221652_1453983182Mt. Olive News - Jan. 2016.pdf

8/20/2019 221652_1453983182Mt. Olive News - Jan. 2016.pdf

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline • Tell Them You Saw It In The Musconetcong News, June 2015, Page 1

No. 8 • Vol. 1 www.mypaperonline.com January 2016

By Cheryl Conway

Kody Vagle of Budd

Lake, the new youth

pastor at Mountain-

top Church in Hackettstown,

is using his experiences tohelp local youth embrace

their religion.

Vagle, whose father and

grandfather were both pas-tors, admits that there was a

time in his life in which he

was a “rebel.” Although he

grew up in a Christian home,

Vagle explains how he ran

away from his religion untilhis pastor showed him the

way.Helping other youth and

being an influence has be-

come Vagle’s mission as thenew youth pastor at Moun-

taintop Church.

“Today people need Jesus

and to experience his love

more than ever,” says Vagle

who has been working full-

time at Mountaintop Churchsince Oct. 14. His job is “to

help students grow with each

other and Christ. That’s al-

ways been my passion tohelp teenagers who are re-

belling from God.”

Vagle, who grew up in

Cecil County, MD, says “I

was 12 years old when I ac-

cepted Jesus into my life.”Before that, “I was living a

double life. I thought I was agood Christian kid, but as

soon as I was with my

friends I lived a completelydifferent life. I was rude and

New Youth Church Pastor Follows Path To Helping Teensdisrespectful” to teachers and

others. “I didn’t like my

youth pastor at first; even my

parents, I gave them a hard

time.”

Regarding his feeling to-ward God at the time, Vagle

explains “It was at the point

I didn’t care. If he wasn’t im-

placable to my life, I didn’twant anything to do with him

at the time.”

Vagle’s feeling toward

God changed when his pas-

tor “helped him run to God.

My pastor was so influentialin my life. The way he was

to me, always forgiving, wasalways patient with me. He

showed me God’s love first-

Newspaper Company ThanksContributors Of Toy/Clothing Drive

New View Media Group LLC, would like to thankeveryone who donated toys and clothing for itssecond annual Toy/Clothing Drive. This year the

company had an overwhelming response.“It was through the generosity of our readers that we

were able to help nine local families (20 children) and do-nate to Strengthen Our Sisters, a shelter for women,” saysMary Lalama of Flanders, co-owner of New View MediaLLC.

Lalama organized her first drive last year through thecompany as a way to give back to the community and help

those facing tough times. From Nov. 2015 through Dec.20, new, unwrapped toys and clothing including winternecessities such as hats, gloves, coats and scarves fornewborns through age 14, as well as gift cards were do-nated with ten drop off boxes at businesses throughout the

surrounding area.“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting

smiles on the faces of so many children through your gen-erosity,” stated Lalama. “I am always so touched by theoutpouring of love in our communities. Again I thank youall.”

hand. He always welcomedme back.

Kids always rebel from

their parents,” Vagle says,like he did. “But thankfully

God pulled me out of that

and saved me from my self-ishness.” Just like he was

continued on page 2


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Page 2, January 2016, Tell Them You Saw It In The Mt. Olive News • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline

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saved, Vagle wants to help other people whoare running or rebelling from God.

Vagle, who got his bachelor’s degree in

youth ministry from the University of Valley

Forge in Pennsylvania, just moved to NJ in

Oct. 2015 with his wife/college sweetheart,

Jamie in order to take the job at MountaintopChurch. Jamie, who is from Newport News,

VA, just got her degree in graphic design in

December.

He replaces the previous youth pastor Ken

Findlay who held the position for eight yearsuntil recently moving out of the area.

“I’m honored and humbled to step in for

him here,” says Vagle, 22. “I’m truly living

the dream here. I’m blessed and honored to

be part of the church and the community. I’m

honored to work with these children; they’reawesome. I love hanging out with young

people, with teenagers. They make me feel

younger.

While he admits that coming to NJ

seemed a bit “daunting” at first, and defi-nitely chillier, he says “We love the commu-

nity. It’s beautiful; we live right next to the

lake. We love everything about it. This is

home for us now.”

In his new position, Vagle is responsible

of managing the youth ministry at the church

as well as organizing and leading the Wed.night youth group meeting and Bible Study.

The name of the youth group is Refuge

Youth.

“I’m here to help out Mountaintop Church

and help the senior pastor,” he says.

About 20 students ages 12 to 18, or gradesseven through twelve, attend the youth meet-

ings and programs. Most are from Mt. Olive

but some do live in Hackettstown and other

nearby towns.

In some sessions the students worshipmusic; in January the theme is “Same God,

New Year, New You;” in February a relation-

ship series is planned for Valentine’s Day.

Events are usually once a month and even in-

clude game night and movie night. In Nov.

the group went to a district youth conventionin Burlington.

His goals are to “show God’s love; show

Jesus to these kids. We want to provide a safe

environment to these kids; don’t want to

New Youth Pastor...continued from front page judge anyone.”

The meaning behind the group’s name,

Refuge Youth, is to provide an environment

where teenagers can come, Vagle explains.

“Wherever they are in their world theycan come here and be shown Jesus,” he says.

“We’d love more people.” New members are

always welcome.

“There’s no judgment,” concluded Vagle.

“We’d love to meet you. We’re here for the

community.”

To get involved with Refuge Youth or at-tend a meeting, call Vagle at 908-850-5477;

or like the group on Facebook.


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By Anastasia Marchese

There is a lot of breastcancer awareness outthere, but there are

many women who have had

breast cancer who choose tokeep their experience pri-vate.

Many women howevercan benefit from sharingtheir story with others whohave gone through similarexperiences. Even womenwho have chosen not to sharetheir struggles with others,can find encouragement andemotional healing by talking

with other cancer survivors.Janet Logan has a passion

for turning her life experi-ences as a breast cancer sur-vivor into somethingpositive. Before she was di-agnosed with breast cancershe already decided tochange careers and use herlife’s experiences to help oth-ers. After a fulfilling careerin human resources, she

chose to take a new turn andbecome a certified life coach.So in 2012 she began usingher experiences as a humanresources director for major

corporations, as well as hertraining as a certified profes-sional life coach to help em-power others make choicesthat would be fulfilling andsuccessful for them.

Her business name is MyCoaching Services, and sheoffers both career and busi-ness coaching, and healthand wellness coaching serv-ices. Her personal enthusi-

asm for health and fitnessspurred her to continue toearn her personal trainingcertificate, even as she re-ceived her diagnosis of Stage1 breast cancer. “I felt likemy life was changing” Janetremembers, “and I wanted touse my experiences to helpother people.” As part of herrecovery Janet learned of thePink Ribbon Program “cre-

ated to enhance recovery forbreast cancer patients,” ac-cording to the website. Theprogram helps stretch andstrengthens shoulder, chest,

and back allowing the patientto improve range of motionand strength to those areasmost affected by breast can-cer surgery, treatment and re-construction.”

Janet used this set of re-habilitation exercises to aidin her own recovery and isnow certified to instruct oth-ers in the program. “It em-powers you. You are doing

something to take care of yourself,” says Logan.

