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3 Devils Players Who Would Have Been All-Stars This Season – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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The 4 Nations Face-Off has been a great success; there is no denying that. However, one can’t help but wonder who their team might have selected for the All-Star Game if they hosted it this year. Let’s take a look at some of the options for the New Jersey Devils.

Related: Guide to the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off

(This excludes players who are in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Erik Haula are not in consideration to be participants. Jacob Markstrom as well, but he was unable to compete in the tournament due to injury.)

Timo Meier

It’s Timo time! Timo Meier has been a solid player for the Devils this season. A consistent member of the top six, he has stepped up even more in the absence of captain Nico Hischier after his injury. 

In his 56 games played this season, he has earned 38 total points. He has scored 15 goals and earned 23 assists. In terms of the Devils points leaderboard, he is fourth overall. Hischier sits above him with 43, while Hughes and Bratt are in first and second, respectively. 

Meier is getting up there with his career. He is just three games away from his 600th career game. He was selected for the All-Star Game in 2022 when he was with the San Jose Sharks. It would be nice for Meier to get recognition for his efforts in New Jersey. 

Dougie Hamilton

Dougie Hamilton has been one of the best defensive players for the Devils this season. He currently plays on the top pairing alongside Brendan Dillon.

Hamilton currently has 36 points via eight goals and 28 assists. He is in fifth overall on the Devils’ points leaderboard. He has just two points less than Meier. This total is his second-highest point total with the Devils so far. His highest was earned in the 2022-23 season, scoring 22 goals and earning 52 assists for a total of 74 points. While it is unlikely that he will surpass this total this season, there is still plenty of time to get closer to it.

Dougie Hamilton New Jersey Devils
Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Hamilton is also fourth overall on the team in takeaways. These defensive plays to regain control of the puck from the opposing team are always a huge plus. His play style proves he is one of the best defensemen on the team. 

Like Meier, Hamilton’s career games numbers are climbing higher and higher. He has just surpassed 800 games, currently sitting at 828. He was selected to play in the All-Star Game in his last season with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021. Since then, he has been with the Devils. He is signed with the Devils through to the 2027-28 season, so he has a couple more years to earn that recognition. 

Paul Cotter

The 2024-25 season is Paul Cotter’s first with the Devils but his fourth in the NHL. He currently plays left wing for the third line. 

In 57 games, he has earned 19 points from 13 goals and six assists. While not nearly as impressive as some of the other point totals mentioned above, he’s still a contributing factor to the team. In terms of the Devils points leaderboard, he is tenth overall. He is right there in the middle of the pack. 

However, he does lead the Devils in one statistic. When it comes to hits, Cotter takes the cake. He currently has 185 hits for the season. The next runner-up is Dillon with 136, a full 49 hits below Cotter. Despite him playing forward, his defensive style of play comes in handy. 

Cotter is signed with the Devils until the end of the 2025-26 season. As he continues to level up his play style, he would be a great contender for the All-Star Game.

A Game at Home Following the Break

The Devils will host the Dallas Stars at the Prudential Center on Saturday, Feb. 22.

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Garden State Art Weekend Returns for Second Year: April 24-27

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originally published: 02/20/2025

Installation by HoTTea (Eric Rieger) “One Last Moment Under the Sky” and the project is the Wooden Walls Public Art Project

(EAST ORANGE, NJ) — Garden State Art Weekend, a four-day celebration of New Jersey’s dynamic art scene, returns April 24–27, 2025. Following a successful inaugural year in 2024, which showcased 115 venues across 15 counties, this year’s event aims to expand its reach to all 21 counties, further highlighting New Jersey as a destination for contemporary art.

“New Jersey is home to many talented artists and respected arts institutions,” says co-director Christine Romanell. “Garden State Art Weekend provides a platform to connect these artists and organizations with the public, celebrating the unique creative spirit of our state.”

Co-directed by artists Christine Romanell and Alison Pirie, the 2025 festival will offer a diverse program of gallery exhibitions, open studios, live demonstrations, and community arts events. The festival hub will be at Manufacturers Village Artists in East Orange, which will host the official Garden State Art Weekend Kickoff Party and Spring Open House, featuring over 60 open artist studios.

Confirmed participating venues include the Newark Museum of Art, Project for Empty Space (Newark), Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (Summit), Project Studios and Neumann Arts Inc. (Hoboken), and The School at The Art School at Old Church (Demarest), with additional venues to be announced in April.

“New Jersey is a place of artistic innovation where idiosyncrasy is valued and imagination is celebrated,” says Journalist Tris McCall, “the best way to experience that in full is by immersing yourself in the events and open studios of Garden State Art Weekend.”

Reach New Jersey’s largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage

Whether you are a seasoned collector, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for creative inspiration, Garden State Art Weekend provides a unique opportunity to explore and support New Jersey’s vibrant arts communities.

Get Involved: Galleries, museums, and arts organizations are invited to participate. Venue applications are open until March 31, 2025, and can be submitted online at gardenstateartweekend.org.

Stay Connected: For the latest updates and event information, follow Garden State Art Weekend on Instagram at @GardenStateArtWeekend and subscribe to their newsletter at their website.

Garden State Art Weekend is an annual statewide event celebrating visual arts in New Jersey. Its mission is to foster community engagement, support local artists and arts organizations, and raise the profile of New Jersey as a center for contemporary art.

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Brick resident charged with narcotics offense – Star News Group

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TOMS RIVER — James Giordano, 37, of Brick Township, has been charged with a narcotics offense after a multi-agency, month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in Ocean County.

Giordano was alleged to be utilizing a residence of Hammock Road in Brick to store and distribute marijuana and psilocybin.

Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on Feb. 11 from the Brick Township Police Department Emergency Response Team seized approximately 18 pounds of marijuana, three and a one-half pounds of hashish/THC Oil, 14 ounces of THC edibles, 12 ounces of psilocybin and $62,000 in United States Currency. 

Additionally, detectives seized approximately $279,000 from Giordano’s bank accounts pursuant to court order.

Giordano was taken into custody at the residence without incident.

Giordano was charged with two counts of distribution of marijuana, possession of more than five pounds but less than 25 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of more than one ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of more than one pound but less than five pounds of hashish with intent to distribute, possession of psilocybin with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of psilocybin, two counts of possession of hashish, and financial facilitation.

Giordano was transported to the Ocean Count Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

For more on this story, read the next edition of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.

Check out our other Brick Township stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.

Subscribe today! If you’re not already an annual subscriber to The Ocean Star, get your subscription today! For just $38 per year, you will receive local mail delivery weekly, with pages and pages of local news and online access to our e-edition on Starnewsgroup.com.

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Alexander Mogilny Is Hockey Hall Of Fame Worthy – The Hockey Writers – Hockey History

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The fact that Alexander Mogilny has not received enshrinement in the Hockey Hall of Fame is more than a bit perplexing. The man who was nicknamed “Magic” during his early years in Buffalo assembled perhaps the least considered storied career in the NHL. Fans and hockey historians are beginning to forget how talented he truly was.

What makes the notion of him not being inducted even more perplexing is that Mogilny’s fellow linemates in the Soviet Union – Sergei Fedorov and Pavel Bure – have both been added to hockey’s hallowed ground, while number-89 remains on the outside. Fedorov and Bure are two of the greatest hockey players of their generation, and are more than deserving of their inductions. That being said, some of Mogilny’s achievements surpass those of either counterpart – a concept that is often overlooked.

Alexander Mogilny Hockey Hall of Fame
Alexander Mogilny (photo courtesy of iihf.com)

While he is certainly not the only noteworthy HHOF snub, what Mogilny did since becoming hockey’s original Cold War defector needs to be given props. In what was reminiscent of a late-night spy movie, he slipped out of Stockholm, Sweden in 1989 at the end of the World Junior tournament and headed to Buffalo alongside Sabres executives.

