MO ONLINE 3-30-2022

Mt. Olive Online Publication April 16, 2025

Thru Love & Positivity, Salon Owner Expands Shop & Thrives

By Cheryl Conway

This businesswoman has faced some obstacles, but no matter how hairy the situation gets, she is ready to tackle it head on.

While other businesses have been forced to shut down because of the pandemic, Entourage Salon in Flanders recently moved into a larger space to better manage its growing clientele and staff. Entourage Salon Owner Amy Murphy of Rockaway saw the opportunity for growth and in September 2021 took the leap two store fronts down into her newly expanded shop.

With 25 stylists now and an interior with more than double the space, Murphy is happy she listened to her head and heart and took that risk.

“It’s really gone well,” says Murphy since opening her larger salon six months ago. “We ran out of room; we had more stylists coming in.”

She says she needed more shampoo bowls and nail stations; an area for eyelashes and brows; a larger storage space; and she wanted an office. The expansion was so great that she even had room to add a separate boutique area.

“We need a bigger salon; we need a bigger salon; we need a bigger salon,” became the catch phrase from her stylists and clientele, especially after the pandemic calmed down and more customers realized that it was time to get back to their personal grooming.

Once the state mandate lifted, many made appointments to cut that “COVID hair,” and color their grays, and get those long-awaited waxing and nail treatments. And with that came a surge to return to the salon.

“You can’t get your haircut online,” explains Murphy. “We are in a good industry; you can’t get it online,” unlike gift shops, clothing and shoe stores, where customers can order items through Amazon and other sites.

When stores next to her original shop including Payless, Pier One and Lane Bryant unfortunately went out of business, Murphy was offered the opportunity to expand into that larger space.

“We negotiated,” says Murphy. “They gave me a good deal” to take the 5,000 sq. ft. of space, which was much larger than her 2,000 sq. ft. space.

On September 17, 2021, she moved to the former Lane Bryant space two stores down.

“We had to pay for the build-out,” says Murphy, and she knew that was a risk, but one she was willing to take despite the criticism.

With this happening during COVID and many stores shutting their doors, “people tell me I’m crazy, a lot of places are closing down.”

Instead, Murphy hired more staff and grew her clientele. “I’m fearless; I’m limitless,” Murphy admits. “We said, alright, we’re gonna do it; we’re going to take the leap.” Overcoming COVID

As most business owners will agree, closing during COVID was a scary time.

The “big kicker was when we had to close for two weeks,” says Murphy. “It was terrifying. We love what we do; being apart from each other was really hard. We did get on Zoom calls,” even had cocktails over zoom, she laughs. “We tried to stay in touch and support each other.”

As stylists who are rarely are out of work, Murphy says she and her staff “had to learn how to file for unemployment,” as they “never had to do that.”

After being closed for three months, Murphy says she “couldn’t wait to reopen. Everyone really missed us and we wanted to come back.”

She instituted “extreme disinfection and cleaning practices” at the salon. “We had to wash our hands more; we had to wear masks; take some temperatures, clean our stations.” Although the stations were already six feet apart, they still only used every other station, and even hung shower curtains in between each station for a physical barrier. “People were just so happy to be back,” says Murphy. “We had to do whatever we had to do.”

Some of her clients let their grays come back during the pandemic and chose to “embrace their gray.” At the same time, “many other people were excited to get their hair colored.”

Looking back at the aftermath, Murphy says “it didn’t negatively affect our business at all. I always look for the positive.”

Murphy is not new at handling challenges.

“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” according to Murphy’s Law, but for this Murphy, she handles all situations with love, understanding and a positive attitude with everyone she works with and meets.

She reverts to March 2019, when a “car drove through our space. A car has never driven through my business before.” As awful and as shocking as it was, Murphy dealt with the incident. She says property maintenance “came right away” to the salon and “we were able to open the next day.” Even the insurance, to cover the damages, “was great.”

Rather than pulling out her hair, from the stress of it all, Murphy keeps her cool and instills that positive energy at her workplace.

“I try to take any situation and say, ‘this is good because,’” explains Murphy. “I try to instill this in my girls; you try to find the good in it.”

Even if she is having a bad day, “my girls tell me ‘this is good because.’”

Murphy has made this positive energy the culture in her salon.

“We want to show up,” says Murphy. “We just want to be here,” whether a car smashes through the front of the shop, “or if we have masks” that must be worn.

History Of Salon & Owner

Murphy, 35, is the third owner of Entourage Salon at International South in Flanders. In 2014, she bought the shop which had been there for about 10 years prior. Working 18 years in the salon business, Murphy began right after graduating Whippany Park High School and Morris County Vo-Tech in 2004, where she trained how to become a hair stylist. She started working in salons as an assistant while in high school; then worked on “growing my business and clientele,” she says.

Murphy had worked “at a few very different salons” before realizing that she wanted her own space. So, she opened her own 500 sq. ft. licensed and insured studio salon that she ran for 12 years out of her house, with a separate entrance offering nail, waxing, facials and hair services.

“It was great,” says Murphy. “I was able to create a private, quiet, peaceful space, but then my needs changed.”

After having her first son, and then being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she realized she did not want to be in the salon business by herself without any other stylists, she says.

“So, I started researching different salons,” says Murphy. “Entourage seemed to meet all the needs that I wanted. I went from being by myself to 20 employees,” and since the expansion, 25 employees/hairstylists, who happen to be all women.

The expanded salon offers 25 stations and is open seven days a week to men, women, children- young and old, says Murphy.

“We have a really broad range of stylists,” says Murphy, “and skills. “We can gear to a wide range of clients. We specialize in everything. We have stylists who specialize in young and old, funky and formal,” ones who do perms, color and even barber style cuts for men.

Murphy has learned to mix things up in the services she provides. “I do some hair, nails, waxing and facials,” she says, but at the same time “I try to focus on business.”

Her expertise in certain areas has grown over the years as she has learned to be versatile in the salon business.

“I liked doing my nails,” Murphy recalls as her earliest root to her career. She admits, “I never thought I wanted to own anything; never thought I’d be in a leadership role,” but “I love it now. I have that flexibility to stay in that industry but then take on different roles.”

She never thought she was interested in doing facials, until two employees who specialized in facials at a previous salon went on maternity leave; her boss reassigned Murphy to do facials. She wound up “loving that” and started taking educational courses.

This led Murphy on a new 12-year journey to teach skin care classes at salons and trade shows throughout the country from 2004-2016.

Keeping her stylists to date on new techniques is one of her priorities.

“We do a lot of education in our salon,” says Murphy. “People come in and teach classes. We are really a teaching salon. Everyone is willing to help each other out,” like helping to mix color. “We have a really strong culture of education in the salon.”

While Entourage features services galore, Murphy highlights the seaweed wax treatment.

“We have a really gentle seaweed wax,” says Murphy. “It’s really, really gentle. It’s so gentle it removes the hair but still leaves the skin” void of redness and irritation.

Entourage also takes some extra care with its nail services. She says she is “so OCD on disinfecting and cleaning practices” especially when it comes to nail services. “Pedicure tubs, for example, are disinfected, not just clean,” and providing a new nail file “on everybody. We don’t cut corners.”

Murphy shares other reasons why clients should try Entourage.

“We are reasonably priced,” says Murphy. “We are down to earth. We have something for everyone.”

She offers monthly and daily specials on her social media pages and website. Clients can also earn points and promotions on purchases as well as referral points if referring a friend to the salon.

Clients can also browse for personal items and gifts at the new boutique inside the salon.

“With the expansion of the space, we added a boutique area with all sorts of inspirational jewelry, home decorations, candles, mugs, shirts, signs, and other unique gifts and personal treasures.”

Adds Murphy, “I want it to be a place to come and grab a unique or inspirational gift, or pick up something cute that you like for yourself. We also have gift cards to the salon as well- so that's great for birthdays, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, etc. “And then of course we have a wide range of home care products for hair, nails, and body to suit every hair type and texture,” she adds. “We can help clients choose the best products for their desired results and hair type.”

Philosophy & Advice

Like Murphy, more and more women are taking on leadership roles, and that is the sign of the times that women can and will succeed.

“Be brave and be limitless,” Murphy advises. “Don’t allow anything to get in your way for anything.”

Murphy talks about the time she had trouble getting a business loan.

“I just kept going until someone gave me the money,” says Murphy, who has two boys, aged 4 and 8, and is married to Doug for 15 years.

