Morris County NJ Teen Creative Writing Conference

MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY - The 2008 "Dancing with a Pen" Writers' Conference for teen writers, hosted by the Morris School District Community School, is scheduled for June 30 – July 3, 2008.

“Dancing with a Pen” Writers' Conference offers students in grades 7-12 opportunities for aspiring teen writers to develop creative writing skills and published teen authors to hone their craft.

Students attending “Dancing with a Pen” will participate in four days of workshops and activities aimed at stimulating the skills, creativity, enjoyment and satisfaction they receive from writing. The Conference will feature presentations by world-renowned writers and daily workshops where students will join with peers and teachers to share in the creative writing experience.

Students registering for the conference will select a genre of choice – fiction, poetry, journalism, or children’s literature – on which will be their focus throughout the four days. Each day will begin with a presentation by the author of the day, who will discuss his or her writing process, perhaps read from the students works and answer questions from the students and staff.

Following the presentations, students will break out into their particular genre writing groups, working with a teacher who will guide them in developing their own ideas about creative writing and their own written pieces. On the final day of the workshop the program will be extended one hour to allow time for the teens to share their creative writing and experiences with the entire group.

Event Details
WHEN: June 30 – July 3, 2008
WHERE: Frelinghuysen Middle School in Morristown, New Jersey
TIME: 8:00am – 12:00pm each day.

Registration
The cost of the program is $200, which includes all materials and a daily continental breakfast. For registration information contact the Morris School District Community School at 973-292-2063 or register on-line at www.msdcommunityschool.org.

The Conference is funded in part by a grant from the Morris Educational Foundation, Morris County New Jersey.

Looking for Things to do in Morris County?

MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY - Spring is here with a chill in the air, but the sun is shinning bright. If you are looking for something to do outdoors this weekend, here's a few things Flanders NJ News found in Morris County, New Jersey.


Forest Woodland Nature Walk
Saturday March 29th, 2008 - 2:00pm

Take a guided hike to learn about the forest plants, wildlife, and people!
Location: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, New Jersey
Cost: FREE
Requires pre-registration. Please call 973-635-6629.


The Raptor Trust
Saturday March, 29th and Sunday March 30th - All Day

The Raptor Trust is open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours. Visitors are afforded a unique opportunity to view at close range the many hawks, eagles, falcons and owls that are permanent residents at the facility.
Location: 1390 White Bridge Road, Millington, New Jersey 07946
Cost: There is no charge to visit, but a modest donation of $2.00 per person is encouraged.
More Info: (908) 647-2353


Jockey Hollow 5 Mile Hike
Saturday March, 29th and March 30th - All Day

A Morristown National Historical Park with delightful woods and well-manicured trails.
Location: Jockey Hollow Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960. Visitor’s Center is off Tempe Wick Road
Cost: FREE

Bahnuk wins 5k Leprechaun Leap Road Race 2008

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY – For the second straight year Mark Bahnuk of Hackettstown won the 11th Annual Leprechaun Leap 5k Road Race, sponsored by Picatinny Federal Credit Union, on March 16th. But the real winner was Hackettstown Regional Medical Center’s Joan Knechel Cancer Center.

Despite a chilly day at the International Trade Center, hundreds of participants turned out for the Leprechaun Leap 5K race and helped to raise $2,000 for the Joan Knechel Cancer Center. The International Trade Center Alliance (ITCA) together with the Mount Olive Mayor's Wellness Council hosted this year’s 5k race in Mount Olive, New Jersey.

Tom Quigley, Business Development Manager for Picatinny Federal Credit Union, was elated with the turnout of 462 racers.

“It was a great day all around. It may not have been picture-perfect weather but the runners showed perseverance in giving it their all for such an important cause" noted Tom Quigley. "I know that Picatinny Federal Credit Union is truly proud to be part of this event. In fact, more than 50 percent of our employees volunteered their time to help out. You can’t say enough about the people who work for us. They are community-minded.”

Mark Bahnuk finished the 5k race first in a time of 5:06, 10 seconds better than he did last year. Bahnuk finished just ahead of 15-year old Nicholas Salek of Morris Plains. Budd Lake’s Mark Lorello was third. Glenn Oakley of Blairstown and Jon Harper of Phillipsburg, respectively, finished fourth and fifth.

