Mt. Olive Online Publication April 16, 2025

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MOHS Alumnus Stays On Track For Olympic Return

By Cheryl Conway

After taking fourth place in the triple jump for track and field during the finals of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Keturah Orji is jumping at another shot of winning an Olympic medal.

The 2014 Mt. Olive High School graduate will be representing Team USA in the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo, set to be held Friday, July 23 through Sunday, Aug. 8.  The women’s triple jump event at the 2020 Summer Olympics is scheduled to take place on July 30 and Aug. 1 at the Japan National Stadium.

Staying in shape both mentally and physically was a challenge for Orji, but not enough to derail her from her aspirations.

“I’m so excited to make my second Olympic team,” says Orji, 25, during an exclusive interview with “Mt. Olive Online.” “I’m so blessed and grateful to be in this position and to be able to remain consistent and win my 5th consecutive outdoor U.S. title. This is the first step to achieving my ultimate goal of winning a medal in Tokyo!”

In the first round of the preliminary trials for the Olympics held Friday, June 18, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., Orji with the Atlanta Track Club completed her 

three jumps and won first place with a score of 46 feet-10.75 inches. The top 12 then competed in finals on Sunday, June 20, with Orji also jumping the furthest at 47 feet-7.75 inches. The top three- Orji; Tori Franklin; and Jasmine Moore, have been named to Team USA for the triple jump competition. 

Orji also competed in the Long Jump for Team USA on Thursday, June 24, in which she ranked eighth after jumping 21 feet-5.5 inches in the qualifying round. The top 12 went on to compete in the final round on Saturday, June 26, with Orji coming in seventh and jumping 21 feet-11 inches.

Training During Pandemic

Living in Chula Vista Calif., Orji is a professional athlete sponsored by the Mizuno Atlantic Track Club.

With many athletes having issues staying on track during the pandemic, Orji says Mizuno ATC “have been very supportive of me. I’m so appreciative of that relationship.”

Says Orji, “It was hard staying motivated. I had no motivation to train on some days,” especially when the 2020 Olympics were cancelled “and we didn’t have any competitions on our schedule.

“There was no goal in mind,” she says. “I didn’t know when the next meet would be; I didn’t know when the world would return to normal. On top of that, weight rooms were closed, tracks were closed; everything you would need to train was closed unless you were a distance runner and could just run on the road.”

For Orji, when the going got tough, she clearly got going.

“I had to really be creative,” she says. “I bought dumb bells and some weights to be able to lift at home. I was doing hill workouts. I also found stairs. I was doing stadium runs, and hops and jumps like that on stadiums; finding grass fields to work out in.

“So, it was definitely hard, especially being motivated, but I tried to just think of it as you’re not training for the Olympics right now; you’re just trying to maintain your health so that when the world does turn back to normal, you’re not so far behind everyone else. It was more of a maintenance phase.”

Record Breaker 

Support, hard work, practice and dedication surely contributed to her breaking the American Record in April this past year when she jumped 14.92 meters, or 48 feet-11 inches in Trula Vista, Calif., where she trains.

Her rival, Tori Franklin of Illinois, held the previous American record since 2018 when she jumped 14.84 meters or 48 feet-8.25 inches, after taking the record away from Orji.

This is not the first time Orji is breaking records. At the age of 20, she came in fourth place in the triple jump for track and field during the finals of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, jumping 48 feet and 3 ¼ inches, setting the female outdoor record in America.

On the collegiate level, she had competed on the University of Georgia team all four years, breaking even her own indoor record.

In 2018, during her last collegiate year, Orji broke the school, collegiate and American records in the triple jump, jumping 47 feet- 8 inches, beating her previous record of 46 feet-11.75 inches.

Orji was born to jump, literally. The sport opened for women in 1996, the same year Orji was born. She has been competing internationally since she was 17 years.

For the triple jump, athletes are always trying to jump just a bit further to beat or break a record.

To increase her jump, Orji says she has been working on some tactics like “taking 18 steps before I triple jump,” she says. She has also been working on drive phase, “making sure that’s good,” trying to be consistent and making her jumps more horizontal.

Orji says she used to struggle with inconsistency of the three phases of the triple jump, but she has been working on it to be more horizontal and more balanced throughout the phases.

“Obviously, we all have goals,” says Orji. “Our goal was to never achieve the American record; it was just to help me get better and that just came along with it so that was really nice.”

Going into the Olympic trials last month, Orji’s goal was “to jump 15 meters; that is a lustrous barrier that a lot of triple jump women hope to eclipse; not a lot of people are able to do it so it will be great to be added to that list of women who have surpassed 15 meters.

“I also want to jump over seven meters in the long jump, which again few have been able to do that much less do both.”    

Time For Relationships

During her maintenance phase during the pandemic, Orji says she appreciated the time off so she could spend some quality time with her family in Mt. Olive and her sister, who is living in Georgia.

“Usually during those months I’d be training and be very far from my family,” says Orji. “It was really nice to be able to see them and just spend time with them at a time when I usually would not be able to see them.”   

Besides training, Orji jumped at her chance in August 2020 to marry her love, Kisean Smith, a former 800-meter runner for the University of Georgia.

Orji says it was a “small ceremony, no reception,” with a Zoom link for family and friends to watch.

“It was nice to get people together,” she says and hopes to have a larger reception one day to celebrate.

She does credit her husband and family for keeping her motivation jumping.

She says her “sister was working out with me while we were in quarantine together.” They would go on hikes and became closer spending time together during the pandemic, she says. 

“My parents and husband have just always encouraged me and continue to help me really do my best and stay motivated,” says Orji.     

With spectators prohibited from attending this year’s Olympics, Orji’s family will not be allowed to see her compete in person like they did for the 2016 Olympics. “I’ll support her from here,” says her mom, Nicole Orji of Mt. Olive. “I’m happy I made it to Brazil,” thanking the community again for their financial support at that time to help pay the travel expenses. Due to COVID, “With everything that’s going, I’m ok.”

Not attending does not deflate their happiness nor excitement for Orji.

“I was pretty sure she would do it again,” says her mom. “I’ve always prayed for her to be injury free” since her younger years when she was a gymnast. “God has been very faithful to that. I thank God for his mercy and grace for answering those prayers.

“My husband and I are proud of her,” continues Nicole Orji. “She’s always doing extra stuff that I can brag about or smile about.”   

Advice From A Pro Athlete

Orji offers some advice to other athletes who would like to one day step into that professional arena.

She encourages all athletes “to really figure out what your goals are and just remind yourself of your goals consistently. Sometimes it’s easy to get lazy from the day to day because you’re not thinking about that goal you want to achieve. But when you remind yourself of it consistently…keeps you focused and reminds you of what you want to do.”

Orji also encourages “all athletes to find hobbies and interests that are outside of your sport.” She encourages others to “not put their identity in their sport,” as she says, “our sport at some point comes to an end and ultimately our sport will always let us down.”

She says, “no matter how hard you train you are going to have those practices or meets where you don’t perform as well as you want to. Sometimes it can really, really mess with your mind and make you doubt yourself and doubt a lot of things.”

Athletes need to keep in mind “they are more than their sport; your accomplishments and failures don’t define you, it’s just who you are. If something in your sport doesn’t work out, there’s still so many other opportunities out there with other talents and abilities.

“Diversify your interests,” she advises. “Spread out your talents.”  

“To learn more about me, follow my day-to-day life, and see my journey to Tokyo,” go to www.keturahorji.com, and her instagram @ktorr1. 

Photo Gallery

    Welcome readers to the 70th issue of Mt. Olive Online.

    Parents/Athletes Inflate Concerns On Playing In Bubble

    By Cheryl Conway

    There are two sides to every bubble…. well at least there is at the Mt. Olive High School Marauder Dome.... ‘aka’ the bubble. 