Her desire to connectwith other women who aredealing with breast cancerled her to start a Breast Can-cer Support Group. It meetson the third Wednesday of each month at the Mt. OliveLibrary starting at 7 p.m. Thefirst meeting was in June of 2015.

The group is a place forwomen who are dealing withbreast cancer to discuss in a“safe, intimate yet privateway to share personal situa-

tions,” says Logan. “To talkabout the ongoing processthat they have.”

Women who have beentold they may have breastcancer but have not yet re-ceived a diagnosis are of course encouraged to attendas well. In that in betweentime, “prior to diagnosisthere is so much you learn,”recalls Logan. “There are so

many different kinds of can-cers and treatments. Someare genetic. [In the group] allof us were tested for thegene, most of us were nega-tive but genetic testing isgrowing.”

Logan took part in theRelay for Life this pastspring and was impressed by“how many familiar faces,my kid’s friends

mothers...how many peopleare affected by cancer.” Ac-cording to the Susan B.Koman Foundation, the cur-rent rate of breast cancer di-

agnosis in the U.S. is one ineight; meaning out of everyeight women, one will be di-agnosed with invasive breastcancer during the course of her life.

Coming together withother women who are deal-ing with the effects of breastcancer can help even veryprivate woman to heal andgrow through their own

struggles and triumphs. ThePink Ribbon Program’smotto is “Get Back to Liv-ing...Not Just Surviving” andthat is how Logan seems tohave viewed her own contin-uing journey through breastcancer and reconstructivesurgery. That passion to turnher own difficulties into ex-periences out of which shecan help others, is the spirit

of the Breast Cancer Support

Group.Any woman who is cur-

rently dealing with any stageof breast cancer from pre-diagnosis to reconstructivesurgery and all the strugglesthat come in between, as wellas women who are dealingwith the possible scars left ontheir hearts, lives and bodiesas breast cancer survivors,are welcome to attend.

Breast Cancer Support Group Spreads Awareness To Women


5/36


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58 Drakesda le Road • F lan ders NJ 07836

(973) [email protected]

WINTER OPEN HOUSEWedn esday, Ja nua ry 20th9:30am - 2:00pm

Reg istratio n will Ope n for the 2016-2017 Scho ol Year

Sounds in Motion • Spanish Classes • Handwriting without TearsCooking Classes • Computer Classes • Playground

M

t. Olive is sponsoring a Free

Child Health Exam & Vaccines

for resident children of Mt.Olive, Netcong and Mt. Arlington who do

not have health insurance. A licensed pedi-atrician will perform physical examinations

and update vaccinations.

The Child Health Exams are set for

Tues., Jan. 26, from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. in theMt. Olive Township Health Department in

Budd Lake. For an appointment, call 973-691-0900 ext. 7353.

J

ust prior to Thanksgiving break, 18 stu-

dents from the MOMS STEM Team

competed in the First Lego League

(FLL) Robotics Mt. Olive Regional Tour-nament.

For the first portion of the tournament,

students had to present a solution they had

created to solve a problem related to our re-

lationship with trash, by either finding a

way to reduce the resources we use or

reusing materials in a new way.The second portion of the tournament

consisted of the robot game where students

showcased programs they had created to

allow their robots to solve missions. These

missions required the students' robots to in-

teract with models made of LEGOs by re-

moving/inserting components, pushingbuttons, etc.

One of the teams, comprised of nine stu-

dents, received the most prestigious award

that can be won at an FLL event, the Cham-

pion's Award.

Additionally, this team of students

earned a spot to compete at the State Final'sTournament held at MOHS Sat., Dec. 12,

competing against 61 other top teams from

throughout the state.

Township OffersFree Child Health Exam

MOMS STEM TeamWin Champion Award


6/36


By Cheryl Conway

Theater Dance Center

in Flanders will becelebrating its silver

anniversary later this year

and what better way to kickoff its competition-filled

season than with a gala to

raise money for wounded

warriors and veterans.

Theater Dance Centerhas planned its gala, Dance

For Heroes for Sun., Jan.

31, at 3 p.m., at the Mt.

Olive High School Per-forming Arts Center. All

proceeds from the eventwill go to the Wounded

Warrior Project and local

veterans.

For the past four years,

the dance center has hostedDance For A Cure, to raise

money for cancer research.

Proceeds from their previ-

ous competition showcases

have been allocated towardStand Up For Cancer, rais-

ing more than $45,000.

“This year we have

switched our focus from

cancer to our veterans,”

says Millene Schetlick,owner and assistant director

of Theater Dance Center.

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Dancers To Shake In Money For Heroes At Competition Kick Off

She says she and Mary

Ellen Volz, co-director and

business manager of thedance studio, decided to

“change it up” this year.

“Our veterans neededsome attention,” says

Schetlick. “We wanted to

change and help our area

for people in need.”

Supporting the veteransis fitting for the dance cen-

ter as one of its former stu-

dents is a retired marine

who served in Iraq andAfghanistan.

The name of this year’sevent is pretty clear. “Our

wounded warriors and vet-

erans are our heroes,” she

explains.

This is the fifth year thatTheater Dance Center has

invited family, friends and

the public to attend a kick-

off event that showcases itscompetition dance numbers

for the season while collect-

ing proceeds for charity.Schetlick says the dance

center has been hosting the

competition showcase for

ten years actually but de-

cided five years ago to addin the fundraising compo-

nent.

“Instead of just doing it

for the sake of dancing, wefigured we could help

someone while we aredancing,” says Schetlick.

Schetlick and Volz have

held the event as a “kickoff

to their competitive sea-

son,” says Schetlick.

continued on next page


7/36


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Christopher “John” KrukBroker/Sales Associate

908-343-5328

Christopher “John” KrukBroker/Sales Associate

908-343-5328

Maureen Donohue ConwaySales Associate

908-283-3073


908-283-3073

Rosemarie MaguireSales Associate

973-902-2121

William “Bill” CoganSales Associate

908-619-9245

Frank AndersonBroker/Sales Associate

908-303-5564

Lacey DiTondoBroker/Sales Associate

908-339-2287

Maria McDonoughBroker/Sales Associate

973-277-3834


908-283-3073

Wishing Everyone A Happy, Healthy New Year! Wishing Everyone A Happy, Healthy New Year!

Why not take advantage “that we have

an audience and the ability to raise money

for a cause?”This year’s gala is expected to last more

than two hours featuring 48 dance numbers.Dancers will include 75 male and female

students between the ages of seven and 19.

Genre will vary from ballet, hip hop, jazz,

music theater and contemporary.

Theater Dance Center has scheduled to

compete in six competitions this year, inwhich two are conventions. The first one is

set for the first week of February. Plans are

to complete the 2016 season with a recital

in June when the center will recognize its

25th anniversary with a celebration.

Tickets for Dance With Heroes are $10and donations will also be accepted. All

proceeds will go to WWP, which helps

thousands of injured warriors returning

home from the current conflicts and to pro-

vide assistance to their families.

Schetlick hopes to raise $10,000.Tickets can be purchased by calling the

studio (973) 584-5020. For more informa-

tion, check out the fundraising page at

www.theaterdancecenter.com.

