Cioces See Need For Pet Food Donations & Take Action

By Cheryl Conway

In less than 24 hours, a local mom and her daughter collected 20 items for cats and dogs scratching for more food.

Seventh grader Julianna Cioce and her mom Karen Cioce of Flanders are seeking cat and dog food donations to keep Mt. Olive families’ pets fed and safe. The food drive began on Jan. 15 and will continue until Feb. 28.

The Cioces decided to start their pet food donation drive to help local families who are struggling financially to take care of their pets. Donations are then being sent to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry to share with residents who are facing challenging times.

“We are doing this pet food drive because we feel that it is important to help others who aren’t as fortunate,” says 12-year old Julianna Cioce. “It is especially important during this time with COVID and many people going through hard times.”

The Mt. Olive Middle School student admits, “Unfortunately my family does know of a couple families that are struggling right now.”

As far as statistics on how many families in Mt. Olive are struggling in caring for their pets, the Cioces do not have that data.

The mother/daughter team came up with their idea of giving back earlier this month.

“My mom and I came up with this idea about a week ago, hours after the phone call with the food pantry,” says Cioce. “We selected just dogs and cats as the recipients because we were told that they were in great need of food for them.”

As of Friday, Jan. 21, the Cioces had collected a total of 20 dog food items and 17 cat food items.

“At the moment we are only looking for donations consisting of cat and dog food,” says Cioce. “We are not looking for pet supplies because our donations will be going to the food pantry.”

Benefits to Volunteering

Like other young volunteers, Cioce does receive volunteer hours as a perk but her interests in helping others comes from the heart.

Knowing what it takes to care for a dog, Cioce shares, “I have one dog named Brooklyn; she is a yellow lab and will be turning 4 in April.

"I have always wanted to be very involved with my community and so my mom and I reached out to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry to see if there was anything I could help out with,” says Cioce. “During the phone call the woman on the phone had mentioned that they were in need of cat and dog food. We then took that as inspiration and decided to create our own collection.”

She says, “Although I do get volunteer hours for this project, I have been looking forward to doing a project like this for years and look forward to doing more.

"Volunteering is very important because you are doing good for others and the community,” says Cioce, “Many people gain self-esteem from volunteering and it provides yourself with satisfaction, knowing that you did something to help others.”

This is not Cioce’s first-time volunteering.

“I have been involved in a couple other charity projects, including making cards for the Gotta Have Sole Foundation, Inc.,” says Cioce. “I did this a couple of weeks ago in my own home. I have also helped out with another food drive that I helped set up, for an after-school club.”

To promote their cat/dog food collection drive, the Cioces made a flyer.

“To get the word out I have made flyers and have put them in people's mailboxes,” says Cioce. “I have also taken pictures of my flyers and posted them on a variety of social media platforms.”

On the flyer, it states: “Due to COVID many people in Mt. Olive are unemployed and unfortunately many aren’t able to provide food for their pets. Our goal is to help more pets stay at home with their families and out of animal shelters. With your help, the Mt. Olive Food Pantry will be able to help more families in need to feed their pets.”

Cioce says, “The amount of times we drop our donations off will depend on the amount of donations we receive.”

To donate to the Cioces’ cat/food drive, either drop off donations at 5 Fernwood Ct Flanders; or arrange for pick up by texting (973) 440-0871.

“Every donation, no matter how small counts,” says Cioce. “Remember, a pet can be some people’s only companion. I also plan on doing it again in the spring.”

MOHS Tackles New Club With Flag Football For Girls

By Cheryl Conway

No more of just cheering on the sidelines, girls. Time to pull up those bootstraps and huddle on over to Marauder Stadium for some football.

Girls interested in football will get the opportunity, hands down, this March to play for Mt. Olive High School. MOSD will be adding flag football for girls as a new sports club. Tryouts are just two months away with the program officially beginning in March.

Girls typically get to play the sport in their gym classes, but as far as playing on a competitive team this is a new offering that brings great excitement to many. A tough concept to tackle for some, allowing girls to play the male dominated sport of football does move the chain to providing greater equal opportunities to all genders.

“We are thrilled to bring this excellent opportunity into the Mt. Olive community and are pleased to serve the interests of our students,” says Mt. Olive High School Athletic Director Colleen Suflay. “We want to offer opportunities for the diverse interests and needs of our student body.”

Never offered to girls before in Mt. Olive, Suflay- who is serving as Mt. Olive’s first female athletic director since the school’s history- discussed the idea with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki.

“The idea came in December in a conversation with Dr. Zywicki,” explains Suflay. “In our conversations, we decided to explore the idea and reach out to the participating schools in NJ.”

At the Dec. 13, 2021, Mt. Olive Board of Education meeting, Zywicki announced that Mt. Olive will be one of the first districts in the state to offer flag football for girls. This will be a pilot program in the spring costing $7,000. Out of those costs, $4k will be allocated to MOSD via a grant; the remining $3k will be funded by MOSD, he says.

“I spoke with Eli Hodges who is the Manager, Community Relations and Youth Football contact for the NFL in December,” explains Suflay. “In those discussions he offered us grant money to get the program started.”

The grant money is being allocated by SFC and NFL, says Suflay.

“District monies needed will go to: Transportation, officials, coaching positions, and additional equipment.”

The program for girls will not include tackle, nor will count as a varsity sport, but as interest grows, details can surmount.

“We added flag football as a club, it is not sanctioned by the NJSIAA, but hopefully, with enough momentum in the state of N.J. we can offer it as an official varsity sport,” says Suflay.

“I have heard many conversations about the implementation of the Flag Football club and they were overwhelmingly positive,” she says.

“We are currently running this at the HS level,” she adds. “With time, we hope to develop a Flag Football program through the recreation program.”

The program will officially begin the first week in March right when tryouts are held.

“There will only be one team with a roster size of about 22,” she says.

“We will have two coaches, no cost to participate.”

As far as uniforms, yes, they will be provided, and will be different than the traditional attire worn by the boys.

“The uniforms will be different, as it is a non-contact activity,” says Suflay.

Although flag football for girls is a new offering, there are currently eight high schools in N.J. that are running similar programs, says Suflay. They include Passaic County Technical Institute as well as Dickinson, East Orange, Indian Hills, Irvington, Morristown, Ramapo and Shabazz high schools.

Mt. Olive’s competition will be playing against all eight schools, she says.

“Practices will be held after school at Mt. Olive,” she adds.

As far as cheerleaders, boy cheerleaders and a booster club, Suflay says, “TBD as the activity evolves, we will look to build and develop.”

For more information about flag football for girls at MOHS, contact Suflay at colleen.suflay@motsd.org.

Get Your Game On Thru MO Recreation’s New Program

By Cheryl Conway

Icy cold days and being snowed in can’t be too bad for those registered for the new video game league program.

Sponsored by Mt. Olive Recreation and GGleagues, residents of all ages are invited to participate in the program that is offering four different popular video games. The program launches Jan. 24 and runs for six weeks until the beginning of March.

The program is a win win for all as it does not discriminate or dissuade against ability, skills or even athleticism, its organizers say.

“E-Sports (video games) are happening now,” says Jill Daggon, Mt. Olive Recreation supervisor. “By offering a program through Mt Olive Recreation, we are providing a safe, monitored, environment for children, with limits on behaviors, that encourages team building, strategic thinking, problem solving, in an inclusive environment. People who may not be able to participate on sports teams due to physical limitations, or pandemic restrictions, can still socialize and receive the same developmental benefits of E-Sports play.”

The video game program is even being used at the college level, she adds.

“Some colleges are now offering scholarships for E-Sports,” says Daggon. “There are over 16 different majors and future careers that E-Sports can be involved in.”

Daggon learned about the program after attending a workshop and education session.

“This is our first time working with an E-Sports provider,” says Daggon, who attended a workshop held by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association in October, about E-Sports (video gaming), benefits, concerns, logistics etc.

She also attended an educational session a couple of years ago at the National Recreation and Park Association conference about E-Sports and the future of planning for recreation centers, trends, etc.

The program is open to all ages, but participants are categorized into different leagues.

The number of participants is also unlimited.

“It is divided by age groups and ability level,” says Daggon. “There are levels for youth (age 8-12); teen (ages 13-18); and adults (ages 18+) and abilities for beginner, intermediate or advanced. Families can play together or make new friends nearby.”

Popular Games Selected

The four different games selected for the program include: Rocket League, Madden 21, Fortnight and Super Smash Bros.

“These are the most popular games, appropriate for families that recreation departments serve,” explains Daggon.

Participants have to still pay a fee to play, even if they already have the game.

