Mt. Olive Online Publication March 21, 2023

Mt. Olive Online
Mt. Olive Online
  • HOME
  • MO ONLINE 2-9-2023
  • MO ONLINE 1-13-2023
  • MO ONLINE 12-13-2022
  • MO ONLINE 11-7-2022
  • MO ONLINE 10-3-2022
  • MO ONLINE 9-2-2022
  • MO ONLINE 8-5-2022
  • MO ONLINE 6-10-2022
  • MO ONLINE 5-1-2022
  • MO ONLINE 3-30-2022
  • MO ONLINE 3-11-2022
  • MO ONLINE 2-17-2022
  • MO ONLINE 1-22-2022
  • MO ONLINE 12-12-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-30-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-23-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-15-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-2-2021
  • MO ONLINE 9-10-2021
  • MO ONLINE 8-7-2021
  • MO ONLINE 7-4-2021
  • MO ONLINE 6-12-2021
  • MO ONLINE 5-20-2021
  • MO ONLINE 4-24-2021
  • MO ONLINE 4-11-2021
  • MO ONLINE 3-21-2021
  • MO ONLINE 3-7-2021
  • MO ONLINE 2-17-2021
  • MO ONLINE 1-29-2021
  • MO ONLINE 12-28-2020
  • MO ONLINE 12-12-2020
  • MO ONLINE 11-15-2020
  • MO ONLINE 11-3-2020
  • MO ONLINE 10-25-2020
  • MO ONLINE 10-10-2020
  • MO ONLINE 9-28-2020
  • MO ONLINE 9-18-2020
  • MO ONLINE 9-6-2020
  • MO ONLINE 8-24-2020
  • MO ONLINE 8-9-2020
  • MO ONLINE 7-28-20
  • MO ONLINE 6-30-20
  • MO ONLINE 6-14-20
  • MO ONLINE 5-30-20
  • MO ONLINE 5-21-2020
  • MO ONLINE 5-12-2020
  • MO ONLINE 4-29-2020
  • MO ONLINE 4-17-2020
  • MO ONLINE 4-6-2020
  • More
    • HOME
    • MO ONLINE 2-9-2023
    • MO ONLINE 1-13-2023
    • MO ONLINE 12-13-2022
    • MO ONLINE 11-7-2022
    • MO ONLINE 10-3-2022
    • MO ONLINE 9-2-2022
    • MO ONLINE 8-5-2022
    • MO ONLINE 6-10-2022
    • MO ONLINE 5-1-2022
    • MO ONLINE 3-30-2022
    • MO ONLINE 3-11-2022
    • MO ONLINE 2-17-2022
    • MO ONLINE 1-22-2022
    • MO ONLINE 12-12-2021
    • MO ONLINE 10-30-2021
    • MO ONLINE 10-23-2021
    • MO ONLINE 10-15-2021
    • MO ONLINE 10-2-2021
    • MO ONLINE 9-10-2021
    • MO ONLINE 8-7-2021
    • MO ONLINE 7-4-2021
    • MO ONLINE 6-12-2021
    • MO ONLINE 5-20-2021
    • MO ONLINE 4-24-2021
    • MO ONLINE 4-11-2021
    • MO ONLINE 3-21-2021
    • MO ONLINE 3-7-2021
    • MO ONLINE 2-17-2021
    • MO ONLINE 1-29-2021
    • MO ONLINE 12-28-2020
    • MO ONLINE 12-12-2020
    • MO ONLINE 11-15-2020
    • MO ONLINE 11-3-2020
    • MO ONLINE 10-25-2020
    • MO ONLINE 10-10-2020
    • MO ONLINE 9-28-2020
    • MO ONLINE 9-18-2020
    • MO ONLINE 9-6-2020
    • MO ONLINE 8-24-2020
    • MO ONLINE 8-9-2020
    • MO ONLINE 7-28-20
    • MO ONLINE 6-30-20
    • MO ONLINE 6-14-20
    • MO ONLINE 5-30-20
    • MO ONLINE 5-21-2020
    • MO ONLINE 5-12-2020
    • MO ONLINE 4-29-2020
    • MO ONLINE 4-17-2020
    • MO ONLINE 4-6-2020
  • HOME
  • MO ONLINE 2-9-2023
  • MO ONLINE 1-13-2023
  • MO ONLINE 12-13-2022
  • MO ONLINE 11-7-2022
  • MO ONLINE 10-3-2022
  • MO ONLINE 9-2-2022
  • MO ONLINE 8-5-2022
  • MO ONLINE 6-10-2022
  • MO ONLINE 5-1-2022
  • MO ONLINE 3-30-2022
  • MO ONLINE 3-11-2022
  • MO ONLINE 2-17-2022
  • MO ONLINE 1-22-2022
  • MO ONLINE 12-12-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-30-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-23-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-15-2021
  • MO ONLINE 10-2-2021
  • MO ONLINE 9-10-2021
  • MO ONLINE 8-7-2021
  • MO ONLINE 7-4-2021
  • MO ONLINE 6-12-2021
  • MO ONLINE 5-20-2021
  • MO ONLINE 4-24-2021
  • MO ONLINE 4-11-2021
  • MO ONLINE 3-21-2021
  • MO ONLINE 3-7-2021
  • MO ONLINE 2-17-2021
  • MO ONLINE 1-29-2021
  • MO ONLINE 12-28-2020
  • MO ONLINE 12-12-2020
  • MO ONLINE 11-15-2020
  • MO ONLINE 11-3-2020
  • MO ONLINE 10-25-2020
  • MO ONLINE 10-10-2020
  • MO ONLINE 9-28-2020
  • MO ONLINE 9-18-2020
  • MO ONLINE 9-6-2020
  • MO ONLINE 8-24-2020
  • MO ONLINE 8-9-2020
  • MO ONLINE 7-28-20
  • MO ONLINE 6-30-20
  • MO ONLINE 6-14-20
  • MO ONLINE 5-30-20
  • MO ONLINE 5-21-2020
  • MO ONLINE 5-12-2020
  • MO ONLINE 4-29-2020
  • MO ONLINE 4-17-2020
  • MO ONLINE 4-6-2020

Ruby’s Heart Warms Feet Of The Homeless 

By Cheryl Conway

Ruby's red heart deepened to her toes this year, literally, as she turned her birthday presents into socks for the homeless.

