NJM Insurance Group is announcing Tuesday that it is making a $100,000 donation to support hunger relief organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region this holiday season – including the Community Foodbank of New Jersey.
NJM also is making contributions to organizations based throughout its coverage area, including Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
CEO Mitch Livingston said the company is delighted to help.
“Households across our nation continue struggling to put food on the table,” he said. “NJM is proud to help advance the vital efforts undertaken by non-profits on the frontline making a measurable impact on the lives of people facing hunger.”
Elizabeth McCarthy, the CEO of the CFBNJ, said her group is grateful for the donation.
“Nearly one million New Jersey residents, including more than 260,000 children, face food insecurity. Organizations like the Community Foodbank of New Jersey and so many others are at the forefront of this crisis,” she said. “We are grateful for corporate leaders like NJM and its generous support of our efforts to combat hunger in our communities.”
NJM’s community support efforts are rooted in a culture of purpose-driven service. The company directs charitable contributions throughout the year toward organizations that support arts and culture, health, education, social services, safety, and financial literacy.
NJM’s philanthropic efforts also extend beyond charitable donations. Community service programs offer employees opportunities to attend outreach events and volunteer their time and talents, including membership on multiple non-profit committees and boards. In addition, NJM’s Matching Donation Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match for employee contributions to a variety of organizations.
Today, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the resignation of NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kevin Corbett, who will move on to a new opportunity within academia. For seven years, Corbett has led NJ TRANSIT, becoming the third longest-serving CEO in NJ TRANSIT history.
Corbett was first nominated by Governor Murphy in 2018 to serve as NJ TRANSIT’s executive director.
According to the Governor’s Office, NJ TRANSIT has seen a number of improvements under Corbett’s leadership, including enhancing customer service, modernizing critical infrastructure, renovating and expanding stations, and introducing new fleets of rail cars.
Other notable NJ TRANSIT accomplishments include the full implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), the nearly-completed Portal North Bridge replacement project, the introduction of NJ TRANSIT’s first-ever electric buses, the restoration of the ranks of New Jersey’s locomotive engineers and bus operators, the implementation of NJ TRANSIT’s forward-thinking five-year Capital Plan, and winning recognition by the American Public Transportation Association as “North America’s Most Outstanding Public Transportation System.”
“As the most densely populated state, uniquely situated between two major metropolitan hubs, New Jersey disproportionately depends on mass transit, which is why fixing NJ TRANSIT has been a top priority of my Administration,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Kevin has worked in coordination with our federal government, Amtrak, and our Legislature to develop strategic plans and solutions that address commuters’ concerns and position NJ TRANSIT for long-term reliability and success. His leadership and service to the people of New Jersey has been unwavering and I wish him the best as he begins this next chapter.”
“Serving as President & CEO of NJ TRANSIT has been the honor of a lifetime. I am profoundly grateful for the trust Governor Murphy placed in me and for his unwavering support that has resulted in transformational improvements benefitting New Jerseyans for decades to come. I am also thankful for the opportunity to work alongside an extraordinary team of more than 12,000 men and women dedicated to serving the residents of New Jersey,” said outgoing NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “While I am excited about this next chapter in my life, my commitment to public transit and the communities we serve remains steadfast. I look forward to continuing to champion the importance of public transportation in my next role, which will allow me to remain deeply connected to the transportation sector, focusing on practical innovation, infrastructure, and advocacy for public transit in our region.”
“Kevin has worked tirelessly over the last seven years transforming NJ TRANSIT’s long-term capital plan into one that will continue to deliver on moving the agency forward for years to come,” said DOT Commissioner and Chair of NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors Francis O’Connor. “It has been a pleasure working with him during my time as Chair and I look forward to continuing to see the positive impacts he has on New Jersey’s residents.”
NJ TRANSIT’s successful facilitation and execution of transportation for major events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at MetLife Stadium and the Army-Navy game was critical in proving to the nation that the Garden State is not only capable, but ideal, for hosting on a global scale like the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
Corbett’s resignation will take effect Jan. 15, 2025. An announcement on Corbett’s successor will be made soon.
The New Jersey Devils began their homestand with a win, and it would have been nice to keep that momentum rolling. Unfortunately, they were shut out on Dec. 8 against the Colorado Avalanche, 4-0.
Devils Unable to Keep Their Goals
In the first period, the Devils scored two goals, however, the final score did not reflect this. Sadly, they were both waved off.
The first goal was scored by Jesper Bratt. He swooped in by the net, and shot the puck into the back of the net. The referees immediately called the goal off due to a high stick. They didn’t even take a second to watch the replay, the referee behind the net quickly made the call.
Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
The second goal was scored by Timo Meier. This time, the refs made a point to watch the replay back. However, it was called off due to goaltender interference.
While the end result was a 4-0 shutout, the Devils did make several shot attempts, including two goals that were unfortunately called off. Luck was not on the side of the Devils this night.
Close Performance
While the Avalanche’s brilliant performance was shown through their score, the Devils had very similar statistics to them. The Devils had 23 shots on goal compared to the Avalanche’s 25. The opposing team only had two more than the Devils, showing relatively equal puck possession throughout the night.
It’s when the shots are broken down by period that it truly shows the performance gap. In the first period, the Devils had ten shots on goal to the Avalanche’s eight. After the two shots that were disqualified for the Devils in the first period, this shows that they had the better scoring chances in the first, they were just unable to make anything come from it. Once the second period came around though, the Avalanche had the clear edge, with ten shots on goal against the Devils measly two. Although the Avs only scored one goal this period, they had the better chance of making shots happen, compared to the Devils. The third period came around, and this time it was the Devils outshooting the Avalanche, 13 to five. The home team had more opportunities during this period, they just were unable to benefit from them.
On top of this, the Avalanche won 55.6% of the faceoffs compared to the Devils at 44.4%. Clearly, it was the visiting team who had more faceoff wins. However, the Devils held their own against the opposition, trying to make plays that just wouldn’t land.
Defense Needs Work
The last line of defense is the goalie, although the first line is in fact the defensive players on the ice. The Devils relied too heavily on the goalie last night.
The Artturi Lehkonen goal in the second period was a great example of this. He received the pass from across the ice, and skated the puck up on a breakaway to put it into the back of Jacob Markstrom’s net. Although Brendan Dillon and Jack Hughes flanked him, Lehkonen was able to outskate the two and score the third goal of the game. Jack is not even a defenseman, but he tried to play the part during this goal since no one else was.
The defensemen looked sloppy last night, making some questionable play choices. After a strong win against the Seattle Kraken on Friday (Dec. 6) this is surprising. Hopefully, the single-day break in between games will be cause for some extra practice for the defensive lines, because they could use it.
Another Chance
The Devils look to shake off the loss and earn two points when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 10.
Andrés Acebo had his contract as interim president at New Jersey City University extended for 18 months by the NJCU Board of Trustees Monday night.
The extension will begin on Jan. 1, taking Acebo through June 30, 2026 – at a minimum. There is a provision for an additional one-year extension at that time.
Financial terms of the extension were not announced. His original two-year contract was scheduled to end in the middle of January of 2025.
Acebo has done an incredible job since being named interim president in January of 2023 in the middle of a financial crisis that was threatening to shut down the school. (He was named No. 1 on the ROI-NJ: Influencers list for higher education in 2024.)
Working with the school’s leadership, faculty and many union partners, he has helped NJCU survive and thrive while creating the school’s Recovery and Revitalization Plan (April 2023), its first Strategic Enrollment Plan (April 2023) and its first Academic Master Plan (February 2024) — as well as introduce a brand refresh that produced the school’s first mission statement.
The school now has a balanced budget less than two years after declaring a financial emergency, helping it get its outlook by Moody’s upgraded from “negative” to “stable.”
NJCU is not out of the financial woods yet, however. Talks on how to strengthen the school continue. Monday night only assured that Acebo will be one of the leaders in those talks.
On November 17, 2024, the New York Football Giants hosted a remarkable Salute to Service game at MetLife Stadium, paying tribute to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Although the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign was launched in 2011, the Giants have a long-standing relationship with the military that dates back to World War II, and this event was a testament to their continued dedication to honoring military service members.
This year, the Giants had the privilege of hosting members from the 514th Air Mobility Wing, a part of the Air Force Reserve Command based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. The Airmen were treated to VIP experiences, enjoying the game from luxury suites while taking part in special moments designed to celebrate their service and sacrifice.
A VIP Experience for the 514th Air Mobility Wing
Before the game kicked off, members of the 514th were invited onto the field for an unforgettable experience. They had the chance to watch the warm-ups up close, pose for photos with Giants players, and form the gauntlet through which the Giants ran to take the field. The atmosphere was electric, with players and Airmen alike sharing a bond of pride and respect as they prepared for a memorable day.
As the game progressed, two members of the 514th were given the chance to participate in truly unique and emotional moments in front of more than 70,000 fans. These moments allowed the service members to shine in a way that few could ever expect.
Master Sgt. Kristen Warbrick Sings the National Anthem
One of the highlights of the day came when Master Sgt. Kristen Warbrick, an aeromedical evacuation technician with the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, performed the national anthem. Warbrick, a lifelong Giants fan, had sung the anthem at various ceremonies in the past, but nothing compared to the magnitude of performing in front of such a large and passionate crowd.
“I’ve sung the national anthem for retirements, deactivations, and other ceremonies, but to perform in front of this many people at a Salute to Service game—I was amazed and extremely proud,” