Mt. Olive Online Publication March 21, 2023

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Friends Start S.M.A.R.T Tutoring Services From The Heart

Pictured from left, is Swetha Gundala and Armaan Shankar. 


By Cheryl Conway 


“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” -  a catchy phrase that fits the smart move by two seventh graders who started their own tutoring business during a pandemic.

As most students can relate, learning virtually can be tedious and challenging, especially when learning new concepts. To help their younger peers and give back to the community, Swetha Gundala and Armaan Shankar, both of Budd Lake, began tutoring students virtually earlier this school year.

Friends since first grade, the two Gifted & Talented students at Mt. Olive Middle School joined forces to establish S.M.A.R.T Tutoring, a student-led volunteer tutoring program designed to assist students in the 3rd grade at Sandshore Elementary School. S.M.A.R.T stands for Science, Math, Art (language arts), Reliability and Time.

Their purpose for S.M.A.R.T stems from their heart.

“We wanted to give back to the community to help people that we know especially during a pandemic,” says Gundala. “You’re not giving back to the community if they have to pay.” 

Adds Shankar, “We are giving from our hearts. We didn’t want to make people pay especially when people are losing their jobs during a pandemic.”  

The two got the idea back in September of 2020, and launched it in late October,  after receiving approvals from the appropriate channels.

“It started when we were doing our homework together,” says Gundala. “We talked about how we can help the community.”

In September 2020, Gundala and Shankar were “new 7th graders who hadn’t been in school for a while,” explains Gundala. “After we talked to our teacher, she guided us in the route.”

Gundala and Shankar are classmates in Ann Greszczak’s 7th grade Gifted and Talented class at MOMS.  They first met in first grade at the bus stop.

“We bonded over science and school,” says Gundala of their friendship. “We’re also friends outside of school.”

Adds Shankar, “we live down the street from each other.”

Good at math, as they are in pre-algebra honors, they decided that tutoring third graders may be the best approach to starting their tutoring business.

They started marketing their idea, made flyers and got approval.

They tutor students on an “individual basis,” explains Shankar. They provide lessons based on a students’ progress and level. “Some are learning long division; some are learning fractions.”

Thinking back at their years of learning math, they agree that third grade math was extra challenging, they explain. When adding in that these students are learning math online, they realized the struggle must be even greater.

“It is hard to retain information virtually,” says Shankar. “We put our mind in third graders,” he says, and “imagined how hard it is to understand the concepts.”

Since they both had teachers at Sandshore when they were in third grade, they knew who to turn to.

“Third graders at Sandshore Elementary School, some are struggling, some want to excel,” says Gundala, whose younger sister Sanjana Gundala, happens to be a third grader there.

“Math seemed most straight forward to tutor in,” adds Gundala. She recalls struggling the most with third grade math, “especially when jumping from second to third. More work, more frequently,” she remembers.

“We did third grade math in person,” adds Shankar. “Imagine how difficult it must be virtually.”

As tutors, they teach their students the information then test to see how much they learned, explains Gundala.

“We like to make sure they retain the information,” she explains, “that each is retaining it their own way.

Tutoring Services Provided

They offer individual and group sessions.

The one-on-one sessions are 30 minutes, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., and include visual, reading and kinesthetic learning.

Then on Fridays, they offer one hour group sessions from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., assessing what the students learned.

They use “fun and interactive ways,” explains Shankar. They “try to make it fun and engaging,” and use video games, quizzes and game shows as methods for teaching.

Since starting in October, they have taught six students, two boys and four girls, “but we’re expanding,” says Shankar. The have been teaching their sessions together but are adding more tutors and creating a “S.M.A.R.T. Team.”

To make sure their lessons are aligned to what the students are learning in school, Shankar and Gundala looked at the third-grade workbooks and textbooks to adapt the lessons for each student.

They use a virtual white board to review math problems during their sessions.

Their goals are to assist students to learn better in specific styles they best learn in, they explain. To help them learn and know how to learn; to learn on their own and adapt into the styles that they learn in. For example, if they learn best using visual tools, they can take that method and use that with any subject.              


S.M.A.R.T. Expanding

“We started out small and now we’re expanding,” says Gundala.

On May 16, they were planning to launch S.M.A.R.T 3.0, with more interactive lessons, new website and more tutors.

They created a website:  https://sites.google.com/motsd.org/smart/home

Their website works with Google Classroom so their clients can check for assignments and calendar. They use Gmail to email parents and Google meet for their sessions.  

“We hope to add more subjects and grades as time continues,” they state on their website. 

“S.M.A.R.T is entirely virtual through google meet. This program will first focus on math, with other subjects to be added in the future.  In these times of remote learning, students may require further assistance and extra attention.”

They also plan to expand to other schools in the district and add “more tutors with more perspectives,” says Shankar. Their other tutors are Mrinalini K. and Maraya O., both students in the G&T class.

“Right now, they are in training,” says Shankar.

They also have a lesson designer: Sydney P., who is creating the lessons, trying to make them more interactive. 

“That’s one of our objectives,” says Shankar. “There are some more people that are going to be added to S.M.A.R.T soon,” says Shankar. “Now that we are well adapted, we want to expand.”
Time Well Spent

“It’s been exhilarating and a joy to interact with students,” says Shankar, who is also involved in Book Club, Student Council, homeroom representative and Boy Scouts.

He says it is “amazing to interact and collaborate with third graders who have fresh perspectives in math. It’s so interesting to work with a fresh set of minds.”

With all his activities, Shankar plans out his week on Sundays. He sees what homework he has to complete; what tests or quizzes are coming up and makes up time slots in his agenda to fit it all in.

“Even if I don’t have homework, I still have to study,” says Shankar, who hopes to pursue a career in either biomedical, finance or architectural engineering.  He knows he is busy, but says his efforts are worth it.

“I have determination,” says Shankar, “to spend time with these amazing kids,” and realize “that I’m doing something good for our community.” 

Gundala, who hopes to pursue a career in either business or writing, also tries to stay organized, to manage her week.  She, too, is a member of the Book Club, Art Club and is head editor of the Literary Magazine. 

“I like to plan out my week on Sundays,” says Gundala, who uses Google calendar to stay on track. “It can be easier,” instead of being in a rush, “to see what my plan is for the day.”  If anything, Gundala says staying busy helps to keep her on schedule. 

Adds Shankar: “At the end of the day we both have busy schedules. But through determination gets us through the week.” 

Like Shankar, Gundala is also enjoying her tutoring job. 

“I value having a personal connection with the students,” says Gundala, and being that “somebody they can talk to and express their concerns freely,” especially “in a pandemic with limited social contact, talking to more people, it’s nice to have.” 

While they are helping other students, Gundala and Shankar realize they are also helping themselves.  The tutoring service “allows us to build certain skills,” says Shankar, such as “kindness, respect, how to treat others effectively; how do we socially interact with our peers, that they are comfortable in speaking to us.”  This venture will “allow us to be successful in our life,” says Shankar, “like in college if we have to tutor other kids.”

Gundala mentions the community service hours they are also receiving through their tutoring.  While community service hours are an award from their work, Shankar says “we have to do it from our heart.”  

