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Ocean County Library Announces 2025 Prom Dress Giveaways

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originally published: 02/23/2025

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) — Thanks to contributions by generous Ocean County Library patrons and donors, dazzling dresses and glittering gowns are about to adorn students throughout the county. OCL’s 2025 Prom Dress Giveaway is ready to begin.

If you’re a student in grades 8 through 12 in need of a dress for prom or a dance, stop by one of the following Library branches to see our collection of free, gently worn, freshly dry-cleaned evening wear:

* Toms River Branch – 101 Washington Street, (732) 349-6200, Monday, March 17 through Wednesday, March 19 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm

* Little Egg Harbor Branch – 290 Mathistown Road, (609) 294-1197, Tuesday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 26 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm

* Jackson Branch – 2 Jackson Drive, (732) 928-4400, Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm


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The Ocean County Library Prom Dress Giveaway enables students in grades 8 through 12 to attend their junior or senior proms, spring formals, or eighth grade dances, regardless of their financial circumstances.

All garments have been sorted by OCL staffers and teen volunteers and will be displayed according to size and color. All dresses are given free of charge. No registration is required. 

See the schedule at https://tinyurl.com/OclPromDress.For more information, visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events or call any of the three participating branches.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why they’re celebrating! Watch for details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and https://theoceancountylibrary.org.


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Devils Have 4 AHL Comets to Watch Ahead of 2025 Trade Deadline – The Hockey Writers – Utica Comets

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It’s no secret that the New Jersey Devils will be buyers at the trade deadline. They have the third-best record in the Metropolitan Division and will be in a position to make a deep playoff run. The catch is that, while the Devils are having a great season, they still have glaring weaknesses and need to make some moves to round out their roster for the playoffs.

Related: Devils’ Ideal Post-Trade Deadline Roster

If the Devils are going to make a move, they’ll have to trade a prospect or two to do so. Whether it’s to add a depth player or make a splash, the asset every seller wants is either young NHL-ready talent or a prospect to help a rebuild. While the Utica Comets, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Devils, are the worst team in the North Division, they have a few players they can flip in a deal.

Xavier Parent

Xavier Parent is having a good season with the Comets and proving he has the tools to be a dynamic forward. He’s a smaller skater at 5-foot-8 and weighing only 170 pounds, but he makes up for it with skill and speed. He has 11 goals and 13 assists this season and is coming off a game where he scored a goal and an assist in a Feb. 22 4-2 win over the Bridgeport Islanders. He’s proven he can find the back of the net and create scoring chances, and the 23-year-old forward is poised to get a shot in the NHL someday.

Xavier Parent New Jersey Devils
Xavier Parent, New Jersey Devils (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)

He’s a prospect the Devils can move to get a player on the roster at the deadline without pairing him with another prospect. He’s talented enough for an NHL team to take a chance on him. The only question is, which team is willing to roll the dice on a smaller middle-six forward like Parent?

Remember when the Devils traded Blake Coleman to the Tampa Bay Lightning? That move happened at the 2020 trade deadline, and it helped the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. One of the players who was part of the return was Nolan Foote. He’s been up and down from the NHL since joining the Devils but is putting together a great season with the Comets with 16 goals and 18 assists.

At 24, Foote isn’t a developing prospect, but he’s proven he can be a depth skater at the NHL level. Foote won’t be enough to land a player in a deal, but he can be a part of a package for the Devils to make an upgrade.

Topias Vilen

The Devils have a handful of young defensemen but no place to put them on the NHL roster, especially after they acquired Brenden Dillon and Johnathan Kovacevic in the 2024 offseason. Simon Nemec is the first prospect who comes to mind and Santeri Hatakka is another one who stands out, but Topias Vilen is the skater to watch as he could be on the move. Vilen is 22 and still developing, making him an expendable skater for a Devils team trying to win now.

Vilen is a good skating defenseman who moves the puck up the ice. He’s not a scorer, but he’s a great passer, which explains why he had 27 assists last season, his first in the AHL, and has 15 assists this season. A rebuilding team can allow him to develop on the defensive end of the ice for a season or two and then bring him up to the NHL, making him a prospect worth adding at the deadline.