“Players have to already have a subscription to the game(s) they want to play,” says Daggon, adding that they can play as many as the four games that they choose. “GG Leagues sets up the teams/groups/matches, monitors the players for conformance to the code of conduct, sets up the playoffs and tournaments at the end of the six-week session.”

Cost to Mt. Olive recreation was minimal; cost to participants is $40.

“Mt. Olive Recreation only had a nominal fee to set up our portal on the GG Leagues website,” says Daggon.

“Participants/parents register directly with GG Leagues,” she explains. “The $40 registration fee allows the player to participate in as many programs as they want during the six-week session. The fee covers their cost for staffing, for monitoring every game, every time during the Mt. Olive times, they handle all the parent and participant questions, etc. The Recreation Dept. receives less than $10 per player, to help cover our costs.”

Mt. Olive is not alone in offering this program and participants may even get to play against those in other towns in New Jersey.

GG leagues will set up the groups to play, based on registrations, says Daggon.

“If Mt. Olive doesn’t have enough participants for each age, ability and game, then they will set up play with participants from about 14 other NJ recreation departments that are also participating.”

To play, “each player will need the gaming device (platform) for the game they want to play,” says Daggon. “Some games are cross platform, then the players who have friends that want to play together should have the same platform.”

Gaming systems being used include: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Live, or a PC.

It is desirable to add an exciting new program at the start of a new year.

“We are excited to offer this new opportunity to play!” says Daggon. “This program is inclusive, it is monitored for safety (behaviors and language) and controlled (local).”

For more information, go to https://www.mountolivetwpnj.org/recreation-department/pages/esports

The program begins the week of January 24 and ends the first week of March. Playoffs are March 7 through March 11; and championships are March 14-March 18. Prizes for top team include in-game currency, GGleagues champion shirt and medal.

All youth games are at 7 p.m.; teen division at 8 p.m.; and adult division at 9 p.m. Mondays are Madden 21; Tuesdays and Fridays are Fortnite; Wednesdays is Rocket League; Thursdays are Super Smash Bros.

Good luck players! Let the games begin!

BOE Reorganizes, Shares Dissent & Hopes For Better Year

By Cheryl Conway

The last Mt. Olive Board of Education meeting may be one for the books as it was filled with speeches that revealed personal opinions on allegations and accusations from board members and members of the public.

For those interested in a detailed account of the Jan. 10 Reorganization meeting held at the Administration Building, go to Mt Olive BoE Meeting 1/10/22 - YouTube

At the start of the meeting, BOE Incumbents Elizabeth Quimet and Anthony Strillacci, along with Jennifer Aquino were sworn in for a three-year term; Lisa Fenton was sworn in for a one-year term.

BOE President Dr. Anthony Giordano nominated Strillacci to serve as the new president; BOE Member William Robinson nominated Dr. Antoine Gayles. Strillacci won by majority vote with five selecting him and four selecting Gayles.

“Thank you very much,” says Strillacci, adding that this is his fifth non-consecutive year he has been nominated to serve as president. “I thank you for your confidence.”

For vice president, Strillacci nominated Christopher Zeier and Quimet nominated Robinson. Zeier was selected after receiving six votes against Robinson’s three votes.

After the nominations, Strillacci shared his hopes that the “BOE will operate as one entity. Each of us has one vote and every vote has the same value; all ideas should be respected. My job is to keep us in the same direction.”

Strillacci says he plans to hold a closed session once a month to share any concerns. He also encourages the community to attend the meetings.

“By coming to the meetings, you will get answers to your questions,” he says, rather than going to social media. The Mt. Olive BOE “has two meetings a month and anyone can get up and say what they wish.” He says the Mt. Olive BOE invites parents “to partner with us; Pause, step back and allow professional educators to complete the process.”

As the new BOE president, he says he will try his best to make himself accessible to the community.

After assigning BOE members to serve on various committees, Strillacci opened the BOE meeting to public comments.

Budd Lake resident Martin Welzmuller questions the board attorney and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki about some of their policies about hiring and use of equipment.

Welzmuller had made some allegations in a letter that was shared at the Dec. 13, 2021, meeting by another resident on his behalf that accused Quimet of such things like allegedly leaking confidential BOE closed session information to her husband; and for allegedly using $650 of taxpayers’ dollars to operate a free cell phone that was given to her while she served as BOE president.

Welzmuller’s allegations also accused Gayles for allegedly leaking information from confidential BOE closed sessions to a reporter; allegedly receiving economic benefit from his wife who is working for MOSD; and allegedly violating the nepotism policy.

In that letter earlier this year, Welzmuller had asked both Quimet and Gayles to step down from the BOE based on his allegations.

At the Jan. 10 meeting, Welzmuller attended and submitted a petition signed by other residents and asked his questions.

Strillacci advised him to turn in his questions and that responses will not be given at the meeting but will be ascertained by the BOE attorney.

In his questions, Welzmuller asks BOE attorney if his firm has given any advice pro bono or for a fee to Mt. Olive BOE members. If so, was this disclosed to BOE members as a conflict of interest?

Welzmuller then asks the BOE if it has received any pro bono services or advice for personal matters from attorney Mark Zimmer or his firm?

He then asks Zywicki if he is aware that he should receive approval from the county superintendent for full time or part time positions offered to family members of the Mt. Olive BOE, referencing the Nepotism policy? He also asks Zywicki what are the procedure protocols for hiring family members of any BOE members that live in the same household?

Welzmuller continues to ask Zywicki other questions such as seniority of current staff members vs. those recently hired; whether he was pressured into hiring someone who is a family member of a BOE member; whether he was pressured in giving a free cell phone to Quimet?

In his last question, Welzmuller asks Strillacci if the BOE has concluded its private investigation that has allegedly cost $10k and if this comes from taxpayers’ money?

“It’s not easy for me to come up here to do what I do,” says Welzmuller. “People make me out to be a monster. I follow the rules; I follow the ethic procedures,” he says, adding that he is always mindful of code of conduct rules and policies.

Other residents also stood up to speak.

Some members of the public do appreciate and value the volunteer work of its BOE members.

“I’m really, really, really outraged of what I’ve seen on social media,” says MOSD parent Briane Jarvis of Flanders. “You do have members in this community that are thankful for your hard work and everything you put into it.”

Irene Sergonis of Budd Lake stood up and spoke against Welzmuller’s allegations.

“I’ve been a target of Mt. Welzmuller’s slander and harassment for a while,” says Sergonis, who ran for Mt. Olive Twp. Council two years ago. “He made fake Facebook profiles and made up all kinds of things about me. He continues to lie. Those questions were accusations, they were not questions. He shouldn’t be going on social media spreading lies about it and it’s very upsetting.

“I know what kind of work all of you put in to educating our students,” continues Sergonis. “It’s just a real shame. He’s spreading misinformation, it’s not right. You are eligible for due process. There is an ethics committee process; ethics committee will investigate. I want good people to be here. If these things happen, people will not want to serve the community.”

Welzmuller stood up again and says “I don’t attack people. They say the truth shall set you free in the Bible. The truth shall set us all free.”

In his defense, Jeanne Gallagher of Budd Lake says “I don’t think it’s fair for the public to come out here to attack him for asking questions. He’s presenting questions that I felt were respectful and asking you to investigate.”

BOE Comments

BOE members each took turns with their comments.

To everyone’s surprise, BOE member Rhonda Cohen announces that she is resigning from the BOE as of Jan. 31, to return to her roots in Massachusetts to take on a new job “and get passed all this pettiness.”

In a prepared speech, Cohen says, “I’ve served on the Mt. Olive School Board of Education on and off since 2011. This past year has been eye-opening and quite honestly a major disappointment.” She cites “internal conspiracies and strife between certain board members and our superintendent;” one week of emails and letters from attorneys about members turning against each other.

“This behavior is shameful,” says Cohen, “dysfunction and complete lack of empathy and respect.” She says board members actions are “irresponsible, disgusting and unwarranted.”

A resident of Mt. Olive for 23 years, Cohen describes her past year on the BOE as a “year of turmoil. I find all of this disgusting. We are all human beings setting examples. It’s time to stop all of this ugly behavior. Dr. Zywicki and his staff deserve our thanks and appreciation.”

Mt. Olive is considered a “crown jewel in New Jersey,” says Cohen “We need to continue this growth.”

Robinson says he disagrees with “about 80% of what Miss Cohen said.” He says with everyone pointing to the board of ethics, “I am sorry this is happening this way. I know what people are like on this board and I have a lot of respect for them. It’s sad to hear this is what is going on.”

Continues Robinson: “It’s hard that when you only sit in the chair here you can’t do anything else. You should be free to talk to the teachers and administrators like we’ve always have. You can’t just keep sitting here and holding your head all the time; you have to ask the questions; you have to be tough.”

Quimet also had a prepared statement to share: “School board members are being targeted, harassed and abused,” says Quimet.

With more than 12 years on the BOE working alongside many others, Quimet says her goal has always been “to make MOSD the best in New Jersey. Unfortunately, over the last several months Dr. Gayles and I have been under attack, harassed for thinking differently.

“I have a fear for my life and my family,” says Quimet, citing identity theft, abuse, ongoing continued harassment and frivolous complaints for the past several months. She had been notified by the BOE attorney Mr. Zimmer that eight OPRA requests were made by a person pretending to be her. She claims this person has stolen her identity, her personal identification, created fake emails in her name impersonating her.

She says she figured this harassment was retaliation and intimidation as she entered the election for BOE back on Oct. 11, 2021.

Quimet says Welzmuller then posted his accusations and untrue statements about her on social media and asked residents to repost on their social media sites. She says on Jan. 7 he then posted a petition on social media using the MOSD logo “again harassing me.” On Jan. 8, “many expressed opinions against him,” but then he silenced them from further comments “and removed all positive comments,” she says.

Regarding the free cell phone, Quimet says that was provided to her by Zywicki, who had told her there were many free cell phones and that the school board president should have one. It was back in Feb. 2021, when Giordano authorized Zywicki to provide Quimet with a free cell phone so she could have “greater access for documents.”

Furthermore, Quimet says Giordano had emphasized, “repeatedly made it crystal clear,” at that time that any board member would be provided with any equipment, whether it be a cell phone or laptop, needed in order “to do their job more effectively.”

Quimet also contacted the NJ School Boards Association that claims it does not have any statute that prohibits cell phone use for school district business.

“When will this abuse stop?” asks Quimet. “I’m in fear for my life, for the safety of my family.” She requests that the BOE provides her with heightened security “present at all meetings” and that “security personnel escort her” to her vehicle on BOE meeting nights.

"I call on this board to support Dr. Gayles and myself more than ever,” says Quimet. “My plea to support me and stop abuse should be unanimous. You will be next; your family will be next. Your silence will deliver shelter. Join me in fighting baseless and frivolous allegations. Please join me in protecting our community.

"Mr. Wezmuller’s targeted harassment with an attempt to intimidate and drain the relationship between the BOE and our community,” she says. “It threatens different opinions and beliefs, incites others to act out and smears the landscape of a community that we all care about so deeply.”

Gayles remains optimistic in his statements after he says, “As public officials we are subject to a certain level of scrutiny from the public. However, when you start involving family members, when you post information online that attacks family members, you’ve crossed the line.”

Gayles says, he hopes “this is an amazing, productive year to all.”

Giordano expresses his sadness about Cohen resigning from the BOE yet congratulates her on her next chapter.

"We always get a straight answer from you,” adds Strillacci, regarding Cohen’s resignation announcement. “She really gets involved. We are going to miss you.”

Giordano concludes "Happy New Year everyone. I look forward to a productive year.”

Zywicki tells the BOE “I look forward to working with the board.” He reminds them of his request to “engage in a meaningful retreat.” He says “every single educator is doing two jobs: Education job and pandemic job. It’s like April 2020 but we are fully open for school. Right now, we are struggling to stay open. Do we have enough bus drivers? Do we have enough custodians? Do we have enough principals?

“Everyone is currently fried; our educators are fried,” says Zywicki.

In response to all the comments of the evening and before going into confidential session, Strillacci concludes: “We are not always going to agree but we do want you to come. We may do things wrong in your mind along the way; you may not get an answer tonight.”

Township Leaders Continue Remote Meetings In 2022

By Cheryl Conway

Mt. Olive Township Council met remotely twice so far this month with business as usual.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, was its reorganization meeting and the same leaders were nominated: Joe Nicastro remains council president; Alex Roman remains council vice president. Mayor Rob Greenbaum gave his township address as he concludes his tenth year as mayor, and 20 years as an elected official.

At its Jan. 11 meeting, Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko announced that the township’s application for a grant to fund an outdoor fitness area at Flanders Park was approved. He says 50 percent of the construction costs will be included in the next fiscal budget.

He also gave an update about the two-year mitigation program of Budd Lake. The township had received $365k in grant money to improve the lake’s water quality and had invested $200k “to mitigate the lake. I haven’t seen any funding moving forward.

“I’m not optimistic that they will allow it,” says Tatarenko about continuing the mitigation treatments of the lake. He says the township may have to consider open space funds to continue on any improvements.

Tatarenko announced the new fiber optic cables wires going up throughout town; and that the Mt. Olive Twp. logo on the water tank behind the shopping mall on Rt. 206 is done and “looks great.” Next step is to move the equipment back on top of the tower.

He also mentions that some of the old signs about the Old Mill Shoppe in Flanders, that caught fire last year, are being recovered and will be placed in storage and later displayed at the future Mt. Olive Twp. historic museum.

Nicastro asks for an update on the electric car charging stations that were supposed to be installed at Turkey Brook Park. Tatarenko announced that he is looking for a new vendor to do the construction, make the connections and keep the revenue from anyone who uses the stations. He does have one interested in taking a site visit to the park.

Roman asks Tatarenko for an update on Mt. Olive Twp. App.

“It was a pretty impressive program but it was costly,” says Tatarenko. “It’s a matter of cost,” he says, anywhere from $25k to $35k. “It really did everything, submits forms online.”

Roman says “Can you send a link to the company for us to receive demo? It can be valuable, can send push notifications. I do understand the cost but if we could make communication better for residents with the township, then we should look at it.”

Asks Nicastro: “Are other towns using this?”

Tatarenko says he has not checked as to whether any other towns are using their own APPs. As websites became more responsive to cell phones, he says there has been less focus on using APPs.

The next council meeting is set for Tuesday, Jan. 25, and can be attended remotely. Go to mtolivetwpnj.org to register to attend via ZOOM.

Abandoned House May be Considered For Historic Preservation

By Cheryl Conway

While ideas are surfacing on use of the township’s most recent acquisition in Flanders, the property and its remnants may still be preserved as a historic landmark.

The property at 5 Pond View Lane in Flanders is being acquired by Mt. Olive Twp. with plans to add its 25 acres to its park system and meeting space. Mt. Olive Twp. Council approved an ordinance at its remote council meeting on Dec. 7, 2021, appropriating $400K and authorizing the issuance of $380K bonds to the township’s finance department.

Recreation, conservation and preservation will all be considered once the township closes on the property.

“All options are on the table,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. “Once the acquisition is final, I will meet with our historical architect to review the project.”

The abandoned house is known as The Tarn, and also as the Bartley Foundry/Mill, says Tatarenko. On site sits a 4,100 square foot building, a pond with small island which feeds into the South Branch Raritan and a boardwalk encircling the pond.

Local historians are hopeful that the property and its remnants can be preserved. Kathleen Murphy, vice president of the Mt. Olive Historical Society says, “We are so pleased to see this property being acquired as well as the community support comments that are being posted. So many historic structures have been lost and it is important to the identity of a community to honor its forefathers and local character.”

According to Murphy, “It has been undetermined at this time as to whether the town will pursue historic preservation. The building was cited in the 1987 Morris County Historic Site Survey and was determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Eligibility can change over time depending if buildings are significantly altered, degraded or stripped of important artifacts.

“The property was converted to a private home and has suffered some vandalism,” adds Murphy. “We need to assess all conditions and formulate a plan.”

Murphy says MOTHS has been invited to attend a walkthrough of the property, which will occur after the closing takes place.

“We feel it is very important that the town seeks the professional advice of our consultant architect to assess existing conditions, identify historic artifacts and features for preservation and provide advice and options on how to utilize the building,” says Murphy. “This would provide information to make an informed decision on how best to serve the needs of the community.

“We want to see the building utilized as well as see the historic elements preserved,” adds Murphy. “MOTHS is also aware that the town will consider costs, timelines and ADA compliance in making their decision.

“We look forward to participating in the assessment and planning for the future of this great property,” says Murphy.

Sponsor Gifts MO Parks With Augmented Reality Games

By Cheryl Conway

Maybe too chilly to venture to the parks just yet but for those who like to look forward to new adventures, make sure to check out new video gaming features recently installed at local playgrounds.

Mt. Olive Twp. Recreation recently added new augmented reality feature games to Flanders Park in Flanders and Mount Playmore at Turkey Park in Budd Lake.