“I don’t accept no; I don’t accept fear if someone tells me ‘No,’ I go to the next one. Anything men can do, women can do too.”

Recognizing women is essential, not only during Women’s History Month.

“Women do have a lot of equality,” says Murphy. “We’ve come a long way. Women really do a lot. We don’t just take care of our families and homes; we contribute to the world in many more ways as well. It’s nice to be recognized in all those ways we contribute.”

As for her philosophy, Murphy shoots her arrow at love. “Loving people,” says Murphy, “taking people where they’re at; treat people with love and kindness.” She reminds her staff, that one never knows what another person is going through.

Passion Oozes Through Her

Murphy is also positive in her career and offers some kudos to Mt. Olive.

“I love the location of the salon,” says Murphy. “I love that there are other stores. It’s really a big hub for businesses.” It’s right off routes 80, 46 and 206. “One stop shopping for everybody.”

Besides the location, Murphy likes the community and its people.

“I love how involved everyone in the town is,” says Murphy. She comments on the support from the mayor’s office, police and fire department, especially when the car hit the front of the store.

“They swept the glass for us; they responded so quickly,” she says. “They were so helpful; they helped us get cleaned up.”

As far as the police, Murphy says “they keep a good eye. They keep it safe for us,” and are always so nice and kind. “They keep a good presence here at the shopping center too.”

Says Murphy, “I like how the town supports us.” In exchange, she gives back to contributing to local fundraisers like Tricky Trays and sports teams. “I’m always happy to support the local organizations.”

Like hairstyles, and nail colors, variety spices up her day.

“I like that it’s different every day,” says Murphy, about her career. “We get to see different people, always different colors, different styles. People are so interesting. I love to hear people talk and then helping them feel extra beautiful is an added perk.”

As a member of Intercoiffure America Canada for the past three years, Murphy was selected as one of 150 “best of the best” salon owners in the country. The professional association was created to increase the knowledge, skills and good habits of its members.

“I’ve always believed in comradery over competition,” says Murphy about her membership with the association. “This is a group of like-minded salon owners to support and help each other” with their challenges. “It’s quite an intense process to apply and get accepted,” that involves a lengthy interview process and sponsorship. “They don’t just take anybody,” she says, just “the most ethical of hair salon owners in the country that don’t compete.”

Entourage is open seven days a week:

Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For monthly and weekly specials go to www.entouragesalonnj.com; Instagram and Facebook @entouragesalonnj. Monday: Senior Day, clients 65 and up get 15% off. Tuesday: $5 off eyebrow wax Wednesday: $5 off men’s haircut. Thursday: $5 off conditioning treatments or glaze.

New clients can get $20 off if mentioning this article. Call or text 973-426-0005 for appointment. Walk-ins welcome.

Budget, Wellness Programs Sits High For New BOE Member

By Cheryl Conway

Compared to previous years, women are playing a greater role on the Mt. Olive Board of Education with more stepping up to the seat.

With the recent appointment of Budd Lake resident Lisa Narcise to replace BOE member Rhonda Cohen who resigned her seat in January, the MOSD maintains four women and five men on its board. The BOE voted unanimously for Narcise following the board candidate interviews at a special BOE meeting held Thursday, March 10.

Swearing Narcise in during Women’s History Month could not come at a more prime time, not only for highlighting the strong role females do play on all spectrums, but because it’s budget time….which just happens to be Narcise’s specialty.

“They want me to hit the ground running,” says Narcise during an interview with "Mt. Olive Online." Already assigned to the Budget Committee, she says, “That’s something I work on with my clients on a regular basis.”

BOE Board President Anthony Strillacci says “This person had most of the qualifications we think can help this board and hit the ground running. We thanked all the applicants for their interest on serving.”

Originally there were seven candidates who applied for the vacancy, but one withdrew, says Strillacci.

“They were all well-qualified and it was a difficult decision,” says Strillacci.

“The board felt the motivating factor for picking Mrs. Narcise was her familiarity of working with Board of Educations in her professional occupation. Since there will only be nine months left in this term, we wanted someone who could hit the ground running rather than loosing valuable time to orient. We believe she can be an immediate asset.”

Her first time running for any governing body in town, Narcise is happy, yet surprised, she was selected.

“I was actually a little surprised,” pointing to another candidate who was “very well spoken,” she says. “You put yourself out there; it takes a slot of strength to do that, to become vulnerable and answer questions.”

The 40-year-old mother of two, and husband Bob, has lived in Mt. Olive for the past 12 years. She decided to send a letter of interest to serve on the BOE right after hearing that Cohen was vacating her seat.

“I attend all the school board meetings,” says Narcise, who works as a senior account executive for an employee benefits health insurance company, Acrisure in Woodbridge. “There’s a wonderful group of people who volunteer their time.” With her strength on the business side when it comes to budgets and finance, Narcise thought she could volunteer her skills to assist the BOE in that area. “There’s a lot of educators on the board,” says Narcise, but not too many experts in the area of finance. “I had a voice that could be heard,” and that can benefit especially if considering “changes down the road” with state aid, population growth and need to expand with more space and classrooms for learning.

From “listening closely” during the BOE meetings, Narcise gathers that the district is growing and “will eventually have to add a new building.”

With that in mind, one of Narcise’s main goals while serving on the BOE is “to assist in keeping us at that zero budget.”

When asked her thoughts about the MOSD budget during the BOE interview, Narcise says, “I have no criticism on your budget. It’s amazing.”

Her other main goal is to improve health and wellness programs and services provided to students and staff within the MOSD.

Since coming out of COVID, Narcise explains the need for more programs to help teachers and students in health and wellness.

“I’ve seen burnout with our teachers state-wide,” says Narcise. “A lot may not know they have services,” for mental health and wellness. “There are other programs that can help the students. We have a very strong educational program, but we need more with wellness.”

Narcise says there are different programs that can be funded through CARE Act dollars like 360 Smart Care or Education Wellness for teachers to use in the classroom; programs like box breathing, meditation and even phone numbers to call if “feeling out of sorts,” she says.

“Mental health aspect,” is the greatest weakness Narcise says, not only in the MOSD but all schools. “It’s a nationwide issue,” she says during her interview with the BOE. She cites more fights that have broken out, since COVID, as well as an increase in inappropriate behavior on social media.

Looking forward to her first BOE meeting as an official board member on March 28, Narcise says she plans to run in the next BOE election once her term expires in January 2023.

“This is a long-term commitment,” says Narcise. “My long-term goal would be to run. I don’t think nine months is enough of a time to make the difference as I’d like to make.”

As a wife and working mother of a Mt. Olive High School junior and a Chester M. Stephen’s fifth grader- as well as a former vice president of the Mt. Olive Soccer Club; certified functional nutritional counselor; and president of Match Fit Football Academy for girls in Denville- Narcise never took the time to attend BOE meetings until last year. It was April 2021, when Narcise and many other high school parents attended the BOE meeting to voice their concerns about the district’s plan to change the curriculum by limiting honor courses, leaving students to choose between AP classes or college prep.

“We had 40 parents show up at that meeting,” says Narcise. After learning how informative the BOE meetings are, Narcise realized why it is so important to tune in.

“There was a lot of information I wasn’t hearing until it impacts my students,” she admits. “I came to realize some of the information I was not aware of.”

Now that she will be on the other side, as opposed to a resident in the audience, Narcise is ready to listen to concerns and “serve the community.”

She says, “I’m excited to start the work; there’s work to be done. I’m very proud of our district; people do come here because of our district. That’s a testament to the board, the administration and even the students.”

When asked how she will handle concerns or complaints from the community, Narcise says: “You can’t keep everyone happy. Speak less, smile more. I listen and I’m opened to hearing criticism. It’s the only way we grow. My job is to bring it back to the board. The board is one unit, one voice. People criticize. They are not always happy. I welcome criticism; that’s the way I will grow. I’ll take their questions.”

Narcise commends BOE Member Dr. Antoine Gayles for always being visible in the community by attending meetings and events. She, too, welcomes the connection between the BOE and the community.

“We should be out in the community,” says Narcise. “You don’t know what the needs are unless you are out there with them. The school is a community.”

