Mt. Olive Online Publication April 16, 2025

Mt. Olive Online
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Heroes Lauded For Saving Car Accident Victims

By Cheryl Conway 


Two local men were recognized as heroes at the last Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting for their selfless acts of bravery. 

Vincent DeCarlo and Anthony Vazquez were presented with certificates at the July 25 council meeting for their heroic efforts and bravery. The two men were on the scene during a three-car motor vehicle accident on July 19 and jumped in to rescue two individuals before emergency workers arrived. 

They risked their lives to save lives and for that they are applauded and commended for their brave and heroic actions. 

“You gentlemen are the perfect example of what constitutes the good citizenships of Mt. Olive,” says Council Vice President Alex Roman, while presenting the awards on behalf the mayor, council and administration. Mayor Rob Greenbaum and Council President Joe Nicastro were not in attendance.   

“You saw somebody in need, and you didn’t think nothing of your own personal safety but thought of helping others,” says Roman.  

Tyler Wargo, director of the Flanders Co. #1 Fire and Rescue Squad, shared the brave acts of these two residents with those in attendance. The July 19 motor vehicle accident occurred in front of Dave’s Country Inn on Rt. 46 in Hackettstown and involved two cars on the roadway and a van engulfed in flames.  

“Prior to fire apparatus and medical personnel arrival, two civilians took it upon themselves, despite personal safety and potential risk, proceeded to extricate two severely injured parties from their vehicles,” says Wargo. “Due to these heroic actions, allowed crews to rapidly treat both parties who were then airlifted and treated with life-saving measures and are alive today.”    

Wargo says DeCarlo and Vazquez encompass “the core values of what Mt. Olive stands for.” 

Accidents Up in MO 

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Budd Lake resident Irene Sergonis-candidate for Mt. Olive Twp. Council this November- raised the issue of increased accidents and the need to improve communication with residents. 

“There’s been a lot of accidents the last few weeks,” she says.  On the morning of the multi-car accident in Hackettstown, she and her husband were on their way to their granddaughter’s play in Nutley, but with Rt. 46 closed, they could not get there. When they tried Flanders Rd., “it was backed up for a mile on both sides. People are doing dangerous things to get away from the traffic. In the end, my husband and I just went back home. We missed the play but I’m thinking there are a lot of people on that road who had jobs to go to, doctors’ appointments, hospitals. 

“One thing I noticed with all these accidents, people don’t know what’s going on,” says Sergonis. “They want to be able to go to a place to find out where are those road closures. I didn’t get any emergency alerts. Where do people find out where the roads are being closed? I went on the police website, their Facebook page. There’s nothing there. We need to communicate better! 

“There are many different ways to communicate,” continues Sergonis. “People should know before they go out, what road is closed. That’s just a suggestion I have.”  



In response to her suggestion, Roman says there was little more concern with the rescue aspect versus the road closure on the day of the multi-car crash on Rt. 46.    

Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko admits that the Rt. 46 accident “was challenging” as the immediate focus was on the emergency response.  

“You don’t have time for an approved detour and get all the signs out,” he says. “If we know of a road closure for significant period of time, I need to look into if we have a better process to communicate that information.”       

Wargo confirms that accidents are up in town. Currently, year to date, there have been 1,600 fire and rescue calls. 

“We’ve seen an influx in serious car accidents throughout the town,” says Wargo. One of the things he is looking to do next year is to initiate a program that protects first responders by pushing out any emergency notifications immediately and identifying road closures. These would be publicized through Google maps, social media and radio if approaching the scene of an accident.  

“It’s something we are looking into,” says Wargo. “We are constantly evolving. It doesn’t happen overnight.” He says the town is very fortunate in the number of volunteers it has. 

Councilwoman Colleen Labow suggests that cell phone use has added to the increase in accidents. 

“People are taking their eyes off the road and just a second of looking to see what that text was, that’s it, you’re done!” 

Labow shares her concern for first responders, fire officials and police officers, who are endangered when on scene of an accident. 

“They’re so busy trying to look at the accident, videotape it, take pictures, people trying to take care of the accident to save people are in danger,” says Labow.  