Augmented reality “is video gaming superimposed on reality,” explains Mt. Olive Recreation Supervisor Jill Daggon. This video gaming is offered through a company called Biba.

“Biba provides an app that parents can download, to play a choice of several games, with challenges to be accomplished throughout the playground,” explains Daggon.

Recommended for ages 6 through 10, this new feature at the parks is aimed at increasing play for users as well as their imagination.

“It provides a new way to use the playground and keeps kids very active for longer periods of time – a great outdoor health benefit,” says Daggon. “It also keeps our parents engaged with the kids. Great time for accomplishments and praise.

“There is a benefit for the families who visit the playground and use the Biba app – it keeps children actively playing for about 20 minutes, instead of the usual five minutes of intense play, and it keeps the parent (or grandparent) actively engage with the child during the Biba game play, since the challenges appear on the adult’s phone,” says Daggon.

“The benefit to the parks – we expect to bring more people to our parks to play this new adventure on the playground, tying technology into play and family interaction, and we will receive information about how the playground is being utilized, which will give us more insight to what additional playground elements we may want to install in the future,” she adds.

To track users and visitors, Daggon says, “We will be receiving reports from the company with data about the visitors using the app, and which elements of the playground are being used the most.”

A Gift To MO

Biba has been made available to these two Mt. Olive parks through sponsorship by a benefactor, she says, totaling $6,621. Equipment for the program was installed mid-December 2021.

“Benefactor will be getting a sign added to the Biba signs at each playground,” adds Daggon who wanted to keep the donor's name anonymous until then.

Equipment used to operate the augmented reality program includes six small signs/sensors that have been placed by elements of each playground, explains Daggon.

“As the child accomplishes the challenge in the app, it sends them to the next location for the next challenge,” she says.

Other parks also offer Biba for those who like to explore other playgrounds outside of Mt. Olive.

“Several in N.J. seem to be located at school playgrounds,” says Daggon.

More About Biba

Biba games are played with parents as the referees, as explained on the website. The parents download the game (check the sign at the entrance to the playground) and hold the phone through the entire game experience.

“This allows kids to remain hands-free so they can focus on the physical activity and the fun - not the phone,” as explained on the website. “But perhaps most importantly, this configuration for game play keeps parents and kids playing together, which is something contemporary research demonstrates has a positive influence on physical activity outcomes.”

As for the games, “Biba adventures leverage the best part of being on a playground—imagination! Each of our games tap into common make-believe scenarios ranging from butterfly catching to raiding ancient temples. And the gameplay is organic and easily accommodates drop-in/drop-out play.

"For example, if a child is playing as a car in Biba Drive!, they’re completing laps and stopping for repairs at a Pit Stop with the parent where they need to wipe their windshield or fuel up on the phone. If a child is an archeologist in Dino Dig, they’re squeezing through tubes and climbing up ladders to dusty dig sites where they can sweep, blow and chisel to unearth new bones on the phone. You, the parent, become the epicenter of your child’s imagination-driven playground play.”

Visit www.playbiba.com

Local & County News

Warm Donation To Mt. Olive

Food Market Donates To MO Food Pantry

M & A Collectibles LLC in Randolph donated more than 100 blankets to Mt. Olive Township on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Blankets were distributed to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry and the Health Department of Mt. Olive to serve and help local residents. Pictured, from left, is Mt Olive Twp, Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko; Eika DePack, Flanders firefighter; and Sean Dolan, Flanders firefighter/EMT.

Food Market Donates To MO Food Pantry

Mt. Olive Township thanks Deans Natural Food Market in Chester for its very generous donation to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry. Special thanks to Store Director Rebecca Lata and Nutrition Director Robyn Santos. This donation took place on Monday, Jan. 10, and included a variety of items like olives, teas and soap.

Two Cute Cats Looking for Forever Homes

Ready to adopt? The Mt. Olive TNR Project is looking to find a home for Chris and Ragnar, two sweet 6 and 7-year-old cats.

Chris and Ragnar were bottle-fed as kittens, making them friendly and welcoming to new people. The boys lost their home recently when a resident passed away. Because of this, the TNR Project calls for them to be adopted together. They love to play, snuggle, and explore. Chris and Ragnar are neutered, up to date on shots, negative for FIV/FeLV and microchipped.

To fill out an adoption application, contact Mt. Olive TNR at mtolivetnr@gmail.com, call (973) 804-6273 or visit their website at www.mtolivetnr.org.

Income Tax Assistance Offered at Mt. Olive Public Library

NORWESCAP will once again offer free income tax assistance to senior citizens, disabled, and income eligible New Jersey residents at Mt. Olive Public Library.

Tax assistance is offered:

Tuesdays, Feb.15 through April 12, from 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m. These returns will be prepared offsite; the client will go through the interview process, drop off documents or pick up completed return.

Thursdays, Feb. 17 through April 14, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. These returns will be prepared and completed during these appointments.

Tax assistance is offered by appointment only!

Appointments will NOT be made through the library!

To make an appointment, call NORWESCAP at: (973) 784-4900 Ext. 2902.

Masks are mandatory for all clients meeting with tax preparers.

The library will still provide access to tax forms and instructions, reference materials to help demystify the tax filing process, and online access for e-filing.

NORWESCAP is a private, non-profit corporation established to serve the low-income population of northwest New Jersey. The agency employs about 300 persons, both full and part time, dedicated to housing development, energy conservation, child care, Head Start, volunteerism, and much more. Community Action remains an important local resource for families with NORWESCAP and other agencies across the state demonstrating their cost- effective service delivery method which creates thriving communities

Applications Available for Historic Preservation Funds

Chester Borough's Rockefeller Center, 1868, received its historic preservation grant in 2021.

The Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund is now accepting grant applications for 2022 funding.

The popular program began in 2003, after voters overwhelmingly approved dedicating tax dollars to preserve Morris County’s rich history. As of 2021, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved over $43 million to help preserve, restore, or protect 117 historic sites in 34 towns.

To be eligible for a matching grant, a historic resource must be listed or certified eligible for listing on the State Register or National Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants are municipalities, qualified non-profit organizations and the county.

Details for obtaining and submitting applications may be found at the application webpage.

The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation will hold a workshop to explain the application process on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. via

https://morriscountynj.webex.com/meet/rchang

Register to attend the workshop via e-mail to rchang@co.morris.nj.us or phone at (973) 829-8138. It will be an opportunity to ask questions about the program.

The application deadline is Friday, March 25, 2022.

For questions regarding the Historic Preservation program, contact Ray Chang, P.P., Historic Preservation Program coordinator, rchang@co.morris.nj.us.

Morris County Presents 2022 Capital Spending Plan

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unveiled a $67,242,800 million capital spending plan last month that expands educational programs at the Morris County School of Technology, while aggressively investing in improvements to county roads, intersections, bridges and culverts.

The board’s Capital Budget Committee, which includes Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo and Commissioner Tayfun Selen, outlined the plan during a work session, additionally pointing to funds earmarked for public safety, public health, parks and improving information technology.

“This capital plan contains $14 million to resurface 25.6 miles of roads in 15 towns, $2.8 million to improve key intersections and dedicates nearly $7 million so that Morris County will continue to lead the state with its bridge and culvert upgrades,” said Shaw.

“This plan also makes good on the commitment our board made this past summer for a 30 percent expansion of the Morris County Vocational School with a new Career Technical Education Center, as well as an investment in the continuing expansions and improvements at the County College of Morris,” Shaw added.

The 2022 capital spending highlights include:

$2.8 in intersection upgrades.

Mt. Olive’s Flanders Netcong Road and Main Street Intersection with Rt. 206 was included in the list of projects. Guide rail upgrades and installations throughout the county was also listed.

The plan also listed $14 million for roadway resurfacing and $6.83 million for bridge and culverts projects, including Pleasant Hill Road Bridge in Mt. Olive.

In the county’s commitment to education, $25.3 million is listed for the School of Technology’s construction of its new Career Technical Education Center at the County College of Morris and Science Lab upgrades with $18.8 million coming from a State Grant; as well as $5.2 million at CCM for facility accessibility upgrades and Academic Complex roof replacement.

Other 2021 Capital Spending Highlights Include: $1.9 million for Information Technology Upgrades and Improvements; $1.7 million for the Morris County Park System; $4.1 million for 451 new voting machines to comply with new voting laws; $1 million for Public Safety Enhancements; $550,000 for County Owned Railroad Upgrades; $366,000 for Health Management and Mosquito Control.

