The New Jersey Devils are set to face off against the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow night, February 26, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. With a road win streak on the line, the Devils will look to continue their strong form as they head into this matchup. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 9:30 PM ET, and fans can also stream it live through Fubo or ESPN+.
Avalanche vs. Devils Game Details:
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 9:30 PM ET
Location: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
TV Channel: ESPN+
Live Stream: Available on Fubo and ESPN+
Betting Odds:
Spread: Avalanche -1.5
Moneyline: Avalanche -136, Devils +115
Over/Under: 5.5 goals
Avalanche vs. Devils Prediction:
Score Prediction: Colorado 4, New Jersey 3
Pick Against the Spread: Devils (+1.5)
Moneyline Pick: Avalanche (-136)
Over/Under Pick: Over 5.5 goals
The Avalanche have had a solid season, winning 28 out of 47 games as the moneyline favorite. They’ve been particularly strong when favored, with a solid record when the moneyline is below -136. On the other hand, the Devils have shown resilience, especially as the underdog, with three wins in six such matchups this season. However, the Avalanche are still considered the favorites going into this game.
In terms of scoring, Colorado has gone over the 5.5-goal total in 33 out of 59 games this season. Meanwhile, New Jersey has combined for over 5.5 goals in 44.1% of their games, making the over/under pick a bit of a toss-up.
Expect a competitive game with both teams bringing their best to the ice. The Devils’ road win streak is on the line, and they’ll look to build on that momentum, but the Avalanche will be tough to beat at home.
If you’re looking to catch the game live, tickets are available on StubHub for those who want to experience the action in person.
In January, insider Kevin Weekes mentioned Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic as a “type” the New Jersey Devils might be interested in. As we move closer to the Mar. 7…
The New Jersey Devils had a busy weekend with back-to-back games against the Dallas Stars (a 4-2 loss) at home on Saturday and a visit to the Nashville Predators on…
Bridgewater-based Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a fully integrated, pharmaceutical company, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Mayne Pharma Group Limited at $7.40/share (Australian dollars) for a total consideration of approximately $430 million (US dollars). The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction and Mayne Pharma’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that its shareholders vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
“This acquisition marks a transformational step for Cosette, adding patented, high-growth products to solidify our leadership in women’s health in the U.S. and expanding our reach globally,” said Apurva Saraf, president and CEO of Cosette Pharma. “By combining Cosette’s strong portfolio with Mayne Pharma’s proven commercial expertise, the combined company will be well positioned to further invest in innovation, portfolio expansion and better serve our patients. We look forward to a timely closing and welcoming Mayne Pharma to the Cosette family.”
“Joining the Cosette team amplifies our shared mission to improve lives through innovative and accessible Women’s health and dermatology medicines,” said Shawn Patrick O’Brien, CEO, Mayne Pharma. “This transaction represents a unique opportunity for our employees, customers, and patients. Together, we will extend the reach of important therapies, drive innovation, and improve patient access.”
The combination will create a leading women’s health and dermatology focused pharmaceuticals company in the U.S. with an established presence in international markets, utilizing the strengths of two industry players to drive innovation and expand access to women’s health therapies.
Cosette will utilize its market-leading commercial and operational capabilities, backed by its 350+ strong team and a leading portfolio of women’s health and dermatology products alongside Mayne Pharma’s complementary strength in these specialty areas. Mayne Pharma is backed by a 480+ strong team, including highly effective and successful sales and marketing teams in both specialties. The combined company will have two state-of-the-art FDA -approved manufacturing sites – one each in Lincolnton, North Carolina and Salisbury, South Australia – to service patients globally.
Upon close, Cosette will market 12 patent-protected products focused on women’s health and dermatology, including leading brands such as VYLEESI®, INTRAROSA®, NEXTSTELLIS®, ANNOVERA®, BIJUVA®, IMVEXXY® and RHOFADE®, and several programs in clinical development.
The transaction, which comprises the acquisition of 100% of Mayne Pharma’s outstanding shares by way of a scheme arrangement, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including customary regulatory and shareholder approvals. The combined company will be privately held upon completion of the transaction. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction and Mayne Pharma’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that its shareholders vote in favor of the transaction in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding the scheme is in the best interests of Mayne Pharma’s shareholders
Cosette is being advised by Santander US Capital Markets LLC and UBS Investment Bank as financial advisers and Ropes & Gray LLP and Corrs Chambers Westgarth as legal advisers.
