In Franklin Township, just off a busy state highway in New Jersey, stands one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States—a 30-foot-tall symbol of peace and spiritual unity. Nestled within the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center, this monumental statue has become a unique beacon for interfaith connection and a spiritual sanctuary for people from diverse religious backgrounds.
Built a decade ago under the leadership of a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk, the statue was designed with a singular vision: to unite people of all faiths. Since its installation, it has served not only as a place for Buddhist meditation but also as a gathering point for Hindus, Christians, and people of various other spiritual traditions. Its serene presence amidst the woods, framed by Route 27’s bustling traffic, reflects the surprising blend of tranquility and modern life that defines New Jersey’s rich religious landscape.
Among those drawn to the statue is Daniel Choi, a Princeton University professor raised in a Korean Christian church. Choi, who now practices Tibetan Buddhism, has meditated in front of the Buddha since 2015. “It just seems to be a nexus where a lot of people connect,” he says. The center, though primarily rooted in Theravada Buddhism—the tradition practiced in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand—welcomes a variety of Buddhist practices, making it a rare public space where people of different traditions can come together in spiritual harmony.
This inclusivity is seen in the variety of people who visit, from Sri Lankan Buddhists to Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Nepalese communities. The peaceful atmosphere is further enhanced by the center’s colorful Tibetan prayer flags and an interfaith peace mural, painted by local students, that reflects the religious diversity of central New Jersey. The mural includes symbols from Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, Baha’i, and other faiths, emphasizing the shared values of peace and compassion across religious boundaries.
The statue itself stands as a calm and collected symbol, offering solace to those who seek it. “Anybody who comes to that temple feels so calm and collected once they see that big Buddha,” says Tulsi Majarjan, director of Friends of Nepal-NJ. For him, the Buddha represents a deeper, universal calm that transcends religious lines. His organization has played a key role in promoting interfaith dialogue and creating the peace garden that surrounds the statue.
Carol Kruhen, a retired high school teacher who lives next door to the monastery, has seen firsthand the impact of the Buddha statue. Raised as a Presbyterian, Kruhen became interested in Buddhism after reading Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha and began practicing yoga. The arrival of the saffron-robed monks in 2002 led her to deepen her practice, finding comfort in meditation and Buddhism during a time of grief following her husband’s death. For Kruhen, the Buddha statue is not just a monument but a daily source of reflection on peace, understanding, and compassion.
“It’s the first thing I look at in the morning,” Kruhen says, sharing how the sight of the Buddha from her window has become integral to her daily life. “The whole point of Buddhism is to live in the moment. Meditation gave me a way to focus on the positive.”
Today, the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center stands as a testament to the power of faith to bridge divides. Whether visitors are drawn to its peaceful atmosphere, its commitment to interfaith dialogue, or the simple, profound presence of the Buddha statue, it has become a spiritual home for many, offering a place to connect, reflect, and grow in understanding.
For those seeking a space for peace, spiritual exploration, or interfaith community, the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara is a unique and welcoming destination—a true reflection of the diverse, interconnected world in which we live.
New Jersey Republican players are awash in a sea of optimism regarding the 2025 gubernatorial campaign. This is due to the closer than expected margin in the Garden State between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the November presidential general election. This optimism may be very misplaced, however, depending on the actions of the incoming Trump administration.
If, for example, Trump conducts a major deportation of undocumented immigrants, affecting the lives of thousands of New Jersey Hispanics or makes large reductions in Social Security or Medicare benefits, the result will be a massive backlash against the New Jersey Republican Party. The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election will then become a referendum on such Trump administration policies, which would virtually ensure a Democratic gubernatorial victory.
Yet aside from this, the NJGOP has a major electability problem regarding its three major gubernatorial candidates. State Senator Jon Bramnick is the most electable GOP candidate in the general election, but unwinnable in the primary. Radio host Bill Spadea could well prevail in the primary, but in the general election, he is a certain loser. While Jack Ciattarelli is the putative frontrunner, his past tergiversations and equivocations regarding Donald Trump have resulted in substantial losses of credibility among both MAGA and mainstream GOP primary voters. A brief analysis of all three candidates follows.
Jon Bramnick
Bramnick has been an outstanding state legislator for over two decades. He has maintained a coherent and comprehensive center-right political philosophy throughout his tenure. His ethics are unimpeachable, and his competence as a lawyer is outstanding. His knowledge of state government is topflight, and he has the knowledge and administrative and people skills to be an outstanding state governor. If nominated, he would have a very good chance of being elected.
