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Friends Group Remerges To Support Library
By Cheryl Conway
After word spread about its reformation, and several book sales this summer, the Friends of the Mt. Olive Public Library is on its way to where it left off before the pandemic paused its operations.
Established around 2005, the Friends of Mt. Olive Public Library is a 501©3 nonprofit group of volunteers that provides support to the library’s programs, services and collections. In March 2020, the Friends group closed due to COVID but regrouped in the middle of 2021.
Volunteers and those who operate the library are pleased that the Friend’s story continues.
“With word spreading that the Friends were regrouping memberships continued to grow,” explains Sheila Stewart, president of the Friends of Mt. Olive Public Library. “Our dedicated volunteers were excited to be back and they brought some of their friends in.”
A member since 2018, Stewart has been president since January 2022. She is pleased that the group is growing.
“In March of 2020, the library closed due to COVID and the Friends needed to take a temporary break because we are located in the basement of the library,” explains Stewart.
She says “Before COVID, in 2019, there were approximately 44 members. The community was continually calling the library asking when the Friends would be opening their doors. When the doors were reopened in mid-2021, there were 15 members.”
The community’s calls were answered.
“The community needed us as well as the library!” says Stewart. “They were continually calling the library asking when the Friends would be opening the doors. The members were also looking forward to getting back to what they love to do and working together with their friends. Without the money generated by the Friends many of the programs sponsored by the library would not be funded.”
To reattract volunteers, Stewart says “There were several membership drives done through the library’ social media, Mayors Facebook Page, MO Community Facebook page, and the Friends’ page to help stimulate interest As of June, there are 35 members and of those, we have 17 dedicated volunteers that work at the bookstore on Wednesdays and help at our donation and book sale days.”
According to its website, “We have a common belief that an active, vital library is an important asset to the community. Money raised through memberships, book sales, donations and other fundraisers helps purchase materials and fund programs beyond the means of the library budget.”
Why Did Friends Restart
Stewart explains that the goals of the group are “to continue to grow membership, increase book sales, introduce new fund raisers and lectures by local authors to generate more funds for the library.
“Beginning January 2022, the Friends took on a major reorganization, expanded with more bookshelves, rearranged the book store layout, cleaned and decluttered in preparation for our March Donation Day,” says Stewart. “There hadn’t been a donation day since before COVID, and the community came out in full force. They started forming a line at 10 a.m. and it never ended until 3 p.m. We couldn’t keep up with the volume. Boxes and bags of books were lining the aisles. Volunteers worked every Wednesday sorting, organizing books by category and getting them on the shelves in anticipation of the upcoming sale in May.”
The book sales this year have been a hit.
“They held their first book sale and there was a line of people waiting in the rain in order to gain access to their book sale event,” says Mauro Magarelli, director of Mt. Olive Public Library.
Stewart says the Friends sponsored a book sale in May and June.
“Again, the community came out to support us,” says Stewart. “The May book sale was a cold, rainy, and windy day, but they waited in line, many times at least 25 people waiting outside. There was always a line.
“The same was true for our June sale,” she says. “Our old and new customers had nothing but rave reviews to say about the enhanced bookstore. Their comments ranged from how clean, bright and organized it was to it looks just like the library, everything was easy to find.”
According to Stewart, “Between the two book sales we raised $3,500. These monies will fund the children’s summer reading programs, adult educations programs and the museum passes held by the library.”
More Sales Planned & Support Needed
The next Friends’ sponsored book sale is set for August 13, along with a White Elephant sale, a donation day on October 15 and its final book sale of the year on December 10.
“Continue to support us through our book sales, donations and membership,” requests Stewart.
She explains the continued mission of the group.
“The Friends were created over 17 years ago, with the same mission that stands today: To be an advocate in the community for the library,” says Stewart. “It shall work to gain public support for the library and to aid in the funding of programs, learning materials and educational devices beyond the means of the library’s budget.
“Over the years and still continuing, the Friends have funded children’s summer reading programs, adult educational programs, computers; funded on-line tutoring programs; purchased carpeting for children’s cottage room, office furniture, museum passes; as well as providing free books to military, senior centers, daycare centers, children’s hospitals, nursing homes and shelters,” says Stewart.
Learn More
To become a Friend, download the Friends Membership Form and email it to friendsofMOPL@gmail.com or mail it to:
Friends of the Mt. Olive Public Library
P.O. Box 372
Budd Lake, N.J. 07828
According to the website, board meetings of the Friends are open to members and prospective members. The Annual Meeting is open to the entire membership for voting on various agenda issues, as well as the election of officers.
Next Chapter Life Changing For Hackettstown Woman
By Cheryl Conway
Like a good book, a reader cannot stop flipping the pages to see what happens next.
