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Projected Lineups for the Rangers vs Devils – 12/23/24 – The Hockey Writers – Projected Lineups

Don Lichterman
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Projected Lineups for the Rangers vs Devils – 12/23/24 – The Hockey Writers – Projected Lineups

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The New York Rangers take on the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center today. Here are the projected/expected lineups sourced from NHL.com staff writers, independent correspondents, and others.

RANGERS (16-16-1) at DEVILS (22-11-3)

1 p.m. ET; MSGSN, MSG

Rangers projected lineup

Artemi Panarin — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis Lafreniere
Chris Kreider — Filip Chytil — Will Cuylle
Reilly Smith — Mika Zibanejad — Brett Berard
Adam Edstrom — Sam Carrick — Jimmy Vesey

Ryan Lindgren — Adam Fox
Braden Schneider — Will Borgen
Urho Vaakanainen — Chad Ruhwedel

Jonathan Quick
Igor Shesterkin

Scratched: Jonny Brodzinski, Zac Jones

Injured: K’Andre Miller (upper body)

Suspended: Matt Rempe

Status report:

Rempe, a forward, received an eight-game suspension on Sunday for boarding and elbowing Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen on Dec. 20.

Latest for THW:

Devils projected lineup

Paul Cotter — Jack Hughes — Dawson Mercer
Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Stefan Noesen
Ondrej Palat — Erik Haula — Jesper Bratt
Tomas Tatar — Justin Dowling — Nathan Bastian

Brenden Dillon — Dougie Hamilton
Jonas Siegenthaler — Johnathan Kovacevic
Luke Hughes — Brett Pesce

Jacob Markstrom
Jake Allen

Scratched: Kurtis MacDermid

Injured: Curtis Lazar (knee), Santeri Hatakka (shoulder)

Status report

The Devils assigned defenseman Colton White to Utica of the American Hockey League on Sunday.

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Trees | Cherry Hill Township, NJ

Don Lichterman
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Trees | Cherry Hill Township, NJ

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For a Tree Removal Permit Application please click “here” or apply online through the link below. CHIP apply now II

General Requirements 

A Tree Removal Permit is required for any person desiring to destroy, cut, remove, or trim more than thirty (30%) percent of any tree (including trees in healthy or poor condition, and dead) that has a diameter at breast height (hereinafter “DBH”) equal to or greater than five (5) inches (or 15.7 inch circumference).   The following are the only exceptions to a Tree Removal Permit:

  1. removal of vegetation (bushes, shrubs, plants, etc.) or trees less than five (5) inches DBH;
  2. the removal of invasive tree species (You must still contact DPW prior to removal to confirm/inspect);
  3. the regular pruning and maintenance of trees;
  4. for trees deemed an “Imminent Threat” (You must contact DPW prior to removal to confirm/inspect); or 
  5. for tree removal required as a precondition to the issuance of a Certificate of Continued Occupancy by the Township’s Property Maintenance Officer.  

“Person” means a natural or legal person, including but not limited to: a property owner, tenant, occupant, resident, contractor, or tree removal company, whether an individual, corporation, company, association, society, firm, partnership, joint stock company corporation, trust, and/or other legal entity, whether private or nonprofit, and any and all owners, officers, agents, and/or employees thereof.  

“Imminent Threat” means immediate action is needed to undertake tree cutting and/or removal in order to protect the public health, safety, welfare, or property, and/or to prevent a significant degradation to the environment. 

Residential Tree Removal Applications

Applies to any existing improved lot used entirely for residential purposes with no more than two (2) dwelling units and which is not the subject of an application for development. There is no fee associated with this type of application.

Residential Tree Removal Applicants may remove any number of dead trees and up to three (3) healthy and/or poor condition trees every twelve (12) months, except the following:

  1. any size tree planted pursuant to a Tree Replacement Plan subject to § 21-5.8; and
  2. trees located within the ROW and/or within three (3) feet of a public road may only be removed pursuant to § 21-5.2(c).

Residential Tree Removal Applicants may remove additional trees if any one or more of the reasons set forth in § 21-5.2(c) apply. Residential Tree Removal Applicants must also replace onsite, on a one-for-one basis, any healthy and/or poor condition trees removed in excess of three (3) trees within a twelve (12) month period, or pay a contribution to the Cherry Hill Tree Fund for each tree removed in excess of three (3) trees in the amount of $175.00. For example, an applicant seeking to remove 5 healthy trees will be required to replant two (2) replacement trees onsite or make a payment of $350.00 ($175.00 per tree) to the Cherry Hill Tree Fund.

Commercial Tree Removal Applications 

Applies to any improved or unimproved lot that is not a “Residential Tree Removal Application” as defined herein. There is a $100.00 application fee due upon the submission of a Tree Removal Permit Application.

Commercial Tree Removal Applicants may only remove trees if any one or more of the reasons set forth in § 21-5.2(c) apply. Commercial Tree Removal Applicants must also replace onsite, on a one-for-one basis, all healthy and/or poor conditions trees removed or pay a contribution to the Cherry Hill Tree Fund for each removed tree in the amount of $300.00. For example, an applicant seeking to remove 20 healthy trees and replant 10 trees onsite will be required to make a contribution of $3,000.00 ($300.00 per tree) to the Cherry Hill Tree Fund. Commercial Tree Removal Applicants may also be subject to any applicable conditions of approval and/or Site Plan requirements.

Submission and Review

Tree Removal Permit Applications may be mailed to the Department of Public Works building located at 1 Perina Boulevard Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, faxed to (856) 424-0119, or emailed to trees@chnj.gov. Please be advised that an inspection from the Cherry Hill Township Public Works Department may be required prior to issuance of the permit.

Please allow 7 business days for processing and approval, as an inspection from the Cherry Hill Township Public Works Department may be required prior to issuance of the permit.

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Symposium and Networking Event Focused on Wind Energy Draws More than 100 Students : Newsroom

Don Lichterman
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Symposium and Networking Event Focused on Wind Energy Draws More than 100 Students : Newsroom

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Several of the key organizers of the Graduate Student Symposium and Industry-Student Networking Event, which formed part of the weeklong North American Wind Energy Academy (NAWEA)/WindTech 2024 conference held at Rutgers. L-R: Sara Asgarzadeh, Rutgers undergraduate student volunteer; Nebiyu Bogale Mereke, Universite Libre de Bruxelles; Josh Kohut, Professor, Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers SEBS ; Onur Bilgen, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers SOE; Peggy Brennan-Tonetta, Senior Associate Director, Rutgers NJAES; Amy Mandelbaum, Senior Program Administrator, Rutgers NJAES; Tolu Omodara, graduate student, Rutgers-Camden; and Ademitayo (Favor) Adebanjo, Rutgers undergraduate student volunteer.

More than 125 undergraduate and graduate students attended a wind energy workforce engagement symposium and networking event on October 29. Dubbed the Graduate Student Symposium (GSS), open to undergraduate students, and Industry-Student Networking Event, this two-part activity was a critical part of the weeklong North American Wind Energy Academy (NAWEA)/WindTech 2024 conference that drew representatives from 18 countries. This premier technical conference on wind energy in North America, which featured leading research on topics ranging from climate change to turbine design, was hosted by Rutgers University and the New Jersey Academic Alliance for Offshore Wind Energy.

At the daylong symposium, the students honed their science communication skills and furthered their knowledge of careers in the fields of wind energy technology, research, and innovation while networking with others from across the globe.

Attendees at NAWEA/WindTech 2024 wind energy conference at Rutgers.

Onur Bilgen, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering who served as the general chair of the conference, said state and university support for the field has helped drive its advance. 

“The success of NAWEA/WindTech 2024 places New Jersey at the center of the global wind energy field, opening pathways to new partners, research and educational grants, investment and other benefits for workforce development,” Bilgen said. “And Rutgers and the members of the New Jersey Academic Alliance for Offshore Wind Energy are preparing the next generation of leaders in wind and renewable energy.”

Bilgen cited contributions from the Rutgers Offshore Wind Energy Collaborative, co-led by Margaret Brennan-Tonetta, a senior associate director of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station/Economic Development. The collaborative includes Rutgers faculty and staff from all three Rutgers campuses and over 15 disciplines at the university.

“Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are critical to foster growth of a wind-based economy in New Jersey,” Brennan-Tonetta said.

She credited the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for providing funding through a NJEDA University Initiatives grant awarded to Rutgers that escalated the growth of the Collaborative and enabled the development of numerous programs, including curriculum development, community outreach and annual symposia.

“With all the advances occurring in science and technology and the enthusiasm of so many in this field — as we have witnessed at this conference — the future for wind energy is bright,” Brennan-Tonetta said. “Researchers and students should be poised for the many opportunities that this new industry will generate.”

Professor Josh Kohut engage with students who toured the Rutgers Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RU-COOL) facility to learn more about the center’s offshore wind energy work as part of the Graduate Student Symposium and Industry-Student Networking Event on October 29.

The planning committee of the Graduate Student Symposium, partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, worked over the past year to develop and implement a packed agenda for the activity focused on the theme, “Wind Energy Workforce Engagement and Training.”

The symposium agenda included:

  • Welcome address from Dr. Ahmed Aziz Ezzat, Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rutgers University.
  • Keynote address on “Climate Change Communication” by Dr. Lauren Feldman, Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at Rutgers.
  • Interactive science communication training program by Stony Brook University’s Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.
  • Student presentations on their wind energy research through five-minute “Flash Talks” focused on wind energy technologies, environmental science, and social science and policy.
  • “A Day in the Life” panel discussion session, which provided insights into the daily responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges faced by professionals in various sectors of wind energy – academia, national laboratory, manufacturing, and government.
  • Student hands-on activities, which included build-your-own wind turbine and the Rutgers Ocean Expedition board game, while other students took a tour of the Rutgers Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RU-COOL) facility to learn more about the center’s offshore wind energy work.

The symposium was followed by an Industry-Student Networking Event, which included a guided tour of the Zimmerli Art Museum gallery followed by networking and a Rutgers Historical Ghost Tour led by Matthew Ferguson, a Rutgers alumnus and history buff.

Parts of this article were extracted from the original Rutgers Today story on the conference.



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RWJBarnabas Health’s Manigan Named a CEO Influencer

Don Lichterman
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RWJBarnabas Health’s Manigan Named a CEO Influencer

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Mark Manigan

Healthcare

On Dec 20, 2024

Mark E. Manigan, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of 64 CEO Influencers to Know. The list honors outstanding hospital and health system CEOs who hold singularly powerful opportunities to shape the future of health care, thanks to their high-profile roles and broad influence.

As president and CEE for RWJBarnabas Health, Manigan is leading the system-wide noble mission of building and sustaining a healthier New Jersey, and creating a national model for clinical and business success. He is leveraging his vast influence to transform the health care landscape for the better.

Manigan is spearheading the evolution of the system’s strategic plan and steering an operating income of $106 million in 2024, compared with a $4.7 million loss in 2023. This fiscal success was achieved while decreasing mortality 15%, reducing central line infections by 40%, and capturing multiple national recognitions. He is also driving effective strategies to improve health equity by addressing the social and environmental factors that affect healthy living.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles:


RWJBarnabas Health

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Don Lichterman, a Gold Medal Winning Coach gives us the Road to the 2025 Winter Games: Inspiring New Jersey’s Special Olympics Athletes

Don Lichterman
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Don Lichterman, a Gold Medal Winning Coach gives us the Road to the 2025 Winter Games: Inspiring New Jersey’s Special Olympics Athletes

As a proud coach and past Gold Medalist at the Winter Games for the New Jersey Special Olympics (SONJ), I have had the privilege of seeing countless athletes achieve their dreams and break barriers. This season, athletes across the Garden State are gearing up for the 2025 Winter Games with a singular goal in mind: to compete and showcase their dedication, passion, and skill. Whether it’s in floor hockey, volleyball, alpine skiing, snowboarding, or figure skating, each athlete is preparing to shine on a statewide stage.

