Tuesday, July 31, 2007

It's a wrap for the 2nd Annual Mount Olive Carnival

Jill Daggon, Mount Olive Township Recreation Dept.
Jill Daggon of the Mount Olive Township Recreation Department and everyone who helped or Volunteered did a fantastic job organizing and running the event.

The Fireworks Display was spectacular. The Shuttle buses were constantly on the go. Dreamland Amusements provided wonderful rides and games. In the new stage/pavilion area live Musical performances could be heard all weekend long. And a large number of people spent time at the Kiwanis Club Dunk Tank to soak a few of their favorite politicians.

If you are a resident who attended the carnival and have a suggestion for next year, fill out the Carnival Evaluation Form >>

To see photos from this event, check out the photo slideshow >>

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Rain Rain, go away!


The rains came, but it couldn't dampen the spirits to those who got an early start to the weekend at the Mount Olive Carnival at Turkey Brook Park.

There was a fantastic showing considering the threat of gloom and doom. Some vendors got an early start setting up their booth and displays. Everyone put their best faces forward and the evening was a success.

Many thanks to the people who make all this possible: from the idea, to funding, volunteers, support staff, fire, police, and rescue... they don't hear it enough, Thank you!

Tomorrow's schedule includes: Carnival rides, monster truck rides on Webslinger, classic car display, Kiwanis club dunk tank, caricaturist, live music and more! And who can forget the fireworks? Bang's, pop's, wow's and aaahhh's begin at 9:30 pm. Come out and see the show!

To see photos from this event, check out the photo slideshow >>

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Mount Olive Carnival - Opening Night is a Big Hit !

Christine O'Connor and her daughter at the 2007 Mount Olive Carnival
Fun was had by all at the first night of the Mount Olive Carnival & Community Weekend. The event is being held at Turkey Brook Park and will feature about 75 vendors, sponsors and service organizations.

Be sure to stop by and visit the Kiwanis Club Dunk Tank, Webslinger Monster Truck, Nextel Cup NASCAR Vehicle, Fire Trucks, Smoke Trailer, and the Stage with Live Music All Weekend!

To see photos from this event, check out the photo slideshow >>

Mount Olive Carnival and Community Weekend

July 26th - July 29th 2007 - Turkey Brook Park
Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm on Saturday 7/28 (rain date 7/29)

The Mount Olive Carnival will open Thursday, July 26th. The Community Weekend hours will be: Friday, 7/27 5pm until 8pm, or 11pm (your choice of end times! No vehicle movement between 8pm -11pm ), Saturday, 7/28 from 1pm until 8pm or 11pm (fireworks scheduled for 9:30pm) and Sunday, 7/29 from 1pm until 9pm (rain date for fireworks). This will be a terrific event to celebrate all the great organizations and neighbors that makes Mount Olive a great place to live!

Enjoy world famous rides, including bumper cars, carousel, giant slide, Starship 2000, and lots of kiddie rides. The carnival will have plenty of games for kids of all ages, like the water gun, skee ball, and whack-a-mole...all with great prizes. Live Music featuring over 15 bands.

Shuttle bus service will be available Sat and Sunday during carnival hours from the Tinc Road School and Mount Olive High School parking lots.

For additional information visit the township website http://www.mtolivetwp.org/recreation.html or email recdept@mtolivetwp.org

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Extortion Attempt involving Mt. Olive Family

A local Youth minister and his wife were arrested after collecting cash for an alleged extortion attempt.

About a week ago, a Mount Olive family received, a letter with detailed instructions, a pouch, and death threats. The unidentified family were instructed not to contact police and to place $20,000 in cash at a specified location in Schooley's Mountain Park in Washington Township. If not, the letter threatened that they and/or their child would be killed.

David Evans, a director of youth ministry at Long Valley Presbyterian Church, and his wife Faith Evans, were arrested Friday in Schooley's Mountain Park after picking up $20,000 cash from a designated drop site. The couple had their two young sons with them.

For more information on this horrifying story please read the following...
NJ.com, Star-Ledger report
Daily Record

My heart goes out to the family involved in this terrifying event. As I watch the world go by from my porch, I beg each and everyone of you to watch out for your neighbors overall well-being.

Mount Olive Township Police Department Anonymous Tip Form
http://www.mopd.org/tips.html

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Bake Sale to Support Mt. Olive Marauders Soccer Team

The Mt. Olive High School girl's soccer team will be holding a bake sale this Saturday, July 21st from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the ShopRite in Flanders, NJ.

The girls will have a nice display of freshly baked goods. The fundraiser was designed to help the team raise money for new uniforms for this year's upcoming season.

Stop by and show your support!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Plenty of tails are wagging over construction of community 'bark park'

Mount Olive Dog Park
Mount Olive Township Council will hold a public hearing next Tuesday, July 24 to discuss an ordinance to appropriate $35k for construction of a community dog park.

I'm a cat lover myself, but understand the need for an area where man's best friend can roam freely. Dogs are very social creatures that need to de-stress and play as much as we do. The socialization aspect alone could be the answer to a dogs mental well-being. If that doesn't work, you can always call the dog whisper... Cesar Millan.

