Mt. Olive Online Publication April 16, 2025

Mt. Olive Online
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Solemn Vigil Recognizes Prisoners & Missing Soldiers

By Cheryl Conway

 

Close to 300 people came out to honor prisoners of war and military men and women missing in action earlier this month during The National POW/MIA 24-hour vigil at the All Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake.      

This was the AVM’s eighth year in hosting this annual vigil in recognition of the federally recognized day, observed on the third Friday in September. AVM volunteers, Veterans from various organizations, students and residents observed the formal ceremonies and 24-hour program held Friday, Sept. 16 through Saturday, Sept. 17. 

“The AVM opens their 24-hour vigil at 4:30 p.m. on the third Friday with a formal ceremony which includes the lighting of the vigil globe located at the POW/MIA/PTSD Remembrance Wall, behind the Bill of Rights,” explains AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann, and organizer of the annual vigil. “Our event honors all New Jersey Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action.  We honor the men and women by reciting their names, ranks, serial numbers, and the last date and location they were last seen.”  

She describes this year’s event: “In a word, I would describe this year's vigil as "meaningful," says Uhrmann.  

“This year's Opening Ceremony was dedicated in honor of National Rolling Thunder Co-Founder Joseph Bean's honorable military service and 30 years of civic service,” says Uhrmann. “Mr. Bean passed away last March. This year's Closing Ceremony was in memory of Billylee Appice's selfless honorable civic service to New Jersey Rolling Thunder Chapter 6.  Mr. Appice passed away in August. 

“Reverend Karen Gazzillo, of the Morristown Daughters of the American Revolution included a special blessing for Mr. Bean and Appice during the Invocation and Benediction,” she adds. 

In her opening ceremony, Gazzillo says, “As we gather together for a 24-hour vigil to honor all prisoners of war and those missing in action we lift up special prayers for all of their families and friends who are gathered here today. We honor all of our veterans…worthy men and women who have given their best when they were called upon to serve and protect our country…for their unselfish service. Bless them abundantly despite of the hardships they face and sacrifices they are making for our country. May their families be comforted and find peace that their loved one is honored for their service to our country and we will never forget.” 

Numerous groups volunteered to participate and read names of POW’s and MIAs.  

“Our volunteers read over 2,500 names and rang the Ascension Bell 525 times,” says Uhrmann. “There were two individual 21 gun salutes.  The first salute was conducted by the Second New Jersey Brigade in memory of the two Rolling Thunder member's Bean and Appice's lives, service and passing; and the other 21 gun salute was conducted by American Legion Post 450 Honor Guard and Seton Hall ROTC in honor of the life and service of all New Jersey's POW/MIA.”   

Ret. USAF CMSgt Robert Bedell also gave opening remarks. He says on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, “we seek out answers” to those missing in action, sons and daughters, and pay tribute to prisoners of war. 

“On this day of heartache, let us offer strength,” says Bedell. “Let us remember freedom is never free and we offer a debt to those who fight for freedom.”

Volunteers and Preparation 

Different groups that volunteered included: Mt. Olive High School JROTC Booster Club; National Rolling Thunder; N.J. Rolling Thunder Chapter 6; Staten Island Rolling Thunder Chapter 2; Centenary University President Bruce Murphy; U.S. Army SSGT Luis Matta; N.J. American Legion State Commander Steve Fisher; N.J. American Legion Department Vice Commander Wil Kramer; Morris County American Legion; American Legion Post 91; American Legion Post 450 (Honor Guard); American Legion Post 423; The Second New Jersey Brigade;
The Legion Riders; Morristown Daughters of the American Revolution; N.J. Sons of the American Revolution President Roger Loomis; N.J. Veterans Services; The Free Masons Musconetcong Lodge #42; FR. Joseph A. Cassidy Council 6100 Knights of Columbus; Seton Hall University ROTC. 

As part of the event, “The MOHS JROTC Air Force had 65 cadets participate in the Bataan Death March,” says Uhrmann. 

The purpose of the death march is to remember the April 9, 1942, U.S. surrender of the Bataan Peninsula on the main Philippine Island of Luzon to Japan, during WWII when close to 75K Filipino and American troops on Bataan were forced to march 65 miles to prison camps. Thousands perished due to intense heat and harsh treatment and this became known as the Bataan Death March.      


"The total miles marched, collectively was 805 miles during the 24-hour period,” says Uhrmann. “Of the 65 cadets, 53 marched 14 miles each earning the Bataan Death March Memorial Ribbon.”    

Located at the entrance of Turkey Brook Park, the AVM is N.J.’s premier veteran’s memorial recognized for its one-of-a kind monuments and elements. It has served as the stage for numerous events to honor, recognize and remember those who have served and still serve in the U.S. military. 

As the organizer of the event and founder of the AVM, Uhrmann spends a great deal of her time and effort preparing the grounds for every event held there.
“I personally funded and prepared the grounds for the event,” says Uhrmann. “It has been our longstanding policy that the All-Veterans Memorial grounds be worthy of hosting events such as Memorial Day and the National POW/MIA Recognition Day.  It is an integral part of showing our respect to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our nation.   While the MO Parks & Recreation edged and cut the lawn, I spent the week weeding the grounds and poly sanding the Prayer Garden and NorthStar Seating area.” 

Uhrmann was quite pleased with the new fountain that sits adjacent to the AVM.
“The fountain was absolutely stunning,” says Uhrmann. “The sound of the water creates an amazing atmosphere. We were extremely surprised and excited to see the fountain illuminate our nation's colors of Red, White and Blue.  Everyone that attended and participated expressed how moving the fountain was and how spiritual it made them feel. 

“We are extremely grateful to the township for the addition,” she adds. “We had requested a fountain several years ago.  Since the pond was not part of the AVM, we were required to wait for the township to approve and install one.  It is an amazing addition ... an addition we are extremely grateful for.”       

In her closing remarks, Gazzillo “asks for special blessing on each and every name on our list.” 

She thanks those for serving and offers special praise to Uhrmann and her dedication to the AVM.  

“As we depart from this beautiful All Veterans Memorial, we give you special thanks for the tremendous dedication and hard work on the part of our beloved Charlie Uhrmann in bringing us together,” says Gazzillo. “We are so grateful for her example of patriotism and love of country. She is a wonderful inspiration and deeply appreciated.”      

Photo Gallery

    Welcome readers to the 86th issue of Mt. Olive Online

    Conflicted Events At Park Causes Debate

    By Cheryl Conway

    It was a little bit of country music, and a little bit of reciting thousands of names of soldiers missing in action or prisoners of war.  

    Most would say “huh?” that does not mix! While a variety of events are typically held at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake at a given time, many would agree that a country music concert should not have been held at the same time, adjacent to the POW/MIA 24-hour Vigil. 

    Country in the Par, a free music concert with vendors, food and beer was held Friday, Sept. 16, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Activity Field, while the 8th annual 2022 POW/MIA 24-hour Vigil was going on at the All-Veterans Memorial, starting at 4:30 p.m. Both venues sit at the entrance of Turkey Brook Park on opposite sides of the loop. 

    All Veterans Memorial Founder Charlie Uhrmann, who organizes the National POW/MIA Recognition Day with the 24-hour vigil at the AVM the same September weekend every year, was extremely disappointed by the conflicted events at the park. She raises her concerns at the last Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting as well as with “Mt. Olive Online” during an interview about the 24-hour vigil.  

    “We learned a week before our event that the Mt. Olive Recreation planned a "Country Concert" at the same time as our event,” says Uhrmann. “A similar conflict transpired last year - whereby we had to cancel the "30 Year Anniversary" celebration for Rolling Thunder Founder Artie Mueller.  Last year's conflict not only affected our celebration, but also affected several of our local organization's ability to fundraise; the conflict, we believed it was simply a breakdown in communication.” 

    Last year, Uhrmann says “I spoke to MO Recreation Director Jill Daggon and explained that the AVM has only two annual, federally recognized events that we would respectfully ask them to work around; Memorial Day and the National POW/MIA Recognition Day.  In sum, we are simply requesting 20 out of 8,766 hours to honor our dead. 

    “Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure’… I believe this is exactly what President Lincoln was referring to and exactly what we are seeing in our country today,” says Uhrmann. “To me, there was no reason to schedule the event on Friday evening, when they had Saturday evening available to them.  Now, in all fairness, we could barely hear the music behind the wall and the calming sounds from the fountain drowned out any remaining sounds...  However, the idea of hosting a music concert during a POW/MIA vigil did not sit well with our participants.  As soon as they arrived into the parking lot, they could hear the music and voiced displeasure.  When they complained, I felt caught in the middle.  To me personally, I believe it was done in very poor taste. I also believe it to be intentional because we discussed the optics last year. 
    “While I do not expect everyone to feel the way I do as it relates to the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms, it would be nice to respect each other's beliefs and passions,” says Uhrmann. “This is not the first time the township has prioritized entertainment over honoring our fallen warriors.  President Lincoln possessed great foresight.”   

