Hundreds Gather At AVM, Remember Prisoners, Missing Soldiers

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From preparing the grounds, enlisting volunteers to read off thousands of names and ring the ascension bell every hour, to its opening and closing ceremonies- The 2021 POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil held last month was professionally orchestrated and chillingly complete by all those who attended.

The fifth annual vigil was held 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17, to 4:30 p.m., Saturday Sept. 24 at the All-Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake. This year’s vigil was co-sponsored by the AVM, Harley Davidson Inc., Morris County American Legion and National Rolling Thunder.

A vast undertaking every year with all of the details set and prepared, the main objective of the vigil is to remember and honor prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.

“Though the All-Veteran’s Memorial’s annual POW/MIA vigil may not be as “well attended” as several competing POW/MIA events, those who participate and attend our event do so to honor and remember those who suffered the unthinkable consequence of war,” says Charlie Uhrmann, founder of the AVM.

“The AVM’s POW/MIA/PTSD Remembrance ceremonial ground was designed to effectually depict the gravity of the suffrage and reason as to why we as a nation must never forget,” she says. “Everyone that participated took their role very seriously.”  

Non-Stop Names Read    

“Soldiers’ (with ties to New Jersey) names, ranks, branch of service, date and location of loss from the Civil War to date were read non-stop from 17 September beginning at 4:30 p.m. to 18 September 3:30 p.m.,” verifies Uhrmann.

With more names read this year, “3,207 names were read by more than 75 volunteers; private individuals, active and retired service members,” she says.

With the event held for 24 hours, participants come and go throughout the day and night.

“The number of participants and attendees from the Opening Ceremony to the Closing Ceremony is believed to be approximately 625+,” says Uhrmann. 

The number of volunteers was also endless.

“There was one person who helped prepare the complex for the event, besides me,” says Uhrmann. “However, we would like to acknowledge MOHS Air Force JROTC Chief Robert Bedell and Col. Brian Dickerson for their flawless leadership during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.”

Uhrmann was also very thankful to the Mt. Olive Parks and Recreation Department for helping to prepare the memorial site for this year’s vigil. 

“We would like to thank the Mt. Olive Parks and Recreation for all their help and support in preparing the complex for the event,” says Uhrmann. “It is the AVM’s policy that the complex and elements are at their best before each ceremony or special event; which requires a tremendous amount of labor and cost.   Though our organization depends on volunteers and private donors, the Mt. Olive Parks & Recreation Department have been extremely supportive whenever we need a helping hand.  We would like to thank them to know that we are extremely appreciative for their thoughtfulness and generosity.”

New This Year

The vigil incorporated the usual program details such as the bagpipe homely, opening ceremony, lighting of the POW/MIA Vigil Flame, tolling of the POW/MIA Ascension Bell, reading of NJ’s soldiers names missing in action or held as a prisoner of war, marching of Mt. Olive High School Junior Air Force ROTC cadets, and closing ceremony.

Different this year was a new podium, Table Set for One, honoring of the recent 13 Fallen Warriors in Afghanistan and arrival of Rolling Thunder, a United States advocacy group that seeks to bring full accountability for POW’s and MIA service members of all U.S. wars. 

“We added a new podium,” says Uhrmann. “The podium depicts a prison cell with a Soldier’s Cross inside.   Next to the Soldier’s Cross you will see the prisoner’s dog tag which represents what little remains of their limited time on Earth.

“We also added the “Table Set For One.” Picatinny Arsenal’s Lt. Col. Stan Jasiurkowski Garrison Chaplain narrated as Gold Star Mother Dawn Roberts set the table.

“We also honored the 13 Fallen Warriors that lost their lives in Kabul,” says Uhrmann. “The Union City Marine Corps JROTC cadets ceremoniously set a military folded American Flag and customized dog tag in honor of each warrior at the North Star Seating Stage area in honor of their life, service and sacrifice.

For those lives lost in Afghanistan recently, Uhrmann says “We have added a distinctive ceremony to our program to honor the lives and honorable service of our 13 U.S. fallen warriors.”

Students Marched 

This year, 59 Cadets from the MOHS AFROTC participated in the Bataan Death March.  Of those, 47 Cadets earned the Bataan Death March ribbon after walking the POW/MIA Flag more than 14 miles,” says Uhrmann.