The same story goes for this Hackettstown woman who has started her next chapter. At the age of 64, Arlene P. is on her way to better health both physically and mentally.
In April, she signed up for a new program – Your Next Chapter- with her life coach/ trainer Denise Washington, also of Hackettstown. This new venture aims at helping women aged 60 and over live their best life.
“I can feel my breathing and my heart healthier already,” says Arlene. She decided to sign up for the six-month program “to get healthy; to feel better; to start a new journey of healthy and happy living.”
As any human would agree, life is filled with changes and ups and downs. Many times, a person gets off track and needs some redirection toward healthier solutions.
Faced with divorce, death of her father, injury and COVID, Arlene needed that redirect.
“I knew I needed to do something; I just needed the push,” she says.
Arlene’s Story
“In my 20’s, I was very skinny,” says Arlene. She got married in 1990; had three daughters in 1991, 1994 and 1995; gained a little weight then lost it.
In 2011, she got divorced at the age of 51.
To deal with these changes in her life she started walking and hiking, but that halted when she faced a foot injury in 2016 which left her unable to walk.
“I used to walk from my house to my mom and dad’s house, about three miles away,” she explains. “I just couldn’t do it anymore.
“It was very painful,” she says. She went for physical therapy for three months after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, which is caused by a lot of walking in high heels.
“Then my dad got very sick,” says Arlene. She spent a lot of time visiting him at a nursing home in Hackettstown before he died in 2016 at the age of 91.
By the end of 2016, Arlene began to “veg and stress.” She admits her way to cope with stress was to eat.
When COVID hit in 2020, Arlene’s motivation weakened.
“COVID hit me,” says Arlene. “Working from home didn’t help either.”
At first, her company anticipated only two weeks of working remote, but that ended up being years, she says. Arlene works as a client relationship specialist for a financial advisor. During COVID she was fully remote.
“You’d go in once in a while, but now it’s three times a week,” she says, with a one-hour commute each way. “Have to get used to it again.”
She says she was “physically and emotionally tired. I knew what I needed to do to get healthy but just couldn’t do it on my own.”
Continues Arlene, “I was tired and out of shape. I’d like to lose 25 to 30 pounds.” Although her pants size has not changed, she says she was wearing larger tops.
“I had been thinking for a long time I needed to do something,” says Arlene. She says she was “upset with the way clothes fit, lack of energy. I knew I needed to exercise to get healthy again.
“I knew what I needed to do; I just couldn’t do it on my own,” she says. “I needed someone to push me.”
Arlene Meets Life Coach
Arlene met Washington through a friend, Christine, in her neighborhood.
When Washington announced her new venture and request to interview women to help establish the needs and goals of her program, she was connected to Arlene.
Once Arlene learned of Washington’s own struggles- such as becoming a widow- and her will and successes to overcome-such as losing 100 pounds- she knew she found the perfect person to guide her into her next chapter.
“Sign me, I’m your client,” says Arlene, admitting this is the first time in her life working with a personal trainer/life coach.
She shares her goals through Your Next Chapter: “I want to be able to wear the clothes that I have. I want to lose weight, get healthier and have more energy.”
The two have been walking and weight training.
They meet for one hour of “walking and talking. Last Saturday I did five miles with her then three miles with a friend,” says Arlene.
She also started going to Retro Fitness gym one day a week for personal training with Washington.
“Gyms intimidate me but I’m getting better at it,” says Arlene. “She’s got me doing everything…weights, machines, weight training and cardio. She has a program for me that I do every day; some form of exercise every day. I try to get at least something in.
“I do not get home from work until 6, then walk and feed the dog…not a lot of time left,” she says. “When working from home I try to get it in during the day.”
She admits that one of her obstacles is that “work gets in the way of my program; not enough hours in the day. I wish I could do all of the stuff on my off days. Life gets in the way of my exercising, but we are working on that.”
As far as diet, Arlene says “I try to eat healthy. She asked me if I was tracking what I was eating. I cut out my snack eating; I cut my portions. I’m watching what I’m eating. I’m not even hungry a lot of times.”
She used to eat a lot of ice-cream, but “I’m not anymore,” she admits “She has me drinking a lot of water. I’m drinking 96 ounces of water a day. Now when I’m stressing, I grab the water.
“I don’t stress eat anymore each day. Now I drink water instead.”
Less Stress/Greater Success
Arlene admits she is “not even as stressed,” since starting Your Next Chapter. “Nothing is really bothering me as much anymore.”
At week 10 of the program, Arlene says she is “getting more comfortable in my clothes; already feel amazing.”
She says, “I can fit a lot of my clothes. Dress pants I haven’t worn in years, clothes are fitting much better. It’s what I wanted.”
Emotionally, Arlene is also feeling better about herself and maintains a more positive attitude.
“I hate myself for letting myself get in such bad shape,” admits Arlene. “I hate myself getting in the rut of letting myself go but I’m turning it around.”
She says, “I just want to be healthier and feel better about myself.”
After recently checking her resting heart rate, Arlene says “I was pretty shocked it was below 60.”
She shares, “A friend said ‘You seem so much calmer and happier,’ and I am.”
“After our workout, even our walks, she asks me how I feel. I say ‘I feel so amazing.’ She’s my motivator. I call her ‘Sarg.’ That’s what I needed. I needed someone to motivate me and push me. She’s really good at that. Her energy, her personality, she’s just so motivating. She’s helping me find my goal, find my happiness. I don’t think I could do this with anyone else. I’d be intimidated by anyone else. I feel like she’s my friend pushing me.”
A Coach’s Perspective
Washington is quite pleased so far with Arlene’s success in the program.
“She was so discouraged but ready to make a change when she started with me,” says Washington. “Physiologically she’s changed; I can see it by the reduction in her resting heart rate, the increase in her aerobic capacity allowing her to reduce her time from walking a 16-minute mile to now being able to maintain a 14.50 minute mile.
“Psychologically she’s changed; she is happier and is now making herself a priority,” continues Washington.
“I’m using fitness as the bridge, to confidence,” she says. “Fitness will allow women over 60 to live in their authentic selves.”
Women such as Arlene come to me stating “I want to lose weight; I want to lose weight,” but beyond the weight loss there are other issues that get in the way of their living their lives to the fullest and it is fulfilling to see when women turn that corner once they become healthier.
“I can help my clients because I understand where they are,” she says. “My life experience is going to help me.” In 2009, Washington was the winner of the 2009 Mt. Olive Biggest Loser Contest, losing 100 pounds; overcoming the death of her husband in 2016; redefining herself by returning to school for a college degree in 2020; completing six half marathons; becoming certified as a spin instructor at 64.
“The minute I told her I was 100 pounds overweight, she hit the brakes,” says Washington. “She wanted to know ‘what did I do?’ “Clients who are a good fit for my program believe me when I tell them they will be successful because I have been in exactly where they are when they come to me for help.”
Some advice Washington shared with Arlene is to increase her daily intake of water to 12, 8-ounce glasses of water to keep hydrated during the summer heated months while she is so active and post-menopausal.
“The program consists of an assessment to see how far you can walk, any physical ailments the client may have in addition to going to the gym to see how strong you are; how much muscle your body is carrying,” explains Washington.
She also got to know Arlene to find her interests.
“She loves walking and weight training, battle ropes,” says Washington. “All we do is build on what she loves along with weight training and abs. I tell always tell my clients you must enjoy what you’re doing or else you will not do the activity.”
Adds Washington, “I switch it up every week. She gets videos of me doing exercises; five-minute videos to back her up during the week with weight training.”
As far as diet, “I was asking her in the beginning how do you feel? She’s not a big junk eater but a big stress eater. Arlene also loves to entertain. She has developed a strategy to handle leftovers. She packs little care packages for her guests to take home rather than tempting herself with having the leftovers in her house.
“Arlene has learned the difference between hunger and thirst which has also helped her curb her stress eating,” she adds. “Many times people confuse hunger with thirst and will overeat to satisfy what they think is hunger. Arlene has learned to identify the difference between the two and has switched to drinking water when thirsty and a healthy snack when hungry, but this change takes time,” says Washington.
Washington’s plans after 10 weeks are to introduce meditation and other methods to alleviate stress.
Arlene says she feels “fabulous.” She shares her reasons of why others should also sign up for Your Next Chapter. “To get healthy,” is the main reason. “To feel better about themselves. To start a new journey of healthy and happy living.”
Although it is just a six-month program, Arlene says “I think six months is a good start. If I feel like I need more, I may ask for a modified program. Hopefully I’m good enough to do it on my own and not fall backwards anymore.”
Washington says at the end of 26 weeks, “I want her to have a package she could take with her. I do have a big plan for her. I want Arlene to go into next year being confident, being healthy; to reverse any negative diagnosis she been given.”
She wants her to take “confidence, security and knowledge” with her in the 60’s. She is already seeing improvement. “Number one thing is her increased confidence,” says Washington.
She also has maintained her socializing.
“She’s not losing that social contact with her friends.” says Washington.
Many people tend to cut out social events when they are trying to lose weight, but Arlene “has not done that.” Instead, “she’s adopting the way she eats to when she goes out. She’s not letting people change what she needs to do.
“She’s steadfast,” adds Washington. “She has been able to incorporate this program daily into her schedule with having given up her life for this. She’s very determined. She’s now got a swagger that she did not have when she first came to the program. Now she’s not as self-conscious” when going into the gym. When Washington met her at the gym for the first time, Arlene was standing outside.
“Now she uses one card to swipe herself in,” she says. “It’s working- she feels and acts like she belongs at the gym.”
Arlene’s advice to other women: “Talk to Denise; work with somebody to get help. Doing it on your own isn’t good. Some people need someone with them. If you can’t do it on your own, get the help because it’s so worth it.”
For more information or to sign up, contact Washington at www.yournextchapter60@gmail.com. Or schedule a free consultation at https://calendly.com/yournextchapternow60/60min.
Brewery Owner Toasts Twp. For Support & Other News
By Cheryl Conway
A local brewery owner cheers on the Mt. Olive Twp. Council at its last council meeting for passing a resolution to oppose new regulations that restrict breweries.
Charles “Chuck” Aaron of Flanders, co-owner of Jersey Girl Brewing Co., thanks the council members for supporting the brewery by voting down special conditions on brewery licenses issued by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control on July 1. These new regulations would limit on-site activities at the brewery and off premises events.
“I thank Mt. Olive leadership for its support of New Jersey craft beer and local breweries,” says Aaron during the public portion at the council meeting.
Located in a 10,000 sq. ft. space in a facility on Sand Shore Rd. in Hackettstown for the past six years, Jersey Girl Brewing is a manufacturing company that produces craft beer using a 30-barrel, four vessel system on its site. With a sampling room at its location, the brewery has become a site for gatherings and socialization, as well as for tours to learn how beer is made.
The new NJABC issued conditions “will hurt our ability” to host charities and other local events and special projects at the brewery, says Aaron.
He tells the council there are 18 regulations being imposed such as a limit to 25 on-site activities per year; 12 off-premises a year; mandatory tour of brewery; inability to host food trucks and discounted drinks to first responders, veterans and teachers.
Aaron says these limitations not only affect local breweries but other local restaurants and food trucks.
“Consumer choice is heavily being regulated,” says Aaron, as many people choose to visit the brewery for special events, live music or trivia. The NJABC regulations will now limit those visits.
Aaron says these regulations started pre-COVID but were then halted during COVID. He explains that the NJABC feels breweries are taking away business from bars and restaurants.
Those who oppose these regulations want the NJABC “to come up with a better solution,” he says.
OTHER NEWS
Like seashells collected on a beach day, many topics piled up during the council meeting. Please see next story in this issue about health insurance premiums on the rise and its possible affect to the township.
Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Rob Greenbaum provided an update to the council on the latest township improvements.
At Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake, he shares that soccer field #3 is being transitioned into a turf field.
“Our guys were taking down the fence,” and an irrigation system is getting put in.
The large pavilion going in by the garage at Turkey Brook Park is also being worked on within the next few weeks.
New basketball courts were completed at Turkey Brook Park as well as improvements at the Memory Garden, which was cleaned up and new white picket fence being added.
A new fountain is also going in near the retention basin by Flanders Rd., adds Greenbaum.
The mayor congratulated the recreation department for its “very successful” carnival and other events.
Adds Mt. Olive Council Vice President Alex Roman, the “Mt. Olive Carnival was a huge success. Thousands attended, creating memories for a lifetime.”
“Our recreation department is second to none,” says Greenbaum. “Mt. Olive Twp. is moving forward in both fixing our problems and improving our facilities, without a tax increase for ten years which is pretty fantastic.”
Business Administrator’s Report
Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko updates the council about the Seward House. He says the township received two grants from the Morris County Historical Commission to provide $50K for construction documents on interior improvements and $286K for exterior improvements of the historic mansion at Turkey Brook Park. Both grants will be put into next year’s budget.
The township also received a LEAP Implementation Grant from the state issuing $112K to purchase a new transportation bus to support a new senior transportation shared service agreement with Washington Twp. to offset the operating budget. Tatarenko says this will be budgeted for in the 2023 budget. This is the town’s second LEAP grant award with the first being the purchase of a new garbage truck to support sanitation pick up with a shared service agreement with Chester.
Tatarenko also shares with the council the denial by the Department of Environmental Protection for a water quality restoration grant. Tatarenko had applied for the grant to continue its HAB mitigation at Budd Lake to improve water quality. He says if no other funding becomes available, the town can use open space funds to mitigate water quality issues.
The township also received $10K last week as part of the National Opioid Settlement. Mt. Olive is expected to be awarded $325K under the settlement but needs to continue to implement special programs, Tatarenko says. The police and health departments need to come up with some programs to qualify for more money.
“Checks are slowly being distributed,” says Tatarenko.