    Uhrmann then raises these concerns to the Mt. Olive Twp. Council and mayor during the public portion of the Sept. 20 Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting. She states, there is an “ongoing conflict between our POW/MIA Vigil and Mt. Olive Recreation Concert schedule.” 

    She says she thought she cleared up any miscommunication last year with recreation to avoid scheduling other events on Memorial Day and the 24-hour POW/MIA Vigil, as she explained that “the nature of those events are pretty solemn.” 

    Urhmann says, “we don’t expect everything to come to a halt,” but she expects “respect for our solemn event.”  She says “participants expressed a lot of concern. We are reciting names and ranks of people who didn’t come while we have fireworks and jubilee in the background. It just sits poorly” in the face of the township itself, with 21 state and local organizations “that walked away a little disappointed.” 

    Council Vice President Alex Roman, who ran the meeting that evening, defends Uhrmann’s concerns and asks the township administration to “make sure that does not happen again. I tend to agree with you,” says Roman. “I can understand your point completely.”   

    Roman says “I did not attend the vigil. I was not available. There should be better communication going forward so that this does not happen again in the future.” 

    Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Rob Greenbaum also did not attend the vigil but he did attend the Country concert. 

    “I did not attend the vigil and was not generally aware of it other than Charlie may have mentioned it previously,” says Greenbaum. “I was at the park that evening briefly to attend the rec event. The park was extremely in use, from soccer to baseball to Mount Playmore, football, the vigil, the Rec event, etc. I recall thinking at the time how great it was to see so many people doing different things and the park so alive. Even if the rec event had not been that evening, the park still would have been very active. There just needs to be better communication between Rec and the AVM Group so that everyone can work together better.” 

    Council President Joe Nicastro “was out of town so did not attend.  

    I do not think other events should be scheduled at the time. With that said, the planning for our town events are planned out well in advance. At that time the paperwork for the dates of the vigil were not scheduled on the calendar. The recreation department does a great job with so many events and would never purposely schedule an event that would conflict with the vigil.” 

    Nicastro does agree this should be corrected moving forward. 

    “It is already been addressed and there will be no events scheduled to conflict with the vigil,” says Nicastro. 

    Councilman Greg Stewart who was also out of town and did not attend says, “I think most of us were surprised by Charlie’s update, especially since she stated that she had discussed the special Veterans Event with our Recreation Department. This conflict is abnormal. There had to be a miscommunication along the way, as we have one of the best recreation departments in the state, and Jill and Liz always do a great job for our community and township, with the variety of events they manage.” 

    Council Member Colleen Labow says she is sure the Business Administrator  Andrew Tatarenko will bring it up to recreation “so it doesn’t happen again.” She says she did not see the 24 hour vigil on the calendar and that the council will “usually get a notification of an event,” but did not. 

    “There’s a lot of people to have events,” says Labow, but it is important to make sure “there are no conflicts. We’re only on the council, we don’t do the day to day to organize things.” 

    Labow says “it’s good that people raise up these issues; it’s good Charlie brought it to our attention. I had no idea there was even anything amiss.” At the same time, she recognizes that Turkey Brook Park “it’s so incredibly awesome; it comes alive every single day. It’s just a wonderful place to be at any given time. It is a public place.” If someone is walking past there with two dogs that start barking, that can be an issue but “you try to be respectful as possible.”  

    While she did not attend the event either, Labow says “we are very conscientious of our veterans. When it comes to the military, I am 100% supportive of any of that stuff.” Her late nephew was a sniper in the army who was honorably discharged.  “You do have to spend some time, need to sit back, reflect and honor our veterans. If it weren’t for our military and our police officers, where would we be? 

    Concludes Labow, “We will work really hard to make sure it is not going to happen again. We have a wonderful community. I love my town.”             

    The only council member to attend the 24 hour POW/MIA Vigil was John Mania. 

    “I was part of the ceremony,” says Mania, who is a veteran. “I read names. To me it’s disrespectful,” to have a concert the same night. He says, “I was aware of the event but I didn’t know it was that night.” 

    Administration’s Response 

    In response to the conflict raised by Uhrmann, Mt. Olive Recreation Supervisor Jill Daggon says she was unaware of the upcoming vigil. 

    “We were not made aware of a POW/MIA 24-hour vigil planned for 9/16/22,” says Daggon. “We set our dates for the upcoming year in September. Information about our events is posted on our website usually in December, prior to the new year. 

    “We did hear unofficially that there was a request for a fountain to be put in the pond, about two weeks before our event, but nothing as to there being a service,” adds Daggon. “Had we been informed that there was a service that day, even two months before hand, we would have rescheduled for another day.” 

    Even so, she does not think the events conflicted.  

    “On event day, we were told that the service would run from 4-5 p.m.,” says Daggon. “Our music started at 5 p.m. and we asked the band to play at half volume, until a larger crowd arrived, out of respect for the service. We were surprised that there was a group marching through our event. 

    “Keep in mind that the park was still being fully used by sports groups and the public on 9/16,” Daggon further notes. 

    She plans to correct this from happening in the future. 

    “While we were at the event, we started a list of notes for things to consider for next year,” she says. At the top of the list was to check to see if there was nationally recognized day for POW/MIA events. In preparation for planning for 2023, I found that the 3rd Friday of September is a national POW/MIA Remembrance Day. We also check the calendar to avoid Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Looking at the calendar for the next several years, the 4th Friday of September does not fall on any of these special days.” 

    Daggon says recreation has been accommodating in the past. 

    “As to 2021 – the 150th Anniversary of Mt. Olive Township was planned in 2020 and announced/promoted starting in Nov. 2020,” explains Daggon. “It was held on Saturday 9/18/21. On 9/2 we were contacted about there being an event at the AVM. We were able quickly and suitably able to adjust our plans to coordinate our plans with the AVM. 



    “We always want to be respectful to events happening at the AVM, we do need to be told about them in advance,” says Daggon. “The symphony played patriotic music during their concert time. We made announcements to encourage people to go over to the AVM. It coordinated nicely. We were not told that this would be a recurring event each year.” 

    As far as fireworks, that was not part of the recreation Country Par. 

    “There were NO fireworks on 9/16 at our Country in the Park event,” says Daggon. “Carnival, National Night Out and Food Trucks & Fireworks are the only events with fireworks in Turkey Brook Park that we plan. It was MOHS Senior Night at the football game at the high school. I was told that night, that they were planning on fireworks – but when we finished cleaning up from our event by 9:45 p.m., I had not heard them. If there was a fireworks’ show at the high school, it would have been after the game was done – 10 p.m. -11 p.m. time frame.” 

    Tatarenko agrees that communication between the AVM and recreation could have been better this year. 

    “Typically the AVM will reach out to us prior to an event to put us on notice, ask for any assistance and invite township officials to participate,” says Tatarenko. “In the past, the council would authorize a resolution lifting certain restrictions during the vigil related to overnight activities which was not done this year.  Other than asking us to post the event on social media a few weeks before the event, no other communication was given prior to the event. 

    “Now that we know this will be an annual event, regardless of notification, we will plan accordingly moving forward,” he says. “Nonetheless, no recreational event, other than sporting games will be held that weekend moving forward.”  

    In a letter to Tatarenko, Uhrmann further discusses the issue and returns the blame to miscommunication on the part of recreation and the township:  

    “First and foremost, I wanted to make clear that when I did receive negative feedback from our participants at the vigil, I assured them it was simply a case of miscommunication,” Uhrmann writes. “I did not exasperate the situation or place blame on the township, as I believe there was/is zero value in doing so. 

    “The two federally recognized events that have been assumed by the AVM Board of Directors is Memorial Day and POW/MIA Observance Day,” she writes.   

    “Our existence is certainly not to disrupt.  For the past three years, we have worked quite well with MO Baseball President Mike Mancini to accommodate both objectives.  Our relationship continues to be built on respect for each other’s passion and long-term commitment.  

    “The AVM has hosted their Memorial Day Ceremony on Memorial Day for the past 17 years,” she reminds him. “We have hosted the National POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil on the designated third Friday of September for eight years now.  Mt. Olive Recreation’s concert has only been in existence for two years. Though I did not copy you on the POW/MIA itinerary or flier, I did copy John and Eddie, Lisa Brett and the Council President Joe Nicastro in August.  Last year I spoke directly to MO Recreation regarding the conflict and our longstanding observance.  Since your previous email indicated that this is the time period MO Recreation coordinates their schedules for the next year, I am surprised they were not more mindful of a similar conflict. 

    “The township’s inability to accept ownership to their oversight was somewhat frustrating,” she notes. “I realize you are doing your best and have been extremely supportive in our efforts; however, the goodwill and trust we have been working towards is compromised when mistruths are spoken. The bottom-line is that Jill Daggon made a human error; period.   We as civilized, emotionally developed people recognize and accept our failures and move on.”  

    Uhrmann further writes, “The AVM complex and their outreach efforts and ceremonies have earned many awards, including but not limited to international recognition.  We have been recognized by New Jersey’s Office of the Governor, American Legion and National Rolling Thunder, just to name a few.  Our complex has made its way into five publications.   Yet, I am baffled as to why Mt. Olive Township fails to recognize our events on their community calendar of events.   Since the dates of our two events are unwavering – would it be possible to respectfully request that our events be placed on the township and Mt. Olive Recreation’s calendar? This will quell the many questions of local veterans as to why we are always excluded.” 