Training and Preparation: A Journey to the Winter Games

Across New Jersey, athletes have begun their training in earnest, focusing on honing their skills for the events coming up in January and February 2025. As a coach, it’s truly inspiring to witness the dedication and teamwork that goes into every practice, no matter the discipline. The athletes know that every minute counts as they prepare for their shot at glory at the state Winter Games.

The journey to the Winter Games is one of hard work, perseverance, and a passion for sport. The athletes will participate in a range of sports, from the fast-paced excitement of floor hockey and volleyball to the precision and technique needed in alpine skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating. The games will also feature cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and speed skating, with athletes competing at various venues across the state. Each of these events is an opportunity to not only compete for medals but also to bond with teammates, build confidence, and experience the joy of sportsmanship.

The 2025 Winter Games Schedule

The 2025 Winter Games are just around the corner, and the schedule is packed with exciting events. The first wave of competitions takes place on January 11-12, 2025, when floor hockey and volleyball will take center stage at Absegami High School and Galloway Township Middle School in Galloway, New Jersey. Athletes will compete for medals and the honor of representing their teams with pride.

  • Volleyball: Galloway Township Middle School
    100 S Reeds Rd., Galloway, New Jersey 08205
  • Floor Hockey: Absegami High School
    201 S Wrangleboro Road, Galloway, NJ 08205

In addition, the Young Athletes Program will also take place at Absegami High School on January 11, 2025, giving younger athletes a chance to get involved and experience the joy of the Special Olympics.

The next major event will be the February 3-4, 2025 competitions, which will feature alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and speed skating. These events will take place at Mountain Creek, National Winter Activities Center, and Skylands Ice World in Vernon and Stockholm, New Jersey.

  • Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding: Mountain Creek, 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
  • Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing: National Winter Activities Center, 44 Breakneck Rd, Vernon Township, NJ 07463
  • Speed Skating: Skylands Ice World, 2765 State Hwy 23, Stockholm, NJ 07460

Finally, the Figure Skating competition will take place on February 9, 2025, at Codey Arena in West Orange, New Jersey, where athletes will dazzle spectators with their precision and artistry.

  • Figure Skating: Codey Arena, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ

A Personal Connection to the Winter Games

As a Gold Medal-winning coach, I know firsthand the dedication, hard work, and teamwork that go into preparing for these events. My experience coaching for the New Jersey Special Olympics has taught me the value of perseverance and resilience. Every athlete that steps onto the ice, snow, or court is a winner in their own right, and it is my honor to support them in their journey.

For many athletes, the Special Olympics is about more than just medals; it’s about building self-confidence, achieving personal bests, and showing the world what they are capable of. I am incredibly proud to be part of this community and to coach the athletes who inspire not only me but all of New Jersey.

Join Us in Supporting Our Athletes

As the 2025 Winter Games approach, I encourage everyone in New Jersey to come out and support these incredible athletes. The energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship on display are truly awe-inspiring. Whether you are a family member, friend, or a fan of sports, your support means the world to these athletes.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming events, and get ready to cheer on our Special Olympics athletes as they make their way to the 2025 Winter Games. It’s going to be a season to remember, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

For more information about the 2025 Winter Games schedule and how to support our athletes, visit the New Jersey Special Olympics website. Let’s make this year the best Winter Games yet!

Go Team SONJ!

Blue Jackets’ Merzlikins Shines in Win Over Devils – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

Don Lichterman
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Blue Jackets’ Merzlikins Shines in Win Over Devils – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

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The Columbus Blue Jackets needed to find a better start if they hoped to defeat the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. Thanks to an unreal performance by Elvis Merzlikins, they did just that.

Sean Monahan paced the offense by scoring two goals while Kirill Marchenko added two assists to help the Blue Jackets to a 4-2 win over the Devils. The story of this game was the performance of Merzlikins thwarting a historic effort by Jack Hughes.

Game Recap

The Blue Jackets were able to score first to help settle themselves down. A great play by Zach Aston-Reese helped create a scoring chance and a rebound. Ivan Provorov jumped up and converted the rebound to make it 1-0. The goal seemed to help settle the team down.

There were no penalties on either side and it was a pretty low-event first period with the Devils outshooting the Blue Jackets 7-6. The second period was usually one of the best periods for the Devils and one of the worst for the Blue Jackets. It was the Blue Jackets that outscored the Devils 2-0 in the middle frame.

On a power play, Zach Werenski scored his 11th goal of the season. That was his 334th NHL point which tied him with Nick Foligno for fourth on the all-time Blue Jackets’ scoring list.

The lead was then extended to 3-0 thanks to Monahan. He was in front of Devils’ goalie Jake Allen. A rebound came right to him and he roofed it. From there, Merzlikins stole the show.

Jack Hughes finished with a career-high 13 shots on goal, which was just one off the Devils’ franchise record. He was unable to beat Merzlikins on any of them. This included a couple 10-bell saves.

Elvis Merzlikins Columbus Blue Jackets
Elvis Merzlikins turned away Jack Hughes 13 times on Thursday night. (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Luke Hughes finished the night with six shots and was finally able to beat Merzlikins with Allen pulled. There was just 2:50 left in the game. The puck went to Luke after a couple bounces and had a wide-open net to finish.

Then 1:25 later, Jack’s shot was deflected by Timo Meier to pull the Devils within one. The Devils took timeout right after to keep their top stars on. This ultimately helped the Blue Jackets keep their best out there too. It also provided Merzlikins a much needed breather.

Monahan was then able to score his second of the game into an empty net to make the final score 4-2. Cole Sillinger disrupted Jack Hughes enough to create the turnover and the insurance goal.

The Devils outshot the Blue Jackets 42-20 on the night. Merzlikins finished with 40 saves. Meanwhile, Allen finished with 16 saves on 19 shots.

The Blue Jackets next play Saturday night in Philadelphia. The Devils head home to play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night.




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Projected Lineups for Devils vs Blue Jackets – 12/19/24 – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

Don Lichterman
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Projected Lineups for Devils vs Blue Jackets – 12/19/24 – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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The New Jersey Devils take on the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight. Here are the projected/expected lineups sourced from NHL.com staff writers, independent correspondents, and others.

DEVILS (21-10-3) at BLUE JACKETS (12-15-5)

7 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, MSGSN

Devils projected lineup

Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Dawson Mercer
Paul Cotter — Erik Haula — Stefan Noesen
Tomas Tatar – Justin Dowling — Nathan Bastian

Brenden Dillon — Dougie Hamilton
Jonas Siegenthaler — Johnathan Kovacevic
Luke Hughes — Brett Pesce

Jake Allen
Jacob Markstrom

Scratched: Colton White, Kurtis MacDermid

Injured: Curtis Lazar (knee)

Status report

  • Lazar, a forward, returned Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues after missing 21 games following surgery on his left knee on Oct. 31. Coach Sheldon Keefe said Thursday that he has some swelling in the knee and Lazar likely won’t play again until after Christmas. … Dowling was recalled from Utica of the American Hockey League.

Latest for THW:

Blue Jackets projected lineup

Dmitri Voronkov — Sean Monahan — Kent Johnson
James van Riemsdyk — Adam Fantilli — Kirill Marchenko
Zach Aston-Reese — Cole Sillinger — Mathieu Olivier
James Malatesta — Sean Kuraly — Mikael Pyyhtia

Zach Werenski — Damon Severson
Jake Christiansen — Ivan Provorov
Jack Johnson — Jordan Harris

Elvis Merzlikins
Daniil Tarasov

Scratched: Kevin Labanc

Injured: Yegor Chinakhov (upper body), Justin Danforth (lower body), Dante Fabbro (lower body)

Status Report

Fabbro, a defenseman, was injured against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. Johnson replaces him. Coach Dean Evason said the hope is to have Fabbro back “sooner rather than later.” … Malatesta, called up from Cleveland of the AHL on Wednesday, makes his season debut and Labanc, a forward, comes out. … Voronkov and van Riemsdyk swapped lines.

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The ABCs of PBA Cards

Don Lichterman
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The ABCs of PBA Cards

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They’re called “courtesy cards” – at least officially.

Many New Jersey drivers know them as “Get Out of Jail Free” cards.

These are business cards doled out by various law enforcement officers to relatives, friends, and sometimes, just people they meet.

They generally show the name of the officer and his, or her, association – a police department, a sheriff’s office or a police union like the PBA or FOP.

These cards have one overriding purpose – to help a driver avoid getting a ticket.

A driver who is stopped by the cops shows, say, a PBA card, and is often on his way, no further action required.

There’s nothing new about this.

Nonetheless, the state’s Comptroller’s Office just produced a report highlighting and criticizing the practice.

Here’s how the executive summary of the report began:

“The New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) examined over 500 motor vehicle stops conducted by New Jersey State Police (NJSP) that ended with no enforcement. OSC looked at body-worn camera footage of stops that are rarely, if ever, watched – stops where tickets were not given, arrests were not made, and no one was even ordered to exit their vehicle.”

Hmm. Why was that?

Simple. The drivers had a police “Get Out of Jail Free” card.

“Sometimes, the motorist boldly handed over a courtesy card,” the report said with some degree of naivety. It then added that:

“The stop resolved relatively quickly with the trooper offering some version of ‘you’re good,’”

The report presented a number of video exchanges to prove the point.

Viewers saw a guy stopped for speeding who admitted to having “two glasses” of alcohol. No detail on what his drink actually was.

But after showing the trooper “his card,” he was told to move on. It is true that the trooper warned him not to speed after drinking on “my highway” again, but the driver was not ticketed.

Another video showed a woman stopped for driving in excess of 100 miles per hour. She proved to the trooper that her father was a police lieutenant and did not get a ticket.

“In short, this two-tiered system of justice that provides differing treatment for those with law enforcement connections and those without is unethical, discriminatory, and fundamentally unfair. It also contributes to making New Jersey roads less safe,” the report said.

It’s hard to argue with that conclusion.

The report, most seriously, noted that courtesy cards benefitted motorists suspected of serious offenses – like driving drunk.

Years ago, at least, the unwritten rule of thumb was that PBA cards worked only for such things as speeding or ignoring a Stop Sign.

Among the reforms recommended by the Comptroller are explicit orders to police not to consider any law enforcement cards when stopping a motorist. And then there is this:

“The Legislature should strongly consider whether to institute fines or other penalties for the distribution by sale or gift of any courtesy card or membership card, shield, or other device, where it can be reasonably inferred by the recipient that display of the item will have the result that the law will be enforced less rigorously.”

In plain language, that suggests a police officer could be fined or disciplined for handing out a business or PBA card.

Excuse the cynicism, but does anyone think that’s going to happen?

Follow New Jersey politics for a while and you learn that the distribution of “Get Out of Jail Free” cards is as common as high property taxes and the luxury of not pumping your own gas.