Related: NHLers by Country – On Top of Their Game and the World

From there, Mogilny would go on to play 16 seasons in the NHL. Along the way, he compiled numerous achievements that cannot and should not be disregarded. THW takes a look at the key evidence that supports the Hockey Hall of Fame induction of Alexander Mogilny.

Mogilny’s Goal Production

Playing in his first NHL game on Oct. 5, 1989, Mogilny scored his first goal on his very first shift as the Sabres defeated the Quebec Nordiques at home by a score of 4-3. It took him just 20 seconds to do so.

Mogilny ended up scoring another 472 goals after that.

Related: Hall of Fame Worthy Collection

His finest output came during the memorable 1992-93 season. While forming a deadly combination with Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, Mogilny scored a staggering 76 goals in only 77 games. That total is still a Buffalo record that likely will never be broken.

Eight times during his career Mogilny scored 30 or more goals. His final total of 473 was surpassed by Fedorov who scored 483 goals of his own. However, Fedorov played a full 258 games more. Mogilny’s highest total of 76 in a season is 16 more than either Bure or Fedorov ever reached.

Goal totals such as those were oftentimes generated by Mogilny’s blinding speed and his catlike elusiveness on skates. For anyone who argues that Fedorov and Bure were better, it is important to note what the former said about Alex.

“Alex was faster than all of us, Bure and Fedorov, and Alex was a machine,” Fedorov explained. “He was built like a machine. Plus on top of all the crazy skill he had, he’s better than all of us. He’s amazing. If you went back and forth five times, Mogilny will be first. I will be third.”

The Impressive Career Points Total

Having played 990 regular season games, Mogilny finished his career having scored 1,032 total points. He generated two 100-point seasons in his career – one for the Sabres and one for the Vancouver Canucks, where he had joined Bure following a trade.

Those two 100-point seasons are just as many as Bure and Fedorov had in their careers. Mogilny’s highest seasonal total of 127 is more than either ever scored in a season as well.

Related: Little Known Facts About the Stanley Cup

Mogilny was the second Russian-born player to score 1,000 points in the NHL. Fedorov beat him to the punch, but only by a matter of days. As of the 2022-23 season, Mogilny is still the fourth-highest-scoring Russian in NHL history, despite having not played in more than 15 years.

The 1,000-point plateau has long been an indicator of Hall of Fame worthiness. Among the 98 different players who have achieved the mark, Mogilny is one of just 32 players who are eligible but have not yet been inducted. Out of the 32, only 25 have scored more.

LaFontaine once said of his former linemate:

“I’ve been lucky to play with some great players in my career, but I put Alex as the best player that I had a chance to see and play with talent-wise. He was the rare combination of the speed, the skill and finesse, quickness. He was just the full package… One thing about Alex, he thinks the game at such a high level. His hockey sense and to be able to have the hands and the feet and the speed, he’s that rare combination of everything.”

from “Mogilny’s story one of determination, skill,” Buffalo News, 09/30/2016

The Stanley Cup and Other Accolades

Some say that the deciding factor for Hall of Fame induction should be championships. Did the player ever win a championship? And for that matter, what is the pinnacle of hockey championships? Is it the Stanley Cup? Is it Olympic gold? Is it World Championship gold? Well, Mogilny won all of the above.

Following his six seasons for the Sabres, along with four and half in Vancouver, Mogilny would be traded to the New Jersey Devils during the 1999-00 season. He would be a vital cog in helping the Devils to win their second Cup in franchise history. Mogilny played in all 23 playoff games for New Jersey that season en route to the championship.

Alexander Mogilny New Jersey Devils Hockey Hall of Fame
Alexander Mogilny won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2000 (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images).

But there was so much more beyond just the Stanley Cup. Mogilny won Olympic gold with the Soviet Union in 1988. He won World Championship gold in 1989. He even brought home World Junior Championship silver and gold in 1988 and 1989 respectively.

In the NHL, Mogilny was a Second Team All-Star in 1993 and 1996. He was elected to the NHL All-Star Game in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2001 and 2003. That’s at least one All-Star Game representing each of the four teams that he played for – Buffalo, Vancouver, New Jersey and Toronto.