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Local & County News
Mt. Olive Educators Discuss Success Stories at National Conference
Mt. Olive Educators Discuss Success Stories at National Conference
Mt. Olive Educators Discuss Success Stories at National Conference
Mt. Olive High School and its innovative programs shared the national spotlight at the 30th annual Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Fla. MOHS was one of just 16 schools to be selected as a 2022 Model School by the International Center for Leadership in Education, an organization that supports effective instructional practices that lead to accelerated learning for all students.
Mt. Olive School District administrators presented an hour-long overview of successful initiatives implemented over the past several years in support of the district’s long-term plan. These included a data-driven remediation system which tailors instruction to meet each student’s unique needs, blended learning programs, and unique new courses in computer science, robotics, business, anatomy, social studies and special education. Also put into place were new initiatives to address social and emotional learning, school climate and student conduct, and instructional equity.
“MOHS is the crown jewel of our district and we’ve worked hard to make it even better to meet the needs of all learners,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Zywicki. “Preparing the presentation was also an opportunity for us to reflect on the school’s growth and transformation as a whole. It’s natural for people to focus on their own work and the work of their immediate colleagues, and we often miss the forest for the trees. The presentation provided a wide-angle lens that allowed everyone to see the big picture and understand how their individual efforts contribute to making MOHS an incredible place to learn and grow.”
Integrated into the live presentation were videos and still photographs that took audience members into MOHS to see education in action. The videos also featured teachers discussing their roles and students candidly speaking about the impact of the new programs on their lives.
Mt. Olive Educators Discuss Success Stories at National Conference
Mt. Olive Educators Discuss Success Stories at National Conference
One of the key MOHS initiatives of the past several years has been to encourage students to enroll in higher-level coursework. More AP classes were added, bringing the total to nearly 30, and the school adopted an AP financial incentive program. For students who pay the College Board fee for one AP exam, the school pays the registration fees for all additional exams. The incentive program helped overcome any cost barriers that were dissuading students from pursuing AP courses.
Another important recent initiative discussed at the conference is one that combined and expanded some existing programs, and added new levels of instruction and activity. Marauders Believe helps students with academic and developmental disabilities prepare for independence and adult life. Though academic support is an important part of the program, the real heart and soul of Marauders Believe is hands-on job training and life skills practice. Innovative vocational opportunities, both at the high school and in the Mt. Olive community, have been developed to provide work experiences that are appropriate for each student’s individualized needs, strengths and interests.
In the independent daily living component of the program, teachers work with each student to develop an individualized plan that will provide the necessary living skills to help them reach self- sufficiency. This might include meal planning and cooking, financial management, health care, clothing care and home safety. Discussions of available community resources also take place so that students know there are resources to turn to for support when they leave the nurturing confines of the high school.
Bubble Invasion
Mt. Olive Educators Discuss Success Stories at National Conference
Mt. Olive Senior Leaders
Bubble Palooza was held at Turkey Brook Park on Saturday, June 18. Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko and his family have a bubblicious time! Photo by Lisa Brett.
Mt. Olive Senior Leaders
Morris County Approves 30 Historic Preservation Grants
Mt. Olive Senior Leaders
Mt. Olive Seniors announce its new leadership. Pictured, from left, are President Sandra Masklee; 1st Vice President Richard Colette; 2nd Vice President Mary Montero; Council President Joe Nicastro; Secretary Sandy Gannon; Treasurer Edward Swaszek; Membership Libia Frank; and Chaplin Elaine Hayes. Photo by Lisa Brett.
For more information about the Senior Club contact Sandra Masklee sjmasklee@gmail.com. The Senior Club provides a meeting place where all are welcome. The group announces birthdays, anniversaries and information about members who are ill. The membership shares friendships and understanding during times of grief. To join the Senor Club you must be a Mt. Olive resident, minimum age is 55 years old. There are currently 104 members. The Senior Club was incorporated in 1972. They are planning a day trip to the Stroudsmoor Restaurant in Pennsylvania. An overnight trip to Wildwood, a day trip to Medieval Times and a trip for a Crab Boil in Maryland. The Key Club of Mt. Olive High School gave the Senior Club a Senior Prom with the theme being Mardi Grau this year.
Morris County Approves 30 Historic Preservation Grants
Morris County Approves 30 Historic Preservation Grants
Morris County Approves 30 Historic Preservation Grants
Photos by Molly Conway
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recently approved $2.65 million in grants from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to help restore, preserve and further protect historic sites in the county, including five projects that sought funding for the first time.
The 30 grants will go toward 29 specific historic sites, with one – the Seward House in Mt. Olive – being approved for two grants: One for partial restoration of the exterior of the historic 1860s farmhouse and another to complete construction planning for interior work. All of the projects were recommended by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board last month, with about 83 percent of the funding to be focused on construction work involving 15 projects.
The rest, 17 percent, will go toward 15 non-construction projects, including preservation planning, pre-construction planning and design work.