    BOE Member Recognizes Vigil 

    While the council and mayor did not recognize the 2022 POW/MIA 24-hour vigil at its last council meeting, a member of the Mt. Olive Board of Education did highlight the event at the last BOE meeting held Sept. 19. 

    BOE Member Dr. Antoine Gayles did make it a point to attend on Friday night, Sept. 16, and recognize the AVM’s POW/MIA 24-hour Vigil. 

    He describes the Jr. ROTC Memorial March that was held during the vigil and how 65 Mt. Olive High School cadets participated this year by marching a combined 805 miles around Turkey Brook during those 24 hours.  

    He says 53 of those cadets did complete 14 miles to earn a ribbon that honors the sacrifices by those who trekked 66 miles in the WWII Bataan Death March in 1942. During that march only 54K out of the 76K Filipinos and Americans freed from the Japanese survived that march. Twenty thousand died from sickness, starvation and violence. 

    Gayles also shares with the BOE that the AVM is a great site to visit as an educational resource. 

    “They are available for class visits and presentations if the district is interested,” says Gayles.  

    Synagogue Is Sweet New Home For High Holiday Services

    By Cheryl Conway

     

    Similar to the “Field of Dreams” 1989 movie quote “If you build it, he will come,” … “If you buy it, they will attend.”  

    Whichever way it is stated, it means if one puts effort and belief in the success of a project, it's more likely to succeed. This is truly the case with the Chabad Jewish Center of Northwest New Jersey-Western Region in Mt. Olive that purchased Temple Hatikvah in Flanders.   

    About 60 people gathered on Monday, Sept. 26, at the Chabad Jewish Center for its first Rosh Hashana service at the religious center at 58 Pleasant Hill Rd. After 17 years of offering services and activities in five different places in town- from the rabbi’s home, a school, vacant store, rented building, and even a community clubhouse- the Chabad Jewish Center is operating and growing with its permanent home since closing on its location Oct. 31, 2021.  

    The synagogue is the central point for life for a Jewish community. It is where services, many rites of passages and places for study is held. People from Mt. Olive and area towns such as Roxbury, Long Valley, Blairstown and Hackettstown attended this year’s Jewish New Year services. 

    “New people joined us this year,” says Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman of Flanders, spiritual leader of the Chabad Jewish Center in Mt. Olive. “We had more than other years; I was very happy with the turnout.” 

    Adds Shusterman, It is a “Very special experience to have services in such a beautiful building. We were happy to have services open to the entire community.” 

    More than 20 people even attended the second day for services, he adds. 

    A Rosh Hashana dinner was held Sunday night, Sept. 25, and featured the festive foods. 

    “It was a beautiful and meaningful dinner,” says Shusterman, with about 15 people.  

    To prepare for the holiday, a Women’s Pre-Rosh Hashana Babka Bake was held Thursday, Sept. 15, with about 50 women in attendance, as part of the synagogue’s new group for women called Jewish Women’s Connection. Each month, a new program of interest will be held from baking, to making soup, learning and laughing. 

    Young and old, women and men, and even a local police officer attended. 

    A Jewish police officer in town stopped in for prayers to celebrate the Jewish New Year, confirms Shusterman. 

    “He helped me organize police patrols during the high holiday services,” says Shusterman. “He was on duty but he joined us at the same time.” 

    Anyone who has attended Shusterman’s services would agree that he is one brilliant storyteller.  

    This year he engaged congregants with stories about England’s late Queen Elizabeth, and how her glory ties to the greater meaning behind Rosh Hashana. 

    He spoke with wonder as to why the world was so interested in the death of Queen Elizabeth, even in America. How she was treated as an admired symbol; how people reacted to her death with such emotion and how they crave notoriety. 

    He pointed out how her crown and jewels are priceless and tied it to the meaning that everyone's life is priceless and meaningful under Hashem's (G-d's) kingdom. That everyone’s life has great purpose; and how one small mitzva has purpose. 

    Shusterman shared another great true story about a rabbi who got sent to Siberia during WWII with his family. Living in fear at that time as Jews who escaped during the Holocaust, they hid their identity, but at the same time craved their Jewish culture. The rabbi’s son came up with a clever plan. He destroyed the town's sounding bell/horn and instead presented its leaders with a trumpet to be sounded like the shofar during Rosh Hashana. 


    Sweet New Year Expected For All  

    “We were very pleased this year,” says Shusterman with the turnout for services. “It's always good to see people coming back year after year as well as many new faces who have joined us.” 

    He says membership has increased and more programs are being offered since moving into the new building.  

    “Ever since we moved into this building, our programs have tripled in attendance,” says Shusterman. “We are offering many more programs for different age groups and we already see that people are very interested in all the programs.” 

    In addition to the new Jewish women's group, A Wisdom Circle - a program for retirees- is being offered as well as A Mommy and Me for Toddlers as well as holiday events for children. 

    Upcoming Services 

    High Holiday Services will continue this week with Yom Kippur Tuesday night, at 6:30 p.m.; and morning services Wednesday, Oct. 5 starting at 9; and closing services at 6 p.m. 

    Sukkot begins Sunday, Oct. 9. 

    The rabbi is seeking volunteers to help build Chabad's new Sukkah on Thursday, October 6 at 5:30 pm. Call Shusterman at 973-933-6011 to volunteer. 

    Go to www.mychabdcenter.com/highholidays to reserve a seat and for more information on additional upcoming services. 

    New Church Welcomes All To Come As They Are

    By Cheryl Conway

    Holding services inside a school building may not be the most common place for a church. 

    But for Commonplace Church in Flanders, the Mt. Olive Middle School in Budd Lake is the place to be on Sunday mornings. The congregation has been meeting at the middle school since July for prayer services, educational programs, music and support. 

    As a pastor’s son born and raised in Mt. Olive, the Commonplace Church founding pastor is delighted to return to his homestead while looking for a more permanent space.  

    “We’re really grateful for the space at Mt. Olive Middle School,” says Kirk Rupprecht, founding pastor of Commonplace Church.  “There’s a camaraderie; it feels warm and welcoming.”   

    Rupprecht, 43, of Budd Lake has been renting space at MOMS since July 17. Prior to relocating to Mt. Olive, Commonplace Church had services in Randolph with deeper roots in Roxbury and Totowa. 

    History 

    Commonplace Church emerged out of Emergence Church in Totowa. Rupprecht got involved with that church in 2013 and served as the Campus pastor. 

    With a membership of 2,500 members, the church offered multi-sites, with one being in Roxbury. In 2015, Rupprecht worked as a pastor at the Emergence Church in Roxbury.  

    “Then COVID hit, and we shut down,” says Rupprecht. But not for long. 

    In 2021, Rupprecht started his own church and rented space at Grace Bethlehem Church in Randolph. 

    “We used their facility, their space as a transition,” says Rupprecht. It was a “tough time to grow a church.”  

    About 100 congregants would meet on Sunday afternoons, which was not the most ideal time.  

    “I’m a football fan so that’s a tough one,” he says. So, they “were looking for space.” 

    The life-long Mt. Olive resident who graduated from MOMS and Mt. Olive High School in 1997 decided to check with the Mt. Olive School District to see if it had space at any of its schools for church services.  

    Rupprecht says he reached out the MOSD Buildings and Grounds department and found space available at MOMS. 

    “We have a lot of groups who rent space in the district,” says Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki. Religious groups, dance groups, music ensembles, any group, he says. “They have to have a certificate of insurance.” 

    Proceeds from any group rentals go into the general fund for the school district’s budget, he says. 

    Rupprecht says he has a contract and pays a monthly rent to the MOSD to use space at the MOMS. Monies include custodial fees and security. He utilizes the auditorium and some separate classrooms.   

    He says the church originally rented space in Roxbury as it “was more affordable” at the time. Rupprecht, bringing his church involvement to his hometown of Mt. Olive, makes sense, and for him is full circle. 

    Upbringing & Returning Home 

    Rupprecht grew up as a pastor’s son in a nondenominational church. His dad, Dave Rupprecht of Budd Lake was the pastor of Budd Lake Chapel for 30 years, between 1973 and 2000. 

    He admits, “as a pastor’s kid, I don’t want to be like my dad.” 

    Rupprecht had other interests. He attended Eastern University in St. David’s, Pa.,  where he received his bachelor’s in history. He also loved music. 

    “I was a musician,” he says. “I wanted to be a rockstar.” He played in bands. 

    As a pastor’s kid, Rupprecht frowns at his upbringing and the pressure he says he felt for not being able to act like himself. To him, that was the greatest turnoff. 

    “As a pastor’s kid, there are expectations,” says Rupprecht. “There are some moments that you’ll be the perfect kid. I felt like I couldn’t be myself.” 

    He was drawn to music. “I had a group of people who loved me for who I was,” says Rupprecht. 

    His living arrangements were also out of the norm.  

    He and his older sister did not live a typical childhood like their peers. He recounts sharing the home he was raised in with many other people who needed help.  