The chosen spot is an open field in Turkey Brook Park. It will be approximately 2 acres with dedicated areas for small, large, and disabled dogs. Dog owners who use the park will be required to 'scoop the poop' with the assistance of on-site disposable containers and Pick up bags.

William Cirone, the township animal control officer, is heading up the fundraising efforts and looking for volunteers. If your interested in joining the pack, please give Willie a call (973) 691-0900 ext.7334

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Mutant Crickets of Flanders

Ok, maybe there are not really mutated crickets caused from radon exposure. But exactly what are these strange bugs living in my garage? The insect is a beige to light brown color with bands or "rings" of a darker (black) color on it's body and legs. They don't chirp, are wingless, humpbacked in apperance, 1-2 inches long with antennae twice the length of it's body. When poked with a stick, the darn thing jumped higher than a grasshopper AT ME! I promtly attacked back with a fly swatter leaving a few broken legs and a rather large spot on the garage floor. When I went to get my husband, we discovered that it actually crawled away. Tough little bugger.

I had to know what these military style mutant crickets really were. After a few searches on Google, I discovered they are commonly known as the Camel or Cave Cricket of the Rhaphidophoridae family.

Camel Crickets are occasional indoor pests in damp dark places, but generally prefer some juciy spots outdoors like rotten logs, stumps or hollow trees, damp leaf litter, stones, or wood piles. They feed on organic debris and seem to love any fabric that may be stored in a damp basement, crawl space, or laundry room.

Contolling the population
Start by eliminating there habitat. Remove any leaf litter or grass clippings. Move any wood plies away from your house, garage or shed. Use grout, caulking, or other sealers for any possible entry point into your home such as doorways, windows, faucets, or masonary cracks. Make sure to replace or patch any damaged screens.

If you happen to see one inside, I recommend a shoe because the fly swatter seemed to be quite ineffective. There are also pesticides for control that may be effective, consult a professional exteriminator for the best recommendation.

Good Luck!

Monday, July 9, 2007

Sizzling Heat

Up and Up it goes - summer temperatures are beginning to soar! During hot and humid weather, the body's internal temperature can rise. Watch out for heat-related illnesses such as sunburn, dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, or worse... heat stroke.

Who's at risk?
Plain and simple, Everyone. Although some people may be at greater risk than others. Babies, small children, and older people are more susceptible, as well as anyone suffering from a recent illness like diarrhoea or mild dehydration.

Think Prevention!
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after any hot and sunny activity. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Avoid alcohol and sodas, and for pete's sake don't overexert yourself!

For more information on emergency preparedness and response visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's FAQ About Extreme Heat.

Note: All information is for informational purposes only. For specific medical advise, consult a doctor.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

7-7-07 Luck and Superstition

I wonder just how many weddings will be preformed today throughout the state. There maybe a grand total of seven hundred and seventy seven in Morris County alone. Superstitious couples all over the world will tie the knot today in hopes of tripling their chances of successful marital bliss. Leaves me to wonder if 9 months from now will there be 777 births on the same day? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Feeling Lucky? Atlantic City casinos are offering very creative triple digit promotions as flocks superstitious gamblers rush in to try their luck. The Borgata is rolling out the '777 Extravaganza' which offers $777 bonus slot dollars every seven minutes. Around town you can also find $7 drink specials and a $7,777 deluxe hotel package.

Throughout history, the number seven has been associated with good luck and bad, wisdom, intelligence, mystery, and solitude. Seven is a prime number that has inspired many historical facts and has surrounded many findings in Science and Technology. There seven days in a week, seven continents, seven deadly sins, seven Liberal Arts, seven wonders of the world, seven seas, seven chakras, seven colors in a rainbow, and it's even the neutral pH of pure water.

7-7-07 is considered by many to be the luckiest day of the century. How ever you decide to spend your time today, we wish you lots of luck!

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Gray Fox spotted in my backyard

I was quite surprised to find a Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ) in my backyard yesterday evening. At first glance I thought it was my neighbor's cat. When I casually called out with a sort of kissing noise, it turned and looked right through me. This curious creature was grayish-black with beautiful orange eyes.

After some searching, I discovered the gray foxes diet consists of small mammals, insects, fruits, acorns, birds, and eggs. They are excellent mousers and possess expert climbing skills. I started to wonder, if he was hungry enough, would he go after my cat?

Unfortunately, I did not get a picture. Has anyone else spotted a gray fox running around flanders?

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

The Buzzzzzz on West Nile Virus

As summer kicks off with barbeques, picnics, camping trips, outdoor sporting events, carnivals, and trips to the jersey shore, better beware of what’s in the air.

Most Mom’s and Dad’s are already equipped with sunblock, bandaids, and bottled water, but what do you do about those pesky mosquitoes?

West Nile Virus is a microorganism spread by mosquitoes that could cause a fever, headache, nausea, or worse. Take a few moments to stop an apply an effective repellent. If you feel a bite or see a scratch, it’s time to re-apply or go inside. Always follow the directions and recommendations for the product you are using.

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention. Protect your home by installing window and door screens. Repair holes or tears in your existing screens.

Eliminate standing water. If they can’t breed, they won’t spread... as fast anyway. Do what you can to reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play.

For more information on West Nile Virus visit the CDC Website and read
‘Fight the Bite’>>