Hard to see that changing,

 

 

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Morris County Unveils $35 Million 2025 Capital Plan – Morris County, NJ

Don Lichterman
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Morris County Unveils $35 Million 2025 Capital Plan – Morris County, NJ

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Published on December 19, 2024

Investments Target Infrastructure, Education and Public Safety

(front row, l-r) Jigar Shah, Mayor James Barberio, Commissioner Deborah Smith and Douglas Cabana, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Stu Lasser, Commissioner John Krickus, Betty Cass-Schmidt, Sen. Joe Pennachio, Sen. Anthony Bucco, Casey Parikh, Dave Helmer (back), Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella and Matt Manzi of the Morris County Park Commission. The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight presented a $35 million capital spending plan for 2025 to maintain the critical infrastructure supporting the education, public safety and human services programs that enhance our residents’ quality of life.

The Capital Budget Committee, led by Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Deborah Smith and Stephen H. Shaw, chairman of the committee, outlined the proposal during a public meeting in Morristown. The total spending plan is $48,585,406 but will be offset by $13,183,294 in various grants.

The capital spending plan focuses on continued investments in facility upgrades, maintaining infrastructure from roads and bridges to dam safety and intersection improvements, and investing in our future, including support for the County College of Morris’s construction of a Center for Health Professions.

“Months ago, the Capital Budget Committee and our administrative staff began reviewing capital investment proposals from all county departments, constitutional officers and related county agencies. It is a long-standing practice that has enabled us to plan our capital expenditures early each year and, as we will in 2025, move forward on adopting a complete county budget so that our capital projects may be put out to bid early and get underway,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Shaw.

Morris County’s inventory of capital responsibility, which requires regular maintenance and upgrades, is extensive and diverse. It includes much more than the Morris County Administration & Records Building in Morristown and the Human Services and Law & Public Safety complexes in Morris Township and Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.

The Morris County infrastructure responsibility also includes, in part:

  • 287 miles of county roadsin all 39 Morris County municipalities

  • 1,000 bridges and culverts throughout all Morris County municipalities

  • 3 Freight Railroads

  • 1,200 vehicles and or pieces of equipment used by various county agencies

  • 3.4 million square feet of buildings and structures

  • 20,450 acres of parkland & 38 recreational facilities

The County of Morris also is responsible for:

  • Maintaining all trees within county road rights-of-way

  • Facilities required by the judiciary, sheriff, law and public safety

  • Mosquito Control services throughout all Morris County

“Our 2025 capital spending plan allocates $8.58 million for bridge and culvert replacements, including heavily traveled spans in Montville, Mount Olive and Jefferson Township, continuing Morris County’s leadership in bridge upgrades. We also anticipate resurfacing another 20.6 miles of county roads this coming year,” said Commissioner Selen.

The plan designates $11 million for resurfacing roadways in 11 municipalities next year, bringing the total to more than 230 miles of roads resurfaced since 2016.

Click Here to View the Slideshow Presented by the Capital Budget Committee

The 4.8-mile Pompton Valley Rail Trail will be completed and fully open Spring 2025. The plan also includes a $4.46 million investment in the County College of Morris ongoing plan to construct an 80,000-square-foot Center for Health Professions on campus to support educational excellence and workforce development.

 “We are dedicated to strengthening education, enhancing public safety, and supporting human services,” said Commissioner Smith. “These investments will provide vital training and equipment for public safety personnel, and ensure our park system, which is the largest county park system in New Jersey, remains safe and accessible.”

The 2025 Capital Spending Highlights

Improving Our County Road Network

  • $2.56 million for intersection improvements, including:

  • Ridgedale Avenue and Garfield Avenue in East Hanover

  • Main Street Improvements in the Town of Boonton

  • Guide Rail upgrades and installations throughout the County

 

  • $11 million for roadway resurfacing in 11 municipalities, including:

  • 3.3 miles of Green Pond Road (CR 513) from Jacobs Road south to Upper Hibernia Road in Rockaway Township

  • 2.5 miles of Spring Valley Road (CR 601) from Village Road to Blackberry Lane in Harding Township

  • 2.5 miles of Sussex Turnpike (CR 617) from West Hanover Avenue to Dover Chester Road in Randolph Township

  • 2.5 miles of Berkshire Valley Road (CR 699) in Jefferson Township

 

  • $8.58 million for bridge and culvert projects, including:

  • Replacement of Bridge #433, Old Bloomfield Avenue in Montville Township

  • Bridge #1138 Pleasant Hill Road in Mount Olive

  • Bridge #927 Cozy Lake Road in Jefferson Township

 

Strategic Investments in Human Services and Public Safety

  • $1.5 million for the replacement of workstations to maximize usable space in the Office of Temporary Assistance in the Department of Human Services

  • $4.87 million for the replacement of Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Offices and Kennels

 

(l-r) The Capital Budget Committee: Commissioners Deborah Smith, Stephen Shaw and Tayfun Selen.

###

Photos

Photo 1: (front row, l-r) Jigar Shah, Mayor James Barberio, Commissioner Deborah Smith and Douglas Cabana, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Stu Lasser, Commissioner John Krickus, Betty Cass-Schmidt, Sen. Joe Pennachio, Sen. Anthony Bucco, Casey Parikh, Dave Helmer (back), Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella and Matt Manzi of the Morris County Park Commission.

Photo 2: The 4.8-mile Pompton Valley Rail Trail will be completed and fully open Spring 2025.

Photo 3: (l-r) The Capital Budget Committee: Commissioners Deborah Smith, Stephen Shaw and Tayfun Selen.

 

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Korean-Inspired, Zen-Focused Café Opens in Fort Lee; More Food News

Don Lichterman
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Korean-Inspired, Zen-Focused Café Opens in Fort Lee; More Food News

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Openings

Cheongsu, Fort Lee

From the creators of the Korean wellness restaurant Oncheon in Manhattan’s Koreatown, this stunning café is billed as a serene retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle. A press release explained that the name Cheongsu—meaning “clear water” in Korean—symbolizes purity, flow and the rejuvenating calm of nature; the café “invites guests to reconnect with nature and savor moments of quiet reflection.”

The menu centers on brunch, desserts and afternoon tea, offering items like French toast, soufflés, sandwiches, soups, bingsoo (a shaved ice treat), seasonal pies and warm caffeinated beverages.

Masseria Italian Steakhouse, Morristown

This new steakhouse is the vision of longtime restaurateur and Morristown resident Joseph Cetrulo (who lives in a sprawling Tudor castle he restored!). Masseria blends Old-World Italian charm with an upscale steakhouse experience.

Chashni Chai Co., Montclair

This eatery is a commingling of Pakistani ingredients and American culture. Drinks include chai as well as latte flavors ranging from honey cardamom to rose saffron. The menu consists of salads, toasts, egg dishes and more. This is Chashni Chai’s second location; its original is in Chatham.

Kreme & Krumbs, Montclair

This artisanal ice cream shop closed its brick-and-mortar location on December 8 and is shifting its business entirely to online. Customers can get ice cream—a rotating selection of monthly flavors, plus hand-rolled waffle cones—delivered to their doorstep.

J.Bone’s Barbecue, Westfield

This barbecue joint, opening Friday, December 20, is the brainchild of Jordan J. Mallari, a former TV producer and director who worked on the reality series BBQ Pitmasters.

No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.



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Mobile Museum of Tolerance: Effort to bring vehicle of education around antisemitism to N.J. comes to Trenton

Don Lichterman
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Mobile Museum of Tolerance: Effort to bring vehicle of education around antisemitism to N.J. comes to Trenton

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Rabbi Meyer May, standing outside the Statehouse in Trenton and next to the $1.2 million Mobile Museum of Tolerance, a traveling exhibit that the teachings of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles on the road, couldn’t rattle of the numbers fast enough.

Consider:

  • The center already has ten of these mobile museums going across the country and is looking to get Legislatures to fund 40 more (hence the stop in Trenton);
  • The mobile museums have an hour-long program that can educate up to 30 students at once;
  • The mobile museums have proved to be so popular that one (based in Illinois) already has a waiting list that goes into 2027;
  • And, perhaps the most impressive, the mobile museums are meant to serve the non-Jewish community – and do so in great numbers.

“The Simon Wiesenthal Cener, now in its 47th year, has had more than 8 million visitors since it opened, including 3 million kids in school groups,” he started. “Remarkably, 93% of them are children of color, and 98% total are not Jewish kids.

“We are the largest diversity training program the United States. We’ve trained more than 180,000 frontline criminal justice professionals and almost 90,000 frontline educators in California on the Holocaust and related subjects.”

Rabbi Meyer May

Meyer, however, knows it’s not enough.

“While we do things to great scale, we realize that not everybody can get to a big museum,” he said.

Therein lies the creation of the ten mobile museums, two of which are stationed in New York.

Meyer now spends much of his time traveling around the country, extolling the virtues of an education factory on wheels, trying to get more.

In Trenton, he was able to give Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and other legislatures are tour.

Meyer said they came away impressed. Of course, the true test will come during budget season. The mobile museum not only comes with an initial $1.2 million price tag – he said approximately the same amount of funding is needed for its annual operation.

Meyer said he knows budgets are tight, but he also knows that a wave of antisemitism in this country – unlike anything he has seen in his lifetime – is upon us.

“Oct. 7 unleashed the most illogical and metastasizing antisemitism that any American Jew has seen since the Holocaust,” he said. “And it’s so counterintuitive. Any fair-minded, objective person seemingly should think there’s no place in this world for murdering 12,000 people, including 300 kids, murdering grandmothers, raping women and mutilating them.”

The nonsensical acceptance of hate goes beyond the Jewish community, he said.

“We’re in a world where half the people are lauding what this kid did to the CEO United Healthcare,” he said. “How has that not been universally condemned? There are people who want to make movies about this barbarism.”

That’s why Meyer wants to teach acceptance – and about turning away from hate. He feels he can do it from these mobile museums.

“We can bring our teachings to the people,” he said.

Mobile Museum of Tolerance, a traveling exhibit that the teachings of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Doing it in New Jersey would have special meaning. Meyer moved to Lakewood when he was 10 and graduated high school from a Jewish Day School in the area. And while it has been years since he has lived here, Meyer said he still has extended family in the Garden State.

Now, it’s just a matter of raising funds.

Meyer said the Center will gladly take private donations to help fund the program. But he said he’s learned from experience that a steady budget line from the Legislature is the best way to ensure continuity.

“Hopefully, they’ll find the funding in the budget,” he said. “Antisemitism and hate are percolating. Everyone’s looking for a solution: How do we address it? How do we counteract it? How do we stem the tide?

“Our answer is education, through our Mobile Museum of Tolerance.”

Meyer has seen the impact the mobile museums can have – see how it extends beyond just the kids taking a tour.

“As we drive through the cities and along the highways of New Jersey, everybody’s going to say, ‘Wow, what’s that: How did I get that to my school?” he said.

It’s a first step. One that is so desperately needed.



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Jerry R. Dempsey – Star News Group

Don Lichterman
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Jerry R. Dempsey – Star News Group

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MLK Day In-Person Volunteer Opportunities

Don Lichterman
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MLK Day In-Person Volunteer Opportunities

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The 2025 MLK Day of Service offers a variety of ways for individuals, families and groups to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by giving back to their community.  The township of Cherry Hill will be working alongside various local organizations to make a greater impact locally. Below are different ways to participate and serve.  Please note, all volunteer opportunities must be registered for in advance.