The day before Election Day 2024, I opined to a friend that if Trump lost the national election to Kamala Harris, Bramnick could emerge as the leading New Jersey Republican gubernatorial prospect for the post-Trump era. As the leading anti-Trump New Jersey opinion journalist, I admired his courage and incisiveness in refusing to support Donald Trump, his party’s candidate for president in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Unfortunately for Bramnick, Donald Trump won in 2024. He will remain the avatar of the Republican Party until discredited by events. As long as Trump retains that status, Jon Bramnick cannot win a statewide New Jersey Republican primary.
Bill Spadea
Spadea has two major assets that could enable him to win the Republican primary. First, he will have the support of the overwhelming majority of MAGA voters. Second, he has the endorsement of George Gilmore, the powerful and effective chair of the Ocean County Republican Committee. The combination of a large victory in Ocean County, which will have the largest vote in the 2025 GOP primary, plus a majority of MAGA voters throughout the state could enable Bill Spadea, with his not insubstantial communication skills and charisma, to prevail in the 2025 NJGOP gubernatorial primary. There are aspects to Spadea which actually make him more likable than Trump. The Donald is anti-intellectual and communicates a negative sense of empathy which appeals only to a voter’s grievance and anger. Spadea projects a hopeful Reaganesque empathy to voters and also possesses a healthy degree of historical intellectualism. Also, unlike Trump, Spadea is neither racist nor a misogynist. He is without personal or financial scandal and leads a monogamous lifestyle.
Yet due to his vehement anti-abortion choice stance, Spadea would be doomed in the 2025 gubernatorial general election. Abortion choice is a third rail of New Jersey politics. Rather than deemphasizing his anti-abortion choice views a la Chris Christie in the 2009 election, Spadea has made them the centerpiece of his campaign. Such a positioning is anathema to the great majority of women voters and consigns Bill Spadea to a landslide general election defeat.
Jack Ciatarelli
In the 2017 Republican gubernatorial primary, Jack Ciatarelli ran as a principled anti-Trump candidate and won my admiration. Unfortunately, unlike Jon Bramnick, Ciattarelli proved to be a man whose ambitions vitiated his principles.
A column I authored during the 2021 campaign described Ciattarelli’s obsequious efforts to appease and appeal to MAGA voters, even going so far as to attend a MAGA Stop-the-Steal rally. These efforts only won him the mistrust of both MAGA and mainstream GOP voters.
There is a pac group in this election, Kitchen Table Conservatives, independent of Ciatarelli but with the obvious objective of defeating Spadea, Ciatarelli’s principal primary opponent, on the grounds that Spadea is insufficiently pro-Trump. Such efforts will undoubtedly result in abysmal failure. One may be harshly critical of Spadea on various grounds, but not of being insufficiently pro-Trump.
I am not saying that Ciattarelli absolutely cannot win either a primary or general gubernatorial election. The mistrust factor does persist, however, and hampers both his nomination and general election chances.
The electoral problems facing Ciattarelli, Bramnick, and Spadea raise the incentive for Bergen County State Senator Holly Schepisi to run for governor. She is the most electable gubernatorial prospect in the New Jersey Republican Party. She is everybody’s favorite for the GOP Lieutenant Governor nomination, but she has not yet ruled out a gubernatorial run.
On the issue of Trump, Holly has maintained a consistent position of unenthusiastic, but never disloyal support. This makes her acceptable to all wings of the GOP in the primary and the prospective candidate least likely to be negatively impacted by any downturn in Trump’s approval ratings in the general. On abortion, she has taken a sensible centrist position, defending a woman’s right to choose while willing to consider common sense restrictions.
There are two major benefits that a Schepisi gubernatorial candidacy would bestow on the NJGOP. First, she would give the GOP a solid chance to carry Bergen County in the general. Indeed, her political heritage is with the Bergen County Cary Edwards Republicans. The late Cary Edwards would have been a great governor had he been elected in 1989 or 1993. Second, more than any other candidate, she gives the Republicans a fighting chance to garner a greater share of the vote of white college educated women.
Prior to the 2019 general election, I authored a column effusively praising Schepisi for both her governmental and attorney skills. She would make an outstanding governor of New Jersey. To run, however, she will have to soon decide to enter the primary in order to raise sufficient funds and hire staff.
Alan J. Steinberg of Highland Park served as regional administrator of Region 2 EPA during the administration of former President George W. Bush and as executive director of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. He graduated from Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is the host of the Dynamic Political Centrism podcast, published on Substack.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved more than $3.8 million in 2025 Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding to support 76 human services related programs in the coming year that were recommended by volunteer advisory committees to the county Department of Human Services.
The Board of Commissioners annually allocates the grant funds to support critical support services for Morris County residents, while also enhancing and/or expanding human services programs funded through other funding streams, such as Chapter 51 funding for substance use, funding under the New Jersey State Community Partnership to assist youths and the Social Services for the Homeless grant to assist those experiencing homelessness.
“The Board of County Commissioners is proud to allocate $3.8 million to support 76 critical human services programs, ensuring resources reach seniors, individuals with disabilities, our youth, and those facing homelessness. This funding reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Morris County residents,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers, liaison to Human Services.
The grant proposals were reviewed and endorsed by the county’s Advisory Council on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans (ACADV); the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), the Mental Health Addiction Services Advisory Board (MHASAB) and the Youth Services Advisory Committee (YSAC).
Some services that are funded for seniors only through the Federal Area Plan Grant can be made available through the GIA funding to adults with a disability who are under 60. The services include case management, information and referral, housekeeping services, minor home repairs, caregiver respite through childcare, in-home mental health access, home health aides and visiting nurses.
Additionally, the GIA funding supports programs that would not otherwise be available to the community such as recreation and socialization services, teaching life skills and job training programs for adults with a disability.
The county advisory committees, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, play a critical role in the GIA process by advising the Department of Human Services in setting service priorities, reviewing funding proposals, making funding recommendations and monitoring programs. This annual process works to ensure funded programs meet the current community needs and provide a high-quality service in the process.
2025 Funding Highlights
General Human Services
With the increased need for domestic violence services throughout the state, Morris County HSAC recommended prioritizing the services with funding to JBWS, which provides safety and support to people fleeing abuse, and Legal Services of Northwest Jersey. Legal Services of Northwest Jersey provides legal representation to victims of domestic violence through the Legal Intervention Brings Recovery & Empowerment (LIBRE) program, which is newly funded through GIA in 2025.
Housing and Shelter: Various programs are being funded in 2025 through Homeless Solutions and Homesharing, Inc. These programs provide permanent housing options for those seeking a shared living situation, shelter programs for those experiencing homelessness, and a “warming center” for Morris County residents to escape the outdoor elements from December through March.
Mental Health
A wide range of mental health counseling and case management services are funded through Prime Healthcare (St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Services), NewBridge Services, and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris (MHASAB). The various agencies provide services through in-office visits and off-site settings such as drop-in centers or other community locations. Virtual visits also are available upon request at some agencies.
NewBridge Services continues to be funded to provide outreach in the event of a community disaster or traumatic event in Morris County with the goal of connecting individuals to services if follow-up counseling or support is needed.
Community and peer support services are prioritized by the MHASAB, which has support lines for both adults and teens. The line provides peer support for the community and provides individuals with an opportunity to prepare for employment through the support lines.
Youth Services
Community programs funded through GIA provide powerful, lifelong skills for youth in Morris County.
The Center for Family Services and Deirdre O’Brien Child Advocacy Center provide case management and family support for youth and families in Morris County. The Center for Family Services is funded to provide the Mending Arts program which gives children the opportunities to heal from difficult situations through art, dance, drama, and culinary art therapy.
In addition, New Bridge Services, Inc., has a Jobs PLUS program which provides case management and employment services to assist youth in finding job opportunities throughout the community.
Addiction Services
Temporary housing options to support those in recovery are covered in this round of GIA funding. Included is Freedom House, which supports housing for men in recovery in two different houses in Morris County. Additionally, ALFRE, Inc. was recommended for funding for Mrs. Wilson’s House which focuses on housing women during their recovery.
Treatment, counseling, and education services are available through multiple GIA-funded agencies with a wide range of target populations. Acenda, EDGE NJ and Prime Healthcare (St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Services) all provide a range of treatment, education, and counseling opportunities to residents in Morris County.
Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services
Funding was recommended for a wide range of programs that provide services to seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and veterans, such as Dawn Center for Independent Living’s Caregiver Connection and Support program, as well as Child and Family Resources’ Disability Child Care Subsidy, which provides childcare subsidies to assist disabled parents or guardians.
Two new funded programs for 2025 include Community Hope’s Emergency Housing Assistance for Veterans and Jewish Family Services’ Friendly Visiting. These programs serve identified prioritized needs related to housing stability and social isolation.
You can view the Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, listing all agencies funded through the GIA 2025 program as a PDF at the following link.
###
Photo 1: Morris County’s Veterans Service Office located at 540 West Hanover Ave. in Morris Township.
Photo 2: Judy Orlander, a homebound senior resident who received a companion pet dog through the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming’s “Joy for All” robotic companion pet program.
Scott Stevens can be considered one of the last of a breed of NHLer that wreaked havoc on other players. During a time when checks were seemingly more vicious than in today’s game, Stevens threw his share of hits that rattled opposing players; some were injured, some were just angry, but there was never a doubt that Stevens played a hard, physical game. But, was that hard, physical game considered “dirty” when it came to his hit on Eric Lindros?
For 22 seasons Stevens played that type of game and helped the New Jersey Devils win three Stanley Cups. Some said he was dirty but others respected Stevens and knew instinctively not to cross the center line with their heads down. That was an invitation to get checked hard, as Lindros found out. It was a hit that changed his career, ended his time with the Philadelphia Flyers and ironically did some good for the sport.
Currently working with the NHL Network, Stevens brought attention to the issue of concussions in the NHL. In fact, he had to retire after he was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome.
Scott Stevens, the Beginning
Stevens was a defenseman drafted by the Washington Capitals fifth overall in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Having grown up in Kitchener, Ontario, Stevens was on the hockey road from an early age. In 1982, he won the Memorial Cup playing for the Kitchener Rangers. A respect for Canadian heritage, the juniors and a passion for the game moved Stevens along to his next natural step, the NHL.
Debuting that fall with the Capitals, the big, sturdy rearguard earned a regular spot with Washington, and so impressed that pundits that he was selected to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. Through eight seasons, including a selection to the First All-Star Team in 1987-88, Stevens helped turn around the floundering franchise. His fierce confidence on the blue line made him a favourite with both his teammates and the fans.
“Fierce confidence” is one way to describe a player who instilled fear into the hearts of opposing players. But, one hit, in particular, eventually defined Stevens much to his dismay.
The Lindros Hit
Tom Gulitti, staff writer at NHL.com wrote a piece in their top 100 players series about Stevens. There is no question that the defenseman was one of the NHL’s all-time most effective and prolific hitters. But, it was this hit on Eric Lindros in Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference Final that set Stevens apart as a player not to be ignored on the ice.
Of the hit Gilitti wrote:
“Although Scott Stevens always took pride in the physical part of his game, the Hockey Hall of Famer has never been comfortable with his devastating hit on Philadelphia Flyers center Eric Lindros in Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference Final being one of defining moments of his 22-season NHL career. Lindros was knocked out of the game and sat out the entire 2000-01 season after sustaining a concussion on the hit, which was legal.”
Some might have found it difficult to believe that Stevens was capable of remorse but it goes to show that he was not a “goon” or a dirty player. Lindros, on the other hand, seemed resigned about it. In a National Post story on Jan. 16, 2018, by Michael Traikos, Lindros said:
I’m not a referee. But it happened. So, whether he got a five-minute major or not, I’m out and probably not available for the final. So what does that matter to me, whether he got penalized or not? It occurred.
The ESPN announcers said that the hit was legal but the question will linger as long as a puck slides across the frozen pond. Was it a dirty hit? Was Stevens a dirty player? I was with some friends recently who both said, “No” but added that the distinction was close.
Stevens Hits Led Concussion Awareness
Traikos notes that the larger issue, as time has revealed, is that Lindros was playing after his sixth diagnosed concussion and his fourth in five months. Under today’s standards, he likely would not have been allowed on the ice for that Game 7. Traikos, however, asserts that the Stevens hit was dirty: “Heck, it was dirty by any standards. Except the lunging shoulder that Stevens delivered to Lindros’ jaw wasn’t ruled that way at the time.”
“Just 7 minutes and 50 seconds into Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final, Stevens, the most intimidating defenseman in New Jersey Devils history, caught Lindros in transition coming across center ice in the Flyer offensive zone … with his head down. In real time, measured against today’s standards, Stevens’ hit on Lindros is nothing compared to what seems to occur nightly in the NHL at breakneck speed. The difference is, back then, the Stevens’ hit was deemed legal. Today, it would draw a five-minute major, game misconduct and possible suspension because the principal point of contact from Stevens’ shoulder was the chin and forehead of Lindros.”
So, times have changed and what was considered normal tough play a decade or so ago would now be penalized.
Scott Stevens, former defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, and one of the NHL’s hardest-hitting players (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Whether or not you hurl profanities at the screen anytime you see the replay the hit on Lindros, or you look at it and acknowledge that hockey is a tough sport, the hit stands out as a defining moment in Stevens’ career. But, in an odd way, it was all for good because it forced the NHL to look more closely at concussions.
Panaccio pointed out, “Medically speaking, this remains the biggest impact Lindros had on hockey — he brought much-needed focus to concussions.” If Lindros had such an impact, it can be argued that it was the Stevens hit that served as a launching pad for the spotlight to shine on Lindros and his concussion history, and subsequently to further that focus onto the league as a whole.