Gundala agrees, “It’s an extra benefit,” and even if they were not getting service hours, they would still be offering their tutoring.

Grateful For The Support

The two business partners are thankful for all the support they have received.  They say that their G&T teacher, Greszczak, “allowed this company to be achievable.”

MOMS Principal James Kramer “had to approve it.”  The Sandshore Elementary School principal had to meet with them as well as the third-grade teachers in early October, who allowed them to meet the students.  Their “parents who supported us, gave us the motivation,” and “all the teachers that helped us with all we know.” 

Gundala says, “Mrs. Greszczak taught us in sixth grade what skills we needed in life, like hard work. As new seventh graders, we started a company. We had support from teachers, principals who helped us continue the idea and parents who provided us with motivation especially in early times when we weren’t sure it was going to work.” 

Adds Gundala, “We are very fortunate to start a company during a pandemic. It’s been an honor and privilege to start a company.” 

Moving forward, they hope that more students sign up for tutoring services. They are always willing to accommodate to students’ schedules.  With restrictions loosening and more people getting vaccinated, Shankar says it is a “huge possibility” that perhaps some of the tutoring lessons can be in person next year. But “virtual” tutoring will always be available, says Gundala.  When they move to eighth grade, they plan to add even more tutors in sixth and seventh grade. Looking down the road, when the attend high school, they hope S.M.A.R.T. Tutors will be self-operating. 

Anyone interested in more information, visit https://sites.google.com/motsd.org/smart/home Fill out the google form on the website to schedule a time for pre-assessment to determines skills.   

Welcome readers to the 68th issue of Mt. Olive Online.

Historic Grist Mill Fire Ends In Arrest & Costly Damages

By Cheryl Conway

A recent fire may extinguish all hopes in saving a historic structure in town.

On May 9, Ye Olde Mill Shoppe located on the corner of Rt. 206 and Flanders-Netcong Rd. in Flanders was in flames. Privately owned, the building was not being utilized in recent years, but was formerly a gift shop and in its earliest years a grist mill.

The fire has resulted in the arrest of a 29-year-old Budd Lake man, as well as questions from some who wonder whether more historic buildings should be saved and restored before their structures turn to ashes and dust.

“It’s an unfortunate thing,” says Mt. Olive Planning Board Chair Howie Weiss. “This old mill may be sentimental,” says Weiss, but it is “privately owned. The township doesn’t own it.”

After this building caught fire, some criticized the township for not playing a greater role in preserving historic buildings. Bottom line is these buildings are “awfully expensive to restore.”   

Explains Weiss, “We try to preserve where we can. I don’t believe there’s anything we can do.”

Since the building is privately owned, it is up to the owner to decide what to do with the damaged structure.

The building is owned by AVR ENTERPRISE LLC, a computer programming services industry in Budd Lake. The owner did not return phone calls to "Mt. Olive Online" to provide any details on any restoration plans with the building. 

Unlike some other historic buildings in town, like the Seward Mansion at Turkey Brook Park, the Mt. Olive Baptist Church and one-room school house, the township has no “obligation” to restore old buildings in town unless it owns them, explains Weiss.

One reason why the township never owned Ye Olde Mill Shoppe was because of the waterway and no septic at that building.

“It’s useless; what do you do with it?” says Weiss. “It’s an unfortunate thing.” There was “not a lot of use for the building. They can’t preserve it.”

Adds Weiss, “It’s a shame: I’ve lived here my whole life. It was a beautiful building. It’s unfortunate it burned. It’s historic, it’s 100 years old.” But again, “it’s private property.”

Weiss says “one guy blamed the town for not protecting it.”

In Mt. Olive, “We don’t have historical regulations” to protect all of the old buildings, he explains.

There is talk that the old Cherokee Trading Post on Route 46 will be condemned soon too.      

Weiss says he lives in an old house but the “town has no obligation to make my house right. If we had rules that protected these buildings,” it would be a different story.

Old Flanders does have an historic zone that provides architectural guidance to maintain a certain character of the town, says Weiss.

Building History

According to Thea Dunkle, Mt. Olive Twp. historian, the historic building was a grist mill. 

“It was built prior to 1853 but the exact timeframe is unknown,” she says.  “It has had several owners throughout the years.”  

It was owned by A. Drake, Mrs. Hoffman, Charles Lade, John McClain, James and Sandy Zellers to name some, she says.  The mill was a gift shop

from circa 1983 to 2010.  The mill had four floors and sits on 2.68 acres.

“Route 31 and then 206 did not exist when the mill was built and

Flanders-Netcong Road down to Main Street was the main road to transport the feed the mill produced,” says Dunkle.

“Yes, the mill was historic, but it was also privately owned,” says Dunkle. “There was some discussion as to possibly the township owning the mill but due to

its location on a very busy intersection and the fact that there were costly updates it didn't seem feasible.  The lack of an area to install septic 

or sewer updates to update the water system in the mill was another concern.

“It would only be able to serve as a possible small office 

for a smaller business with limited water use,” adds Dunkle. “The mill was on the market for many years.  Now that the insides have been burned the cost

to renovate retaining the outside stone walls would be very costly.

“Also the cost to get a historic building on a historic register for the state involves

hiring experts to research the history on material used to build the structure,” adds Dunkle, who has been quite involved with getting other local historic buildings placed on the National Register of Historic Places. “The structure needs to meet specific criteria.

“Often grants are secured to help with the costs,” continues Dunkle. “It involves expenses and a long step by step process through historic preservation offices within the state.  

“A private owner of the structure might not be willing to go through the expense or long process,” says Dunkle.  “The only hope is that someone who owns an older structure maintains its character and historic value.

“At this point it seems inevitable that the stone structure of the mill will have to come down,” she adds. “The entire community is very upset that we have now lost this beautiful mill.  It was such an important part of the history of Mt Olive as it supplied grains to many of the local farmers in the township for their livestock and livelihood.

“The events of this fire are still very puzzling and upsetting and why someone was even in the building is cause for concern,” concludes Dunkle.  

Fire Details and Arrest

According to a post on the Flanders Fire Co. Facebook page: 

“Just before 5 a.m. members were alerted to the building on the corner of Flanders Netcong and Route 206 for the smoke condition. Within minutes police had confirmed a working fire and the first arriving chief struck the second alarm. Mt. Olive Fire units as well as multiple mutual aid agencies operated against heavy fire conditions for a majority of the morning. The fire was placed under control and hot spots were hit for a good portion of time after due to multiple collapsed areas inside the building. Investigation crews came in after the fire was extinguished and all fire crews released shortly after 2 p.m.

In a May 11 press release prepared by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker, and Mt. Olive Police Department Chief Stephen Beecher announce the arrest of Anthony Rondan, 29, of Budd Lake, on charges related to a fire that occurred on May 9 in Flanders.

At approximately 4:46 a.m., an officer on patrol in Flanders observed smoke at a vacant, historical business known as Ye Old Mill Shoppe on Route 206, and requested fire and first aid respond to the scene. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Rondan allegedly discarded a lit cigarette while inside the building.

Rondan has been charged with one count of Failure to Report a Dangerous Fire, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1(c), and one count of Criminal Trespass, a disorderly person’s offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2(a). The defendant was charged by way of a summons-complaint, and was released on his own recognizance.

The investigation was conducted by the Mt. Olive Fire Marshal, Mt. Olive Police Department, Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit. Flanders Fire and First Aid departments and Budd Lake Fire and First Aid responded, with additional support from surrounding jurisdictions including Roxbury Fire Company, Long Valley and Chester Fire Engines, Long Valley and Roxbury EMS, Fairmont Fire and Hackettstown Intervention Crew.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this defendant is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MOHS Tree Planting Digs Way To Sustainability

    By Cheryl Conway

    A tree planted last month at Mt. Olive High School intertwines branches that raise awareness of the environment, sustainability, preservation of rural heritage and connectivity between the township and the school district.

    Township and school officials gathered with students at MOHS on Thursday, April 22, at 11 a.m. for the Mt. Olive 150th Anniversary-Earth Day Tree Planting Ceremony. The event was sponsored by the MOHS Environmental Club.

    The ceremony was a celebration of Earth Day, Mt. Olive Twp.’s 150th year anniversary and its recent Sustainable Jersey Certification and the school district’s efforts to be named a Green Ribbon School.

    “Our tree planting is symbolic of the growth of the township while preserving its rural heritage and connection to environmental sustainability,” says Karen Sterling, science teacher and MOHS Environmental Club advisor. “Additionally, it will serve as a symbol of the connection between Mt. Olive Township and its schools.

    “The Mt. Olive Township community has been incredibly supportive of the schools' programs and helped us to build an amazing school system for its residents,” says Sterling.

    Joining in at the ceremony were MOHS Environmental Club members, some Mt. Olive Township Council members, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki; MOHS Principal Kevin Moore; some Mt. Olive Board of Education members and other school leaders.

    In an effort to commemorate Earth Day 2021 and to mark the 150th Anniversary of Mt. Olive Township, the MOHS Environmental Club planned the ceremony.

    The club, works to create awareness of issues related

    to the environment and the interconnections between biology and sustainability. The club, which currently attracts 30 student members, works together in trying to make Mt. Olive more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

    “Protecting the environment, advocating for change, and educating others on key issues are all important to our club’s impact on the town,” writes Sterling in a press release.

    “Earth Day is the anniversary of the start of the modern environmental movement,” she writes. “Every year this day is celebrated around the world through a myriad of activities that serve to remind us that we need to be good stewards of the earth.”

    Out of the wide variety of trees that could have been selected, the environmental  club decided on the dogwood tree “as a symbol of many efforts to rekindle our connection to our environment and to help us decrease our carbon footprint,” explains Sterling.

    “The tree we decided to purchase is a Stellar Pink disease resistant flowering dogwood tree,” she notes. “The dogwood tree is the Official State Memorial Tree of New Jersey. This tree is expected to grow to a height of about 25 feet with a width of 15 feet. The MOHS buildings and grounds department helped prepare the site for the tree.”

    Fundraising Efforts

    The MOHS Environmental Club held a fundraiser from Feb 22 to March 14, through Boon Supply (boonsupply.com/1169814

    MOHS Environmental Club Boon Supply. Beautiful items that are good for you, good for the planet, and good for your cause.boonsupply.com).

    “Our club held a fundraiser by selling sustainable products such as reusable straws and water bottles, shopping bags, and other ecologically friendly products,” says Sterling.

    “Although the official fundraising period has ended, 40% of any purchases made through the club's page before the end of the school year will still be given to us,” says Sterling. 

    Through the club’s efforts, it was able to raise more than $500, she adds.

    “About half the money is going towards the purchase of the tree for this event,” she says. “The remaining money will be used for future club events once we can be in person together.  Additionally, a portion from this and future fundraisers may go towards a sign near the tree that memorializes the event on Thursday.”

    MO Grows Stronger With 150 Years, Sustainable Jersey Certification and Green Ribbon School Efforts

    “With this tree planting, we also want to congratulate Mt. Olive on 150 years and their recent Sustainable Jersey Certification,” she continues. “Municipalities that achieve certification are considered by their peers, state government, and civic organizations in New Jersey, to be among the leaders in the

    state.

    “The anniversary symbolizes the long history of the township and how it has flourished over the years to become a welcoming and attractive place to live,” she says.

    Sterling continues: “The MOHS Environmental Club is following in Mt. Olive Township’s footsteps and working to be recognized as a Green Ribbon School. Green Ribbon Schools work to reduce their environmental footprint, improve the health of students and staff, and provide environmental education opportunities.

    “U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is a public engagement initiative structured as a federal recognition award for school sustainability,” according to a fact sheet. “It helps to facilitate state and local

    collaboration around school facilities, health, and environmental education. By highlighting schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions’ cost-saving, health promoting, and performance-enhancing sustainability practices, ED-GRS celebrates these schools and brings more attention to their work. The

    schools are invited to a summer ceremony in Washington, D.C. where they receive a sustainable plaque; are the subject of media attention; and feel their efforts celebrated. Other schools, in turn, learn about and adopt their practices.”

    Sterling explains that the Green ribbon school award recognizes schools that (1) reduce environmental impact and costs, (2) improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and (3) provide effective environmental and sustainability education. 

    “The club will be working on projects in some of these areas,” says Sterling. “This week we have been hosting a virtual Earth Day week (which is culminating in the tree planting); helping to create a native plant pond in the new Geodome; looking to participate in the 2021 Clean Communities Grant for Schools Program - students would do a litter cleanup of school grounds in the district and in turn receive a grant to purchase recycling and/or trash containers for school grounds or reusable water bottle filling station.

    “This one is still in the planning stage - but hopefully will happen this spring or early fall.”

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    Council Muscles Request For Outdoor Fitness Gym

    By Cheryl Conway


    Exercising outside is gaining popularity since the pandemic hit last spring.

    By summer next year, Flanders Park may provide an outdoor public recreation facility. The Mt. Olive Twp. Council unanimously approved at its council meeting held Tuesday, May 4, a local recreation improvement grant application to fund an outdoor fitness gym.

    Since COVID 19 shut down most, if not all, in-person activities last March, Mt. Olive Twp. halted use of its indoor locations for recreational events.

    “The goal of the grant is to ensure public access to community facilities to improve mental and physical health,” explains Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. 

    The township is applying for a competitive grant through the N.J. Division of Local Government Services to support improvement, repair and new construction of public recreation facilities.

    “The Local Recreation Improvement Grant is to support public recreation facilities given the current strain on communities confronting the COVID19 pandemic,” says Tatarenko.

    Maximum grant projects are $500K, with $2.5 million available, according to the township resolution. The application is to fund an outdoor fitness gym for Flanders Park; estimated project is $150K; grant request is for 75 percent with a local match of 25 percent.

    If the grant is awarded, the township hopes to allocate funds in its 2022 capital budget, as stated in the resolution.

    “Construction would start April/May and potentially be ready by the summer of 2022,” he says.

    “Outdoor fitness gyms have become a popular way for residents to socialize and stay active,” says Tatarenko.  “It also provides for free access to fitness for residents who may be impacted financially from the pandemic.”