Wargo agrees saying, “It used to be heart attacks were #1 for firefighters.” That is rapidly increasing to be the number of strike injuries suffered by firefighters and police officers at the scene of motor vehicle accidents. 

“It’s very scary,” concludes Labow.      




Welcome readers to the 94th issue of Mt. Olive Online

Century Old Fire Co. Celebrates With Block Party

By Cheryl Conway

A lot can change in a century, especially with the Flanders Fire Co. #1 and Rescue Squad — from its home base, growth in members and vehicles and updated technology — but the one spark that remains constant is its non-profit status all these years.  

“One-hundred years being 100% volunteer is a big deal because a lot of places have gone the route of being paid even if that is a mix of 50/50 with paid and volunteers,” notes Margaret Miller of Flanders, first lieutenant of the Flanders Rescue Squad, firefighter and EMT. “We have managed to continuously stay 100% volunteer for 100 years through COVID and other hardships.”  

To celebrate its centennial, the Flanders Fire Co. #1 and Rescue Squad has planned its 100th Anniversary Block Party. The event is set for Saturday, August 12, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake.   

Everyone is invited to attend this free community-wide event. 

“This is truly an event for the community and there will be games for kids as well,” stresses Miller who is helping to organize the event.  

“There will be a DJ, food, pieces of our history including photos on display and a beer garden,” she describes. 

With about 20 sponsors that are helping and are supporting this event, the block party is free and no registration is required.  

Besides a 75th celebration and wet downs in between to recognize its milestones, this 100th celebration is monumental. 

“This event is being held because we wanted to be able to celebrate this big event with our community,” says Miller who has been a volunteer with the department for almost five years. “If it wasn’t for the community, we would not be here today. They have truly supported us through the last 100 years and we are so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community.” 

Miller is one of 40 active volunteers in the department, with six females and the rest males.  

“We have a huge range in age and the youngest people can join is 16,” says Miller. “I was the first in my family to join the fire department and since then my step-father has joined Flanders Fire Department and Rescue Squad and both my siblings have looked into going once they are old enough. We have families that have all joined; one of them is the Dolan family where four members of the family have joined our department.” 

History and Growth 

Flanders Fire Co. #1 was officially established in June 1923 with seven volunteer members, according to Miller’s research. The founding members were Howard and Ed McLaughlin, William Marvin, E.C. Ted Ashley, George Ericson, Watson McPeek and Augustus Stark.  

“Ed McLaughlin was named chief, and meetings were held by the light of oil lamps in Ed’s chicken coup,” describes Miller. “Eventually Ed’s barn was used to store the company’s equipment and his house served as headquarters. October 1923, the first fire truck available to the town, a Brockway Torpedo, was converted from a chemical car into a water carrier. The rim of a steam engine’s wheel was hung up on Main Street and a sledgehammer was used to strike it when help was needed. 

“In 1928 we moved into the old schoolhouse and remodeled it to fit the fire equipment,” she adds. 

In 1938, “a group of nine women decided that the time had come for a Ladies Auxiliary to be formed in order to aid the firemen,” says Miller. “They elected Hazel Tinc as chairwoman, with Mrs. Erickson as her assistant. Ruth Gray served as secretary and Ruth Clawson was the first treasurer. Their first official act was to solicit food donations from the local farms in order to prepare and serve chicken dinner to the members of the fire company.” 

In 1940, the department grew even more with the addition of the rescue squad to the Flanders Fire Co. 

As far as the number of fires handled during the past 100 years, Miller could not say but she did share a loss that impacted the entire department: On May 31, 2011 – Asst. Chief Thomas Shields passed away suddenly after a midday call. 

“Up to this point, the fire company had never experienced such a loss,” she says. “To this day, a memorial plaque is placed between the bay doors of Engine 95 and Tower 96.” 

Its volunteer membership has grown six times since the original seven members and its facilities and equipment followed suit. 

“The department has grown in size immensely,” says Miller. “We have added three additions onto what was the original schoolhouse since we have moved into that building. We currently house three ambulances, three different firetrucks, one brush truck, a utility pick-up truck and an ice rescue trailer.” 

With such growth, the department has been able to help surrounding towns with fire and rescue services. 

“We do go and help other towns with mutual aid,” says Miller. “We go into Budd Lake to help out our other fire department on multiple different occasions and they have come to help us out as well. We respond for mutual aid into Chester, Roxbury, Long Valley, and have gone out to other counties when we are needed.” 

As much as it has grown, there is always room and a need for even more volunteers and support.  

“We are constantly training and evaluating the needs of our community to stay prepared and we are constantly needing to grow with our community,” says Miller. “We are always in need of volunteers. Feel free to stop by Thursdays at 7 p.m. and there will be someone that can answer any questions and get you an application.” Also visit https://flandersfire.org. 

For those who would like to help with the 100th Anniversary event, email 100thanniversary@flandersfire.org. 

It’s going to be “fire!”   


Photo Gallery

    Bangia Takes Center Stage To Lead Mt. Olive Schools

    By Cheryl Conway

    Dr. Sumit Bangia no longer has to act as superintendent of the Mt. Olive School District — she officially got the part for the leading role. 

    The Mt. Olive Board of Education approved her three-year appointment on Thursday, June 29, during a special BOE meeting. She was hired in the spring of 2022 as the assistant superintendent and was appointed acting superintendent in October 2022. 

    Humbled, honored and thankful, Bangia is excited for this opportunity and looks forward to the upcoming school year which begins Wednesday, August 30.  

    “I am humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me by the school board and the entire school community,” says Bangia. “Together, we will build upon our strong foundation, embrace innovation and strive for educational excellence that prepares our students for success in an ever-changing world. I am excited to embark on this journey as the superintendent for the Mt. Olive Twp. School District, and I look forward to the continued collaboration and partnership that will propel us towards even greater achievements.” 

    Bangia, from Randolph, is not new as an administrator in the district and actually her beginnings trace back as her time as a student at MOSD. A 1997 MOHS alum, Bangia grew up in Mt. Olive when her parents moved to the Clover Hill section of Flanders in 1985. They later moved to the Hackettstown side of town. She attended Mountain View Elementary School and at MOHS was involved in student council as class treasurer, played field hockey and was a member of numerous clubs.  

    She replaces Dr. Robert Zywicki of Sparta, superintendent since 2018 who was suspended with pay by the Mt. Olive BOE in October 2022 for undisclosed reasons.  

    In search of a new superintendent, the BOE was confident in Bangia’s leadership. 

    “The board interviewed two internal candidates, over two rounds of interviews,” explains Dr. Antoine Gayles, BOE president. “We also conducted an interview with one retired superintendent as a possible interim superintendent.” 

    The first round of interviews was conducted on June 20, followed by a second round on June 27, says Gayles. Eight members of the board participated in the interview and selection process, with BOE member Anthony Strillacci being the one conflicted board member unable to participate in the process. 

    “Dr. Bangia was selected for her vision for the district and student-centered focus,” says Gayles. “Pending approval by the executive county superintendent, Dr. Nancy Gartenberg, Dr. Bangia has been offered a three-year contract, with a salary of $215,000/year, plus benefits and a matching contribution to her 403b, capped at 6%.” 

    Many BOE members congratulated Bangia at the June 29 BOE meeting and one outspoken community member, Martin Welzmuller, gave her balloons and flowers to welcome her and thank her for taking the job. 

    “I pledge to lead with integrity, transparency and student-centered approach,” Bangia says at the meeting.  

    “Having had the privilege of serving as the acting superintendent since October 2022, I have witnessed the incredible dedication and passion within our school community,” she shares in a letter to the community. “The collective commitment to excellence in education has been truly inspiring, and I am honored to continue leading this exceptional district. 

    “I have had the opportunity to collaborate closely with our dedicated teachers, administrators, staff, students, and parents,” she continues. “Together, we have achieved significant milestones and navigated challenges with resilience and determination. I am immensely proud of our accomplishments thus far and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.” 

    Before coming to the MOSD, Bangia worked in education for 21 years.  

    She received her bachelor’s in secondary education in May 2001 from Penn State University; a master’s in administration in December 2005 from Montclair State University; and a doctorate in education administration in May 2011 from the College of Saint Elizabeth. 

    She started out in her profession in September 2001 as a history teacher at Randolph High School, where she taught for 10 years.  