Isaac Poulter

Goaltenders are always tough to evaluate and tougher to trade, especially a developing one like Isaac Poulter. He’s shown he can be a good goaltender, but not consistently. That said, with the Devils adding Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen while allowing Nico Daws to fill in as the third-string goaltender, Poulter is expendable and can be a part of any trade.

What the Devils Can Acquire With These Prospects

The question for the Devils is not who they will target as much as it’s what they will target. They’ll look to upgrade the forward unit, and that’s twofold. They should want to add scoring but also need physicality and defense in the lineup, which they lacked in their 2023 second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes, a series they lost in five games.

If the Devils add a bottom-six skater, a deal involving one of their prospects is in play. However, if they are making a splash and adding someone to the top six, a handful of prospects plus a pick would be part of the return. The Devils are in a unique spot since their contention window is open, and it will be for a while, but if this is the season to make a push, they’ll do just that to set themselves up for a Cup run.

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Stars Hold Off Devils 4-2 to Earn First Win After Break – The Hockey Writers – NHL News

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On Saturday evening, the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars returned to action in Newark, New Jersey, attempting to get off to a hot start following the 4 Nations break. In a pretty tight contest, the Stars came out with a 4-2 victory. Casey DeSmith was stellar, stopping 30 of 32 en route to his 10th win of the season. They improve to 36-18-2; the Devils fall to 31-21-6.

The Devils looked pretty flat right off the bat. A little less than four minutes in, Evgenii Dadonov scored to make it 1-0 Stars. Then Brenden Dillon took an unsportsmanlike penalty, leading to a second Stars goal on the ensuing power play. Thomas Harley wired it in to stretch the lead to two.

In the second, the Devils started to really turn it up, but DeSmith stayed strong. At the second horn, he had stopped all 21 shots – +2.27 goals saved above expected (GSAx – per MoneyPuck).

The third period was more of the same. The Devils continued to generate some very high danger chances but couldn’t finish, until Jack Hughes finally broke through to make it 2-1. But 36 seconds later, a defensive breakdown led to a Matt Duchene goal to restore Dallas’ two goal lead. Then, it got interesting again as 65 seconds after that, J. Hughes scored again to make it 3-2. But as the game was dying down, the Devils couldn’t get Jake Allen out of his net. They finally got him out with 54 seconds to go and got a power play with 44 to go, but couldn’t capitalize on the short 6-on-4. Wyatt Johnston added an empty netter with 8 seconds left to make it 4-2.

The Devils will return to action on Sunday evening in Nashville; the Stars will stay local as they face the New York Islanders, also tomorrow night.

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Sherrill Wins Monmouth County Dems’ Backing

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Government Affairs Forum Explores Infrastructure Investment – Morris County, NJ

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Published on February 21, 2025

Commissioner Stephen Shaw and Assemblyman Christian Barranco Addressed Symposium

Commissioner Shaw speaks at government affairs forum

Morris County’s infrastructure and transportation priorities were the focus of a panel discussion this week featuring county Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Assemblyman Christian Barranco at a Government Affairs Forum hosted by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce at Tilcon’s corporate office in Parsippany.

The event, part of the Morris County Chamber’s monthly Public Policy Series, examined infrastructure investment, long-term transportation planning and public safety improvements, highlighting how the county and state collaborate with municipalities and the federal government to advance these initiatives. Deputy Director Shaw, Morris County’s representative to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), outlined the county’s infrastructure responsibilities and the NJTPA’s role in funding local projects. Asm. Barranco, a member of the state Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, discussed state-level initiatives and shared his perspective on proposals put forth by the governor.

“The county oversees 287 miles of roads spanning 39 municipalities, 1,000 bridges and culverts, and three freight railroads, in addition to other infrastructure assets. Each year, we resurface about ten percent of our roadway network, replace critical bridges and culverts and improve intersections — all while facing rising costs and stagnant state funding. Our paving costs, for example, have nearly doubled since I began serving as a commissioner in 2019,” said Deputy Director Shaw.

The county’s 2025 Capital Spending Plan allocates $11 million for road resurfacing in 11 municipalities, bringing the total to more than 230 miles of roads resurfaced since 2016. An additional $8.58 million is designated for bridge and culvert replacements, including major spans in Montville, Mount Olive and Jefferson Township. Other planned improvements include intersection upgrades in East Hanover and Boonton, along with countywide guide rail enhancements, for which $2.56 million has been budgeted.

Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw speaks at Govt Affairs Forum

The NJTPA, the federally authorized Metropolitan Planning Organization for North Jersey serving 7 million people in 13 northern counties, plays a crucial role in supporting Morris County’s infrastructure projects. With an annual budget exceeding $3 billion, it funds planning, safety and transportation improvements through its Transportation Improvement Program.

The NJTPA has also contributed to expanding the Morris Canal Greenway, enhancing trail networks and funding the Pompton Valley Rail Trail, set to open this spring.

“The NJTPA is a key partner in securing federal funding for Morris County’s infrastructure. Through this partnership, we have advanced projects like the replacement of critical bridges in Rockaway, Morristown, Florham Park and Long Hill Township, as well as freight rail improvements to enhance safety in Dover and Roxbury,” said Deputy Director Shaw.

The discussion also highlighted the Local Safety Action Plan (LSAP), which positions Morris County to compete for more than $5 billion in federal funding for high-risk intersections and roadway safety improvements. Asm. Barranco, who supports the Target Zero Law approved last month to “eliminate” traffic fatalities, acknowledged the challenges in achieving that goal.

“While the Target Zero initiative sets an ambitious goal, the reality is that bad drivers and other factors will always pose risks. That’s why I strongly support programs like the LSAP, which take a practical, data-driven approach to making our roads safer,” Asm. Barranco said.

Morris County Officials at Government Affairs Forum

The LSAP is expected to be completed by June 2025, with a public meeting scheduled for April 2025 to gather community feedback.

Morris County is also collaborating with NJTPA on its Long-Range Transportation Plan, “Connecting Communities,” which anticipates significant regional growth by 2050. The plan prioritizes modernization, AI-driven traffic management and smart infrastructure solutions.

Public input is encouraged through an online survey at njtpa.org/connecting, with virtual outreach events set for March 3 and March 25.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Forum was moderated by Chamber Committee Co-Chairs Sal Anderton and Rosalie Serapiglia and hosted in partnership with New Jersey Business and Industry Association Employer Legislative Committee Chair Alan Zakin. Meghan Hunscher, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President, welcomed all guests at the top of meeting. Attendees included Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and State Sen. Anthony Bucco, who provided updates on efforts to address sinkholes on Route 80 in Wharton.

Following the discussion, attendees were invited to present questions to the panel participants.

For more information on Morris County’s transportation initiatives, visit morriscountynj.gov and njtpa.org.

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Photo 1: (l-r) Asm. Christian Barranco, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Chamber Committee Co-Chairs Sal Anderton and Rosalie Serapiglia.

Photo 2: (l-r) Asm. Christian Barranco, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Chamber Committee Co-Chairs Sal Anderton.

Photo 3: (l-r) Asm. Christian Barranco, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi and State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco. (photo credit: Dominick Sabol, Morristown American Legion Post 59 Vice Commander.)

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Scala del Nonna Closes Montclair Location; More Dining News

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Closings

Scala del Nonna, Montclair

After 11 years in business, Scala del Nonna—which had been one of NJM‘s favorite restaurants in Montclair—has closed. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Scala del Nonna will be closing,” the owners wrote in a post. “This is not goodbye—just a change of scenery. Please visit our other locations for the same delicious food you’ve come to know and love.” The restaurant has three other locations—called Scalini Fedeli—in Chatham, Montville and New York City.

Openings

Interior of Nómada in Verona

Photo: Courtesy of Skopos Hospitality

Nómada, Verona

This new Mexican restaurant, which opened this week, is the latest addition from the Skopos Hospitality group. The cuisine, a fresh take on Mexican classics, “fuses the relaxed, natural coastal aesthetics of modern-day Tulum with the lavish eccentricities of Acapulco in the ’80s.” All of the wine comes from Mexico.

Fable & Flame, Madison

Craving a classic American meal? This recently opened eatery specializes in smash burgers and creamy milkshakes. There are also crispy chicken sandwiches and chesessteaks.

J. Alexander’s, Clifton

Known for its exceptional steaks and fresh seafood, J. Alexander’s is debuting its first restaurant in NJ this year. It will offer hand-cut steaks, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Uncle Momo, Denville

This French/Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurant is expanding from Montclair to Denville. Offerings include steak fries and gluten-free crepes. It’s open seven days a week.

Brick Lane, Montclair

Exterior of Brick Lane in Montclair

Photo: Jacqueline Mroz

Previously known as Brick Lane Curry House, this popular Indian restaurant closed last July—but recently announced that it is reopening. The owners have redesigned the interior, revamped the menu, and shortened the name to Brick Lane.


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Grandview Brokerage joins World Insurance Associates

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World Insurance Associates LLC (“World”), a Top 50 Insurance Brokerage based in Iselin, announced today that it acquired the business of Grandview Brokerage LLC (“Grandview”) of Brooklyn, NY on November 1, 2024. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Grandview provides commercial and personal insurance with niches in the healthcare, real estate, and jewel industry.

“Grandview is committed to safeguarding our customers’ property, home and business,” says Michael Schwimmer, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview. “We provide the right balance of price and protection, security and sensibility, and coverage and clarity. We are known for our creative solutions and problem solvers. As part of World, we can now offer our customers additional products and services to provide a custom designed insurance experience.”

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Grandview,” says Rich Eknoian, CEO and Co-Founder of World. “The Grandview team brings years of experience to World, and I know they will continue to be successful.”

Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla provided legal counsel and Alvarez & Marsal advised World on the transaction. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP provided legal counsel and Merger & Acquisition Services advised Grandview on the transaction. No other advisors, diligence firms, or legal counsel were disclosed.



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Your heart didn’t stop beating, but this condition adds to your risk – Star News Group

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While many think heart failure means the heart stops beating, it actually means the heart is unable to pump blood and oxygen effectively throughout the body.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 6.7 million adults in the United States have heart failure. This number is expected to increase to 8.5 million by 2030. The disease can begin suddenly after an injury, illness, or due to a medical condition that damages the heart. However, most often it develops over time and can be a very debilitating disease if not properly treated. 

Jesus Almendral, M.D., medical director, Advanced Heart Failure Center, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC), shares what heart failure looks like and how it can be treated. There are many symptoms of heart failure – here are some signs to be aware of:

Shortness of breath at rest or during an activity

Fatigue or inability to exert energy

Coughing or wheezing

Swelling and weight gain from fluid buildup in the ankle, lower leg or abdomen

Nausea or a loss of appetite

Difficulty sleeping while on your back

Swelling in the veins of the neck

Needing to urinate often

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. And do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms of heart attack that require immediate emergency care, including; difficulty breathing, chest pain and fainting, sudden dizziness or loss of consciousness. 

The good news is that heart failure doesn’t always get worse and can even be reversed. There are several prescription medicines that your doctor may prescribe to treat heart failure, but there are also several steps you can take now to help fight the disease, including:

  1. Quit Smoking

  2. Reduce sodium (salt) intake

  3. Increase physical activity (especially aerobic exercise)

  4. Find ways to manage your stress

  5. Lose weight

Throughout your treatment, make sure to keep your doctor informed of your progress and how you are feeling. Together you can develop a plan to ensure you have the best plan in place to fight heart disease.

JSUMC opened a new, state-of-the-art cardiovascular services suite in December, tripling patient capacity for emergency and outpatient cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, and structural heart procedures. Heart screenings are an important part of knowing the risk of heart disease. To schedule a CT Calcium Scoring scan or AngioScreen testing, which provide early detection of heart disease, or for a free physician referral, call 844-HMH-WELL. For more information, visit  www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/heart-care/heart-screening-prevention-diagnostics.  

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School of Science faculty member Monisha Pulimood takes on new role at NSF

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Monisha Pulimood, professor of computer science at The College of New Jersey, went from applying for and receiving grants from the National Science Foundation to analyzing and reviewing them for potential funding.

Pulimood, who has been at the college since 2004, is now serving as a program director for the NSF.

“Over the years I have participated as a panelist to help recommend proposals for funding,” she said. “As I got more familiar with the process, one of the program directors asked me if I’d ever consider accepting a more formal role with the NSF.”

Monisha Pulimood stands in front of the NSF building in Washington D.C.
Monisha Pulimood at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C.