Dancers To Shake...continued from previous page

A

Mardi Gras jazz worship service

and pancake breakfast is set to be

held at Stanhope United MethodistChurch in Netcong on Sun., Feb. 7. The

worship service is at 9:30 a.m. with Jazz

Music and the Pancake Breakfast will have

two seatings at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Live and recorded jazz music will be fea-tured at the breakfasts and worship service.

There will be a "free will" offering for

the breakfast and during the worship serv-

ice. The offering will be used to continuesupporting Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

There are still hundreds of families affected

and displaced from that storm more than

two years later.

For more information, call the church at(973)347-0247.

Mardi Gras Breakfast And ServiceTo Aid Sandy Relief


8/36


123 Rt. 206 Chester(Next to STS Tire, across street fromShopRite Liquors and Dunkin Donuts)

908-879-2335 www.trezarfinejewelry.com

now through

Valentine’s DayWE MOVED!

By Cheryl Conway

A

year has come and gone since I have taken the

reins as editor of New View Media Group News-papers and what a positive journey it has been.

Being part of a company that has doubled in size, from

eight monthly papers to 17, has been so exciting but the

greatest joy for me has been being on the forefront of so

many wonderful stories that surround us every day. Mostother newspapers will fill their pages with police stories,

obituaries, car accidents, suicides, murders, disasters, law

suits, political battles and controversial issues that busy

municipal governments and school boards.

While every journalist craves that news breaking storyor that shocking incident for that hard-nose reporter to

capture all those details whether gory or devastating,

there is nothing quite refreshing or satisfying than cov-

ering a feel good story that tugs at heart strings and puts

a smile on one’s face.

My days this past year have surrounded me with sto-ries about the kindest people who have given their time,

mind and spirit to help others in need; who have gone

above and beyond in their endeavors or jobs; who have

put other people’s lives before theirs; or about events that

bring joy to the community or raise needed funds or sup-plies for a particular issue or charity; and even about

communities and school districts that continue to work

together to improve their surroundings through new pro-

grams and resources; as well as businesses that continueto keep hard workers employed while providing the best

services to customers.

While New View Media Group is an unaffiliated

paper, meaning it remains untied to any particular reli-

gion or political group, it upholds similar virtues andethics like being kind to others, helping thy neighbor,

giving tzedaka or charity, doing a mitzvah or kind deed,

volunteering time and sharing generously and unselfishly

with those in need.

Looking back through the twelve months of 2015, somany stories of genuine kindness fill my mind that it

would be wrongful of me to not reminisce before jump-

ing in to share the positive moments unfolding for 2016.

For Mt. Olive News readers, the stories that took cen-

ter stage included Sandshore School students jumped

rope to raise money and awareness for American HeartAssociation; local exercise class motivated women to

lose weight and keep it off in annual MO Big Loser Con-

test; local teen made videos to share noteworthy infor-

mation about historic sites for preservation; Do or Dye

5K Run held to support cancer research; CompassionateFriends opened local chapter to help victims of child loss;

CMS second graders attended local tour to spread kind-

ness to others; All Veterans Memorial hosted ceremony

to honor and remember local lives lost in battle; foodpantry teamed up with local restaurant for fundraising

food drive; bottle caps are collected at local school for

wounded warriors; local Kiwanis Club partners with food

pantry to help those in need; community effort spreads

hope and support to a 13-year old boy fighting leukemia.The positive stories are endless and contagious really.

Shared each month to inspire, motivate, reflect and chan-

nel others to get involved, donate, give back, participate

or even just turn negative energy into one filled with op-

timism and hope, each community stands stronger andunited knowing that there are people out there who do

care and are making a difference every day.

Nothing wrong with being humble, but do not let that

stop you from contacting New View Media Group to

share your contribution of how you helped to make the

world a brighter place. There is nothing wrong with shin-ing and patting yourself on the back for some well-de-

served recognition.

Send your press releases and story ideas to me at edi-

[email protected]. I look forward to hearing from

you in 2016…until then happy, healthy New Year to allreaders.

Editor Wraps Up Top 2015 Stories; Welcomes More Shining Times For New Year


9/36



10/36


How about some hand twisted pretzels to serve

up on the big game day or give that someone

special a heart-shaped pretzel on Valentine's

Day?

Established in Feb. 2013, Philly Pretzel Factory inHackettstown provides customers pretzels for any cel-

ebration or occasion, to feature names, numbers and

characters. Don't miss out on Super Bowl party trays

with assortment of pretzels.

Party trays are a huge hit for any celebration. They

include choice of any of the nine mustards and specialtydips.

Hand twisted, fresh pretzel products made daily. The

full line of products include soft pretzels, pretzel dogs,

pretzel sausage, cheese-steaks, pepperoni pretzel melts,

mini pretzels and bite sized pretzels called rivets.

Join the e-mail list to be a part of our Twisted Tues-

day specials. Each week receive an email on Mondayevening with the Twisted Tuesday special. Specials in-

clude two for $2 pretzel dogs, Buy five pretzels, get five

free and more.

For more information, call 908 269 8780. Hours are

Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun.

9 a.m.- 4 p.m.Philly Pretzel Factory is located at 150 Mountain

Ave, Hackettstown.

Twist Up Some Hot Pretzels For Any Occasion

L

ooking for a funky and friendly shop? Stop inat Sunshine Gift Shoppe and Consignment in

Kenvil for unique items, distinctive gifts and

even some newly added yoga classes.

Established in 2013, Sunshine Gift Shoppe and

Consignment is a one-of-a-kind, vintage, jewelry

and accessories, clothing and furniture store. OnMarch 5, the shop will be celebrating its three year

anniversary with celebration to be planned.

Ment ion this ad and receive a specia l off er.

Sweet gifts at sweet savings for a sweetheart on

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! The shopoffers friendly, personalized service and gift wrap.

For those with a busy mind looking for innerpeace and wellness, try a meditation class starting

Feb. 7, from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Meditation classes

will be the 1st Sunday of every month.

Also get fit while sitting by trying a chair yoga

class starting Jan. 23 at 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Re-

duce stress and tension, increase balance and flexi-bility. Cost is $50 for a four week session or $15 per

class. Call now at 973-252-2099. Class size is lim-

ited.

The shop is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located

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11/36


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The Scouts from Flanders Troop 156

and Girl Scout Troop 853 completed

the Victory Trail Hike on Sat.,Dec.12. The 11 mile hike began in Eliza-

beth and ended in Springfield. Scouts

learned about the battle of Springfield and

how the Americans held off the British and

eventually won the battle. The Scouts, pic-

tured at the Springfield Presbyterian

Church, from left, are Jim West, StephenRozek, Ben West, Shane Jones, Hannah

Jones, Jason Cartier, Anthony Thulin, Jean

Chambon, Tyler Chmiel and John Cartier.

Photo by Archer Jones.

Scouts Hike Victorious


12/36


The Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce

plans to host its 10th Annual Break-

fast With The Mayors on Tues., Jan.26.