    Some parents and players are speaking out against the idea of the bubble staying up again this upcoming school year and information they heard about outdoor sports having to play inside the bubble for games and practices. Boys’ and girls’ soccer, lacrosse and field hockey would be subject to play inside the bubble. 

    Parents wrote a letter to the editor about their concerns and others complained about the idea on the sidelines. But Mt. Olive School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Zywicki deflates that bubble rumor, reassuring the community that there are other plans in the works.

    Zywicki suggests that concerned parents and players should think “outside the bubble” …literally, and when they do have an issue to call him to discuss.

    “Call Zywicki; he answers his phone,” says Zywicki.  "They can just call me, and I can give them all the information. I’m here, people can just call me. Reach out to me. That’s what I’m here for; talk to me.”

    In a letter to the editor this past week, parents raised several concerns about their kids playing in the bubble this fall located at the rear of Mt. Olive High School in Flanders. Concerns ranged from germs recirculating especially after the COVID 19 scare; uncomfortable temperature playing without air-conditioning; limited spacing and accessibility; inability to raise funds without concession stand; loss of video camera in sky box stadium; and decision to fund new scoreboard at Marauder Stadium rather than using those funds to take down the bubble.

    See the full letter to the editor at the end of this article.

    Why The Bubble Stays Inflated

    The bubble over the turf field was an approved expenditure by the previous MOHS Superintendent Dr. Larrie Reynolds.

    The bubble used to get taken down and put back up in the colder months. But when it got too costly, and the manufacturer’s warranty ran out, school officials decided to take matters into their own hands.

    In November 2019, the Mt. Olive Board of Education was informed that it had violated the manufacturer’s warranty.

    “They took it down and ripped it,” by accident, explains Zywicki.

    Then last year, a snowstorm had caused more damage to the bubble.

    School officials decided to do a pilot in the 2020/2021 school year to keep it up and see how it went, he explains.

    In August, the bubble will come down to fix the panels that had been in disrepair from the snowstorm, but then it will go back up. The school district will then have to wait six to eight months before they can take it down again because of the manufacturer’s warranty, explains Zywicki.

    Next April “will be detrimental” as to whether the bubble will stay up or come down.

    “Once we make repairs in the Dome, we will see if we can put it up and take it down.

    Sports Outside The Bubble

    In the meantime, there are alternative plans for teams to play on other fields.

    Like last season, the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, lacrosse and field hockey will get to play their games at the Marauder Stadium, where the MOHS football team plays, as well as the turf fields at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake, and the Mt. Olive Middle School Turf field, says Zywicki. 

    There is also another “project in the hopper,” says Zywicki. The current baseball field at the high school is faced with “terrible drainage.”

    Bids went out to fix the drainage, but they were rejected in March as they came in too high, says Zywicki.

    The idea now is to turn the baseball field into a “multi-purpose turf field,” to be utilized by soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball and softball, says Zywicki.

    “We are going out for bid in September,” he says, adding that the field could be done earliest next spring or next summer.

    The bubble will be used only on a “case by case basis,” Zywicki says. “We can if we need to, if it’s pouring rain. Once we get the other field in, we’re in a good place.”

    The bubble will also be used during the school day, will be rented out and used for practices by teams including the football and soccer teams when there are games being played at the stadium, he says.  

    Bubble Woes

    Vito Del Vescovo has two rising seniors and will not be happy if his son, Nico, must play his games in the bubble.

    His other son, Tony, plays basketball so he should not be affected.

    “Soccer is not meant to be played inside a bubble,” says Del Vescovo. “My main concern is there is no air circulation and since we are still in a pandemic, we would be putting our kids in a dangerous situation. Who will take responsibility from the district for this decision if God forbid one of these kids was to get the COVID-19 virus?

    “Other concerns: Field too small, no quality air for parents to also breath in,” he says. “I don't think we can also get good video footage in a bubble, no sunshine on the players.”

    When asked if there are any pros to playing in there, he says “There are no pros to playing [in] the bubble.” 

    He suggests: “If the bubble stays up, we have to have the ability to use the football field as we have done in the past. I am disappointed that we are discussing this now after everything we have been through in the last two years. It’s my kids last year and the district and school should be doing everything in their power to make this the best season/year ever.” 

    Some players are also unhappy with the idea of playing inside the bubble.

    Senior Kyle Birmingham, varsity captain goal keep of the MOHS boys’ soccer team, says “I strongly dislike the bubble.”

    He says, “reason one: You can tell it’s totally different on what we want to experience. We feel enclosed; lighting is different; can’t breathe. You feel closed in.”

    Birmingham says he had a practice in there last year for a week and “it was terrible; air was musty; my skin felt itchy. I even got a rash on my skin. When you run in the bubble you feel disgusting; 90 minutes of straight running, just feeling enclosed, the feeling you have. I was not the only one complaining; it’s not just me.”

    Reason two deals with tactical concerns: “Goalkeeper wise and soccer players- when you go in there, I’m supposed to see the whole field,” says Birmingham, who has been playing soccer for 10 years. He was told by his coach, “to get used to it.” But he realizes, you can’t see in there” as the lighting is dimmer. “From practice, we played worse. For punting, I hit the ceiling a thousand times; it all gets messed up.”

    Soccer players, such as midfielders, like long balls, but Birmingham says “I feel you can’t play the ball like you want to. You can’t play at your full potential” inside a bubble. 

    Reason three: Booster club can’t make money, says Birmingham. Without food nor drinks allowed inside the bubble, the Booster club cannot use the concession stand.

    “It’s our senior year,” says Birmingham. “I want people to come and see me play. I want my friends to come see me play. My dad takes the pictures; the lighting will be messed up. There’s just a bunch of cons to playing in the bubble.”

    Reason four: Safety. “I feel it’s very unsafe in the bubble,” says Birmingham. “Players run into the netting; poles fall on players. There’s not enough space to play.” He says they had to move up the soccer goals about a foot off the line.

    “What if the bubble just pops?” says Birmingham. “There’s very tight space. If a pole hits the side of the bubble, or cleats?”

    If it is rainy or windy, Birmingham agrees the bubble could be a good thing, but "in the fall, it’s nice weather.

    “I would love to play outside,” he concludes. “I’d play in the stadium,” if the bubble stays up. “I want my final games outside so everyone can watch me on a turf field school campus where everyone can see me.” 


    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    June 28, 2021


    Dear Editor,


    I am writing to you with concerns over the bubble at the MOHS and the understanding that it will remain in place with the start of HS fall sports. The turf field was just installed a few years ago but the bubble was always taken down so the HS teams could utilize the fields. Now, Dr. Zywicki has stated the bubble will remain up and the student athletes are expected to play their respective sports inside of the bubble. There are many concerns with that, safety being the first and foremost.

    1 – COVID – Last year sports teams were not allowed to play inside of the bubble due to COVID protocols. However, we still do not know what the fall will look like when it comes to COVID and restrictions. These students have been through enough without worrying about their season being impacted due to spikes in COVID cases. Being indoors could once again increase the spread of COVID and once again jeopardizing the safety of the students and coaches. At the end of the school year, spectators were not allowed at the wrestling championship or drama club performance. The risk of this happening again in the fall is greater by playing in the bubble.

    2 – Temperature – The bubble is not airconditioned nor does it have proper ventilation, especially for the summer heat when student athletes start their season. Supposedly fans will be installed, potential even misting fans. If we have learned anything from the mold situation at the middle school, wet air in a confined space is recipe for disaster, not to mention what implications fans have for COVID. Those that attended the recent BOE meeting held in the bubble can attest to the heat and can imagine how difficult it would be for athletes running around for over an hour to breathe.