At first, Pulimood was reluctant to pursue the opportunity as she was chairing TCNJ’s computer science department and executing several grants at the college. Also, her children were young and in school, which made a move to Washington, D.C., difficult.

But this past summer the stars aligned professionally and personally and Pulimood applied for and was accepted to the position of program director in the Division for Undergraduate Education in the Directorate for STEM Education.

In her role, she reviews grant applications from scientists, researchers, and faculty from across the country and recommends which should move forward and be considered for funding. She also manages awarded projects and engages in outreach activities to encourage more faculty, particularly from smaller institutions, to apply for funding.

“My focus is on undergraduate education, and I am primarily looking at applications that fall under three different programs in that area, focused on computer science: improving STEM education, scholarships in STEM, and community colleges,” she said.

Various factors determine if a proposal is likely to be recommended for funding.

“We have to look at budgets, collaboration potential, whether the proposal is unique and not something that has been done before, and whether it will advance knowledge in the field,” Pulimood said. “Many things are considered before a final decision is made on a proposal.”

Pulimood is enjoying her temporary role at the NSF and gaining valuable insight that will benefit her and her students when she returns to TCNJ.

“I do miss being in the classroom, but I am getting so many great and inspiring ideas that I will bring back with me,” she said. “There is so much opportunity for professional development and growth here. I will carry that with me when I am back at TCNJ.”


Luke Sacks

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McKeon Appointed Port Authority Aviation Director

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Sarah K. McKeon, forefront center, with Port Authority staff. Photo courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 

Sarah K. McKeon, forefront center, with Port Authority staff. Photo courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 

New Hire/Promotion

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced that Sarah K. McKeon will succeed Charles R. Everett Jr. as director of aviation for the Port Authority’s airports effective March 1. McKeon joined the Port Authority in 2004, rising from an engineering trainee to become general manager of the agency’s New Jersey airports before serving as the agency’s first deputy director of its aviation department.

The Port Authority’s aviation director is responsible for ensuring the safe, secure and efficient operation of one of the busiest airport systems in the world within one of the nation’s busiest and most complicated airspaces, serving about 150 million annual commercial passengers. It is comprised of John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), New York Stewart International (SWF) and Teterboro (TEB) airports.

“We thank Charles Everett for his extraordinary leadership in steering our airports through a period of remarkable expansion and modernization,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As we look to the future, Sarah McKeon’s rise through the ranks over 21 years at the Port Authority is evidence of her one-of-a-kind expertise, dedication, and leadership. Her deep knowledge and hands-on experience will be invaluable as she takes the helm during this transformation of our major airports.”

“With passenger volumes at all-time highs and once-in-a-generation redevelopment projects underway, the Port Authority’s airports are in a period of extraordinary change and world-class upgrades,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Charles Everett has played a vital role in shaping this success, and we are grateful for his leadership. Looking ahead, Sarah McKeon is the ideal leader to continue to carry out our ambitious plans into the next chapter, bringing a wealth of experience from her 21 years with the Port Authority.”

McKeon’s Port Authority career began in 2004 as an engineering trainee, holding progressively higher level management positions in the aviation department. She most recently served as first deputy director after leading EWR and Teterboro as general manager of the agency’s New Jersey airports, where she oversaw the opening of Newark Liberty’s new Terminal A, the cornerstone of the airport’s ongoing redevelopment program. McKeon is a graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She is a registered professional engineer in the state of New Jersey and is also a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Everett departs the agency following a distinguished 40-year career in aviation and airport management. He joined the Port Authority in 2017, serving as the deputy aviation director and general manager of JFK before he was promoted to aviation director in 2022. Over his Port Authority career, he oversaw historic redevelopment work at the region’s airports, including the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK Airport. His tenure as aviation director coincided with extraordinary passenger growth at the region’s airports. Previously, Everett worked in airport management in Allentown, Pa., and Syracuse, N.Y. He also worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, D.C., and is a retired officer of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

The leadership change comes at a time of unparalleled transformation and growth at the region’s airports. The agency’s commercial airports recorded their busiest year ever for the second consecutive year in 2024, serving 145.9 million passengers. The agency’s $30 billion airport redevelopment initiatives are helping to drive construction and tourism dollars across New York and New Jersey, resulting in terminals that have set a new standard for passenger experience while garnering international recognition for their design.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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