Mt. Olive Township Mayor Rob Green-

baum and Hackettstown Mayor Maria Di-

Giovanni will look back on the business

climate in their respective towns in 2015and update chamber members and members

of the business community on what their

goals are for 2016 as they relate to the busi-

ness community.

As part of the meeting, there will be anopportunity for attendees to ask questions

and make suggestions. Chamber officials

will also discuss how the chamber can team

with township leaders for continued success

in the new year, and introduce the new

Chamber Leadership Team for 2016.

The meeting is open to the businesscommunity, as well as the general public.

The breakfast meeting is being presented

and hosted by the Longhorn Steakhouse at

ITC Crossing, starting at 7:30 a.m. Cost is

$25 for chamber members and $30 forguests; save $5 by pre-paying during regis-

tration.

Meanwhile, Marketing in the Morning,

a complimentary benefit to members of the

chamber, takes place the third Wednesdaymorning of every month from 7:15 a.m. to

9 a.m. The chamber also provides a

monthly program for the area Young Pro-

fessionals the second Thursday each month

Mt. Olive Area Chamber To Host 10th Annual Breakfast With Mayorsat a variety of locations, as well as a

monthly Women’s Professionals group, the

second Tuesday of every month. A special

event has been scheduled for Feb. 2 withthe chamber hosting a bus trip to the Dev-

ils-Rangers hockey game in Newark.

For information on any of these events,

visit the chamber’s website, www.mounto-

livechambernj.com.

The next Marketing in the Morning,

considered the premier AM business net-

working event in the region, is scheduled

for Jan. 20 at the Mt. Olive Township Mu-nicipal Building. There is a $10 fee but it is

free to chamber members. Register at

MEET UP; go to

http://www.meetup.com/Marketing-in-the-

Morning-Mt-Olive-Area.

REELERS Square Dance Club plansto host a free “Introduction toSquare Dancing” event on Tues.,

Jan. 26, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at IroniaSchool in Randolph.

Learn a few square dance moves anddance the night away! Have fun, improve

cardio fitness, and make new friends. Theevent is open to singles and couples. Re-freshments will be available. Dance in asquare and make a circle of friends.

For more information, call 973-590-2747, 201-452-3932; or email [email protected].

Learn Square Dancing This Month


13/36



14/36


The Mt. Olive Area Chamber of Com-merce is seeking nominations for

Business Person of the Year and Hu-

manitarian of the Year, with the recipients

to be honored at the organization’s 61st An-

niversary Awards Dinner in June.

The Business Person of the Year will bepresented to a business person and chamber

member who has demonstrated outstanding

professionalism in service to the business

community. The Humanitarian Award,

which honors the memory of Tom Klecka,is a person who demonstrates dedication

and commitment through volunteer effortsin the community. The nominee for this

award is not required to be a chamber mem-

ber.

New this year is another category,“Young Professional of the Year,” which

will be given to a business person under 40

who has demonstrated outstanding businesspractices, and/or has shown great potential

in their field of work.

Among past Business Persons of the

Year are Jerome Hagedorn - Siemens

Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc.; Janen Ardia -

RE/MAX Heritage Properties; JohnTrumbly - Givaudan Fragrances Corp.; and

Glenn Tippy – GBW Insurance.

Tom Klecka Humanitarians of the Year

have included Norman Worth, Ray Miller,

Doug Fenichel, and last year, Steve Mater-nick.

Nominations must be sent in by March1. For a nomination form, go to

http://mountolivechambernj.com/awards/;

check out the chamber website for general

information, www.MountOliveCham-berNJ.com; or email nominations to:

[email protected].

Mt. Olive Chamber SeeksNominations For Businesspersons

And Humanitarian Of Year

Attention Schools, Churches, Organizations!Send us your press releases and photos to [email protected]


15/36


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New Beginnings Bible Church

104 Bartley Flanders Road

Flanders, NJ 07836

www.newbeginningsbc.org

973-600-4807

Sunday Service 10 a.m.

Mountaintop Church

6 Naughright Road

Hackettstown, NJ 07840

908-850-5477

www.mtopag.org

Sunday Worship Time 10:15 a.m.

Find us on Facebook

Mountaintop Church A/G

Budd Lake Chapel54 Sandshore Road

Budd Lake, NJ 07828

973-691-8855

Sunday Service 10 a.m.

www.buddlakechapel.com

[email protected]

Hope Community Bible Church

Pastor Paul Vander Vliet

Deacon Patrick McKay

50 Flanders Bartley Road

Flanders, NJ 07836

http://www.hcbchurch.net

Phone: 267-934-2842

Sun. Worship Service at 11 a.m.

Adult class 10 a.m.

Child Care Available

for Both Services


17/36


MOMAC Mount Olive Municipal Alliance Committee is a community based

coalition of volunteers committed to heightening awareness of substance abuse

through education, prevention, and alternative activities. Please visit the Mount

Olive Recreation web site for many events, programs and healthy choices

http://rec.mountolivetownship.com/ for more info contact MOMAC

Coordinator at [email protected]

By J. L. Shively

Kevin Geiger, a senior at Mt. Olive High School,

began playing lacrosse at the age of 10 and Geiger,

now 18, has received a D2 scholarship to play

lacrosse at the collegiate level for Catawba College. Geiger

plans to play goalie for the Catawba Indians when he beginshis college career next fall.

A lifetime native of Flanders, Geiger states that his interest

in sports began at a young age playing a collection of different

sports such as football, baseball, ice hockey and lacrosse.

This gave him quite the full schedule during any athletic sea-

son.“When I got to middle school, I dropped football and base-

ball to just play hockey and lacrosse,” Geiger states. Like

many budding athletes, Geiger was eager to play any sport

and was working on finding the sport he was most passionate

about.

Stating that he continued to play ice hockey until his fresh-man year of high school, Geiger explains that he then began

to focus all of his time and energy on lacrosse.

“My mother, she played on the Women’s U.S. team in the

80’s, she got me into the sport back when I was younger andI just immediately fell in love with [playing] goalie,” Geiger

says of his inspiration and his decision to play the goalie po-

sition nearly from the beginning.

For every fall and summer since his freshman year, Geiger

spent his time honing his lacrosse skills with the New Jersey

Thunder Elite. Then in the summer of his junior year he

played for the Brine National Lacrosse Classic for NJ.Through the years of playing lacrosse, Geiger has received

many athletic awards with his teammates such as First Team

All-State Group Three in 2015 and First Team All-NJAC, a

conference the team participated in.

Catawba College, located in Salisbury, NC, was Geiger’stop choice for college since the summer of his sophomore

year. “No school really appealed to me more than Catawba

did,” Geiger explains.

“I received the news about the amount of the scholarship

about a week prior to receiving the NLI,” Geiger explains of

receiving the news of his acceptance along with his NationalLetter of Intent, the document which shows an individual’s

commitment to play for the National Collegiate Athletic As-

sociation (NCAA).

Having signed with the school on Nov. 14, Geiger explains

that he was “extremely excited” after receiving his acceptance

letter and scholarship information and could not wait until hecould sign.

When he attends Catawba in the fall, Geiger will be re-

ceiving a total of $21,000 per academic year, which includes

an academic scholarship as well as his athletic scholarship toplay lacrosse his freshman year.