    “I had a unique childhood,” says Rupprecht. The “ministry was out of our house which was a converted barn.” His father bought the property in 1971. “My parents used that as a resource.”  

    During the 1980’s and 1990’s, “many people lived there,” says Rupprecht. His parents actually wrote a book about that time called “Radical Hospitality.”  

    “My dad made different living spaces throughout the barn; it felt like communal living space,” describes Rupprecht.  

    He says his parents housed about 50 to 70 people throughout 20 years, with about 15 housed at one given time. Their needs varied: Some were single moms, others with no place to live, those with addiction, and even those who were sick, he describes. 

    “It was tough at times, at first,” says Rupprecht. But looking back, he realizes this living style gave him an “understanding on how to care for people in need; gave me the desire to help people in situations.” 

    But as much as he did not want to follow in his father’s footsteps, Rupprecht was guided back into the life of ministry after one eventful weekend. He describes it as “eye opening in my life” and led him back to “what do I believe?”   

    It was March 2, 2007, he and his wife were married for one year when they “found out we were going to have a child,” explains Rupprecht. The next day, they learned that his wife’s cousin had a serious health issue so “we went to pray” for that person. 

    That same night, Saturday, March 3, Rupprecht performed in a music gig at the Mt. Olive Bar and Grill in Flanders. He was the guitarist in his band. The next morning, he received tragic news that one of his best friends who was the lead singer in his band- Jason ‘Jay’ Byrnes, 28, of Budd Lake - died from a drug overdose.  

    “We played in that show, and it was magical,” says Rupprecht. But on March 4, 2007, he was “met with tragedy” after the “loss of his best friend and music.” That weekend was so “impactful,” it “left me with purpose; put me on a journey of faith.”  

    From that weekend, filled with emotion from both sides of the spectrum, Rupprecht realizes “there was power in prayer.”    

    As horrible as it was, Rupprecht says it was “the most monumental weekend of my life. It is “what led him” to this place as pastor. “I don’t know what else I’d be doing.”     

    Pastor and Family Man 

    Rupprecht and his wife Alicia settled in Budd Lake and are raising three children. Their eldest son Caden, 15, is a freshman at MOHS; 12-year old daughter Cassidy attends the MOMS; and Ellie, 8, attends Chester M. Stephens Elementary School. 

    Alicia Rupprecht owns her own photography studio, Rupprecht Photography in Budd Lake, and leads the Youth Ministry at Commonplace Church. 

    In addition to his involvement with the church, Rupprecht has been quite involved in town as a soccer and basketball coach for his children’s youth teams. He coached recreation soccer for his daughter, up until last spring, when she switched to cheerleading. He also coached his son in basketball, but he now plays football. 

    To Rupprecht, there is no place like home. 

    “There’s really a powerful evolution of what it has become,” says Rupprecht. “To watch something grow. There’s good connectivity in this town. There’s a community that unites and comes together. Good unity….it’s not perfect but there’s a theme that carries over.” 

    He hopes “we can bring some hope on where it might be needed,” he says.      

    One of Rupprecht’s challenges that he tries to reinforce within his congregation and his family, is to be oneself. 

    To his family, as a father, he can share his childhood experiences with them and understand the challenges of being a pastor’s kid. He can give them the opportunity and freedom to speak and share their feelings and vulnerabilities, he explains.  

    “There is a foundation there,” says Rupprecht. Unlike his upbringing, “Our family is separate from our ministry.” 

    He says, “our first ministry is to our kids and family.”  

    For the church, Rupprecht inserts the same values.    

    “One of our values is authenticity,” says Rupprecht, “To be honest with things. We struggle with what’s hard; don’t have to put on a fake smile. Just show up and be cared for and loved. Jesus says, ‘come as you are.’ 

    “People are just honest and real and that’s what brings us together in a real unique way,” says Rupprecht.  

    On the church website page, it states “This is a common place:
    For common and everyday people. For tired and confused people.
    For broken and messy people. For ALL people.” 


    Church Services 

    There are currently 125 to 150 active members at Commonplace Church, says Rupprecht. Members are spread out from western Morris County to Warren in towns such as Mt. Olive, Hackettstown, Blairstown, Sparta and Roxbury. 

    Majority of its members are young families. Rupprecht hopes the demographics do expand into a more mixed age group. 

    “I hope to see more ages come out,” says Rupprecht.    

    Working with Rupprecht at Commonplace Church is Associate Pastor Korey Costa, 26, also a MOHS alumnus. 

    Services are non-denominational, gospel. 

    “We teach the bible every week,” says Rupprecht. “We want to be an asset to the community. We want to bring hope to the community. We want to raise up the name of Jesus. 

    “We are coming out of a really challenging season of humanity,” says Rupprecht. It is the time to define hope and meaning. Commonplace Church aims at providing “true hope and meaning through the gospel of Jesus,” says Rupprecht. 

    Goals are “to care well for people; to be supportive of people,” he says. Also to be a resource to those with mental health issues, or those looking for a referral for some help. 

    Services are held Sunday mornings for an hour, 10-11:15. 

    “Just come out on a Sunday morning,” says Rupprecht. “Our goal is to be hospitable and welcoming.” 

    He says there is “no dress code.” He does warn, “we play some loud music when we are there,” rock/indie style music, “understanding of the culture we live with.” 

    The main service is held in the MOMS auditorium. A classroom is used for the Youth Ministry between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. A separate Kids’ Ministry is also held in a separate classroom. 

    Besides the Sunday morning services, Commonplace Church also looks to provide services and outreach to serve the community. Rupprecht says the plan is to connect with the Mt. Olive Food Bank as well as other areas to serve as a resource to help others. 

    The church also offers a Women’s Ministry for women to connect to provide support and care, “to be in community with each other.”  

    Some recent events included a Youth Kickoff Event on September 18 at Ledgewood Baptist Church; and a Women’s Launch Party held on September 25 at the Vasa Park Club House to support the Women’s Ministry. 

    A Women’s Connect Group is set to start Thursdays, at 7 p.m., starting Oct. 6. 

    Virtual prayer services are also offered via Zoom on Wednesdays, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

    While MOMS is the rented space for now, Rupprecht admits that one of the church’s greatest challenges is “not having a permanent space at the moment. He says it would like “to be a hub to the community.”  

    The goal “would be to find a facility in Mt. Olive we could eventually move to,” says Rupprecht.   

    There are no membership fees and no obligation, but if anyone wants to “donate and be generous,” that is always welcome, says Rupprecht. 

    “Just show up, we will be there,” he says.  

    For more information and YouTube channel for services and programs, go to commonplacechurch.org.      

    Photo Gallery

      Endemic Steers MOSD Back To Normal

      By Cheryl Conway


      Anyone who has attended the last few Mt. Olive Board of Education meetings will most likely agree that there has been an overload of dissent, conflicts, investigations and a sense of disrespect to district leaders, board members and administrators. 

      But today’s summary of what is happening within Mt. Olive School District will, for now, look past the discontent, and rather focus on the progress from the past school year and what lies ahead. 

      Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki recently engages board members and the community to Mt. Olive Tiers of Success as part of his BOE report and to parents who tuned in to the last Parent’s University. 

      In a telephone interview with Mt. Olive Online, he summarizes last year’s progress and touches on what lies ahead for this current school year.  

      Pandemic Challenges 

      For the 2021-2022 school year- Zywicki commends the district for getting through the third year of the pandemic. 

      “It seems like a blur,” he says. Last January, the district was at an “ultimate low point” of the pandemic in which 1,000 kids and staff members were exposed and waiting results. 

      It was “absolutely exhausting,” he says. But the district still continued to attend classes in person; virtual option was still provided to those who were either sick or needed to quarantine.  

      “We did it and got through it,” says Zywicki. Then in March 7, the school district dropped its mask requirement when the New Jersey governor dropped the state mandate. 

      “We didn’t shut down for weeks,: he says. “We kept going; it was very tough but we did it for the kids.”   

      Sustainable & Digital Recognition   

      Another success from the last school year was having all six of its schools being recognized as a Jersey Sustainable and Digital Star School by the N.J. School Board Association.  

      The Mt. Olive schools were recognized as leaders in the state when it comes to digital learning practices and commitment to sustainability. 

      Two sets of awards were received for each school, explains Zywicki.  

      To earn the sustainability certification, schools are considered in various areas such as energy efficiency for school facilities; healthy food choices; promotion of locally grown foods; green cleaning policy & plan; classroom cleanup practices; school culture and climate needs assessment; social emotional learning; education for sustainability; programs to promote physical activity; indoor air quality review. 

       As far as its Digital Star School recognition, MOSD is one of just a handful of districts in the state to have all of its schools earn a Digital School Star. The program is offered in partnership with the N.J. Department of Education and the N.J. School Boards Association. 

      To earn a Digital School Star, each school submitted a comprehensive application detailing its efforts in many action areas: Application of digital learning tools and content; teaching of digital citizenship; data safety and security; infrastructure; equitable access to digital learning. 

      Some highlights cited were the district’s advanced wireless network; 1:1 Chromebook deployment to students; extensive use of the Google educational suite of applications and resources; development of a personalized success plan for each student; hybrid learning practices; and various digital communication methods such as school newsletters, social media, superintendent’s weekly blog and video messaging. 

      Model School 

      Another success last year was the MOHS being named a model school. 

      In June, MOHS was one of just 16 schools in the country to be selected as a 2022 Model School by the International Center for Leadership in Education, an organization that supports effective instructional practices that lead to accelerated learning for all students.  

      Some successful initiatives implemented over the past several years to help earn this recognition were a result of the district’s long-term plan. These included a data-driven remediation system to tailor instruction for each student’s needs, blended learning programs, and unique new courses in computer science, robotics, business, anatomy, social studies and special education. 

      Also put into place were new initiatives to address social and emotional learning, school climate and student conduct and instructional equity.  

      Graduation rates, access to AP courses and the RTI (Response To Intervention) program for reading instruction were also considered in this recognition, says Zywicki.  

      Equity Task Force 

      Last school year, MOSD made some great strides though its Equity Task Force.  

      “Belonging was our first mission,” says Zywicki. Next was to dig deeper into policies and procedures.  

      “Some people are very upset about looking at data,” says Zywicki. “We had numbers we had to mitigate. We made progress,” he says, and “gave a common language” so all can have a sense of belonging. 

      Capital Projects 

      Even with the pandemic and restrictions, the MOSD was able to pull off some sizeable capital projects to improve district facilities.  

      The second phase of Chester M. Stephens Elementary School was completed with $1.5 million in improvements that include a renovated gymnasium, classrooms, hallways and lockers. 

      The baseball field at the high school was revitalized and transformed into a new multi-purpose sports field to be used for a variety of sports. 

      The district is currently in the process of updating its track facilities at the high school.  

      Looking Forward To Normal 

      As the current school year is a month underway, Zywicki shares what he anticipates for this school year.  

      “Our aspiration is normal,” says Zywicki. “We want things to be as normal as possible.” 

      With all of its plans, policies and programs in place, Zywicki says the time is now for “getting better and developing our people.”  

      Instead of always looking to bring outside experts to engage with district educators, this year’s focus is “trying to harness the expertise of our faculty; our teachers training teachers; using experts and resources we have in the district.” 

      Parent Universities grew out of the pandemic, but will not be an endemic. Zywicki plans to continue communicating with parents through Parent Universities to keep all abreast of what is happening in MOSD, he says.    

      “More communication is needed” with him and the parents, he says.  

      As the masks are off and the district returns to normal, it is time to catch for the district to catch its breath. 

      MOSD is “not rolling out any major initiatives,” this year, says Zywicki. 

      Health and Fitness Education is one new initiative but even that is being “paused” in being rolled out to allow time for meetings and proper presentation to parents, he says. Teachers are still working in professional learning communities “to digest state standards.”     

      The district is getting back to offering day trips.

      “Hopefully it is that true return to normal,” says Zywicki.  

      The greatest challenge, he says, is the increase in enrollment this year. MOSD is up 150 kids “today than last year,” and to that “space is getting tight.” MOSD is considering a referendum to expand. 

      “We’re getting tight for space,” says Zywicki. “We need to focus on our facilities. The district is growing. Our classroom sizes are up. We’re tight for space because people want to be here.”  

      Zywicki would not specify if that expansion means larger facilities or more buildings. Those answers will come after an updated demographic study and direction from the BOE. 

      MO Tiers of Success 

      At the August 22 BOE meeting, Zywicki presents the 2022-2023 Mt. Olive Tiers of Success. 

      “All means all,” as he stresses in the first slide, referring to all students matter whether in terms of SWOT- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. 

      He goes over the district’s goals set from 2019-2023 and reviewed the action steps for 2022-2023. 

      He discusses the three tiers of support for RTI (Response to Intervention): Core Classroom Instruction; Targeted Small Group Instruction; Intensive Individual Intervention.   

      The main part of his presentation focuses on the new three tiers of Success: Belong; Believe; and Succeed. 

      “First and foremost, we need to make kids feel like they belong,” says Zywicki. “Coming out of the pandemic, there’s lots of kids that feel like they don’t belong. They are not alright. They feel like things have been done to them. They are on their devices nonstop. Everything’s on Tic Toc and Snapchat…and they’ve had to deal with economic stability and inflation. Our kids need to feel like they belong.”  

      To do this, Zywicki says students need physical and emotional safety; as well as inclusion, access and equity. They need to understand that from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, “you are a Marauder for life.” With that mentality, students will be engaged and see themselves as a reflection in highly trained, diversified faculty and staff.   

      Second tier: “Our kids need to feel like they believe,” he says. “Who is the most successful?” He says the ones who go out for Navy SEALs, “They believe they are going to complete the mission. They know they are going to get it done. Kids are setting goals for themselves and they believe they can make progress…..even though it’s not going to be plan A,” it’s probably going to be plan C or D. 

      To believe, students set goals and adhere to their personalized success plans with enrichments and intervention whether that means gifted and talented or special education.   

      The last tier is to succeed. “Highest thing is success,” says Zywicki. “Kids can achieve those goals.” Through this tier, students will achieve their personalized success plan goals.  

      “We are an exceptional place,” says Zywicki. Students will list their four personalized learning goals every year: Academic, wellness, love or learning, and social and emotional learning goals.   

      Six Goals 

      As part of his presentation, Zywicki discusses the district’s top six goals for this school year.  

      First goal is to provide the most innovative and safe learning environment possible for the MOSD community. 

      This will be done by completing all BOE summer 2022 capital projects; continue to design physical and virtual learning spaces; update the unified district security manual; conduct an inter-district unification drill and security audit with a district-wide threat assessment. 

      Goal two is institutionalize personalized learning so all students get rigorous and relevant academic experiences that produce future ready graduates.  

      According to a 2017-2018 ESSA School Accountability Profile by the N.J. Department of Education, white students and the schoolwide ratio did not meet the target in its PARCC scores in mathematics. Black or African American students did not meet the target for its graduation rate; and economically disadvantaged students and those with disabilities, did not meet the state average by being listed with chronic absenteeism. 

      Goal three is the establish and enhance social-emotional learning programs to develop the EQ of all learners. This will be done by implementing social and emotional learning programs through the Mt. Olive Tiers of Success; screen students for at risk behaviors; expand SEL programs to include development and wellness of faculty and staff; and conduct a seven-year analysis of suspensions, violence, vandalism, discipline and HIB’s. 

      “Our staff have been traumatized,” says Zywicki. “Past three years have been terrible. Pandemic happened. In March 2020 everyone was heroes and by October 2022 teachers are evil; people are wearing masks. They’ve been through the ringer. 

      “We need to make sure we support them as well,” says Zywicki, about teachers, faculty and staff.  

      Goal four is to recruit, develop, and retain the most highly skilled workforce to serve MOSD. One idea is to get as many student teachers as possible; and also go beyond a 20 miles radius in N.J. seeking applicants from New York or other areas. Also to create university partnerships for recruiting and professional development.   

      Goal five is to embrace multimedia communication strategies to engage the entire community. Some action steps include launching an updated district website by February 2023; conduct at least six Parent University sessions this school year; and ensure that all district web sources are ADA-compliant. 

      Goal six is to ensure compliance, transparency and fiscal responsibility of MOSD programs and operations. Some of these action steps include maintaining an operating budget with its 2% revenue cap and zero base budgeting: report progress to the Equity Task Force; ensure compliance with policy-driven handbooks for students and staff; and by June 2023, launch the 2023-2027 strategic planning process. 

      There will be 40 to 60 community members active in the district’s next four-year strategic plan.  


      This is a paid advertisement by BOE candidate Annette Mendez

      Pickles, Olives, Meatballs? What’s Cooking in MO?

      By Cheryl Conway

      Pickles n olives: This is much greater than a pregnancy craving. 

      The two elderly seniors were gossiping about the pickles n olives down the grocery isle, but after some careful digging, and a hint from a local Board of Education member, Mt. Olive Online solved the latest mystery.  

      Pickleball has landed in Mt. Olive!  

      Why not use the existing tennis courts sprinkled throughout town and on school district property?   

      “This fall, we are using the Powerline Courts (that were refinished this summer with pickleball lines added) for Pickleball lessons on Thursdays,” says Jill Daggon, Mt. Olive Recreation supervisor. “We will be adding more lessons/clinics as interest develops.” 

      Daggon says the “Powerline courts are off Glendale Rd, by the Dan Jordan softball fields. You can see the courts from Rt 206.” 

      Recreation will eventually be teaming up with the MOTSD to use its tennis courts at the Mt. Olive Middle School. 

      “Pickleball at MOMS tennis courts – There isn’t much of a story yet,” says Daggon. “One of the MOTSD tennis coaches approached me about offering pickleball lessons. I reached out to BOE members, the AD and the superintendent to ask about using the courts for pickleball programs. They were in favor of it. In my conversation with the AD, we discussed using temporary markers to define courts. My understanding is that the tennis courts are due to be refinished next spring, so they can add pickleball lines to the courts.” 

      MOTSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki says recreation wanted to offer pickleball so Daggon talked to the “facility folks and they’re doing it. 

      “It’s super cool,” says Zywicki. “We have a great relationship with recreation” and the town.    

      Mt. Olive Board of Education Member Liz Ouimet applauds the “cooperative effort with recreation. It’s nice we are moving forward with it and how we work together,” she says at the last BOE meeting. 

      According to Daggon, pickleball can be played by anyone. 

      Offered through the US Sports Institute, “pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis,” as described on the US Sports Institute website. “It is played on a badminton-sized court with a perforated plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball, and wood or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn and can develop into a quick, fast-paced competitive game for experienced players.”    

      Two tiers of ability is being offered so participants can learn and play at their level. Expect to learn basic techniques such as groundstrokes, how to serve and volley; as well as scoring, rules and match play tactics. 

      Foundation Pickleball focuses on the fundamentals “in an energetic, low-pressure environment.” Expect instruction and play in each session. Held Thursdays 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m., Sept. 15- Nov. 3. 

      Development Pickleball is ideal for intermediate players looking to enhance their knowledge and skills with this sport. Expect a 15-minute warm-up followed by play time. Held Thursdays 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Sept. 15-Nov. 3.  Both are for any age, 18 to 80. Cost is $195.   

      For more information, go to www.mountolivetwpnj.org/recreation-department/pages/us-sports-institute. 

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      Local & County News

      Library Plans To Haunt, Entertain and Educate in October

      The Mt. Olive Public Library plans to host a presentation titled, “Halloween: A Haunted History” on Thursday, October 6, at 6 p.m. in its Gathering Room. 

      Join author and photographer Kevin Woyce for a colorful program that traces the strange history of Halloween.  This hour-long slideshow is illustrated with original photograph, Halloween cards, advertisements, artwork and movie posters.  

      There will also be a Q & A session following the presentation.  

      Come see the real world birthplaces of Gothic horror at “Strange Tales in Stone” on Thursday, October 13, at 6 p.m. in our Gathering Room. 

      Join horror artist, Steve Gale and experience a unique blend of original artwork, Gothic literature, macabre history and European travel in this family-friendly presentation. 

      Movies at the Library is set for Monday, October 17, at either 1 p.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for the movie “The Invisible Man.” The 2020 science fiction horror film starring Elizabeth Moss as a woman who believes she is being stalked and gaslit by her seemingly deceased ex-boyfriend after he acquires the ability to become invisible. Inspired by the H.G. Wells’ novel of the same name. 

      Don’t pay full price for college! MOPL plans to host a “College Funding Seminar” on Tuesday, October 18, at 6 p.m. in its Gathering Room. 

      This free seminar, presented by Alvin G. Newell, vice president of Solutions for College Funding, Inc., will discuss how parents of college-bound high school juniors and seniors can: Make sure to not over-value a home on financial forms; try not to save money in child’s name as it weighs more heavily than parent’s savings; don’t be afraid to negotiate with the college for a better financial aid package. 

      A free booklet that explains the nine most common college funding problems and solutions will be distributed at this seminar. 

      Registration required for all programs. Go to www.mopl.org to register. 


      Mt. Olive Gathers at 911 Ceremony

      Provided by Lisa Brett, mayor’s assistant

       

      Twenty one years after that tragic day, a group gathered at Turkey Brook Park for  The 911 Remembrance Ceremony. 

      The ceremony was held at the park’s 911 memorial Sunday, September 11, at 8:30 a.m.  

      Retired Officer Rob Herzog played the bag pipe; Colors was presented by Mt.  Olive High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard. Michael McEntee performed the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America.” 

      Pastor Kody Vagile from Mountain Top Church gave the invocation and the benediction. 

      Council President Joe Nicastro thanked all of the township’s first responders and those who give their lives every day; remembered all who have perished, especially Hilda Marcin who was on Flight 93 and Arcelia Castello who was in one of the towers. 

      On September 11, 2001 two planes crashed into the Twin Towers, American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower at 8:45 a.m. and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.  Another plane, American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. A final plane, United Airlines Flight 93 ploughed into a field in Shanks Ville Pennsylvania after the passengers stormed the cockpit. 

      “We will never forget where we were 21 years ago today,” says Nicastro. 

      He reminded all to drive by the 911 Memorial at Turkey Brook Park 8:30 p.m. that night as two beams of light will signify the twin towers.  

      Conway Lauded With Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll

       

      Molly Conway, 20, of Flanders has been named to the Big South Conference's 2021-22 Presidential Honor Roll. Conway plays Women's Soccer for Radford University and ended the 2021-22 academic year with a 3.80 GPA. 

      Conway is in her junior year studying criminal justice. A versatile player, Conway mostly plays outside left back. Raised in a competitive soccer family, Conway is a lifelong soccer player, has trained on several teams and mastered her skills alongside her five brothers.   

      The Big South Conference announced that 59.92% of eligible student-athletes earned Presidential Honor Roll status for their work in the classroom in 2021-22 -- the third-highest percentage since 2004. To be named to the Presidential Honor Roll, student-athletes must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better for the recently-completed academic year, and this past season, 2,441 out of 4,074 eligible student-athletes achieved the benchmark. 

      Radford University led all Big South institutions for the first time since 2012-13, as RU had 77.83% of its 230 eligible student-athletes on the Presidential Honor Roll - one of five members to have at least 70% of 3.0 students. 

       

      Residents Raid Mud Run

      Raiders of the Lost Park Mud Run was held on Saturday, September 24, at Turkey Brook Park. Photo by Lisa Brett.  

      Hustle Over To Raise $ For Homelessness in Morris County

      On Saturday, November 5, Family Promise of Morris County plans to host its second annual Homebound Hustle 5K & 1 Mile Walk. 

      All proceeds raised through the Homebound Hustle will benefit programs and services that support families and individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Morris County. 

      This year’s event has been named in honor of the late Stephen W. Hammond of Chester, a long-time advocate of helping people in need within the Morris County community. After a year-long battle with cancer, he died on July 26.
      Hammond was Morris County’s longtime director of Public Works and county engineer and later served on the Board of Family Promise of Morris County, including as its president.    

      His service with Morris County began in 1970 as assistant engineer and ended with his retirement in 2013. During his tenure, he oversaw many key projects for the county, including the development of the former Greystone State Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany-Troy Hills into todays’ Central Park of Morris County. Hammond was a champion for the constituents he served, both through his work with the county and his community. Before joining the Family Promise Board of Trustees in 2015, he was instrumental in helping the agency secure its current Day Center in Central Park, enabling Family Promise to serve even more families experiencing homelessness.  

      He was chosen as president of the Family Promise Board of Trustees in 2017, embracing the role wholeheartedly as he worked tirelessly to better understand the agency and community’s needs, setting a precedent for volunteer involvement. 

      The Steve Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K & 1 Mile Walk honors his legacy and serves as a reminder of his leadership and positive impact within the community. On Nov. 5, residents can join Family Promise in raising awareness and raising funds for Morris County’s most vulnerable community members while also remembering Hammond.  

      5K and 1 Mile Walk details:  

      Participants can choose between running or walking Central Park of Morris County’s scenic cross-country trail or joining the race virtually.  

      Check in and on-site registration will take place from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The 5K Run will begin at 10 a.m. and the 1 Mile Walk will begin at 10:15 a.m.; an awards ceremony with light refreshments will follow.  

      There is a $35 registration fee for both events. The agency is offering an early-bird rate of $30 until September 30.  

      To register or get more details, visit www.runsignup.com/homeboundhustle.


      Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to show their support by donating to Family Promise here: bit.ly/homeboundhustledonate. 

      Family Promise’s Navigating Hope mobile outreach unit also will be on site on Nov. 5, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. In partnership with Morris County, Navigating Hope provides essential services, such as housing support and benefits screenings, in hard-to-reach places across all 39 Morris County municipalities.

      About Family Promise of Morris County: 

      Family Promise of Morris County is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity faced by Morris County families and individuals by partnering with other public and private agencies, religious congregations, and community volunteers to provide shelter, affordable housing, case management, and mentoring services leading to independence. Areas of service include Shelter, Rapid Rehousing and Diversion, Housing, and Outreach through programs such as Our Promise Drop-In Resource Center, Promising Solutions Women’s Housing Campus, and the Navigating Hope Mobile Outreach Unit. For more information, visit www.familypromisemorris.org or follow @familypromisemorris on social media.

       

      Church To Host Dinner

      First Presbyterian Church Of Hackettstown’s Annual Roast Beef Dinner is set for Saturday, October 23, from 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at its Chapel located at 291 Main Street. Dine-in or take-out options are available. 

      Tickets are: $20 for adults; and $9 for children under 12 yrs. old. 

      Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended.  

      For tickets, contact:  Donna Erickson @ (908) 637-6007.   

      Clothing Drive Set

      First Presbyterian Church Of Hackettstown is planning a Clothing Drive on Saturday, October 15, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. in its Church parking lot on Washington Street.  It will accept shoes (please put in separate bags); hats; belts; purses; towels; bedding; curtains; tablecloths; stuff animals and clothing. 

      Please bring items in own plastic garbage bags. 

      This event is being sponsored by the Deacons of First Presbyterian Church of Hackettstown.   


      SOS Needs Financial Support To SOS Others

      Strengthen Our Sisters (SOS) Provides Safe Supportive Shelter For Women And Children. America's homelessness problem has the makings of an acute crisis.
      Shelters across the United States are reporting a surge in people looking for help, with wait lists doubling or tripling in recent months. SOS operates with a volunteer staff often with little or no government funding.
      SOS depends on donations to make repairs and afford utilities.
      Please help 'US' help 'OTHERS'!!!
      Go to https://gofund.me/fbd31fa8
       

      Why Be Happy?

      Support Hackettstown’s Woman Fight To Beat Cancer

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


      A few weeks ago, at one of my speaking events, I was asked “Why should I be happy? Why is that so important?”  

      In all my years of teaching, I have never been asked that question but in today’s world, I wasn’t surprised to hear this question. For anyone who is wondering why happiness is so important, I wanted to give you the benefits of happiness and some quick ways to cultivate your happiness. 

      The benefits of happiness: 

      Happiness strengthens our immune system. People who felt a daily dose of positive emotions (hope, inspiration, pride, awe, love, etc.) were healthier and lived longer.  

      *Remember stress lowers our immune system which leads to benefit # 2. 

      Happiness combats stress. Happier people report lower levels of stress. That’s a good enough reason to be happier. 

      Moods and emotions are contagious. We can spread our happiness. Think of it as a parent, Happy Parent=Happy Kids. What moods/emotions are you bringing home with you? 

      It increases your productivity -happiness increases your mental capacity and gives you the energy and drive to complete your work. When you’re not happy, you have problems focusing and concentrating which lowers your productivity. 

      We live longer – In a famous study of happiness and longevity, the life expectancy of nuns was studied. The nuns who felt positive emotions, happy and positive lived longer. In the end, the happiest nuns lived seven to ten years longer. 

      Cultivating Happiness 

      Gratitude – write or say two or three things that your grateful for that happened today. 

      Altruism – do random acts of kindness. 

      Listen to music – listening to a happy song can shift our mood. 

      Socialization – enjoy time with your friends/family. 

      Have good relationships – spend time nurturing your relationships. 

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

      Support Hackettstown’s Woman Fight To Beat Cancer

      Support Hackettstown’s Woman Fight To Beat Cancer

      A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for a local mother who was recently diagnosed with Stage 2, Triple Negative breast cancer (TNBC). 

      On July 8, Nicole Papa of Hackettstown learned she has TNBC, which differs from other types of invasive breast cancer in that it tends to grow and spread faster, has fewer treatment options and tends to have a worse prognosis, according to the GoFundMe page that was established 21 days ago. 

      Papa’s experience as a nurse at 

      Advocare Family Health at Mt. Olive

      has enabled her to assemble a team of medical experts to develop her plan to beat this aggressive form of breast cancer. 

      So far 202 people have donated on her site raising $19,255 out of a $25K goal.  

      She has taken steps to fight the cancer, and as such had to stop working. 

      On August 18 she had surgery to remove the tumor and several of her lymph nodes. “Although the initial pathology reports were hopeful, the size of cancer tripled in six short weeks,” as noted on the site. 

      Her oncology plan is to continue 16 intensive cycles of chemotherapy, anticipated to be completed spring 2023. Upon completion of the chemotherapy, she will need to undergo additional radiation treatments. 

      During this time, Papa “will be on unpaid leave, causing a tremendous financial strain on her. Although Nicole is not one to ask for help, the loss in wages, and the unknown and increasing medical expenses, including out-of-pocket insurance premiums, doctors’ co-pays, and chemotherapy treatments, will make a difficult time even more stressful for Nicole. 

      “Anyone close to Nicole on a personal basis knows that she is the one who supports everyone else, but never asks for anything, even when she needs it most,” as stated on the team fundraiser GoFundMe page. 

      “This GoFundMe was created to help Nicole offset the unexpected medical bills she will undoubtedly have and help her focus on her recovery rather than finances while she cannot work,” as stated on her page. “It’s not going to be easy, and Nicole still has a long road ahead of her, but we’re trying to reduce her worries while she’s recuperating so that she can focus on her 10-year-old son, Chase & her family. 

      “Any money raised that is not necessary to cover her expenses will be donated to a charity that assists other families going through this battle.” 

      To donate to Papa’s GoFundMe page, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/nicoles-journey-to-beat-breast-cancer-tnbc/donate

      MO School District Earns An A

      MO School District Earns An A

      The Mt. Olive School District is one of the best K-12 school systems in New Jersey according to Niche.com, a website that compiles data to determine the nation's best places to live, work, and learn. 

      In the recently released 2023 rankings, Mt. Olive once again earned an "A" rating, placing the district in the top 6% nationwide and 47th in N.J. 

      “Thank you to all the families, faculty and staff members, administrators, community members, and the Board of Education for their continued commitment to providing the best possible educational experience to the students of Mount Olive,” said Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki. “Every day I see the innovation, caring, dedication, and student engagement that have become the hallmarks of this school district. I couldn’t be prouder of serving as superintendent.”  

      Mt. Olive High School, Mt. Olive Middle School, Mountain View Elementary School, and Tinc Road Elementary School each received a score of “A.” Chester M. Stephens Elementary School and Sandshore Elementary School each earned an “A-.” The high school and middle school both were in the top 100 New Jersey schools in their grade configurations. 

      To arrive at the rankings, Niche examined data from the U.S. Department of Education as well as test scores, college data, and ratings collected from Niche users. Each district received a letter grade for academics, diversity, teachers, college prep, clubs & activities, administration, sports, food, and resources & facilities. 

      The Niche ranking is the third significant independent recognition for the District in recent months. In May, MOHS was named one of the best high schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report. MOHS ranked in the top 8% of high schools nationwide and received an overall score of 91.6%. The scoring criteria included college readiness, the percentage of students completing AP courses, the graduation rate, and the percentage of students proficient in math, reading, and science. In June, Mt. Olive’s personalized learning programs shared the national spotlight at the 30th annual Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Fla., MOHS was one of just 16 schools to be selected as a 2022 Model School by the International Center for Leadership in Education, an organization that supports effective instructional practices that lead to accelerated learning for all students. 

      College News

      CCM Fall Musical Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

      The Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph is presenting The Addams Family, the musical, an entertaining exploration of family dynamics, as part of its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

      With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, the musical revolves around Wednesday Addams, who has fallen in love with a “normal” man who, along with his family, has been invited to dinner. The dinner forces the quirky and macabre Addams family to confront change, as secrets are revealed and relationships are tested. 

      The performance of the Addams Family begins Wednesday, October 26, and runs through Saturday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m. A Saturday, October 29, matinee also takes place at 2 p.m. All performances are held in the Dragonetti Auditorium in the Student Community Center on CCM’s campus. 

      General admission is $15; and $10 for CCM students, CCM alumni, children under 12 and seniors 62 and over. Tickets can be purchased at  https://bookstore.ccm.edu/current-shows

      CCM Offers Eldercare, Guardianship, Estate Planning Workshop

      CCM alumna Trish Colucci Barbosa ’85, RN-BC, CCM of Peace Aging Care Experts, LLC of Flanders   


      Caring for an elderly loved one can result in a multitude of overwhelming responsibilities and myriad unanswered questions. 

      Join County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation Board member and lawyer John P. Beyel, and CCM alumna and nurse Trish Colucci Barbosa ’85, as they share their expertise and offer informative advice on the sensitive topic of caring for elderly loved ones.  

      This free session is set for Thursday, September 29, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Community Center, Davidson Room A, on CCM’s campus in Randolph. Refreshments will be served.  


       John P. Beyel, Esq., of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP of Morristown 


      Beyel, a partner at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, in Morristown has extensive experience in many facets of the legal system. The firm’s practice areas include environmental, aviation, immigration, insurance, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate and tax law. In addition, Beyel has been co-chair of the Trust & Estate Section of the Morris County Bar Association.  

      Barbosa, president and founder of Peace Aging Care Experts, LLC, in Flanders began her care management agency when she realized her nursing skills combined with her care management expertise filled a special need in people’s lives. She founded Peace Aging Care in 2006 to assist people and their families with successfully navigating crisis situations, planning ahead for future care needs and getting more out of life every day.  

      While there is no fee to attend the presentation, space is limited. Kindly RSVP online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/eldercare or for more information contact Pam Williams at pwiliams2@ccm.edu or 973-328-5060.   

      Participants can use Parking Lot 6 directly adjacent to the Student Community Center. 

      Graduate With a Diploma & College Degree With CCM

      High school students in Morris County now have an opportunity to do more than earn college credits. They can graduate with both their diploma and a college degree through an innovative program developed by the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) and County College of Morris (CCM). 

      Known as The Academy for Business Administration Early College, the program allows qualified students, beginning in 9th grade, to take classes to both earn their diploma and an Associate of Science in Business Administration. The program, which began this fall, is now recruiting 8th graders for the fall 2023 high school semester. An information session will be held at Randolph High School on Tuesday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. To register, go to https://bit.ly/MCVSDEarlyCollege. 