On the female side, Christine Scheuch of Vernon was first, followed by 12-year old Katlyn Rohsler of Fredon. Laura Furfaro was third, Joelle Fair took fourth, while Mary Sullivan of Succasunna finished fifth.

For a complete listing of the winners for all age groups and participants, please visit www.bestrace.com >>


View photos from this event >>



About Picatinny Federal Credit Union
Membership to Picatinny Federal Credit Union is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Morris County, New Jersey. Picatinny Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution located in the heart of your community. The Credit Union has branches in Rockaway, Mount Olive and at Picatinny Arsenal.

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, please visit www.picacreditunion.com >>

Laughs and Lasagna Comedy Night

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - The Mount Olive Park Partners presents "Laughs & Lasagna" comedy night Saturday, April 12th, 2008 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Vasa Park Banquet Hall in Budd Lake, New Jersey.

"Laughs & Lasagna" comedy night will feature 3 top name comedians from Television and the New York metro area comedy club circuit. Come enjoy great laughs and lasagna hot buffet dinner provided by Branda's Italian Grill.

Event Information
Tickets: $45.00 each or $80.00 for a pair. Full tables with seating for eight(8) are available for $300. Cash bar will be available, minimum age 21.

To purchase tickets, send check or money order made out to: Mount Olive Park Partners, P.O. Box 768, Flanders, New Jersey 07836. Please include your name, address, telephone number, and email address.

All proceeds to benefit Mount Olive Township Parks.

For further information about "Laughs & Lasagna" comedy night call the Mount Olive Park Partners at 973-691-0900 ext 7259 or email Stan Borowski, Irene Sergonis, or Dan Kwasnik

Vasa Park is conveniently located off Route 46 in Budd Lake, New Jersey. For directions to Vasa Park, Please visit their website >>

About the Mount Olive Park Partners
The Mount Olive Park Partners (MOPP) is a volunteer group of residents who formed a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to continue to work towards the beautification of all Mount Olive Township Parks for a better quality of life and enjoyment for all.

All Donations made to MOPP are tax deductible.

Mount Olive Township's Green Initiative

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - Council President Ray Perkins in cooperation with Lisa Lashway, Township Clerk and Scott Gaskill, IT Director have completed the transition of paper copy to electronic format for Workshop and Public Meetings as a part of Mount Olive Township's Green Initiative.

Mount Olive Township residents now can access the complete Agenda, which lists all items in PDF for ease of viewing and printing if necessary. The information will be available after the close of business on the Friday prior to scheduled Council meetings.

“The residents just go to the website, click under Mayor & Council, then go to Township Council, then meeting date and click to open the Agendas.” said Ray Perkins, Council President, “This provides everyone with adequate time to read correspondence, Resolutions, Ordinances, bill list and minutes prior to coming to the Municipal Building for the meeting.”

Dates and times for the Mount Olive Township Council Meetings are available on the township's website. Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

“It also has the added advantage of permitting those who cannot attend Council meetings the opportunity to see what is taking place and contact us with questions or comments.” noted Perkins.

Council President Ray Perkins further explained that this effort was a direct result of Mayor David Scapicchio's endorsement of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and the Green Initiative Resolution introduced by Councilman Phil Tobey last year.

“This new procedure will contribute not only to reducing our carbon footprint, savings in paper goods and printing cartridges, but also opens another access to government by the people we serve.” said Perkins.


About the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
For decades The U.S. Conference of Mayors has formally adopted and actively promoted policy positions on a range of issues affecting energy production and use and its impact on the environment.

For more information, visit the
Mayors Climate Protection Center website >>

Saint Patrick's Day - Celebrating Jersey Style

MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY - Paint yourself green, kiss the Blarney Stone, find a shamrock and chase the leprechaun to his pot of gold. No matter how you choose to celebrate St. Patrick's day, there are plenty of places to go to dance the Irish Jig, march in a parade, or share a pint of Guinness with friends.

Morris County's Top Ten (10) St. Patrick's Day festivities

• Morristown St. Patrick's day Parade
  Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at Noon
  Morristown Green :: Morristown, New Jersey



• International Trade Center's
  Leprechaun Leap 5K Race in Mount Olive
  Sunday, March 16th, 2008 at 1:00pm
  International Trade Center :: Mount Olive, New Jersey



• Join WDHA's Curtis Kay at The Exchange in Rockaway
  Monday, March 17th, 2008 between 2-7pm
  The Exchange :: Main Street Rockaway, New Jersey



• The Wolf Tones Concert at Morristown Community Theatre
  Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 8:00pm
  Mayo Center for the Performing Arts :: Morristown, New Jersey



• Live Irish Music at 'Grasshopper off the Green'
  Monday, March 17th, 2008 ALL DAY
  Morris Street :: Morristown, New Jersey



• American Legion Post 249's St. Patrick's dinner/dance
  Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at 7:00pm
  Beverwyck Road :: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey



• Morristown's Dublin Pub
  Come enjoy an overstuffed corned beef sandwich, Shepherd's pie, Irish meat loaf, and of course, a pint of Guinness. All Weekend.
  Pine Street :: Morristown, New Jersey



• Join Frank & Grace at Kennedy's Pub in Budd Lake
  St. Patrick's Celebration. Come enjoy live Irish music, step dancers, our famous fish & chips, Irish whiskey steak, or Sheppard's Pie. All Weekend
  Route 46 :: Budd Lake, New Jersey



• Murphy's Hideaway Irish Pub in Rockaway
  Come enjoy Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread and a pint of good stout. All Weekend.
  Maple Avenue :: Rockaway, New Jersey



• Wish a very Happy Anniversary to Dan & Noelle Kehrley of Flanders NJ News. They were married on Saint Patrick's Day in 2005.

A bit'o legend 'bout ole Saint Pat
As the story is told, St. Patrick is believed to have banished snakes from the Isle of Ireland. However, there is no scientific evidence that post-glacial wildlife on Ireland ever actually including snakes.

One suggestion on the myth explains that Druids had become popularly known as The Serpents of Wisdom, using a symbol of a serpent or 'snake' like figure.

During Saint Patrick's years as a missionary, he was extremely influential among the Celtic people. It is believed he personally baptized as many as 120,000 Irishmen.

As the story was passed down from generation to generation the tale may have arisen as a metaphor of his single-handed effort in converting the Celtic people to Christianity.

Maizel Joins GBW Insurance

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY – Jonathan Maizel has been named the Commercial Insurance Sales Manager for Gerrity, Baker, Williams, Inc. (GBW Insurance).

Maizel has over 20 years of experience in the insurance business, having previously owned an agency of his own, Solutions Insurance in Paterson, New Jersey.

GBW Insurance, based in the Flanders section of Mount Olive Township, predominately serves North Jersey, including Morris, Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties.

“Jon brings a wealth of experience to our agency,” said Glen Tippy, GBW President “He is very well respected and he relates well to the needs of his clients whether they are a small business or a large corporation.”

“I believe that every client, regardless of its size, deserves personal service,” noted Maizel. “It is important for me, and GBW as a whole, to be there for the client when the client needs us.”

Jonathan Maizel is active in the community, professionally and in his hometown of Blairstown, New Jersey. Maizel is a member of many industry organizations and several chambers of commerce and is also a member of the International Trade Center Alliance (ITCA) Management Committee.

About Gerrity, Baker, Williams Inc. (GBW Insurance)
Founded in 1982, GBW provides insurance counsel and protection to thousands of clients in Northwest New Jersey. Jonathan Maizel can be reached at 1-800-548-2DAY.

GBW Insurance
3 Gold Mine Road
Flanders, New Jersey 07836

Mount Olive Township Memorial Day Parade

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - The Mount Olive Township annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 26th, 2008. The parade will begin forming at 9:00am with the actual start time promptly at 10:00pm.

Memorial Day Parade Route
CMS driveway to Sunset, left on Carson, right on Pershing Ave, right on Flanders Road to Turkey Brook Park, clockwise around the Loop road (opposite traditional traffic pattern)

All are invited to join us at Turkey Brook Park

Participation forms are due by April 15th, 2008
http://www.mountolivetownship.com/file/memorialdayparade.pdf

Return participation forms to:
Mount Olive Memorial Day Committee
Attn: Linda Sohl
Mount Olive Parks, Buildings and Grounds
PO Box 450
Budd Lake, New Jersey 07828

For additional information, contact Linda Sohl (973) 691-8116 :: Bill Sohl (973) 691-0900 ext 7201 :: Jim Lynch (973) 691-0900 ext 7260

Flanders and Budd Lake Report Minor Flooding

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Saturday’s heavy rains flooded a number of roads in Mount Olive, including Hermanne Drive where the Flanders Fire Company No. 1 responded to a number of flooding homes.

Pleasant Hill Road near the Flanders Valley Golf Course needed to be barricaded as water from the golf course crossed the road to Flanders Valley Weddings and Banquets.

Mount Olive also saw flooding at Downstream Drive and Pheasant Court, in Flanders, and at Woodland Avenue and Second Street, in Budd Lake. As well as parts of River Road and Bartley Road.

Wyndham Garden Hotel Under New Management

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Northstar Hotels Group, new management company of the Wyndham Garden Hotel, aim to please as Mount Olive community partner. And in the next couple of months, you can expect to see big changes at the hotel intended to do just that.

“We want to become an integral part of the community,” said Reza Ghassemi, COO of Northstar Hotels Group, which recently purchased the International Trade Center hotel. “We want to be a true partner in the Mount Olive community.”

By the end of 2008, the 141-room hotel will undergo renovations that include updated room décor, upgrades to the lobby, and restaurant. The hotel's Garden Café restaurant, offers American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Some changes will happen quicker than others, such as the now totally free high speed wireless Internet service that is currently accessible anywhere in the hotel, including in the Garden Café.

Another new addition expected to be in place shortly is the Starbucks Coffee service in the lobby, complete with an array of Starbucks pastries, salads and sandwiches.

Within a few months, every bed in the hotel will be replaced and each room will have new heat and air conditioning units that are far more comfortable than the existing units. Additionally, 32 inch flat screen TVs will also be added to each room at the hotel.

“We recognize that you can go anywhere for a bed and a bite to eat,” said Ghassemi. “What makes us different is the level of hospitality that we will offer. We are in the hospitality business and the guests are the people we have to answer to.”

The new management team is also looking to provide a relaxing, easily accessible place for area residents to enjoy dinner, get a quick lunch, or even breakfast. With a menu of casual American cuisine, the Garden Café provides the perfect venue for business meetings and social functions.

“The community appreciates a friendly and comfortable place to dine,” Ghassemi said. “And if they want to, a place where they can bring their laptop and take care of business at the same time. And we realize that time is valuable particularly for those at lunchtime so we have to take care of them in a timely fashion. We’re developing a menu that caters to everyone’s schedule – a lunch that’s fast and reasonably priced.”

Northstar Hotels Group owns several hotels in New Jersey, including the Holiday Inns in Somerset and Saddle Brook.

“We are very excited about the Mount Olive acquisition,” said Ghassemi. “This is a great location and a great opportunity for us to make a difference.”

About the Wyndham Garden Hotel at Mount Olive
Modern 5-story Hotel situated in the International Trade Center complex. Located in Morris County New Jersey directly off Route 80 and easily accessible from Routes 46 and 206.

For more information about the new Wyndham Garden Hotel, catering, café hours, free wireless Internet service, or overnight accommodations, please call 973-448-1100.

Wyndham Garden Hotel
1000 International Drive North
Mount Olive, New Jersey 07828

Mount Olive Egg Hunt Changed Due to Rain

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - The Mount Olive Kiwanis Club's Easter egg hunt originally scheduled for this Sunday, has been changed to next Sunday, March 16th due to rain and field conditions at Turkey Brook Park.

"After careful consideration, the Mount Olive Kiwanis Club and the municipality of Mount Olive agreed that due to the field conditions both from the past thaw and hard rains along with the projected incoming rain and sleet storm on Friday and Saturday, we will be postponing the egg hunt to the rain date of March the 16th." said Dave Jones, Press Liaison for the Mount Olive Kiwanis Club. "The Mount Olive Kiwanis Club apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused and thanks their patrons for their understanding."

The Kiwanis Egg Hunt will begin 1:00pm Sunday, March 16th in Turkey Brook Park on Flanders Road, Budd Lake, New Jersey. Come enjoy prizes, games, and activities for all.

Event Registration begins at 12:00pm. Wristbands are $5 each, payable via cash or check made out to the Mount Olive Kiwanis Club. Participants may purchase wristbands in advance at the following locations:

Optimal Family Chiropractic
230 Rt. 206 Bldg. 3, Unit 5A, 2nd Floor
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
973-584-4888

George's Liquor Store
114 Us Highway No 46
Budd Lake, New Jersey 07828
973-691-6432

Event Contact Information
For more information about the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt, contact Adele Perkins at (973) 448-0234 or (973) 978-6067.

Mount Olive Chamber presents "Staying Young"

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Aging will be the theme at the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce's next meeting on Tuesday, March 18th. The luncheon will be sponsored by Paragon Village at Mount Olive.

There are two speakers scheduled to discuss different aspects of the aging process. Peter King Director of Marketing at the Paragon Village, will discuss the options available when it comes to assisted living and Doctor Brenda Rooney of Optimal Family Chiropractic, will offer some useful tips on the topic, "How to Stay Young Your First 100 Years."

The luncheon meeting will take place at Paragon Village starting at 12 noon. The cost to attend will be a $10 donation to The Alzheimer's Association of Greater New Jersey.

Paragon Village
425 Route 46 East
Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840

Please RSVP to the mount olive chamber, 973-691-0109 or info@mtolivechambernj.com.

For further information about the chamber, visit www.mtolivechambernj.com.

2008 Municipal Budget and Taxes Presentation

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

The presentation will begin tomorrow at 8:00pm 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.

Mount Olive Superintendent Rosalie Lamonte retiring

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Superintendent Dr. Rosalie Lamonte announced she will step down from her position at the Mount Olive School District following the fall semester of the 2007-2008 school year.

Lamonte has been at her position with Mount Olive since 2003, and has been involved in education for 35 years working for various school districts across New Jersey including Hanover, Berkley Heights, and Montville.

The Mount Olive Board of Education (BOE) will meet for a special session on Thursday, March 6th at 7:00 pm at the Mount Olive Middle School. The board is expected to vote on whether to accept Lamonte's resignation.

Also on the agenda, the Mount Olive BOE will finalize and adopt the 2008-2009 School District Budget. Mount Olive residents are encouraged to attend to ask questions and voice concerns.

Be an Informed Voter
The 2008-2009 Budget Draft Presentation and the 2008-2009 Preliminary Budget Worksheets are available on the Mount Olive Township Board of Education (BOE) website Click Here >>

The last day to register to vote for the 2008 School Board Election is March 25th, 2008.

School Board Election Day is April 15th, 2008.

Author Feather Schwartz Foster to speak at the Chester Library

CHESTER, NEW JERSEY – Feather Schwartz Foster, author of “LADIES: A Conjecture of Personalities” is scheduled to speak at the Chester Library to discuss some of America's First Ladies, why they were “new”, and what prompted change.

Foster will be appearing at the Chester Library, Main Street, Chester, New Jersey at 7:00pm, Tuesday, March 5th. The program is free of charge, and a book signing will follow.

According to the author, “A decade after the Civil War saw women less as the wispy, languishing types of the ante-bellum years, and becoming more like the strong, athletic figures typified by the ‘Gibson Girl..’ Education for women had become mainstream, employment opportunities were opening up, and, no surprise, women actually wanted to learn and to work and to achieve.”

Ladies: A Conjecture of Personalities is a book of voices. In it, First Ladies between Martha Washington and Mamie Eisenhower tell their own stories – or, to be more exact, whatever they want – in their own words and in their own styles. It crosses boundaries between fact, conjecture and, most importantly, centuries. Through dialogue-boxes, the Ladies talk to each other across Eternity, where anything is possible. The Modern First Ladies, from Mrs. Kennedy through Mrs. Clinton participate in commentary. “The old gals talk to the reader and they talk amongst themselves. They talk about their husbands, and their children, and the White House, and the times they lived in. And, of course, politics." said Foster.

It is an entertainment, not a tome. “Of course ‘LADIES….’ Is a work of fiction,” says Foster. “After all, it is truly a conjecture of their personalities. But it is all based on the facts of their lives, the lives of their husbands and the times they lived in. Most biographies of First Ladies are dull – full of ‘almanac stuff.’ This books livens things up – especially when the Ladies cross the centuries through Eternity and talk to each other.”

Author Feather Schwartz Foster has been an “amateur” presidential historian for three decades. Following a long career in advertising and having written a score of children’s musical shows, she has decided to draw on her thousand-volume personal presidential library and her love of history by penning “LADIES: A Conjecture of Personalities”.

Her second novel, “Garfield’s Train” was recently published and deals with President James Garfield’s death in Long Branch, in 1881. A children’s book, “T: An Auto-Biography” about a Model-T Ford was also recently released.

Author/lecturer Feather Schwartz Foster has made more than 200 presentations about the “old” First Ladies to various groups throughout the state of New Jersey.

For more information, visit Feather Schwartz Foster's website >>
Or call 908-753-6999.

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