    From 2011 through 2018, Bangia was the supervisor of humanities at the Verona School District. She then jumped to the Caldwell School District as the director of secondary education through December 2019; and became the assistant superintendent at Mountain Lakes School District until June 2022 when the position for former assistant superintendent opened up in Mt. Olive.  

    Selected out of a pool of two dozen candidates, Bangia was “ecstatic! For me, this was a homecoming,” she says during an earlier interview. 

    “Encores is to me a wonderful, warm welcoming place.”~ Kate Baldwin.  

    Fresh Idea For Outdoor Exercise Takes Shape in MO

    By Cheryl Conway

    Looking for some outdoor activity to engage those muscles? 

    Flanders Park offers a new Fitness Zone for outdoor exercise. Handicapped accessible, the 2,000 sq. ft. exercise station officially opened in May.  

    Municipal employees and township officials gathered for its ribbon cutting Tuesday, May 23, to test out the equipment. They are excited by the community’s latest addition in outdoor exercise.    

    Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Rob Greenbaum says the town is “always looking for new and different ways to get the community exercising.” It provides an “opportunity for additional fitness,” and the “equipment is easy to use.” 

    Adds Mt. Olive Twp. Council President Joe Nicastro, “I like that it is outdoors so everyone can use the equipment.” 

    The Mt. Olive Recreation Department had been considering options for outdoor exercise for some time. The administration applied for and received a state grant to fund the exercise station.  

    “The purpose of the grant was to support improvements for public facilities, specifically to ensure public access to community facilities that were a result of the constraints confronted by the COVID19 pandemic,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. 

    “For years, the Recreation Department considered an outdoor fitness gym and this grant was the perfect opportunity to provide access to outdoor recreation which is critical for mental and physical health,” adds Tatarenko.  

    The cost was $133K, of which $75K was funded through a NJ DCA Local Recreational Improvement grant, he says. Funds were allocated in the 2022 capital budget.  

    Construction started in the first week in December 2022 and was completed in early March 2023, he says. 

    The Flanders Fitness Zone is about 2,000 square feet and features six stations which are handicapped accessible. These include a four-person lower body combo, four-person pendulum, abs & dip station, two-person cross country ski, two-person vertical press, two-person lateral pull down and four-person leg press. 

    The equipment was made by Greenfields Outdoor Fitness purchased through Ben Shaffer Recreation. 

    The equipment is geared for those 14 years old and older and can accommodate up to 18 people at one time, says Tatarenko. 

    It is open to all and there are no sign-up requirements.   

    “It’s low maintenance and accessible to all,” says Tatarenko. “It gives all residents an equal opportunity to stay fit and healthy.” 

    Adds Nicastro, “It is a free option for people to use. Also being handicap accessible is another great option for people who might have difficulties with regular gym equipment. There are many exercise machines to choose from and being outdoors would make exercising a little more enjoyable.” 

    While Mt. Olive boasts several parks, Flanders Park was a good fit for the Fitness Zone.  

    “Flanders Park was selected based upon its surroundings,” says Tatarenko. “It’s centrally located to several large residential communities (Cloverhill and Flanders Crossings), a Senior Living Facility, a 55 and over community and an affordable housing development.  Flanders Park is also heavily used for its walking path so we thought it would be a great addition for more exercise.”  

    Adds Greenbaum, “the proximity to the senior development at Regency makes Flanders Park an excellent location for the equipment.” 

    Agrees Nicastro, “Flanders Park is a beautiful park that over the years was under-utilized. While we’ve made many improvements over the years this is just one more addition that will enhance the park. I’m very proud of all our parks. Of course, Turkey Brook Park is like our downtown, but it is nice to improve all our facilities for all residents to enjoy.”

    Photo Gallery

      Find Focus, Peace & Joy at MOPL Zen Garden

      By Cheryl Conway

      Most would agree that the library is a great place for reading, studying, working on a computer and just a nice alternative if stepping away from one’s office. 

      But distractions could occur, really, and if this happens, there is a Zen Garden outside the Mt. Olive Public Library in Flanders where one can escape to relax and refocus. 