    The outdoor fitness gym “would be located adjacent the existing playground,” he says. It will consist of six exercise units. The site would be approximately 40 ft. by 50 ft.

     “The flooring will most likely be the rubber tiles we currently have at Flanders Park,” he says. 

    The outdoor gym would be “open to the public and I anticipate there may be some recreational programming available,” he says. 

    Out of all the parks, Flanders Park seems like a good fit for this outdoor fitness gym.

    “Flanders Park is an ideal location as it is surrounded by several large residential communities, a senior residence and affordable housing units,” says Tatarenko. “Many residents use the walking path for exercise so this will be an additional facility they can use to stay fit.  Parents can also work out as their children play on the adjacent playground.”

    Tatarenko says the idea for this outdoor gym has “been discussed for several years by the Recreation Department.” 


    Council & Residents Debate Masks & Signs

    Photo by Molly Conway

    By Cheryl Conway

    Wearing masks outdoors, changing signage for enforcement, freedom for public speech, and cannabis sales were some topics raised at the council meeting held May 4.

    Council Vice President Alex Roman questions whether the signs at Turkey Brook Park, that say persons should stay 6 ft. apart and wear masks, should be changed. Tatarenko explains that masks are only required outdoors when one can’t socially distance.

    “The fear that I have is if we’re not going to enforce it, it makes other laws have less of an impact,” says Roman. “I think there’s a lot of contradictory information out there.”

    It’s like having a speed limit and residents know we are not enforcing it, says Roman. “It has a bleed over effect.” He says instead of saying masking is required, it should say “masking is encouraged.”

    Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Rob Greenbaum interjects and suggests not changing the signs as he’d rather be overprotective rather than under protective.

    “We do very little enforcement,” says Greenbaum. “People are going to do what they are going to do anyway.” He says there are people involved in sports at the park and are not wearing masks, same story with those walking around.

    Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko says he would look into changing the signs as suggested by Roman but Greenbaum put the red light on that.

    “Alex, I disagree with you,” says Greenbaum, adding that the administration runs the parks and not the council “and that’s the direction I’m going, Andrew.”

    Budd Lake resident Irene Sergonis chimes in at the public portion of the meeting: She thanks Greenbaum for keeping the signs up about having masks worn at the parks.

    “As long as you tell them what the rules are they will try to follow them,” says Sergonis. “That’s what living in a community is.”

    She also requests that a sign on Route 206 be taken down.

    “It perpetuates the big lie,” that resulted in the murder of a police officer, she says. “It shouldn’t be representing our town. It’s against our sign ordinance.”

    Council President Joe Nicastro says the council and administration will look into any signs that are not properly permitted and “we will get them taken down.”

    Argument Continues On Masks  

    Roman, meanwhile, refutes Sergonis’ comments bringing up her issue from last month in which she criticizes several council members from attending a public recreation event at Turkey Brook and taking off their masks.

    According to Sergonis, four council members were in a huddle without masks on, at the Through the Ages 5K Run/Walk April 17 at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake.

    Roman says four councilmembers took off their masks at the April event to take pictures; and that the three feet rule at that time was for students. He further adds that the social guidance rules changed on April 27.

    Sergonis’ request that the council try to set an example and wear masks when in public only caused more resentment by some council members.

    “I really don’t want to hear Mr. Roman anymore,” says Sergonis. “He says things with authority. He spreads misinformation. Four council members should’ve responded to me. If they’d like to respond to me, I’d be happy to hear from them.”   

    Despite her request for Roman to remain silent, he says, smirkingly: “It’s time we start using the data….to make judgements moving forward. First it was masks are bad; then masks are good; now it’s double masks; now it’s don’t wear masks. It is high time to turn down the temperature and when we engage in same day conversation and doesn’t want to hear because you disagree with them, that doesn’t help.”

    Councilmember Greg Stewart agrees with Roman and says, “being outdoors near nobody, by ourselves…I don’t appreciate an attack like that as being not using common sense.”

    Councilman John Ferrante also agrees with Roman and Stewart and says “We were outside, we were away from everybody. We are all vaccinated. We were taking our masks offs to take a picture. I don’t see any harm in that, and I don’t appreciate the shot that Irene just gave to us.”

    While the public portion ended, Sergonis did not get to comment after the council members’ remarks about her mask request.

    She did offer comments to “Mt. Olive Online.”

    “I strongly feel that our government officials should set the example and follow the rules set by CDC and Governor Murphy,” says Sergonis. “We do have the opportunity as citizens to change the laws.  Ignoring the rules and taking down signs at the park is not acceptable. 

    “I developed an appreciation for the rule of law when I visited Greece the first time as a high school senior,” she continues. “People there ignore no smoking signs, park their motorcycles on sidewalk, cut in front of you in a line and ignore the speed limit signs.  These rules are formed to protect all citizens and following them shows that you are willing to sacrifice your own desires for the good of the community.  

    “My job as a parent and grandparent is to make good citizens,” says Sergonis. “My 4-year-old grandson thinks it's okay to break the rules he doesn't agree with and if "his mom won't find out."  These town council people have a lot in common with my grandson and it's my job as a citizen to remind them of their responsibilities.

    “I find it hypocritical that the pictures they took without masks have not been posted but they state that they did nothing wrong,” says Sergonis. “They took pictures without masks standing shoulder to shoulder 20 feet from the sign that states social distancing required.  Also, the rules of the event also stated masks and social distancing required.”

    Cannabis Sales

    The council unanimously voted in favor of ordinance #10-2021 to prohibit any class of cannabis business in Mt. Olive’s borders.

    The ordinance #10-2021 was introduced for first reading on April 6 and passed at the May 4 meeting. Businesses are prohibited from obtaining any of the six licenses in town dealing with the cultivating, selling, manufacturing, distributing, and transporting of marijuana in Mt. Olive.

    The N.J. Constitution has legalized the controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis” for adults aged 21 and older; but townships get to decide as to how they will regulate these licenses in their jurisdiction.

    Mt. Olive officials had to decide by Aug. 21 on its municipal regulation or prohibition of these licenses. If they failed to act, the law would have permitted the growing, cultivating, manufacturing, selling and reselling of cannabis and cannabis items in all industrial zones as well as commercial and retail zones for a period of five years.


    Freedom of Speech Questioned

    During the public portion of the meeting, one resident criticized a vulgar political sign displayed at the end of her street.

    A Mt. Olive resident for 22 years, Gayle Furbert has always admired where she has lived until recently.

    “It’s a beautiful environment,” says Furbert. “It’s always been quiet; it’s respectful.”

    Her view changed after a display of obscene signage at the end of her street: A huge sign that says “‘F Biden;’ F did not stand for family nor friendly,” she states. “Everyone can have a political view.” Luckily, the owner of this sign took it down and replaced it with “Impeach Biden.”

    Says Furbert, “I immediately thought of the children who get off the bus and walk by there. I raised our son here; it was a beautiful environment.”

    After the sign was taken down, a vehicle drove by her house with the same message that says “F… Biden.” Turns around at the end of her street, intentionally passing by her house again, she says.

    “This doesn’t give a friendly message,” says Furbert who weighs in on the damage it could have.

    “I’m thinking of our neighborhood, our children, even the salability of my home,” says Furbert, questioning the council as to whether there is an ordinance or something that restricts the obscene language.