“My parents were relieved to hear that I was getting a de-

cent amount of money per year,” Geiger explains of his par-

ent’s reaction to his acceptance.

Geiger intends to go to Catawba for a degree in athletic

training. His plans for the future not only include receiving

his bachelor’s degree in his intended major but also to possi-

bly “earn a few athletic awards for men’s lacrosse at the col-

legiate level,” Geiger states.

With his final year at MOHS already half-way gone,

Geiger is quickly moving closer to his goal.

MOHS Senior Receives Scholarship For Lacrosse


18/36


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By Anastasia Marchese

Last winter marked the start of some-thing new in Mt. Olive, an annualcommunity talent show.

Hosted and run at the Mt. Olive High

School, it is a fundraiser for the student bodyand student council. Each class, freshman,sophomore, junior and senior, received onefifth of the funds raised, and the remainingfifth went to the student council. Each classearned their share by taking part in the plan-ning, set up, audition process, running theshow, and of course the dreaded after-showclean up.

“Last year went off without a hitch” re-members Linda Hunter, who is a mathemat-ics teacher at MOHS and one of the advisorsto the class of 2018. “We were shocked at the

talent we see in our town right here.”This year Hunter is excited for another

night of great local talent.“It is just a fun night!” she says. Perform-

ers will be strutting their stuff from elemen-tary age through adult.

With auditions held last month for theupcoming show, 37 acts auditioned out of which 24 were chosen to perform onstageat the show scheduled for Fri., Jan. 22. The judges, advisors of each grade level, scored

the contestants on a scale of one to five,with the top scoring acts chosen to per-form.

When asked what they are going to dif-ferently than last year, Hunter said that they

won't be changing much. Once again eachclass will be responsible for certain aspectsof the show, with her class handling ticketsales and show promotion.

The performance will have many musicalacts with vocal solos, duets, a duet withpiano, a solo with guitar, a duet with ukulele,and with guitar accompanying. As for thedancing, there will be performances of tap,ballet and a group performance. There willbe instrumentalists playing piano as well asdrums. There will also be a demonstration of martial arts.

It is not only students and communitymembers who will be performing, but schoolfaculty and staff as well. Dr. Larrie Reynolds,Mt. Olive schools superintendent, plans totake the stage with his band. Mr. Johnson, along time substitute at the school plans to per-form a vocal solo.

This is not a competition however, but justa great night to get together as a communityand experience some of the talent right herein town. The show is Jan. 22, 7 p.m., with

Students Gearing Up For MOGT, from left, are Julia Chang, Kyle Bastarrika, Vinny DeCarlo, and

Juliana Kim.

Mount Olive’s Got Talent Plans For Exciting Second Year

snow date Jan. 23, at MOHS in Flanders.Tickets are $10 and all of the proceeds willbe divided equally between classes and stu-dent council once again.

For advance purchases, mail check, madepayable to MOHS Class of 2018, to Ms.

Hunter at Mount Olive High School, 18Corey Road, Flanders, NJ 07836. Includenumber of tickets, name, and contact infor-mation. Pick up tickets at will call window.For ticket information, contact Hunter [email protected].


19/36



20/36


By J. L. Shively

With winter finally rearing its head, spring feels veryfar away indeed. But with something to look for-ward to, perhaps winter will not feel so very far

after all. On Sun. April 10, Dan Exter is set to be hosting the

second annual Layups 4 Life challenge and registration forthe event is now open.Exter, a Roxbury High School alumni, always had a pas-

sion for the game of basketball and his passion did not fadewhen he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemiain the summer of 2013. Having fought his cancer and won,Exter explains, “I wanted to give back and help the placewhich inevitably saved my life.”

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) iswhere Exter received his treatments and it is this center wherethe money raised from the Layups 4 Life challenge will bedonated. Having had his share of varsity court time at RHS,Exter decided it would be the perfect place to hold his chal-

lenge. “I wanted to combine my passion with a cause andthat is how Layups 4 Life was born,” Exter explains.

Cancer research is a long and ongoing process which iswhy funds are always needed for the research as well as clin-ical trials which will aid in working towards a cure. Exterexplains that after last year’s challenge he divided the dona-tions up into three different categories all within MSKCC.The categories were General Leukemia, Pediatric Leukemiaand a Bone Marrow Research Foundation. Although dis-bursement of funds has not yet been decided for this year, itis likely that the money raised from the challenge will again

go to the same categories within MSKCC.The Layups 4 Life main challenge consists of a 3-on-3

basketball tournament open to both boys and girls ages 15and up. This challenge invites Roxbury residents to competeand, as Exter explains, the challenge is “open to the Roxbury

community and beyond,” having stated that lasts year’s eventconsisted of teams from all over the east coast such as partic-ipants from New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The teams can be co-ed and in the past had members fromages 15 up to 50. The cost for registration is $25 per teammember and teams consist of four members. The cost of reg-istration goes up to $30 per team member after April 4.

This tournament gives a chance for anyone and everyoneto show their skills on the court as well as an opportunity tohonor family and friends who continue their battle with can-cer. Exter recalls that many teams make t-shirts with theirteam name and one team last year had shirts to honor theirfriend still fighting cancer. This tournament is a great re-

minder of the strides that have been made to combat cancer,with Exter being living proof, but it is also proof that the battlehas not yet won for everyone.

An overall winner of the tournament will be chosen at theend of the event. Last year the winners were presented witha gym bag with the Layups 4 Life logo on it and spectatorswho participated in the raffle and silent auction were able towin an array of gift certificates donated by local businessesas well as professional sports memorabilia. Exter says a prizeis hopefully in the works for this year’s winners as well.

With last year’s tournament the Layups 4 Life challenge

Layups 4 Life Continues To Fight Cancer On The Court

raised more than $10,000 with 40 teams registered to playand 300 spectators in the stands, the Layups event had quitethe draw. With this year’s event drawing closer challengers,seasoned and rookie, are invited to come out and register.

Even for those who wish to stay off the court there is aplace to help out, Exter explains that making a donation, be-coming a sponsor or even just coming by on the day of the

event to take part in the silent auction and raffle as well ascheering on the teams helps out just as much.

The event is scheduled to be held at the ROHS on Sun.April 10; doors open at 10:30 a.m.; team registration confir-mation is at 10 a.m.

For more information about Layups 4 Life or to become asponsor email Exter at [email protected]. To donateto the program or to register for the event go towww.layups4life.org. To stay in the loop follow Layups 4Life on Twitter and Instagram @layups4life and on Face-book.com/layups4life.


21/36



22/36


23/36


keep it going in his honor.”

Palecco has enjoyed the relationships she

has made with repeat customers and the con-nection she has made in the community.

“We are really active with the commu-

nity,” says Palecco. A few years back, the car

dealership donated the score board to the Mt.

Olive High School Marauders. The businessalso hosts about 10 golf outings each year;

has hosted two large fundraisers to help after

Hurricane Sandy; and supports Eleventh

Hour Rescue in Randolph by sponsoring

events.