Volunteer Opportunities at Croft Farm on 1/20:

Croft Farm is located at 100 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill 08034

  • Trail Maintenance/Clean-Up (Led by Cherry Hill Environmental Board)
    Age requirements: 14+
    Maximum Volunteers: 40
  • Greeting Cards for Troops Overseas (Led by Healing Heart for a Hero’s Heart)
    Age Requirement: Grades 1 & up (School age children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
    Maximum Volunteers: 10-15 volunteers
  • Donation Receiving/Sorting (Led by Cherry Hill Township)
    Age Requirement: Grades 6 & up (School age children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
    Maximum Volunteers: 10-15 volunteers
  • Origami Kit Assembly (Led by Paper Playground Inc.)
    Age Requirement: Grades 6 & up (School age children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
    Maximum Volunteers: 10-15 volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities offsite:

  • JFCS Food Pantry (Cherry Hill): 10-15 volunteers to sort, shelve & make bags of food with donations
    January 20, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Pantry, 6 E Miami Ave., Cherry Hill 08034
  • BookSmiles (Pennsauken): 15-20 volunteers to sort books on 1/20
    January 20, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at BookSmiles, 7300 North Crescent Blvd., #10, Pennsauken 08110
  • Camden County Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center (Blackwood): 10-15 volunteers for service project
    January 20, 2025 from TBD     at Homeward Bound, 125 County House Rd., Blackwood 08012
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Pennsauken): 15 volunteers to unload donation trucks, organize furniture, rugs & other donations on sales floor, assembling furniture & more 
    January 20, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at ReStore, 7937 S. Crescent Blvd., Pennsauken 08109
  • The WOW Center (Merchantville): volunteers (# TBD) to sort, organize, clean their center
    January 22, 2025 from TBD at WOW Center, 44 W. Chestnut Ave., Merchantville 08109

Registration is required for all volunteer opportunities. Please click the button below to register. Once registered, you may be contacted to complete additional registration forms with the hosting organization.

Register Here

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The start of a proud new TCNJ tradition

Don Lichterman
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The start of a proud new TCNJ tradition

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student wearing a red coat touches a bronze lion statue with her pointer finger

Members of the campus community started a new tradition in advance of finals week this semester, and it involves getting up close and personal with a lion — our bronze lion, to be exact.

On the last day of classes this semester, students gathered around the bronze lion for hot cocoa, lion-shaped cookies, and a little bit of good luck in the form of a “boop” as they lined up for a little rub of the lion’s nose. 

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Officially known as the William M. McLagan ’87 Lion, the 3,000-pound bronze sculpture arrived on campus in 2017 and proudly surveys campus from its den next to the Brower Student Center.

This generous gift quickly became a cherished part of the campus community, and now, rubbing its nose symbolizes receiving the luck and spirit of generations of TSC/TCNJ community members. This new tradition connects current Lions to Lions of years past, along with the college’s vibrant history. 

“Starting a new tradition on a college campus, like rubbing the lion’s nose, creates a shared sense of connection and pride, linking current students to the spirit and history of those who came before them,” says Kelly Hennessy, associate vice president for student development at the college. 

Some good times to rub Roscoe’s nose include: 

  • before a big test or final exam
  • in advance of a presentation
  • as you sit down to start writing a paper
  • on your way to a big game
  • before a program/event
  • before a first date
  • on commencement day 

… and any time you could use a little luck on your side! 

“Traditions like this become lasting symbols of community and inspiration, carrying the heart of the campus with students long after they graduate,” says Hennessy.

tcnj students crowd the bronze lion statue and touch its nose for good luck

AnnMarie Ekladious, a junior political science major and student representative to the Board of Trustees, hopes for luck on her finals and to ingrain this tradition into the campus culture as soon as new Lions begin their TCNJ journey.   

“It’d be awesome to make it part of the convocation experience, like rubbing Roscoe’s nose to start the semester on a positive note. Then, at the end of each year, students could do it again to celebrate getting through and starting fresh,” Ekladious says. 

Rest assured, the good vibes aren’t limited to current students — alumni are encouraged to give the nose a rub whenever they return to their alma mater, too.

“It is my hope that this lion statue will continue to promote school spirit in the student body and encourage alumni to become more engaged with the college,” McLagan said in 2017.

— Emily W. Dodd ’03

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NJEDA OKs Netflix’s Mega Fort Monmouth Project for Aspire Tax Credits

Don Lichterman
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NJEDA OKs Netflix’s Mega Fort Monmouth Project for Aspire Tax Credits

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film

Rendering of Netflix’s East Coast production facility on the former Fort Monmouth campus.

Economic Development

On Dec 19, 2024

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has approved up to $387 million in Aspire tax credits for the Netflix Studio at Fort Monmouth. The studio will serve as Netflix’s flagship production location on the East Coast, which will redevelop the vacant Fort Monmouth campus and bring new jobs to the area.

“With Netflix leading the way, the creation of new, world-class studios has solidified New Jersey’s standing as a national leader in film and television production,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “The approval made by the NJEDA Board today will help create thousands of good-paying jobs, support small businesses and vendors, and stimulate the regional economy.”

Netflix Studio is considered a transformative project under the Aspire Program and was approved for an award not to exceed $387 million. The studio campus will be over one million square feet and sit on a 292-acre parcel at Fort Monmouth. The state-of-the-art production studio campus will include 12 soundstages, backlot areas, an office building, and other production support facilities. Netflix plans to open the full facility in 2028.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the film industry is growing in New Jersey, exemplified by Netflix’s commitment to build a major, world-class studio at Fort Monmouth,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Aspire Program will ensure the continued development of this transformative project, which will bring good-paying union construction and permanent jobs. The Netflix Studio will prove to be an economic gamechanger for the residents and small businesses of Monmouth County.”

Earlier this year, the NJEDA Board designated Netflix as a Studio Partner, allowing the media company to access expanded benefits under the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program. Under the designation agreement, Netflix commits to occupy a New Jersey film production facility for at least 10 years and is potentially eligible for a 40% base tax credit for qualified production expenses on future New Jersey film projects.

“We are grateful to receive support from Gov. Murphy, the local officials in Oceanport and Eatontown, and the NJEDA to help build Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “This new studio will catalyze job creation and economic growth, contributing to a vibrant production ecosystem in New Jersey.”

“The film industry is thriving across New Jersey, and Netflix’s commitment to building a first-rate studio in Monmouth County highlights our state’s growing prominence in this field,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “This project will prove to have a significant impact on our local economy by helping to create jobs, support small businesses, and revitalize communities. I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Murphy and the NJEDA in fostering this growth and look forward to working with Netflix, as well as our local and state partners to help continue the development of this major studio.”

“I’m excited to see the amazing progress of the Netflix Fort Monmouth project over the last few weeks,” said Senator Declan O’Scanlon. “The Oceanport & Eatontown Planning Board approvals, followed by today’s award of Aspire tax credits, clears the path for this regionally transformative project to move forward. Local land use and State tax policy, impact business decisions and I’m thrilled to see all pulling in the same direction.”

This is the second production studio approved for Aspire tax credits this year. In June, the NJEDA Board approved 1888 Studios for tax credits under the Aspire Program. The studio, developed by Togus Urban Renewal, will be the largest and first campus-style film and television studio facility in the Northeast, and will occupy 58 acres of land just minutes from New York City.

Aspire is a place-based economic development program created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA) to support mixed-use, transit-oriented development with tax credits to commercial and residential real estate development projects that have financing gaps. As a performance-based program, projects must certify that all commitments established at time of approval have been met before receiving their first disbursement of tax credits.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles:

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Behavioral Health | Burlington County, NJ

Don Lichterman
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Behavioral Health | Burlington County, NJ

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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

On July 16, 2022, 988 will become the nationwide 3-digit dialing code for crisis and suicide prevention. It will replace the 1-800 number currently used by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. On this date, when someone calls 988 all phones in the U.S. (mobile and landline) will connect with the crisis/suicide prevention system. This will allow anyone in the U.S. to call 988 and get help designed specifically for someone dealing with a mental health crisis.

988 Adult Warning Signs – English (PDF)

988 Adult Warning Signs – Spanish (PDF)

988 Youth Warning Signs – English (PDF)

988 Youth Warning Signs – Spanish (PDF)

988 Poster – English (PDF)

988 Poster – Spanish (PDF)

988 Implementation (PDF)

9-8-8 Planning and Implementation – Valerie Mielke NJ DHS – You Tube

What happens when you call, chat or text:

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/988-what-happens-call-square.mp4

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/988-what-happens-text-square.mp4

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/988-what-happens-chat-square.mp4

September 2022 overview of 988 in NJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iySDD_oa2i8 

General information on 988 in NJ on DMHAS website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/initiatives/988/

SAMHSA FAQ page: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/faqs

988 Lifeline Video: https:///www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/988-impact.mp4

988

          Each HSAC completed a county-specific needs assessment report that discussed findings related to six basic need areas and seven specialized need areas in their individual counties. These reports discuss the scope and nature of each need area, as well as local considerations, i.e. resources and timeframes for addressing, for priority needs areas.

Recovery Resource Center – Westampton Location

Community Peer Recovery Center – City of Burlington Location

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Support the mission of the League & local government in New Jersey

Don Lichterman
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Support the mission of the League & local government in New Jersey

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Working Together

The Executive Board of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM) has established three levels of recognition for our corporate friends.

In appreciation of your annual support, each level offers distinct recognition for your company so New Jersey Municipal officials can identify your company as a League Supporter.

3 Levels of Recognition for Our Corporate Friends

Basic – Corporate Level

The Corporate Level is our basic level of support. This $1,500 level comes with basic benefits.

As a Corporate Level Supporter your company will receive:

  • 1 annual subscription to NJLM’s magazine NJ Municipalities
  • 1 copy of the annual Municipal Directory, a handy desktop reference guide
  • 1 subscription to the Legislative Bulletin, a periodic bulletin to help you keep pace with the League’s legislative agenda
  • Certificate of Recognition

High – Gold Dome Level

The Gold Dome Level is a high level of support. This $4,000 level comes with high level benefits.  

As a Gold Dome Level Supporter your company will receive all of the benefits listed above plus:

  • 1 registration to all NJLM half-day educational seminars
  • 1 registration to NJLM’s Annual Conference in Atlantic City
  • 1 ticket to the Delegates Luncheon, held during NJLM Annual Conference week
  • Your company’s name listed in each issue of NJ Municipalities magazine
  • Your company’s name listed on the NJLM website

Platinum Supporter logoPremiere – Platinum Level

The Platinum Level is our highest and most prestigious level of support. This $5,000 level comes with premiere benefits.

As a Platinum Level Supporter your company will receive all of the benefits listed for the Corporate and Gold Dome levels plus: 

  • First access to limited high-profile sponsorship opportunities
  • Your company’s name and logo listed in each issue of NJ Municipalities magazine
  • Your company’s name listed on the NJLM website and a link to your website will be included
  • Exclusive use of a Platinum Supporter logo to identify your high level of support

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Xian Zhang to conduct Holst’s ‘The Planets’ with New Jersey Symphony in New Brunswick, Newark, and Morristown

Don Lichterman
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Xian Zhang to conduct Holst’s ‘The Planets’ with New Jersey Symphony in New Brunswick, Newark, and Morristown

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Xian Zhang to conduct Holst’s ‘The Planets’ with New Jersey Symphony in New Brunswick, Newark, and Morristown




New Jersey Stage logo

New Jersey Stage Menu

originally published: 12/19/2024

New Jersey Symphony Music Director Xian Zhang, photo by Cherylynn Tsushima

(NEWARK, NJ) — New Jersey Symphony presents Holst’s The Planets—An HD Odyssey with Music Director Xian Zhang conducting. Four performances will take place from January 30 through February 2, 2025 in New Brunswick, Newark, and Morristown.