You can even place a checkmark next to “NHL individual award”, as Mogilny earned the Lady Byng Trophy in 2003. He is in both the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame and the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame as well.

There really is not anything to discredit the notion of his induction.

To end with a final thought from “The Professor” Igor Larionov – a Hall of Famer, 3-time Stanley Cup champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist:

“He was such a talented guy. Really good with the stick, and smart. He was a natural.”

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Pioneering Color & Light Festival to Illuminate Asbury Park

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originally published: 02/19/2025

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) — On March 21-22, 2025, the historic seaside town of Asbury Park will host the inaugural Color & Light Festival, a groundbreaking event set to redefine the cultural landscape of New Jersey and the Tri-State Area. The festival will transform the façade of Asbury Park’s iconic Paramount Theatre with dazzling projection mapping “shows” set to music.

Six award-winning, visionary creative teams from Hungary, Ukraine, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the US will debut original works of animated storytelling, creating the illusion that The Paramount Theatre’s architecture is physically transforming. This art form relies on meticulously tailored 3D animations, detailed structural calculations and finely crafted musical compositions to make buildings appear as if they’re morphing before the audience’s eyes.

This FREE to the public festival is a collaboration between PolyOne, a multidisciplinary arts and entertainment Web3 platform headquartered in Asbury Park, and LUMA, America’s premier projection arts festival.

Beyond the main attractions, attendees can explore a Parkside Gallery, featuring a curated selection of emerging and established multidisciplinary digital artists. This gallery will showcase a diverse array of Web3 artworks, highlighting the fusion of technology and creativity that defines the modern creative renaissance. Works of Light Sculpture will also be featured on the festival grounds and in Sunset Park.

The Color & Light Festival is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a celebration of community and culture, both locally and internationally, with a family-friendly, inclusive theme of “It takes all our colors to achieve light.”

New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info

Festival goers can support a variety of pop-up artisans, enjoy an array of culinary delights from local food vendors, and explore the many seaside shops and restaurants that Asbury Park has to offer.

“As a first-of-its-kind event in New Jersey and the Tri-State Area, Color & Light Festival promises an unforgettable experience that blends art, technology and our collective human story. Our hope is to bring unity and light into our world through the power of creation. Welcoming residents and visitors alike, Color & Light aims to set a new standard for tech-arts and cultural events in our region. We’re thrilled to be partnered with LUMA, to bring something magical and community-building to NJ and beyond” says Color & Light Festival and PolyOne Founder, Shawn Emamjomeh.

Color & Light Festival made possible with the support of OUTFRONT Media, Monmouth Arts, AP Arts Council, Giving Block, Empress Hotel, Seize the Day Communications, AP Chamber of Commerce, AP Dance Festival, AP Mayor’s Wellness Committee, LMD Studios, HollyWell. Special thanks to The City of Asbury Park and Madison Marquette.

The festival takes place March 21-22, 2025 from 7:30pm to 11:00pm in Bradley Park in front of The Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

For more information on artist submission guidelines, vendor opportunities and volunteer applications, please visit www.colorandlight.io

 

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New Jeresey Devils’ Jonas Siegenthaler on IR Following Surgery – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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On Tuesday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils announced that defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler was placed on injured reserve (IR), following a morning filled with roster transactions. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom was also placed on IR with a knee injury. In their absences, the team has recalled Chase Stillman, Seamus Casey, Simon Nemec, and Tyler Brennan from the American Hockey League (AHL).

Siegenthaler did not play in the Devils’ last two games before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. He suffered a lower-body injury against the Pittsburgh Penguins, exiting the game early after losing an edge in the neutral zone.

After the team concluded practice today, head coach Sheldon Keefe announced that Siegenthaler underwent surgery during the break. As it stands, he will remain on IR until further notice, and be re-evaluated in the upcoming weeks.

So far this season, Siegenthaler has positively contributed to the Devils’ blue line. In 55 games, he has two goals, seven assists, and 52 shots on goal. According to Natural Stat Trick, he accounts for 73.91% of high-danger goals (HDGF%) while on the ice, along with a 55.70 expected goals percentage (xG%).

Jonas Siegenthaler New Jersey Devils
Jonas Siegenthaler, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Siegenthaler has recorded 74 hits and 92 blocked shots this season, and his level of physicality has benefited the Devils. He also plays an important role on the penalty kill, acting as a shutdown defenseman alongside Johnathan Kovacevic. Siegenthaler was also recently partnered with Dougie Hamilton in an attempt to shake things up prior to the break.

In Siegenthaler’s absence, the Devils will need to boost their physicality and tighten up in their defensive end. Hopefully, he will rejoin the team in a few weeks as the Devils continue to fight to maintain their current playoff spot.

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Tributes to Pearl Jam and Chris Cornell

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originally published: 02/18/2025

(NEWTON, NJ) — On Saturday, April 5, 2025, The Newton Theatre presents Grunge Fest: Tributes to Pearl Jam and Chris Cornell featuring performances by The Ledbetters and Superuknown. Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Ledbetters are THE ultimate Pearl Jam tribute band. Capturing an authentic recreation of Pearl Jam’s studio recordings, combined with their intense live shows, The Ledbetters will bring you right back to your flannel-wearing days. Comprised of powerhouse singer Jamie Stem (Sinch), James Burke on lead guitar, Steven Piperno on guitars, Rocco De Lise on bass guitar, and John Stover on drums, they accurately pay homage to the DEEP catalogue of iconic songs that influenced a generation. WHY GO see them? They’ll make you feel ALIVE!

Superunknown is quickly becoming the premier tribute band for the music of Chris Cornell. Started in 2018 as a solo act with vocalist/guitarist Jason Reed (who uncannily recreates the howling vocals of Cornell), Superunknown now consists of a full band also featuring Louis Graff (guitar), Tom Laskas (bass), Ron DiSilvestro (drums) and Pete Heffley (guitar). The band covers all eras of Chris Cornell, playing the music of Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog. They have already scored gigs playing the Gramercy Theatre in NYC, The Queen in Wilmington, and the World Café Live and Underground Arts venues in Philadelphia, where they connected with audiences desiring to hear the music of the late, great music legend.

Tickets range from $42-$57 and are available for purchase online starting Friday, February 21 at 10:00am. Tickets will also be available by calling the Box Office at (973) 940-NEWT.  The Newton Theatre is located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, New Jersey.

The Newton Theatre was founded in 1924. It is a beautifully restored 605 seat performing arts center in the heart of Sussex County, presenting diverse programming, including world-renowned music acts, comedians, family productions, holiday shows and much more.

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Forcello Named Senior Managing Director and NJ Market Leader at CBRE

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Will Forcello

New Hire/Promotion

On Feb 14, 2025

Will Forcello has been promoted to senior managing director and new jersey market leader at CBRE. Forcello previously served as interim New Jersey Market Leader until this appointment.

“I am delighted to announce Will’s promotion to senior managing director and New Jersey market leader and look forward to collaborating with him as CBRE develops and implements strategic plans to expand our market dominance, increase revenue, and drive profitability,” said Robert Caruso, senior managing director. “Will was promoted due to his strong leadership and commitment to supporting the growth and development of our business and our talented people across New Jersey.”

Forcello has extensive knowledge of all facets of CBRE’s Advisory business, having previously served as an advisory professional himself as well as leading various business units through his more than 16 years at CBRE.

“I want to thank my colleagues at CBRE for their hard work and dedication,” said Forcello. “I am confident that working together we will continue to thrive and uphold our position as the number one commercial real estate firm in New Jersey.”

During his time at CBRE, Forcello has consistently demonstrated his leadership as well as industry, financial and operational acumen. In 2018, he established the CBRE NJ Rising Professionals Community to serve as a networking group for junior talent within New Jersey’s commercial real estate industry. In 2019, he was recognized as CBRE’s Sales Management Professional of the Year, and in 2022, NJ BIZ named him one of its Next Generation Leaders, a prestigious cohort of business professionals poised to take New Jersey into the future.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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When it comes to romantic relationships, two TCNJ researchers offer advice on how to fight smarter, not harder

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You emphasized over and over how important the event was to you, and still, your partner showed up late.

“One person might say, ‘What a jerk. I’m really angry,’” says TCNJ Senior Research Scholar Candice Feiring. “Another person might say, ‘I get it, they’ve been super-stressed lately. I know they’ll make it up to me.’”

Romantic partners can interpret the same set of events differently, often leading to escalating conflict. But what if partners used the argument to create more intimacy instead?

For years, Feiring has led studies at the psychology department’s Romantic Relationship Research Lab examining how couples handle conflict and how they might do it better. She recently spearheaded a program called HeartSmarts that uses animations to teach relationship skills to young adults ages 18–25. The next goal is to create an AI-driven smartphone app to help them practice the skills learned in the animation.

Researchers Candice Feiring and Yachao Li
Researchers Candice Feiring and Yachao Li

The tools target the neglected demographic of LGBTQ+ youth, with androgynous and racially indeterminate characters and scenarios specific to queer relationships. In a recent study, Feiring and public health and communications associate professor Yachao Li found that young people responded positively to the animations and were motivated to use the skills in their relationships — which can lead to better relationships and mental and physical health over time.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, their work (and that of other relationship scientists) presents the following advice for managing conflict in romantic relationships:

  1. Pick the right moment. When faced with strong emotions, consider cooling off first. Tell your partner you want to talk but need 30 minutes to collect your thoughts before engaging.
  2. Actively listen. Practice listening to your partner’s concerns without formulating a response in your head right away. Really try to understand what is bothering them — from their viewpoint.
  3. Paraphrase. Let your partner know you heard them by summarizing the key events that are causing the conflict. Doing so puts you on the same page so you can work on moving forward, together.
  4. Empathize. Humans are emotional beings. Along with repeating your partner’s thoughts, use emotion words to show you get how they are feeling.
  5. Don’t apologize too soon. Saying sorry immediately may seem like you are brushing aside a problem. Sit with it to better understand it first.
  6. Pick one problem. Stick to the current event that upset you, rather than bringing up past fights or trying to solve everything at once — a sure recipe for a fight to go off the rails.
  7. Avoid expectations for a quick fix. After listening and understanding each other’s viewpoint, you may or may not have some ideas about next steps. Acknowledge your partner’s willingness to engage and make a date to check in and continue working things out.

As threatening as fights can sometimes seem in a relationship, Feiring says, they can be an opportunity to understand your partner’s needs — and express your own.

“Conflicts are common among people who are close,” she says. “You might actually think of them as a way to foster intimacy.”

— Michael Blanding

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Bergen County Agent Joel Flagler (CC’74) Retires after 38-Year Career at Rutgers : Newsroom

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Bergen County agricultural agent Joel Flagler.

Joel Flagler, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Agricultural and Natural Resources agent in Bergen County and professor in the Department of Plant Biology, retires effective March 1. Flagler, whose Rutgers journey began as a student – he holds a degree in horticulture from Cook College in 1974 – leaves a deep legacy at his alma mater. He entered the tenure stream as an RCE agricultural agent for Bergen County in 1988 and in 1990 Flagler became County Extension Department Head.

If asked, Flagler would say that one of his most noteworthy accomplishments was to dispel the myth that Bergen County had ‘no agriculture left.’ The old metrics of counting the number of farms showed a steady decline in farm acreage as farm families sold out to developers. “Agriculture is much more than the number of farms or pounds of tomatoes or number of cows and chickens,” says Flagler. And in Bergen County, he recognized a huge ornamental horticulture industry, including landscape contractors, arborists and urban foresters, garden centers, nurseries and turf managers.

The Bergen County Department of Parks boasts more than 10,000 acres in parklands and preserves, all of which this contributes to the larger agricultural profile, as it all involves management of trees, shrubs, turfgrass and more. Flagler brokered agreements between the Board of Agriculture and the Landscape Contractors Association and saw the Board of Agriculture include landscape contractors in its leadership, which they’ve now done for decades. He helped foster a new recognition of agriculture in all its many faces, including urban forestry, landscape contracting, nursery management, lawn care, sports turf, corporate and school campuses, community and home gardens, and also horticultural therapy.

Today, Bergen is recognized as having some of the finest nurseries and parks in the state, with significant revenues and economic impacts, shares Flagler. His research in the 90s showed that the ornamental horticulture aspects of agriculture more than equaled the production of fruits and vegetables, and that drew attention from the NJ Secretary of Agriculture. That research was done in partnership with key professional associations, including New Jersey Turfgrass Association, NJ Landscape Contractors Association and the NJ Nursery and Landscape Association.

For decades, Flagler has provided training and continuing education for professionals in landscape contracting, tree and turf maintenance, and serving many hundreds working in Bergen County’s ornamentals industry. Part of his responsibilities also included providing training for employees of Bergen County Parks Department. In Bergen County, professionals have learned to use IPM tactics, which involve maximizing plant resistance through proper selection and cultural practices, while relying less on chemical pesticides to minimize pest problems.

As a result, professionals and home gardeners do more soil testing and apply fewer applications of chemicals and unnecessary fertilizer and lime. Flagler has also coordinated and delivered the Rutgers Master Gardener program, which started in Bergen County in 1984 by his predecessor, Dr. Ralph Pearson. He has trained thousands of laypersons who volunteer in county parks, take leadership roles in community shade tree and environmental organizations, disseminate Rutgers information at Earth Day events and environmental fairs and more. The Master Gardener program is now found in nearly all NJ counties, owing to the successes demonstrated in Bergen County.

A registered horticultural therapist, Flagler has put a unique understanding of the relationship of plants and humans to work by developing the first curricula in horticultural therapy (HT) in the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers.

He has always believed that no one should be denied the benefits of working with plants. He has worked with the disability community, housing authorities, prisons, and veterans’ facilities and helped to re-connect people with plants and nature. It has always been his belief that successes with plants can lead to other successes in our lives; and everyone can have these successes on some level.

Rutgers is one of just a handful of universities that has a fully accredited certificate program in Horticultural Therapy, and it has served as a model for programs all over the world. In October 2024, Flagler addressed the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association national conference and serves as a mentor for many students in the U.S. and Canada.

“Growing food is a common objective in many Horticultural Therapy programs. It is empowering for individuals and families to eat what they have grown, and to share produce with those in need. The use of raised beds and specialized growing containers is promoted widely for best yields and to accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs,” said Flagler.

He has also created more than 40 HT programs in New Jersey, which were designed to serve veterans, post-stroke seniors, developmentally disabled individuals, correctional youth and other special needs populations. The settings are for healing, rehabilitation and training; and always focus on people growing plants, and plants “growing” people.

The seeds of a life in horticulture and appreciating the restorative power of plants were sown some 55 years ago when Flagler was in his first year at Rutgers in 1970. He is quick to give credit to Rutgers and to recognize how Rutgers saw in him things he did not see himself—like how to connect his passion for agriculture with his passion for psychology. The ongoing encouragement he received as an undergraduate student prepared him for success at Yale University, where he earned a master’s degree in forestry on a full fellowship.

At Rutgers, his key mentors and advisors were Dr. Jim Applegate, Dr. Lenny Wolgast, and advisor Tom Concannon. “I am forever grateful to them, and for the total environment of encouragement on the Cook campus,” said Flagler.

In his 38-year career, Flagler has won numerous awards for his life’s work in horticulture. Among the most meaningful is the 2022 Distinguished Service Award by the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association, which recognizes the contributions of an individual who has given their time and resources to support and grow the horticulture industry in New Jersey.

He’s also very proud to have been a two-time national winner of the Communications awards given by the National Association of County Agriculture Agents. Flagler has also twice received the Extension Award for Diversity, which recognizes his work for underserved audiences and the disability community.



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