Giving back to the community is a way to

give back.“This community is really supportive,”

says Palecco. “I feel we have been building

our community base. We’ve seen a real influx

with same families and friends coming

back…they support us and trust us and comeback and buy from us again.

“We’re just a small family and we care to

remember who comes in our door and we

hope they come back again.”

continued from previous page

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Washington Township Recreation isoffering free income tax assis-tance from VITA (Volunteer In-

come Tax Assistance) Program. VITAoffers free federal and state income taxpreparation for simple returns. Those who

qualify for this program must bring twoforms of ID, last year’s tax return and forms

relevant to your last tax return.Tax assistance will be held at Washington

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The Scholarship Committee will reviewand approve applications impartially withno knowledge of the applicants' identities.

Announcement of the awards are madein mid-April with an Awards Dinner in May2016.

Applications will be limited to highschool seniors who have a parent actively

serving Morris County in a law enforce-ment / public safety capacity, or whose par-

ent has retired and has satisfied theiragency’s retirement eligibility require-ments, or are themselves in one of the fol-lowing branches of law enforcement orpublic safety: police and law enforcement,including federal and state agencies; fire de-partment including volunteer fire fighters;volunteer ambulance corps/first aid squads.

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24/36


By Cheryl Conway

For those who agree “it’s better to

give than receive,” there is an op-

portunity banging on the door of a

shelter organization that could help hun-

dreds of women and children who may be

left on the street if the mortgage is not paid.

Secret Santas may be long gone, but

there has to be an angel out there willing to

hold the mortgage of Strengthen Our Sis-

ters, a grassroots, community based non-

profit, program serving homeless/battered

women and children for more than four

decades. Faced with mortgage conflicts,

the shelter has to come up with $30,000 by

Jan. 15 to avoid foreclosure.

Established in 1977 as Shelter Our Sis-

ters - the first shelter for battered women

in North America- the organization

changed its name to Strengthen Our Sisters

(SOS) and grew to eight houses, two day

care centers, a food pantry and a thrift

store. The properties’ value a total of $2.5

million, with just under $600,000 left to be

paid. With restricted monies coming in, the

organization is at risk of closing its doors

to hundreds of women and children with no

other safe place to go.

“I don’t know what would happen to

these people,” says Sandra Ramos of Ring-

wood, founder and executive director of

SOS. “If we don’t get help with the mort-

gage people will be on the street. If some-

one wants to be an angel and save our

mortgage that would be great.”

Ramos explains “if we had the $30,000

it would be the drop down money if some-

one could give it.”

Rialto Capital Management Advisors in

Florida, the company that is holding the

mortgage bridge loan, did not return phone

calls to New View Media Group as of press

time. Valley National Bank had sold the

mortgage to Rialto when SOS’s funding

was reduced, says Ramos.

“During this year and one half, they

have seen our reliability and commitmentto avoid foreclosure by paying $30,000

every three months, which is directly ap-

plied to the principal, along with a monthly

payment of $7,000,” says Ramos. “SOS

has done this faithfully, although it has

been challenging.”

Ramos, a pioneer advocate for battered

women, started her first shelter in 1970 in

her three bedroom home in Hackensack.

She had three small children at the time,

was facing divorce after ten years of mar-

riage and was in need of a roommate, she

explains.

“I wanted a roommate,” says Ramos, so

she put the word out that she wanted to

share her house. “The ones who came to

me were the ones who got battered,” says

Ramos. “Women called to say ‘I can’t stay

in my house.’”

One roommate turned into 23 women in

her house at one point, she admits. Her

children would sleep with her in her wa-

terbed; there would be some guests on the

floor, in the bathtub, in the basement.

“I would get a call and say ‘I’m sorry I

have no room.’ But it was difficult to turn

people away who would say ‘I finally got

the courage to leave; if you don’t take me

I will die.”’

Ramos says, “My neighbors said they

didn’t want battered women on their block,

and I told them, ‘they are already here, the

question is do you want them living with

pain, suffering and horror or do you want

them living with peace, dignity and re-

spect?’”

When the town found out that Ramos

had too many people at her house they

“threatened to put me in jail,” she says. The

town cited her for “overcrowding” because

she had three or more unrelated people liv-

ing together.

“I told the town ‘If you want a place for

them you have to drag them out kicking

and screaming;’ so they put them in a

motel,” Twin Lakes Motel in Paramus.

Ramos did not turn her back on them

and instead continued to help them.

“We would have to pick them up and

take them to look for housing, counseling,”

says Ramos. “They [the town] didn’t give

them food or services, counseling.”The Catholic Church would bring food

and battered women would work together

to help other women.

Over the years, in 1977, her initiative

became Shelter Our Sisters. She moved out

of her house to Bergen County in a house

located on a church’s property in Bogota.

About 10 to 15 women in children lived

there.

Her organization grew, and established

a board of directors, but after a disagree-

ment, the board fired Ramos in 1986.

Ramos separated and formed SOS a

year later. With her children grown, she

moved to her house in Ringwood “and peo-

ple started calling me. I let some people

stay in my house. We knew we had to get a

shelter.”

They opened a thrift store in Haskell.

“We raised more money,” and even the

board from her first organization would

send her people to help.

With a state regulated budget of up to

four million dollars, Ramos was able to

manage her organization but as state regu-

lations got stricter, operations got tougher

such as paying the mortgage.

“I’ve always been an advocate for

women and children,” says Ramos, who

teaches social issues and dynamics of do-

mestic violence at Ramapo College in

Mahwah as an adjunct professor. “Every-

body has been touched by domestic vio-

lence in one way.

“One woman was going to be killed by

a gangster guy,” explains Ramos. Other

women and children she brought into her

shelter were rich but their husbands were

“molesters and child abusers. No one

would take them. We reach out to people

who need help. We help a lot of pregnant

women and children.”

Through her shelter program, Ramos

says “thousands have been saved” during

the past 46 years. With two hotline num-

bers, Ramos has made herself available to

help others.

The mission of SOS is to break the

cycle of domestic violence, poverty and

abuse by restoring balance and harmony

through individual empowerment.

She currently helps 155 women andchildren in seven shelters located in New

Foundland, Wanaque and West Milford;

two daycare centers in Wanaque and West

Milford; a thrift store in a church; and one

food pantry in Wanaque.

To support her organization, Ramos re-

ceives some money from the Passaic

County Dept. of Human Services, private

donations, counties and social services,

“but not enough to keep it going. We have

a transportation grant but they took it away.

We have five vans; we need help. We’ve

been running for three and a half years with

a non-paid staff,” down from a paid staff

of 55 that were let go when SOS lost fund-

ing, she says.

Ramos says she currently has 17 non-

paid volunteers who drive the shelter resi-

dents to look for jobs, to court, doctor

appointments, social services, schools;

they fix things, watch children.

“They are exhausted but they believe in

the shelter,” says Ramos, just like she does.

“I have seen women that have come to

me and their lives are a wreck, depressed,

suicidal,” she says.

“People are still calling,” continues

Ramos. “Every day I get four or five calls.

We take almost everybody. We take people

who no one else will take. We take people

without welfare vouchers. We don’t want

to see them killed, beaten or frozen to

death.