The $67.2 million plan reflects a commitment of $36,875,294 million by the county, which will be offset by an anticipated $30,367,506 million in grants.

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; three freight railroads; 1,185 vehicles and or pieces of equipment used by various county agencies; 3.3 million square feet of buildings and structures.

Morris County is also 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; and 20,197 acres of parkland.

Morris County Seeks Help In Documenting Vietnam Veterans’ History

Morris County is inviting the public to assist in documenting the history of its Vietnam veterans by helping to build an online collection of names, service narratives, historical information and photographs being compiled by the Office of Planning and Preservation.

“In Morris County’s continuing efforts to capture the history regarding the military service rendered by her citizens, the next list of veterans will be posted in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, 2022,” said Jan Williams, a cultural and historic resources specialist with the county.

Her office has reached out to the public in the past to build webpages memorializing Morris County residents who served in the nation’s armed forces. An accounting of Civil War men-of-color affiliated with Morris County was initially launched in 2018 and the office continues to update its list of more than 3,000 residents who were part of The Greatest Generation – Morris County in WWII.

A page dedicated to veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine War was launched in December 2021. The Office of Planning and Preservation has created online collections of other historical aspects of Morris County residents, including railroad workers, canal workers and the county’s history of changing street names.

The project lists may be found on the Office of Planning & Preservation projects website, www.morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Preservation.

For the Vietnam page, a Vietnam veteran who was born in Morris County or has been a resident of the county for ten years is welcome to be recognized by submitting his or her information.

“For the families of Vietnam vets who have passed on, you may submit their information,” said Williams. “If a veteran has retired out of state, they qualify for listing, too. If you are a Morris County veteran who would like a buddy remembered, you may include the buddy’s name and it will be listed with yours.”

The type of information needed for the project includes the names of the Vietnam veterans, their Morris County municipality, their service branch, battles or incidents participated in, and awards or citations issued. Of course, photographs are always appreciated.

Information may be forwarded to Jan Williams at jwilliams@co.morris.nj.us

Women’s Shelter Grateful For All of the Help

In partnership with I Want To Mow Your Lawn Inc.,

Ramsey Middle School students arrived by bus one morning last month on a field trip to Strengthen our Sisters - a non-profit organization providing shelter to homeless and battered women. Thanks to Ramsey Board of Ed, the festive bus driver, chaperones and the parents for signing off for this meaningful trip.

Mobile Assistance Programs Bring Hope To Record #’s

Morris County put wheels on its outreach services a few years ago, creating offices in vans with professional staff who set up shop in different communities each day.

Record numbers of people were reached in 2021, as many in need were linked to social services assistance through the Navigating Hope van, and people with substance abuse and mental health issues were contacted by the Hope One van.

In 2021, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office’s Hope One encountered a record-breaking 9,603 contacts, a 30 percent increase from the 6,277 contacts in 2020. The staff also provided 1,904 life-saving Narcan kits and training to family and friends of people with substance abuse. The kits are used to revive people who overdose on opioids. To date, 86 people have used their Narcan kit to save a life -- or try to save someone's life. The goal is to prevent drug overdoses and deaths by offering mental health services.

In 2021, Navigating Hope completed 213 trips, made 6,739 contacts and registered 363 people as clients. That adds up to more than the number of trips they made in 2019 and 2020 combined, and more than 12 times the number of people they reached in their first year. Navigating Hope is a partnership between Morris County's Department of Human Services and Family Promise of Morris County. The goal is not to wait for people in need to come to social services, but to instead bring social services into the community and find people in need.

Hope One, which involves staffing a mobile office with professionals who travel a county to find people with addiction and mental health issues, was a first-of-its-kind program launched by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon four years ago as the opioid crisis continued unabated. During speaking engagements, the sheriff often notes that arresting people with opioid addiction is not the way to solve the opioid crisis. People need treatment and services to deal with other difficulties in their lives to deal with their addiction.

Similarly, Navigating Hope is a mobile outreach initiative launched in 2019 by the Morris County Department of Human Services and Family Promise of Morris County. It is staffed with social services experts who supply information, help residents connect with county services and apply for or complete benefit applications -- on the spot.

Other Innovative Programs

Morris County Hope Hub is the newest innovation. Since its launch last March, the Sheriff's Hope Hub collaboration program has taken on 147 complicated cases requiring the expertise and resources of multiple public service agencies to help vulnerable and at-risk people and families find the assistance they need. Launched in March 2021, this collaboration streamlines the process of providing essential services to people who come into contact with an agency and are deemed at risk of homelessness, poverty, addiction, abuse and many other problems. Hope Hub is made up of law enforcement, social services, mental health services, healthcare providers, treatment providers and recovery specialists who come into contact with vulnerable people and families, and who can tap the extensive resources of Hope Hub to bring aid to the individuals.

Currently, 22 law enforcement agencies including the Morris County Sheriff's Office, participate in the PAARI program, the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative. The program is designed to give people with substance abuse disorders a safe way to seek help for their addiction at a local police department. Any person who enters participating police departments and requests help with their substance use disorder will be screened by law enforcement and assisted by an Acenda Integrated Health certified Peer Recovery Specialist to obtain treatment and recovery services.

Renowned Speaker To Present At Autism Acceptance Event

Autism advocate and internationally renowned speaker Dr. Kerry Magro plans to present “Defining Autism: From Nonspeaking to Professional Speaker,” at Warren Hills High School Auditorium, on April 11, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and registration is available at Defining Autism (salsalabs.org).

The program, in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, is hosted by event sponsor Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation, The Arc of Warren County, Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc., and Warren Hills High School.

“I am pleased to speak at this event, which is made possible by the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations,” said Magro.

Magro’s talk will describe his personal journey with autism. He will also offer advice on more than 50 autism-related topics, including early intervention, non-speaking autism, toilet training, picky-eating, social skills, managing anxiety, school, the transition into adulthood and more.

Following his presentation, Magro will conduct a signing of his best-selling books, “Defining Autism from the Heart” and “Autism Falling in Love.”

Non-speaking until he was two-and-a-half years old, Magro today is a business owner, award-winning professional speaker and best-selling author.

He is CEO and president of “KFM Making a Difference,” a nonprofit organization that hosts inclusion events and has given 100 college scholarships to students with autism since 2011. On his Facebook page, Kerry’s Autism Journey, which has more than 214,000 followers, Magro conducts on-camera interviews highlighting people impacted by an autism diagnosis. His videos, which are designed to help break down barriers in the community, have been viewed more than 35 million times.

Magro started speaking professionally 10 years ago via the National Speakers Association, after he developed a passion for theatre as a child to help with his social and communication skills. He has since spoken at more than 1,000 events and given two TEDxTalks and a “Talks at Google” presentation.

Both of his books have reached Amazon’s best-seller list for special needs parenting. Additionally, he was the autism consultant for the HBO series “Mrs. Fletcher,” which was televised in Fall 2019.

MaryLouise Rowlin, supervisor of Special Education at Warren Hills High School, is the master of ceremonies for the event. The Arc of Warren County CEO John Whitehead and Abilities of Northwest Jersey CEO Cindy Wildermuth will briefly discuss programs offered by their organizations. Kelly Milazzo of the Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation will introduce Magro. The Warren Hills High School Social Media Marketing class will lead efforts to promote the event.

Magro is available to speak to groups in-person or virtually and can be contacted at kerrymagro@gmail.com.

Though this opportunity is free and open to the public, attendees will have an option to donate to The Arc of Warren County and Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. when they register. Attendees are required to wear masks inside of the building.

About the Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation

The mission of the Greenwich Autism Alliance foundation is to promote local autism awareness & acceptance and grants to support teachers & families of children with autism. The Greenwich Autism Alliance grants 100% of net fundraising to schools, agencies, professionals and families who provide support & services for individuals with autism. For more information about Greenwich Alliance Foundation, visit www.greenwichautismalliance.org or find them on Facebook under Greenwich Autism Alliance (GAA).

About Abilities of Northwest NJ, Inc.

Abilities of Northwest Jersey is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the employability and quality of life for people with different abilities by providing training and individualized services. Incorporated in 1974, Abilities works diligently to create an inclusive community where individuals with different abilities are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in life. Visit our website at https://www.abilitiesnw.com/, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/abilitiesnw/.

About The Arc of Warren County

The Arc is a national organization that has served individuals with developmental and intellectual 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 67 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.

Mayor Shares State of the Township Address 2022

Council President, members of the Town Council, Municipal Employees, friends, relatives, and fellow residents of Mount Olive: I proudly conclude my tenth year as Mayor of this wonderful Township, and twentieth year as an elected official. I once again thank you for the opportunity to report on the 2022 State of the Township of Mount Olive.