The commemorative march honors the 60,000 - 80,000 American and Phillipino POWs who were forcibly marched 66 miles from Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in 1942.  During that five-day trek, approximately 18,000 POW deaths occurred. The Cadet march is carried out every year to commemorate their sacrifice.

Prominent Attendees 

This year’s vigil attracted some prominent people whether as volunteers or attendees.

They included: Roger Loomis – president of the Sons of the American Revolution;
Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy, Lt. Col. U.S. Army and Jeanne Picariello Murphy, Col U.S. Army; Marine Corps Morris County Assemblyman John Krickus; and Rolling Thunder Founder Artie Muller, who extinguished the vigil flame.

Located inside Turkey Brook Park, the AVM is NJ’s premier veterans memorial created by volunteers and built with 100 percent private donations. The ceremonial grounds have expanded tremendously since its first phase dedicated in 2008, to its most recent additions: The War Horse Memorial, new podium and Table Set For one.

Its growth continues….

“We are now in the final planning stages of the Prayer Garden, to be used as a quiet counseling area for clergy and family members of fallen warriors,” says Uhrmann.  “It will be an extension of the North Star Seating Area.”

As a 23-year township resident, with seven years serving on the school board, Dr. Antoine Gayles is switching paths for a run on the Mt. Olive Township Council.    

He is one of four Democratic candidates vying for a seat in the Nov. 2 general election. With four seats- currently held by four Republicans who are seeking re-election- The Mt. Olive Democrats put together a team of candidates: Gayles, Nicole Spaldo, Alicia Sharma and Jordan Bernstein.  

Having demonstrated a commitment and responsibility as a seven-year BOE member, in a manner that has been professional and responsive, Gayles wants to expand on his experience by tackling new ideas and issues in Mt. Olive.  

“Over the past seven years, I have demonstrated my commitment to fulfilling my oath and responsibilities as a Board of Education member with a high degree of professionalism, responsiveness and integrity,” says the 53-year Budd Lake father of five.  

 “I do not overpromise, and to the extent that the law allows, I engage with community members regarding our schools and follow up with the administration to ensure that a solution has been reached,” he explains about his service on the BOE since 2014. “I come prepared and ready to engage in the work at hand.  

“I want to utilize my professional and public service experience to add a different perspective and new ideas to tackle challenging issues facing our town,” he says.   

Gayles decided three years ago that he was interested in holding a council seat.   

Involved with the Mt. Olive Democrats for the past 18 months, Gayles says “In 2019 I began discussing the idea with family, friends and members of the Mt. Olive community,” to run for council.     

“Prior to becoming a candidate for town council, I participated in meetings and various community events around town, including a monthly food drive to support the Mt. Olive Food Pantry, clean ups of Link Road, Turkey Brook Park and the White hiking trail entrance,” he explains.  

In his first run for council, Gayles shares, “it has been an exciting, eye-opening experience.  I’ve spent a majority of the summer and early fall canvassing Mt. Olive neighborhoods, establishing new relationships with neighbors who enthusiastically share their vision for Mt. Olive.” 

In an interview with Mt. Olive Online, Gayles explains his desire to sit on the Mt. Olive Council, what his concerns are, details his platform and ideas for improving the town.  

Why do you want to serve on the council?  

“For 23 years, Mt. Olive has been an amazing community for my family and many others,” he says.  “For the past seven years I have played an integral role in the success of the Mt. Olive Public School system, while developing positive relationships with many members of the community, including our local elected officials in the process.    

“I believe that MO should also be a go-to destination for shopping, dining and exploration, and while I’ve seen growth in our town, there is still room for improvement,” says Gayles.   

“As a town council member, I will work with the mayor and fellow council members to rejuvenate small business development in town, advocate on behalf of residents to harden our electrical infrastructure to minimize power outages, improve our sewer system and water run-off to reduce residential flooding, use existing reports to improve foot and road safety, expedite the implementation of wi-fi throughout our town and address the cable monopoly in Budd Lake.”

What experience or skills do you bring to the council?  

“I bring seven years of leadership experience as a school board member,” he says.  “In that role, I have introduced innovation, collaborated on new curricular initiatives, and worked in partnership with all members of the community to create an environment where students and staff can thrive.  I would bring that same spirit of servant leadership, collaborative, problem finding/problem-solving energy to the town council, with the understanding that the key to success is collaboration, possibility thinking and action!  