      Recent Mt. Olive High school graduate Anish Pradhan, 18, of Budd Lake is the creator of the Zen Garden at the MOPL. He completed the landscape as part of his Eagle Scout project with Troop 156 in Flanders.  

      “A Zen meditation garden is a landscape made in reverence to nature,” describes Pradhan. “It has a minimal design with sand, gravel, stones, rocks with a serene aesthetic addition of pebbles, statues, plants, shrubs, lamps and a water fountain. This landscape symbolizes the elements of nature helping bring inner focus, peace and joy. I felt that a Zen garden would be very fitting in the library because it is a calm and quiet place.” 

      Mt. Olive Twp. Council President Joe Nicastro presented Anish Pradhan with a certificate of recognition on May 20 for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  

      Pradhan started his project in June 2022 and completed it in five working days over a two-week period. putting in anywhere between four to eight hours of work each day.    

      A soon-to-be college student with plans to attend Georgia Tech in the fall, Pradhan got the idea for the garden while deciding on his next chapter.  

      “When I went on college visits, I noticed many of them included a Zen garden,” says Pradhan.  

      “I realized that our community does not have a Zen garden, which would make my Eagle Project unique,” says Pradhan. He went through the proper channel to get his idea on the ground.  

      “The idea for the garden was 100% Anish's idea,” says Mauro Magarelli, MOPL director. “He presented the concept to me, and I simply helped him through the process of presenting it to the library board, which holds final approval.  Since I thought it would be a good addition to the library, I did advocate in favor of the garden to the library's board of trustees.” 

      Through donations received from family and friends, Pradhan spent $977 to complete the Zen garden. The help he received from his Boy Scout troop and others was priceless.   

      “Several members of my Boy Scout troop came to help along with adult leaders,” said Pradhan, who has been involved with the organization for about 12 years, since the first grade when he joined the Cub Scouts. “Additionally, a few of my friends and their dads came to help me too.” 

      He is pleased with the garden.  

      “I really enjoyed the finished product and am very glad to see that it has been well maintained after one whole year,” says Pradhan, co-valedictorian of MOHS Class of 2023, head mechanical engineer for the MOHS Robotics team and second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  

      A year since it was completed, the library’s Zen garden is growing in popularity.  

      “I heard that there were little kids who used the Zen garden one day for Yoga,” says Pradhan. “I have heard that many people sit down there to relax.”  

      Adds Magarelli, “I see people out there all the time, whether it be just for a few moments or to sit and read. 

      “I think it's great,” he adds. “It’s something different that connects the building and patrons to the ton of open space we have behind the library.   It's also a very nice space, very well constructed. It’s a great setup that utilizes the space in a unique way.”  

      Magarelli is quite appreciative of Pradhan’s Zen garden as well as other projects completed at the library.  

      “The Eagle Scouts have been a tremendous help to the library,” says Magarelli. “Prior to the Zen garden, one scout spearheaded the repair of the base of our entrance sign (located at the front of the parking lot) and another scout constructed the gazebo in the front of building.  The Gazebo is a beloved addition to the library and used daily by patrons. 

      “Special thanks to Anish and to all the other scouts who have helped us in the past,” he adds. “Your work is greatly appreciated.” 

      Other projects are always welcome.  

      “Perhaps a sustainable wildflower garden?” suggests Magarelli. “I think it would be great to let a portion of our back campus go fallow and allow native plants to thrive.  Although, I admit this would be a tough endeavor since the project would have to eliminate invasion plants and also deter the deer population.”  

      Until then, find time to Zen at the garden. 

       

      Photo Gallery

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        Local & County News

        Seward Barn Roof Slated For Restoration & Repairs

        By Cheryl Conway 


        Despite the competition of getting grant funding for historic projects, the roof on the Seward House Barn in Budd Lake hit the nail on the head for its restoration. 

        The Morris County Board of Commissioners recently approved $3.6 million in funding for 23 sites in the county and the Seward House Barn made the list. The project is slated to go out to bid next year with completion by 2025. 

        Mt. Olive Twp. officials had applied for a $417,928 construction grant to restore the Seward Barn roof and structural upgrades and was approved the full amount  — the largest allocation out of all the 23 projects approved in 15 towns across the county.      