It goes without saying that 2021, like 2020, was a difficult year for all of us. We can only hope that things return to normal soon, whatever the new normal may happen to be. I am pleased that no matter the obstacles, Mount Olive Government continues to provide first class services to our residents, while maintaining the momentum in terms of civic improvements that have been the hallmark of my time as Mayor.

As in past years, the most important goal continues to be tax stability. Notwithstanding the pandemic recovery efforts, for the tenth year in a row, we will be introducing a budget that will include no municipal tax increase for the residents, while continuing to improve the level of services that we provide.

In terms of our facilities, over the next couple of years I am looking forward to the development of passive recreation at Valley Brook Park, the Budd Lake Beach Redevelopment project and our most recent open space purchase of 5 Pond View Drive.

Of course, all the accomplishments could not have been achieved without the hard work and support of the Governing Body. We work collaboratively as a team in Mount Olive. Although I may sound like a broken record, I would once again like to thank Joe Nicastro for his leadership in 2021 and look forward to working with him again in 2022. I congratulate Joe on his appointment to another term, I believe an unprecedented number of consecutive terms as Council President, so many I have lost count. I thank Joe and the rest of the Township Council for their support and guidance. While I generally get the credit, the successes are equally shared with and earned by the Township Council. So too, I would be remiss by not highlighting the outstanding work and accomplishments of your Department Heads and employees.

Prior to discussing each of the Department’s successes in 2021, I wanted to specifically thank the Health Department for their continued guidance and the extraordinary efforts by our first responders in keeping our community safe as we focus on our pandemic recovery.

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. Those responsibilities stayed elevated as the primary goal continued to ensure that all essential public services were delivered, Township employees, residents and visitors were kept safe and pandemic recovery efforts were being instituted. Amongst all this, daily challenges of local government were overcome, and progress continued in multiple facets.

As with any large organization, a significant amount of time was spent on human resources, hiring thirty new employees and processing six retirements. The Township Personnel Manual and Handbook were updated as required by our insurance carrier and we negotiated a new contract with the Mount Olive Township Public Employee Association. As we enter 2022, we will continue to look for dedicated individuals to best serve our Township and provide a work environment that our employees can be proud of.

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. Most notably, several DEP model ordinances were adopted regulating the importation of soil and amending the stormwater management standards to be consistent with the green infrastructure Best Management Practices.

The past year was extremely busy catching up on projects delayed due to the pandemic along with commencing new projects which were budgeted for in 2021. Phase I and II to rehabilitate Continental Drive were completed, a large pavilion was constructed at Turkey Brook Park, the Cobblestone structure was demolished, the Sutton Plaza Water Tank has been painted, the Old Flanders sewer project is now complete, and the football field complex was given a complete upgrade receiving accolades from across the region.

Of most financial and environmental significates, the Combe Fill North landfill solar project is underway, gaining recognition from the State as the 2021 recipient of the Innovation in Governance Award. This project will provide clean power for over 4,000 homes, create new jobs, re-generate tax revenue moving forward of approximately $50,000 a year and pay back the existing $2.3 million tax lien which removes a thirty (30) year tax burden, along with improving the quality of the environment of our local community.

Long standing problems were also addressed. The water quality of Budd Lake continues to improve as we mitigate HABs and stormwater runoff with the installation of a new eco-island. Furthermore, our shared services continue to deliver as our contracting towns show confidence in our services by renewing their contracts and adding additional services. The Township is the provider of thirteen shared services, generating over $500,000 in gross revenue.

Over $3,000,000 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 the rehabilitation of Continental Drive, the restoration of the Seward House, a purchase of a sanitation truck, implementation of body worn cameras and the disbursement of Federal and State aid for COVID19.

The Administration was also instrumental in raising donations for various events, coordinating programs such as the Table of Hope Food Drive and the DMV satellite site, organizing food pantry donations and continuously being the link between businesses and our local government.

Finance Department

The Finance Department, which comprises the finance, collection and assessment divisions increased fund balances in 2021 by continuously providing financially prudent advice and always keeping a keen eye on expenses and revenues.

In the Tax Assessment Division, the Township received over $769,000 in revenue from added assessments. We also settled nine County tax board judgments which resulted in no refunds in addition to settling two State Court tax appeals with minimal impact. For 2022, our property values are expected to grow by $25,000,000 or almost 1%. We have the lowest number of pending State tax appeals in comparison to similar Morris County towns and are near the top in added assessments.

In the Collection Division, we were responsible for collecting over $110,000,000 in property taxes, water, and sewer rents. Our tax collection exceeded 99% which we have been able to do since 2014. A successful tax sale also resulted in over $1,000,000 in premiums which will return to the Township in five years pending no lien redemptions.

In the Finance Division, the 2020 audit was completed for the thirteenth year in a row with no audit recommendations, along with no recommendations for the LOSAP, JIF and arbitrage audits. The best practice checklist was completed satisfactorily to obtain our final allotment of state aid and we met our continuing disclosure requirements. All non-vested LOSAP accounts were closed resulting in an additional $26,000 in revenue, banking services have been renegotiated to maximize interest rates and electronic applications have been established for our financial requisitions and time & attendance platforms. A historical bond sale was conducted for over $4,000,000 that earned a low interest rate of .4% and a premium of $32,000 to be retained by the Township. In addition, reports were prepared using the new FAST online module, a cloud-based solution has been implemented for our financial software, upgrades were made in our purchasing procedures and we assisted in completing the annual census report. Finally, and most notably, we are diligently following up on all the Federal and State reporting requirements related to the American Rescue Plan funding and other COVID relief grant programs.

Police Department

The Mount Olive Police Department continues to put forth 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. This was accomplished by again receiving accreditation through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police for the third reaccreditation since initial certification in 2013. In addition, the Police Department sponsored and participated in several community events such as National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, Bag for Hunger, Safety Day, and Touch a Truck. Their presence during large scale Township activities has also strengthened the relationship between residents and the department.

In the school system, the Police Department continues to collaborate with school administration to enhance safety, security, and training for all school personnel. Attorney General guidelines were also implemented with the purchase of Body Worn Cameras which was fully funded by a grant which will ensure financing for the next ten (10) years.

In the Communication Center, redundancies have been built in for the safety and continuity of operations along with having our dispatchers highly trained and familiarized with all aspects of Township operations. Residents continue to have in-person service 24/7 to address their concerns.

Overall, the Police Department continues to maintain its capability of handling all calls for service, crimes, and investigations as almost 200 arrests have been made, 2,800 motor vehicle stops and 900 citations issued.

Department of Public Works

In the Roads Department, another successful year of paving was accomplished by resurfacing over twenty roadways and improving drainage in four areas prone to flooding. NJ Natural Gas also paved an additional forty roads which the residents benefited from.

The Parks, Building and Grounds Department continued to address the original HVAC systems in the municipal building by replacing four units and improvements were made to the splash pad flooring and activity field.

In the Water and Sewer Department, engineering plans continue for the installation of water lines in the Pershing Estates Development and the Carlton Hills water filter media is scheduled to be replaced. A contract has been awarded to rehabilitate the Clover Hill sewer treatment tank and the Department assisted in closing out the Old Flanders Sewer project.

The Sanitation Department continued with another successful town wide large item cleanup and new recycling trucks were delivered which continued the conversion of our one arm bandits.

The Fleet Department continues to handle all maintenance issues for township owned vehicles and held a successful public auction bringing in over $50,000 in revenue.

Recreation Department

The Recreation Department was able to rebound nicely from the pandemic, offering many recreational opportunities throughout the year which all revolved around the Township’s 150th Anniversary. Each of the fourteen events reflected the theme “150 years – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. The Township partnered with the business community to sponsor commemorative banners throughout the town and the Mount Olive School District developed a video presentation showcasing performances, interviews, and events. Commemorative items were offered yearlong including posters and books designed by Tim Jacobus and the late Bill Strum.

As the pandemic restrictions eased, thousands of residents participated in events such as the Fairy & Pirate Festival, Remote Control Air & Land, Laser Tag, Carnival Week, the Food Truck Festival, Sesquicentennial Bash and Oktoberfest. Outdoor camps also resumed and were popular all summer long.

Other forward-thinking events were offered such as Geocaching, StoryWalk Trails and a new augmented reality program will be available at Mount Playmore and Flanders Park designed to keep children and parents engaged in healthy and energetic activities.