    3 – Spacing – Playing small sided 8v8 soccer games in the winter had kids running into the protective netting, running into the side of the bubble and the risk of injury was high. For an 11v11 indoor soccer game, NCAA rules state coaches and team benches need to be 10 feet away from the touch line while spectators need to be 20 feet, while NFSH recommends at least 10 feet for both.  In previous years, spectators watched games on that field and stand on the ground just outside the turf which is outside of the perimeter of the bubble. How will spectators, college coaches, and even the players be ‘safe’ in the limited space in the bubble? What happens when a referee or another team see the space and refuse to let us play due to safety concerns?

    4 – Money – Most are aware of the ongoing debate that the bubble costs so much money to take down, which is why it must remain up. One would assume these cost implications were considered when deciding to put the dome up in the first place. This was a debate before COVID so blame cannot be on the pandemic. The money was spent to put in the new turf field but decisions to keep the dome up permanently makes that field almost useless to anyone but MOSC. Instead of purchasing a new jumbotron for the football field, those funds could be leveraged instead to fund the cost of taking the bubble down for the fall season. The bubble was damaged over the winter so it will be taken down this summer for repair anyway. Aside from the cost of taking it down, repairing it, and putting it back up again, why not leave it down until the winter?

    5 – Limited accessibility – the bubble is often locked or being shared with MOSC, so as players want to practice outside of school, the field is not available.  At the stadium, goals for soccer and/or field hockey are often thrown over the fence making it impossible for players to use other space to practice on their own.

    There are additional factors as well that impact these teams including the inability for multiple teams to raise funds through concessions, since food and drinks are supposedly not allowed in the bubble. The teams also lose access to the video camera in the sky box in the stadium.

    Alternatives that have been discussed include playing on the baseball field. Why not allow all teams to play in the stadium? What is the cost there to retrofit the baseball field into a soccer /field hockey / lacrosse field and the cost to add ventilation/fans to the bubble? Should Varsity players be forced to play on grass while the Middle School teams play on turf at their field? Why are certain teams being displaced and punished for decisions made that are out of their control and without their input? Did anyone think about who they are hurting and the ripple effect of these decisions? These athletes deserve better.

    Decisions were made in a ‘bubble’ (yes I did that) without the community’s knowledge. As I am sure there are political reasons at play here, but I must ask why wasn’t this decision voted on by publicly? The parents as well as the student athletes need to be aware that their seasons will be played in these unsafe and unfair conditions. Maybe the hope was once it was public knowledge it would be too late for the parents and players to act. Others in the community need to be aware. The only options acceptable to our student athletes is to either take down the bubble or allow teams to share the stadium in the fall.


    Yours,

    Concerned MOHS Parents of Student Athletes

    Authentic Cuisine, Giving- Rosarita’s Brings Flare & Care

    By Cheryl Conway    


    Six months new, Rosarita’s Mexican Grill in Flanders is cooking up a full menu of delicious traditional recipes, mixing in some hospitality and community outreach, filling bellies and providing a seat to all who are hungry.

    Located at 286 Highway 206 South, Flanders Village Mall, in Flanders, Rosarita’s Mexican Grill recently opened its doors on January 4, in the vacated space that was once operated by Golden Burrito.  Rosarita’s specializes in TexMex and authentic Mexican cuisine, offering lunch, dinner and dessert menu options for indoor, outdoor, lighted patio dining with music and take-out.

    Husband and wife- Alex and Meg Fonseca of Green Twp., - are co-owners in their family run business. Their specialties are homemade recipes passed down from generations as well as love, community support and feeding the hungry.

    “Lots of family and lots of love,” describes Meg Fonseca, about her new restaurant. “Everything is homemade.”

    Homemade Recipes

    From the name of the restaurant to the cuisine on the plate, tradition takes precedent at Rosarita’s.

    “Alex’s mom is Rosa; my mom is Rita,” explains Fonseca as to how they decided on a name of the restaurant.

    From Sinaloa, Mexico, Alex Fonseca immigrated to the United States about 20 years ago, bringing with him the traditional cuisine and family recipes from his grandparents, says Fonseca.

    Rosarita’s specializes in TexMex, which is a Texas American cuisine popular in Texas and California, explains Fonseca.

    It is an “infusion of American and Mexican flavors,” she says, with entrees including lots of corn-based meals, cheeses, local flavors, taco salads.

    It also specializes in “Mexican cuisines like such as enchiladas, chilles rellenos, carne asada and tamales.”

    There is a set menu with about 100 options, says Fonseca. Prices are affordable averaging $5 to $25 for entrée items. A, average family can eat at Rosarita’s with all courses, from appetizers to dessert, for $60.

    Can’t beat Taco Tuesday at Rosarita’s with $2 tacos and $3 carnitas, fish or shrimp. Tacos made anyway, “all day, every Tuesday” in hard- or soft-shell varieties.

    Rosarita’s offers lunch specials, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, salads and more.

    Another special is the Molcajete Caliente, an authentic steaming hot, volcanic rock dish filled to the brim with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, onions and peppers, topped with homemade tomatillo salsa and melty cheese. Served with grilled flour tortillas.

    Free sopapilla dessert with every order more than $30!

    Two Decades & Counting

    “Alex and I have been running his family restaurants for 20 years,” says Fonseca.

    The couple had previously opened three restaurants in Florida. Two were located at the Villages and Leesburg, Fla.; then they had opened their third restaurant, Fiesta Grande, in Mt. Dora, Fla.

    The two, work hand and hand: Alex is head chef; and Meg is head of house.

    Home is where her heart is, bringing the couple to New Jersey eight years ago.

    “I used to live here as a child in Lake Hopatcong,” says Fonseca. “I love New Jersey. I missed the atmosphere, the holidays and the snow and Christmas.”

    Before opening Rosarita’s, Fonseca was working as an emergency room unit secretary at Hackettstown Medical Center. She had just graduated from Drew University in Madison with a degree in English and creative writing.

    Her husband was working as an installation technician with Garden State Irrigation & Lighting, in Wyckoff, working with his cousins, installing sprinklers, high-end irrigation and outdoor TV systems, explains Fonseca.

    While they took their own paths professionally for a while, the pair realized their place back in the kitchen.

    “We wanted to open a restaurant for a long time,” says Fonseca, but at the time she was thinking that plan is “not in the universe for you. Then finally we took a leap,” says the 35-year-old.

    It is not easy to walk away from the restaurant business when that is what a person, like Alex Fonseca, has known his entire life.

    Cooking since he was 17 years old, Alex Fonseca “moved himself from dishwasher to head chef in six months,” working in his family’s restaurant.    

    They missed the people connection and satisfying hungry tummies.   

    “I’m a people person,” she says. “I love to meet new people. I should be mayor,” she laughs. “I’ll make you be my friend.

    “My house is your house,” says Fonseca. I want you to feel like you are at my house. I love cooking for people. I’m the hostess with the mostest; love joking around, making connections.”

    Besides keeping the traditional home-cooking as its cuisine, the Fonsecas continue the family structure of their business by having “mostly” family members as staff.

    They even encourage their two sons, David, 9, and Neri, 11, to help when they can whether it is rolling silverware or helping to serve food.

    “They bring chips and salsa; they fold silverware,” says Fonseca about her boys. “They like to help.”

    Their cousins are also on staff as dishwashers, waiter and waitress, she adds.

    Community Outreach

    Helping thy neighbor is a priority and the Fonsecas have made it a necessity in their business.

    "You can have a place to sit down and know that someone loves you,” says Fonseca. “Community is important. This is a table; anyone can sit here; anyone can eat here.” Rosita’s supports a reading program which encourages students to read, and their reward is a free meal. The Summer Reading Challenge Reading is a summer reading initiative program offered through the Mt. Olive Kiwanis Club from June 19-Sept 10 that gets kids reading 10 minutes a day.  “I’m a sponsor,” says Fonseca. “They bring in a sheet for fried ice-cream or free kids’ meal.”