What are your criticisms, if any, of the current MO Council?  

“I don’t have any criticisms of the current town council candidates, rather areas of improvement that can be accomplished with a vote for the Vote Mount Olive team,” says Gayles. “Remember the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”?  Well, I would like to add “but continually improve upon it” and that includes our local government.  For example, attendance at council and committee meetings is crucial to engage in the work of the people.  Our incumbent candidates’ attendance has been egregious going back as far as 2017.”  

“Engagement and connection with the community is another area in need of improvement,” says Gayles. “Creating multiple opportunities for community feedback is the foundation of strong local leadership.  

Mt. Olive has an opportunity to improve upon our local leadership with new voices, who are proactive, ready to lead and engage all community members.  

What are the most concerning issues to you as a resident of Mt. Olive?  

“What concerns me the most as a resident is the low level of engagement of ALL segments of the Mt. Olive community,” says Gayles. “For example, the absence of multicultural activities or the cultural arts is evident in many town-sponsored activities. In speaking to residents of the Hackettstown section of Mt. Olive and the many of the 40% of our community living on one of the apartment complexes, they often feel disconnected from the town.”   

What would you say are some concerning issues to many residents in Mt. Olive?  

“As I’ve talked to residents throughout the town, my initial question: “Is there something you think that town council can be paying a bit more attention to?,” generated incredible engagement and dialog with residents who often feel marginalized because either they live on the fringe of town, or in one of the apartment complexes,” he says.  

“Some of the topics discussed were taxes, inclusion/diversity, open space vs. overdevelopment, Budd Lake beach, the erosion of small businesses, Route 46 traffic and road repair.”   

What ideas do you have that deal with those issues and can help improve the township?   

Here are a few examples of issues that should be prioritized, and not just in an election year:  

1. Infrastructure  

·  Revisit the township’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan of April 2018. 

·  Conduct a public service announcement campaign to promote the renovation of Budd Lake beach.  

·  Prioritize infrastructure needs, such as wi-fi, road repair, green technology and not just during an election year.  

2. Accessibility  

·  Town Halls to share important town news and get community feedback on ordinances, grants and capital projects. 

·  Attend HOA and other resident meetings to engage residents in conversation and solicit feedback on local issues.  

·  Community Bulletin or a township newsletter. 

3.  Inclusion/Diversity

·  Collaborate with Cultural Alliance of Mt. Olive, Mt. Olive in Color, Mt. Olive Desi and other cultural groups to highlight the diversity of our community.  

·  Create more free events and other events of interest like sip and paint, music in the park, theater in the park, etc.  

·  Move forward with developing a community center to expand services to senior citizens and our youth. 

4. Business Development  

·  Create a task force of community constituents (i.e., Chamber of Commerce, Mayor’s Office, Econ. Development, property managers and a Certified Commercial Investment mgr.) to begin a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats assessment.  The expectation would be to develop a short-range action plan to:  

• Collaborate with the SBA and other non-profit organizations to develop programs and apply for grant funding to support aspiring entrepreneurs.    
• Investigate the possibility of offering new markets tax credits, using Real Estate Investment Trusts to generate income, expand the use of payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTS) to attract new businesses.  
• Examine redevelopment laws to identify distressed properties that can be rehabilitated to be of more benefit to the municipality’s local economy.  
• Secure state and local partners to develop entrepreneurial training program for new projects and support programs for existing business ventures.  

What is your platform?   

Revitalizing Mt. Olive  

·  Mt. Olive needs leaders who will do more to fill our empty storefronts, beautify the township, and bring new revenue to Mt. Olive Township.  We believe we can invigorate the township’s economy without taking on additional debt due to bonding.  And while bonding capital projects at a low interest rate is an effective short-term strategy, I am concerned that we are kicking the proverbial can of mounting debt down the road for the next generation to pay.  

We will engage with commercial property owners, business-owners, and local aspiring entrepreneurs to bring jobs and businesses to our township.  Through hard work, we can breathe life back into Mt. Olive’s local economy.  