    “It’s intimidating to me, it really is,” says Furbert. “It makes me feel very nervous.”

    Tatarenko responds saying the township did receive a complaint about a month ago from some neighbors but “didn’t require him to do it [take down the sign].” The township did inform the homeowner that neighbors “aren’t happy with it.”

    The homeowner did switch the sign with a new message removing the profanity.

    Bottom line is “free speech on private property” is allowed, clarifies Mt. Olive Twp. Attorney Johnathan Testa.

    “Obscenities that you had to deal with are distasteful to say the least,” says Testa, but the law of the state and U.S. Constitution really do restrict local government’s ability to restrict speech especially on private property.

    The municipal government’s “ability to restrict that speech is curtailed,” says Testa. The court says the government can not fight that type of speech, even those that contain profanities.

    “We do have a sign ordinance on size,” says Testa, but not content. “The township has very little ability to protect in the content of speech.”

    “I guess I’m hearing is I have to be subjected to this?” says Furbert. 

    Testa does advise Furbert “You have the ability to go to the court on a private suit,” but the municipality cannot. She can seek a private suit, but the township can not force the homeowner to take down their sign.

    Furbert is satisfied that the homeowner did switch the verbiage on his sign since the complaints came in.

    “The sign I see there is totally acceptable to me but when you start to use foul language, it’s never happened in this neighborhood, so I’m very disappointed.”

    Greenbaum says “I’m glad he did take it down. It’s clearly offensive but not actionable on behalf of this township.”

    While there is no ordinance nor policy, Greenbaum says “We will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to get them to use reasonable steps to change their position. Anyone who brings it to our attention, we’ll bring it to them; I’ll go personally. But all we can do is ask. That’s all-municipal government can do in these circumstances.

    “It’s very difficult, someone whose got it on their car," says Greenbaum. "I would love to not have any signs in the town neighborhood that are offensive to anybody but that’s just not the case.

    “Every time I go down the hill, I see that “Impeach Biden sign,” continues Greenbaum. “I wish that sign wasn’t there either…but unfortunately not everybody shares my views.”

    Roman adds, “This kind of rhetoric, not only is it divisive, it’s not helpful. We all need to do our part; it’s incumbent to us to speak to our neighbors. We are all one community and in the end we all want the best. I may or may not like President Biden; he’s still our president. I find the Impeach Biden sign, frankly, ridiculous. It’s insulting. We need more open dialogue instead of closing ourselves off from each other.” 

    School District Round-Up Blog By Local Reporter

    By Cheryl Conway 

    Schools in Mt. Olive are back to business, not only with full day in person instruction for nine weeks now since the pandemic, but with so many new programs and ideas brewing.

    End of year celebration plans are underway like senior prom to be held at the Skylands on June 3, inviting even junior students to attend if they get asked; one outdoor graduation on June 18 with high school seniors inviting four people to attend; one outdoor middle school commencement on June 16 at the middle school; and even a move up day for fifth graders who will be bussed to the middle school on different dates in June for an orientation and moving up program.

    “Things are starting to feel normal,” says Mt. Olive School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki.

    As of the last Mt. Olive Board of Education meeting held Monday, May 10, there were zero teachers and staff in quarantine from COVID 19, reported Rhonda Cohen, BOE member and chair of the Personnel Committee. At the April 19 BOE meeting, she reported that eight staff members were in quarantine, so there has been great progress.

    Facilities’ Progress

    Chester M. Stephens Elementary School in Budd Lake will be receiving renovations starting in June, reported BOE Vice President John Kehmna, chair of the Finance Operations Committee. The project was awarded, followed by shop drawings and meetings to get going.

    Like improvements made at the other elementary schools, CMS was next on the list but the project had been on hold since COVID. And as the largest elementary school, may involve greater improvements, explains Zywicki.

    Some details of the CMS project include two phases involving the front half of the school, then the rear, says Zywicki. New flooring, new paint, cafeteria being redone, more secure entranceway are on that list with $1.5 million allocated for the first half of the project included in the 2021/2022 school year budget.  

    The Geodome at Mt. Olive High School had its Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting before the last BOE meeting held May 10.

    New MOHS Scoreboard

    Kehmna also spoke about the plans for a new scoreboard at the MOHS Football Field, being funded eventually by the Education Foundation.

    “It will look better than at Giant Stadium,” says Kehmna. “We will give a loan to the Education Foundation and they would pay it back with advertising,” he says.

    Not all board members favor the scoreboard idea.

    “I’m not on board with the scoreboard,” says Liz Ouimet, BOE member, questioning the use of end of year money.

    “Who paid for those drawings?” asks Ouimet. “Why are we using end of year money to purchase a scoreboard? When did it come up initially? Was this a wish list, a bucket list?”

    Kehmna criticizes Ouimet for raising these concerns now instead of previously, saying the scoreboard has been discussed for at least 18 to 20 months.

    Ouimet responds, “Sometimes it takes time to look over. Who will be paying for those legal fees for the contract to be drawn up” between the BOE and the Ed Foundation?

    “This is how the big wheel goes around with the money,” responds Kehmna. “Sometimes there’s money leftover at the end of the year.” 

    Zywicki explains that the idea for the score board came up in Oct 2019 first at the finance meeting, and then again in 2020 with the finance and budget committees, as well as numerous superintendent reports and the budget presentation.

    “It was a wish list,” says Zywicki, that was put on hold after the pandemic. The Education Foundation had been discussing it as well, he says, for at least 18 months.  

    Ouimet also questions the added cost for maintenance that will be required with a new scoreboard.

    “We could be on the hook for the whole thing,” fears Ouimet.

    Zywicki explains that the scoreboard will bring in $120K in revenue from advertising costs by businesses who will use the scoreboard for promotions. The Ed Foundation will use that revenue to pay the school district back. The money will also be used as a revenue source by the Ed Foundation to offer scholarships.

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

    “Everything they do is to support the school district,” says Zywicki, adding that it is non-profit and not able to build a scoreboard on school property. MOSD will build the scoreboard and then the Ed Foundation is projected to receive $120K in revenue from selling advertisements promoted on the scoreboard during games.

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

    BOE Member Bill Robinson questions the cost of the legal contract between the BOE and Ed Foundation.

    “If it dissolves, we will be on the hook for $400K,” says Robinson. “We’d be on the hook for legal fees of the contract.” He suggests a Go Fund Me to pay for all costs.

    BOE Member Dr. Antoine Gayles also expresses his concerns for a new scoreboard.

    “You’ve been talking about it for 18 months,” says Gayles. “I think a wind turbine,” with wind technology would be a better idea to spend end of year funding as it shows a message that the district is committed to STEAM and green community, he says.

    “That’s a more productive use for our end of year funding,” says Gayles. He suggests reaching out to the Mt. Olive Alunni Association for funding of a scoreboard.

    Zywicki explains that the district is not able to build a wind turbine on its own and that it would need a third-party entity or contract with an energy provider. He says he likes the scoreboard idea as it supports curricular learning for activities with the marketing and business classes.

    “We have an amazing stadium,” says Zywicki, “but we have a rinky dink scoreboard. The current score board is older, smaller.” A new scoreboard can provide multi-media, videos, advertising promotions, even game highlights, replays and awards.

    “Hundreds of districts have this,” says Zywicki, adding that MOSD has identified an architect and a vendor for a state contract. 

    As far as contract costs, he explains that the law firm the district is using to draw up this contract with the Ed Foundation “hasn’t been charging the district,” and instead providing the services as a donation.

    “If we’re using end of year money to buy things and doing a tax levy, I think it can be used a lot better than purchasing a scoreboard,” says Ouimet. 

    The BOE will eventually get to vote on the scoreboard as an action item on the bill list.    

    Other News

    The school district is also looking into athletic branding, in which they commit themselves into a partnership with a specific athletic brand for promotional purposes and discounts.

    Zywicki says it is between Adidas or Under Armour since Nike is not sponsoring schools anymore.

    The district can see a 40 percent discount if it agrees to sign on to a specific athletic brand, he explains. Right now the district pays retail pricing for all of its athletic gear for its sports. So instead of paying $10 for a sports jersey, cost could be as low as $6, he says.

    Another perk is the “cool logos” like college kids sport when wearing their sports apparel, he says.

    “It costs us nothing,” says Zywicki. “You agree to just wear Adidas or Under Armour and also get reward dollars. It’s a money maker.” 

    Also new is a program called the Marauders Believe 18-21 program for Mt. Olive High School students to provide academic job placement and training, independent living skills, post-secondary training, social skills, relationship training, self-advocacy and extra activities, describes Gayles.

    The program will feature a mini-Shoprite and coffee shop at the basement of the high school, a food services shop at the Geodome and a Visitors’ Center for real estate agents at the MOSD building.

    The Marauders Believe Program will also generate revenue from other school districts interested in using the program.

    Gayles says the district can get $275K “if we farm this out to other districts on a tuition basis.”

    The program “will be a revenue generator for us,” agrees Kehmna, bringing in “huge enrollment, huge interest,” from other school districts sending in their students.  

    “We have tons of out of district students lined up to come in as tuition students that will generate revenue,” says Zywicki. “It’s a money maker. It’s not costing anything.”

    Local students in this program are already integrated in the district’s Life Skills program for those with IEP’s (Individualized Education Program for those receiving special education instruction), explains Zywicki. This full-time academic program has been offered in the MOSD for more than 40 years. The Marauders Believe Program is an extra program that enhances their learning and will be held after school hours.

    Zywicki says there are so many kids in the Life Skills program, “we need to split it.” 

    In Mt. Olive, 115 students can benefit from this program; the district can accept 10 to 15 students from other districts, says Zywicki.

    Curriculum Changes

    Another hot topic in the school district has been changes to curriculum. There has been a switch to provide more AP classes instead of honors classes at different grade levels.

    Anne Jarvis of Flanders expresses her concerns at the April 26 BOE meeting.  She questions Zywicki’s statement that AP is for “all people,” and shares her discontent of eliminating some honor’s courses such as English and Social Studies.

    “If there are no requirements for be in an honors class, is it really an honors class or is it just like a CP class?” she challenges the board.

    “Forcing kids to AP is not about the kids, it’s about ranking,” says Jarvis. She says she hopes the district has more requirements to take honors classes rather than getting as many as possible to take the AP test and AP courses.  

    After input from the community and hours of discussion, the district decided it will offer honors humanities for 9th and 10th graders which is a dual honors program combining English and history in one course.

    Zywicki explains that MOSD will be replacing ELA Honors 11 and U.S. History II Honors, to an Honors Humanities course for juniors and seniors, combining the ELA and History in one class.

    “They’ll still have an honors tract,” he explains, adding that this will not be going in effect until 2026, and only if the BOE votes on these changes in two years.

    The recommended changes were brought on through the Equity Task Force as a means to create greater equality and accessibility in course offerings to all students, including those with IEP’s.

    The curriculum committee made up of administrators write the curriculum every year and then the BOE votes on the curriculum in August, explains Zywicki.

    While he says “I appreciate the feedback,” only five people came to BOE meeting to share any concerns. 

    The BOE did something similar eight years ago, says Zywicki, when it eliminated honors calculus and instead offered AP calculus. He says the district is not supposed to offer honors and AP in the same subject at the same grade level “so they are not conflicting with each other.”    

    BOE Member Resigns

    BOE Member Nolan Stephens resigned at the April 26 BOE meeting after admitting to a fourth-degree offense to criminal sexual contact. Found guilty in a court of law for an alleged incident that occurred on August 10, 2020, Stephens is participating in a pretrial intervention program.

    Beth Blakey of Flanders had requested his resignation at the April 19 BOE meeting calling for him to step down during the public portion and criticizes the board for not acting sooner.

    “It is our local Board of Education’s responsibility to do something about it,” says Blakey. “Allowing Mr. Stephens to continue serving on the Board of Education sends a very dangerous message to young men and women of the Mt. Olive Twp. School District. It normalizes deviant behavior; it diminishes the importance of consent; it undermines our school district HIB policies that are reviewed and approved by the Board of Education and enforced by our teachers and administrators. It contradicts our health education curriculum and demeans our values as a community.

    “Mr. Stephens needs to be held accountable and at minimum held to the same standards that we expect of the young men and women in our school system,” says Blakey. “I’m imploring the board to take action including amending the Mt. Olive School District Board of Education Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and participation guidelines to reflect a zero-tolerance policy to any degree or criminal sexual conduct.”

    Ouimet thanked Blakey for coming forward.

    “I have high ethical standards,” says Ouimet, adding that she could not comment any further. “I didn’t have any knowledge of this until April 5,” she says.

    Cohen says “I like to thank Beth for coming forward today as I was extremely disappointed that she is the only member of this community that is here tonight. Although I understand the legal implications of the crime, the punishment and how it is relevant with the respect of the forced resignation of this board member, I find it to be unacceptable. Sexual crimes against women are taken far more seriously today than ever before and should not be tolerated at any level. As a woman and parent of two daughters, I feel strongly against the entire issue.”

    Even after Stephens’ resigned, Blakey spoke again at the April 26 meeting, reiterating her suggestion “to amend the code of ethics to better reflect the values of our community,” she says. “What happened tonight is not a cause for celebration. There’s nothing happy about this situation.”

    Zywicki says Stephen’s “resignation does not absolve those who knew about this when it happened. Who even knew about it in March? It was held from the board; I’m saddened. You’re right, it’s not a cause for celebration. Systemic and endemic to this whole process was something was missing.”     

    The BOE, meanwhile, has been taking letters of interest to fill the vacated seat, with an interview process to follow. Stephens got elected to the school board in the November 2019 election, taking his seat in January 2020. The BOE has 65 days to fill the seat. 

    BOE Retreat Planned

    After several requests by Gayles, the BOE has decided that it will hold its retreat this summer.

    According to Gayles, five BOE members have expressed interest in a retreat, an important step “as we bond with each other to learn to become better board members,” says Gayles. 

    “It’s imperative that we focus on the mission,” says Gayles. “It’s the kids. They don’t really know what we do but they know we do something. They are watching. We need to get back to that as folks are watching us.

    “It’s always with the kids in mind,” says Gayles. “Whatever initiative or program, does it benefit the kids? Can we afford it? And how does it affect the taxpayers? If we can answer all of those questions in the affirmative, we move forward with it. We need to get back to that. Folks are watching us.”

    Gayles hopes the retreat “this summer will help us reset and refocus so that we can reestablish the trust and the transparency and the integrity that our public expects from us, that they voted us into the seats for, because I said it time and time again in closed doors and I’ll say it in public….We need to make the right decisions and the right choices by the people. So it’s important that we do what they put us in these seats to do with the utmost integrity and honor and grace.”

    BOE Member Anthony Strillacci disagrees.

    “I have a little different perspective,” says Strillacci. “I believe sure we will make mistakes along the way. The proof is our district today, we are rated very well; we have great facilities. We are offering a curriculum that is parallel to none to us. I believe that sure we make mistakes along the way; you bet, I don’t believe that we’ve lost the trust of the people, that they know we are doing the best we can for them. I believe our staff is doing the best for them and I take umbrage with the fact that we lost people’s trust. I just don’t believe that. I’ve been involved in a lot of tough decisions but look at how we are rated in the state and how we’re rated in the country and look at how people are talking about our district.

    “We’re going to listen still to people and do everything we possibly can,” says Strillacci, “but I’m telling you right now I’m very proud of this district and what we have accomplished. I’m not going to let anybody put us down.” 

    Memorial Remembrance Ceremony Planned 5/31/21

    Local and County News

    Outdoor Exercise Classes Offered

     

    Exercise with a mask? I rather not!

    The Sky Is The Limit With Mt. Olive Exercisers

    Experienced local instructors are on the move in Mt. Olive offering a variety of outdoor fitness classes to get those bodies in shape for summer.

    Spring into action with Zumba, Aerobics, Kickbox, Pilates, Yoga, Mt. Olive Walkers, Toning & More….All outdoors in various locations.

    $ Most affordable pricing around! $

    Email cherylc6@optonline.net for more information and schedule of daily classes. 

    Team Work At Turkey Brook- 

    Thanks to the many volunteers who came out on Sunday, May 16, Turkey Brook Park is once again in tip-top shape.  Among the terrific volunteers who helped with the clean up were Leslie McGlynn, second from left, and Democratic candidates for Town Council Nicole Spaldo (with son Caleb), Jordan Bernstein, Alicia Sharma and Antoine Gayles.  Visit mountolivedemocrarts.org and votemountolive.com for more information.

    Mt. Olive Democrats Clean White Trail

    In celebration of Earth Week, members of the Mt. Olive Democrats cleaned the White Trail located off Old Budd Lake Road on Saturday, April 24. The trail is beautiful once again. Among the many items removed were small auto parts, beer bottles, and a large fake plant.  Pictured, from left, is Sheri Merkel, Gerry Gallagher, Irene Sergonis, Christine Meissner, Antoine Gayles and Karen Luce.  Photo by Andy Meissner, chair of Mt. Olive Democrats.

    Donations Sought To Empower Women’s Shelter

    Superintendent Recognized For Extraordinary Contributions 

     

    Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki was recently honored by the Morris County Council of Education Associations. He was named a “friend of education” for his “extraordinary contributions” to education in the county, according to the citation.

    “I come from a family of educators and can say this is one of the best honors of my career,” Zywicki said. “I still consider myself a teacher, so to be recognized by the council is truly meaningful to me.”

    Zywicki received an award by mail and was feted in a remote ceremony on April 22.

    Since taking the helm of the Mt. Olive School District in 2018, Zywicki has expanded the use of instructional technology to help personalize instruction for each student, as well as helped forge strategic partnerships with local universities to provide more opportunities for high school students to enroll in college-level courses. Mt. Olive was certified Future Ready by the New Jersey School Boards Association and N.J. Department of Education in 2019 and is now ranked in the top 30 of all school districts in N.J. by Niche.com. Mt. Olive High School is now ranked in the top 100 public high schools in N.J. and top 10% in the nation.

    In March 2020, Zywicki and the district received state and national attention for early COVID preparation and remote instruction protocols. The collaborative process that harnessed the expertise of teachers and staff members in the development of the remote instructional plan became a model for districts throughout N.J.

    In June 2020, Zywicki appeared at a press conference with N.J. Governor Phil Murphy and then Commissioner Lamont Repollet to unveil the NJDOE’s Road Back school reentry plan. Murphy praised Mt. Olive as an exemplar and thanked Zywicki for his leadership.

    Prior to joining Mt. Olive, Zywicki served as superintendent of the Weehawken Township School District.

    Donations Sought To Empower Women’s Shelter

    Donations Sought To Empower Women’s Shelter

    County Hosts Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony


    The community is invited to tune in to Facebook Livestream to observe

    The Morris County

    Board of County Commissioners

    host its Annual Memorial Day Observance

    & Presentation of Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals to Local Veterans on  

    Wednesday, May 26, at noon.

    It will be held at the front lawn of the Morris County Courthouse. 

    Lawn access will be limited to press and invited guests due to COVID-19 restrictions.

    Donations Sought To Empower Women’s Shelter

    Donations Sought To Empower Women’s Shelter

    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/.



    Library Open For Curbside Pickup

    Library Open For Curbside Pickup

    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

    Centenary Receives Tree Donation For Earth Day

    Centenary Student Named Vaccine Hero For Seniors

    Centenary Student Named Vaccine Hero For Seniors

    On Friday, April 23 Centenary University became a beneficiary of a town-wide beautification project launched by a generous donation of trees from Steve and Sharon Somers. Somers, a resident of Hackettstown, and a former Trustee of Centenary University, has a long history of supporting the town, the university and many other local initiatives.  With perfect timing in celebration of Earth Day, and a week of lectures and projects focused on environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation, the new trees were planted to line Reese Avenue on the south side of the university campus.

    University President Bruce Murphy notes: “Steve was the driving force behind our ‘Field of Dreams’ Campaign in 2019, which helped to complete our new university baseball field. We are proud to receive continued support from him and the Somers Family, including the new trees, which will adorn our campus for years to come.”

    When asked why he feels strongly about being an active and engaged member of the community, Somers stated, “It is important to me to keep my support local, and I am glad when I learn of opportunities to stand behind initiatives that are close to home.”

    Somers is the owner and president of Vigon International, which is a flavor and fragrances manufacturer located in East Stroudsburg, Penn.

    Centenary Student Named Vaccine Hero For Seniors

    Centenary Student Named Vaccine Hero For Seniors

    Centenary Student Named Vaccine Hero For Seniors

     

    Delaney Stewart of Hackettstown is one of New Jersey’s heroes in the fight against COVID-19. A sophomore psychology major at Centenary University in Hackettstown, Stewart has booked more than 75 vaccine appointments for elderly strangers, as well as people with preexisting conditions, who couldn’t navigate the state’s decentralized online system.

    After finding appointments for her parents back in February, Stewart posted an offer to help others on the New Jersey Vaccine Info Facebook page, the source her grandparents tapped to find a volunteer to schedule their appointments. Stewart’s first clients: An elderly couple in their 80s with little computer experience. That night, she stayed up until midnight to score two appointments at a local Rite Aid. “When I told my dad that I made the appointments, he started to tear up,” Stewart recalled. “He knows I’m someone who likes to help people.”