Opening the program is Caroline Shaw’s The Observatory originally premiered by Xian Zhang with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 2013, Shaw became the youngest composer to receive the Pulitzer Prize in music. Also in the first half is Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, which draws inspiration from George Meredith’s 1881 poem of the same name. The piece was originally composed for violin and piano in 1914 and was later reworked for violin and orchestra.

The second half of the program is devoted to Gustav Holst’s The Planets—An HD Odyssey, a spectacular presentation of Holst’s cosmic masterpiece accompanied by breathtaking images of modern space exploration that showcase our solar system in a film by Duncan Copp, in cooperation with NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratories.

Nancy Zhou is set to appear in Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Holst’s Planets will also feature Montclair State University Prima Voce, under the leadership of director Heather J. Buchanan.

On Friday, January 31 at 6:30pm, the Symphony will host a Next Gen cocktail hour at Newark Local Beer prior to the performance. The Next Gen program is a free membership program for young music enthusiasts between the ages of 21 and 40. More information on the Next Gen program: njsymphony.org/nextgen.

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A Classical Conversation will take place on Saturday, February 1 at 7:00pm at NJPAC in Newark and Sunday, February 2 at 2:00pm at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, prior to each performance. Concertgoers will be able to learn more about the music performed from Symphony musicians, guest artists and other engaging insiders.

Holst’s The Planets—An HD Odyssey

New Jersey Symphony Classical

Xian Zhang conductor

Nancy Zhou violin

Montclair State University Prima Voce | Heather J. Buchanan, director

New Jersey Symphony

New Brunswick → Thursday, January 30 at 7:30pm, State Theatre New Jersey

Newark → Friday, January 31 at 8:00pm, NJPAC

Newark → Saturday, February 1 at 8:00pm, NJPAC

Morristown → Sunday, February 2 at 3:00pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center

 

Caroline Shaw The Observatory

Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending

Gustav Holst The Planets—An HD Odyssey

More information on concerts and tickets: njsymphony.org/events.

2024–25 marks the GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning conductor Xian Zhang’s ninth season as music director of the New Jersey Symphony. Starting in 2025–26, Zhang will also hold the role of music director at Seattle Symphony. Zhang holds the position of conductor emeritus of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, having previously held the position of music director between 2009–2016.

The 2024–25 season sees Zhang return to the Metropolitan Opera in New York to conduct David McVicar’s acclaimed production of Puccini’s Tosca.

Zhang is in high demand as a guest conductor, appearing regularly with Philadelphia Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic, returning to both in 2024–25. Her recording with Philadelphia Orchestra and Time for Three, Letters for The Future (released 2022 on Deutsche Grammophon), won multiple GRAMMY Awards in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition (Kevin Puts’ Contact) and Best Classical Instrumental Solo categories.

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Following a successful collaboration at Tanglewood Festival 2023, Zhang returns to Boston Symphony Orchestra this season. She remains a favored guest of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and recently stepped in for their Brahms Requiem concert at Carnegie Hall. Other 2024–25 highlights include Montreal Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra, Belgian National Orchestra and Milan Symphony Orchestra.

Zhang continues to enjoy good relationships with many leading orchestras worldwide, including London Symphony Orchestra, Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo, Houston Symphony, St Louis Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra DC and Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse.

Zhang previously served as principal guest conductor of the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC orchestra and principal guest conductor of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In 2002, she won first prize in the Maazel-Vilar Conductor’s Competition. She was appointed New York Philharmonic’s assistant conductor in 2002, subsequently becoming their associate conductor and the first holder of the Arturo Toscanini Chair. 

Lauded as one of today’s probing musical voices, Nancy Zhou harbors a robust presence that seeks to invigorate appreciation for the art and science of the violin. Her thoughtful musicianship resonates with a global audience in such a way that brings her on stage with leading orchestras and performing artists around the world.

Zhou has collaborated with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Würzburg Philharmonic, Finnish Radio Symphony; Shanghai and China National Symphonies and Hong Kong Philharmonic; San Diego and Kansas City Symphonies, among others. Alongside projects as a soloist, she harbors keen interest in chamber music and music education. She has performed for the Tanglewood, Verbier, Ravinia Festivals and devotes time to a studio as well, teaching students across the globe and presenting masterclasses on fundamental training and cultivating mindful awareness critical to performance.

In recent seasons, Zhou has often championed works outside the traditional oeuvre. In collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony and conductor Xian Zhang, she presented Zhao Jiping’s first violin concerto at Alice Tully Hall. Zhou gave the premiere of Unsuk Chin’s Gran Cadenza for two violins with Anne-Sophie Mutter across the US. Zhou toured China performing concertos in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hohhot and Kunming. She performed Chen Qigang’s La joie de la souffrance with the Rogue Valley Symphony and commissioned a work by Canadian composer Vivian Fung for violin and electronics, exploring the intersection of various art forms and, indeed, music and culture. Zhou recorded her debut album for Orchid Classics featuring solo violin repertoire including Bartók’s Sonata for Solo Violin. The record will be released in June 2025.

American-born, Zhou commenced violin studies with her father, later studying with Miriam Fried at the New England Conservatory while simultaneously pursuing her interest in literature at Harvard University. She is additionally an Associated Artist at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel.

Under the direction of Australian-born conductor Heather J. Buchanan since September 2003, the Montclair State University choral program has been recognized for successful collaborations with world-renowned artists and celebrated professional musicians in national and international venues. Montclair choirs appear regularly with the New Jersey Symphony and have won critical acclaim for their “heartfelt conviction,” “vibrant sound,” being a “marvel of diction, tuning and rhythm,” “eloquence” and for singing with the “crispness and dexterity of a professional choir.” Prima Voce is an extracurricular SSAA project choir with membership drawn from University Singers, Chorale and alumnae. Their previous New Jersey Symphony collaborations include Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 and Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Pianist Steven W. Ryan is the Montclair choral accompanist.

New Jersey Symphony is a GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning orchestra. Under the direction of the Music Director Xian Zhang, the Symphony performs more than 60 concerts at mainstage venues across the state, including Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Red Bank and Morristown as well as schools and public spaces statewide. Programming at the Symphony reflects an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while providing students across the state unparalleled opportunities to achieve musical excellence through its Youth Orchestra and other outreach programs. In 2024, the Symphony announced it would continue to deliver its statewide activities from a new, permanent office, rehearsal and concert space in Jersey City, set to open in 2026.


Narrow results by date, categories, or region of New Jersey.

Jazz

Jazz Ensemble

Thursday, December 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage – Enlow Recital Hall
215 North Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205
category: music

View event page for full information

OCVTS

OCVTS GPAA Winter 2024 Showcases: Acting Showcase

Thursday, December 19, 2024 @ 6:00pm
Grunin Center
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: music

View event page for full information

A

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland

Thursday, December 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music

View event page for full information

Mark

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra

Thursday, December 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music

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A Taste of Ireland presents “A Celtic Christmas” at bergenPAC on Thursday


(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) — Direct from its Off-Broadway season, A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, A Celtic Christmas at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 7:30pm. Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.


 

Outpost

Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock


(MONTCLAIR, NJ) — Outpost in the Burbs presents Robyn Hitchcock on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at First Congregational Church of Montclair. Imogen Clark will open the night. Doors are at 7:30pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

Jesse

Jesse Malin to Perform A Featured Set at Light of Day WinterFest 2025


2024-12-05 to 2025-01-25

State

State Theatre New Jersey presents Salute to Vienna


2024-12-06 to 2024-12-31

Celebrate

Celebrate the Holiday Season with New Jersey Festival Orchestra!


2024-12-08 to 2025-01-01



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NJ CAR President Laura Perrotta Responds to Governor Murphy’s EV Milestone Announcement

Don Lichterman
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NJ CAR President Laura Perrotta Responds to Governor Murphy’s EV Milestone Announcement

In response to Governor Murphy’s press release announcing that New Jersey has hit the milestone of 200,000 total electric vehicle (EV) registrations, Laura Perrotta, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), issued the following statement:

“Reaching 200,000 total EV registrations is certainly a positive step forward for New Jersey, but we must acknowledge that there is still a long road ahead to meet Governor Murphy’s ambitious goal of 330,000 EV sales by 2025. New Jersey’s car dealers are committed to providing consumers with the vehicles they want to buy, but the reality is that consumers are not yet ready to purchase EVs at the levels mandated by the state.

The state’s EV market is governed by the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Advanced Clean Car II (ACCII) Rule, which required New Jersey’s new car dealers to sell over 100,000 EVs last year. Unfortunately, consumers purchased less than half of that amount. The ACCII mandates dictate that EVs must account for 23% of all vehicle sales in New Jersey this year, but through the third quarter of 2024, EVs accounted for just 11.2% of all vehicle sales—less than half of the mandate.

To put it into perspective, nearly 342,000 total vehicles were sold in New Jersey through September, including approximately 38,000 EVs. However, if New Jersey were meeting the ACCII mandate, that number should be closer to 79,000 EVs, leaving a shortfall of 41,000 vehicles.

In light of these realities, failing to recognize the marketplace challenges while cutting EV incentives, eliminating the EV sales tax exemption, and imposing an additional $1,060 EV registration fee on every purchase will only make it harder for the state to meet its EV sales goals.

Addressing the affordability of EVs and protecting consumer choice are crucial to the success of New Jersey’s transition to a cleaner, greener transportation future. To truly succeed in this effort, we need policies that support both dealers and consumers, ensuring that the adoption of EVs continues at a sustainable pace.”

The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), founded in 1918, the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) is a non-profit organization that represents approximately 520 franchised car and truck retailers throughout New Jersey. The organization supports a nearly $43 billion industry and promotes the principles of commercial honor and integrity in the sale and service of motor vehicles. NJ CAR plays a critical role in keeping its members informed on a variety of business matters, trends, and legislation, ensuring they stay compliant with regulations and helping them navigate the evolving automotive landscape.

New Jersey Devils’ Curtis Lazar Returns to the Lineup – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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New Jersey Devils’ Curtis Lazar Returns to the Lineup – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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Curtis Lazar will return to the New Jersey Devils’ lineup for Tuesday night’s game (Dec. 17) against the St. Louis Blues. He suffered a knee injury that required surgery at the beginning of the season.

At the end of October, the team announced that Lazar would be out indefinitely. Updates on his condition have been few and far between, but yesterday, the team revised his status to day-to-day. When asked about his injury, the 29-year-old said he was happy with the progression of his recovery. After missing 21 games, he will be back in action tonight.

In the 12 games Lazar has played this season, he recorded one goal and one assist. He will center the fourth line and replace Justin Dowling, who was called up from the American Hockey League’s Utica Comets to take Lazar’s place.

Curtis Lazar New Jersey Devils
Curtis Lazar, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

During the 2023-24 season, Lazar put up a career-high 25 points and finished the season with a plus-10 rating. He is known for his gritty play style, versatility, and exceptional penalty-killing abilities. Lazar is also well-versed in physicality, embodying the tougher style of play the Devils have embraced this season.

The Devils acquired Lazar from the Vancouver Canucks in March of 2023 in exchange for a fourth-round 2024 draft pick. Since then, he has become an important fourth-line veteran presence and a solid bottom-six forward for the Devils. Lazar is in the final year of his contract with New Jersey and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

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Celebrating a leader among Lions

Don Lichterman
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Celebrating a leader among Lions

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John P. Donohue
John P. Donohue

At over 80,000 alumni strong and a #1 ranking on the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2025 list, TCNJ/TSC alums have a lot to crow about, and the college’s long history of success has undoubtedly resulted from the cumulative efforts of many innovative leaders.

However, one in particular has left indelible marks on our college community in recent years. That leader is John P. Donohue, vice president for college advancement, who will retire from TCNJ at the end of this month.

For the past 12 years, Donohue has overseen alumni relations, communications, marketing, and government and community relations functions, among others. He has also served as executive director of the TCNJ Foundation.

Some of his most notable milestones include: 

  • The Campaign for TCNJ, the college’s first comprehensive campaign, which raised $47.6 million for capital improvements, scholarships, and more. 
  • An updated graphic identity for the college, reflecting its longstanding excellence and incorporating elements symbolic of the institution’s evolution. 
  • Numerous improvements to campus, funded through philanthropy, including TSC Park and the athletics Hall of Champions in Packer Hall.  
  • Co-chairing the Advisory Commission on Social Justice, which led to Paul Loser Hall being renamed Trenton Hall.

During his tenure, the college’s endowment grew by 233%, which has, in turn, had a huge impact on the college and its students. Over the past decade, TCNJ’s fundraising efforts — through generous donors like many of the college’s alumni — have provided $58 million in support to the college. In 2024 alone, 731 scholarships were awarded to deserving students.

Donohue’s passion for the college’s continued success is exemplified through his establishment of The Donohue Family Endowment Fund, which supports the ongoing enhancement of the campus. 

“John’s contributions to the college are significant and many, and no doubt go beyond dollars raised,” TCNJ President Michael Bernstein said. “They will endure always in the contributions TCNJ graduates will make in the communities they serve — contributions made possible by John’s determination to sustain and strengthen our college.”

 

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A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest Cast & Crew

Don Lichterman
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A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest Cast & Crew

Adapted and Directed by Noelle Marion
The Marion Huber Theater
JAN 24 – FEB 1, 2025

The magic of Shakespeare’s The Tempest is set to captivate a new generation in A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest, returning for its 12th year as part of Two River Theater’s celebrated education program. Directed and adapted by Noelle Marion, this abridged production invites audiences to embark on an enchanting voyage to an island where magic, love, and forgiveness reign supreme. With high school students performing, supporting backstage, and collaborating with theater professionals, this performance brings Shakespeare’s timeless tale to life with energy, passion, and youthful creativity.

The Story

The Tempest tells the story of Prospero, a powerful magician who has been exiled to a remote island with his daughter, Miranda. Using his magical abilities, Prospero conjures a storm that brings his estranged brother, Antonio, and the royal party to the island. Amid the enchantments and conflicts, themes of revenge, love, and reconciliation unfold, revealing the transformative power of forgiveness and the enduring strength of human connection.

In this specially adapted version, the story is distilled to its most essential and captivating elements, making it an accessible and dynamic introduction to Shakespeare’s work. With its supernatural elements, delightful characters, and ultimately redemptive message, The Tempest provides a powerful experience for both new and seasoned theatergoers.

The Cast

This year’s A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest boasts a talented ensemble of high school students, bringing fresh interpretations to beloved characters.

  • Evalise Abreu as Miranda
  • Caitlin Cardillo as Ariel
  • Anthony Cea as Sebastian/Dancer
  • Katelen Estrada as Trincula/Dancer
  • Zelda Golland as Iris/Dancer
  • Evelynn Knox as Gonzala/Juno
  • Layla Kuya as Antonia/Ceres
  • Anthony Liamero as Ferdinand
  • Eli McDaniel as Caliban/Boatswain/Dancer
  • Gianna Martinez as Prospera
  • Bella Migueis as Stephana/Dancer
  • Abraham Moratti as Alonso

The ensemble is complemented by a talented group of dancers, adding vibrancy and fluidity to the performance. Each actor and dancer plays a vital role in crafting the magical, transformative world of the island.

The Creatives

Behind the scenes, a team of skilled designers and theater professionals works tirelessly to bring The Tempest to life.

  • Playwright: William Shakespeare
  • Adaptor and Director: Noelle Marion
  • Associate Director: Bailey Dumlao
  • Stage Manager: Megan Smith
  • Costume Designer: Somie Pak
  • Scenic Designer: Teresa L. Williams
  • Sound Designer: Carsen Joenk
  • Lighting Designer: Samantha Weiser
  • Choreographer: Michael Dikegoros
  • Directing Assistant: Easy Jack Portman
  • Assistant Stage Managers: Maximilian Oster & Aileen Espino
  • Costume Assistant: Nikolette Bailey
  • Sound Assistant: Maya Emara
  • Lighting Assistant: Summer Hipper

The collaborative efforts of this team ensure a visually stunning and immersive experience, with thoughtfully designed costumes, striking lighting, and a richly atmospheric soundscape that transport the audience into the heart of the island’s magical world.

About the Program

A Little Shakespeare is a unique program that not only brings the works of Shakespeare to life but also provides high school students with the opportunity to work alongside professional theater artists. From acting and stage management to costume and sound design, students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of theater production. This program is a powerful example of how theater can inspire and empower young people while introducing audiences to the magic of Shakespeare in a fresh and engaging way.

Tickets & Dates

Mark your calendars! Performances of A Little Shakespeare: The Tempest will run from JAN 24 – FEB 1, 2025 at the Marion Huber Theater. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, reimagined by a talented group of high school students and theater professionals.

Get your tickets now and prepare to be transported to a world where the only thing stronger than magic is the power of love and forgiveness.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Film at Garwood’s Crossroads Music Spot & New Jersey Locations in A Complete Unknown Film

Don Lichterman
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Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Film at Garwood’s Crossroads Music Spot & New Jersey Locations in A Complete Unknown Film

Garwood, New Jersey, recently hosted a major film production at its local hotspot, Crossroads, a popular restaurant, bar, and music venue. The filming was for Song Sung Blue, a movie about a Neil Diamond cover band. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, two Hollywood A-listers, were in town to star in the film, which is inspired by a documentary focusing on tribute bands that perform Diamond’s iconic songs.

According to Garwood Mayor Jen Blumenstock, most of the movie’s scenes were filmed at Crossroads, adding an exciting touch to the local community. “Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson were in town filming a new movie, Song Sung Blue, based on a documentary about a Neil Diamond cover band,” she shared on her Facebook page. The filming also involved trailers stationed at the nearby Westwood, further amplifying the buzz around this exciting production in Garwood.

Garwood Police Chief Douglas Stoffer praised the professionalism of the production crew, sharing his positive experience with TAPinto Westfield. “The production team was a pleasure to work with,” he said. After two days of filming at Crossroads, the project wrapped up, with the police department expressing their gratitude for the smooth cooperation. Notably, Police Officer Eriksen had the opportunity to meet Hugh Jackman, who made a quick visit to say hello to the local officer before leaving the set. “Thanks for stopping by, Hugh!” the Garwood Police Department posted on Facebook.

This filming is just one of several recent productions in the region, showcasing New Jersey’s growing prominence in the film industry. In nearby Westfield, The Beast in Me, starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, was filmed at Tamaques Park last month, while Cranford has also hosted numerous projects, including Mother’s Instinct with Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, and Dumb Money featuring Pete Davidson and Shailene Woodley.

Garwood, too, has become a key location for filmmakers, with Mayor Blumenstock noting that the town has big plans for the future. “NJ has become a huge player in the film industry,” she said, promising exciting developments to come. For now, locals and fans of the stars can reflect on the thrill of having such a high-profile production in their backyard.

New Jersey Locations in A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan Film Starring Timothée Chalamet

The upcoming film A Complete Unknown, which tells the story of Bob Dylan’s early rise to fame, is as much a tribute to New Jersey as it is to the music icon himself. Filmed across 20 towns and cities in New Jersey, the movie—starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan—brings to life the 1960s New York City and Newport, Rhode Island scenes, with the Garden State serving as a perfect backdrop to portray these iconic moments. Directed by James Mangold, the production transformed local diners, streets, and venues into key spots from Dylan’s early days, showcasing the state’s rich cultural history.

Filming took place from March to June, with the production team bringing to life some of the most important moments in the young musician’s career. New Jersey was essential in recreating the essence of the 1960s music scene. Here’s a breakdown of the notable Jersey spots you might catch in the film:

Hudson County

  • Pulaski Skyway and Route 139, Jersey City: Featured in a driving scene with Bob Dylan’s station wagon in 1961.
  • William J. Brennan Courthouse, Jersey City: Served as a federal courtroom in 1961.
  • Snapdragon Coffee & Social, Jersey City: Represented a Village coffee house in 1962.
  • Miss America Diner & White Mana Diner, Jersey City: Filming locations for a 1962 diner scene.
  • Efe’s Grill, Jersey City: Used to recreate the Kettle of Fish bar in 1965.

Hoboken

  • S&L Dental: Gerde’s Folk City in 1961, a key folk music venue.
  • Moran’s Pub, Hoboken: Transformed into McCann’s Bar and Restaurant for scenes from 1965.
  • 1130 Bloomfield St., Hoboken: Chalamet’s character’s apartment, which represents Bob Dylan’s early living quarters.

Passaic County

  • Main Street, Paterson: Recreated Riverside Church, 1962.
  • Uceda Institute, Paterson: Served as a movie theater for 1962 scenes.

Essex County

  • Newark Symphony Hall: This venue stood in for a 1963 San Francisco concert.
  • 1180 Raymond Blvd., Newark: Used to depict Columbia Records in 1961 and 1965.

Union County

  • Echo Lake Park, Mountainside: This beautiful park stood in for the Monterey Folk Festival in 1963 and the March on Washington that same year.
  • Ritz Theatre, Elizabeth: Filming location for Carnegie Hall and Town Hall scenes from 1963.

Warren County

  • 952 Old School House Road, Blairstown: Used to depict Pete Seeger’s house in 1961-1962.

Cape May County

  • Perry Street and Beach Avenue, Cape May: Recreated Newport, Rhode Island streets from 1965, as well as scenes for the Viking Hotel and Providence Ferry Terminal.

With its vivid portrayal of a young Bob Dylan’s rise to stardom, A Complete Unknown not only highlights the musician’s journey but also showcases New Jersey’s integral role in that story. From Jersey City to Cape May, New Jersey’s diverse locations served as a rich, atmospheric canvas for the film, bringing the 1960s music scene to life while shining a light on the state’s unique contribution to the cultural movement.

Why Are Unauthorized Drones in NJ Airspace?

Don Lichterman
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Why Are Unauthorized Drones in NJ Airspace?

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General Business

By George N. Saliba, Contributing Writer On Dec 11, 2024

Ongoing reports of drones – technically Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) – in New Jersey’s air space have concerned authorities and residents alike, with UAS seen near and/or over electric transmission lines, water reservoirs, the Hunterdon County 911 Center, President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course, and Picatinny Arsenal, a key military research and manufacturing facility located in Morris County. The US military has confirmed 11 sightings of unauthorized UAS over Picatinny Arsenal airspace since November 13, and the FBI’s Assistant Director of the Critical Incident Response Group, Robert Wheeler, Jr., told a US House of Representatives subcommittee that the FBI’s tip line had received more than 3,000 reports of UAS sightings throughout the Garden State in recent weeks.