Moving forward, over nineteen events are planned for 2022 with the addition of a Township wide block party, cultural events, and E-sports programing. Mount Olive Recreation continues to provide safe and fun opportunities for our communities physical, emotional and social well- being.

Health Department

Like all Health Departments across the County, ours continued to focus much of its efforts this past year again toward fighting the COVID19 pandemic. This includes investigating and helping to control outbreaks at long term care facilities, group living facilities, our public schools, daycare centers and local businesses. To help sustain these efforts, the Department continued to leverage existing resources and was awarded over $300,000 from the NJ Department of Health in part to hire two full-time COIVD19 Specialists and additional nurses to vaccinate residents.

Despite the obstacles, the Senior Transportation Program continued to serve residents allowing them the ability to get to their much-needed medical appointments and providing for social events throughout the year. Over 2,100 trips were taken, and 2,400 meals delivered. In addition, health clinics and child health exams resumed.

IT Department

The IT Department continues to provide security updates to the technology infrastructure throughout the Township. The existing surveillance camera system at Turkey Brook Park has been upgraded along with securing 130 mobile devices protecting township-sensitive information while in the field. In addition, the IT Department proactively monitors firewall, VPN, Web Filter, and Anti-viruses for incoming and outgoing vulnerabilities and threats. Security awareness is continuously expanded by providing interactive training, educational courses and email security guidelines to all employees by simulating phishing cyberattacks throughout the year. All policies and procedures are adhered to under the guidance of the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund’s Cyber Risk Management Program.

Planning Department

The Planning Department is responsible for assisting the Planning Board with all development applications, enforcing the Township’s zoning and property maintenance regulations, and ensuring that Mount Olive’s Master Plan and affordable housing efforts stay current. To this end, twenty-three Planning and Zoning Board applications were processed and reviewed by the Township Planner. New development approvals included an amended site plan for the solar array facility now under construction on the former Combe Fill North landfill and a 90,000 sq. ft. production facility for Fratelli Beretta, their third building in Mount Olive.

The Township Planner, together with the Township’s Engineer and Environmental Consultant, continue to work with the design professionals for the new residential community in the FTZ district to ensure consistency with the objectives set forth in the General Development Plan regulations. This development will include 138 affordable units to be credited towards Mount Olive’s obligation.

The Township Planner has also been working with Habitat for Humanity to draft a plan for the redevelopment of the former Cobblestone nursing home site. These units will also help address the Township’s affordable housing obligation.

The Planner, in his role as Municipal Housing Liaison, responded to inquiries and coordinated efforts between the developer of Mountain Ridge Estates and the Township’s affordable housing consultant to assist in the application process for the 54 affordable units, of which half are now built and occupied. Construction on the remaining buildings is in progress.

In his capacity as Zoning Officer the Township Planner issued 75 property maintenance and zoning violation notices. All but eight were resolved before issuance of a summons. In addition, over 340 zoning permits have been issued and 24 vacant and abandoned properties have been registered.

Construction Department

During the past year, the Construction Department has collected over $1,300,000, issuing over two thousand construction permits and over sixteen hundred certificates of occupancy.

The Department conducted over seven thousand inspections and will continue to bring the best possible service to the residents, business owners and contractors of Mount Olive.

Fire Prevention

The Fire Marshal’s Office enforces fire safety regulations to every commercial building and business in the Township, along with providing shared services to Chester Borough, Hackettstown and Allamuchy. Over nineteen hundred commercial businesses were overseen by completing four thousand annual inspections. The Fire Marshal’s Office also provides 24/7 emergency response, attended to twenty-six callouts and investigated thirty-one fires. A new Deputy Fire Marshal position has also been created to best serve and protect the community.

Library

The library took several steps towards normalcy by re-opening in March which gave patrons access to book clubs, computer, and study rooms, outside story times and an assortment of other socially distanced programs. Approximately 40,000 people visited the library and checked out close to 130,000 total items, which almost matches pre-covid numbers. In addition, the Friends of the Library are back in action, holding book sales to help fund programming and museum passes.

Due to the pandemic, the library was able to pivot by introducing and expanding digital services to the patrons. This access will only increase in 2022 with additional apps and databases. Next year, library card holders will receive FREE access to thousands of eAudio & eBooks, digital magazine titles, movie streaming service, consumer reports, language courses and lots more.

Conclusion

This is only a snapshot of the many achievements and accomplishments our Township Departments and employees have achieved this past year. I will continue to strive to make Mount Olive Township the best place to live, work and raise a family. I consider every member of the community a family member. The pride that you have shown me, the dedication for our community and the support that we have for one another is overwhelming.

I know there are still many things upon which we need to improve, and I promise to do my best to accomplish and make as my priority in the New Year. I look forward to and ask for the resident’s support for many years to come. In closing, I would like to thank the Township Council, our Business Administrator and all our Department Heads and Municipal Employees for a job well done in 2021. May the New Year bring you good health, happiness, and prosperity.

With Gratitude and Appreciation,

Rob Greenbaum

Mayor, Mount Olive Township

College News

CCM Recruits Students For Culinary and Horticultural Careers

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph has begun recruiting for the next class for both of the training sessions for adults with developmental disabilities.

Last month, it celebrated its latest graduates from its Culinary Opportunity (COP) and Horticultural Opportunity (HOP) programs. This was the fifth class that has graduated from COP.

COP prepares students for entry-level positions in food production or packaging in a grocery, supermarket, convenience store or food market. Students in the program also are prepared to obtain Serv-Safe certification and 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.

Both programs are limited to eight students to provide for individualized and extensive hands-on training. For more information on COP, visit www.ccm.edu/workforce/cop and for HOP, go to www.ccm.edu/workforce/hop/.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn Hosts CCM Student Art Exhibit

Providing Aspiring Artists With an Audience for Their Work

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn once again is displaying the artwork of six County College of Morris (CCM) students in her Chester office, providing aspiring artists at CCM with the opportunity to exhibit their work publicly.

This is the second exhibit Dunn has hosted, showcasing the work of students from Professor Todd Doney’s Drawing II class. Students whose work is on exhibit and the titles of their pieces are Kaylee Gernant, of Frelinghuysen, The Swamp; Christine Jennings, of Denville, Untitled; Fitnat Kucuk, of Lincoln Park, Untitled; Gavin Ludwig, of Wharton, Roxbury Sunset; Eylin Mejia-Chajin, of Mine Hill, After the Rain; and Cade Parkinson-Gee, of Long Valley, A Foggy Day at CCM.

Dunn is continuing a longstanding tradition Senator Anthony M. Bucco, while serving as assemblyman, initiated with CCM to highlight the work of outstanding students. Doney took on the assignment by asking his Drawing II students to create pastel landscapes representing scenes from Morris County.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain experience exhibiting their work,” says Doney. “It’s also a wonderful chance for the community to view the high-quality work produced by CCM students and perhaps purchase a painting of a local setting if they wish. I am so appreciative of Assemblywoman Aura Dunn for continuing the partnership between her office and the CCM Visual Arts program.”

The exhibit will run through June. For more information about CCM’s Art and Design programs, visit http://bit.ly/CCMArtandDesign/.

CCM Testing Center Meets Increased Demands

More than 800 people obtained free COVID-19 tests on the first day of operations earlier this month at the newly reopened Morris County Testing Center at the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph.

“It appears from the appointments already being made that we will be testing between 800 and 900 people each day for at least the coming week and beyond until we get past the peak of this surge in COVID-19 infections,” said Tayfun Selen, director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. “However, the center is running smoothly with everyone being tested rather quickly upon arrival.”

His remarks were made after he and other officials toured the facility, which is housed in the Student Center at CCM. Phlebotomists with LabQ Diagnostics are administering the tests, which involve LabQ PCR nasal-swabs. Patients were advised that the national demand for testing has inundated laboratories and delayed analysis, so results that usually may be available in 24-to-48 hours may take 72 hours or more.

Scott DiGiralomo, director of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, led several officials on a tour through the center, including Commissioner John Krickus, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Undersheriff Mark Spitzer and CCM Director of Public Safety Steve Ackerman.

Atlantic Health System and Saint Clare’s Health reported during a previous conference call with county leadership and the mayors of Morris County that the center will help to reduce emergency room pressures brought on by people trying to be tested at hospitals. The medical centers also reported that most people needing hospitalization for COVID-19 had not received a booster vaccination shot.

The no-cost testing is available by appointment only. No one will be permitted to walk into the facility without an appointment, and appointments must be scheduled on-line through the Morris County COVID-19 Information website. The center will be open seven days per week and appointments will be available between 7 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., except for a half hour between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.