    That experience began a string of late nights booking appointments for strangers who reached out via the Facebook page: Senior citizens. A cancer survivor. A man with a liver illness. The parents of friends. And even members of the Centenary University community. Their gratitude was evident. One person sobbed in relief. Another called Stewart “an angel.” In addition, Stewart educated others on how to navigate the online scheduling system, likely helping many more people.

    Stewart worked at finding appointments most evenings until 2 a.m., grabbing a few hours’ sleep before her first class at 10 a.m.

    “It was frustrating to me that these people—including people in their 80s and 90s—couldn’t get appointments,” said Stewart, who is still recovering from her own mild case of COVID-19 in February. “They didn’t grow up with computers and technology.”

    Stewart was excited to receive her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Thursday, May 6, and is looking forward to mid-June, when she can safely gather again with family and friends. Reflecting on the help she has provided to others, Stewart added, “At first, I didn’t realize the impact I was making on strangers’ lives. Their reactions made me happy, so I kept going. I’m just so grateful I could help.”

    Originally an education major when she enrolled at Centenary, this year Stewart changed her major to psychology, with a minor in criminal justice.

    “The pandemic has changed my career goals,” explained Stewart, who received a presidential challenge coin from Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy, for her vaccine volunteer work. Stewart plans to work in forensic psychology after earning a master’s in the field, an aspiration inspired by her late aunt, who was a prosecutor. Stewart said, “After helping people with their vaccine appointments, I know that I want to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”

    ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

    Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout N.J.

    Make Summer Count With CCM Summer Sessions

    Centenary Student Named Vaccine Hero For Seniors

    Make Summer Count With CCM Summer Sessions

    Has the pandemic created confusion for summer plans? Whether you decide to stay home or be on the go, make the summer count by taking CCM summer courses. CCM is an easy and convenient way to earn credits from a nationally ranked college at an unbelievable price.

    CCM offers five Summer Sessions, ranging in length – three, five, seven and 10 weeks long – to provide flexibility to stay on track – or even fast track – to higher education. Classes are offered in three formats: hybrid, remote and online, to best fit school into life.

    Summer Sessions are open to CCM students and visiting students from other colleges and universities. Sessions offered this year are:

    •     Early 5 Week: May 24 – June 26

    •     10 Week: June 2 – August 10

    •     Late 5 Week: June 28 – July 31

    •     7 Week: June 30 – August 17

    •     3 Week: August 2 – August 21

    CCM’s fall registration is also now open and classes begin on September 8. Apply today at www.ccm.edu/admissions. At CCM, students can select from more than 100 degrees, certificate and professional development programs. In addition, the college holds more than 160 transfer agreements with four-year institutions across New Jersey and around the country to ease the process to earn a bachelor’s degree.

    CCM has money to assist with expenses such as tuition, technology, housing, childcare and more. To apply, visit www.ccm.edu/admissions/financialaid/ccmcares-studentemergencygrant/.

    For free tuition through The Community College Opportunity Grant, provided by the State of New Jersey, visit www.ccm.edu/ccog/.

    Along with those funds, CCM each year awards approximately $26 million in financial aid and scholarships to its students allowing them to pursue a high-quality college education. Visit www.ccm.edu/admissions/financialaid/fa-scholarshipsonline-application/ to learn more.

    To view available courses for both summer and fall, go to https://titansdirect.ccm.edu/Student/Courses/. New students first need to apply to the college before registering for classes. Applications can be submitted at www.ccm.edu/admissions/.
     

    CCM Photography Students Exhibit Work

    CCM Photography Students Exhibit Work

    Make Summer Count With CCM Summer Sessions

    The Past is (also) Female by Luna Wroblewski.


    Come explore the creative works of photography technology students at County College of Morris (CCM) in Rnadolph. Nine students, who are completing their course of study, will have their work on display in the Photography Studio Portfolio Exhibition “Subconscious Dreamers” in the college’s Art & Design Gallery.

    The exhibition lasts through May 13. A reception, free and open to the public, is set to be held Wednesday, May 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone who comes to campus is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing, and the college is following state capacity guidelines.
     

    CCM Photography Students Exhibit Work

    Botanical Beauty by Hannah Steinel. 


    “‘Subconscious Dreamers’ showcases the self-directed projects from students currently enrolled in the Photography Portfolio Preparation course,” said Nicole Schwartz, who teaches the class. “The photographic images featured in the exhibition contain a wide range of subject matter, each unique and expressive. As their instructor and mentor, it has been a wonderful experience to watch each student’s project grow and evolve. Come celebrate their success.”

    Students exhibiting their work are Daniel Bielawski of Landing; Aaron Horan of Morristown; Mariaelena Kalas of Mt. Olive; Adis Morel-Rodriguez of Dover; Amanda Olsen of Roxbury; Justin Rusconi of West Patterson; Hannah Steinel of Parsippany; Blake Taylor of Wharton; and Luna Wroblewski of Kinnelon.
     

    CCM Photography Students Exhibit Work

    Rural Comfort by Blake Taylor.  


    The Art & Design gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center (LRC) on CCM’s campus. Gallery visitors should enter through the main LRC entrance where they will be temperature checked. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    To learn about the Photography Technology Program at CCM, go to http://bit.ly/PhotoTechCCM/.
     

    Unworthiness

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


    Staying in relationships that are toxic for you keeps you feeling unworthy.

    How many times have you stayed in relationships that didn’t fulfill you?  

    How many times did you settle for a relationship out of fear? You thought no one else would date you? You wouldn't make new friends?

    How many times did you stay in relationships that had conditions? They were only there for the good times? Nowhere to be found when your life got tough.

    How many times did you stay in relationships where they didn’t support or believe in you?

    How many times did you allow people to talk down to you? Criticize? Be judgmental?

    Did you think it’s normal because that’s how you talk to yourself?

    All of this keeps you feeling unworthy. Your relationships are telling you, you're not good enough, only for you to ignore the warning signs and stay thinking it’s all you deserve or it’s better than nothing… but is it really?

    How do you know someone is toxic? Sometimes we can’t see the signs that are right in front of us. Denial and numbness have a way of taking over. Let me give you some signs that a relationship is toxic.

    Does the person bring out stress, frustration, anger, hurt, etc. on you physically? If you feel it on your body when you're around this person or even just when they call or text, this is a sign. Your body is letting you know something isn’t right. Your body knows even if you're in denial. Trust your mind-body connection.

    After spending time with this person do you leave feeling exhausted, drained mentally and physically? Feel worse about yourself?

    Are you always trying to solve their problems, fix life for them, make them happy but they haven’t even asked how you are?

    Are they self-absorbed that all conversations start and end with them?

    Are they constantly putting you down?

    Are their words criticizing? Harsh? Judgmental? Instead of loving, empathetic and compassionate. Would you ever talk to someone you love that way?

    When you ask for help, advice, support - they run the other way, become frustrated or annoyed?

    Don't ignore the signs. Want to raise your self-worth, walk away from the toxic people.

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

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