“Yesterday, a 70-year old woman had no

heat, we took her,” adds Ramos. She also

took in another woman with five children,

“who would be out in the street forced to

live with child molesters.”

One of her houses is for all older

women, some in wheelchairs, others with

oxygen. “Nobody will take them.”

Many of the women and children her or-

ganization helps “don’t have families,” are

on section eight, have families or friends

“who don’t like them; who don’t want to

help them. We have a lot of dysfunctional

families.”

Ramos explains, “I see them heal, get

strong and get their lives together. We live

in a violent society; there’s a lot of vio-

lence. The work I’m doing I feel it’s a mis-

sion but right now I need an angel. I justneed someone to pay off the mortgage or

hold it. We just really need someone to

help.”

To make a donation or to help, call

Ramos at 973-831-0898.

SOS- Women And ChildrenLooking For An Angel To Save Shelter

Lik f b k f b k / li T ll Th Y S It I Th Mt Oli N J 2016 P 25


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Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Rob Greenbaum recently

gave his State of the Township Address for

2016. Here are some highlights. For the full ad-

dress, visit the mayor’s page on the township website at

mountolivetownship.com.

“At the outset, I want to thank the residents of Mt.

Olive for electing me to lead this town as mayor for an-

other four years. I am very excited about where we have

come from in my first term as mayor and where we are

going in my second term.

Of course, everything we have achieved would not

have been possible but for the work and support of the

governing body. I would like to thank Joe Nicastro for

his leadership in 2015 and look forward to working with

him again next year in 2016. I congratulate Joe on his ap-

pointment to a second term as council president and thank

him and the rest of the town council for their support andtireless effort to attend as many events in town as possi-

ble.

Through our conservative financial management,

smart spending, and our efforts to attract new businesses

to Mt. Olive, for the third consecutive year, the budget

that I will be submitting to the council will have no tax

increase. I am also satisfied and pleased to report that the

surplus regeneration projections for 2017 leave the town-

ship in a sound fiscal position for next year’s budget.

As you all know, this year we will be starting and com-

pleting the splash pad up at Turkey Brook Park. This proj-

ect was entirely funded in last year’s budget. In 2016,

rather than spending significant money on recreation im-

provements, we will be focusing on infrastructure main-

tenance, namely road repaving in areas of town which

sorely need a fresh coat of asphalt. The budget I am sub-

mitting to council this year will include an allocation for

four times the amount of money which I have normally

allocated to fix the roads in town.

During my first term as mayor, the township was for-

tunate to have strong leadership provided by our business

administrator, Sean Canning. I feel equally as confident

that our new business administrator Laura Harris will pro-vide the same level of leadership and dedication that Sean

provided the township under his stewardship.

When this administration took office in January of

2012, we recognized that there was a disconnect between

the municipal government and the residents. This was all

due to the failure of the government to adequately com-

municate with the residents. One of the greatest successes

that we had during my first mayoral term was to fix the

communication problem.

In 2015, through Facebook, radio, newspaper, signs,

flyers and any other media we could think of, we have

communicated over 6,500 announcements, events, pro-

grams, pet adoptions, and job opportunities. We continue

to inform our residents as well as those residents in the

surrounding towns - Our reach has increased between

12,000-21,000 people weekly. Mt. Olive continues to be

the point location for developers, Chamber of Commerce,

County College of Morris, and Morris County, leading al-

ways by example. We have set the standards high and

continue to think outside of the box to welcome manymore eating establishments, businesses and families to

move into Mt. Olive Township.

The administration also continues to work with exist-

ing and new businesses through our outreach program to

truly make Mt. Olive business friendly.

We are also diligently working on development matters

in the Trade Zone which may positively impact the town

for years to come. We are also working with the Board

of Education on joint opportunities to improve town fa-

cilities.”

Mayor Greenbaum cites accomplishments of the fi-

nance department such as having their seventh in a row

with no audit recommendations and a tax collection rate

which is currently 98.75 percent. For a full list visit the

township website.

He mentions the many events, projects and normal rou-

tine maintenance by the Parks, Buildings & Grounds di-

vision of Administration, with an addition of two full time

staff members and productivity increase from 1,681 work

orders in 2014 to nearly 4,000 work orders in 2015. Some

significant accomplishments and events for the depart-

ment included 21 recreation events; hosted softball and

baseball tournaments on district, state and regional levelsfilling local hotels and eateries with guests from up to

seven states; hosted the second largest "Food Trucks and

Fireworks" festival in northwestern NJ with an estimated

8,000 - 10,000 people attended; hosted the annual Mt.

Olive Week Carnival. For a full list visit the website.

“The Information Technology Department under the

leadership of Scott Gaskill lowered our operating expense

through increased vigilance over outside IT service

providers of tens of thousands of dollars.”

Greenbaum goes on to cite accomplishments of the

Department of Public Works and Fleet Maintenance and

the many special events organized by the Recreation De-

partment attracting more than 47,000 attendees, 122 busi-

ness sponsors and more than 100 volunteers. Eight new

events debuted, which included the Snow & Ice Party,

Lego Festival, Wet & Wild, Touch-a-Truck, Food Trucks

& Fireworks, Starry Skies Craft Beer and Wine Festival

and the Blanket & Coat Drive.

Budd Lake Park has a new accessible Fishing Dock.

Equishare at Valley Brook is making improvements toValley Brook Park, to develop an equestrian center.

For 2016, five new events are planned as well as the

opening of the Pirates Cove at Mount Playmore Splash

Park and several new technology based programs for chil-

dren.

Other departments he mentions include the Planning

Board, Municipal Court, Health Depart., Animal Control,

Public Health Nursing; Senior Citizens program, Building

Depart., Fire Marshall’s Office, Police Dept.

“What I have included in this address is only a small

sampling of what our Township Departments and employ-

ees accomplished over the course of the last year,” he con-

cludes.”

“As we move forward into 2016 and beyond, we have

many things to look forward to. We can all also take pride

in the momentum the township has and continues to gen-

erate. I can’t tell you how many people stop to tell me

that they love living in Mt. Olive.”

“I would like to thank the town council, our business

administrator, Laura Harris and all of our municipal em-

ployees for a job well done in 2015. May you all and have

a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.”

Sincerely and with great appreciation,Rob Greenbaum

Mayor, Mt. Olive Township

Ideal Protein of Chester, in Chester, in-

vites area residents to discover the dif-

ference a medically developed weight

loss method can make at a free informa-

tional weight loss and weight management

workshop session Tues., Jan. 26, at 6:30

p.m.

“During our information session, you’ll

come to understand how fat cells are cre-

ated and what you can do to avoid creating

them in your body,” said Michelle Jimenez,

clinic owner. “When you understand the re-

lationship between insulin and weight gain,

you will have gone a long way toward un-

locking the secret to long term, stable

weight maintenance.”

Professional weight loss coaches at the

Chester clinic, supervise dieters in the Ideal

Protein Weight Loss Method...A weight

loss program that focuses not just on weight

loss, but also on weight management after

dieting. Workshop attendees will be intro-

duced to the Ideal Protein Method, hear

some of their weight loss success stories,

and taste samples of the Ideal Protein line

of savory food choices.