    The purpose for the initiative is to keep students, aged infant to 18 years old, reading during the summer. 




    The goal is to get them to read 100 minutes a week, or 1,200 minutes during the entire program. 

    “For every 300 minutes they read, they get a free fried ice-cream or kids’ meal,” she says. 

    Fonseca is also considering on hosting a story-time at the restaurant once a week.

    One of the main reasons why the Fonsecas chose Mt. Olive as the home for their restaurant, was because of its community. 

    “We love the community,” says Fonseca as to why she chose Flanders. “Mt. Olive has so many activities,” as opposed to Green which is “very rural” and not many businesses.  She says they “looked for an area with a good attitude; looked for community where we could do good community outreach.” 

    She also liked that it is centrally located next to other great communities such as Roxbury, Chester, Randolph and Rockaway.  “You are close to everything,” says Fonseca.

    No One Goes Hungry at Rosarita’s

    Fonseca’s greatest fundraiser so far has been her Rosarita’s Mexican Grill Share-A-Meal.  She got the idea from Facebook, she says.

    “I found a guy in Chicago that has a pizzeria,” located in an area with a “huge homeless population,” she says. “They give $1 for a slice of pizza” to feed a homeless person.  “I said ‘Oh my God, I want to do that!’” says Fonseca. “For $10 I can give a meal to fill your belly for the night.”

    For Rosarita’s Share-A-Meal initiative, “Anyone can come in and purchase a meal for $10,” explains Fonseca. “Write a post-it and stick it on the wall.”

    These purchased meals are then distributed to those who are hungry or need support.

    “You get your meal for free,” she explains. “Everybody eats, or nobody eats.  If  you can help feed a neighbor, or need to feed a friend.”

    On a Taco Tuesday in April, Fonseca was able to feed 35 men through Market Street Mission in Morristown from the $10 Share-A-Meal initiative.  In May, she fed 60 homeless people on the streets of Morristown.  Not only did they get a free meal, but “The community got their notes of love and happiness,” she says from this initiative. 

    The post-it notes are the purchasers choosing. Some include funny memes and quotes, love letters, words of inspiration and hope, song lyrics and even games like tic-tac-toe, “so they can see that people care for them.” 

    It is “people talking to people,” says Fonseca. “With every meal, you get that note.  It’s the best! Human connection…that for me is worth everything.”

    With her next wave of Share-A-Meal purchases, Fonseca plans to feed 30 hungry people through the Market Street Mission in Newton; and after that, donated meals for the Mt. Olive Food Pantry.

    When a family of five- a single mom with four kids- walked into her restaurant two months ago, and “said she was having a tough time” and had not been out in a year, Fonseca provided the donated meals to this mom and her children. 

    “It was magical,” says Fonseca. “Community coming together, it was the best day. It does take a village to take care of each other. That was a good day.”

    Fonseca notes that recipients of the Share-A-Meal program do not have to live in Mt. Olive.  “They can be from anywhere; can be from California,” says Fonseca. “If you are hungry, come in. Share a meal. We will get you some tacos, rice and beans in your belly.” Each meal that is purchased for the Share-A-Meal program comes with chips, salsa and a drink. For $10, the purchaser can choose between 10 different meals to donate.

    “Some people share more than one,” says Fonseca.

    At least 100 people, and more than 150 meals, have been purchased and contributed since the Share-A-Meal program began.

    She has participated in other fundraisers as well.

    For the month of June, Rosarita’s contributed to the Trevor Project, a national non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning LGBTQ persons under 25.

    With June being Pride Month, to recognize the LGBTQ community, Rosarita’s participated in this fundraiser. For every slice of Tres Leches cake purchased in the month of June, Rosarita’s contributed $1 to the Trevor Project.

    Other fundraisers include Dine-To-Donate, in which groups eat at Rosarita’s and 10% goes back to that organization. Since February, Fonseca supported Mountain View Elementary School in Flanders twice with funds allocated to its PTA, field trips, class trips, sports and field day.

    In April, Rosarita’s supported Washington Girl Scouts with a Dine-to-Donate; on June 24, supported Mt. Olive Pirates Swim Team. As a member of the Sons of Liberty Club for Veterans, Rosarita’s offers a 10% discount for first responders, EMS, nurses and police.

    Challenges

    Starting a new business during a pandemic has clearly been the Fonseca’s greatest challenge, but thankfully, they are overcoming those obstacles.

    COVID- “that was fun,” Fonseca says sarcastically. “Who opens a restaurant during the middle of a pandemic? I got my vaccine; I got COVID myself so we had to shut down for a whole week; had to make sure it was disinfected.

    “I had no symptoms; it was on a whim that they tested me; I didn’t know I had it,” she says.

    Besides that, the “community was scared to come out” during the pandemic. “We did great on the carryout.” As more things have been opening, and more people are getting vaccinated, Fonseca says business has been picking up.

    “As things are opening up, we won’t have a dry seat in the house,” says Fonseca.

    Why Eat At Rosarita’s

    “We make everything homemade,” says Fonseca. “We get here early every day; everything made by hand for the day.”

    She says “a lot of love,” goes into their food. “If we don’t eat it, we won’t serve it.”

    The welcoming environment is the other reason, she says.

    “It’s the family feel,” says Fonseca. “We remember your name. We remember your family. We are missing that today with social media,” that person to person connection. “That’s missing today, and I want to bring that back.”

    The restaurant is small but can accommodate about 40 people inside, and another 10 people outside, she says, with tables of 14 to 16 people.

    Affordability is the other reason!

    “People are always amazed at our portions and prices,” says Fonseca. “Portions are huge. You will never leave here hungry, ever. I usually have to roll them out in a wheel barrel, but I charge extra for that; it’s a removal charge,” she laughs.

    BYOB is allowed on the premises. Non-alcoholic specialties include margaritas, frozen or on the rocks; homemade Pina coladas with ice-cream.

    Rosarita’s offers carryout, Door Dash, Grub Hub, online ordering, indoor and outdoor dining. Catering menu coming soon.

    Hours are Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, noon-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 7 p.m. Closed Mondays.

    For more information about Rosarita’s Mexican Grill visit rosaritasmexicangrill.net. 

    Call 973-927-4536. 

    Photo Gallery

      Hackettstown Woman Shares Her Stories With Courage & Purpose

      By Cheryl Conway

      There are those people who are “all talk no action,” and then there is Denise Washington who talks, acts and succeeds…surprising herself along the way by her potential-----and from looking at her track-record…may just be nothing less than limitless.  

      Washington, who lived in Mt. Olive for 30 years before moving to Hackettstown, recently won 1st place in Toastmasters District 83 Table Topics Contest. Not an easy quest, having to first win the area and division contests earlier this year, Washington competed against nine others winning it all during the April 29, 8:30 p.m., virtual event in New Jersey.

      At the age of 66, Washington is living her best life by taking on challenges and succeeding.

      “I was extremely nervous before each competition,” says Washington admitting that public speaking was always one of her fears. “I question myself beforehand. I make sure I’m wearing something comfortable. Each competition I question, ‘why am I doing this?’

      “I breathe deeply,” she says. “I remember why I’m doing this. If I can encourage someone to no longer question themselves,” that gives Washington her purpose. “Everybody has a story. We have a commonality regardless of what we share.” 

      Washington, who works as a compliance, education and coding specialist at Genesis Health in Kennett Square, Pa., first got involved in Toastmasters in 2018.

      “I was short on continuing education credits,” for the teaching portion requirements needed for her degree. She was originally planning on attending only three Toastmasters meetings to earn nine credits, but after having such a good experience she decided to stay and join as a member of Warren County Toastmasters Club.

      “That group, they are so supportive,” says Washington. She recalls her first meeting with them: “We had to do Table Topics. Someone said if you don’t speak now you will never speak. I was able to tell a story about my brother. I gave them the credit card that night to sign up.

      “I found my tribe,” says Washington. “You guys are equally crazy as I am. They are very supportive, always finding the positive.”  

      What Is Toastmasters?

      Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches communication and leadership skills through a worldwide network of more than 16,200 clubs in 142 countries, according to a press release. Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. Each year, thousands of Toastmasters compete in the Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics and International speech contests. Competition begins with club contests, and winners continue competing through the Area, Division and District levels.

      Warren County Toastmasters is under District 83, which is comprised of more than 120 corporate and community sponsored clubs in northern and central N.J., Rockland County and Staten Island, N.Y. It meets every first and third Thursday, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. temporarily online via Zoom. Washington is one of 20 current members- men and women aged 20’s to 70’s- in her local club.

      The group used to meet at the local senior center before the pandemic, nearby her residence.

      “I could walk to Warren County,” says Washington. “It’s approximately five minutes to my house.” 

      Since each chapter is different, Washington joined a second club five months ago- Northern Stars, a more advanced group to get stricter evaluations of her speaking capabilities for greater improvement.

      “Warren County group is a little biased,” says Washington. “I needed a group that I was not associated with. I’m not leaving Warren County. Northern Stars is known for evaluating other people.”

      Since joining Toastmasters, Washington has become a mentor of the Warren County group, and more recently a contester in area, division and district competitions this year.

      Leading Speaker

      Representing Warren County Toastmasters club, Area 12, Division A in the contests, Washington decided to challenge herself to her first Toastmasters contest. It was an area level contest in which she had to speak for two minutes and 28 seconds on the topic: “Tell me a time when someone gave you less credit that you deserve or misjudged you in a way.”

      Washington related this topic to her work. “Everything I spoke about was personal,” she says.

      This win bumped her to the Division level in November against 32 contestants. Her topic was: “Tell me about a time when you were on mute.”

      Says Washington, “You can be on mute when you are in trauma. I was mute; I didn’t communicate with people. Mute can be a healing force.”

      After winning at the Division level, she entered the District level contest in April in which she competed against nine others.

      The topic was about the pandemic: “As a result of last March, what have you learned?”

      Washington spoke about her “searching and finding my step-sister and the reason why. 

      “With Tabletop, you don’t know what the topic is,” says Washington. “You have a time limit,” and can’t go over. “When they say topic, there are sirens going off in my head; and then when they say it again, I say ‘ok.’

      Candidates are placed in their “own Zoom room,” and each take their turn to speak on the same topic.

      “We would speak one at a time,” describes Washington. “They take you into a another Zoom room; had to show them the phone to prove no one is texting you.”

      Candidates get to hear the others speak after their turn is up.

      Judges turn in their sheet to submit their scores after each person speaks.

      “It’s your review of that person,” says Washington, who has served as a judge before. “We do not know the number, the name nor who they are,” she says.

      Each talk is also timed.

      “I have my timer, big green, yellow, red timer,” which alerts her when there is just 30 seconds to go. “You can’t communicate to the judges after; can’t ask why I got that score.”

      Washington explains why judges do not explain their score: “That’s what the meetings are for,” she says. “If I’m giving a five-minute speech, that’s when you are evaluated.”

      She does know that the judges “thought that I created the story, had a distinct beginning, middle and end, had a lesson at the end and it has to make sense,” she says. “On that particular day, they are stating I did the best job.” 

      The surprise and challenge drive her.

      “Denise competed in contests because she enjoys the surprise aspect of Table Topics,” says Jessica Huang, District 83 Public Relations manager. “Having to create a meaningful speech with a beginning, middle and end is both a test in creativity and a test in the ability to touch your audience either with a life lesson or a common experience.”

      Not only does she enjoy the surprise for the topic, but winning the contests was even a greater surprise.

      “I didn’t even know I won,” says Washington. “I surprised myself.  I said to myself, ‘you didn’t even place.’ Before her name was announced, she texted her friends, as well as her two grown kids- Avery, 28, and Jordan, 31- who live with her but were not home, ‘I lost.’

      “I was at my kitchen table, I was going to do a namaste bow,” she explains before she found out she won. “When they said my name, I said ‘ooh isn’t it lovely.’ All I could say, ‘Oh my God I won,’ …that’s exactly what I said to myself,” she says.

      “I was shocked; I’m very happy.”

      During the contests, the public is invited to listen on the web; other club members, family and friends usually tune in.

      “They are very excited for me,” she says about her family and friends.

      After she lost her husband, her mother and her father, her 84-year old uncle Jack Jordan in New York had told her: ‘After this you are not coming out stronger, particularly in communicating with others.”

      That was her motivation to try.

      Her prize from these contests is a certificate, maybe a statue and most importantly greater confidence in public speaking.


      Confidence Builder

      From Toastmasters and her surprise win of these contests, Washington is much more confident about her speaking capabilities.

      “A lot of times when I speak off the top of my head, it’s something that I feel,” says Washington. “People say wow. It’s something I get with whoever I’m speaking with. That’s why I can excel in that.

      “Same thing when I’m teaching Spin,” she says. Besides her job in auditing, Washington has been a certified Spin instructor at Retro Fitness for group fitness classes since 2019. 

      “It’s some type of feeling that I get when I’m connecting with the audience.”

      Says Washington, “things I learn from Toastmasters, I didn’t even know I would need. All these skills I received from Toastmasters helped,” she says. 

      A year after joining, she was asked to give a speech in front of Rutgers professors. She treated it like a Table Top speech and gave her life story, and got a “standing ovation,” and invited back the following week to speak in front of 200 people at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) Mid-Atlantic Region.

      “One of the things which I am the proudest of is that as a result of hearing me speak at UPCEA, Rutgers included me in their Day of Continuing Education Studies Day,” she explains. “During this day of seminars, I gave a 30-minute speech detailing my lifelong love of learning and my pursuit to finally obtaining my degree 47 years after graduating from high school.”

      In her day job, she can attest to improved skills.

      “I present better,” she says. “I can now see based on the results. I educate providers, then they get audited.”

      She learned “it’s not how they understand it, it is how I present it.

      " present better as far as when I have to audit,” says Washington. “I listen better. The words I use are better, if I’m teaching people and they’re not getting it. I do the same thing at Spin,” as she uses it for effective coaching, motivation and strategies.

      She is also using these skills in her latest podcast on YouTube about health and wellness for older women that she started two years ago. In her podcast commentaries, Washington has been interviewing women touching on topics such as proper bike set-up for Spin, mammography and breast cancer.

      "No one gets left behind on this journey of life,” Washington says. By joining Toastmasters, competing, and winning on the District level, she is conquering her fear of public speaking as her mother conquered her fear of water in her 60s and became a Senior Olympian in swimming, says Huang.

      Some of her other most impressive accolades include winning the 2009 Mt. Olive Recreation Biggest Loser Contest losing close to 100 pounds at the age of 54; competing in five half marathons since 2010; working her way up to a divisional trainer in coding and operations; and returning to school at Rutgers University for a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in women’s gender studies; graduating summa cum laude with a 3.95 gpa; and being selected the 2019 Outstanding Continuing Education Student Award Winner for the UPCEA Mid-Atlantic Region, an association which supports the changing needs of the diverse student body of college students in the 21st century and furthering public awareness about the role of professional, continuing and online education in the public policy arena.

      Her goals now are “to continue to communicate well with others, for people to hear my story in different forms.”

      For more information about the Toastmasters events and club, visit warrencountytoastmasters.com.

      To learn more about District 83, visit http://www.tm83.org.

      Toastmasters International is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 364,000. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, visit www.toastmasters.org. 

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      MO’s Coffee With Cop Unites People, 1 Cup At A Time

      By Dawn M. Chiossi

      Police officers and coffee just seem to go together naturally. More than just a morning ritual or a simple caffeine jolt, coffee holds a host of benefits for all who drink it. When shared with others, it is extra special. Something as simple as sharing a cup of coffee can encourage people to slow down, take a break, talk with others, and even form bonds.

      That’s what Mount Olive’s Police Department counted on with their Coffee With A Cop program. Taking place quarterly, at various locations, the most recent Coffee With A Cop took place on Saturday, June 12. Grabbing a donut and cup of coffee, citizens and police gathered at Flanders Park to chat with each other.

      Initially founded in 2011, the Coffee With A Cop initiative was the brainstorm of police officers in Hawthorne, Calif. Dismayed by the changing dynamics of the community regarding their police departments, police searched for a way to build trust and relationships with their citizens. They decided that getting back to basics with a face-to-face causal gathering seemed to be ideal.

      Quite simply, the Coffee With A Cop initiative is based on the premise to build relationships between the police and the people in their various communities--outside of crises. An occasion where people could relax and get to know one another.

      At its core, Coffee With A Cop is about talking with each other and fostering goodwill. Additionally, it’s about trust--and in an era where people experience negativity and suspicion regarding the police, a program like this can be essential.

      Mt. Olive Police Officer Lonnie Elbaum quickly jumped on the idea in 2016, advocating for the Coffee With a Cop program for the town.  According to Chief Stephen Beecher, it was an idea easy for everyone to get behind, seeing that it was a perfect way to reach out and create a dialogue with the community members.  The program soon became a part of Mt. Olive’s Community Policing.

      “Coffee with a Cop is always nice,” Beecher asserted. “The June 12th event went well, I think--thanks in part to a girls’ soccer game going on,” he half-joked. “It’s nice to talk to people, get to know them, and hear their concerns and speak to those.”

      “It went great,” Corporal Michael Russell of Mt. Olive’s Police Support Division who runs point for the Coffee With A Cop program, said.

      Beecher calls the program ‘a unique tool to get out and meet people in a non-crisis situation.’ He enjoys getting out to meet the community.   

      Perhaps an event like this was even more critical now, given the pandemic everyone has been experiencing--as isolation takes its toll. “We wanted this particular Coffee With a Cop to be held outside,” Beecher related. “Since everyone has had a hard time with contact with others (in the pandemic). We are all trying to get back to normal.”

      “What was tough about this one was COVID restrictions that Coffee With a Cop had to be an outside venue,” Russell disclosed. “We chose Flanders Park because we wanted to have that foot traffic from the soccer games or the playground, places where parents, community members, and kids were.” He mentioned that the kids also enjoy the Coffee With A Cop events. While parents have coffee and chat with cops, the kids can enjoy some treats of their own such as donuts, giveaways, and stickers. “They love to see the police cars and hit the sirens,” Russell enthused.

      He estimated that in the two hours that Coffee With A Cop was taking place, there was a steady stream of people coming up to the officers there. Discussions ran the gamut from happenings in town to resident changes, to schools, and much more. For Beecher and his fellow officers, it was a way to reach out and put faces to names, seeking that personal connection that can sometimes be lacking.  “It is easier for people to talk to the police when they know somebody,” he said. “Having that dialogue...Even if it is to ask somebody what they think or run something by them. That way, it is easier for people to come forward when they do have a problem.” 

      Russell adds, "A lot of times police are called to an incident or a traffic accident, it’s impersonal, and people are nervous.  Coffee With a Cop allows people to see a more personal side of us, to get to know us on a more personal level.”  In the end, Coffee With A Cop was about accessibility and reaching out, opening doors for law enforcement and the community to get together. It was about building bridges and not walls.  Russell, who grew up in Mt. Olive, stated that for both community members and police, it’s a win-win, and he is thrilled about how the momentum for these events keeps building. “Mount Olive supports and appreciates us, and we support and appreciate the community. That’s why this event works.”  The sentiment is echoed by Beecher: “There are so many negative issues that these guys (police) have to deal with, but Coffee With A Cop is about conversation, connection, and having a few laughs. Being happy to meet with the public that comes out, being encouraging, making a connection... It’s such a simple but important mission," he shares.  Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing Services. The program has been utilized in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Europe, Australia, and Africa. 

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      Local and County News

      Triathlon Planned To Benefit The Arc of Warren County

      Triathlon Planned To Benefit The Arc of Warren County

      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.

      Summer heat 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. 

      Triathlon Planned To Benefit The Arc of Warren County

      Triathlon Planned To Benefit The Arc of Warren County

      Triathlon Planned To Benefit The Arc of Warren County

      It is back! After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, a Tri Mountain Lake Sprint Triathlon that will support The Arc of Warren County is set to take place at 8 a.m. on July 17, at Mountain Lake in Liberty Township.

      This is a one-of-a-kind triathlon that will include a ¼ mile swim, a 15-mile bike ride and a three-mile run. This is a USAT sanctioned triathlon and teams or individuals are welcome to participate. This event is presented by DASH Multisport, LLC and The Arc of Warren County. The cost to participate is $110 for individuals and $75 per person for teams of three.

      “We are extremely pleased to offer a fun morning for fitness enthusiasts once again,” says John Whitehead, CEO of The Arc of Warren County. “This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature and the lake and participate in a local triathlon. Please consider participating in this exciting event and supporting The Arc of Warren County.”

      Special thanks to the following sponsors: Made Strength and Conditioning, St. Luke’s Health Network, Sanico, Inc., Visions Federal Credit Union, Assured Partners/Walsh Benefits, Maguire-Scala Memorial Home and Yellow Dog Investments. In addition, thank you to the following organizations for their in-kind donations: ShopRite of Hunterdon, Gibson’s Gym, Mama’s & Café Baci and Papi’s Coffee Shop.

      There is also time for additional local businesses to become a sponsor for this opportunity.

      For more information about sponsorships, call (908) 223-0884 or (973) 975-6001. Interested parties can also visit http://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Liberty/TRIMountainLake to register.

      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 67 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.

      3rd Annual Arc of Warren County Food Truck Fest Set

      Triathlon Planned To Benefit The Arc of Warren County

      Don’t miss The 3rd Annual Arc of Warren County Food Truck Fest at Donaldson Farms in Hackettstown this summer. The outdoor fundraiser is set to be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 24. It includes 14 gourmet food trucks, craft beer and hard seltzer, live bands and farm-fun activities throughout the day. The event will benefit The Arc of Warren County.

      Many thanks to the following organizations that are serving as sponsors: The House of the Good Shepherd (Biergarten Sponsorship), John Johnson Auto Group (Music Sponsor), Mutual of America (Hayride Sponsor), Hunterdon Healthcare (Greeting Sponsor), Valley Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Lawn Sprinklers, LLC. (Cooling Tent Sponsor), Fulton Bank (Pony Area Sponsor) and AssuredPartners Inc./Walsh Benefits (Friendship Plus).

      Much appreciation to the following organizations that are Friendship Sponsors: HomeLight, Maguire-Scala Memorial Home, Inc., Unity Bank and Viking Pest Control.

      Donaldson Farms and Mega-Bite Events have collaborated for the second year to host this premiere food truck festival which will feature delicacies from more than a dozen specialty food trucks including Empanada Guy, Amanda’s Bananas and more!

      Live music will be performed by JerZgirls, a local favorite from Washington; Kinderhook, Americana country-rock; and Naughty Humphries, a classic rock and roll favorites band. Attendees can also pet ponies, enjoy hayrides and more. Craft beer and hard seltzer will be available for purchase from Czig Meister Brewing Company.