Involving the Community: Accessibility and Transparency   

·  Mt. Olive deserves a Town Council that values the input and participation of the town and not just during an election year.  Right now, decisions are made without sufficient public input, discussion or feedback.  When developing the long-range master plan for our town, the residents need to be involved!  We believe that there should be multiple opportunities for residents to engage in the decision-making process, such as town halls and focus groups, to discuss critical capital projects and ordinances, for example.  We will get involved in the community, putting the people of Mt. Olive front and center in the political process.  

Equity & Inclusion  

·  It’s time for Mt. Olive to elect leaders who will promote inclusion, unity and equity - that will engage more members of the community.  We value communication, empathy and understanding.  All of our neighbor’s voices matter.  Vote Mt. Olive will listen to every resident, no matter your age, race, ability, political affiliation, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or economic status; whether you live in an apartment complex or homeowner, live in the center of town or on the edge of town, to find solutions we that we can all take pride in.  Vote Mt. Olive knows that we can only be united when we respect and celebrate what makes each of us unique.  

Do you have any slogans or a meaningful mantra that will stick in voters’ minds when going to the polls?   

“Vote for Gayles, Spaldo, Sharma and Bernstein.  We are New Voices with Real Vision for Mt. Olive.”  

Why should residents vote for Dr. Antoine Gayles for MO Council?    

“As your neighbor, I understand the importance of maintaining the quality of life that makes our community special, while looking ahead to create what comes next.  I am forward-thinking, and would be a strong advocate for you as your councilman.    

“I believe that there needs to be stronger collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Committee.  

“I believe that public and vacant spaces can be used to promote new businesses, in addition to supporting aspiring local entrepreneurs and the arts.  

“I believe that Mt. Olive can be a hub of shopping, dining and exploration, the performing arts and cultural festivals for all residents to enjoy.  

“I am running for Town Council on a platform of inclusivity, vision and innovation; to make Mt. Olive a more vibrant community that represents and reflects the rich gender, ethnic and religious mosaic that exists; to improve our commitment to the safety, health and wellness of our seniors; to support the expansion of small businesses in town; and assess our infrastructure needs, all while being fiscally responsible with your taxpayer dollars.  Most importantly, as your representative, I will listen with empathy and ensure that every voice is heard.”  

If elected, would you still sit on the BOE? If so, how would you manage your time to be successful?   

“According to Board Policy 0145 and N.J.S.A. 18A:12-2.2 I must resign from the Board of Education if I am elected or appointment to the office of mayor or member of the governing body of Mt. Olive Township.”   

If you are the lone Democrat elected to the current all Republican town council,  how would you handle working with others from different opinions and beliefs?  

“Mt. Olive residents should have the confidence that regardless of political affiliation or ideology, their elected officials will work tirelessly on their behalf to address the issues that affect their quality of life in Mt. Olive; and that they will be included as integral partners in that process.  I believe that regardless of political designation we all want what best for Mt. Olive and the beauty of a democratic society is that we can share different points of view, discuss and debate ideas that lead to positive outcomes for our community.”   

Is there anything you would like to add?  

“With your vote for Gayles, Spaldo, Sharma and Bernstein, we can begin to realize a vision for Mt. Olive that reflects the rich diversity that exists in our town,” says Gayles. “Casting that vote is your opportunity to change the narrative of “it won’t work” or “let’s wait and see what the other towns do.”  We can be leaders in Northwest NJ and throughout the state.  

“So, why change, you ask?  To that, I say that one of the most dangerous statements that we can say to ourselves is “We’re doing it this way because we’ve always done it this way.”  This kind of thinking sacrifices creativity, innovation, visionary and forward thinking, for the comfort of status quo.  I’ve even heard “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.  To that I’ll add - but continually improve upon it.”  

Now more than ever is the time to improve upon our local leadership with new voices, with real vision, ready to do the hard work.  So, on Nov 2 vote for Gayles, Spaldo, Sharma and Bernstein for town council.”  

Education/Profession/Family/Other Involvements  

Gayles earned his doctorate in education leadership from Seton Hall University in South Orange; a master’s in management of human services from Brandeis University in Massachusetts; and bachelor’s in political science concentrating in public policy from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.   

He has worked professionally in sales, finance and education.    