Last year, sweatshirts, this year socks --- Ruby Turner’s donations are warming homeless and hearts. The fifth grader at Mountain View Elementary School in Flanders turned 11 on February 15, the day after Valentine’s Day.

For her birthday this year, Turner decided, after a nudge from her dad, to collect socks for the homeless. Within one week, she surpassed her original goal of 500 pairs of socks, so she doubled that goal. After three weeks, Turner has collected 1,123 pairs of new socks, and is still counting.  

Turner has a heart for giving to others, especially on her birthday. Last year, she had collected more than 100 sweatshirts for the homeless.

Why socks?

“Because I know just lying-in bed makes my feet cold so I assume their (homeless people) feet get cold too,” replies Turner.

“I knew I wanted to collect something, and my dad suggested socks so that's what we ended up doing,” adds Turner, who has received support and guidance from her mom and dad.

Why donate to the homeless?

“Because they need them the most,” says Turner. “People always donate clothes, but socks get holes and get thrown away.”

Turner adds, “We’re donating them to the Market Street Mission.” 

On Feb. 3, Turner started her sock collection. Her mom helped by posting the request for socks on Facebook.  

She is collecting new socks for men, women and kids, she says.

“My original goal was 500 but I passed that the first week I was collecting so I changed it to 1,000, and now I’m at 1,123,” says Turner.  

“I'm so surprised that people were so generous and kind to donate,” says Turner. “People send them from an Amazon list my mom set up.”  

While she turned her birthday gift requests to help the homeless, Turner had a special day.

“My grandparents and my aunts and uncles came over,” she describes. “And also, with four of my friends, we rented out a whole movie theatre room.” 

What is a birthday without presents?

“I received a lot of socks!” says Turner.  “My parents did get me a few presents; I got some keychains for my backpack. I got a narwhal onesie (that's my favorite out of all of them). And I got my new favorite hoodie; it's a purple bunny hoodie. I got some really cool masks.”

From all that she receives and all that she can give, Turner is one grateful birthday girl.

“I feel very, very, very happy that I’m helping out,” says Turner, adding that this was not her first collection.

“During quarantine, my family collected food for the Mt. Olive Food Pantry,” she explains. “During the summer I helped my mom and her friend collect summer toys for kids that were stuck home all summer.”

Last year, for her 10th birthday, Turner collected more than 100 men and women sized sweatshirts, that were donated to Midnight Run, an outreach organization that supports the homeless living on the streets of Manhattan.

Turner advises how to donate to her sock collection.

“They can purchase off this list and they will be mailed to me,” says Turner.

https://www.amazon.com/registries/birthday/2DHW3XSRNGIYI/guest-view

The plan is to deliver “sometime in March.”

Welcome readers to the 64th issue of Mt. Olive Online.

Women Featured Month Of March

In recognition of Women's History Month, Mt. Olive Online is featuring women. Whether it is a business owner, politician, author, teacher....no matter the trade, women are making a difference. Email editor@mtoliveonline.today for more information on spotlight article, advertisement and promotions.

Council Cleans Up Snow Ordinance, Passes Project Spending

By Cheryl Conway

Still a bit chilly to think about kids running through sprinklers, but to get ready for those hotter days the Splash Pad in Budd Lake is slated for a new non-slip floor.

The Mt. Olive Township Council passed a series of capital improvements totaling $4.1 million at its last council meeting held virtually Tuesday, Feb. 23. As one of the improvement projects listed in the first reading of Ordinance #3-2021, Pirates Cove Water Park at Turkey Brook Park will receive a resurfaced floor this spring to prevent slips and spills.

Resurfacing is one of the projects slated under improvements at Turkey Brook Park and should be fully operational on opening day.

“It’s gotten slippery throughout the years,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko during the last council meeting. The plan is to resurface using a rubber-like material, rather than concrete, “something friendlier to the knees. Minor slips and falls are not uncommon, especially when children are running on wet surfaces.”

Resurfacing the Splash Pad floor will cost approximately $75K, he confirms. “This will include power washing and scuffing the existing floor so the 3,500+ square feet flooring can accept the new durafloor topcoat.” 

Replacement of this floor is slated for “Spring of this year.” 

Other items and acquisitions listed under Capital Improvements under Ordinance #3-2021 include: Acquisition of a plumbing inspection vehicle for construction; multi band radios and pagers for fire prevention; general firefighting equipment and radios for Flanders Fire Department; gear washer and dryer for Budd Lake Fire Department and performance loading system for Flanders Rescue Squad; laptops, tablets and WiFi for Flanders Rescue Squad; administration and engineering of Continental Drive Phase II; Seward House Construction worth $532K; Budd Lake Beach restoration; Valley Brook Farms renovations; monitors, computers, servers in car computers for police department and printers; improvements to the library’s back staff steps, building façade and sidestep railing; acquisition of utility vehicles for police department; body worn cameras, digital fingerprinting system and in-car digital videos for police department; utility body with plow and radio; improvements of Dennis Jordan fence at Turkey Brook; pump at Splash Pad; heating, ventilation and air conditioning units; solar powered cross walk signs and a traffic counter; diagnostic equipment and A/C recovery machine; road resurfacing, drainage improvements and sidewalk and curbing repairs; and storm sewer jetter.      