Mayne Pharma is being advised by Jefferies Australia as financial adviser and Gilbert + Tobin and Arnold & Porter as legal advisers.
Brian Girard, professor of secondary education and chair of educational administration and secondary education. Photo: Anthony DePrimo
Building an engaged community in the classroom can be challenging for teachers, especially in our post-pandemic world. That’s where education professor Brian Girard hopes to make change — with help from games.
Using gaming principles in the classroom isn’t new, but Girard’s approach to it is. It’s not about playing games, in the traditional sense, in the classroom, but instead looking at how teachers can incorporate game-like elements (think simulations, stock market investment competitions, and Model United Nations) into their instructional strategies to enhance students’ motivation to learn.
Girard, professor of secondary education and chair of educational administration and secondary education, is the winner of this year’s Gitenstein-Hart Sabbatical Prize. His sabbatical game plan is to investigate the concept of game-like learning within secondary history classrooms as a way for teachers to facilitate deeper engagement with content in the curriculum.
That is, rather than students playing a game for extra credit or a prize, the reward comes from doing the learning activity itself.
“There are lessons to be learned from game design principles,” Girard explains. “Game designers, like teachers, try to craft experiences that sustain human attention — a notoriously fickle thing.”
Intrinsic motivation and engagement, he argues, come from a student’s agency and ability to affect the outcome of an activity like a simulation or role-play. In a simulation like Model UN, for example, students research and role-play individual roles that interact with each other and lead to an open-ended outcome like drafting and passing a resolution. A student’s choices and performance during the simulation can directly affect its outcome, which shows how similar scenarios can play out in real life.
Through interviews and classroom observations, Girard will investigate how teachers — specifically social studies teachers — use these game-like elements to foster student interaction that develops content knowledge and skills. Girard’s research will contribute to the development of educational strategies that prioritize student motivation and the social dynamics of learning while also informing his future work with student teachers at TCNJ and teachers across New Jersey.
“You’re trying to recreate a real-world phenomenon, but one that you don’t know the ending to,” he says. “There are many outcomes I want for students to get out of social studies classrooms, but one is for them to be engaged citizens who feel like they can have an impact on the world.
The Gitenstein-Hart Sabbatical Prize is made possible through the generosity of former TCNJ president R. Barbara Gitenstein and her husband Don Hart.
SPRING LAKE — The Lighthouse International Film Festival/Society (LIFF) is presenting 2025 Oscar-nom- inated documentary and live action shorts screenings at Spring Lake Community Theatre on Saturday, March 1.
“This year’s nominees in the documentary and live action categories showcase exceptional talent and stories from around the globe, offering a unique opportunity to witness the best short films leading up to Hollywood’s biggest night,” a press release from LIFF states.
The live action short will run from 2 to 5 p.m., and the documentary short will run from 7:30 to 10 p.m., at 300 Madison Ave.
Individual tickets cost $15, or a duo-bundle, which includes both screenings, is available for $25. Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged and appreciated. Tickets can be purchased online at lighthouseff.com.
Documentary short film nominees include, “Incident,” “Instruments of a Beating Heart,” “Death by Numbers,” “I Am Ready, Warden” and “The Only Girl in the Orchestra.”
“Explore profound, real-world stories that touch the heart and challenge the mind. From intimate por- traits of personal triumphs to gripping accounts of social and environmental issues, the documentary short film nominees capture humanity in its rawest and most inspiring forms,” the release states. “These extraordinary films amplify vital voices and sto- ries, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives.”
Live Action Short Film Nominees “span genres and cultures, delivering unforgettable narratives with emotional depth and stunning creativity,” the release continues.
Live action short film nominees include, “I’m Not a Robot,” “The Last Ranger,” “The Masterpiece,” “Room Taken,” “An Orange from Jaffa.”
Spring Lake Community Theatre and Egan Liquors are sponsors of this event.
Welcome to Episode 23 of Mindset Monday. This week, Amy Arvary explores the power of resilience—your ability to navigate, adapt, and grow through difficulty. Challenges happen, and unexpected variables arise. But how you respond determines your success. Instead of resisting, learn to open up, gain new perspectives, and keep moving forward. Watch now and strengthen your resilience!
Though New Jersey is separated from Ireland by some 3,000 miles of ocean, you may just be able to hear pipes, flutes and fiddles ringing out late into the night across the Garden State, too. From the Hudson to the Delaware, handfuls of musicians regularly meet in pubs and gathering places to accompany each other in traditional Irish folk-music sessions.