“I traveled from Waltham, MA to Jersey City, NJ to take a sales associate job on Wall Street for NatWest Investor Services, NA,” he says. “After three years in the financial markets industry, I transitioned to working in non-profit organizations in Newark, NJ that supported students in Newark Public Schools and their families.  I have spent the past 23 years as an educational leader in suburban and urban communities, serving in the State Dept. of Education, an assistant principal, principal and superintendent of schools.  I am also an adjunct professor at Centenary University, teaching graduate level communications and public Relations to school leaders.  In 2020 I launched my own educational consulting company to provide professional development, coaching and motivational speaking services to school districts, for profit and non-profit organizations.”   

BOE Experience & Accomplishments   

Gayles has served two consecutive terms on the Mt. Olive BOE (2014-2017; 2017-2020) after being appointed to an unexpired term in August 2014.  In 2020, he was elected to a third term on the BOE, securing more than 5,000 votes to lead all candidates.  

“During my first two terms on the board, I served two times as vice president, in addition to serving on the Negotiations, Finance, Policy, Curriculum committees, and Curriculum Committee chair in 2019 and 2021.  Between 2016-2018 I served on the Morris County School Boards Legislative Committee and as an alternate delegate to the NJ Schools Board Association.  I currently serve as the board liaison to the township Recreation Department and Chester M. Stephens Elementary School, and support the parents and students of Special Education Parent Advocacy Group (SEPAG) and Parents of Extraordinary Kids (PEAK).   

Other involvements:  

“I have coached both boys’ and girls’ recreation basketball and boys track,” says Gayles. “My family and I attend Flanders United Methodist Church, where I volunteer at the thrift and delivered the youth ministry.    

“This past April I was appointed to serve as a Board of Trustee of Norwescap, the largest non-profit community action program in northwest NJ.  Norwescap is a private, nonprofit corporation, established in 1965, serving the low-income population in Northwest NJ. The organization offers a comprehensive array of strategies, programs, and services to create opportunities and change lives.”  

Family Man  

Gayles is married to Gwendolyn, a classroom aide at CMS. They have five children: Donovan, MOHS class of 2016; Victoria, MOHS class of 2020; Caitlin, MOHS class of 2020; Justin, MOHS class of 2021; and Stephanie, MOMS grade 6. 

This is a paid advertisement by Mt. Olive Democrats.

Football and soccer teams will not be the only winners at the Mt. Olive High School Marauder Stadium come this spring as a new projected scoreboard will be a “win win” once it is in.

The Mt. Olive Township Board of Education approved the financing of the scoreboard at its last BOE meeting held Monday, Sept. 27, at the Mt. Olive Middle School in Budd Lake. BOE member Dr. Antoine Gayles voted against the financing for the new jumbotron.

The new scoreboard is a joint venture between the BOE and the Mt. Olive Education Foundation. The BOE has agreed to finance the scoreboard during a five year lease agreement and the Ed Foundation will pay the school district back through revenue raised from advertising costs by businesses and others who intend to use the scoreboard for promotions.

Ed Foundation President Brian Schaechter of Flanders, former BOE member, thanked the board at the meeting and is excited for this new partnership.

With so many people who come to Mt. Olive High School and rave about its facilities-  such as MOHS Marauder Stadium and the bubble over the turf soccer field, “This is just the capstone of the high school,” says Schaechter. “This just makes it even better.

“It would just enhance everything Mt. Olive does; it’s really just a great project for the people,” continues Schaechter.

BOE Approves Financing Bid

The BOE voted 6-1 to approve Finance and Operation Action Item number 10.12, to award the lease purchase financing bid to TD Equipment Finance, Inc. at the annual rate of 1.0981% for the artificial field turf, electronic scoreboard and installation.

The aggregate principal amount for this lease purchase is an approximate amount of $1,053,158. The BOE will be paying $217,332 annually over five years.

Project History

Superintendent of Mt. Olive School District Dr. Robert Zywicki explains how the scoreboard concept has been in the works since the fall of 2018. He had approached the Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce at that time to see if it would be interested in contributing “in a meaningful manner to the district” by having businesses advertise.

Then, during an October 2019 MOSD finance meeting, the idea of the scoreboard came up and the Budget Committee agreed to include it in the June 2020 school budget as a partnership with the Ed Foundation, explains Zywicki.