Improvements for these projects will be funded by $3.1 million in bonds as described in the ordinance. The bonds will come from grants including $374K from two Morris County grants; $141K from two Historic Trust grants; $16K in Open Space Funds for Seward House construction and drawings; and $230K from the State of N.J. Department of Transportation.                        

Shoveling Ordinance Amended

Snow is slowly melting and hopefully that includes more than just the snowmen and snowwomen.

Many sidewalks remain unshoveled from the storm piling up this winter.

At the last council meeting, council members passed ordinance #6-2021 amending streets and sidewalks code to include additional requirements for snow removal around hydrants and parking lots.

Under this amended ordinance, tenants are now required to remove snow around fire hydrants, rather than the township.

In addition, businesses are required to remove large mounds of snow from their parking lots that obstruct sight triangles from drivers and pedestrians.

The concern about snow shoveling was raised at the Feb. 9 council meeting after some residents questioned the requirement of shoveling sidewalks after a gigantic snowstorm.

If a homeowner does not clear a sidewalk or a fire hydrant after 12 hours from the snow fall, he or she is subject to penalties. 

“It’s the same violation and penalty we impose on any of our ordinances,” says Tatarenko.  “It specifically reads ‘Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by one or more of the following: By imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days or by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by a period of community service not exceeding 90 days.”

Tatarenko adds, “However, that is not our normal practice of enforcement.  We would first notify the homeowner they are in violation, give them an extra day to clear it out; if no action is taken we would clear the sidewalk and lien the property. 

Many homeowners have yet to clear their sidewalks from all the snow.     

According to Tatarenko, “No fines have been issued, but we have notified several owners and HOA’s.  

Other Matters 

Council members passed a resolution to allocate up to $2,500 on the detention pond at Turkey Brook Park to clean up some invasive species that lead into Budd Lake. 

A few years ago the township funded to have the pond mechanically harvested, explains Tatarenko, but this year, it plans to treat it chemically.

The resolution with Aquatic Analysts calls for $485 for treatment Aquatic Plant Control; $45 for algae control. The one-year contract is not to exceed $2,500.

Township officials also agreed to have Sprint and T Mobile equipment on the water tank at Sutton Plaza Shopping Center in Flanders to be removed so the water tank can receive its improvements.

“A temporary mono-pole is be constructed adjacent the water tank at the Sutton Plaza Shopping Center on Rt. 206,” explains Tatarenko. “All the equipment needs to be removed so that we can rehabilitate the water tank.”

When the water tower rehabilitation is complete, the same equipment will be moved back to the water tower, he says.

The 2021 Mt. Olive Twp. Municipal Budget is also being worked on. The spending package that was introduced proposes $32,211,577 in the general budget, says Tatarenko.

A “copy will be made available shortly,” he says. The plan is to adopt the budget “end of March – early April,” he says.

Return Indoor Activities For Adults

Council Vice President Alex Roman raised the issue for the return of indoor adult activities.

“Has there been any talk to allow adult programs run in the school system?” Romans asks.

Since COVID 19, the Mt. Olive Senior Center along with other buildings within the township have been closed for activities.

Just recently, the Mt. Olive School District has allowed recreation to utilize its indoor spaces for children’s events and programs. Adult programs, however, have been left out in the cold.

Roman reasons that if gyms are allowing 35 percent capacity for activity, then recreation can offer the same, especially since recreation programs usually attract a smaller crowd.

He says how important it is to provide activity to adults, especially older adults. Roman asks if a waiver could be signed to get adult programs organized again. 

“If we can get the programs up and running, would be great,” says Roman. 

Advertise in Mt. Olive Online

School Officials Give Lowdown On In-Person Return

By Cheryl Conway

The Mt. Olive School District is springing into action “to return to normal” later this month.    

After almost a year to the day since the MOSD shutdown from the pandemic and moved to remote learning, the district is reopening its doors to all students and staff. Students have been reporting to school on a rotating basis every other week since September; the option of remote learning has been constant and will continue for those who choose to stay that course.

MOSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Zywicki made his announcement at the last Board of Education meeting on Monday, Feb. 22, at Mt. Olive Middle School in Budd Lake, just one month before the kids are set to report to in-person learning.

“Our kids do best when they are in school and in person,” Zywicki told parents during his Feb. 23 Parent University. At the same time, he says he is “trying to provide as much parental choice as possible.”

During his Feb. 25 Parent University, Zywicki reemphasizes, “Kids learn best when they are together with their teachers. “The more we can get kids together,” he says, that is better for their mental health.

Details of this latest news was shared by Zywicki at the BOE meeting, two Parent University sessions, and three different ZOOM sessions with grade levels on Monday, March 1.

The plan is to have Cohorts A and B return to full-person learning, together, starting Monday, March 22. Zywicki is calling this Cohort IP for In Person. Cohort C will still exist but will be changed to Cohort V for Virtual.

Zywicki, along with the support of the Mt. Olive BOE, based their decision from guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Jan. 19.

With fewer staff members quarantining, plexiglass shields up on all desks and lunchroom tables, shields for all students along with other PPE, and CDC guidance, MOSD is ready “to return to normal.”

“We are moving in the right direction, which is good news,” says Zywicki.

As of Feb. 22, 17 staff members were in quarantine, down from 86.

Zywicki says 93 percent of the staff in the district can return to in-person teaching, which is less than 10 percent. Some teachers are still on accommodations like those going through chemotherapy or have a high-risk pregnancy, he says.

Since social distancing and capacity orders are still in effect in New Jersey, students in Cohort V will have to wait until May 1 if they would like to switch to in-person learning, he says. If most choose this route, Zywicki says seniors will be the priority given their last year.

“Priority will go to the seniors and getting them in,” says Zywicki.

Why May 1?

“I never want to promise you something that I cannot deliver on,” says Zywicki, during the Feb. 23 Parent’s University. “We maybe able to accelerate that.

“We said May 1st because a lot of things can happen,” says Zywicki. “What if we have a spike after spring break?”

Speaking of spring break, Zywicki stresses the importance of students and staff quarantining if they travel during spring break, which is set for April 2-9. He plans to have a conversation with the BOE on this issue.

“We as a community need to come together to support each other,” says Zywicki. “There will be ramifications for those who don’t quarantine after traveling or spring break or whenever.” Fourteen days of quarantine is specified by the Mt. Olive Department of Health, he adds. 

Background

On March 9, 2020, MOSD decided to close its doors for two weeks to prepare for remote learning. The district began its remote learning on March 16.  

The three main goals of the district continue to be safety, personalized learning and social-emotional learning. 

In May/June, 2020, 60 members of the community worked together to develop four options: Option 1-Traditional School Day; Option 2 Traditional School Day plus Social Distancing; Option 3 Split Schedules; Option 4 Virtual Distance Learning.

Up until now, the district has been working with Options 3 and 4. Cohort A attends the first week; Cohort B attends the second week. There are 30 percent of students in each cohort who attend each week, says Zywicki.

Starting March 22, it will switch to Options 2 and 4. Combining Cohorts A and B will allow 60 percent of students into the schools at one time, with the remaining 40 percent staying virtual.

Why Now?

“Cases are down 77 percent,” nationally, says Zywicki, during the BOE meeting.

Based on medical research from John Hopkins Medical School, CDC Guidelines in the Journal of the American Medical Association, CHOP Guidance, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Zywicki says school leaders have agreed to the in-person plan.

While N.J. is still in the orange with many positive cases, Zywicki points to other towns such as Morristown and Patterson for the high positivity rate. 

According to Zywicki, 10 percent of the adult population in Mt. Olive have been vaccinated against the COVID 19 virus, as he points to the Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor’s Facebook posts.

“You see it has trended down tremendously,” says Zywicki. “Things are headed in the right direction.”

Zywicki reasons that the return with Cohort IP is still a few weeks away.

“March 22 is a month from now,” he says. “We are not doing it tomorrow; we’re still being patient."

With 5,000 kids in six schools, “it’s like doing a k-turn with an aircraft in the Panama Canal. It’s not easy; it’s complicated. We are very happy to move forward.”

MOSD is armor ready with shields, PPE and weekly testing. Zywicki explains the risk mitigation protocols that have been put into place for a safe return.  

All six of MOSD’s schools have been upgraded to provide MERV 13 Air Filters, which can help decrease people’s exposure to airborne pathogens that spread COVID-19 and other illnesses, according to studies.

“That is huge,” says Zywicki, who is thankful for the district’s commitment to keeping facilities updated. “Our board supports capital projects on a continual basis.”

Also, the guidance for quarantining after exposure is less stringent. It has changed from requiring everyone to quarantine if exposed, to only those individuals who have come in contact “within six feet in 15 minutes” with someone who has tested positive, explains Zywicki. As a result, perhaps just four students may have to quarantine rather than the entire class and the teacher, he says. 

While the district is “still shooting for six feet of social distancing,” as directed by CDC guidance, it is ready with its armor. MOSD ordered and has received 5,000 plexiglass dividers which will be placed at every student’s desk district-wide, and at lunch-room tables, says Zywicki.

There will also be drapes on school busses; 5,000 face shields available to students and staff along with sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer.

As per the CDC, Zywicki says the teachers are not supposed to spray the desks within one minute of a room switch. As a result, the wipes will be on the desks for the students to use “if they choose to do so.”

Two cleanings per day will be conducted using neutral organic CDC approved cleaning solutions and UV sanitation in classrooms and on busses.

Students will be required to complete daily health screenings.

Every Thursday, the MOSD provides free testing at MOHS for all students, staff and community members.

Rigorous contact tracing is also completed by school and community nurses, says Zywicki.

“Nurses do pre-work,” says Zywicki. “We are able to contact trace everything out. We don’t have to shut the whole school down,” when there are positive cases, like it did in September and October with Tinc Elementary shutting down twice and five of the other schools also shutting down.

Schools will enforce one-way hallways and kids may work in pods. 

Cost

Zywicki says funding for the PPE, face shields, plexiglass dividers, sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer has come from grants, “costing taxpayers nothing.”

MOSD received $300K from CARES Act funding, he specifies.

In September, MOSD received 5,000 face shields; just recently, 5,000 plexiglass dividers totaling $165K, he adds.

The Merve 13 filters had already been installed.

“This district, every year since I’ve been here, we’ve made regular upgrades to our facilities,” says Zywicki.   

Concerns

Some parents have criticized the number of emails informing them about the positive COVID 19 cases.

Zywicki explains that MOSD is sending out school-wide letters rather than district-wide. So parents are receiving notice of positive cases at their kid(s)’ school rather than district-wide notification of cases.

Students who are currently in-person can decide to go virtual at anytime. Some athletes have decided as a team to stay home and learn remotely to protect their team’s season, says Zywicki.

Some are concerned with the 60 percent of students reporting on the same day, but not Zywicki. He reasons that although 60 percent are signed up for in-person, about 5 percent to 10 percent are not coming into school for whatever reason so that number on any typical day will be more like 55 percent.

Junior students who drive will be allotted a parking spot, says Zywicki.

School principals are considering use of lockers to students.

Lunch will be served during the school day at all the schools while maintaining the six feet social distancing mandate, says Zywicki.

“Since we have indoor dining in NJ,” MOSD can offer lunch but six-feet apart and plexiglass dividers.

Students in grades K-5 have been eating lunch in school since September, says Zywicki, adding he is ready to expand this districtwide. Students will wear their masks and then remove them to eat. Multiple students will be allowed to sit at the same table. Plexi-glass dividers will be at all lunch tables, with tables spread throughout school buildings rather than just inside cafeterias. When the weather gets warmer, lunch tables will even be moved outside, he says.

“As soon as weather permits, we will do outdoor dining,” he says.

For end of the school year events, a senior prom venue has already been identified; an outdoor graduation is planned like last year; outdoor moving up ceremonies for fifth graders and eighth graders are also planned.

Physical education classes can resume once the snow melts and can be held outside, says Zywicki. Indoor gym classes will not yet be offered.

“When kids are engaged in physical activity, they have to be given the option to take their masks off if they are uncomfortable,” Zywicki explains.   

Music programs can also continue so MOSD will look at using the MOHS Dome for music classes.

Since all snow days for this school year have been exhausted, the MOSD can only allow early dismissals or delayed openings to avoid an extension to the school year, says Zywicki.

Some parents and students question why MOSD has returned to full day schedule.

Zywicki says it has been a year since full day and it is time to return “to guard against learning loss. Kids thrive off of routines; kids are connecting with their classmates. I understand it is an adjustment.”          

Positive Reaction

BOE Member Dr. Antoine Gayles says this step to return all students to school is “really tremendous.” At the same time, he shares his plea to the community.

“The schools are probably the safest place to be,” says Gayles. “I’m appealing to the community- we need to continue to be vigilant for the remainder of the year. If your child is sick, please stay home.”

He says, “if you are a household, it affects everyone in the household. Let’s do our part to help us sustain this monumental step forward.”

BOE President Dr. Anthony Giordano also chimes in: “If you don’t feel it safe, no board member will tell you to put a child in harm’s way. Schools are the safest places right now,” adding that there has yet to be a spread of COVID 19 in the schools “the way it has in our communities.” 

Zywicki is thankful of the BOE support, parents and staff.

“The support of the board is how we are able to do this,” says Zywicki.

The virtual option will continue for as long as it is permitted.

For those who stay remotely, “that’s a choice you are making,” says Zywicki. “I don’t see the virtual cohort going away,” unless mandated by the governor.  

Local and County News

Join MO Democrats Neighborhood District Leader Team

Virtual Guide Set On MO Trails & Greenways

PPE Donation

On Friday, Feb. 19,  COHERENT INC. donated more than 2,000 KN95 masks to Mt. Olive First Responders. They have continuously donated PPE supplies during COVID 19.  From left, is: Sgt. Marianne Wurtemberg, Thomas Mortiz, head of EH&S, Dominc Loiacono, vice president and general manager of COHERENT, and Michael Dorlon, assistant chief Budd Lake Fire.



Virtual Guide Set On MO Trails & Greenways

Join MO Democrats Neighborhood District Leader Team

Virtual Guide Set On MO Trails & Greenways

 

Join a free virtual presentation by local Naturalist and Open Space Committee Member David Alexander on Wednesday, March 10, at 7 p.m.  Connect with nature and learn about the township’s wonderful trails and natural areas.  Attendees will learn how to better engage with nature and enjoy some exercise and fresh air.  

This event is sponsored by the Mt. Olive Democrats and is open to the public.  Register to receive Zoom link: 

https://mountolivedemocrats.org/event/mount-olive-trails-and-open-space/

Join MO Democrats Neighborhood District Leader Team

Join MO Democrats Neighborhood District Leader Team

Join MO Democrats Neighborhood District Leader Team

The Mt. Olive Democrats are inviting people interested in serving as local district leaders to join them for the upcoming 2021 election.  District Leaders are committee members who support candidates in their neighborhoods, help with canvassing or literature during the campaign, and help with voter registration and community and social events.  DLs also have an “official” role in being able to select local and county organization leaders. 

Each neighborhood has two DLs, and there are several open positions across Mt. Olive. 

If interested or would like more information, contact Andy Meissner, chair and Irene Sergonis, vice chair at info@mountolivedemocrats.org. 

“Let's work towards a better Mt. Olive together!” 

Hackettstown Rotary To Hold Paint & Sip Fundraiser

Hackettstown Rotary To Hold Paint & Sip Fundraiser

Join MO Democrats Neighborhood District Leader Team

Looking for a fun night to connect with others and create for a cause? The Hackettstown Rotary Club is holding a fundraiser that shouldn’t be missed!

The Club is holding a “California Dreamin” Paint and Sip Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 11.

It is a virtual Zoom event where attendees will learn painting skills and techniques while being guided by a professional artist.  Participants will use the tropics as our muse while painting a palm tree from the comfort and safety at home. All proceeds will support local charities.

“The Hackettstown Rotary Club held a Harvest Paint and Sip Night in October that was very well attended,” says Laurie Rapisardi, Hackettstown Rotary Club’s president and Hackettstown BID executive director.  “The participants had such a great time learning together and creating a beautiful piece of art. We raised $500 for the Himalayan Cataract Project. We hope to raise a bit more this time around, but more importantly, feel the need to hold events like this to promote community connectivity. Encouraging community togetherness even when we cannot physically gather is part of what being a Rotarian is all about.”

The cost is $35 per ticket and the price includes a 16” x 20” canvas, paint and brushes. For those who have their own supplies, tickets can be purchased at $30 for the class only. Participants will be learning from a professional from ART.stitution in Hackettstown. Supplies can be picked up at the Hackettstown BID office by appointment only.  Please schedule a pickup time by calling Laurie Rapisardi at (908) 455-0179.  Materials can be delivered locally upon request.  An easel and smock can be added at checkout at an additional cost.

For more information email info@hackettstown.  Tickets are available online at [artsitution.net]artstitution.net

About Hackettstown Rotary Club:

The 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

Becoming a Rotarian connects people with a diverse group of professionals who share a drive to give back.  The Hackettstown Rotary Club meets weekly and discusses ways and creates programs to better the community.