These sessions, or seisiúns in Irish Gaelic, are mostly free-form ensemble performances where anyone who shows up with an instrument can join in and play. At a typical session, you’ll find musicians sitting in a circle or around a table, locked in deep concentration on their instruments—and a pint of Guinness here and there.
At a twice-monthly session hosted by Flounder Brewing Co. in Hillsborough, the atmosphere is warm and lighthearted. On a recent night, musicians laughed and drank between songs as patrons reminisced about old times and discussed the frigid temperatures they braved to make it to the bar. In contrast to a typical concert, the musicians here were tucked into the corner, undemanding of attention. Bargoers were free to converse as the music floated through the room.
“The friendliness at sessions is a really intentional thing,” says Nathan Bishop, a fiddler who regularly plays at Flounder Brewing Co.’s sessions. “The dichotomy of the session is that we’re there to play music, but we’re also there to see each other. I think that’s important, not only for the longevity of the session, but also just as people. We’re at a bar and we’re there to have fun.”
Photo: Justin Borucki
The Irish music session, in its origins, was mostly held in private spaces, often in the kitchen of someone’s house. As time went on, the tradition started finding a regular home in pubs and taverns. Eventually, Irish emigrants carried the tradition with them across the pond to the United States, and it’s still going strong in New Jersey today.
Flounder Brewing Co., though not an Irish bar, has given a home to the tradition by holding open sessions that anyone can join. Hosted by a core group of musicians, Flounder’s sessions have featured world-renowned Irish musicians, but are welcoming to new faces, too. “The barrier for entry is nothing more than love of the music,” Bishop says.
One rule of thumb guides every session: Don’t jump in unless you know the tune. Session musicians typically play from a canon of Irish folk standards, many of which date back to the 19th century. Songs consist of jigs, reels, hornpipes and more—usually up-tempo tunes of varying rhythms, time signatures and other musical intricacies.
While the songs themselves are not improvised, the playing is usually spontaneous, with no set list in place. Musicians will often jump into different songs at the spur of the moment, only communicating through the music itself. Sometimes, a lead player will teach a tune to the other musicians, and they’ll learn the melody and changes on the spot as the song goes on.
“Playing a tune when you’re starting off is kind of scary, but you know that most of the tunes you’re going to be doing, people will know. You’re not going to be alone,” says Brian Szura, a piper from Highland Park. “It’s welcoming, because everybody started at the point of not knowing anything.”
The music’s sound is defined by the combination of various wind, string and percussion instruments. Flutists and fiddlers, for instance, will often play the same melody in unison, blending their timbres to create a powerful sound. Instruments at sessions range from the common guitar to the lesser-known Irish bouzouki and uilleann pipes. These unique instruments are often crafted with delicate care and expertise and require a lot of maintenance.
Photo: Justin Borucki
Beyond Flounder Brewing Co., a handful of New Jersey pubs regularly host sessions, including the Hutton Bar & Grill in Jersey City, Mitchell’s Café in Lambertville, and Tir Na Nog in Trenton. At thesession.org, musicians can locate sessions being held across the state and around the world, as well as learn tunes and have discussions with other players.
Like any tradition, however, Irish music in New Jersey remains at risk of losing popularity and fading away—a danger complicated by the fact that different regions of Ireland play the music with slight variations and nuances, making some aspects of the music more likely to be forgotten.
“Many regional styles are now in danger of being lost because of urbanization, improved communication, cultural homogenization, and all the things you hear about that have endangered local folk styles,” says Charlie Sporn, a Plainfield fiddler. “A few of us are learning to play the old ways and [trying to] keep these traditions alive.”
Nurturing the customs of Irish folk music has required a concerted effort from musicians, which includes efforts to pass the music down to new generations. The Irish American Association of North West Jersey (IAANWJ) holds regular sessions, as well as Irish music classes for children, in Rockaway.
“We’re all about encouraging the next generation,” says Iris Nevins, session leader and music teacher at the IAANWJ. “We feel it’s very important to not just have a place where people can come play music, but to kind of pass the torch on to the kids.”
Many of the students also participate in music competitions, such as the prestigious Mid-Atlantic Fleadh. Competitions have become a major force in promoting and maintaining interest in Irish music among children. “The kids are fabulous players. Some of them are sitting in for the adults now,” Nevins adds.
Beyond classes and competitions for kids, the close ties that musicians have maintained has been one of the strongest safeguards of Irish music in New Jersey. Players here have created a community where the collective spirit and an appreciation for one another are valued above virtuosity and expertise. At a session, even the most world-renowned player is just another friendly face at the pub.