      The Arc of Warren County’s gift shop, Serendipity, will be selling candles, soaps and jewelry.

      Attendees are asked to bring their own picnic blankets and lawn chairs. Chairs with umbrellas are allowed, but no freestanding beach umbrellas or pop-up tents are permitted for safety reasons.

      “I am so pleased that we can work with Donaldson Farms again this year and hold The 3rd Annual Arc of Warren County Food Truck Fest,” says John Whitehead, CEO of The Arc of Warren County. “I hope it will provide families with the experience of a relaxing and enjoyable day. It also provides the Agency with an opportunity to raise awareness about the organization.”

      Cost to attend the Food Truck Fest is $7 for pre-sale adult tickets and $8 that day; $5 for children 4-10 day of and $4 in advance. Tickets can be purchased at www.megabiteevents.com/festivals/

      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 67 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.

      Morris County Jumps “Into the Light” for Juneteenth

      "Into the Light" by Rosalind Nzinga Nichol 


      Morris County Jumps “Into the Light” for Juneteenth

      Virtual Exhibit of African American Art Sponsored with “Art in the Atrium”

      New Jersey’s first Juneteenth observation was celebrated by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners and Art in the Atrium (ATA) with a virtual exhibit and sale of African American art entitled “Into the Light,” which went live on June 19 and will continue through Oct. 22.

      “Into the Light” is the title of the Juneteenth celebratory exhibit as well as the title of the signature piece on display there – a colorful representation of an African American woman as Lady Liberty. It was created by multi-media artist Rosalind Nzinga Nichol, who is featured in the exhibit and explained that the title of her work and the virtual art exhibit emerged simultaneously.

      “It’s not about liberty,” said Nichol. “It’s about having more clarity of vision. It was important to us to not keep taking things back to the 60s, keep taking things back to liberty or the end of slavery. It’s like, we’ve moved on, way on beyond that. We had to put it into the context of today, and that is where the title ‘Into the Light’ came from.”

      The exhibit is free and may be viewed at artintheatrium.org



      "Now is The Time" by Leroy Campbell


      “Juneteenth is truly an important event in American history,” said Morris County Commissioner John Krickus. “We are celebrating June 19, 1865, two months after the Civil War ended, when Union General Gordon Granger delivered the news to enslaved communities in Texas that they were now free. This was two years after Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring that all those who were held as slaves were forever free. So please join us in viewing "Into the Light," and the Morris County Board of Commissioners and Art in the Atrium as we celebrate the first Juneteenth in New Jersey."

      President Joe Biden signed a bill declaring June 19 to be Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday. Juneteenth was initially celebrated only in the South, primarily in Texas, by freed slaves beginning June 19, 1866. New Jersey first celebrated it as a state holiday this year.

      “Into the Light,” which will run virtually through Oct. 22, is being co-sponsored by Art in the Atrium, which also is sponsoring a physical exhibit at the Morris Museum called: “The Social Fabric: Black Artistry in Fiber Arts, An Exhibition in Homage to Viki Craig.”




      “Nighttime Light" by Antoinette Ellis-Williams


      “Art in the Atrium was founded 29 years ago by Victoria Craig and Charles Craig, my parents. … It’s a nonprofit, volunteer organization with a mission to educate and exhibit African American fine art right here in lovely Morristown, New Jersey,” said Lauren LeBeaux Craig, executive director of ATA. 

      "Art in the Atrium is thrilled to open our virtual art exhibit, “Into the Light,” to coincide with the celebration of Juneteenth. We are proud to be a part of Morris County's rich Black history and legacy and we are grateful to the Morris County Commissioners for recognizing our contribution to the community.

      "Art in the Atrium was born in the atrium of the Morris County Administration Building on Court Street, Morristown, where four floors of African American art exhibits have been offered over the years.  It is the largest exhibit of its kind in New Jersey. In 2001 and again in 2016, ATA was named "Arts Organization of the Year" by Morris Arts.

      ATA offered its first virtual exhibit and sale last year during the pandemic, but Morris County plans to reopen the atrium to art exhibits in 2022. 



      Morris County Surveys Residents About Farms

      Aerial view of Scott Farm in Long Valley, where more than 740 acres were preserved through the Farmland Preservation Program.  


      Do you enjoy farms, farmer markets? Let Morris County know!

      An online survey has been launched by Morris County to gather preservation planning data.

      Do you shop at farmers markets and local roadside stands for fruits and vegetables?

      Perhaps your family prefers local garden shops to big-box stores for finding spring and summer plants. Some people just love visiting Morris County’s many farms to see the animals, pick pumpkins and breathe the country air.

      Then again, maybe none of it matters to you.

      Morris County needs to know. Please take part in an easy, online survey that will help Morris County determine how to plan farm preservation efforts for the next decade.

      You can click on the survey HERE.




      The Wightman Farm roadside stand on Mount Kemble Avenue in Harding Township where produce from the farmland preserved in 2002 is sold.  


      From now through July 9, the survey will be open to collect the opinions and observations of residents, visitors and farmers on the importance they place on farming in Morris County and what they envision for the future. The data is part of an effort to update the county’s Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan – an important step for Morris County to continue receiving state funds for its Farmland Preservation Program, which has preserved more than 100 farms, while allowing the farm owners to continue to own and operate their properties.

      “Funding for the Farmland Preservation Program comes from the Morris County Preservation Trust and from the State Agriculture Development Committee or SADC,” said Katherine Coyle, director of the Morris County Agriculture Development Board.  “Under the state’s rules, each county must adopt and update a Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan to be eligible for the state funding we put towards preserving our dwindling farms.”  



      Nadine McEvoy, general manager of Wightman Farm in Harding Township, set out strawberries yesterday that were grown at the preserved farmland. 


      The Morris County Board of County Commissioners created the county Agriculture Development Board in 1983 to oversee the Farmland Preservation Program. Since 1987, when the 14-acre Cupo Farm in Washington Township became the first property preserved through the program, 138 farms totaling over 8,000 acres have been permanently preserved in Morris County.

      Through the program, the property owners enter into agreements that permanently preserve their farms as farmland, while allowing them to continue to own and operate the land.

      The Agriculture Development Board needs to update its preservation plan, which was last overhauled in 2008, and is working with Heyer Gruel & Associations to finalize the effort. The plan will provide an overview of agriculture in Morris County, along with mapping showing the Agriculture Development Areas, as well as project areas where the county has or will preserve farms in the future.

      It will also prioritize lands for preservation based on input from the public and from existing county planning documents.




      MO Democrats Announce Elected Leadership Team

      MO Library Fills Up Summer Calendar With Activities

      The Mt. Olive Democrats selected their leadership team for the term beginning June 2021 at their bi-annual reorganization meeting held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building on June 14.  Andy Meissner was elected chair; Irene Sergonis as vice chair; Judi D’Alessandro as treasurer; and Sheri Merkel as secretary. 

      In addition, the following newly elected Committee Members, also known as District Leaders, were also announced:   Janina Bradford, James Buell, Lewis Candura, Susie Caufield, Ryan Curtis, Judi D’Alessandro, Daniel Decker, Denise DiPiano, Jerry Gallagher, Dr. Antoine Gayles, Elena Mooney-Graham, John Hebble, Victor Jacksier, Elaine Katz, Fred Katz, Andy Meissner, Christine Meissner, Barbara Melveger, Sheri Merkel, Melviena Miller, Shelly Morningstar, Robert O’Connell, Tara-Lyn O’Connell, Bonnie Niederman, Virginia Reiner, Stephanie Rodriguez, Irene Sergonis, Sergio Sergonis, Colette Tarallo, Carl Truhn, Dawn Truhn, Gray Tuttle, Andy Wiginton and David Wilson.   