County Budget Carries Balanced Spending Plan

Hackettstown Rotary To Hold Paint & Sip Fundraiser

County Budget Carries Balanced Spending Plan

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recently introduced the county government’s 2021 Budget, maintaining spending on critical infrastructure projects, human services and public safety while building reserves for unforeseen impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no county tax increase for existing taxpayers.

The proposed $320 million budget directs $38.6 million toward educational, cultural and economic initiatives outlined by the Board of Commissioners to serve all Morris County municipalities, and includes a $35.8 million Capital Spending Plan.

“The pandemic has been straining family budgets in Morris County for almost a year,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Board’s Budget Committee. “We were determined to bring in a county budget that did not increase the tax burden on our existing taxpayers. But we also remained focused on maintaining the programs, services and infrastructure improvements that our residents have come to rely upon in Morris County, and the result is this stable, fiscally responsible spending plan for 2021.”

Morris County’s new budget anticipates ending the year with a

strong fund balance to ensure reserves are stable going into a year when the pandemic may cause uncertain economic trends.

“With rating agencies often recommending reserves equal to one or two months of operating expenses, the budget supports an expectation Morris County will be able to continue the AAA bond rating it has held for the past 45 years,” said Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, a Budget Committee member.

“Maintaining the highest rating for fiscal responsibility possible has enabled Morris County to borrow funding needed in the past for critical projects at rates that save millions of dollars for taxpayers.”

This is a structurally sound budget that allows us to continue our effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including our extensive operations at the Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center, while addressing our responsibility to maintain our infrastructure and serve the county’s public safety, human services and educational needs,” said Commissioner John Krickus, another member of the Budget Committee.

Critical Community Investments

The County College of Morris, the Morris County Vocational School District, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Morris County Office of the Superintendent of Schools will be supported by $18.8 million in spending in the new budget. Other program investments include:

$13.4 million dedicated to the 20,100-acre Morris County Park Commission system.

$5.8M for the Morris County Library and Heritage Commission

$591K for Economic Development and Tourism

Capital Projects

The budget includes a $35.8 million Capital Spending Plan for 2021, offset by $11 million in grants, and it dedicates $4.9 million toward bridge and culvert projects, as well as $9.5 million for 28 miles of roadway resurfacing in 19 towns.

A few of the planned road improvement projects include:

Boonton Avenue in Montville Township

Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township

Lincoln Park Road/Oak Road in Pequannock Township

Bartley Road/Bartley Chester Road in Washington and Mt. Olive townships

To take advantage of favorable interest rates available in 2020, Morris County expedited the 9-1-1 Communications Center upgrades. The $26 million project will upgrade and double the operating capacity of the county’s emergency radio network and infrastructure, which is used by all Morris County law enforcement, emergency management and municipal first responders every day.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The 2021 Budget anticipates a continuation of Morris County’s dedicated response to the virus outbreak, including:

Operating a COVID-19 testing facility at the County College of Morris

Staffing and operating the Morris County COVID-19 Regional Vaccination Center at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall, where more than 2,400 vaccinations will be delivered per day when vaccine supplies increase in New Jersey

Expanding Emergency Management and Public Health resources to maintain Morris County’s response to an unpredictable virus outbreak

The Morris County Commissioners will consider adoption of their operating budget at a public meeting to be held March 24, at 7 p.m.


Arc of Warren County To Hold Virtual Event

Hackettstown Rotary To Hold Paint & Sip Fundraiser

County Budget Carries Balanced Spending Plan

The Arc of Warren County plans to hold a virtual event with Diana Stolfo, experienced Down Syndrome self-advocate, at 3 p.m. on March 19, in honor of Developmental Disabilities Month and World Down Syndrome Day. Stolfo will speak about her life experiences and why self-advocacy is so important for differently-abled people.  This event is free and open to the public. She will be introduced by Tom Baffuto, executive director of The Arc of New Jersey and John Whitehead, CEO of The Arc of Warren County.

Stolfo is an accomplished young woman who speaks publicly to increase awareness and encourage everyone to grow and develop. She spoke at the United Nations at their first celebration of World Down Syndrome Day in 2012; has received The Arc of New Jersey’s Bill Sackter Award and the National Down Syndrome Society Melissa Reggio Voices Award; was also awarded the 2003 Rebecca S. McDonald Award which recognizes students for overcoming obstacles and successfully transitioning from school to adult life.

In addition to her advocacy work, Stolfo maintains a well-rounded career holding positions as a sales associate, a clerical assistant and a receptionist. 

“We are honored to have Diana Stolfo speak to our community,” says John Whitehead, CEO of The Arc of Warren County. “It was important for us, as an agency, to recognize Developmental Disabilities Month and World Down Syndrome Day in a significant manner this year. Having Stolfo speak to members of our constituency, and to the public, is a wonderful way to celebrate the month and World Down Syndrome Day, which is actually two days later. I hope we will have many people join us to learn from Diana who is an inspiration to us all.”

To receive a link to join this event, email wdsd2021@arcwarren.org. 

The Arc is a national organization that serves individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their family members since 1950.  The Arc of Warren County is one of 700 chapters of The Arc and serves more than 1,100 people annually for the past 66 years.  Programs include residential group homes and supervised apartments, day services, community based supports, advocacy services, recreation and summer camp, Special Olympics training, early intervention and a wide variety of additional social services.

Burgers And Pies Donation

Burgers And Pies Donation

Burgers And Pies Donation

Sgt. Jeffery Sullivan and Lt. Robert Angelini present the donation of 40 hamburgers and 40 apple pies for C Troop1/102nd Cavalry which has been assisting at the County Regional Vaccination Center at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall in Rockaway. Thank you Michael Scarcella owner of McDonalds Restaurant, Route 46, Rockaway, for the generous donation. 



Burgers And Pies Donation

Burgers And Pies Donation

Donations Sought To Empower Women’s Shelter


Strengthen Our Sisters Domestic Violence Shelter in Northern New Jersey is seeking donations to keep the spark of hope, and electricity, ignited at her houses for women and children.

