Multi-Chamber Networking with Tammie Horsfield

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - The Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce will be holding its next meeting jointly with the Sussex County Chamber Wednesday, February 20th and is set to be a prime opportunity for local networking.

In fact, networking will be the topic of discussion as Tammie A. Horsfield, President of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, will be speaking on the subject. Specifically, she will cover how to get the most out of a Chamber membership and how to maximize investment in both the Chamber and the Community.

Chamber members from Mount Olive, Andover, Netcong and Byram will be networking during this Multi-Chamber event at the Black Forest Inn, starting at 11:45 a.m.

Cost is $25. Please RSVP to the Mount Olive Chamber, 973-691-0109 or info@mtolivechambernj.com.

For further information about the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce, visit www.mtolivechambernj.com >>

Mount Olive NJ Taxes and Budget 2008

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - Mayor David Scapicchio announced today that he will host an information presentation for the public on the 2008 Municipal Budget and 2008 Taxes for residents.

The presentation will begin at 8:00pm the evening of Wednesday March 5, 2008. Residents are encouraged to participate in an open Question & Answers session immediately afterwards.

The presentation will be held in the large meeting room at the Mount Olive Public Library (973-691-8686) on Flanders-Drakestown Road (adjacent to the township municipal building). Mayor Scapicchio will be joined by Sherry Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer; Jack Marchione, Tax Assessor; and Bill Sohl, Township Administrator to assist during the Question and Answer session.

Pajama Program - Open Your Heart Campaign

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Mount Olive Township has launched their first annual "Open Your Heart Campaign", a fundraiser for the Pajama Program.

Local organizers are aiming to collect 2,148 pairs(representing the date for Valentine's day) of new pajamas by 2/14/08.

The Pajama Program collects and distributes pajamas for children that range from newborn to age 17. All sizes will be greatly appreciated however, there is a greater need for the children’s size 8 through adult size 2XL.

Save the Date - Open Your Heart
Show your support and join local organizers on Valentine's day Thursday February 14, 2008 from Noon to 8:00pm for Mount Olive's biggest Pajama Party. Come drop off your donations at the Mount Olive Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Budd Lake, New Jersey

Donations will be accepted from now until Thursday February 14, 2008.

Drop-off Locations and Contacts
Donations can be left at the following locations:

• Mount Olive Township Health Department
• Mount Olive Township Recreation Department
• Mount Olive Township Clerk’s office


• The office of Dr. Brenda Rooney at Optimal Family Chiropractic, LLC. 230 Route 206, Building 3, Unit 5A Flanders NJ or call Sabine Elsasser 973-584-4888


• Castle Printing located at The Mall at 206, 973-584-0990


• Laura Bartus the ITCA Events coordinator, 973-347-3077 or laurabartus@itcaevents.org


• Jenn Cranmer, Director at Bright Horizons, 973-691-0776

Additional Contacts:

• Flora Salierno 973-479-7877 flora331@optonline.net


• Councilwoman, Colleen Labow 973-347-4901 labowcmc@aol.com


• Sherry Lemma sherry1108@optonline.net

About the Pajama Program
The Pajama Program, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides comfort and books to children-in-need and children waiting for a permanent home. By providing pajamas and books, we help to create a warm and nurturing bedtime environment for vulnerable youngsters living under difficult circumstances.

To learn more, visit the Pajama Program's website >>

Morris County's Midtown Secret

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY -
Flanders NJ News recently reviewed the Metro Grille restaurant and cocktail bar in Flanders, New Jersey.

The Metro Grille came under new ownership in November of 2007. If you haven't tried it yet, you should. Simply Delicious.

Read the full Restaurant Review >>


Metro Grille
380 US Highway 206 South
(between Flanders and Chester)
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
(908) 879-0051

Modern International cuisine, including sushi


Morris County New Jersey Food & Spirits reviews restaurants, diners, deli's, bars, and pubs within Morris County, NJ for Flanders NJ News. Read all reviews >>

Rita’s Italian Ice - Season Opening

FLANDERS, NEW JERSEY - Rita’s Italian Ice of Flanders will open its doors on Friday, February 1, 2008 for the new season.

Stop in and try Rita's NEW iced coffee Ritacinno. Rita's Ritacinno(say that three times fast) is a perfect blend of iced coffee, vanilla Italian Ice, vanilla custard and rich coffee syrup topped with whipped cream. Yum Yum.

Rita's Italian Ice of Flanders will be 7 days a week from 12:00pm - 8:00pm for the remainder of the winter season.

Now accepting Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Rita's Italian Ice
286 US Route 206, South
(located in The Village Mall)
Flanders, New Jersey 07836

Mount Olive Municipal Budget for 2008

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Mount Olive Township posted the 2008 Municipal Budget Details today on the township's website.

View the PowerPoint Presentation >>

A New Kind of SNICKERS

HACKETTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY - Mars Snackfood USA and the SNICKERS Brand Division announced today the introduction of a new kind of SNICKERS... SNICKERS Charged.

SNICKERS Charged will be the first candy bar from the Mars Corporation(SNICKERS Brand) to provide an added boost of energy from caffeine(60mg), taurine and B-vitamins.