“I think a really critical and vital part of our community is that we have this shared love of the music,” Bishop says. “And then, knowing that there’s not a lot of people who have that incredible desire and addiction to these tunes, we all kind of look out for each other.”
To keep the tradition alive, the Irish music session’s caretakers depend on each other—both to sustain their community and keep the music’s flame burning.
“I think of it in the way that a plant sits in the ground, where tradition is the soil,” Bishop says. “Being an artist is about growth. And just like a plant, you can’t grow if its roots aren’t fully settled into really good soil.”
Looking for a jig? Check out these sessions across New Jersey.
Flounder Brewing Co.in Hillsborough: This large open session is heavy on the instrumentals and attracts accomplished players and beginners alike. The brewery is warm and welcoming, with long tables where patrons can sit and drink while listening. 7-9 pm on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. 2 Clerico Lane, Building 4
The Hutton Bar & Grillin Jersey City: This open and well-attended session in the Heights draws big names as well as amateur players performing traditional Irish tunes. In addition to serving drinks, there is a full menu of food. 5-8 pm on Sundays. 225 Hutton Street
Mitchell’s Café in Lambertville: Perhaps the longest-running Irish session in New Jersey, it tends to attract old friends with intermediate to advanced abilities. There are no beers on tap, but this eclectic spot boasts an otherwise full bar and menu. 8 pm-midnight on the first and third Wednesday of every month. 11 Church Street; 609-397-9853
Irish American Association of North West Jerseyin Rockaway: Traditional Irish music is played by talented local musicians of all ages, along with friendly conversations, card games, and set dancing. Coffee, tea and desserts are served. Once a month on Saturdays at 8 pm; check the Facebook group for the schedule. 352 Richard Mine Road
Tir Na Nogin Trenton: If your voice is in fine fiddle and you fancy a heartfelt Irish air, this session, which concentrates more on singing, is for you. 3-6 pm on the first Sunday of every month. 1324 Hamilton Avenue
Today, Bill Spadea announced that he has received the endorsement of more than 50 Republican leaders from throughout Ocean County, including Mayors, Council and Committee members, Republican Club Presidents and Municipal Chairs.
Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione stated, “We are proud to stand with New Jersey’s next Governor, Bill Spadea. Bill is the pro-life candidate in the race and is the only Republican running who has a plan to reduce taxes, who will reduce the burden of school taxes on our senior citizens and who can win in November.”
Spadea thanked them, stating, “Ocean County is known as the strongest Republican organization in the state for a reason. The hard work and dedication of municipal leaders like the folks on this list provide the foundation for candidates to be successful. I’m honored by their support and look forward to working alongside them for victory in June and in November.”
Full list of Endorsers:
Mayors
Mayor John Bacchione, Berkeley
Mayor William Cairns, Beachwood
Mayor Al Cirulli, Barnegat
Mayor Oscar Cradle, South Toms River
Mayor Joseph Hankins, Manchester
Mayor Bob Henken, Stafford
Mayor Michael Reina, Jackson
Council and Committee
Councilman Perry Albanese, Brick
Committeeman Al Billie, Barnegat
Councilman Douglas Bowens, Berkeley
Councilman Keith Buscio, Berkeley
Councilman James Byrnes, Berkeley
Councilwoman & Municipal Chair Roxanne Conniff, Manchester
Councilman Christopher DarConte, Stafford
Councilman Steven Esposito, Stafford
Councilman John Farro, Beachwood
Councilman Sam Fennell, South Toms River
Councilman Sergio Fossa, Stafford
Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich, Berkeley
Councilman Thomas Grosse, Berkeley
Councilman Angelo Guadagno, Berkeley
Councilman Steven Komsa, Beachwood
Councilman Bill Kosh, South Toms River
Councilman Justin Lamb, Toms River
Councilman Owen LaRocca, Stafford
Committeeman Joseph Marte, Barnegat
Councilwoman Lori Ann McGee, Pine Beach
Councilwoman Lisa Mower, Stafford
Councilman Ed Murray, South Toms River
Councilman Raymond Newman, Pine Beach
Councilwoman Amy Otte, Stafford
Committeeman Pipi “Pat” Pasquale, Barnegat
Councilman Thomas Price, Beachwood
Councilman Thomas Rolzhausen, South Toms River
Councilwoman Kayla Rolzhausen, South Toms River
Councilman Sandy Ross, South Toms River
Councilman Dan Santos, Beachwood
Councilman Michael Signorile, Berkeley
Committeeman Jake Townsend, Barnegat
Councilman James Vaccaro, Manchester
Councilman Craig Wallis, Manchester
Councilman Barry Wieck, Pine Beach
Councilman & GOP Club President Edward Zakar, Beachwood
Club Presidents
Club President Jason Glogolich, South Toms River
Club President Susan McCabe, Barnegat
Club President Frank Nicolato, Manchester
Ocean County GOP Vice Chair & Club President Ruthanne Scaturro, Brick
Municipal Chairs
Municipal Chair James Blavat, Berkeley
Municipal Chair Joseph Jubert, South Toms River
Municipal Chair Cathy Lindenbaum, Brick
Municipal Chair Amber Myhre, Stafford
Bill Spadea is one of New Jersey’s leading media personalities, a Marine, an entrepreneur, and a proud supporter of President Trump since the day he launched his campaign in 2015. Bill and his wife, Jodi, reside in Mercer County where they raised their two children. They have spent the last several years crisscrossing the state of New Jersey listening to the concerns of the state’s residents. To learn more about Bill or his campaign, visit SpadeaforGovernor.com.