While various government officials have repeatedly stated the UAS do not pose an imminent threat, officials such as Florham Park Police Chief Joseph J. Orlando said the UAS’ “presence appears nefarious in nature.” And while Gov. Phil Murphy said he does not see a public safety issue, he also stated the UAS are “very sophisticated,” adding, “The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark.”

When asked if the public’s safety is at risk, the FBI’s Wheeler offered a qualified response during his House December 10 subcommittee testimony: “There is nothing that is known that would lead me to say that, but we just don’t know, and that’s the concerning part.”

Later, when pressed again if there is a possibility of a threat, Wheeler testified, “Yes. I am cognizant – and we all are in the FBI, of what this threat can look like – anywhere across the spectrum of sophisticated state actors – adversaries – that want to hurt us, all the way through counterterrorism matters, cyber, WMD, criminal, all the way down to a nuisance drone that could cause harm. So, that’s the wide spectrum that concerns me every day. It concerns me that we don’t know the answer to your question yet.”

Unknown Origin and Cause

For now, the origin of New Jersey’s UAS are either not known or have not been disclosed, and there has been no reported nexus to other UAS reports in recent weeks: According to the US Air Force, beginning on November 20, “a number” of UAS were reported over US military assets operated at United Kingdom airbases RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford, prompting the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority to impose flight restrictions for surrounding airspace.

Overall, as of November 1, more than 600 UAS incursions have been reported over US military installations since 2022, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a United States and Canada bi-national organization tasked with aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America. This includes UAS incursions over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia earlier this year, of which Air Force General Mark Kelly told The Wall Street Journal, in part, that the UAS were approximately 20 feet in length.

While the US Intelligence Community’s (IC’s) most famous agency is the CIA, an additional 17 US intelligence agencies and organizations are spread across both the US Department of Defense and other agencies. Thus far, however, the FBI – alongside state and local authorities – is investigating the unauthorized UAS in New Jersey, and it is appealing to the public for more information via its aforementioned tips line.

Numerous reports indicate the UAS in New Jersey are between 12 and 25 feet in length, meaning they are reportedly not Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), which are usually compact and weigh less than 55 pounds. As of March 16, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires UAS to have Remote ID data, broadcasting – among other things – the drone ID, its location and altitude, and its control station location.

Counter-UAS Solutions

While it is a federal crime for civilians to shoot down UAS, when drones pose a threat, law enforcement and the military can leverage Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies to mitigate drones – including so-called “jamming” and, separately, essentially disorienting the UAS’ GPS system. Neither task is necessarily easy, and kinetic action such as firing projectiles can result in collateral damage including injuries/fatalities on the ground.

Of note, in February 2023, the US Department of Defense chose to not to shoot down a People’s Republic of China (PRC) high-altitude spy balloon over the continental United States, because, in part, it said that doing so could endanger civilians on the ground. DoD indicated the balloon was not a threat to people on the ground as long as it remained in the air; it was ultimately downed off the coast of South Carolina by an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile fired from a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor.

Calls for Action

Again, while there has not been identification regarding the UAS in New Jersey, on December 10, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, and FAA, “urging them to immediately provide more information on [the] current drone sightings to the public.” Gottheimer also introduced legislation to expand federal grants via the COPS Technology Grant and Equipment Program so that local law enforcement can obtain radar systems to track drones. Gottheimer additionally helped lead the introduction of the Drone Act, which would make it illegal to attach a weapon to a drone and provide prison sentences for those using drones to “interfere with emergency-response activity, law-enforcement activity, or military operations.”

Republican State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Jon Bramnick meanwhile urged Gov. Phil Murphy to declare a limited state of emergency and ban all drones throughout the state until the public is given an explanation regarding their presence.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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Troll Trek 2024 | Burlington County, NJ

Don Lichterman
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Troll Trek 2024 | Burlington County, NJ

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Burlington County has some new residents and they’re more than a bit troll-ish.

But don’t be alarmed, these trolls are quite friendly. Like their troll pal Big Rusty – Burlington County’s original troll inhabitant – they are here to enjoy the scenic parks, bustling downtowns and incredible outdoor destinations that make Burlington County such a wonderful place to live or visit.  They are also helping to spread a message about the importance of recycling, sustainability and the power of imagination.

The trolls are part of Burlington County Troll Trek, a new public art exhibition organized by the Burlington County Commissioners and the Burlington County Parks System. The exhibition was inspired by Big Rusty, the large troll created by world renowned artist Thomas Dambo at the site of Hainesport’s future Creek Turn Park. And like Big Rusty, each of the 18 new trolls are made largely from recycled and nattroll trek commissionersural materials. They can now be found in locations throughout the county.

Burlington County kicked off this whimsical exhibition Saturday evening during the Arts After Dark festival at Historic Smithville Park, where two of the new trolls were unveiled. A new map detailing the locations of all 18 trolls (including GPS coordinates) was also released during the ceremony. Additional copies will be distributed by the Burlington County Parks System at future parks events, and the map can also be found online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2076/Troll-Trek-2024 . 

“Troll Trek was created to honor and thank Thomas Dambo for selecting Burlington County as the home of one of his famous trolls,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “To do that, we decided to bring Big Rusty some troll friends. Now that they have arrived, we hope residents will visit each of them and marvel at the creativity of these artists. We also hope the trolls make people think more about protecting our natural environment and reimagine what we toss out as trash.” 

The new trolls were made by 16 artists and teams of artists selected from dozens of submissions made in response to a Burlington County Parks System prospectus. Each artist or team was awarded a $500 stipend to help cover the cost of materials and installation expenses.

The trolls, locations and their creators are: 

  • “Big Rusty”; future Creek Turn Park, off Route 38, Hainesport; Created by Thomas Dambo
  • “Gracie the Garden Troll”; Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton; Created by Norma and John Neimeister.
  • “Troll on a Stroll”; Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton; Created by KT Carney.
  • “Retlaw”; near 24 White Street, Mount Holly; Created by Julie Park and Adam Pietras.
  • “Bucket Head Bobby”; 61 Washington Street, Mount Holly; Created by Lowell Doerr.
  • “Weft”; Rancocas Valley Regional High School Annex, 1048 Smithville Road, Mount Holly; Created by Cassie Jones.
  • “Woody”; Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas-Mount Holly Road, Westampton; Created by Jason Brown.
  • “Pipsqueak”; Burlington County Amphitheater, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton; Created by Maya Sorhage.
  • “Melinda”; Country Village Playground, 130 Stonebrook Drive, Lumberton; Created by Jennifer Hildebrand.
  • “Flora”; Between 6 and 10 South Main Street, Medford; Created by Carmen and Eduardo Jimenez.
  • “Sally McScraps”; Elbo Park, 325 Elbo Lane, Mount Laurel; Created by Marc Tous, Fred Poinsett and Steven Thorpe.
  • “Noelle the Troll”; Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown; Created by Marc Tous, Fred Poinsett and Steven Thorpe.
  • “Hagatha”; 501 Burlington Avenue, Delanco; Created by Jason Miller.
  • “Visser”; River Road, Burlington; Created by Peter Bieling.
  • “The Art Troll”; 351 High Street, Burlington; Created by Michael Kane.
  • “Rily the Abilities Troll”; 351 High Street, Burlington; Created by Julie Deluccy.
  • “Edward”; 118 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown; Created by John Canon.
  • “Kevin”; Juliustown Park, 467 Main Street, Juliustown; Created by Meg and Miles Simon
  • “Tommy the Tetanus Troll”; Arney’s Mount Park, 150 Juliustown Road, Springfield; Created by Marc Tous, Fred Poinsett and Steven Thorpe.

The stipends and other costs related to the exhibition are funded by the Burlington County Commissioners and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts with support from the following co-sponsors: Mill RaceTroll Trek launch 1 Village, Main Street Mount Holly, Rancocas Valley High School Environmental Club, Rancocas Nature Center, Township of Lumberton, Delanco Environmental Advisory Board and Delanco Recreation Commission, Arts Guild New Jersey, Rising Sun Counseling Service, Bordentown City Environmental Commission and Springfield Township.

The troll locations were selected by the Burlington County Parks System and co-sponsors.

“We’re excited to welcome these new additions to our county and the attention they are generating for our parks, downtowns and communities,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “Each troll is unique and we look forward to seeing them all and having them inspire more people to create and take an interest in the arts.”

Visitors are encouraged to take “selfies” and other photos with the troll and post them on the Troll Trek Facebook event page @Troll Trek Launch @ Arts After Dark. Visitors are asked not to climb on the trolls and vandalism of any kind to either the trolls or their surroundings will not be tolerated.

The new trolls are expected to remain on display at their current locations through Dec. 31. 

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Pride Night at The Rock: Maple Leafs 2, Devils 1 (OT) | Game Highlights

Don Lichterman
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Pride Night at The Rock: Maple Leafs 2, Devils 1 (OT) | Game Highlights

It was a thrilling Pride Night at the Prudential Center as the New Jersey Devils hosted the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs for the third game of a five-game homestand. Despite dominating the game with a 38-14 shot advantage, the Devils were unable to secure the win, falling 2-1 in overtime. Toronto’s Anthony Stolarz, a New Jersey native, played a standout role in the victory, with his stellar goaltending thwarting the Devils’ efforts.

“I thought that was the best game we’ve played all season,” said Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe. “I’m leaving here feeling good about our team tonight. It was our best game of the season.”

The game’s opening period was controlled by New Jersey, with the Devils outshooting the Leafs 15-1. However, despite the dominance, the scoreboard remained blank heading into the second period. Ondrej Palat finally broke the deadlock, scoring a goal off a beautiful assist from Jesper Bratt midway through the second. This gave the Devils a 1-0 lead that would hold until the third.

In the third period, Toronto’s Pontus Holmberg tied the game with a shorthanded goal, and with the game still deadlocked in overtime, Auston Matthews sealed the win for the Maple Leafs with a breakaway goal, handing New Jersey its first loss this season when leading after two periods.

Timo Meier acknowledged the team’s performance, saying, “We got a point. We obviously want to come out with two points.”

Key Observations from the Game:

  • Ondrej Palat’s Contribution: Palat has been focusing more on creating opportunities for his linemates, Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes. His goal was a result of hard work and perfect timing, as Bratt drew attention from multiple Leafs defenders before feeding Palat for a well-executed shot. It was Palat’s first goal in 11 games.
  • Timo Meier’s Defensive Play: Meier made one of the best defensive plays of the season, stopping a 2-on-1 shorthanded breakaway by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Meier’s quick thinking and positioning helped prevent a scoring chance, showcasing his two-way game.
  • Nathan Bastian’s Return: After missing 16 games with a broken jaw, Nathan Bastian returned to the lineup wearing a full-face shield. His physical presence was immediately felt, as he threw a big hit in his first shift and created a scoring chance shortly thereafter. “I really liked his first period. He was a big part of our energy,” Keefe commented.
  • Devils’ Strong First Period: The Devils played one of their best first periods of the season, controlling the play and preventing Toronto from generating offensive chances. However, despite the dominant performance, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, leading to a 0-0 tie after the first.

What’s Next:

The Devils will look to bounce back on Thursday night when they continue their homestand, hosting the Los Angeles Kings at Prudential Center. The game begins at 7:08 p.m. ET, and you can catch the action on MSG or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.

Maple Leafs Steal 2-1 Win From Devils – The Hockey Writers – NHL News

Don Lichterman
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Maple Leafs Steal 2-1 Win From Devils – The Hockey Writers – NHL News

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The Toronto Maple Leafs waltzed into Prudential Center on Tuesday night to face the New Jersey Devils. It was a tale of two struggles, as the Maple Leafs were 4-5-2 on the road, but the Devils were 7-6-2 at home. Ultimately, the Maple Leafs were the ones who came out victorious with a 2-1 overtime win. Anthony Stolarz stopped 37 of 38 (.974 save percentage), as Devils’ head coach Sheldon Keefe called Toronto’s goaltending “the best in the league” postgame. The Maple Leafs improved to 17-9-2 with the victory; the Devils fell to 18-10-3.

The Devils came out flying in the first, outshooting the Maple Leafs 15-1 in the early going. It was a breath of fresh air for a Devils team that had started some previous games very slowly, but they had nothing to show for it regardless. Despite holding an opponent to a one-shot period for the second time in over 12 years, they didn’t score in the frame.

Ondrej Palat finally broke through, as he put one past Stolarz to give the Devils the lead. Both teams traded a couple chances as the second went on, but nothing major. At the horn, the Devils still had a massive shot advantage, 25-6.

Halfway through the third period, the Devils nearly scored on the power play after a wild scramble. The Maple Leafs cleared it, and Pontus Holmberg raced down the ice and swatted it toward Jacob Markstrom, who got fooled as it went five-hole. The score remained locked at one as the third-period buzzer sounded, despite the Devils (38) having over triple the shots (12).

The Devils had a few glorious chances to start the extra session but couldn’t find twine. Then, Auston Matthews came the other way and scored on a partial break. His teammates mobbed him after they had successfully stolen two points in New Jersey.

The Maple Leafs will be back in action at home on Thursday evening to take on the Anaheim Ducks. The Devils will also be back in action on Thursday when they host the Los Angeles Kings.

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Senator Andy Kim Sworn In, Announces Offices and Senior Staff Hires

Don Lichterman
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Senator Andy Kim Sworn In, Announces Offices and Senior Staff Hires

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Today, Senator Andy Kim formally assumed the oath of office to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate. Kim announced offices in Washington, DC and New Jersey, and the hiring of senior staff – including Sue Altman (pictured, below), who this year ran unsuccessfully for a CD-7 seat – to lead his office and ensure “New Jerseyans are effectively represented in the U.S. Senate.”

“I’m ready to get to work for the people of New Jersey,” said Kim. “I’ll fight everyday to restore the promise of a democracy that represents the people, not the well-off and well-connected, of safety and security at home and abroad, and an economy that ensures that everyone who works hard can prosper. Whether you voted for me or not, I work for you, and will always seek to serve our state with honesty and integrity.”

Senator Kim’s offices will be located in Jersey City and Barrington in New Jersey, and in Washington, D.C. Those office locations are:

Jersey City

210 Hudson Street
Harborside 3, Suite 1000
Jersey City, NJ 07311
(973) 645-3030

Barrington

208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18
Barrington, N.J. 08007
(856) 757-5353

Washington, D.C.

Dirksen Senate Office Building
SD-B-40-D (temporary)
(202) 225-4744

Senator Kim also announced the hiring of key senior staff that will work to deliver for the people of New Jersey. Those staff include:

CAPITOL HILL OFFICE

Amy Pfeiffer, Chief of Staff

Anthony DeAngelo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Communications & Planning

Kelly Boyer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration & Operations

Tom Carnes, Legislative Director and General Counsel

Altman.

 

NEW JERSEY OFFICES

Sue Altman, State Director

Laura Bustamante, Deputy State Director and North Jersey Regional Director

Kristen Foca, South Jersey Regional Director

Ben Giovine, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

Lynette Whiteman, Grants Director

Amanda Carte, Acting Constituent Services Director

 

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Orchard Street Cemetery Joins Interactive StoryMap – Morris County, NJ

Don Lichterman
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Orchard Street Cemetery Joins Interactive StoryMap – Morris County, NJ

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Published on November 01, 2024

“Celebrated Past” Compendium Project Has First Anniversary

At the entrance to the Orchard Street Cemetery, the Gatehouse is on the left. (l-r) Joe Barilla, Director of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, Keith Titus, Vice President of the Orchard Street Gatehouse Historical Association, Dover Mayor James Dodd, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Barbara Wood, Paul Wood, Gatehouse Historical Association Recording Secretary and Historian, and Commissioner Tayfun Selen. In honor of Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation acknowledged last year’s launch of an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap© of Morris County cemeteries with a trip to the Orchard Street Cemetery and Gatehouse in Dover.

The Orchard Street Cemetery Gatehouse, built around 1875, is the latest historical site to benefit from the $3.6 million in grants that were allocated from Morris County’s Preservation Trust Fund to help restore, preserve and further protect 21 historic sites in 16 towns across the county.

Watch the Orchard Street Cemetery Video

To learn more about the restoration work, the cemetery was toured recently by Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Shaw, Commissioner Tayfun Selen, Dover Mayor James Dodd, and Joseph Barilla, Director of the Office of Planning and Preservation. Leading the tour was former Dover Alderman R. Keith Titus, who is Vice President of the Orchard Street Gatehouse Historical Association, and Paul K. Wood, Gatehouse Historical Association Recording Secretary and Historian.

The Orchard Street Cemetery, like many other historic cemeteries in the state, has been targeted by senseless vandalism, with the latest incident occurring exactly three years ago from the day of the visit.  Several tombstones and large markers were toppled.

“As liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation, I’d like to highlight the support provided by the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund for cemetery restoration projects,” said Deputy Director Shaw, who also is liaison to the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “These include the John Hancock Cemetery in Florham Park, Old Union Cemetery in Washington Township, Whippany Burying Yard in Hanover Township, and now, the Orchard Street Cemetery Gatehouse.”

View Photos from the Orchard Street Cemetery Tour

Founded in 1850 and certified by the New Jersey State Historical Preservation office in March, the Orchard Street Cemetery features remarkable headstones crafted by renowned masons like David J. “DJ” Howell. Howell’s legacy includes the headstone of William Pregnel, an early builder of the Morris Canal. The cemetery is also home to unique memorials, such as a bench dedicated to Joseph Kekuku, the inventor of the steel guitar.

Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Paul Wood, Keith Titus and Joe Barilla. “The master list of obituaries in the compendium allows for searches by name, date, and cemetery location, while the StoryMap provides deeper historical context,” said Barilla. “One notable figure highlighted is Benjamin Franklin Hathaway, the designer of Orchard Street Cemetery, who pioneered the rural cemetery movement. His vision transformed burial spaces into peaceful retreats, influencing the design of other local cemeteries, including Warwick and Laurel Grove.”

“We have 125 veterans buried here, and five date back to the War of 1812, two of which are brothers, Billy and James Ford,” said Wood. “They are related to Colonel Jacob Ford of Morristown, from the Ford Mansion.”

The Ford Mansion, known as Washington’s Headquarters during the Revolutionary War, recently reopened to the public on Oct. 5, after nearly ten months of meticulous restoration work.

“My family has been in Dover for 250 years and I have ancestors buried here as well. It’s a peaceful place to work,” said Titus, who works almost daily on the restoration of the stones, many damaged by vandals or the elements.

Morris County has awarded more than $50 Million to preservation efforts at 123 historic locations since 2003, when awards were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County’s Preservation Trust Fund. The properties have benefited through 533 grants, with some properties receiving multiple grants over the years to conduct planning, acquisition and construction projects.

“It’s exciting to see these sites come back to life,” said Shaw. “This funding has been supported by our taxpayers for more than 20 years to preserve our county’s unique heritage which is directly tied to the founding of our country.”

As Morris County prepares to host the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence in 2026, many of the 123 funded historic sites will be on display for visitors to appreciate.

The memorial bench dedicated to Joseph Kekuku, the inventor of the steel guitar.

###

Photo 1: At the entrance to the Orchard Street Cemetery, the Gatehouse is on the left. (l-r) Joe Barilla, Director of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, Keith Titus, Vice President of the Orchard Street Gatehouse Historical Association, Dover Mayor James Dodd, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Barbara Wood, Paul Wood, Gatehouse Historical Association Recording Secretary and Historian, and Commissioner Tayfun Selen.

Photo 2: (l-r) Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Paul Wood, Keith Titus and Joe Barilla.

Photo 3: The memorial bench dedicated to Joseph Kekuku, the inventor of the steel guitar.

 

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Is 2026 World Cup Next For Chatham’s John Tolkin?

Don Lichterman
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Is 2026 World Cup Next For Chatham’s John Tolkin?

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After the New York Red Bulls defied all odds by making it to Major League Soccer’s (MLS) championship game, MLS Cup, many are questioning what’s next for some of the team’s stars. And with New Jersey gearing up to host the World Cup final in 2026, some are wondering if stars and stripes are in defender John Tolkin’s future.

The 22-year-old from Chatham, who has played for the Red Bulls since 2021, has been going up against the toughest competition in the country since he was a teenager growing up in Morris County. This past summer, he was a starter on the squad that represented the United States in the Paris Olympics, prompting hometown watch parties, celebrations, and a large banner in his honor hanging from Chatham’s Borough Hall.

“[The hometown support] pushes you through the hard moments,” Tolkin says. “In games, when you’re exhausted and you don’t think you can really do much more, I kind of lean back on those sorts of thoughts to get to the finish line.”

Enthusiastic fans embrace John "JMi" Tolkin of the Red Bulls

Hometown support “pushes you through the hard moments,” Tolkin says. Photo: Courtesy of New York Red Bulls

Tolkin, nicknamed “JMi” since childhood because his middle name is Michael, is among a small number of elite players from New Jersey who have earned call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). Goalkeeper Matt Turner from Park Ridge and midfielder Brenden Aaronson from Medford—who both play in Europe—have earned recurring spots on the national-team roster and are expected to play for the U.S. in the World Cup.

Tolkin, meanwhile, is an up-and-coming player who has demonstrated a lot of promise in his young career. “Hopefully I’ll be playing there,” he says of the World Cup final. The roster won’t be announced until shortly before the World Cup takes place in summer 2026, and with the recent appointment of internationally renowned Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT manager, the door is wide open for young stars to prove themselves.

Tolkin joined Red Bulls Academy, the team’s youth-training program, in 2015, spending his high school years training with the best prospects in the region instead of playing with his Chatham pals. Despite being separated by the sideline, Tolkin and his friends never broke their bond. “It was sad, but also fun to watch from afar,” says Tolkin. “And then obviously they showed all their support for me. The fact that it went both ways was really special.”

Chatham's John "JMi" Tolkin of the Red Bulls

Photo: Courtesy of New York Red Bulls

After a stint with the development team Red Bulls II, Tolkin made his MLS debut in 2021. Since then, he’s been an important part of a team that just surprised fans nationwide by being crowned Eastern Conference Champions. Although the Red Bulls ultimately weren’t able to lift the trophy over the L.A. Galaxy, it was Tolkin’s perfectly placed assist off a free kick in the Eastern Conference Final which proved to be one of the defining moments of the Red Bulls’ playoff run.

In recent times, MLS has seen rapid growth as a competitive league through an increased focus on youth development and the signing of big-name players from around the world. As the pressure continues to mount, however, Tolkin has learned to take it in stride and focus on the task at hand.

“Once the whistle blows, I don’t really care who I’m playing against. I don’t care what the event is,” he says. “I just want to win.”

[RELATED: Cultivating an NJ Community Through Soccer]

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