      "We are thrilled to offer a new early college program that provides a pathway for high school students to earn an associate degree in business administration and their high school diploma simultaneously,” said Shari Castelli, MCVSD assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “We have been working closely with County College of Morris to develop this opportunity and are grateful to have Randolph Township School District to help us in this endeavor. During the four-year early college business administration program, students earn 60 college credits and their associate degree." 

      “This equates to a no-cost opportunity for high school students to earn a college degree,” added Patrick Enright, CCM senior vice president of Academic Affairs, Workforce Development and Student Success. “Students in the program also earn Microsoft Office and QuickBooks certifications and are well positioned to transfer to a four-year school should they wish to earn their bachelor’s degree.” 

      Along with gaining certifications, students learn Business Information Systems, Computerized Accounting, Business Principles, Marketing, Economics and Management. 

      During their freshmen and sophomore years, students attend Randolph High School. During their junior year, they split their time between Randolph High and CCM, and in their senior year they take all their classes at the college. 

      To learn more and to apply for the Early College program, email Gina DiDomenico, MCVSD Student Recruitment & Community Relations, at didomenicog@mcvts.org. 

      CCM Offers Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing

      County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph is offering individuals an opportunity to explore a well-paying career path in advanced manufacturing by taking part in paid, on-the-job training this fall through its CareerAdvance USA apprenticeship program. Plus, for a limited time, CCM is offering little to no-cost funding for the training to those who qualify.  

      The first step is to attend an Information Session, online, via Zoom, or in person to learn more about participating in an eight- to 10-week-long boot camp. 

      The online sessions are set to take place: 

      Tuesday, September 27, noon; Wednesday, October 12, 2 p.m.; Wednesday, October 26, 5 p.m.; 

      Wednesday, November 9, noon; Wednesday, November 23, 2 p.m.; Wednesday, December 7, 5 p.m. 

      Register at www.ccm.edu/apprenticeships-careeradvanceusa/ and scroll down to “Advanced Manufacturing Boot Camp Virtual Info Sessions.” 

      On September 29 an in-person information session and tour is being held on campus with a choice of times at 9 a.m., noon or 4 p.m. Sign up now at www.ccm.edu/apprenticeships-careeradvanceusa/ for the “Prospective Student Tour.” 

      In just 20 hours a week boot camp students acquire the basic skills of machine operation and safety in the college’s state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC). Featuring the latest equipment in a high-tech environment, AMEC gives students the opportunity to learn advanced skills such as blueprint reading, benchworking, geometric dimensioning and tolerance, 2-D and 3-D computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing.  

      Upon completion of the boot camp, students participate in on-campus interviews with local employers looking to hire apprentices to take part in paid on-the-job training, while receiving related technical instruction at AMEC.  

      It is estimated that over the next decade the field of advanced manufacturing needs to fill 3.4 million jobs with most of those positions being related to the pending retirement of Baby Boomers. Along with good job prospects, the field pays well with an average starting salary of $65,000 to $85,000 plus benefits after completing an apprenticeship.  

      To learn more about CCM’s advanced manufacturing apprenticeship program, go to www.ccm.edu/apprenticeships-careeradvanceusa/ or email CareerUSA@ccm.edu. 

      Centenary Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

      Centenary University in Hackettstown is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events, including an ongoing display highlighting Hispanic culture in the Sunken Lounge, located in the University’s Student Activities Center. In addition, the Centenary University cafeteria will feature weekly selections of foods from Mexican, Brazilian, and other Hispanic cultures. 

      Earlier in September, Centenary kicked off the celebration with a Represent Your Culture Flag Day, as well as attending a screening of the Lin Manuel Miranda film “In the Heights.” 

      Several campus organizations have collaborated on the calendar of events, including the student group, LatinX; the Centenary University Educational Opportunity Program; the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging; and ACS.   

      A Multicultural Fiesta was set for Thursday, Sept. 29, with a celebration of Hispanic culture, music, games, and ethnic foods prepared by Hackettstown-area businesses. 

      Hispanic Spelling Bee is set for Thursday, Oct. 6. 

      Students will test their knowledge of Hispanic words through a spelling bee competition. 

      Deeds and Dialogue is set for Wednesday, Oct. 12. 

      A conversation on colorism within the Hispanic community 

      For more information, contact Rose Duger, Erbach Communications Group: (551) 580-3908. 

      Local Centenary Graduate Wins State Film Award for Animation

      When Centenary University business major Natasha Bonilla signed up for a film elective, she was looking to have a little fun during her last semester of college. Presented with an assignment to produce an original short film, the Budd Lake resident set out—with little experience—to create a video that evokes her Latina heritage. The result is “Spanglish As Experience by a Native Speaker,” which won a Jury’s Citation Award for Animation at the recent 48th New Jersey Young Filmmakers Festival held in Hoboken. 

      Bonilla graduated from Centenary last May with a bachelor’s in business administration, a minor in data analytics, and a concentration in finance. She plans to pursue a career as a financial analyst. 

      “The award was so unexpected. I was surprised because this is so unrelated to my major,” says Bonilla. 

      Bonilla’s film borrows its title from a poem of the same name by John Olivares Espinoza, an acclaimed Latino poet and son of Mexican immigrants. Espinoza’s poems resonate with Bonilla, who immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico at age 16 with her mother. While a Centenary University scholarship and financial aid covered her college tuition, Bonilla worked throughout her undergraduate years, taking as many shifts as possible to assist her mother with household expenses, while balancing her college assignments. She said of her mother, “We help each other as much as we can.” 

      Her film modifies the story in Espinoza’s original poem, following a day in the life of a boy who seamlessly navigates between Spanish and English. 

      “I really wanted to do something that was related to my experiences and culture,” explained Bonilla, a Dean’s List student at Centenary University. “This was a fun project because I could relate to the boy.” 

      While attending Centenary, Bonilla appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, small class sizes, and personal attention from faculty like Boris Gavrilovic, an assistant professor of communication. Gavrilovic mentored Bonilla on her film, recommending the use of cutouts that could be animated. He also suggested that she submit the finished film to the festival: “Everyone at Centenary has been so encouraging. My professors have inspired me to become who I am.” 

      Centenary To Hold Mental Health First Aid Training For Community

      Centenary University’s Counseling Center will provide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training this fall to members of the university and larger Warren County communities.  

      A $9,574 grant was awarded by the Hackettstown Medical Center Community Advisory Board last year, funding six free MHFA sessions sponsored by Centenary, with the potential to train up to 180 participants. A priority will be to host MHFA training, either onsite or on Centenary’s campus, for Warren County organizations such as police departments, schools, libraries, and businesses to train their employees. 

      MHFA training is an international program that teaches the skills to respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges. Topics covered in the training are depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis, and suicide prevention. The recently revised MHFA curriculum also includes the crucial component of self-care for the first aider. More than 2.5 million people have been trained across the United States.   

      In addition to its campus community, Centenary will conduct training sessions for members of the local community, especially those who interact with the public while on the job. Mikolaya Nynka, director of the Centenary University Counseling Center, said the training can provide important skills to a broad range of people, from teachers and police officers to healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, customer service representatives, and other professions. She explained that in addition to being applicable to interpersonal interactions on the job, the training is equally valuable to first aiders in their support of friends and family.  

      “We’ve seen that post-COVID, people have increased depression, anxiety, and substance use,” Nynka explained. “This course is more relevant than ever now because of the mental health toll of the pandemic, coupled with all of the other stresses happening in the world.” 

      In addition to recognizing signs and symptoms, a main goal of all MHFA courses is to destigmatize mental health issues, said Nynka, who is organizing the courses with Dr. Narda Ludena, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified MHFA instructor, and Annette Smith, assistant director of the Centenary University Counseling Center. The course will teach participants to use the ALGEE action plan, a widely respected and effective tool, when encountered with a potential mental health crisis.  

      “This course is appropriate for anyone interested in learning how to help a fellow human in need,” Nynka said. “Any one of us could be impacted by mental health challenges and it is important for the Centenary and broader Warren County communities to have the knowledge, skills, and awareness to help each other.” Centenary’s student leaders have already been trained in two sessions.  The community courses will be offered starting in October, and Mental Health First Aid for both youth and adults will be offered.  Warren County organizations interested in hosting one of the free community trainings, either onsite or on Centenary’s campus, and individuals seeking information about upcoming courses, should email mentalhealthfirstaid@centenaryuniversity.edu.  

      Cyber Space at Centenary

      Cyber Space at Centenary

      Photo by: Dr. Bruce Murphy, Centenary University president

        

      Centenary University in Hackettstown marked National Video Games Day on Sept. 12 with the grand opening of The Cyber Space, the university’s new E-gaming lounge, located in the Student Activities Center. The lounge is equipped with gaming consoles across various platforms, as well as multiple television screens and a large-screen display to accommodate individual or group gaming. Students can also bring their own gaming consoles to the lounge.  

      Events around town

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