrees and certificates, eleven athletic programs, and a rich campus atmosphere, SCCC has something for everyone. 

Degrees that transfer to four-year institutions help students save thousands off the cost of their education. Attending SCCC first can help build a solid college foundation while also securing a financially sound future.  

SCCC offers an array of robust career and technical programs that help support the growing need for a skilled workforce in New Jersey. Culinary arts, automotive and diesel services, machine tool and optics technology, and electrical lines worker are a few of the 32 associate of applied science programs that help students transition into a career upon graduation.  

Both in-person and online courses are available. Visit sussex.edu/spring to apply and register for classes.  

For information contact the SCCC Admissions Office at admissions@sussex.edu or call (973) 300-2223.