      “It’s exciting to see so many people from across the community – including long-time members and many who were elected for the first time this year - stepping forward to serve the community and support the election of our state, county and local candidates.” said Meissner. 

      There are four Mt. Olive Town Council seats up for election this year, all of which are currently held by Republicans. The seven seats on the Mt. Olive Twp. Council are currently held by all Republican declared residents. Dr. Antoine Gayles, Nicole Spaldo, Alicia Sharma, and Jordan Bernstein are the 2021 Democratic candidates for Town Council running under the banner of New Voices - Real Vision.   

      “We look forward to being active in the community this campaign and sharing our vision for Mount Olive – a town we love – to be even better for all of our friends and neighbors.” Added Meissner. 

      For more information on the Mt. Olive Democrats, including how to join as a leader or volunteer, visit: http://www.mountolivedemocrats.org/

      MO Library Fills Up Summer Calendar With Activities

      MO Library Fills Up Summer Calendar With Activities

      MO Library Fills Up Summer Calendar With Activities

      The Mt. Olive Public Library will host its annual Adult Summer Reading Program through August 7.  Featuring prizes, crafts and several exciting programs!

      Educator, naturalist and conservation biologist David Alexander, will give a fishing demonstration on Thursday, July 8 from 6:15 p.m.-7:45 p.m.  He will discuss fish species, local water bodies, fishing equipment, knots, bait selection and technique.  He will also cover filleting and camp cookery. Rain date is July 12.

      For those thinking about raising animals in their backyard, Roseanne Oblen of High View Farms in Budd Lake will inform listeners on how to raise chickens on Tuesday, July 13 from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., with a rain date of July 15.   She will discuss the care, feeding and shelter that is needed to raise own poultry.

      Gail Di Domenico from the Rutgers Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau will present an online Zoom presentation entitled, “Paradise Gardens for Pollinators & Wildlife” on Tuesday, July 20, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. She will discuss how to attract butterflies, birds and hummingbirds, bees, dragonflies and other interesting creatures in the backyard.  Find out what trees, shrubs and plants are needed to help restore native habitats and the environment. 

      William “Bill” Streeter, executive director of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center, will bring six amazing raptors to the library for education and enjoyment, on Tuesday, July 27 at 11 a.m. 

      The program will be held outside in the front of the library near the Gathering Room.  The birds include a peregrine falcon, American kestrel, great-horned owl, saw-whet owl, a red-tailed hawk and a bald eagle. Rain date is July 29.

      Painter Dorothy Jaretsky will provide step-by-step instructions on how to produce a portrait of an owl on canvas on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. No experience is necessary but seating is limited.

      Registration for the programs will be on Eventbrite.com and on the library’s website, mopl.org.

      Registration for the reading and prizes, is at mopllibrary.readsquared.com

      For further information, call the library’s Reference Department at 973-691-8686 x112.

      Donations Sought To Empower Women’s Shelter

      MO Library Fills Up Summer Calendar With Activities

      MO Library Fills Up Summer Calendar With Activities

      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/.



      Other News

      CCM Offers Pharmacy Tech Apprenticeship Program

       

      Opportunities to become a healthcare professional have never been better and County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph is here to prepare anyone aspiring to join this exciting field. Along with its acclaimed nursing, radiography and respiratory therapy programs, the college now is offering a new Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program that provides paid on-the-job training in addition to classroom learning.

      Pharmacy technicians work with licensed pharmacists in pharmacies, hospitals and assisted living facilities to properly dispense medications and with insurance companies to ensure the best coverage for the consumer. 

      Why Be an Apprentice?

      An apprenticeship is a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and their apprentices. Apprentices gain expertise in an innovative program, gain a quality education, and create a direct connection to a healthcare employer to receive paid on-the-job training. The CCM program prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam to gain its CPhT credential. The CCM program is ideal for individuals seeking a next step following high school graduation, those who need to work while earning a college degree, and individuals seeking better employment opportunities.

      To enroll in the program, students need to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be proficient in math and English, and pass background and drug screening checks. If interested in learning more about CCM’s pharmacy technician apprenticeship program, complete this form and a member of the CCM team will reach out to you.

      Employer partners are a critical component of apprenticeship programs. The Center for Workforce Development (WFD) is looking to cultivate partnerships with local pharmacies and healthcare facilities to host apprentices. Collaborating with CCM, as an employer partner, is an opportunity to gain access to a dedicated funding source that will cover the cost of the training and offset additional employee wages. Want to know more? WFD will be holding a virtual open house for employers on Wednesday, June 30, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. To register and receive a link for the open house, complete this form.

      Students or employers interested in learning more, can contact apprenticeship@ccm.edu.

      NJ Native’s Photography Visible In N.Y. Museum Collection

      Lola Flash is thrilled to announce that her works have entered the Collection of the Museum of Modern Art, N.Y. The work was acquired with support from the Geraldine Murphy Fund and she is grateful for the support of Clément Cheroux, Thomas Lax and everyone at MoMA. 

      Lola Flash born and raised in Montclair, is an African American NYC based photographer whose work has often focused on social, LGBTQ and feminist issues. An active participant in ACT UP during the AIDS epidemic in New York City, Flash was featured in the 1989 "Kissing Doesn't Kill" poster.

      Flash has work included in important collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Brooklyn Museum. She is currently a proud member of the Kamoinge Collective. 

      Flash received her bachelor’s from Maryland Institute and her master's from London College of Printing in the UK.

      Flash works primarily in portraiture with a 4x5 film camera, engaging those who are often deemed invisible. 

      For more information on Flash’s work, visit: www.Lolaflash.com

      Make Summer Count With CCM Summer Sessions

      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:

      •     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/.
       

      What We Need Is Forgiveness For Ourselves

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


      Forgiveness for not being perfect during this time of crisis: This was and still is brand new territory for all of us. We did the best we could in a situation we couldn't have prepared nor planned for. What is important is learning from this situation so we are better prepared for any other crisis that will come. 

      Forgive yourself for not feeling or acting like yourself: Everything is constantly changing. This can cause fear and confusion.

      Forgive yourself for all the judgments, harsh and critical words you have spoken to yourself. We all did the best we could under the circumstances. Be kind and compassionate with yourself; it’s what we all need.

      Forgiveness for falling back into old habits: If you have fallen off the wagon, it's OK. You can start again tomorrow.

      Forgiveness for all the anger you’re feeling: We are constantly being bombarded with fear and negativity. The feelings of anger might come up. It will be a roller coaster ride of emotions for a while. Remember anger is a secondary emotion; look underneath the anger to see what else is there. We need to feel all the emotions to heal.

      Forgiveness for trying to control a situation that is out of your control:  It could be a trait you have like me (I'm a control freak) or it could be trying to make yourself feel better. Either way, it's OK. However, now is the time to let go and accept what is at this moment. Work on only things you can control.

      Forgiveness for decisions made in fear: We are all feeling anxious and fearful. We have no idea what the new norm will look like or when we will be there. Next time you have to make a choice or decision ask yourself, is it being made out of love or fear? Be mindful when asking and answering. 

      Forgive yourself for projecting your fears on to others: You didn't do it with intention. Try to be mindful of your feelings. Don't hold them in, release through talking or writing, but get it out in a healthy way. 

      Forgive yourself for not completing goals made before or during the isolation: Things have changed, goals will be put aside or shifted. This is OK. Re-evaluate your goals and create new ones. Make sure your new goals fit your current reality. For many of us, our values, goals and priorities have changed.

      Forgive yourself for taking time to do nothing because it's what you needed. Self-care looks different for everyone. Take that nap, that deep breath, hot bath or whatever you need to feel whole again. 

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

      Events around town

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