Morris County Approves 30 Historic Preservation Grants
Morris County Approves 30 Historic Preservation Grants
“Morris County has now approved nearly $46 million derived from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 122 historic sites in the 20 years since the voters overwhelming approved of dedicating a fund to protect our American heritage,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “Both our Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation have been instrumental in helping us to select the most worthy projects for support, and to see this important preservation effort continues. We thank them for their crucial work.”
Community Connections Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
Morris County & Arts Community Unveil Plaque to Viki Craig
Morris County & Arts Community Unveil Plaque to Viki Craig
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, the Honorable Stuart A. Minkowitz and Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll are proud to announce the one-year anniversary of Community Connections.
A ceremony was recently held at the Meeting Room of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners in Morristown to celebrate the milestone. Guest speakers included Gannon, Minkowitz, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez, Vicinage Chief Probation Officer Michael Lasko and Community Connections Coordinator Officer Justin Sudol.
Working with the New Jersey Administrative Office of Courts, the innovative Community Connections program is first of its kind to connect court-involved individuals to an array of services.
Community Connections links individuals to recovery support, mental health services, and social services. Serving as a pilot program for the State of New Jersey, the program has already proven to be successful with connecting more than 80 individuals to life-changing services.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Successful Transition and Re-Entry Program (STAR), the New Jersey Administrative Office of Courts and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office are successfully working together to provide support to court-involved individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders.
The Mental Health Association (MHA) and Prevention is Key’s Center for Addiction, Recovery, Education & Success (CARES) also are essential partners in providing these life-saving resources.
Court involved individuals who want to contact the program can fill out the online referral form on the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Community Connections web page or by simply scan the QR code on the Community Connections brochure.
Morris County & Arts Community Unveil Plaque to Viki Craig
Morris County & Arts Community Unveil Plaque to Viki Craig
Morris County & Arts Community Unveil Plaque to Viki Craig
Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Commissioner Krickus and Charles Craig pulled a veil off the plaque honoring the late ATA Co-Founder Viki Craig.
Art in the Atrium (ATA) Co-founder Viki Craig was honored last month with a plaque unveiled in Morristown by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, The Craig Family and Morris Arts during a ceremony at the Morris County Administration and Records Building in Morristown, where ATA began 30 years ago.
Charles Craig and Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Viki Craig’s husband and daughter, hosted the ceremony with Morris Arts Director of Galleries Lynn Seibert and Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus next to the plaque on the 5th Floor of the Atrium Gallery.
“It’s been three years since we lost Viki Craig and two years since we first planned a dedication here to this wonderful, brilliant and visionary woman, and I want to say thank you to Charles and Lauren for continuing her legacy,” said Krickus. “It is so fitting that we are going to have Viki Craig’s plaque here, overlooking the atrium where she founded Art in the Atrium.”
He noted that Morris County has only two other plaques of honor on the 5th Floor of the atrium: One for Frederick W. Knox, Jr., who served as a Freeholder from 1978 to 1988, and the other to Ilene St. John, who served as Clerk of the Board from 1991 to 2008.
“I am just so proud to represent my parents who had the vision and tenacity to keep this going for all these years. And I am excited that my mom has her plaque, and I’m trying not to get emotional too early. It’s a culmination of just so much,” said Lauren LeBeaux Craig.
The plaque is located just outside the Morris County Commissioners public meeting room. ATA took its name from the county’s five-story building atrium, where the Craig Family launched their nonprofit volunteer art organization with the mission to educate and exhibit African American fine art in Morristown.
The plaque unveiling was timed to coincide with Juneteenth celebrations, which honors the date 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 had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation two and a half years earlier.
ATA’s annual exhibition, the largest of its kind in the state of New Jersey, has been a successful showcase of art by both emerging and established artists. Viki Craig died in December 2018, but her family continued her work.
This year, ATA’s atrium exhibit is part of Morris Arts’ new exhibit, REEMERGENCE AND RENEWAL, which was set up last month and will run through Sept. 2. It exhibits a total of 138 artworks by 46 talented artists who offer a sense of renewal through their vibrant imagery, vivid colors, compelling designs and their underlying sense of humanity.
The fourth and fifth floors of the atrium exclusively showcase ATA’s presentation -- 70 works by 24 African American artists entitled “Black Revival!” The works include a wide range of styles and media – utilizing acrylic, multimedia assemblages, textiles, and photos in abstract and figurative compositions.
Most of the artworks are available for sale, with details and pricing provided in the free catalogues available in the elevator lobby areas on each floor. The catalogue also is available online at www.morrisarts.org.