Seating is limited, so pre-registration is

required. For more information about the

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method, or to

register for the workshop, contact the

Chester clinic at 908-888-2493. For addi-

tional information about the Ideal Protein

Weight Loss Protocol visit: www.IdealPro-

tein.com. Paid advertisement.

Ideal Protein of Chester to Host Free Weight Loss Informational Workshop

MO Mayor Gives Township Address 2016

Page 26 January 2016 Tell Them You Saw It In The Mt Olive News • Like us on facebook www facebook com/mypaperonline


26/36


Mt. Olive Girls Scouts are rockin’with robots! Eighteen local GirlScouts participated in the FIRST

LEGO League regional qualifying roboticstournament at Mt. Olive High School in

Flanders on Nov. 22. FLL is a robotics com-petition for boys and girls in grades fourthrough eight. It’s designed to inspire kidsto pursue careers in STEAM (science, tech-nology, engineering, art/design and math)fields. In August of each year a new chal-lenge is announced and participants haveabout 12 weeks to prepare for a tournament.

Valerie Perugini, who manages the Mt.Olive Girl Scouts robotics program alongwith adult volunteers Noreen Debrot andSangeetha Sampath, said that the girls havebeen working hard since the beginning of

September to design, build and program aLEGO MINDSTORMS robot to competeon a tabletop playing field.

She is quick to note, “FLL is about somuch more than just the robot.” In additionto the robot game, every team must re-search a real-world problem and develop aninnovative solution, which they present toa panel of judges at the competition. The2015 challenge was called Trash TrekSM

and it involved learning about the currentstate of trash disposal and recycling, iden-tifying a specific problem and then creatingan innovative solution to it.

“Along the way,” said Perugini, “they

are developing skills that they can usethroughout the rest of their school years andinto their adult lives,” she said. “In this pro-gram they learn about independent and crit-ical thinking, collaboration, teamwork andhow to be a gracious professional. And theyhave fun doing it.”

Now in its third year, the Mt. Olive GirlScouts program fielded three teams for thisseason’s competition: Circuit Breakers,Robo LLAMA, and The Minions. Eachteam competed for awards in Robot Per-formance, Robot Design, Core Values, and

Innovative Solution.At the Mt. Olive tournament, Circuit

Breakers won the Core Values Award foroutstanding teamwork. The Minions, an all-rookie team of fourth and fifth graders, hadthe highest score in Robot Performance andqualified to advance to the State Champi-onship.

Noreen Debrot noted that “all of ourteams performed well and had shining mo-

Mt. Olive Girl Scouts Dive Into World Problems With Robotics

ments. We’re so proud to see how muchthey accomplished in just twelve weeks.”

Girls currently in grades four through isxwho are interested in joining next year’steam, or anyone who would like learn howto start their own FLL team, may [email protected] for more in-

formation.Mt. Olive Girl Scouts is comprised of

more than 550 registered girl scouts partic-ipating in 55 troops with more than 100trained leaders. Interested in joining GirlScouts? Contact [email protected].

Like us on facebook www facebook com/mypaperonline • Tell Them You Saw It In The Mt Olive News January 2016 Page 27


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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline Tell Them You Saw It In The Mt. Olive News, January 2016, Page 27

Ever dreamed of performing musicalcreations in front of an appreciative

audience but didn't know where to

start?

The Skylands Songwriters Guild (SSG)

Open Mic/Feature Performance Night,hosted by Karen Kamenetsky, presents a

monthly opportunity for local singer/song-writers of Northwest New Jersey and the

surrounding area to showcase their original

songs in an open and supportive atmos-phere. All skill and experience levels from

aspiring amateurs through accomplished

professional singer/songwriters are wel-

come to perform at the open mic. After-

wards, a scheduled feature artist plays their

own music.Every third Thursday of the month year-

round, fellow singer/songwriters, friends,

fans and family congregate in the cateringroom of Enzo's Pizzeria in Budd Lake to

enjoy an evening of original music. Openmic sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m. with the

feature performance running from 7 p.m. –

10 p.m. Cover fee for the evening is $5.

Performers should bring their own instru-

ments. The performance area will accom-

modate acoustic stringed and smaller floorinstruments ones only so plan accordingly.

Music stands, microphones and profes-

sional sound equipment provided and oper-

ated by Mountain Ledge Music.SSG opens the New Year, on Thurs., Jan.

21, with a feature performance by Beth

Sherby a local songwriter quickly gaining

notoriety. Beth has performed at Muses in

the Vineyard and won a spot at the 2015

Mountain Ledge Music – Groove in theGrove Music Festival during the pre-fest

Open Mic last June.

On Thurs., Feb. 18, feature performer

will be Kevin DeFeo, a local country music

singer/songwriter based out of NorthwestNew Jersey. Altough he only began writing

his own material a little over a year ago, hehas developed a deeply emotional lyrical

style combined with a traditional country

music tone combined with various stringedinstruments.

SSG has been operating as a home-

grown, grassroots performance support

group for several years, spearheaded by

Roxbury Township residents, Clark &

Renee Paddock. Its mission is to inform thepublic about songwriting as an art form and

to educate those involved in the craft on

how to achieve their full artistic potential aswriters and performers of original works of

music.Anyone can join – songwriters, musi-

cians, music enthusiasts, supporters of the

arts and business sponsors are all welcome.

Performance opportunities, industry related

workshops, networking and being a part of

a local/regional musical community aresome of the membership benefits offered.

To learn more about the Skylands Song-

writers' Guild and future performance dates

& events visit:h t tps : / /www.facebook.com/Sky-

landsSongwritersGuild.

Interested in learning more about joining

SSG, contact Clark Paddock at

[email protected].

Pictured, from left, Renee Paddock, SSG president; Bernie Drury, SSG treasurer; and Clark Pad-

dock, SSG secretary jam out at the monthly Skylands Songwriters Guild open mic night. Photo

Credit: Ronnie Paddock.

Ledgewood Based Songwriters GroupFill Region With Original Music

Think Spring in Mt. Olive. Two In-

formational meetings are plannedfor the Community Garden at South

Branch Preserve.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is

sponsoring two informational meetings

about its Community Garden at South

Branch Preserve for interested gardeners.The meetings are set for Wed., Jan 27 at 7

p.m., and Thurs., Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Mt.

Olive Public Library in Budd Lake. The

meeting will feature an overview of the

Community Garden, a question and answersession as well as 2016 plot registration.

Entering its fourth year, the 2016 gar-

dening season will run from April 15

through Nov. 30. The annual membership

rate for Mt. Olive Township residents

and/or members of The Land Conservancy

is $35 per 10’ x10’ plot and $45 for non-

residents. There is a one-time irrigation feeof $30 for each plot.

The Community Garden is located at the

intersection of Wolfe Road and Route 46

East. It is part of South Branch Preserve,

which totals more than 200 acres in this lo-

cation. Preserved by The Land Conser-vancy and its partners (including Mt. Olive

Township) this land was purchased to pro-

tect the headwaters of the South Branc

Documents

221652_1453983182Mt. Olive News - Jan. 2016.pdf