SNICKERS Brand is aiming to meet consumer needs and help millions of Americans take back their energy-zapped afternoons, between two and three p.m. the SNICKERS Charged Re-Power Hour.

"SNICKERS Charged offers consumers a bar of substance and a delicious and satisfying way to tackle the afternoon hours when one needs to re -power,' said Michele Kessler, vice president of marketing, Mars Snackfood US. "Research shows that consumers desire a product that not only provides a boost of energy but is also satisfying in taste," added Kessler.

For more information, visit www.snickers.com >>

Eleventh Hour Rescue in National challenge

ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY - Eleventh Hour Rescue is participating in a national challenge offered by Six Degrees, partnered with the Case Foundation and Parade Magazine on America's Giving Challenge.

Eleventh Hour Rescue(EHR) is competing in the national challenge for a chance to win $50,000 towards their efforts to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs who are scheduled to be killed.

The charities with the most unique donors (NOT DOLLARS) at the end of the challenge wins. The minimum donation is $10 and all donations are tax deductible. The challenge ends on January 31, 2008 at 3:00 pm eastern standard time.

To participate in the challenge and aid Eleventh Hour Rescue in their efforts, go to the EHR website and click on the orange "Donate" button.


About Eleventh Hour Rescue (EHR)
EHR is a non-profit organization that has saved over 1,600 lives since it's inception in 2005. EHR's primary focus is rescuing animals from facilities that euthanize.

For more information visit the Eleventh Hour Rescue's website >>

About Six Degrees
The Web site sixdegrees.org is made possible by the actor Kevin Bacon in partnership with Network for Good. The organization and the challenge are based on the principle immortalized by the "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" game, that everyone is connected to every other person through six or fewer relationships.

Mount Olive Chamber Welcomes Mayor

Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce president Lou Nisivoccia (left) welcomes Mayor David Scapicchio and town administrator Bill Sohl.

This event was the Chamber's second annual Breakfast with the Mayor held at Longhorn Steakhouse in the ITC Crossing Shopping Center.

About 40 people came out on January 15th to hear the Mayor reflect on 2007 and update chamber members on what to expect in 2008.

View photos from the event >>

**Photo above courtesy of the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce.

Leprechaun Leap 5K to support Joan Knechel Cancer Center

BUDD LAKE, NEW JERSEY – The International Trade Center Alliance(ITCA) together with the Mount Olive Mayor’s Wellness Council will host the 11th Annual Leprechaun Leap 5K Road Race to raise funds for the Joan Knechel Cancer Center.

The Leprechaun Leap 5K event will take place on Sunday, March 16th, 2008 in the International Trade Center, Mount Olive, New Jersey.

“The weather may be cold, but there is a special kind of warmth in the hearts of the runners who participate in the Annual Leprechaun Leap 5K road race...” said presenting sponsor Tom Quigley, Picatinny Federal Credit Union.

Now in its eleventh year, the Leprechaun Leap attracts runners and walkers from Morris County and all over New Jersey to participate in this fun and inspirational event. All event proceeds go towards cancer treatment and research by the Joan Knechel Cancer Center at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center.

The 5K race will begin at 1:00 pm. Young and old alike can walk, jog or run on the flat, paved course. Mile clocks and water stops will be available. There will be awards for all age groups and prize giveaways for spectators and supporters. Kennedy’s Pub of Budd Lake, New Jersey will be on hand to provide corned beef sandwiches and non-alcoholic beer to all. Everyone is encouraged to wear your best St. Patrick's Day costume!

Event Pre-registration is available online at www.ITCAevents.org for $18 ($16 USATF) until March 14th. All pre-registrants will receive a 2008 Leprechaun Leap 5k t-shirt.

Entry Fees are $22 March 15th till race day and registration will be available on site from 11:30am to 12:45pm.

For more information on the race route, sponsors or registration please visit www.ITCAevents.org or call Ellen Cady at (973) 347-3088.

About the Joan Knechel Cancer Center
This state-of-the-art facility at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center offers the most advanced technologies for treating cancer, along with expert doctors and nurses and highly-trained technicians to employ those technologies and treatments to greatest advantage for their patients.

About the Mayor's Wellness Council
Our goal is to promote and encourage wellness in Mount Olive Township through education, prevention and community action.

The wellness committee strives to increase opportunities for New Jersey residents to participate in daily physical activities.

Picatinny Federal Credit Union Names Darling CEO

ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY – Joe Shiposh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Picatinny Federal Credit Union, has announced that Bill Darling has been named Chief Executive Officer.

Picatinny Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member owned, full service financial institution based in Rockaway, New Jersey.

Darling, a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) with extensive experience in the banking and financial industries, joined the credit union in January 2001 as Service Manager.

“I’m very excited,” said Darling. “It’s a great opportunity for me, and I look forward to leading the company into the future.”

Darling noted that the Credit Union has an ambitious plan for the future, with branch expansion, increased membership, and a commitment to the Morris County community among its goals.