Local Mom Mixes Careers With Healthy Oils And Ads

By Cheryl Conway

Whether it’s teaching fitness classes; selling non-toxic oils, cleaning products and beauty solutions; tidying houses; creating scrapbooks; and her latest venture- selling advertising to local businesses- this local mom is one ‘handywoman’ who produces some great ‘workwomanship.’ Mt. Olive Online welcomes Jennifer Leigh Feliciano of Hackettstown as its new Advertising Representative. With 80 issues filled with inspirational and newsworthy stories, the Mt. Olive publication decided to ramp things up a bit and bring on a specialist to sell advertising to grow the business. A native of Mt. Olive and 1997 graduate of Mt. Olive High School, Feliciano knows the area better than anyone and has connections galore. She is smart, multi-talented, assertive and is a great sales lady who understands how to work well with her clients, listen and provide the best service and product.

Although this is her first gig selling advertising space for a publication, Feliciano does not shy away from new opportunities. She looks forward to working for Mt. Olive Online as a new advertising sales representative. “Hopefully I can be successful” as a representative selling advertising for Mt. Olive’s free online publication, says Feliciano who received a B.S. degree in business management from Centenary College in Hackettstown in 2004.

Professional Saleslady

Through her education and connections with other people, Feliciano trained herself how to be the best saleslady she could be.

“I learned a lot about sales in school; learning from other people and learning from my mistakes as what works best for me, my audience and my customers,” says Feliciano.

“I have been working in sales throughout my life as I used to sell Mary Kay cosmetics back in the day,” she says. “I met some wonderful ladies who I learned so much from that gave me the jump start I needed to work in the sales field. “I have also worked at Clothing Town, Stearns and Macaroni Grill that have all contributed in positive ways to have good customer service skills,” she continues. “I now have to learn the best way to run my Young Living business that is a work in progress every day.”

Before having her baby in November 2018, Feliciano worked as a front desk administrative assistant at Atlantic Neurosurgical Specialists for 11 years. Since staying home to raise her little girl became her priority, Feliciano got creative and has been mixing up her skills to work in different areas. “I am currently a stay-at-home mommy to my beautiful 2-year-old daughter Violet,” says Feliciano. While her “husband Luis is a top-of-the-line hairstylist,” who works in Morris County, Feliciano does her part by bringing in some extra money to help her family.

“I have been a Zumba instructor for the past 10 years and have taught at multiple locations throughout my Zumba career,” Feliciano explains. “My last Zumba gig was at Crunch Fitness as well as with Mt. Olive Exercisers. I also have my own Young Living business that I started last March as I was looking for a job that has flexible hours while being able to work from home and setting my own schedule. It also inspired me to become a health and wellness coach that I can incorporate with my business. I also do housecleaning using my non-toxic products on the side as well as scrapbooking.”

While her talents and interests are many, Feliciano is passionate about helping people live healthier lives. One way she does that is through her Young Living business.

“I bought my Young Living starter kit in August of 2020 after I had my daughter Violet after learning about all the health benefits of using essential oils and non -toxic products,” she explains. “I decided to start my own business with YL in March 2021 after falling in love with the products and learning about all the benefits of using them. I am so grateful I found Young Living as this is exactly what my household needed.”

Feliciano is passionate about her products and her career. “We have four diffusers in our home that we use daily that purifies the air we are breathing while being able to make different blends with all of the amazing essential oils we have,” says Feliciano. “Diffusing is a much, safer, natural alternative to burning candles as it does not burn out toxins like a wick does or you don’t have to worry about accidental fires happening.”

She stands by Young Living cleaning products too.

“It also gives me piece of mind using Thieves household cleaner in our home that replaces all the other toxic cleaners I had under my kitchen sink,” she says. “It is all natural, plant based essential oil infused that consists of lemon, clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary and eucalyptus and can last up to six months depending on how often you clean. I also don’t have to worry about my family inhaling any toxic chemicals that can cause serious health issues in the future. Did you know YL has over 700 products? We have something for everyone, including babies and pets.”

Connecting with people and encouraging them to live healthier lives is what drives Feliciano in her work and helps her to be successful in her career.

“I love making connections with people while building relationships with them,” says Feliciano. “I love learning and sharing the importance of using nontoxic products in your home and am always looking for open minded people who are interested in hearing and learning about all the benefits of these wonderful products and how they can help them. I continue to educate myself on all the amazing benefits of these products so I can share them with my team, my customers and my audience.”

With sales comes challenges but Feliciano has learned how to overcome and work smarter.

“Some of the challenges I face working my YL business is that people don’t seem interested in what I have to offer, they are too busy or don’t respond to me, the products are too expensive, or they are content using the same products they are accustomed to without knowing all the toxic chemicals that are in them,” she explains. “I am so passionate about these products and love sharing about them to people I care about because they deserve to have these products in their home. I am always working on time management, being a better leader, wife and mother, stepping out of my comfort zone and being consistent.” Talking with the experts in the field and always learning has been Feliciano’s tools toward growth and success.

She says she overcomes challenges in her career “by talking to people in my organization, staying connected by watching weekly zoom calls and constantly learning new things. I try to practice meditation, self-care and to spend quality time with my daughter. I try not to let the actions of others discourage me from pushing forward working towards reaching my goals. I have also been working on having the right mindset as I know that can really affect the results of my business.”

Feliciano offers advice to other women, whether they are stay-at-home moms or career-women. She also comments on the importance of recognizing women’s achievements, especially during Women’s History Month.

“I think it’s important for women to be recognized because I don’t feel we get enough credit as to all the responsibilities we have as wives, mothers, businesswomen and all that we do to hold things together and to do our very best each day,” she says. “Women wear many hats and I feel are the people who hold families together.

“Advice I would offer other moms would be to slow down when you can and don’t put too much on your plate as that can bring added stress to your day,” says Feliciano. “Be passionate, do what you love, and always remember to take care of yourself. I also always recommend using essential oils every day to help keep you grounded and of course to smell good!”

About Young Living

Young Living essential oils was created in 1995 by Gary Young. Young Living stands behind its seed to seal promising quality commitment; family-owned farms and a strict distillery process to guarantee pure authentic quality essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are harvested from farm-grown and wildcrafted plants through careful steam distillation, cold pressing or resin tapping.

Whether using oils to create a toxin-free home, for personal use or as aromatherapy, one will discover that every aspect of daily life can benefit from using these pure, powerful, essential oils. A lot of Young Living oils can be used aromatically, topically and internally as many of them provide natural healing and cleansing to help provide optimal health and wellness.

Young Living also has a great variety of supplements that can be used daily to help maintain a healthy immune system. Young Living offers monthly gifts with purchase and subscription customers cash back while earning points towards free product.

It is super easy to become a Young Living member and does not require any signup fees. All of the products are top quality and will last a very long time.

“I would love to hear from you to schedule a phone call, coffee date or a zoom meeting,” says Feliciano. “I am here to serve you and want to help meet your needs.”

Visit https://linktr.ee/wellnesswithjennyleigh. https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/referral/25070728 ADVERTISE IN MT. OLIVE ONLINE

Mt. Olive Online just celebrated its 80th issue. Readership grows weekly with every issue as more look to the publication for news, inspiring stories and quality journalism. Free to readers, anyone can subscribe and read at no cost.

To support Mt. Olive Online, consider various advertising options. Feliciano is ready to work with you to provide quality ads at the most affordable price around. Call 973-577-6618 to inquire or place an ad; or email editor@mtoliveonline.today.

Budget, Sidewalks, Animals Come Into Play At Council Meeting

By Cheryl Conway

Municipal taxes will be staying the same this year, sidewalks in Cloverhill community are up for repair, a committee for animals is being formed.

These are just a few take-aways from the last Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting held Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. For those who missed the bi-monthly meeting, the most significant item that passed unanimously is the 2022 Municipal Budget that is increasing by $1.6 million.

The 2022 municipal spending package is $33,835,916, compared to the 2021 budget of $32,211,577. To help pay for this package, the township needs to collect $19.8 million in property taxes. While total spending is increasing, property owners will not pay more taxes on the municipal portion of the budget.

“For the 10th year in a row, the mayor and council have introduced a budget that will include no municipal tax increase,” as stated in a 2022 Municipal Budget Snapshot document. “To accomplish that, we continue to encourage growth while at the same time, limit spending.”

More dollars are coming from other revenue and Municipal Fund Balance, according to the budget snapshot document. “Utilization of our fund balance reduced the average property tax bill by approximately $474,” as stated on the snapshot.

Keep in mind that the municipal portion of the overall budget makes up just 18% of the total pie; the largest portion, 69%, of a homeowner’s property tax bill, goes toward the school budget. Other parts of the tax bill include: Morris County, 9%; sanitation, 2%; library, 1%; and open space, 1%.

What this means is that a homeowner of an average home in Mt. Olive will pay $10,699 in property taxes in 2022. The average assessed value of a home in Mt. Olive is $322,039, according to the budget flyer. The municipal portion of that tax bill for an average home in Mt. Olive is $1,951.

When examining the municipal budget, Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko shares that the largest operating departments on the municipal side include Public Safety with $8.7 million in spending; Public Works with $8.3 million in spending; Sanitation & Recycling at $2.8 million; Library at $1.2 million; and Health & Human Services at $779K.

A sizeable portion of the municipal budget includes Capital Improvement Projects for 2022. Those include: Road resurfacing; utility infrastructure improvements; playgrounds and turf recreation fields; fire trucks and emergency vehicles; lake mitigation and storm water management.

Mt. Olive Twp. has budgeted more than $10 million to cover these capital projects with $1.1 million to road resurfacing; Cloverhill Sidewalk Replacement Project; refurbished tennis courts at Dan Jordan Park in Flanders and basketball courts at Turkey Brook Park; Pond View property acquisition and improvements; new pavilion at Turkey Brook Park Event Field; new soccer turf field at Turkey Brook Park; Budd Lake fire truck and Flanders fire brush truck; public works sweeper, dump trucks and pick-up trucks.

Grants totaling more than $730K, and Fund Balance, also help to pay for the municipal spending package. Out of those grants, $214K is coming from the N.J. Historic Trust for the Seward House; $244K from NJDOT for road resurfacing of International Drive; $189K from Morris County Historic Trust for Seward House restoration; and a $75K Local Recreation Grant for adult fitness at Flanders Park.

Cloverhill Sidewalks

Township officials discussed the Cloverhill Sidewalk Replacement Project at the March 22 council meeting.

The scope of the project is to remove shade trees that are causing damage to sidewalks. Cost is estimated at $1 million, says Tatarenko, but will be done in phases.

Streets located to the left of Cloverhill- Allison to Linwood- will be tackled first. Tatarenko says the township has contracted a tree removal company and concrete vendor to do the work.

“We will identify sidewalks and private shade trees that are causing damage,” says Tatarenko. Homeowners will be notified if their property has been identified for repair. While the township will be paying for this work up front, private property owners will have to reimburse the town for removal of these trees.

Tatarenko estimates $3K per home for removal, to replace a tree and repair sidewalks, “depending on if it’s one slab or entire stretch” of concrete.

Tatarenko says homeowners will have to pay the town back “or else will face a lien” on their house. He says residents will be a given a six-month time frame to pay the town back for any repairs or removal of trees. Within the next 30 days, the town will know which sidewalks need to be replaced and which trees need to be removed, says Tatarenko.

Councilwoman Colleen Labow mentions how trees can cause problems with sidewalks, roads and even sewers. She says the roots grow under the concrete, and balls and routes can get into sewers effecting waste and causing back up into a house.

Animal Committee

Labow also suggests that a committee be formed for Mt. Olive animals, through Sustainable N.J.

Such a committee would look into issues that involve any animal in town, cats, dogs, gerbils, hamsters, farm animals, she notes.

“Lots of individuals want to form a committee,” says Labow, “for our four-legged family friends to work together to improve our fur babies’ home.”

Mt. Olive Twp. Council Attorney Sue Sharpe says an Advisory Committee will need to draft an ordinance to provide input and support for an Animal Committee. She says she will work with Labow to draft the ordinance to establish an organization.

Council Vice President Alex Roman says he “wants to make sure their scope is clearly outlined.”

Labow explains that the animal committee would be there for support and help rather than interfering with the animal control organization.

Labow says the “number one goal is to offer free microchipping to all animals in town.” That “would be our kickoff; would be a huge plus for our community.”

A pet that is not microchipped can get lost and then be taken to the current pound which is now 45 minutes away. “You never know,” she says. Her dog gets out all the time playing dodge ball in the yard. She must get her neighbor’s dog, sometimes, to run into her house so her dog would follow its furry friend.

During the public portion of the meeting, Alan Fulton questions the board about nine acres in town that are being changed to a #5 zoning to allow the build of 110 new homes.

Fulton’s concern is that 110 new homes will cause significant drainage issues to homes on Waterloo Rd. He asks the council to oppose this decision for change of zoning.

Tatarenko says he will advise Mt. Olive’s Director of Planning Chuck McGroarty to review the project and Fulton’s concerns. The issue will be discussed further at the next council meeting set for Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m.

Other Tidbits

Tatarenko advises the council about a new cobblestone property that may include the building of 20 plus condominium or townhouse units; or 10 single family homes, an affordable project through Morris County Habitat for Humanity.

“That is moving along,” says Tatarenko. An engineer would need to test the water supply in that area to see if it can accommodate 20 units.

“There is ample supply for 10 units,” he says, adding that everyone would have an individual well.

Labow questions if officials have considered 10 individual wells verses a single well for one condominium.

“I’d like some details,” says Labow.

The new turf soccer field project at Turkey Brook Park is moving along, says Tatarenko. Site plan is being identified but it has been decided that this field will be designated for “younger youth” with smaller 4v4 fields. Good news is the field “will be ready for fall soccer,” he says.

There has been concerns about lighting at Turkey Brook Park, says Tatarenko. To shed some light, he says officials are looking at investing in some solar lights for designated parking areas.

Despite the snow and ice, the floating island on Budd Lake is still hanging out.

“I found the island, it’s still there,” says Tatarenko. “It didn’t seem green, but I’ll reach back out.”

Roman suggests “maybe we can get some drone footage; it’s hard to see; maybe add some video to open space to bring more attention to it?”

As for an update on the Pond View property in Flanders the township is trying to acquire, Tatarenko says he is “still putting pressure on it; it’s been slow moving,” because of a federal lien on the property.

The council approved an ordinance in December 2021 appropriating $400K to purchase 5 Pond View Lane to use as 25 acres of park and meeting space. The abandoned house on the property is historically known as The Tarn or Bartley Foundry/Mill.

Labow says she hopes the trail blazing project can connect trails to the Pond View property.

“It’s a great project,” Labow concludes about improving and expanding trails in town. “When we get Pond View we can connect to Columbia Trail which will be a very good thing.”

School Taxes Will Drop In Proposed Budget

By Cheryl Conway

Photo: Lisa Schleer, assistant superintendent to retire

Local homeowners can expect to pay less in the school portion of their tax bill this year if the proposed 2022-2023 school budget gets passed.

The Mt. Olive Twp. Board of Education unanimously approved the 2022-2023 Tentative Budget at its last BOE meeting held at the Mt. Olive Middle School on Monday, March 28. Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki introduced the $113,270,232 total base budget spending package.

The proposed budget now goes to the county for approval and will be on the April 25 BOE meeting agenda for final adoption.

If approved, a homeowner of an averaged assessed value home of $323K in Mt. Olive will see a decrease of $62 in the school portion of their property taxes, says Zywicki. The average homeowner will pay $7,395 in school taxes this year, as opposed to $7,457 in 2021.

Reason for the tax reduction is inclusive of the Chapter 44 tax levy reduction of $1.6 million, a .25% tax levy decrease, explains Zywicki. The General Fund tax levy in the tentative budget is $71.2 million.

“New in the 2022-2023 Budget Application is the required calculation of tax levy adjustments for decreases in health care costs, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:16-13.3,” as reported by N.J. State Department of Education guidelines. “Savings in district health care costs attributable to implementation of the statute are used as a reduction to the amount that is required to be raised by the local property tax levy by the school district.”

Zywicki is pleased to announce the “major accomplishment” is the introduction of a zero base budget for the second year in a row, which “gave us a positive marginal increase in fund balance” to cover extra expenses with COVID costs and protocols.

In his preliminary budget presentation, Zywicki discusses what drives the budget, pointing to the district’s Strategic Plan. Three years ago, the BOE switched to zero based budgeting which “is a lot of work on the back of administrators because we justify every single expense; every single step for the taxpayer,” and it is based on programs, student enrollment “what we’re doing that year.”

This year’s budget was chaired by BOE member Liz Ouimet and work began in November 2021, he says. January through March is a holding period; March the budget gets introduced to the state DOE; March 28 it goes to the county for approval; and then April 25 will be up for adoption by the BOE.

Diving deeper into the numbers, Zywicki explains that state aid increased by $5.4 million, compared to 2021, to cover teachers’ salaries and health benefits. The district is still $9.8 million underfunded, he says.