Sandra Ramos, founder and director of SOS, is currently faced with demands from the organization’s energy provider that the shelter is 'not' a residence, and can no longer be considered eligible for relief from termination of service during the COVID pandemic.

The shelter consists of 7 houses, 2 licensed daycares, a thrift store, and food pantry; and operates with a volunteer staff. She began a drive to raise funds called Spark Our Sisters. For more information go to https://www.strengthenoursisters.org/spark-our-sisters/.

As one light turns on, another dims.

Her bright light came recently when she was interviewed last week by Steve Adubato for his television program "One on One with Steve Adubato," which features compelling real-life stories, and features political leaders, CEO's, and television personalities. Ramos was featured as part of the "25 for 25" series celebrating The Russ Berrie Foundation's Making a Difference Awards 25th Anniversary, honoring N.J. heroes.

In 2001, Ramos received the top award as founder of the nation’s first battered women’s shelter in 1970.

Her years as director of SOS have been a challenge, and just as her course seemed to brighten, the threat of losing heat and energy will greatly affect the lives of hundreds of women and children, with no other place to go.   

 “The winter months can be brutal on the homeless,” as stated in a press release from SOS. “One of our former employees at Treasures Thrifts store is currently homeless and has been living in a garbage can. This is probably unthinkable for most people, but because he is a man, the shelter could not help him. Unfortunately, he suffered frostbite and the loss of his toes in the process. Please help the shelter to continue the work that they do, to help others.”

A crowdfunding campaign has also been set up for Spark Our Sisters. Go to charity.gofund.com. Its goal is to raise $100K to keep the shelter operating.  

Volunteer/donate at https://www.strengthenoursisters.org/spark-our-sister/.



Burgers And Pies Donation

Library Open For Curbside Pickup 


The Mt. Olive Public Library is open for curbside pickup.

Requests can only be made via phone call or email.

There is a limit of six items for adults and eight for kids and young adults.

Patrons will be called once their items are available for pickup.

Bags will be placed outside of the library, marked with the last four digits of the patrons card number

Due to COVID-19, patrons may not enter library.

No books will be left outside the building after curbside hours.

Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Closed on Sunday.

For questions email: curbside@mopl.org; call 973-691-8686  ext. 106.



College News

CCM Walks Through History With Women’s History Events

Centenary Professor Shares Study Of Highlands Waterway

CCM Walks Through History With Women’s History Events

Bookkeepers and stenographers marching in New York City, 1911, New-York Historical Society Library 


Participate in the Women’s History Month events at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph and walk-through time with a virtual tour of the New York Historical Society’s “Women March” and learn about STEM career opportunities for women.

In conjunction with The Women's Center, the Commemoration Committee at CCM plans to present "Women in STEM: Know Your Career Options" via Zoom on Thursday, March 11, at 12:30 p.m.

The American Association of University Women's notes that women make up only 28 percent of the STEM workforce. Employers are looking to fill that gap. Take part in this CCM’s Women's History Month event and find out what opportunities are available. The panelists and topics they will cover are:

Shannon Langeres, director of the Women's Center, on the services the center offers Alexandra Hoffmann, associate director of the Center for Workforce Development, on apprenticeship programs offered by CCM and career path possibilities.

Patricia Tamburelli, professor of Information Technologies, on CCM student success in obtaining jobs in STEM fields.

Christine Kelly, assistant chair and associate professor of the Biology & Chemistry department, on her experiences working in STEM.

For more information and to obtain the ZOOM link, email commemoration@ccm.edu.

The Commemoration Committee also will present a virtual tour of the New York Historical Society’s “Women March” exhibit on Tuesday, March 30, at 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Viewers will gain insight into 200 years of women's activism, while celebrating the centennial of women's suffrage and the passage of the 19th Amendment. Leading the tour is a curator from New-York Historical Society's Center for Women's History. The interactive virtual presentation uses photographs, campaign posters and historic footage to uncover the stories of women throughout the centuries who organized and marched to end slavery, win the vote and protect reproductive rights, among other crucial causes.

For more information and a link to participate, email commemoration@ccm.edu.

CCM to Hold Virtual Open Houses

Centenary Professor Shares Study Of Highlands Waterway

CCM Walks Through History With Women’s History Events

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph plans to hold two virtual Spring Open Houses to 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 Houses will be able to explore the more than 100-degree, certificate and professional development programs CCM provides, learn about the support services and co-curricular programs to ensure success, and discuss the admissions and registration process.

The Open Houses take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 27, and Saturday, April 10. Registration is required and is now taking place. To register, go to www.ccm.edu/admissions/visiting-us/.

For high school students interested in getting a jump-start on a higher education, CCM offers the Challenger Program. A special virtual information session on that program will take place Tuesday, March 16, at 5 p.m. To register, go to www.ccm.edu/admissions/visiting-us/.

Included among its many distinctions, CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for Best Associate Degrees and #19 on the Top 50 list of Best Colleges in the state by Intelligent. It also is ranked #44 out of over 1,100 community colleges in the U.S. for “Community Colleges Whose Graduates Earn the Most Money.” 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 four years in a row.


Centenary Professor Shares Study Of Highlands Waterway

Centenary Professor Shares Study Of Highlands Waterway

Centenary Professor Shares Study Of Highlands Waterway

 

The Musconetcong River rises out of Lake Hopatcong and flows for more than 45 miles to the Delaware River. This important tributary is the research subject for Dr. Julie LaBar, assistant professor of environmental science at Centenary University in Hackettstown.

In keeping with the University’s reputation for faculty scholarship and community engagement, LaBar studies local water resources with projects that also provide hands-on experience for the next generation of environmental scientists.