CCM Partners on $5 Million Grant For STEM Students

With its strong and highly recognized degree programs for students interested in studying for a STEM career, County College of Morris (CCM) now is making it even easier – and more affordable – for students to reach for their dreams.

As a partner on a $5 million National Science Foundation grant with East Stroudsburg University (ESU), CCM will be able to position students to receive a scholarship of up to $10,400 to attend the community college and then up to $20,000 to earn their bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from ESU.

“We’re delighted to be part of this partnership that will allow our students to continue on at ESU with a solid degree pathway and financial support,” said Dr. Kathleen Naasz, dean of the School of Business, Mathematics, Engineering and Technologies at CCM.

“At CCM, students are able to choose from a wide selection of highly respected STEM programs to qualify them for high-demand and well-paying careers,” added Dr. Maria Isaza, dean of the School of Health Professions and Natural Sciences.

CCM offers more than a dozen STEM degree programs, including engineering in its state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, biology and chemistry offerings ranging from biotechnology to environmental, and information technology and mathematics with a focus on data security and analytics.

The STEM program at ESU, known as Clear Path, is designed to support students interested in such fields as biotechnology, computer security, environmental studies, marine science, mathematics, physics and more.

To learn more about the STEM programs offered at CCM and to apply, visit www.ccm.edu. Questions about the college’s Clear Path partnership with ESU can be directed to Professor Samantha Gigliotti at sgigliotti@ccm.edu.

CCM To Hold Auditions For Spring Musical

The County College of Morris (CCM) Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies in Randolph will be holding auditions this month for its spring musical hitting the stage in April.

The classic romantic comedy “Guys and Dolls,” set in depression-era New York City, tells the story of the notorious Nathan Detroit, who needs a new place to run his high-rolling crap game. Hoping to win the money to secure a prime location, Detroit bets big-time gambler Sky Masterson that he can’t win the affections of local missionary Sarah Brown, and later finds himself falling in love with her. The production, directed by Professor Marielaine Mammon, is based on the book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.

The next round of auditions for “Guys and Dolls” is set to be held Tuesday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m. in CCM’s Dragonetti Auditorium, in Randolph. Callbacks are set for Thursday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. Along with students, casting is open to adolescent and adult members of the general public. Those auditioning should prepare a short and appropriate musical selection and bring sheet music for the accompanist. Comfortable attire and shoes for movement are suggested for the dance portion of the audition. Masks are required to be worn while on campus.

“Guys and Dolls” is set to grace the Dragonetti Auditorium Wednesday, April 6, through Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets will be $15. CCM students, alumni, children under 12 and seniors over 62 can purchase tickets for $12.

To learn more about the Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies at CCM, go to https://bit.ly/CCM_Performing_Arts/..

Centenary Receives Grants To Support With Learning Differences

Centenary University has received a $10,000 grant from the Brotherton Foundation to enhance accessibility and the academic experience for students with learning differences.

Inspired by the grant, Merri F. Millman, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, has also contributed a $5,000 leadership gift for Project ABLE, a program offered through Centenary’s Academic Success & Advising Center that provides comprehensive support for students with psychological, learning, and neurological differences.

The two gifts will fund new technology for students with visual and hearing impairments and scholarships for students to participate in Project ABLE, according to Michelle Meyer, dean for academic success.

“The new technologies will be a gamechanger for many of our students,” explained Meyer. “We’re also extremely excited about the ability to offer Project ABLE scholarships for students entering Centenary next fall. We encounter many students who haven’t taken advantage of Project ABLE because they couldn’t make that financial investment.”

The University’s Disability Services Office, which is part of the Academic Success & Advising Center, works directly with students to arrange reasonable accommodations and support services that improve learning outcomes. At Centenary, about 17 percent of students are registered with the office. Through programs like Project ABLE and STEP Ahead, an intensive pre-college summer program, Centenary students develop skills to succeed in the classroom and in life.

“Centenary is the perfect size for students who can benefit from individualized support,” said Julie Gallup, assistant director of disability services.

A longtime leadership donor at the university, Millman said her 40-year career as a speech language pathologist inspired her latest gift to fund Project ABLE scholarships.

“Centenary provides a wonderful environment that supports students on their journey toward attaining a college degree,” Millman explained. “But that’s just the beginning. With the strong foundation provided by Centenary, our graduates go on to become amazing people.”

Throughout her teaching career, Millman witnessed firsthand how individualized support can change the trajectory of a student’s life. In fact, one student she taught at age 3 grew up to be a Centenary University valedictorian. Millman said, “It still gives me goosebumps. It’s proof that when students are given the proper support, the world is their oyster.”

CCM Offers Information Sessions & Campus Tours

Interested in learning how to pursue a rewarding career by obtaining a nationally ranked, yet affordable, higher education?

The Admissions Office at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph has scheduled a full slate of information sessions, both in-person and online, to provide students, their families and adult learners with the opportunity to explore the expansive offerings CCM provides to meet individual goals.

Each session begins with an interactive presentation by an admissions counsellor and provides participants with the opportunity to learn about CCM’s wide range of associate degree, certificate and professional development programs; financial aid and scholarship support to reduce the cost of college or even attend tuition free; and support services and co-curricular programs designed to ensure success. Also discussed are the admissions and registration process.

CCM Offers Information Sessions & Campus Tours

Upcoming sessions take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the following dates and times. To register and reserve a spot, go to https://www.ccm.edu/admissions/visiting-us/.

On Campus Information Sessions and Tours are set for: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, March 3, March 17 and March 31.

Virtual Titan Tuesday Information Sessions are set for Jan. 25, Feb. 22 and March 22.

For additional information, contact the admissions office at admiss@ccm.edu or 973-328-5100. To learn more about all CCM has to offer, visit www.ccm.edu/.

Make This Year Different With Some Healthful Advice

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

For many of us, New Year’s brings us hope. We set new goals and resolutions. Usually within three to four weeks, we are disappointed in ourselves for not accomplishing them. Let's do it differently in 2022. Let's make this year better.

Six ways to make this year better

1. Don't forget your past mistakes and setbacks. Many of us will try to pretend our biggest mistakes ever happened. We can feel embarrassed or upset by them. Instead, learn from them. This year, look at your past mistakes and setbacks from 2021 and ask yourself:

“What can I learn? Lesson?

What could I do differently? What changes can I make?”

2. What goals and dreams keep coming up every year that you have never accomplished? Instead of just saying this will be the year, think about why you haven't accomplished it.

What is holding you back?

What obstacles keep appearing?

Is it a sign you really don't want to accomplish the resolution and you keep setting the goal for the wrong reasons?

Know the why behind your dreams and goals.

3. We are a society of instant gratification but don't be when it comes to your dreams and goals, they will take time, work and effort. If you set unrealistic expectations and time frames, you are just setting yourself up for disappointment.

4. Don't set resolutions, set intentions- how do you want to feel? Who do you want to be? Instead of resolutions, I set an intention of being more flexible. With all the change going on in the world with the pandemic and knowing that change is the only constant, I realized I need to be more flexible. Flexibility will help me to embrace change and be more resilient. How do you want to feel this year?

5. Create routines- routines are so important, They help us feel balanced and less stressed. What does your morning and evening routines look like? Tweak them if needed or create a routine if you don't have. Make sure to have at least one mindfulness activity in the morning and evening. It can be going for a walk, journal writing, stretching, prayers, meditation, etc. Mindfulness is the best way to destress naturally.

6. Remind yourself that your mindset is In your control. You can control what habits you form or break. You can be self-aware of your patterns and break them. Beliefs are thoughts you have or heard repeatedly. If those beliefs aren't serving you, change them. Don't spend time on things you have no control over, that just makes us frustrated and stressed.

7. Don't forget your basic needs- we can't be healthy and happy without them. They are our foundation. Be mindful of your sleep, diet, water and exercise. Our physical health affects our emotional health. A good place to start is with our basic needs.

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

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Welcome readers to the 78th issue of Mt. Olive Online.

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Mayor Shares State of the Township Address 2022

College News

CCM Recruits Students For Culinary and Horticultural Careers

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn Hosts CCM Student Art Exhibit

CCM Testing Center Meets Increased Demands

CCM Partners on $5 Million Grant For STEM Students

CCM To Hold Auditions For Spring Musical

Centenary Receives Grants To Support With Learning Differences

CCM Offers Information Sessions & Campus Tours

CCM Offers Information Sessions & Campus Tours

CCM Offers Information Sessions & Campus Tours

CCM Offers Information Sessions & Campus Tours

CCM Offers Information Sessions & Campus Tours

Make This Year Different With Some Healthful Advice

Events around town

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