In 2021, he says the district had $1.2 million worth of students moving in the district, with the state allowing MOSD to collect an extra $600K in taxes to cover the extra costs.

“We still had to find $600,000 to educate those kids,” says Zywicki.

He went over the major non-personnel expenditures for the budget which include: A new curriculum high school math textbook for $219K; new bus lease for $59K; instruction software at $285K; property insurance increase at $60K, which is a 15% increase from last year; and health insurance increase to $2 million.

Zywicki says that it has been five years since the MOSD has increased its health care premiums. He says it is projected that usage of the health benefits will increase as more employees and staff are catching up with their check-ups after delaying visits as a result from the pandemic.

There are also new personnel expenditures which includes: Nursing services for four new special education students costing $400K; counselor at MOMS at $69K; math teacher at MOMS at $66K; biology teacher at MOHS at $70K; and four special education teachers totaling $264K.

Other News

The BOE discussed whether to cancel the upcoming high school trip to Poland in conjunction with the Holocaust Studies course, as a safety precaution with the conflict between Russia and bordering Ukraine.

“For me, I don’t think it’s safe,” says BOE member Dr. Antoine Gayles. While Zywicki, faculty and students are committed to the trip and are keeping abreast of the news, Gayles explains his reasoning for opposition. While the U.S. States Department “considers travel to these cities safe,” Gayles says, “I don’t think it’s the right time to take this kind of trip. I don’t think this is the right time to send our kids, or the faculty or even our superintendent to Poland.”

BOE member William Robinson agrees: “There are 10 million displaced people in Ukraine; almost three million have gone to Poland as refugees. It’s not that I’m against this trip itself. I’m just worried about the safety of the children. There’s a lot of problems with different areas with food, some children are being abducted and sold to various people. I just don’t think now is the time. I’m all for the trip.” BOE member Dr. Anthony Giordano questions that since “we approved this trip,” are we responsible for paying?” He suggests that in the future that perhaps the BOE does not approve these trip and individual groups can plan them separately. Ouimet says the Ed Foundation gave a $5,000 donation for the Holocaust trip and that “parents are still in favor of the trip.” But all considering, she says, “Safety of Dr. Zywicki, staff and the students- I look at safety as first priority,” even though these students are seniors.

The school board attorney says that students did have the option to purchase trip insurance.

Zywicki adds that seven of the students did purchase the full insurance to receive a refund, which “leaves a couple of students” that did not pay for trip insurance. Zywicki suggest that that BOE considers building trip insurance in the cost of future trips to avoid this conflict.

“We live and we learn with this,” says Zywicki flashing back to the MOMS 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip in 2020 that got canceled from COVID.

“We are taking a closer look at this,” says Zywicki, who was expecting to make a final determination on Tuesday.

Zywicki nor the board president returned inquiries to Mt. Olive Online to their decision before press time.

Personnel Investigation

Zywicki announces that one of the MOSD administrators, Sharon Staszak, director of Special Services grades 6 to 12, has been placed on administrative leave as of March 16 pending an investigation which alleges that she accessed a confidential personnel file of an internal candidate for assistant superintendent. “Investigation is ongoing,” says Zywicki. He says Staszak allegedly looked at the resume, transcripts, certification materials and essay of a candidate.

“She provided a written statement admitting this,” says Zywicki. She also allegedly showed another administrator how to access this confidential information, he says.

In her own defense, Staszak approaches the BOE during the public portion and explains her actions.

As a 30-year employee of the MOSD, Staszak says “given there were no restrictions” of her having access to Acutrack, “one can allege that access was improper. I don’t see what I did was improper.”

She says “one reason I had access, I’ve participated in several interview committees. I didn’t do anything differently. I do not see what I did was a breech of confidentiality. I followed the same procedures. There’s no restriction on what I saw.” Having “30 years of loyal and unblemished service to the district,” she hopes the “district looks at this with a lens.”

Mrs. Oneill, a special needs parent, shares her point of view: “It is incomprehensible to me the amount of work Sharon does and how involved she is. She’s always available to parents and students. She’s a calm voice in a big storm. She has extremely helped so many people in this district. This week has been a crazy week with people just asking for Sharon. She is Mt. Olive Special Education.” Betty Hahn, a 25-year employee and secretary of Specials Services, says “Sharon is a wonderful person. I’m sure what she did was not vindictive or sneaky or doing anything wrong. We’ve had so many calls this week. Mrs. Staszak is unavailable. She’s never been unavailable to anybody, a student or a parent.”

Goodbye Retirees

The BOE also recognizes some staff who are retiring, especially Lisa Schleer, the assistant superintendent for the past seven years.

“It has shook me since you told us about this,” says Zywicki upon hearing that Schleer will be retiring from MOSD. “Assistant superintendent needs to be the conscience of the school district. Lisa has been an advocate for so many of these students,” for inclusion in K-5, Mt. Olive Sussex Academy. “I don’t know how I’m going to do this on the morning of April 26.”

Says BOE President Anthony Strillacci, “Mrs. Schleer, as being one the best employees we’ve ever had and one of the tallest, I wish you the best.”

Local & County News

Daggon Receives NJRPA Fay S. Mathewson Award

Jim Daggon of Mt. Olive recently was awarded the 2022 Fay S. Mathewson Award by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association. Pictured, from left, are David Guida, chairperson of the NJRPA Awards Committee; Romayne Eaker-Kelly, past president of NJRPA; Lenny Celluro Jr,, current president of NJRPA.

When Daggon, husband of longtime Mt. Olive Recreation Director Jill Daggon, attended the NJRPA conference in 2008, he was “voluntold” by his wife to help unload boxes behind the conference registration desk, a task that only a few people regularly gather to help the Saturday of the conference.

Who knew Daggon had all the answers to all things technology? This and that happened, and soon Daggon was the answer to Mt. Olive’s technology issues.

Over the years, Daggon found sales on a laptops and printers, ways to save the association hundreds of dollars and keep the office running. He embarked on an adventure with NJRPA he never knew existed! The NJRPA Tech Adventure! With the association’s old and antiquated equipment, Daggon helped survive many more conferences keeping those old and antiquated laptops and computers alive.

Almost immediately, Daggon became the conference tech for speakers and session rooms; he added a few volunteers, mentored them and gave them the tools to help make successful annual conferences.

“Jim is a positive person with a great sense of humor and more patience than a saint,” the announcer said when calling him up for the award. “Tonight, we honor Jim with the Fay S Mathewson Award for the countless hours spent with Kathleen working on computers, for always answering the phone, for responding quickly, and yes, for the many times he traveled to the Princeton office to see what he could do. For several years of volunteering at our annual conference, consulting over the phone whenever we needed recommendations to replace or not replace our equipment.

“Though Jim is not a recreation warrior by degree, he has undoubtedly volunteered the time to become a warrior by extension and a friend of recreation. During Jim’s retirement, I have faith he will continue to volunteer at our conference.”

Morris County Celebrates Its Birthday This Month

Morris County was born 283 years ago on March 15– or was it before that? It’s not that the centuries have made one forget.

It’s a matter of which calendar one uses and in what part of the world one lives.

It was 1752 when England and its colonies, including New Jersey, switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, moving Morris County’s official birthday to March 15, 1739 from 1738.

Regardless, history records that Morris County was created by an act of the State Legislature on March 15, 1738/39, separating it from Hunterdon County, one of the state’s largest counties of the period. Named after Colonel Lewis Morris, then Governor of the Province of N.J. it originally included what are now the counties of Morris, Sussex and Warren. Learn more about the county’s history: Check out online exhibits from the Morris County Heritage Commission about exceptional women in Morris County history, courthouse, homes and cultural center: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/…/Heritage-Commissi…/Exhibits Visit historic sites across the county: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/…/Heritage-…/Historic-Markers Read about the history of veterans, miners and railroaders: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/…/…/Cultural-Resources-Survey Learn about the Coat of Arms: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/…/The-Coat-of-Arms-of-Morris…

Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Launched by Morris County

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

“Welcome Home: Morris County’s Vietnam Vets,” an online collection of data, photographs and facts about the Morris County men and women who served in the Vietnam War, was launched through the official Morris County website Tuesday, March 29, in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

The day observes when the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam on March 29, 1973. The project is a collection of names, service narratives, historical information and photographs compiled by the county Office of Planning and Preservation, and it remains a work-in-progress. It is the latest chapter in a series of online projects known as the Morris County Veterans Compendium, in which the Office of Planning and Preservation has documented the military service of Morris County residents throughout history.

Welcome Home: Another Chapter in the Morris County Veterans Compendium: “The Morris County Veterans Compendium was inspired by a WWII veteran in 2009, who expressed that history would forget veterans’ service,” said Jan Williams, a cultural and historic resources specialist with the county. “In order to allay that concern, Morris County works to list veterans in all conflicts.” Prior to U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, the Vietnam War was the longest conflict in American military history and became the focus of a social and political divide in the nation that never fully healed. Returning military service members were often left unheralded and mistreated, an experience the nation and veterans continue to reckon with to this day. “In communicating with Vietnam veterans, I was surprised to learn from several that our American soldiers were busy ‘winning hearts and minds’ in Vietnam, long before we became aware of the phrase,” said Williams. “They cared for orphans, villagers, and worked tirelessly to leave Vietnam a better place. Although the veterans mentioned a lingering bitterness about the way they were treated upon return, they choose to focus on the honorable service they rendered during Nam.”

The public is urged to continue reviewing the downloadable Vietnam collection to offer updates, additions and particularly photographs that will enhance the experience of those, particularly veterans, who view the webpage. Veterans also are encouraged to add tributes to the buddies they lost. Information may be forwarded to Jan Williams at jwilliams@co.morris.nj.us.

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

A page dedicated to veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine War was launched last year.

The Office of Planning and Preservation has created online collections of other historical aspects of Morris County residents, including railroad workers, canal workers and the county’s history of changing street names. The project lists may be found on the Office of Planning & Preservation projects website.

For the Vietnam page, a Vietnam veteran who was born in Morris County or has been a resident of the county for ten years is welcome to be recognized by submitting his or her information. The families of Vietnam vets who have passed on also may submit their information.

If a veteran has retired out of state, they qualify for listing, too.

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

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

Morris County has launched a “Veteran and Family Support Program” under contract with the Mental Health Association to assist veterans in re-establishing themselves with their families and in the community after returning home from duty.

The Veteran and Family Support Program is designed to provide free psychotherapy services to veterans, as well as group counseling and support to their families and friends.

MHA describes it as a holistic approach to help veterans reunify with family as the returning service members simultaneously deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological barriers to readjusting to civilian life.

There also will be referral components that link veterans to employment, finance and other services necessary to their readjustment. The program is one of three launched by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners through the Morris County Department of Human Services to assist returning veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. However, the programs are open to all veterans.

“We began these programs out of respect for our returning service members and the difficulties they and their families face after they come back from a conflict to pick up their lives again,” said Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus, a Marine Corps veteran.

Krickus continues: “Sometimes they need to talk to other veterans who faced the same difficulties re-entering our society. Some may find they need professional counseling, and their families may realize they too need some guidance in how to interact with a loved-one returning home from combat. As we said, Morris County wants to be here for our veterans, not only on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but always.”

“MHA is proud to stand with Morris County’s veterans; they are the best of us,” said MHA CEO Robert Davison. “Trauma is real and impacts all of us, and veterans despite their bravery are still human. And we all need help from time to time. The veterans were there for us and we will be there for them.” The initiative was unanimously approved by the County Commissioners late last year and is being supported by funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The other programs launched include Peer to Peer Support Counseling to facilitate veterans being counseled by fellow veterans who shared similar experiences, and Veteran Roundtables & Events designed to bring veterans together in social settings.

The programs are being overseen by Morris County’s Veterans Services Office.

To access the Veteran and Family Counseling Program or for more information, contact Michele Walsh at 973-334-3496 ext. 515 or mwalsh@mhainspire.org.

Morris County 2022 Open Space Grant Applications Now Available

The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation has announced that the 2022 grant application for funding of open space projects under the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund are now available online on the Open Space Preservation website.

“Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding,” said Barbara Murray, the Morris County open space program coordinator.

The deadline for submitting open space applications and appraisals for 2022 funding is Thursday, June 9. Last year, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved recommendations by the county's Open Space Trust Fund Committee to award $1.3 million in preservation grants for four open space projects, totaling 43 acres located in four Morris County towns.

The Open Space Trust Fund, which is part of the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, has helped to preserve 17,682 acres throughout the county since 1994, using $293,220,418 generated by a preservation tax Morris County voters approved in November 1992. In addition to open space projects, the county’s Preservation Trust Fund also helps finance farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trails project, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.

“The story goes back nearly three decades ago when the then-Freeholders recognized that sound planning requires a balance of economic growth and the protection of natural resources,” said Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw, who is the county governing board’s liaison to the Department of Planning and Preservation. “Our efforts to preserve open space in Morris County has always been supported by the taxpayers and goes to the heart of why people love to live and raise their families here, and why major corporations make Morris County their home.

“With an established park system that is second-to-none in New Jersey and our continued expansion of a network of county hiking trails, we have preserved much more than just our surroundings,” he added. We have improved upon an already high quality of life here that includes one of the lowest county taxes in the state, well maintained public infrastructure, top-rated schools, and safe neighborhoods, and we will continue to nurture it.”

The review process for grant applications is handled by the Open Space Trust Fund Committee, which visits the proposed sites and makes final recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners by fall. Additional information maybe be obtained by contacting the Office of Planning and Preservation at 973-829-8120.

Help Mine History of Morris County’s Miners

Morris County has a deep history of mining still visible today, from the names of locations such as Mine Hill Township and Richard Mine Road, to the pits and sinkholes marking the landscape and the remnants of historic mills that processed the bounty, including the Boonton Ironworks. History has recorded the names of the mining barons; however, the miners have been largely forgotten.

Lost are the names, faces and stories of the people who migrated here from Europe in the early 1700s to dig the mineral-rich land by hand and those who followed, continuing to work the mines, mills and supportive industries well into the 20th Century.

“Our invitations to the public to assist us in compiling historical information for other projects has worked well, and we would love more information on the miners,” said Jan Williams, a Cultural and Historic Resources specialist for the County of Morris Office of Planning & Preservation, which is building the online project. “The prize for us would be photographs.”

Morris County historians have gathered many names from census data in Morris County, and in some cases, for example, the 1880 Census for Teabo Mine in Rockaway Township even made a distinction between an individual who “Works in Mine” and a “Miner.” An explanation for that distinction is not available, but Morris County has included them all in “Morris County’s Miners.” “Also included are those who made their living in service to miners: shopkeepers, physicians and contractors,” Williams added.

The Office of Planning & Preservation has been building online historical databases on everything from Morris County’s “Railroaders” and “Street Histories,” to veterans of United States military conflicts.

“Morris County’s Miners” delves into another, rich portion of Morris County history.

One of the first iron mines in the United States was located, around 1710, in the Mount Hope section of Rockaway Township? Iron ore was a primary target of diggers back in the day, and Morris County was part of an entire northern New Jersey region whose economy was fueled by local mining for well over two centuries. Vestiges of mining history, particularly iron mining, remain throughout Morris County.

Rockaway Township’s motto is “Iron Spirit”, and to this day its official seal includes a dark anvil. After breaking away from Randolph Township in 1923, Mine Hill Township took its name from the industry by which it was born, although the community more recently shed its old official seal, bearing mining implements, to adopt a more family-friendly image.

The Town of Boonton, which owes its very existence to The Boonton Ironworks built in 1830, has undertaken preservation and study of the former site, and received a Morris County Historic Preservation grant last year to further that effort. For those who have information to share, including photos, corrections to the online history page or additions to it, contact Jan Williams at: jwilliams@morris.co.nj.us.

College News

CCM to Hold In-Person Spring Open House

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph is excited to announce it will be holding its first in-person Open House since 2019 and it’s going all out to make this one as informative and engaging as ever. Several academic programs will be holding special showcases to provide students with deeper insight into different courses of study. Participants also will be able to tour the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, labs and studios. And new this year for some fun and to obtain a solid understanding of the lay of the campus – the Land of the Titans – there will be a scavenger hunt and a raffle for those who take part. The winner will receive an Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset.

The Open House will take place on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with two starting sessions at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Registration is required and is now taking place. To register, go to www.ccm.edu/admissions/visiting-us/. As always, the Open House will provide high school students, their families and adult learners with the opportunity to learn about the highly ranked education CCM provides to meet educational and career goals. Those attending the Open House will be able to talk with faculty and explore the more than 100-degree, certificate and professional development programs CCM offers. They also can learn about the support services and co-curricular programs CCM provides to ensure the success of its students, and discuss the admissions and registration process. Included among its many distinctions, CCM is ranked #1 in N.J. for best associate degrees and in the top 1.8 percent of the best community colleges nationwide by Intelligent. The college also continues to maintain its #1 position in the state in PayScale’s “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential,” a distinction it has held for five years in a row.