Arturs Irbe suggested during the 2001 Playoffs that his hits were dirty and that he was deliberately trying to kill players or knock them out for the playoffs.
That is quite the accusation. Of course, he had seen Hurricanes teammates Shane Willis and Ron Francis both get pummeled by Stevens during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Cullen noted Stevens’ reply to those who criticized his play:
“What kind of respect do I get? Just because I’m a physical player, it’s O.K. to come at me and do what you want? Hey, it’s a hockey game. It’s not figure skating. You know what? I can take a hit and I can give a hit. I don’t care who it is. No one gets a free ride out there. I don’t get a free ride, and no one gets a free ride from me.”
Furthermore, Cullen agrees with Stevens’ viewpoint:
He played hard and was very physical, but played the right way and certainly was not a dirty player. Only four elbowing minors in his entire career supports this.
Again, it comes down to perspective at some level, but the play of Stevens was not dirty or intended to kill or injure other players. He played tough hockey when hockey was a much tougher sport that it is today. And, because of his tough play, the NHL is trying to take better care of its players today.
You may also like:
Stevens and Lindros are both in the Hall of Fame, deservedly. They share a thread in time that is not remembered fondly. Lindros was hurt with another concussion and his career was inextricably altered. Stevens played a few more years but also had to hang up his skates due to concussions. Lindros seems resolved to gloss the hit with an, “It is what it is” response. Stevens says don’t come across the line with your head down.
From the moment the topic turned to hitting and Eric Lindros’ name was mentioned, it was obvious Scott Stevens was uncomfortable. His eyes seemed to glisten and it took a couple of seconds for the New Jersey Devils captain to decide on Sunday whether he wanted to discuss the crushing hit on Lindros.
Canavan also noted: “It’s very hard, it’s tough,” Stevens said Sunday in recalling the play and knowing how bad he felt. “It’s something I don’t like to think about and I try to put it behind me and go on.”
Banners honoring New Jersey Devils Ken Daneyko and Scott Stevens, 2009 (Pacmanghostx via Wikimedia Commons)
For me, this is sums up how I view the hit. Stevens wasn’t gloating but actually felt something for Lindros. Sure, Stevens justified that hit and others by saying players should not come at him with their heads down. But, I don’t think he had a thirst for hurting his opponents or possibly ending their careers. He played a tough game with a tough style and other players knew that. If they chose to come at him with their heads down, then they did so – likely knowingly – at their own risk.
In my opinion, no, Stevens was not a dirty player nor was the hit on Lindros a dirty hit. As Hurricanes television play-by-play voice John Forslund says, “That’s hockey baby!”
NJ natives are among key Trump Administration picks, according to NJ Biz.
The feds approved a $10B Port Authority bus terminal project, according to NorthJersey.com.
Federal and state officials convened over drone sightings in the state, according to NorthJersey.com. The Governor says the drones aren’t a threat to public safety, according to NJ.com.
A court could decide to revive fusion voting in the state, according to NJ Globe.
NJ companies are stockpiling imports to avoid Trump tariffs on China, according to NJ Herald.
NJ port workers’ contract talks are stuck over adding automation, according to NorthJersey.com.
Monmouth County officials say the airport owner restricted their on-site inspection, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Pallone is calling for refunds for customers affected by Monday’s NJ Transit delays, according to NJ101.5.
In Edison, there have been apologies and retractions all around after the council banned props at meetings. The town says they didn’t ban the American flag, according to NJ.com.
In Barrington, Barrington News apartment residents are meeting over a proposed sale, according to Burlington County Times.
In Franklin, officials are grappling with affordable housing mandates, according to TAPinto.
In Greenwich, a hedged OK was given to a warehouse, according to the Daily Journal.
In Harding, the cell phone tower is up and running, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, the council failed to fill the Ward 6 council vacancy, according to TAPinto.
In Howell, the town is being sued after unanimously shooting down a warehouse complex plan, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, the city touted a decline in homicides, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Newark, amid a building boom, Passaic River flooding poses a problem, according to NJ Monitor.
In Ocean City, the council failed to adopt a room tax ordinance, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, a judge didn’t dismiss an indictment against former Mayor Torres, according to Paterson Press.
In Raritan Borough, the council approved the Raritan mall redevelopment plan and tax abatement, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, a senior housing project was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, schools may sell land to make up for a multi-million dollar budget gap, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, an annoyed neighbor led the city to discover that drinking water went untested for a year, according to NJ.com.
Federal, state and local authorities convened Wednesday to discuss an uptick in reported drone activity across North and Central Jersey as residents continue to flood the FBI tip website and take to social media to report the mysterious objects.
Gov. Phil Murphy and acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced Wednesday the allocation of more than $42 million in federal funding to expand and improve preschool facilities in 22 school districts across New Jersey. The funding marks a major step in the administration’s push for universal access to high-quality preschool.
When deciding on the best towns to put down roots, choosing one that offers eco-friendly living has become a growing priority for many people. And according to a recent report, three of the nation’s most desired sustainable suburbs are located right here in the Garden State.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin will represent New Jersey in the bipartisan Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program, which brings leaders from across the U.S. together to explore ideas and develop education agendas. The program was named for former North Carolina Gov. James Hunt and former New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean, Democrat and Republican, respectively, who were known as education governors during their time in office.
A new pilot program is paving the way to make sure mothers are heard and seen before, during and after birth. Christine Ivery is the program officer for New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute that partnered on the project with two hospitals in Mercer County, Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro.
As we close out 2024 in the Garden State, 2025’s gubernatorial field is rapidly expanding. Within the past month, two candidates whose announcements have been widely anticipated, have declared their intent to compete in June’s Democratic primary: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Congressional District 5) and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (Congressional District 11). In the crowded Democratic field, Gottheimer and Sherrill join Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Governor Steven Fulop, Former Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller.
It went from a bit of a joke earlier this week when I started talking about the drone sightings. The information started coming in a few weeks ago when my friend and Florham Park, NJ Mayor Mark Taylor texted me about strange drones hovering over his backyard. The noise, the lights, and the size of the crafts were certainly concerning. We didn’t think too much of this issue honestly, I even joked yesterday about aliens, Disney, and a not-100% joking reference to the Chinese government.
A literary lion is scheduled to grace the halls of Warren County Community College on Thursday, Dec. 5. Billy Collins, an American poet, will read from his latest published work ‘Water, Water: Poems” as a guest of the college’s Visiting Author Series on Thursday evening. The reading will happen at 6 p.m. in room E206. it will be followed by a Q&A.
Wegovy and similar injectable weight-loss drugs called GLP-1s can cost more than $1,000 a month, but New Jersey is not one of a dozen states where people on Medicaid can get it covered for weight control. Jenna Tagliabue, an active dog walker in Hasbrouck Heights, said she can afford the popular drug Wegovy only because she’s covered by her parent’s health insurance. Her doctor prescribed it after Jenna’s blood pressure kept rising.
An evolution of terminology has introduced unhoused as substitution for homeless. No matter which word receives employment, adequate shelter and food supply remain key issues in Trenton where thousands face serious life challenges. Homelessness in New Jersey increased by 17% between 2022 and 2023, according to a 2023 summary of the state’s annual count of unhoused people.
Ahead of his return to the White House in January, President-elect Donald Trump has begun announcing the key figures he wants to fill Cabinet positions and other major roles in his upcoming administration. The list of nominees features some of Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill, as well as prominent figures from his 2024 campaign.
In addition to well-known politicians like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and high-profile entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, several notable New Jersey natives are among Trump’s selections.
Dr. Mehmet Oz – Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Dr. Mehmet Oz, a longtime Bergen County resident and TV personality, has been selected as the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency within the Department of Health & Human Services. Oz became a household name in the early 2000s through his frequent appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, later hosting his own daytime talk show.
While Oz has faced criticism for promoting unproven medical products and claims, such as endorsing the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, Trump expressed confidence in his qualifications to address America’s healthcare challenges. Oz is set to work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to lead the Department of Health & Human Services. The CMS position requires Senate confirmation.
Charles Kushner – U.S. Ambassador to France
Charles Kushner, founder of Kushner Cos., a major real estate firm with a significant presence in New Jersey, has been tapped to serve as U.S. Ambassador to France. Kushner, who is the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, is a prominent businessman with ties to the Trump family. Trump praised him as a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker,” and highlighted his son’s previous work in the White House, particularly on initiatives like Operation Warp Speed and the Abraham Accords.
However, Kushner’s past includes a conviction for tax evasion and illegal campaign donations, which led to a prison sentence. He was pardoned by Trump in 2020. Like all ambassadorial nominees, Kushner’s appointment will require Senate confirmation.
Susie Wiles – White House Chief of Staff
Susie Wiles, a political strategist who played a key role in Trump’s past campaigns, has been named the first female White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, who grew up in Saddle River, New Jersey, has an extensive career in politics, having worked on Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign and with numerous Republican candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. She will not require Senate confirmation to take on this role, and Trump has expressed admiration for her leadership, calling her “tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired.”
Jared Isaacman – NASA Administrator
Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur from Central Jersey, has been selected to lead NASA. Isaacman, the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, will take charge of NASA’s mission of space exploration, drawing from his extensive leadership background and experience as an astronaut. Although he has no direct experience at NASA, Isaacman’s ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his own spaceflights with SpaceX make him a unique choice for the role. Isaacman’s appointment will require Senate confirmation.
Frank Bisignano – Social Security Administration Commissioner
Frank Bisignano, the CEO of Fiserv Inc., has been chosen to head the Social Security Administration. Bisignano, who has an extensive background in financial services, including leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup, is credited with transforming large corporations. Fiserv, under his leadership, has expanded its presence in New Jersey, establishing a financial technology hub in Berkeley Heights. His appointment also requires Senate confirmation.
Trump’s picks reflect a combination of business acumen, political experience, and personal connections, with several New Jerseyans playing a key role in the upcoming administration. As the appointments move forward, Senate confirmation will be required for most positions, ensuring further scrutiny and debate before the new administration takes shape.
BELMAR — During public comment of the Nov. 26 council meeting, Mayor Gerald Buccafusco reported that the borough has not been approached by Monmouth County officials to be included in a county shared-services agreement for emergency medical services (EMS).
The South Monmouth Emergency Medical Services (SMEMS) shared service agreement, which will expire at the end of this year, encompasses the local municipalities of Belmar, Lake Como, Sea Girt and Manasquan. The four municipalities funded the shared service of the SMEMS that was made up of paid professionals from the Borough of Belmar, who served as the host organization in the service agreement.
The Manasquan borough council, at its Dec. 2 meeting, unanimously passed two resolutions, authorizing a new shared services agreement with Monmouth County for EMS and withdrawing from the borough’s current EMS shared service that expires at the end of the year. Sea Girt is reportedly also looking into this shared service option from the county (see related story, page 1).
“We are aware of those agreements with Manasquan and Sea Girt and we have not been approached by the county to become a part of that agreement,” Mayor Buccafusco said.
Borough Administrator Kevin Kane also confirmed that neither he nor any borough official had heard from the county about such an agreement, but said that the borough is “going to look at all options.”
“Neither myself, the mayor, police chief, no one has been approached by the county on our end. I’m not going to speak for Lake Como but I assume it’s the same thing with them,” he said. “We’re looking at all options as far as that goes, as far as EMS goes, and what is going to be the best public safety situation for the residents of Belmar. That’s our number one concern.”
“We’re going to look at all options, including the county, and assess it and (the) mayor and council will decide,” Kane said.
This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Coast Star—on newsstands Thursday or online in our e-Edition.
Check out our other Belmar stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Coast Star—on newsstands Thursday or online in our e-Edition.
Subscribe today! If you’re not already an annual subscriber to The Coast 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.
In Atlantic City, the CFBNJ partnered with DoorDash to reach food insecure seniors in the city.
In Camden, the city is cracking down on illegal parking, according to TAPinto.
In Edison, civil rights groups slammed the council’s ban on ‘props’, according to NJ101.5. The mayor says the American flag isn’t banned, according to NJ101.5. The council president apologized after the story went national, according to NJ Globe.
In Greenwich, officials sided with residents in a warehouse fight, according to Burlington County Times.
In Hackensack, a group is opposing a apartment building plan for Anderson Street, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Haddon Heights, the town is ending its dry spell, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Hoboken, Marine View Plaza could have a potential 9.8% rent hike next year, according to Hudson County View. The BOE is launching a survey on a new strategic plan, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, Singh will run on Solomon’s slate for council, according to Hudson County View.
In Little Falls, homeowners are worried about a dangerous river, according to NJ.com.
In Maplewood, an ordinance was introduced to establish a stormwater utility, according to TAPinto.
In Montclair, the town is seeking input on a senior center, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Moorestown, a warehouse plan would cut down all but 9 of 236 trees on a site, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Mount Holly, a judge rejected runoffs, according to NJ Globe.
In Ocean City, a room tax vote is likely to be delayed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Prospect Park, a mother is suing the school district over bullying, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Spring Lake, Verizon’s cell phone tower proposal was rejected, according to TAPinto.
In Teaneck, high school students plan a ‘Walkout for Palestine’, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Trenton, South Ward Councilwoman Kettenberg holds a slim lead in the runoff, according to NJ Globe.
In Toms River, Downtown Toms River has a new executive director, according to the Asbury Park Press.
New Jersey’s race for governor in 2025 is crowded, with multiple candidates on both sides of the political aisle. Five of those candidates gathered on stage Wednesday in front of hundreds of New Jersey employers and business leaders.
Reports of unidentified drones flying through the night sky have had much of North Jersey abuzz for the past few weeks. The numerous sightings, and posts claiming to show photo and video footage of the objects, have caused the FBI to get involved. But neither they nor local law enforcement agencies have offered many answers, only statements assuring residents that there is no known threat to the public.
President-elect Donald Trump has picked Jared Isaacman, a billionaire and commercial space explorer who lived in Westfield as a child, to be NASA’s next administrator, according to reports. Isaacman attended Westfield Public Schools from kindergarten through sixth grade and has said that his dreams of traveling to space began while looking at pictures of the space shuttle as a kindergartner at Wilson Elementary School.
With kids spending considerable time on the internet every day, parents need to understand how to identify where predators are lurking and how to safeguard their children. On Thursday at 7 p.m., New Jersey 101.5 presents a special Town Hall broadcast, “Targeted: Protecting New Jersey Children from Online Predators,” confronting the crisis of online child predators, and how children and parents are affected.
Two more families are celebrating the holiday season at home thanks to Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity (GMM Habitat). The new Habitat homeowners, government officials, volunteers, donors and staff families and friends participated in a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 13. The celebration brought together all those who partnered to complete the new single-family homes for an Army veteran family of five and a three-generation civilian family of four.
President Biden had good reason to fear that his son, Hunter, would be unfairly prosecuted once Donald Trump takes power. The president-elect has made his foul intentions clear, and the man he just nominated to run the FBI, Kash Patel, has already declared Hunter a felon and vowed to get him. Biden knows, too, that Trump will abuse the power of the pardon, no matter what. We’ve seen that Trump needs no precedent to justify his abuses of the office.
Andrew Sullivan will succeed Charles Lowrey as CEO of Prudential Financial, effective March 31, 2025. Sullivan currently serves as executive vice president and head of international businesses and global investment management. Lowrey will remain as executive chairman of the board for 18 months, working with the board and supporting and advising Sullivan.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris received the majority of votes in 253 of New Jersey’s 565 towns, but President-elect Donald Trump gained significant ground statewide for Republicans in a traditionally blue state.
Everyone is buzzing about how *close* New Jersey was this year. A 5.9% loss for a Republican in the Garden State – which hasn’t gone “red” since 1988 and voted for Joe Biden by 16-points in 2020 – is nothing short of seismic. What happened? And how?
Linda D’Addario remembers the exact date she received her breast cancer diagnosis: Feb. 28, 2022. The news came as a shock. With no family history and no previous health issues, the diagnosis was unexpected — and devastating.
Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center has launched a new Breast Health Program, a comprehensive service designed to provide top-tier breast health care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment.
The program is dedicated to early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. during their lifetime.
Early detection is critical to improving breast cancer outcomes, and the Breast Health Program offers a wide range of screening services, including 3D mammography and breast ultrasounds, along with expert breast cancer treatment options such as breast surgery and reconstructive surgery.
The Breast Health Program employs cutting-edge technology to provide the most accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. These include:
3D high-resolution mammography (tomosynthesis) with the Smart Curve paddle system for improved patient comfort and the highest-resolution imaging available;
AI-enhanced imaging software for precise diagnostic accuracy;
Breast localization techniques (wire or nonwire/SAVI SCOUT) and breast ultrasounds;
Comprehensive high-risk evaluations for patients with a family history of breast cancer or genetic predispositions.
Dr. Gail Starr, co-medical director of the Program and chief of Breast Imaging, emphasized the importance of early detection.
“3D mammography has revolutionized our ability to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, offering higher resolution and a more comfortable experience for patients,” she said. “Early detection is the key to effective treatment, and our goal is to provide this vital screening service to all women in our community.”
Dr. Adriana Suarez-Ligon, a co-medical director of the Breast Program and chief of Breast Surgery, agreed.
“Having comprehensive breast health services close to home is crucial for patients,” she said. “Women no longer need to travel far to get the screenings, treatments, and support they need. Our team is here to ensure they receive the best care possible right here in their community.”
The Breast Health Program is supported by an interdisciplinary team of highly trained professionals, including:
A patient navigator who assists patients and their families throughout their care journey
Certified mammography and ultrasound technologists
Board-certified and fellowship-trained radiologists specializing in breast imaging
Board-certified medical and radiation oncologists, a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist, lymphedema specialists and reconstructive plastic surgeons, all working together to provide comprehensive care
Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center is a 128-bed, full-service, acute-care community hospital, located in Westwood.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved more than $3.8 million in 2025 Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding to support 76 human services related programs in the coming year that were recommended by volunteer advisory committees to the county Department of Human Services.
