Mount Olive Chamber hosts Mayor Scapicchio

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - The Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its third annual Breakfast with the Mayor at the Longhorn Steakhouse located in the ITC Crossing Shopping Center. Mayor David Scapicchio looked back on 2008 and updated chamber members and guests on what to expect in 2009.


Photo, left to right, Mount Olive Chamber President Rick Ege, Mayor David Scapicchio, and Chamber Vice President Jeff Stadelman.

For more information about the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.mtolivechambernj.com

Mount Olive Winter Wonderland 2009

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Winter is in the air and Mount Olive Recreation is hosting a Winter Wonderland on January 31st, 2009 at the Tinc Road Elementary School.

Crafts, Snowman Contest (outdoor/indoor), Vendors, Broom Hockey Games, Winter Scavenger Hunt, Music, Outdoor/Indoor Games, Pictures with Mr. Frost, and much more.

Tinc Road Elementary School Cafeteria
Tinc Road, Flanders, New Jersey 07836
9am - 12:30pm
Free Admission

Daryl Cobb releases Children’s book

MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY - Children’s book author Daryl Cobb releases “Bill the Bat Babysits Bella”, Cobb's 8th published picture book in the last three years.

Bill the Bat Babysits Bella is a rhyming story about a bat that spends a week baby sitting his little sister. It represents a positive bond between siblings and the importance of family. This book is easy to read with vibrant illustrations, recommended for children ages 0 to 8.

Some of Cobb’s other titles include “Daniel Dinosaur,” “Henry Hare’s Floppy Socks,” and “Boy On A Hill.” Daryl Cobb’s 10 To 2 Children’s Books publishing’s #1 selling book of 2008,“Daddy Did I Ever Say? I Love You, Love You, Every Day” is a unique story that captures the essence of what makes the father-child relationship special.

Cobb is a part of 10 To 2 Children’s Books “Helping Hands” program, a community service program that aides children and families through creative arts. Cobb’s music and story time shows have been enjoyed by all through organizations such as the Hunterdon County YMCA’s Child Learning Center, The Boys and Girls Club, The Wetlands Society, Spina Bifida Association and the YMCA of Hillsborough. Money raised from the sale of Cobb’s books have helped the Boys and Girls Club, various YMCAs, Immaculate Conception School, J & J Learning Center, Habitat For Humanity, and the College of Saint Elizabeth... to name a few.

Cobb hails from Clinton, New Jersey and takes his show on the road throughout New Jersey, Deleware and Pennsylvania. Upcoming New Jersey events include East Amwell School in Ringoes, the Hunterdon County Library in High Bridge, Elizabeth Moore School, Milford Preschool, Clinton Preschool, Kiddie Academy in Chester, Bernice Young School and Seaview Elementary.



Daryl Cobb is an author, musician and singer/songwriter from New Jersey who promotes literacy through creative arts. With more than 25 years of experience, Daryl's presentations teach audiences that creative thinking is a fundamental aspect of everyday life. Cobb uses creative arts such as; music, sing-a-longs, storytelling, interactive exercises and graphic images to create a visually stimulating and entertaining show.

For more information on Daryl Cobb’s books, school assembly program, music, story time shows and charity work - visit www.darylkcobb.com

Peanut Product Recalls Spreading

MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY - The scope of the salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter and peanut paste continues to widen affecting popular products such as cookies, cakes, ice cream, crackers, and now some pet foods.

PetSmart announced today the voluntary recall of Grreat Choice dog biscuits because they, too, may contain the tainted ingredient. All though there have been no reports of troubled pets, buyer beware.
Read PetSmart's press release »

The FDA's recent announcement of a salmonella investigation involving peanut butter products distributed through the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has caused quite a stir.

As the list of products lengthens, the Food and Drug Administration is continualy updating its online list of tainted peanut products.

The number of people sickened by the salmonella outbreak linked to peanut products has increased to 485 in the U.S., with 19 cases reported in New Jersey. Infection from the outbreak may have contributed to as many as six deaths.

Salmonella bacteria can cause an infection that often produces diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days. While most people recover without medical treatment(but plenty of fluids!), infants, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems can develop severe illness that can result in death if not promptly treated with antibiotics.

Mount Olive Library Director Rita Hilbert Recognized

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Immediate Past President of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce Lou Nisivoccia of Nisivoccia Consulting LLC presented former Mount Olive Library Director Rita Hilbert with a token of appreciation for her many years of service to the chamber at the organization's annual Holiday Meeting in December 2008.

Hilbert was a long-time Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce member and board member.

20 YR Nonprofit to Ring Bell at New York Stock Exchange

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Presents of Mind's parent company Community Options will kick off their 20th anniversary celebration by ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009.

Presents of Mind, which is located at the Mall at 206 in Mount Olive, is the latest store to join six nonprofit businesses that Community Options operates across New Jersey, where individuals with disabilities learn job skills, gain experience and earn a living. The other business include a flower and gift store - Vaseful, in New Brunswick and three Daily Plan It shops which are complete office, copy and print centers in Morristown, Moorestown and Princeton.

Community Options, Inc., a Princeton based national nonprofit, is an organization that has been providing residential and employment support to people with developmental disabilities for twenty years.

With 22 regional offices throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and New Mexico,
Community Options has remained vigilant in its founding mission and cause-
to develop housing and employment opportunities for people with
developmental disabilities. Community Options currently employs 2,500
Direct Support Professionals, Management and Administrative staff
throughout the country. Community Options currently supports over 1,500 people
with developmental disabilities in inclusive communities and competitive
employment.

The Board of Directors of Community Options including Robert Stack,
Founder, President and CEO, Svetlana Repic-Qira, Dr. Clarence York, Frank Zak, Peter Dulligan, Thomas Burdick, Bright Rajaratnam, Tim Dunigan, Paul Hritz, Tim Carden, Howard Maher and Rebecca Bugaj Zak will all be in attendance on Wednesday to participate in the ceremony of ringing the opening bell.

Community Options is the nation's fastest growing nonprofit organization
supporting people with developmental disabilities and while this growth is
substantial, the quality of our support is never compromised. Community
Options provides the highest level of quality support and innovation in
all program design.

As Community Options moves into its 20th year of dedicated service, there
are many events coming up that would behoove the public, advocates,
families and professionals to participate in. May 13-15th is our 4th
Annual Conference in Princeton, New Jersey which will highlight and
coordinate a national symposium of our accomplishments over the past 20
years. Our Annual Gala will be held on Friday, May 15, 2009 at
Drumthwacket (NJ Governor's Mansion) in Princeton, New Jersey.

To learn more about us and to join us on our journey of supporting people
with developmental disabilities, please visit us on the web at www.comop.org

Movie Night and Chili Dinner

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - The Hope Baptist Church of Flanders, NJ will be hosting 'Movie Night and Chili Dinner' on January 31st, 2009 beginning at 5pm.

Bring the family to enjoy 'Facing the Giants' an action-packed, family-friendly drama about a high school football coach who draws up a new game plan for his team ...and himself.

All you can eat including sodas & snacks
$4.00 per family
Open to the Public

For more information, Please contact Joy Koltenuk (973) 927-1475

Flanders Fire/Rescue Selects 2009 Officers

FLANDERS, NEW JERSEY – Command of fire and emergency medical operations in Flanders will continue under the same leadership in 2009. That’s the choice of members of the Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad, who recently selected their 2009 leaders.

Fire Chief Fred Detoro Jr. will remain chief of department. It will be his 10th year in the position. As chief he has overseen the department’s growth in recent years, including the addition of specialized equipment for mass decontamination and new apparatus.

Michael McDermott and Greg Widzemok will continue as assistant chiefs. Tom Shields was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Robert Uhlmann and Scott Faluotico were elected as lieutenants. Both have served in that capacity in the past.

In the Emergency Medical Services Division, members elected Heather Detoro to another term as captain. Bruce Gallagher will continue to serve as first lieutenant and Roberto Salazar will serve as second lieutenant again. Tyler Wargo also was chosen as a second lieutenant.

Joe Abrusci was re-appointed engineer. As engineer, Abrusci heads up a team of firefighters who maintain the apparatus and the equipment on those trucks.

“The re-election of so many senior people not only demonstrates the faith of the membership in the direction of the department, but provides continuity so we continue to grow with Mount Olive and assure that we can quickly provide state-of-the-art services,” said Chief Detoro. “In addition, the new officers have extensive line experience and we welcome their fresh ideas.”

The Flanders Firefighter’s Association also chose its 2009 leadership. The association runs the business end of fire and emergency medical services. That includes adhering to myriad state and federal regulations regarding personnel and homeland security rules. In charge of the association will be Kevin Dolan, who moved from vice president to president. Joe Abrusci, former president, becomes vice president.

Other association officers include Scott Faluotico, secretary; Michael Jopp, treasurer; Tano Giacchino, assistant treasurer; Tom Puder, personnel officer; and Roberto Salazar, trustee.

All will be installed at a banquet January 31st, 2009.

The Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad No 1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in Flanders and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. It is made up of about 75 members, all of whom receive training in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, homeland security issues and emergency medical services. The fire company operates two fire engines, one tower truck, one heavy rescue, a brush-and-foam truck, three ambulances, a multiple-casualty unit and a mass decontamination unit.

In addition, the fire company offers public education services including lectures, demonstrations, training and a trailer that safely simulates a smoke-filled home.

For information about Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad No 1 membership, donations or public education, call (973) 584-6745.

Miss New Jersey Preliminary Titles

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY – Several women from across the state vying for one of three Miss New Jersey preliminary titles and college scholarships will compete on Sunday, January 18th, 2009 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Mount Olive Township.

Among those competing will be 19-year old Stephanie Nunziato of Newton. A graduate of Newton High School in 2007, she now attends Rutgers University in New Brunswick where she is a sophomore with a major in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. Nunziato, Miss Newton in 2008, has never been shy about trying new things.

“I have not participated in a pageant of this extent; however, I love trying new things and I’m looking forward to the experience.” said Nunziato.

The Miss Tri-County, Miss Gateway and Miss Queen City crowns will be on the line when Stephanie Nunziato and a host of other women ages 17-24 compete for the Miss New Jersey preliminary titles. Winning a local pageant qualifies the victor to collect a scholarship and then to compete at the Miss New Jersey Pageant which will be held in June in Ocean City, New Jersey. If fortunate enough to be crowned Miss New Jersey, the winner will then compete in Las Vegas for the title of Miss America.

The competition takes place from 6-9pm at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in the International Trade Center and is open to the public. Tickets will be sold at the door.

The Miss America Organization is the single largest provider of scholarships for young ladies between 17 and 24 years of age, awarding millions of dollars annually. Each young lady, to qualify for the scholarships, must compete in a local pageant such as the Miss Gateway, Miss Tri-County and Miss Queen City Pageant.

If you would like to learn more about the pageant and tickets, please call Terry Karns, Pageant Director at (973) 479-4680.

For further information about the Wyndham Garden Hotel of Mount Olive, phone (973) 448-1100. The Wyndham is located at 1000 International Drive North, just off of Routes 46 and 80 (exit 25).

Clarifying Your Business Plan

ROXBURY TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - Thom Torode, a certified business coach with ActionCoach, will be holding a workshop January 29th intended to help business owners start 2009 in the right direction.

"Destination Mastery - Setting Your Future" will focus on a variety of topics such as: clarifying your business vision to know where you are heading; creating a business plan that helps you to get there, wherever "there" is; matching your personal goals with your business goals; and achieving clarity about what you really want for your company.

The workshop will be held Thursday, January 29th from 3:30 - 5pm at Frank's Bookkeeping, located at 40 Main Street in Succasunna. The cost is just $49.

Learn how having a clear vision and mission for your company - and your life - will help you (and your team) reach your goals. By putting your vision and mission down on paper you will be creating a road map for your future.

Torode has 20 years of experience in small business ownership as well as management experience at a Fortune 500 company in which he has been able to effectively translate into success for his small business clients. He also has an MBA in e-Commerce.

To reserve a space or for more information, call 862-219-6890 or email Thomtorode@actioncoach.com.

For more information about business coach Thom Torode, visit www.CoachThom.biz

2009 Mount Olive NJ State of the Township Address

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - a message from Mayor David M. Scapicchio

January 6, 2009
State of the Township Address >>