To apply today, go to https://www.ccm.edu/admissions/.

CCM Legacy Project Shares Adventures of Unlikely Thru-Hiker

Many may dream of hiking the entirety of the Appalachian Trail but making the time and actually doing it are not that simple. Hear from someone who did and learn of his adventures when the Legacy Project at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph presents Derick Lugo for its second program of the Spring Semester.

The free online presentation takes place on Monday, April 4 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. "Derick Lugo, author of “The Unlikely Thru-Hiker,” has many stories to tell about his amazing time walking many miles,” says Professor Samantha Gigliotti, from the Department of Biology & Chemistry and co-director of the Legacy Project. “We are very excited to hear what he has accomplished and what the future holds for him.”

“The Unlikely Thru-Hiker” is the story of a young black man from New York City, who as a stranger to hiking sets off on a humbling adventure from Springer Mountain, Ga. to Katahdin, Maine. With an extremely overweight pack and a willfully can-do attitude to conquer the infamous trail, Lugo perseveres with humor, tenacity and an unshakeable commitment to grooming, earning him the name Mr. Fabulous.

For additional information about the event and the Zoom link, email legacy@ccm.edu or call 973-328-5469. The Legacy Project is an interdisciplinary initiative that presents engaging lectures for students, faculty, staff and members of the public. It is guided by a 35-member advisory committee consisting of faculty and staff at CCM.

CCM Visual Arts Students Exhibit Artwork at MPAC

Mary Ann Kohaut, “Judy,” acrylic, CCM 2022 Exhibit Poster

Visual Arts students at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph are showcasing their creations at the Art Upstairs Gallery at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown.

The exhibition, featuring approximately 35 pieces, is being curated by artist and CCM Professor Todd Doney. The exhibit runs through April 18. A reception, free and open to the public, takes place on Wednesday, March 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. “CCM’s Portfolio Class holds an exhibit at the end of each semester in the Art Gallery on campus,” says Doney. “I had my spring class frame one or two extra pieces to exhibit at the MPAC.” Doney also turned to other CCM student-artists to provide additional items.

“I scouted out exceptional work from all our visual arts classes,” he explains.

The 2022 show marks CCM’s return to MPAC following a two-year long hiatus due to the pandemic. This is the eighth year MPAC is hosting the CCM Art Students exhibition. The opportunity first came about in 2014 through a collaboration between Doney and Charles Miller, program consultant at MPAC and coordinator of the Art Upstairs Gallery.

“Art Upstairs Gallery looks forward to having the CCM Art Student Exhibit return this year,” says Miller. “They were not able to exhibit last year because of COVID restrictions and we missed the excitement and vitality of their show. Emerging student art works are always interesting because they bring new approaches to art and new artistic expressions for the viewer. This exhibit is always a highlight of our Gallery Season.”

MPAC is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. The gallery is open for patrons two hours prior to all performances and by appointment. Call 973-539-0345, ext. 6583.

For more information about the Art Upstairs Gallery visit www.mayoarts.org/art-upstairs/. For information about programs offered by the CCM Department of Art & Design, visit http://bit.ly/CCMFineArts/.

CCM Student Art Exhibits Shine Brightly on Campus This Spring

The Department of Art & Design at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph is showcasing an abundance of artworks by more than 50 visual art, photography and design students at its Portfolio Class exhibits in the college’s Art Gallery starting April 7 and running through May 12.

“The CCM Art Gallery is always proud to present the portfolio work of our art and design students,” says Brian Sahotsky, gallery director. “The portfolio classes provide students with a valuable opportunity to design, compose, curate, install and exhibit their creative work as artists and designers.”

The first exhibit starting April 7 and running through April 21 features works by students majoring in visual arts and animation. More than 35 pieces will be on display.

According to CCM Professor Todd L.W. Doney, “The Visual Arts Exhibit showcases the elements taught in the Portfolio course which teach students how to critique, improve and select their best work; create effective presentations; write documents for marketing their creative work to galleries, museums and prospective clients; and develop portfolios to gain entrance to four-year colleges and universities.”

A concluding reception, free and open to the public, is set to be held in the gallery on Thursday, April 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The following week, CCM photography and design students will exhibit their final semester-long portfolio projects. This exhibit starts on April 28 and runs through May 12. An opening reception takes place on Thursday, April 28, and a concluding celebration on Thursday, May 12 from 6 p.m.– 8 p.m. Both are free and open to the public and offer guests the opportunity to meet the artists.

Kelly Whalen, chair of the Department of Art & Design, says visitors will “have the opportunity to view 3D models, garments, renderings, drawings and other presentation methods, along with the work produced by photography students.” Professor Nicole Schwartz adds, “Photography students create a cohesive semester-long project consisting of 10 to 15 images and all of the works in the exhibits are unique to each student.”

The self-directed projects showcasing each student’s success within the Photography Technology Program may also be viewed online at https://ccmphoto2022.wixsite.com/2022.

According to Sahotsky, “CCM’s fall and spring portfolio exhibitions serve as a capstone achievement for our students as they immerse themselves in the world of art and design, find their confidence bolstered and gain vital experience to their resume.”

The Art Gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on CCM’s campus, Randolph.

Explore College Options At SCCC's Spring Open House

A spring Saturday afternoon is a perfect time to explore the beautiful Newton campus of Sussex County Community College and speak to representatives of the college about its varied degree and professional certificate programs.

The college is holding its spring Open House on Saturday, April 30, from noon to 3 p.m. on the Connor Green and in the Pavilion, outdoor locations. Tours will be conducted throughout the day for attendees to explore the campus.

The registration form on the SCCC website allows visitors to choose a time to talk to representatives of the faculty and staff and learn more about the innovative academic programs that lead to degrees, professional certificates, certificates of achievement and transfer agreements.

Students can speak with academic professors directly about the various degree program options offered at Sussex such as Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Fine Arts degree. Faculty and staff will be able to explain which programs specifically are geared toward transfer to a four-year college or university. The AAS Associate of Applied Science degrees are geared toward entering the workforce upon graduation, and the professional certificates allow students to earn credentials to enter the workforce or build upon a degree program.

Additionally, for students in need of housing, Sussex offers a unique dormitory program with Centenary University in nearby Hackettstown. Students who stay at Centenary can partake in Centenary activities and have access to a free shuttle to the SCCC campus. A representative of Sussex will be available at the Open House to answer questions about this program.

For further information about the Open House, visit Sussex.edu/openhouse. For general information about SCCC and its educational programs, visit sussex.edu.

Centenary Provides Unique Housing Option for SCCC Students

What started as a pilot program in which Sussex County Community College students lived on the Centenary University campus has become a huge success for both colleges.

Last year, more than 70 students took advantage of the housing opportunities at Centenary in Hackettstown, and the interest continues to grow. There are only a handful of community colleges that offer housing options.

SCCC is unique in that it attracts numerous athletes from outside the region and, in many cases, outside the country. The housing program started as a way to give these athletes an affordable opportunity to live near the Sussex campus in Newton. But the program is expanding and students that are looking for that four-year college experience are taking advantage of the housing option. Sussex is a half-hour ride to Centenary and provides a twice-daily shuttle to and from the colleges.

What is also unique about this arrangement is that Sussex students living on the Centenary campus can also partake in Centenary on-campus activities such as the use of Centenary's gym, library and social programming. They can also sign up for a meal plan, as well as student insurance.

"Initially, there was a need for Sussex to recruit students from out of the county for the new football program," said SCCC Vice President of Student Success, Dr. Cory Homer. "With a need to recruit students for academic programs and athletics, the interest is now greater than ever."

Sussex has been attracting athletes for its soccer teams from outside the region for several years. Its football team, the only community college program in the state, has grown tremendously with athletes signing up from all over New Jersey - and beyond. Students participating in the program can enjoy an on-campus experience of a four-year college and dorm life. "The students have the best of both worlds by earning an associate degree at a fraction of the cost of a 4-year college," said Homer.

For more information about the housing option at Sussex, visit sussex.edu/housing.