Once the pandemic hit, however, plans were put on hold.

The partnership between the school district and the Ed Foundation is a smart way to raise money while giving back to the school community, explains Zywicki.

The district will finance the scoreboard and then any monies raised by the Ed Foundation by using the scoreboard through advertising will be used to pay the district back, school officials explain.

“The district is laying out the money for this and we are paying it back,” says Schaechter.

As a non-profit entity, “The Ed Foundation is legally obligated to donate the money specifically to curriculum, field trips or scholarships,” says Zywicki.   

But, “When the school district collects money, it goes to the general fund,” he says.

The Ed Foundation, meanwhile, has already identified some “big donors,” who may very well pay off the lease sooner than anticipated, Zywicki says.

Financial Gain

It was quite coincidental when lightening struck the old scoreboard last month during a bad storm. In disrepair, the MOSD now has an insurance claim that may  offset the cost for the new scoreboard, says Zywicki.

Depending on how much electrical work will need to be done, Zywicki says MOSD will have to pay about $360K not including the electrical work for the scoreboard.    

Once the scoreboard is paid off, the proceeds brought in from advertisement money will be a 60/40 split between the school district and the Ed Foundation.

Zywicki says the school district can then put any proceeds collected toward the general fund to purchase items such as new Chromebooks or even a new bus. 

The Ed Foundation, on the other hand, can use its proceeds for student scholarships, teacher scholarships and other projects.

“This will make money,” says Zywicki. “Other districts have it,” such as Lenape and Jefferson school districts to raise revenue and direct advertisements to community members.

Another benefit is the students will get to use the scoreboard as an educational tool for enhanced learning such as for marketing and television classes, says Zywicki. Perhaps the students can help create advertisements for the local businesses.

MOTV can feature some of their work on the big screen during football games.

“We thought this would be a great way for allowing students to take part,” says Schaechter, whether through animations and videos; the “strong television production program in town, can allow students to shoot their commercials and put them up on the scoreboard while giving an educational opportunity to kids.”  

“We hope to have it up by spring,” says Zywicki.

“We should be boasting about it,” says Schaechter, “instead of just telling others what a good district this is. This goes on within the walls. We should always be up one ahead of everyone else.”

Financial Concern

Gayles voted against the scoreboard for financial reasons.

“I voted “No” because I am not in favor spending $400k on the jumbotron scoreboard in 2021, then telling the community we need to raise your taxes to an excessive 2.92% in 2021-22,” he says. “I also voted “No” on the 2021-22 budget increase, especially as many households are still recovering from the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Secondly, a community-based business owner pledged that his business would donate $400k towards the purchase of the jumbotron scoreboard,” adds Gayles. “I would like to see that opportunity vigorously pursued and we utilize the taxpayer dollars to augment innovative instructional opportunities and support services for students, improve instructional spaces and provide professional development for staff. 

“I think the idea of a jumbotron scoreboard is nice, however, not at the taxpayer’s expense,” concludes Gayles. 

Ed Foundation

In existence for two and a half years, five volunteers currently operate the district’s Ed Foundation, explains Schaechter who has been its president for the past two years.

Its purpose is “to support scholarships for students and teachers and capital funding” for improvements for the schools; “things taxpayers don’t need to pay for,” explains Schaechter.

Since the Ed Foundation “is doing this, taxpayers don’t have to lay out any money,” says Schaechter.

Being that the non-profit organization just received IRS clearance last May, the Ed Foundation has yet to grant any scholarships, he adds.

Frustrated by the delay for the scoreboard approval by the BOE, Schaechter is happy that the project can now move forward.

“We missed our biggest opportunity which would’ve been the football season,” says Schaechter, with raising money from advertising.

At the same time, he understands that MOSD had “so many issues” such as transportation and COVID; “getting kids back and safe is everybody’s priority.”

He says, “We do have a fair amount of funds from private donations,” and once this project gets going, he hopes that some student scholarships can be awarded this school year.

“There will be other opportunities for raising money,” says Schaechter, but the scoreboard is a big one. Are selling bricks at the high school enough to sustain scholarships?

“We were in agreement from day one,” say Schaechter. “We just need to get the project going.”

The money will also be used as a revenue source by the Ed Foundation to offer scholarships.