The Atrium Art Gallery is free and open to the public during business hours, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Morris Arts is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973 dedicated to building community through the arts. Using the arts to inspire, connect and engage, Morris Arts serves as a resource for Morris County with a special focus on arts programming in the community and in the schools, arts advocacy, and support of the Morris Area community of artists and arts organizations.
The Arc of Warren County’s Radiothon = A Success!
Morris County & Arts Community Unveil Plaque to Viki Craig
A Message From Local Rabbi About Upcoming New Year
The 32nd Arc of Warren County’s Radiothon on June 8 was an astounding success. WRNJ Radio dedicated an entire day of programming focused on the benefits of The Arc of Warren County services and the positive impact that the Agency has on the individuals and families that are served.
The goal for this year was to raise $68,000 and to date close to slightly more than $78,000 has been committed. The Arc of Warren County is keeping this project active. People can still donate for this initiative until August 17. Funds raised support The Arc Foundation. Donations can be made online at arcwarren.org or checks can be made to The Arc Foundation, 319 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882.
The Arc Foundation was established in 1998 to provide a continuum of funding to help assure the financial security of The Arc of Warren County’s programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Radiothon supports many programs, such as Camp Warren, which runs five weeks of camp in beautiful Knowlton Township during the summer.
“The support from the community over the past 32 years has been so instrumental to the success of this Agency,” says John Whitehead, CEO of The Arc of Warren County. “It has been a tremendous opportunity to be able to tell the Agency story each year from the perspective of so many people whose lives have benefited from this organization.”
Annamaria Lalevee, Chief Development and Communication officer at The Arc of Warren County thanks the organizers: “Their commitment to this organization is so appreciated. I would like to see if we can make the $80,000 mark before August 17. This would be the highest amount raised to date. Please also consider participating in future Arc of Warren County events, such as our Golf Classic at Hawk Pointe Golf Club on September 12, 2022.”
It is always the goal of The Arc Foundation to collaborate with other local organizations. Please consider reaching out to Lalevee at alalevee@arcwarren.org or (908) 223-0884 to connect to discuss possibilities.
The Arc is a national organization that serves individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their family members since 1950. The Arc of Warren is one of 700 chapters of The Arc and serves more than 1,100 people annually for the past 68 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.
A Message From Local Rabbi About Upcoming New Year
A Message From Local Rabbi About Upcoming New Year
A Message From Local Rabbi About Upcoming New Year
Dear Friends,
Rosh Hashana is just around the corner. Soon, the smells of the round, sweet Challa in the oven, the sounds of the children singing their holiday songs, and the ticking clock will remind us that the New Year is here.
One of our favorite Rosh Hashana customs is going to "Tashlich" - a ritual which takes place near a natural body of water. We "throw" our sins (or bread crumbs) into the river while saying some prayers. This rates high on kids' lists of fun stuff to do on Rosh Hashana.
One of the criteria for a kosher Tashlich location is the presence of fish in the water. Fish don't have eyelids - their eyes are always open, symbolizing G-d's omnipresent and ever watchful eye on His children.
Today, it is comforting to know that Someone is always watching. Despite the highs and lows in life, when you know that there is Someone Who cares, it somehow makes life easier to navigate.
As we prepare for Rosh Hashana, we hope and pray that G-d will watch over us in the year ahead, with safety and security, health, happiness, joy and peace for all of us.
Please join us this year to celebrate together at the Chabad Jewish Center of Mt. Olive. At the Chabad Jewish Center, every Jew is already a member. Whether you will be joining us for the main services, Rosh Hashanah Dinner, or one of our other Fall Programs, you’ll experience the warmth and joy of community and get a chance to reflect and recharge your spiritual batteries during this sacred time of year.
We are hopeful that this coming year will be one filled with connection, friendship and growth.
Please call or visit our website at mychabadcenter.com for the most updated information on all of our new programs.
Wishing you a happy and sweet new year!
Rabbi Yaacov and Fraida Shusterman
Chabad of Mt. Olive
College News
Nearly 5,000 Visit “The Moving Wall” in Randolph
Nearly 5,000 Visit “The Moving Wall” in Randolph
Nearly 5,000 Visit “The Moving Wall” in Randolph
Nearly 5,000 residents of Morris County and beyond visited “The Moving Wall” Vietnam Veterans Memorial by the time closing ceremonies were held at the County College of Morris in Randolph on July 11.
“The Moving Wall,” which is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., began attracting visitors as soon as it arrived on Thursday, July 7, escorted by a motorcycle motorcade. The VFW Post 7333 of Randolph sponsored the event, and held ceremonies yesterday to thank supporters and volunteers who made the five-day event a success, wrapping up with honors for all Vietnam veterans and the military personnel that made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
“So here we are today, we want to say God Bless you, we love you, we will never forget you,” said William Menzel, a Vietnam veteran and project leader for VFW Post 7333, at the close of today’s ceremony.
VFW Post 7333 displayed a register indicating nearly 5,000 visitors signed their names as they entered the grounds of The Moving Wall. Visitation was free, and many did not sign the ledger. The weekend was marked by several ceremonies, including proclamations honoring the visiting memorial being read times by federal, state, county and local officials.
The New Jersey State Police conducted a fly-over with a helicopter on Saturday as dozens of veteran organizations and government agencies presented wreaths to honor The Moving Wall and veterans.
Visitors sought out the names of loved-ones lost in the conflict, many of them making “rubbings” with crayon and paper, as others left mementos at the wall. The artifacts are being left with the VFW Post 7333.
The Moving Wall was brought into Morris County purely with donated resources and funds.
The Moving Wall was constructed after John Devitt, a Vietnam veteran, attended the 1982 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He said at the time that he felt its power and vowed to share that experience with those who might not have the opportunity to visit it.
DeVitt, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall. Two were eventually constructed, and they have traveled the nation since 1984.
Table of Hope to Hold Backpack Giveaway at CCM
Nearly 5,000 Visit “The Moving Wall” in Randolph
Nearly 5,000 Visit “The Moving Wall” in Randolph
As parents start to plan for a new school year and address all the details involved, Table of Hope once again is helping to make things a bit easier with a free backpack distribution event at County College of Morris (CCM).
The Backpack Giveaway at CCM is set to take place Friday, August 19, from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Visitors are asked to use CCM’s Center Grove Road entrance.
CCM has hosted five previous 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.
To volunteer for the Backpack Giveaway or to make a donation, visit www.springstreetcdc.org and click “Volunteer” or email volunteer@springstreetcdc.org.
Enroll at CCM To Stay Ahead In Changing World
Nearly 5,000 Visit “The Moving Wall” in Randolph
Enroll at CCM To Stay Ahead In Changing World
The world is changing rapidly, but one thing remains certain: With a high-quality, affordable higher education, it’s possible to build a better future and stay ahead of the change.
Enroll for the Fall 2022 Semester at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, one of the nation’s top community colleges, to gain the skills and knowledge that equate to success.
CCM offers more than 100 programs, from degrees, to certificates, to get-paid-as-you-learn apprenticeships. Numerous programs can be completed in a matter of weeks and a degree can be obtained in two years or less.
The Fall Semester begins August 31. Several mini terms also are being offered: Early Start Two Week and Early Start 7 Week, August 31; 13 Week, September 14; and Late Start 7 Week, October 26.
Fall registration is currently taking place. To apply for credit programs, visit www.ccm.edu/admissions/. To view and register for non-credit certificate and apprenticeship programs, go to www.ccm.edu/workforce/.
Along with highly ranked academic programs, CCM provides a wide range of support services, including career guidance, tutoring, funding to help with childcare assistance, a food pantry, and scholarships and grants to help with the cost of college. To learn how to qualify for free attendance through the Community College Opportunity Grant, visit www.ccm.edu/ccog/.
CCM is ranked #1 in New Jersey for best associate degrees and in the top 1.8 percent of the best community colleges nationwide by Intelligent. The college also continues to maintain its #1 position in PayScale’s “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential,” a distinction it has held for five consecutive years. Similarly, its workforce development programs are highly rated and the college’s Center for Workforce Development is the recipient of several awards, including two Best Practice awards from the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey. To learn more, visit www.ccm.edu/.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Submitted by Diane Lang, positive living expert, life coach, speaker
What you do has a stronger impact on people than what you say. Oftentimes, people will say one thing and do another; the phrase actions speak louder than words means that people are more likely to believe what you do rather than what you say, there is a difference between the two.
Basically, it's better to actually do something than to just say you'll do it.
Always be mindful –does your actions match your words?
It doesn’t matter what type of relationship you want to talk about, trust is important to maintain it. Without trust, the relationship crumbles, suspicion and hurt feelings come in, and eventually the relationship falls apart completely. It’s easy to say something to try to build trust but people earn trust through actions.
Each time you say you are going to do something, but don’t, your actions speak louder than words. You are telling the other person that you don’t have the desire/interest, or willingness to stick to your promises or words. Soon, you can say anything you want to someone and they will literally only believe it when they see it. Hence the statement, “I will believe it, when I see it.”
Think of it this way: When someone apologizes to you, that is a great start but if the actions don't match, the apology doesn't mean anything.
If you want relationships to last, then your actions need to match what you say. Don’t make false promises with your words and not live up to them!
For more information visit www.dlcounseling.com or email Lang at DLCounseling2014@gmail.com.
About Mt Olive Online
Managing Editor/Publisher
Experienced journalist since 1990, living in Flanders for 23 years and covering Mt. Olive Township for the past 13 years.