Centenary Introduces World’s First M.A. In Happiness Studies

Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy has announced the introduction of the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, slated to launch in a fully virtual format for the University’s fall 2022 semester. Murphy made the announcement on Friday, March 18, at the World Happiness Summit to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that this fall, Centenary University will introduce the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies,” Murphy said. “This online, 30-credit graduate degree is an interdisciplinary program designed for leaders who are committed to personal, interpersonal, organizational and societal happiness. Grounded in science and research, this new degree will study happiness and resilience to prepare graduates to make an impact in a wide range of fields.”

Experts say there’s never been a better time to advance the study of happiness in society. Recent world events have increased stress levels among people of all ages. In a February/March 2022 survey, the American Psychological Association concluded that the war in Ukraine and rising inflation have compounded the extreme stress, loss, and grief Americans are still experiencing as a result of the pandemic, which began in the U.S. two years ago this month. In the national poll, 87% of respondents reported that they feel like there’s been a constant stream of crises—with no break—over the past two years.

Approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Centenary University’s 30-credit program will present an interdisciplinary approach, based in science and research, to prepare graduates to cultivate personal and professional well-being and resilience in themselves and others. The new master’s degree will incorporate aspects of diverse disciplines—psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, finance, business, literature, coaching, religion, music—to explore the implications of happiness for individuals, the workplace and our broader society.

“To be sure, we are in trying times—pandemic, depression, war—but these are not unique times,” Murphy explained. “We have had such challenges throughout history and we have sought to find ways to weather these storms. At Centenary, we sought to develop a curriculum to address this need and we’ve tapped the expertise of our own talented faculty, as well as one of the great minds on the subject of happiness studies.” The program will be directed by internationally renowned expert and author Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy. Shahar achieved national recognition two decades ago when he taught one of Harvard University’s most popular classes on happiness. Since then, he has also taught at Columbia University, written several best-selling books on the subject, and has appeared on major media as a happiness studies expert.

“The Master of Arts in Happiness Studies is the first of its kind in the world,” noted Ben-Shahar. “It is the first—and thus far the only—fully accredited program that looks at happiness from multiple perspectives: Philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, economics, history, literature, and more.”

For more information on the Centenary University Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, visit https://www.happinessstudies.academy/masterdegree/

Centenary Offers Scholarship For Race Relations Career

Centenary University in Hackettstown has opened applications for The Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship, a full four-year award for students who are dedicated to pursuing a career that improves race relations.

The Bissett-Hill Scholarship covers the cost of attendance at Centenary University, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation, travel and miscellaneous expenses. The university intends to award this scholarship, which is renewable annually for a maximum of four years, for the first time to a student beginning classes in fall 2022.

“The Bissett-Hill Scholarship presents an extraordinary opportunity for a highly-qualified student to attend Centenary University, with all expenses paid,” said Dr. Robert L. Miller, vice president of enrollment management. “The recipient of this scholarship will receive an outstanding Centenary University education and will be well prepared for a successful career that makes a real difference in the world.”

The Grace Y. Bissett and Louise Monez Hill Scholarship Fund was established through an estate gift from Centenary University alumna Louise M. Hill ’40 in memory of her aunt, Grace Y. Bissett, who made her education possible. In her request, Hill specified that the scholarship be dedicated to supporting students with “a sincere interest and intention to pursue a career in teaching, religion, social work, or the like” to improve race relations.

Applicants for the Bissett-Hill Scholarship must be admitted to Centenary for the fall 2022 semester and submit the following materials before April 1: A statement from the high school principal or vice principal stating that the student will graduate or has graduated in the top one-third of their class; A letter from someone in a position of authority (coach, clergyperson, community leader, organization/club advisor, etc.) regarding the candidate’s character and participation in school, church and/or community activities. An essay of approximately 750 words, written by the candidate, describing how this scholarship will assist in pursuing a career beyond college devoted to improving the relationship between the races.

Finalists will be notified by the end of April and will be invited to participate in an interview with the Bissett-Hill Scholarship Committee. All materials should be emailed to Stefanie Taggart, director of undergraduate admissions, at stefanie.taggart01@centenaryuniversity.edu, or mail materials to: Centenary University Office of Admissions, 400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown, N.J. 07840.

For more information about the scholarship, go to https://bit.ly/Bissett-HillScholarship.

University Marches in St. Patty’s Parade

Centenary University participated in the Hackettstown St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 13. Pictured are Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy on a float depicting the University’s Edward W. Seay Administration Building; and, on the right, the Centenary University Cyclone with students preparing to march in the parade.

; and the Centenary University Cyclone with students preparing to march in the parade.

What’s Not Working In Your Life?

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

When something is not working in your life, take some time to write it down on paper and answer these questions:

1. What are the barriers/obstacles- mindset, fear, lack of time, lack of support, resources, etc.?

2. What haven't I thought of yet? Sometimes you need to ask others because you are too close to the situation. There are too many emotions involved. Asking others is a great way to get some information you are missing. Someone else's perspective can shine light on your situation. Just make sure these are people you can trust.

3. What are four to five solutions you could see? If a friend was telling you the same problem, what are some solutions you would suggest?

4. Use the solutions. Write down the solutions in a priority order. Start with the top solution, give it a try. If it works great. If not, try the next solution.

5. Do you feel like giving up? Why? If you quit, would your life be better? Would you feel worse? Are you giving up out of frustration and/or fear? Remember, 90% of what you fear never happens.

6. Visualize - What would your life look like if you didn't quit, kept moving forward, found a solution. See the big picture.

Remember - everything is temporary. You might feel like giving up at the moment but in three days or a week, you will probably feel differently.

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

Thru Love & Positivity, Salon Owner Expands Shop & Thrives

Welcome readers to the 81st issue of Mt. Olive Online.

Budget, Wellness Programs Sits High For New BOE Member

By Cheryl Conway

Local Mom Mixes Careers With Healthy Oils And Ads

Budget, Sidewalks, Animals Come Into Play At Council Meeting

School Taxes Will Drop In Proposed Budget

By Cheryl Conway

Advertise in Mt. Olive Online

Local & County News

Daggon Receives NJRPA Fay S. Mathewson Award

Morris County Celebrates Its Birthday This Month

Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Launched by Morris County

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

Morris County 2022 Open Space Grant Applications Now Available

Help Mine History of Morris County’s Miners

College News

CCM to Hold In-Person Spring Open House

CCM Legacy Project Shares Adventures of Unlikely Thru-Hiker

CCM Visual Arts Students Exhibit Artwork at MPAC

CCM Student Art Exhibits Shine Brightly on Campus This Spring

Explore College Options At SCCC's Spring Open House

Centenary Provides Unique Housing Option for SCCC Students

Centenary Introduces World’s First M.A. In Happiness Studies

Centenary Offers Scholarship For Race Relations Career

University Marches in St. Patty’s Parade

What’s Not Working In Your Life?

Events around town

Subscribe

Mt. Olive Online Archived issues

About Mt Olive Online

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Schools, Sports, Business, Government, People.....MO on the GO!

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Thru Love & Positivity, Salon Owner Expands Shop & Thrives

Welcome readers to the 81st issue of Mt. Olive Online.

Budget, Wellness Programs Sits High For New BOE Member

By Cheryl Conway

Local Mom Mixes Careers With Healthy Oils And Ads

Budget, Sidewalks, Animals Come Into Play At Council Meeting

School Taxes Will Drop In Proposed Budget

By Cheryl Conway

Advertise in Mt. Olive Online

Local & County News

Daggon Receives NJRPA Fay S. Mathewson Award

Morris County Celebrates Its Birthday This Month

Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Launched by Morris County

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

Morris County Launches New Veteran & Family Counseling Service

Morris County 2022 Open Space Grant Applications Now Available

Help Mine History of Morris County’s Miners

College News

CCM to Hold In-Person Spring Open House

CCM Legacy Project Shares Adventures of Unlikely Thru-Hiker

CCM Visual Arts Students Exhibit Artwork at MPAC

CCM Student Art Exhibits Shine Brightly on Campus This Spring

Explore College Options At SCCC's Spring Open House

Centenary Provides Unique Housing Option for SCCC Students

Centenary Introduces World’s First M.A. In Happiness Studies

Centenary Offers Scholarship For Race Relations Career

University Marches in St. Patty’s Parade

What’s Not Working In Your Life?

Events around town

Subscribe

Mt. Olive Online Archived issues

About Mt Olive Online

Managing Editor/Publisher

Contact Us

Schools, Sports, Business, Government, People.....MO on the GO!

Mt. Olive Online

phone calls 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Send Message

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