“At Centenary, I have been focusing on stream water quality in the Musconetcong River,” she said. LaBar has investigated the effects and remediation of contaminants in water and is also interested in the impact of trace elements caused by climate change. Her expertise directly targets the area of northwest New Jersey known as the Highlands, which stretches about 60 miles from Phillipsburg in the southwest to Oakland in the northeast- including Hackettstown.

In addition to analyzing the quality of water in the Highlands region, LaBar’s Musconetcong River projects provide firsthand research experience for the university’s students, as well as those at local high schools. In fact, Centenary’s science programs provide many opportunities for students to partner with faculty on independent research projects. Centenary University senior Samantha Johnson of Hackettstown received funding from the Independent College Fund of New Jersey (ICFNJ) to study microplastics in the Musconetcong’s sediment. She will present her results at the ICFNJ Undergraduate Research Symposium in April.

“As far as we can determine, this is the first time anyone has looked for these contaminants in this area of the river,” said LaBar. “In the future, we hope to expand microplastics work into other watersheds in the Highlands region and begin looking at trace metals in urban and suburban streams as a function of road salt applications.”

A local high school student is also investigating macroinvertebrates—small aquatic animals and the aquatic larval stages of insects- in the river under LaBar’s guidance. This includes searching for invasive species like the New Zealand mud snail.

“Our project entails sampling in the fall and comparing the data to see if this invasive species is more prevalent at certain times of the year,” LaBar explained. The high school student participates through the Hunterdon County Vocational School District’s Environmental Sustainability and Engineering Academy (ESEA). ESEA also partners with Centenary to offer environmental science courses for college credit.

LaBar is director of the Centenary University Center for Sustainability, which fosters academic and non-academic partnerships in sustainable activities. She also serves on the board of directors of the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA), an independent non-profit group dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong River and its watershed. Among the organization’s activities is monitoring the water quality of the stream, which intersects directly with LaBar’s research. The MWA is a member of the Highlands Coalition, a network of organizations and individuals working to protect, enhance, and restore the Highlands region and ensure drinking water quality.

LaBar participated in the planning and presentation of the coalition’s second annual Northwest New Jersey Rivers Conference in November 2020, which featured topics such as land use planning, conservation, ecotourism, economic development, and the impact of climate change on northern New Jersey. Originally scheduled for March 2020 at Centenary University’s David and Carol Lackland Center, the conference was postponed due to COVID-19 and, ultimately, presented virtually. All of the conference workshops and presentations are available for viewing on the New Jersey Highlands Coalition’s YouTube channel.

CCM Ranks #1 In NJ For Best Associate Degrees

CCM Ranks #1 In NJ For Best Associate Degrees

Centenary Professor Shares Study Of Highlands Waterway

Adding to its growing list of distinctions, County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph has been named #1 for “Best for Associate Degrees” in the 2021 “The Best Colleges in New Jersey” ranking conducted by Intelligent. CCM also earned the #19 position on the list of Top 50 Best Colleges in New Jersey that includes such prestigious institutions as New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton, Rutgers and Stevens Institute. CCM is one of only two community colleges listed in the top 20 in that ranking.

“The Best Colleges in New Jersey” by Intelligent is a recently released list of the top colleges and universities in the state.  The rankings are based on data that looked at curriculum quality, graduation rates, post-graduate employment and potential return on investment. Intelligent provides research and information to help students make informed decisions about higher education and to transition from college to the workforce.

The landscape for students seeking a college education is changing. For students looking to enter college while keeping costs low and exiting with higher paying salaries, CCM is proven to be an excellent choice. The college’s recent ranking is #44 out of more than 1,100 community colleges in the U.S. for “Community Colleges Whose Graduates Earn the Most Money,” as reported in Newsweek. 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 four years in a row. Whether local or located across the country, CCM’s alumni are well positioned for securing excellent earnings.

To learn more about enrolling in one of CCM’s degree, certificate or training programs that translate into success, visit www.ccm.edu, email admiss@ccm.edu or call 973-328-5100.

CCM Ranks #1 In NJ For Best Associate Degrees



 

The Negativity Challenge

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


This is a great positive psychology intervention to help you become aware of how you think and change the negative to positive.

For 24 hours (or 48) try not to say anything negative. This includes complaining, judging yourself or others, etc.

Remember, complaining is a sign of dissatisfaction in your life. 

Be mindful of any of the negative thoughts/complaints that come up for you. Anticipate that negative thoughts and complaints will come up. 

When you catch yourself saying the negative thought/complaining, say STOP out loud or to yourself. 

If you're a visual person, visualize a stop sign or red light or any image that represents stop. 

After you catch yourself then reframe the thought.  

Ask yourself: What is this negative emotion/thought teaching me? What is it trying to tell me? What can I do to change the situation? What actions can I take? 

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

Events around town

    Subscribe

    Sign up to get each issue delivered straight to your inbox.

    Mt. Olive Online Archived issues

    MO Online 2-3-19 Issue _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO Online 2-7-19 Issue _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO Online 2-11-19 Issue _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO Online 2-15-19 Issue _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 2-21-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 2-27-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 3-5-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 3-9-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 3-18-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 3-27-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 3-31-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 4-7-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download
    MO ONLINE 4-13-19 ISSUE _ Mt. Olive Online (pdf)Download

    About Mt Olive Online

    Managing Editor/Publisher

    Experienced journalist since 1990, living in Flanders for 23 years and covering Mt. Olive Township for the past 13 years.

    Contact Us

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

    Have a story idea for us or want to advertise?  Call for pricing?  

    Send us a message and let us know what's happening today in Mt. Olive.

    Mt. Olive Online

    Mount Olive, New Jersey, United States

    (973) 577-6618 Editor@mtoliveonline.today

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

    Open today

    09:00 am – 05:00 pm

    Send Message

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Cancel

    Copyright © 2018 Mt. Olive Online - All Rights Reserved.

    Powered by GoDaddy