He says the full mission of the Ed Foundation is to provide scholarships, professional development and innovation within the Mt. Olive School District.

“Everything they do is to support the school district,” says Zywicki, adding that it is non-profit and not able to build a scoreboard on school property. 

“We have people lined up who want to advertise for the scoreboard,” says Zywicki.  

“We’ve approached a ton of companies,” says Schaechter. The chamber says “yeah, we want to advertise there.

“Imagine car dealerships, restaurants taking a 15 second spot,” says Schaechter. “Everybody’s said it’s a great idea. It’s a lot of money. It’s well worth it for businesses around here.”

The BOE will be setting the advertising costs for the scoreboard, but Schaechter is hopeful that pricing will be fair.

“Proposed numbers are very affordable,” for advertising on the new scoreboard, says Schaechter. “As far as advertising, we haven’t decided on the rates yet,” but they “will be extremely competitive.”

After researching advertising costs in publications and radio stations, he says “they charge so much,” but yet their audience may not be as great as the amount of people that can fill MOHS Marauder Stadium during a football game.

“Thousands go to the football games,” says Schaechter. “It’s a captive audience here. All these hometown, homegrown businesses that can use some help.”      

Businesses Are Lining Up

“There’s just so much that could be done by it,” says Schaechter.

If it does go in by spring, Schaechter expects advertisements will be featured on the scoreboard during lacrosse games, band competitions, track and field, plus private events, rentals for tournaments and graduation like congratulation messages from mom and dad. Even keynote speakers, who may be hesitant to attend live during a graduation, can be featured by satellite on the jumbotron.

How about “prom-proposals” on the scoreboard, he continues. Thirty second commercials twice a quarter; 15 second commercials; rotating areas where logos can go up and can flip every two to three minutes.

“There are different levels and ways for advertising on this,” says Schaechter. “It’s extremely flexible.”

Animations by students; ads about MOHS “and how great it is; lip-dub featured during half-time.

“There’s a lot we can do to advertise the town and district,” says Schaechter.   

According to Schaechter’s projections, he says, “We’re aiming to pay for the whole scoreboard within five years.

Through advertising, he also projects to raise $70K to $80K annually.

“After it’s paid off, we’re going to collect that much more money in projects and scholarships,” concludes Schaechter. “You’ll have a lot as far as a stream of money.”

New Multipurpose Field

The BOE also unanimously approved the purchase of a new Multipurpose Field at the Sept. 27 BOE meeting. 

The bid for the Mt. Olive Turf Field Project was awarded to Rochelle Contracting Co., Inc. of Landing at a cost of $1.5 million.

There has been a “major drainage problem,” on the baseball field at MOHS, says BOE Member John Kehmna, chair of the MOSD Finance and Operations Committee.

“Dugouts look like when they show pictures of a worn torn country,” says Zywicki.

The field had a “band-aid fix years ago,” says Zywicki that did not resolve the issue. The problem is that the baseball field slopes causing six inches of water after big rain to settle there.

So instead of just a baseball field, a multipurpose field will be built to be utilized by all outdoor sports such as baseball, softball,  soccer, field hockey, lacrosse.

“Every sport will use it,” says Zywicki.

With safety in mind, “The field condition, right now, is borderline unplayable,” says MOHS Baseball Coach Pete Zoccolillo. “The field is at its point that it needs to be replaced. “It’s just not good enough for me.

“The safety for me is a real problem,” says Zoccolillo, adding that ground balls have hit players in the face causing bloody noses and black eyes, all “because the field needs to be replaced.

“We get a lot of rain; we get a lot of wind,” he says, which causes drainage issues.

“Players work their tails off,” he says. “The goal was to have homefield advantage. The field just doesn’t drain. Last year we had a lot of seniors,” he says, but the state game had to be moved to Morris Catholic because of drainage.

“Last year we lost home field advantage,” he says. “It doesn’t drain at home plate.

“We have an incredible campus here at Mt. Olive,” says Zoccolillo, adding that some call it a small college, but “I hear from a lot of the coaches, 'what’s going on with the baseball field?'"

BOE Member Liz Ouimet thanks Zoccilillo for speaking at the BOE meeting about his concerns.

“It’s a positive thing; we need to get that field done,” admits Ouimet.