Picatinny Federal Credit Union currently has three branches, one at Picatinny Arsenal, another in the ITC Crossing shopping complex in Mount Olive, and its main office in Rockaway, across from the Rockaway Mall.

In 2005, the Credit Union earned a Community Charter that allows it to offer services to anyone living, working, worshipping, or attending school in Morris County.

“There is a lot of competition out there,” acknowledged Darling “While many organizations in the Financial Services Industry looked for short cuts to build success in 2006 and 2007, including offering sub-prime loans, we did not. Picatinny Federal Credit Union has stuck to our core beliefs and strategies and continued to develop quality relationships with our members, while meeting proper safety and soundness requirements and thresholds. We work to provide very competitive products and services that help our members meet their financial needs in legitimate and meaningful ways.”

Bill Darling, who lives in Wharton with his wife Darlene and their three children, earned a BS degree in Economics from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. He previously worked for Sovereign Bank and the Bank of New York.

Picatinny Federal Credit Union was established in 1939 at Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, New Jersey.

The Credit Union started as a small financial institution offering basic savings accounts to civilian members and later included both active and retired military personnel.

Today, Picatinny Federal Credit Union offers a full spectrum of key financial services such as savings, checking, money markets, IRAs, loans and on-line banking with free bill payer.

For over sixty five years, Picatinny Federal Credit Union has been committed to its members’ needs above all else. The Credit Union currently has over 15,000 members, with total assets exceeding $200 million.

To learn more about Picatinny Federal Credit Union, visit www.picacreditunion.com >>

For additional information contact:
Tom Quigley
(973) 361-5225

#####

Mount Olive Township Reorganizes for 2008

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - Mount Olive Township elected a new Council President and Vice President during last night's Town Council meeting. Mount Olive Mayor, David M Scapicchio gave his annual 'State of the Township Address' welcoming newly elected Alex Roman to town council.

Mount Olive Township Council Members reorganization:

Ray Perkins, Council President
Phil Tobey, Council Vice President
Steven Rattner, Council person
Russ Tepper, Council person
Rob Greenbaum, Council person
Colleen Labow, Council person
Alex Roman, Council person
John Dorsey, Esq., Township Attorney

Read the State of the Township Address >>

Pax Amicus - Open Cast Call

BUDD LAKE, NEW JERSEY - The Pax Amicus Castle Theatre will be holding an open casting call on Saturday January 5th, 2008 for 'The Tales of Peter Rabbit' a Generation Next Production.

Pax Amicus Generation Next productions are open to young-adult performers between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. First timers, Beginners, and Experienced performers are encouraged and welcome to attend.

The open casting all will begin at noon at the Pax Amicus Castle Theatre located at 23 Lake Shore Drive, Budd Lake, New Jersey, 07828.

For more information, call (973) 691-2100 or visit the
Pax Amicus Castle Theatre website >>

'The Tales of Peter Rabbit' is Pax Amicus' newest Generation Next production written and directed by Richard Boyer.

U.S. Attorney swears in Mayor & Council

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie visited Mount Olive Township today to administer the oath of office to Mayor David Scapicchio and council members Phil Tobey, Colleen Labow, and newcomer Alex Roman.

The swearing in ceremony was held in Council Chambers in the Mount Olive Municipal Building at 4:00pm today.

Mayor David Scapicchio(R) was originally sworn to office by U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie after Mayor Richard DeLaRoche(D) was recalled in 2006. This will be Scapicchio's first full four year term as mayor.

Scapicchio and Christie both ran for Morris County Freeholder in 1994, but the duo have been friends since high school.

Councilman Phil Tobey(R) was sworn into his first full four year term. Tobey was appointed by Council to complete the remainder of the unexpired term of Councilman John Biondi in March of 2007. Biondi retired for personal reasons, and endorsed Tobey as his replacement. Tobey was then elected to council during the general election last November.

Councilwoman Colleen Labow(R) was re-elected and sworn into her second four year term.

Newcomer Councilman Silvio "Alex" Roman(R) was sworn into his first four year term replacing Councilman James Buell(D).

View Photos from today's event >>

Christopher J. Christie was nominated by President George W. Bush to be the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey on December 7, 2001. He was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on December 20, 2001, and sworn into office on January 17, 2002, by the Honorable Joel A. Pisano, U.S.D.J.

For more information about Christopher J. Christie visit
The United States Attorney's Office District of New Jersey >>

Happy New Year 2008

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - January 1st marks the end of a period of remembrance for the past year.

It is also a memorable occasion to make New Year's resolutions, which we all hope to fulfill in the coming year. Some of the most popular seem to include to stop smoking, stop drinking, or to lose weight and exercise.

However much the old year might have tested our faith in the future, we celebrate the coming of the new year with the spirit of hope. Flanders NJ News wishes readers a happy, prosperous, fulfilling and peaceful new year.

Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns(1759–1796)English Translation

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

CHORUS
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

We two have run about the slopes
And picked the daisies fine;
we've wander'd many a weary foot
Since auld lang syne

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syne

CHORUS

And there's a hand, my trusty friend,
And give us a hand o' thine;
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne