Palma, Christian take top prizes at ITCA Leprechaun Leap

MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY - Over 350 runners competed in this year's ITCA Annual Leprechaun Leap at the International Trade Center, many of whom competed last year. But when it was over this time, the top finishers were a whole new crew.

Despite some heat from a handful of competitors, Lou Palma of Clinton, 27, was the overall champion, taking first in 16:31.3, ahead of 15-year old Joseph Presetifilipp of Hopatcong and Peter Kashulines, 45, of Mountain Lakes. Scott Chamberlin of Allamuchy Township, another 15-year old, came in fourth, just ahead of last year's winner, Mark Bahnuk of Hackettstown, 26, who was fifth.

Mary Christian(pictured right) of Flanders won the women's end of it, finishing in 19:06.3. She was trailed by Janine Neill of Andover, Alison Jeffs from Chester, and Bailey Ott of Pompton Lakes. Last year's female winner, Christine Scheuch, like her male counterpart winner last year, came in fifth place. Ott, at 15, was the youngest finisher on the female side.

The 12th Annual Leprechaun Leap 5K, sponsored by Picatinny Federal Credit Union and held on March 22nd, featured runners from throughout the region, many of whom wore "green" in post St. Patrick's Day honor. Proceeds from the charity race will be going to the Unit Fellowship Fund, which supports families of Morris County soldiers who are deployed overseas.

"We are thrilled to have the proceeds go to such an important group of people," said Tom Quigley, Business Development Manager for Picatinny Federal Credit Union. "Life is tough enough on these families and if we can help ease the strain even a little bit it goes a long ways in making things better."

Rounding out the Top 10 for the men were Zachary Miller, Budd Lake, Glen Oakley of Blairstown, Antonio Massa, Denville, Kevin Mulvihill, Long Valley, and Ryan Fischlein, Succasunna.

Finishing out the Top 10 for the women were Nirmala Alcapeddt, Randolph, Andrea Lovas, Oxford, Sarah Masukewicz, Flanders, Kristen Girondi, Hamburg, and Wendy Kerr, Hawthorne.

The race was presented in partnership between the ITCA and the Mount Olive Mayor's Wellness Council. The goal of the Mayors Wellness Council is to increase opportunities for New Jersey residents to participate in daily physical activity with a long-term goal of reducing personal and health care costs secondary to obesity.

For a full listing of racing results, visit www.bestrace.com.

To find out more about events hosted by the ITCA go to www.ITCAevents.org or call the ITCA at (973) 347-3088.

ABOUT PICATINNY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
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 is a full service financial institution with 4 branches in Morris County, more than 15,000 members, over 200 businesses and more than $200 million in assets. In 2005, the Credit Union was granted a Community Charter, which allows anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Morris County, N.J. to become a member of the Credit Union and take advantage of all the financial services provided such as savings, checking, money markets, IRA's, loans and on-line banking with free bill payer.

Picatinny Federal Credit Union has been committed to its members' needs above all else since 1939. The Credit Union currently has over 15,000 members, with total assets exceeding $200 million. Well over 200 local companies offer the benefit of credit union membership to their employees.

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

Rich Ramirez at Wyndham Garden Hotel

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Rich Ramirez, who has appeared on Comedy Central, A&E’s “American Humor: What’s So Funny”, and NBC’s hit drama series “Law and Order”, will bring his incredible sense of humor to the Wyndham Garden Hotel in the International Trade Center on Wednesday, April 1st, 2009.

Sponsored by Picatinny Federal Credit Union, this will surely be 'One Funny Luncheon' as the ITCA celebrates April Fool’s Day with comedic style!

The luncheon, which runs from noon to 1:00 with the show beginning at 12:15, is open to ITCA associates, family and friends, and the business community. Tickets purchased by ITCA associates and Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce members are just $22 each. Tickets purchased by non-ITCA associates are $25 a piece. Ticket price includes laughs, a hot catered lunch with two pastas, soup, salad, bread sticks and dessert.

To reserve your tickets for 'One Funny Luncheon', call the ITCA office, (973) 347-3088.

About Rich Ramirez
Ramirez is a veteran stand-up comic, an actor, writer, singer and founder of the Salsoul Comedy Troupe. For additional information visit www.richramirez.com

2009 ITCA Leprechaun Leap 5K

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - A run through the International Trade Center in Mount Olive on Sunday, March 22nd will be a "Leap" forward for a lucky charity. The 12th annual Leprechaun Leap 5K, sponsored by Picatinny Federal Credit Union, will benefit a non-profit organization to be determined by the Credit Union at a later date.

The International Trade Center Alliance(ITCA) together with the Mount Olive Mayor's Wellness Council will host this year's Leprechaun Leap, considered by serious - and not so serious - runners as the annual kickoff to the road race season. The goal of the Mayors Wellness Council is to increase opportunities for New Jersey residents to participate in daily physical activity with a long-term goal of reducing personal and health care costs secondary to obesity. It is the perfect match for an event where young and old alike can walk, jog or run on the flat, easy-to-traverse course.

The 5K race will begin at 1:00 pm. Mile clocks and water stops will be available along the way. This race is truly a community-minded event. Anyone is invited to participate, any age, at any level of runner. Everyone is encouraged to wear your best St. Patrick's Day costume!

On behalf of Picatinny Federal Credit Union, Business Development Manager Tom Quigley urges athletes "of all kinds" to come on out and enjoy the festivities. "We love to see all the runners, especially the ones in green," smiled Quigley. "But we at Picatinny Federal Credit Union pride ourselves on being community minded first, and will be proud to give the proceeds from this race to a worthy organization."

Quigley added that more than two-thirds of the Credit Union's employees will be volunteering to help out on race day.

Awards will be presented to the first three finishers overall, male and female, and to the winners of several age groups, ranging from 14 to 75 and over.

Registration is required. Entry fees are $18 for those who pre-register by March 13th ($16 for USATF members) and $22 thereafter. Pre-registrants will receive a Leprechaun Leap T-shirt while supplies last. Registration will also be held the day of the event from 11:30am to 12:45pm.

Register online at www.ITCAevents.org. For further information, call the ITCA at (973) 347-3088.

The Leprechaun Leap will be held rain or shine. The International Trade Center is located just off of Routes 80 and 46 in Mount Olive, NJ. The race begins at 850 Clark Drive.


About the Picatinny Federal Credit Union
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 is a full service financial institution with 4 branches in Morris County, more than 15,000 members, over 200 businesses and more than $200 million in assets. In 2005, the Credit Union was granted a Community Charter, which allows anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Morris County, New Jersey. to become a member of the Credit Union and take advantage of all the financial services provided such as savings, checking, money markets, IRA's, loans and on-line banking with free bill payer.

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

Personal Trainers for ITCA Kids Express Triathlon

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - When children ages 6-11 participant in this year's ITCA Kids Express Triathlon on Saturday September 27th, they will have the added benefit of "personal trainers" helping them compete.

The West Morris Area YMCA, based in Randolph, will have several trainers assisting the children on race day. This year’s race offers three different courses for three different kinds of athletes; Elite Triathlon, Tri it On Triathlon, and the Kids Express Triathlon. The Kids Express kicks off at 9:00 am.

All three Tri events start and finish at the Activities Field in the International Trade Center, with biking, running and canoeing for the adult races, and biking, running and obstacle course for the youngsters.

"The YMCA's involvement this year brings the Kids Express Triathlon to a new level of excitement," said Laura Rimmer, president of the International Trade Center Alliance. "Their trainers bring an expertise we've never had before on site for the event. Indeed, while there is competition during the race, it is more important for the kids to have fun and be more aware of their health, and the YMCA's trainers will help bring that point home."

This year's 12th Annual ITCA Triathlon is being presented by Atlantic Sports Health, a division of Atlantic Health at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Proceeds from the event go to Special Olympics New Jersey, a non-profit organization that provides athletic training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Children ages 6-11 wishing to sign up for the Kids Express Triathlon should do so as soon as possible. A limited number of openings still exist for all three competitions.

For registration and other information, such as race day volunteers for the ITCA Triathlon, please visit the ITCA website at www.ITCAevents.org or call 973-347-3099.

To learn more about Atlantic Sports Health, visit www.atlanticsportshealth.org >>

American Idol part of Wyndham's Wed Music Series

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY – Beginning July 9th, The Wyndham Garden Hotel at the International Trade Center in Mount Olive NJ will host a special 'Summertime Happy Hour' event featuring live music from 5-7pm on Wednesday's all summer long.

In addition to the live music, special drinks and free appetizers, attendees will have a chance to win weekly prizes and be eligible for a grand prize drawing held at the end of the summer for a huge flat screen TV.

“This is a great way for folks to come on out and see what’s new at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in a casual atmosphere,” said Corporate Sales Manager Amy Connolly, formerly the General Manager of The Stanhope House. “The Happy Hour is about having fun, enjoying some music, and meeting with friends and colleagues in a relaxing environment.”

The Series kicks off July 9th with Eternal Circle, a funky entertaining duo that sings hits from the 70s and 80s.

On July 16th, American Idol contestant Stephanie White and Rob LaFalce of the New Jersey Philth Harmonic Band, will be the center of attention. White and LaFalce began collaborating after her appearance during American Idol, season 5.

Other acts include, July 23, Jessica Koppinger, a singer-songwriter who plays mostly originals; July 30, Kate & Paul, a sweet sounding pair that mixes originals with covers; and Aug. 6, Kathy Phillips - a regional singer-songwriter favorite who has an amazing repertoire of original tunes.

No matter what kind of day you've had - Happy Hour is not only open to associates of the International Trade Center, everyone 21 & over are welcome to gather with friends, family and coworkers. The Wyndham Garden Hotel has Happy Hour every day of the work week, with live music on Wednesdays.

If you would like to learn more about the Mount Olive Wyndham Garden Hotel, please call (973) 448-1100. The Wyndham is located at 1000 International Drive North, just off of Routes 46 and 80 (exit 25) in Mount Olive Township NJ.

Mount Olive ITCA Triathlon has new date and sponsor

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - Northern New Jersey’s largest triathlon has a new presenting sponsor and date this fall. This year's 12th Annual ITCA Triathlon will take place on the race’s former course at the International Trade Center in Mount Olive, New Jersey.

For 2008, ITCA Triathlon will be presented by Atlantic Sports Health, a division of Atlantic Health at Morristown Memorial Hospital.

“We are thrilled to have Atlantic Sports Health on board,” said Laura Rimmer (formerly Bartus), President of the International Trade Center Alliance (ITCA). “They are truly sports health-oriented and this is a perfect fit for them, and us.”

The 12th Annual ITCA Triathlon is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, about two weeks later than in years past. In 2007, the water portion of the race which includes bike, canoe and run, was held in Allamuchy Mountain State Park. This year, the canoe part of the race returns to Budd Lake, New Jersey.

“We are very happy to let everyone know that Budd Lake will once again host the canoe race,” noted Rimmer. “This will make for an easier transition for competitors at every level.”

This year’s race offers three different courses for three different kinds of athletes; Elite Triathlon, Tri it On Triathlon, and the Kids Express Triathlon.

ITCA Elite Triathlon
The Elite Triathlon is an advanced competition for the trained athlete offering Bike, Canoe, and Run course.

ITCA Tri It On Triathlon
The Tri It On Triathlon is a fun race for the weekend athlete & families offering Bike, Canoe, and Run course. The Tri It On Triathlon is specifically geared for individuals and 3 or 4 person teams. It’s shorter, easier and less competitive than the Elite Triathlon course. The purpose is to allow “common folk” to get out there for a day of fitness and fun.

Both courses offer bike, canoe and run. The Tri It On Triathlon includes a biking course on mostly flat, paved roads with a short portion of gravel trails in the woods behind the International Trade Center. Riders will ride to Budd Lake for the canoe portion and back to the ITC for the run portion (2 miles). The canoe portion of the event (½ mile) is out and back through a traffic-controlled, buoyed course and the run portion (3 miles) will be on flat, paved roads within the International Trade Center.

“The Tri It On Triathlon was a huge success last year,” said Rimmer. “It really is a great opportunity for more of our local residents to come out and show their stuff in a less intimidating forum.”

Tri It On Triathletes will also be able to participate in bike course previews and canoe lessons in the weeks prior to the event much like the Elite Triathletes.

ITCA Kids Express Triathlon
The Kids Tri is a special event specifically designed for children 12 and under offering a Run, Bike, and Obstacle course.

ENTRY DEADLINE – AUGUST 29th, 2008
For registration and more information about the 2008 ITCA Triathlon, please visit www.ITCAevents.org.

To learn more about Atlantic Sports Health, visit www.atlanticsportshealth.org or call 866-906-5666.

Mount Olive Chamber Hosts 24th Legislative District

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - The Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce hosted a special meeting on May 27 with representatives from the 24th Legislative District who discussed a variety of important issues related to the current state of business in Mount Olive Township, Morris County and New Jersey.



Left to right;
Rick Ege, Vice President, MOA Chamber of Commerce : Lou Nisivoccia, Chamber President : Don Hill, Chairman of Mount Olive's Economic Development Committee : Assemblywoman Alison L. McHose : Assemblyman Gary R. Chiusano : State Senator Steven V. Oroho : and Paul Licitra, former mayor of Mount Olive Township and the Director of the 24th District office in Flanders, New Jersey.

The Special Meeting was sponsored by the Wyndham Garden Hotel in the International Trade Center, Mount Olive Township, New Jersey.

Thrill of Drive-In Returns to Mount Olive NJ May 16

MOUNT OLIVE, NEW JERSEY - One of the year's most highly rated family films, "Iron Will," will be the featured movie when the International Trade Center Alliance hosts its second annual Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, May 16th.

Sponsored by Picatinny Federal Credit Union and Bright Horizons Family Solutions in partnership with the ITCA, Outdoor Movie Night is a step back in time with its drive-in like atmosphere.

The PG rated "Iron Will", starring Mackenzie Astin, Kevin Spacey, David Ogden Stiers, will be shown on a 2-story inflatable movie screen beginning at sundown.

"Iron Will" is a rousing Disney dog-sled adventure based on a real life event -- a 522-mile dog-sled race between Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Will Stoneman, played by Mackenzie Astin, is the teenage son of farmers. When Will's father dies, he is left alone to take care of his mother and their land. Needing money to maintain it, he decides to join a cross country dogsled race. This race will require days of racing for long hours, through harsh weather and terrain. This young man will need a lot of courage and a strong will to complete this race.

In addition to the movie, families can enjoy face-painting, a crafts table and other family oriented activities at no further cost. And all children will have their chance to participate in KidShots before the movie starts to get their image on the big screen!

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Seating is first come first serve and all seats are lawn seats.

The event will take place in the parking lot of 850 Clark Drive in the International Trade Center. Attendees should arrive between 7:30 and 8pm. The movie will begin at sundown (approximately 8pm).

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ITCAevents.org or by calling the ITCA offices at 973-347-3088. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under the age of 2 attend free. In the case of inclement weather the event will be moved indoors.

Additional sponsors include The Wyndham Garden Hotel Mount Olive, GBW Insurance, and Wild West City. For more information about Outdoor Movie Night or to purchase tickets please contact the ITCA offices at (973) 347-3088.

Picatinny Federal moves to Mount Olive Township

ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY – Picatinny Federal Credit Union announced it purchased land in Mount Olive, New Jersey for its new state-of-the-art branch office. Picatinny Federal is the largest Credit Union based in Morris County and the 11th largest in the State of New Jersey.

The proposed 3,382 square foot facility will be located in the ITC Crossings Shopping Center and will become Picatinny’s newest full-service branch with all the customer friendly amenities such as a two-lane drive-up, ATM access, coin machines and safety deposit boxes. The Mount Olive Township facility will continue to promote a streamlined, customer friendly service experience, in a convenient location.

Picatinny Federal Credit Union was established in 1939 and has built its foundation on financial stability, member trust and loyalty. Today, Picatinny Federal Credit Union is a full service financial institution with four branches in Morris County, over 15,000 members, more than $217 million in assets and 200 business partners throughout the community. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Morris County, New Jersey.

A grand opening for the new Mount Olive Township branch office is planned for the Fall 2008.

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 >>

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

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

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.