        “I was extremely pleased and appreciative of the county’s full support of our project,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko.  “Funding has become more competitive throughout the years. 

        The grant will be included in the 2024 capital budget and I anticipate construction to commence in 2025.” 

        Additional funds have been applied for through the N.J. Historical Trust Fund as well, adds Tatarenko.  

        The project will go out for bid in 2024 so the contractor has yet to be determined.    

        “Contractors will be pre-qualified who have experience working on historical buildings,” he adds. 

        History and Condition of Property 

        The Seward House Barn is part of the Seward House property situated at the entranceway of Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake.  

        The Italianate-style farmhouse was constructed in 1800 with an addition in 1860. It currently sits in 270 acres of park land and is unoccupied, as described in the Morris County Historical Preservation Trust Fund 2023 Grants project listing.    

        The barn building was built between 1868 and 1887 and has been used for storage purposes. 

        The property is listed on the historic registers and the township has been applying for grants to improve its structures for the past decade.  

        The Historic Preservation Plan for the Seward House and Barn was completed in 2013, shares Tataranko. 

        “Ever since then, grants for construction have been applied for,” he adds.  

        “The current physical condition of the barn is fair, and the project will address needed restoration of the roof and structural upgrades to ensure the building’s long-term preservation.  The project consists of a slate roof and roof drainage, structural framing repairs including installation of new steel rods, repairs to cracks and deteriorated areas of stone walls, restoration of the brick chimney, masonry repointing and restoration of wood components.” 

        According to Tatarenko, the barn was last rehabilitated by the township in 2003 to be used for storage. 

        “The barn will continue to be used for storage until the entire structure is restored,” says Tatarenko. “Long-term goals are to allow the public to use the facility for public gatherings and to be incorporated into the large Event Field. 


        The Seward House will be home to the Historical Society and can be used as a township museum.” 

        There are still two to three years’ worth of construction, he adds. 

        “The Seward House exterior still needs to be completed with stucco, new windows and wrap around porch,” he describes. “Once that is complete, interior restorations will commence.  The same process will occur with the barn once stabilized.” 

        County Supports Preservation 

        Morris County is quite committed toward revitalizing, preserving and protecting historic sites in its borders for the past decade.  

        Since 2003, Morris County has awarded nearly $50 million on preservation efforts at 122 historic locations; that was when awards were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County's Preservation Trust Fund, according to a Morris County press release. The properties have benefited through 535 grants, with some properties receiving multiple grants over the years to conduct planning, acquisition and construction projects. 

        “The staff and volunteers do a phenomenal job evaluating these applications and making recommendations on how to invest our dollars,” says Commissioner Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board. 

        “People often thank the commissioners for the money, but it ultimately comes from the taxpayers, who always overwhelmingly support these programs and it’s fortunate that they do.” 

        The review board received 23 applications for consideration in 2023, amounting to nearly $5.9 million in grant requests. They were initially reviewed for their conformance to the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s “Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties,” which promote historic preservation best practices.   

        “These are very important federal guidelines set during the historic acts that have been passed since the 1960s, with antecedents going back even further than that. We want to be at the highest level with tax dollars,” said Larry Fast, chair of the Review Board. 

        Site visits were conducted by the review board to assess the properties up for consideration. After a final presentation was made by the grant applicants, the review board deliberated on the funding recommendations. Twelve of the 23 projects received full funding requested for preservation purposes, and the Seward House Barn roof was one of the dozen. 

        Adults Stay Busy At Library This Summer

        Adults Stay Busy At Library This Summer

        Mt. Olive Public Library continues its summer calendar with some awesome programs.  

        Family Bingo Fun is set for Wednesday, August 9 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Join Miss Janice for a fun afternoon of BINGO! Go to website to register.

        Adult Painting is set for Thursday, August 10, at 6 p.m. in the Gathering Room. This is an instructor led program to paint an underwater scene onto ball jars. Supplies are included. Registration required. 

        Go to www.mopl.org to register.  

        Lodge Breakfast Planned

        Adults Stay Busy At Library This Summer

        Musconetcong Lodge #42 F&AM in Budd Lake has planned its next all you can eat breakfast fundraiser for Sunday, August 20, 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Proceeds help defray the lodge building overhead.  

        Menu includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, Texas French toast, home fries, Belgian waffles with famous homemade strawberry sauce and whipped cream, bacon, sausage,  pork roll, orange and apple juice,  chocolate milk, coffee and tea. 

        Cost is $10 per person; $9 seniors; $5 ages 4 to 10; under 4 are free.   

        Questions That Should Be In Your Emotional Toolbox:

        Questions That Should Be In Your Emotional Toolbox:

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


        Just one question can change your life. That's how powerful questions are. We tend to avoid asking ourselves important questions. 

        For some, they ask the questions but don't put the hard work into answering them; instead, they say, " I don't know." 

        The truth is, you usually do know. The answer can be too painful, it can be a truth you don't want to deal with or an answer that will cause change which brings anxiety, but the answers are there. They are within us if we are willing to do the hard work. 

        Questions that create action and momentum: 

        1. Why? But don't continue with one why; keep asking why until you get down to the issue's root. It might take four or five times to ask why, but it will take you down to the root of the issue if you continue asking. 

        2. Now what? Yes, you might be a victim in a situation or have been through something traumatic, but eventually, you have to get out of victim mode and ask yourself now what?  

        Example: You have been fired. That sucks, and you have a right to feel angry and hurt. Take some time to feel those emotions but don't get stuck there. After every challenging situation and healing comes "Now what?" It's the action you take that makes the difference. 

        You can change it up and ask- What's next?  

        3. This is not a question but more of a powerful word. Are you feeling not good enough? Need help solving a problem? Find a solution? Don't know how to do something? After each one of those lines, add the word yet and form a growth mindset. 

        Examples: 

        I don't know how to do it YET. 

        I haven't found a solution YET. 

        I'm not an expert YET. 

        4. Can I control it? There are so many things in our lives we can't control. If we try to control or change those things, we just become frustrated and stressed. Instead, ask yourself: Can I control it? If you can, then do the work. If you can't control it, then acceptance is the answer.  

        5. If you don't know how to do something, then the question becomes, what baby step can I take or what action step can I take? It might be, who can I call for help? Who would know the answer or be able to help steer me in the right direction? What can I do to find the answer? What small steps can I take toward getting to the end result?  

        6. Am I making this choice based on fear or love? Every time you are making a choice, ask yourself: Is this based on fear? Ego? Anger? Or is it based on love - well thought out and clarity. 

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

        College News

        Table of Hope to Hold Backpack Giveaway at CCM

        As parents start to plan for a new school year, Table of Hope once again is helping to make things easier with a free backpack distribution event at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph. 

        The Backpack Giveaway at CCM is set to take place Friday, August 18, from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1. Visitors are asked to use CCM’s Center Grove Road entrance. 

        CCM has hosted numerous events with Table of Hope to assist those in need. This latest distribution event will provide backpacks filled with school supplies, consisting of pencils, rulers, glue sticks, notebooks and more. 

        Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic struck New Jersey, Table of Hope, a program run by the Spring Street Community Development Corporation, began operating weekly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany and Dover, along with other grocery supply events in Morris County communities. Its first event at CCM was held in June 2020. Along with Table of Hope, the Spring Street CDC also operates the Student Outreach and Academic Reinforcement program, known as SOAR.  

        To volunteer for the Backpack Giveaway or to make a donation, visit http://www.springstreetcdc.org/ and click “Volunteer” or email volunteer@springstreetcdc.org. 

        Apply, Register and Get Ready to Go Big at CCM All in One Session

         

        There’s still time to register for the Fall 2023 Semester at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, a nationally ranked college. To streamline the process for students to begin their academic journey, the college has scheduled several Accelerated Admissions and Registration Days. During these sessions, aspiring students can effortlessly apply, consult with an advisor and enroll in classes, all on the same day.  

        Sessions take place: August 7, 14 and 21 from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment in the Admissions Office located in the Student Community Center. No appointments are needed; walk-ins are welcome. Academic advisors will be on hand to provide assistance.   

        Those who have already applied to the college but whose applications are incomplete also are encouraged to take part so they can finish the process and register for classes.  

        CCM offers classes in three formats, in-person, online and hybrid with day and evening options. To see what is available, go to 
        https://titansdirect.ccm.edu/Student/Courses. Fall Semester classes begin August 31.   

        For questions, call Admissions at 973-328-5100 or email admiss@ccm.edu. To learn more about all CCM has to offer, visit www.ccm.edu/fall-2023/.  

        CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for Best Associate Degrees and is in the top 1.8 percent of the best community colleges nationwide. For two consecutive years, it also has been ranked Best for Transfer Students in New Jersey who want to go on and earn a bachelor’s degree.  

        Sussex County Community College Selected for Community Journalism Course

        Sussex County Community College in Newton is one of four New Jersey community colleges to receive a $40,000 award from The New Jersey Council for the Humanities and Journalism + Design at The New School to train faculty members and fund tuition-free, noncredit certificates in community journalism at their institutions. 

        These certificate programs, which will be unique to each college, will be developed by the selected colleges through training and support from NJCH/J+D and other local news experts. Each college will also facilitate partnerships with local media and community organizations to provide pathways for participants of the certificate programs to get involved in local news production. The program aspires to establish and promote community colleges as trusted hubs for news and information, particularly in communities that lack reliable local sources. 

        The other community college awardees include Atlantic Cape Community College, Mays Landing; Mercer County Community College, West Windsor; and Middlesex College, Edison. 

        “As institutions that broaden educational access and serve diverse populations, New Jersey’s community colleges are well-positioned to fuel greater engagement with local news and information,” said Dr. Valerie Popp, director of strategic initiatives at NJCH. “

        The selected colleges have proposed community journalism programs that tap into their existing strengths in areas such as media and communications pedagogy, student publications, civic education, and more. We’re especially excited to bring together colleges that represent different communities across the state, from rural Sussex County to the Atlantic coast.” 

        "Each of these colleges bring rich expertise and ideas for growing community journalism programs that will help catalyze greater participation in local news production and distribution," said Cole Goins, managing director of the Journalism + Design lab. "We're eager to learn from and build with the program teams at each institution to nurture thriving news and information networks in their communities." 

        Beginning in July 2023, representatives from each college will take part in intensive workshops that will explore how to create, facilitate, and sustain certificate programs that incorporate local voices and community needs. Colleges also will have the opportunity to build sustainable connections with local media partners and nonprofit organizations in their regions through a Spring 2024 community journalism/community college convening, as well as through seed grants for the colleges’ community partners, supported by NJCH and J+D. 

        Centenary Awarded N.J. Hunger-Free Campus Grant

         

        Centenary University in Hackettstown is the recipient of a $19.5K Hunger-Free Campus Grant. Awarded by New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the funding’s purpose is to address student hunger, leverage sustainable solutions to address campus food needs, and continue building strategic partnerships to address food insecurity among students. 

        The university was commended for its “commitment to supporting the basic needs of students and fostering innovative ways to combat food insecurity.” 

        The mission of the University’s Hunger Free Task Force is to eradicate food insecurity in the Centenary community. The primary goal of the task force is to raise awareness of the resources available to the campus community, with the secondary goal being to increase resources needed by the student body. The final goal of the task force is to earn a designation as a Hunger-Free Campus—a goal that will reinforce to students and members of the community that their wellbeing is valued. 

        “Supporting our students with their most basic and essential needs is vital to their success and wellbeing,” said Kerry Mullins, vice president for student life and dean of students. “Through the generosity of this grant and support from the state, Centenary will be able to take 

        an extensive look at the services currently provided and determine what is further needed to best support our student population.” 

        According to multiple studies, student food insecurity is an issue on college campuses across the United States, with approximately 20-50 percent of college students experiencing food insecurity.  Along with what are considered “traditional” students who live on-campus, many students are adult learners and part-time students, many of whom have families to provide for as well as for themselves—making food insecurity a far-reaching and not always easy to identify issue. 

        Centenary will use the grant funding to further the mission of the University’s Hunger Free Task Force, expanding upon services already in place. Existing campus resources include a food pantry, swipe out program, and food drives, as well as local resources such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The grant will support the food pantry by enabling the purchase of a new refrigerator for appropriate food storage, as well as increase transportation options so that students will be able to access SNAP benefits at local stores. 

        Events around town

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