Feb. 19, 2025: Workshop / April 4, 2025: Deadline for Letters of Intent/June 6, 2025: Application Deadline
More than $1 million in grants for recreational trails is available to Morris County’s 39 municipalities through the 2025 Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program, which opened its tenth annual application process today.
An Application Workshop will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon to review the program and application process. The workshop will take place at the Morris County Park Commission Cultural Center at 300 Mendham Road in Morris Township and virtually via Webex. Please register to attend using the Registration Form.
“This program proved its value when the pandemic hit in 2020, with trail use surging 200% nationwide and quadrupling in Morris County. The trails are a refuge for anyone seeking fresh air, exercise and a mental escape, and are a key part of Morris County’s quality of life,” said Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, commissioner liaison to the Office of Planning & Preservation. “We are pleased to announce the opening of this year’s grant application process to expand this highly popular program.”
Since 2016, Morris County has awarded more than $6.5 million to build and enhance a growing network of local trails, after voters overwhelmingly approved dedicating a portion of the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund annually toward recreational trail development. Recreational facility use — especially trails — remains above pre-pandemic levels.
The 2025 program “Rules & Regulations” feature a revised layout and structure to improve clarity and application requirements.
Key rule changes for 2025 include:
Design & Permitting Grants now have a three-year performance period, with one possible six-month extension.
Construction Grants remain at a two-year performance period, with up to two six-month extensions.
The Program Schedule has been updated to cover all aspects of the program.
Interim reviews for Design & Permitting Grants now include a 100% completion review.
Updates to the reimbursement process, including new forms.
“The Trail Construction Grant Program helps municipalities expand their trail systems through design and construction grants. Thus far, 56% of Morris County municipalities have been awarded 61 grants totaling $6.5 million, which will result in 31 miles of trails for residents to enjoy. Many first apply for a design grant to develop plans while identifying costs and potential issues before seeking construction funding. Overall, the program has been successful, with 77% of municipalities having participated,” said Betty Cass-Schmidt, chair of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee.
The program application format and submission requirements have been updated, with separate applications required for each funding category. Applicants should carefully review all submission requirements.
Submission process
Register and attend the workshop (required for applicants) on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.
Schedule and attend a Mandatory Pre-Application Meeting before Friday, March 21, 2025.
Submit a Letter of Intent by 12 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Submit your project’s completed application by 12 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Municipalities that currently have an “Open” Design & Permitting Grant, and wish to apply for a 2025 Construction Grant, must complete the following steps to be eligible.
Submit 90-100% bid documents for technical review and comment by 12 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Submit a Letter of Intent by 12 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Submit final electronic documents — including plan sets, bid specifications, all in-hand permits, and a construction cost estimate – to the Morris County Park Commission by 12 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Obtain program approval to submit a Construction Grant application by Friday, May 9, 2025.
Submit a complete Construction Grant application by 12 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Grant awards are expected to be announced before the end of the year. Application materials and other resources are available on the Official Website of Morris County, N.J.
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Photo 1: Kleitman Woods Park Trail in Morristown, funded with $157,979.20 in 2022 and completed in 2024.
Photo 2: Bee Meadow Pond Trail in Hanover Township, completed in four phases through 2024, with a total of $662,991.50 in funding awarded between 2017 and 2020.
More than $1 million in grants 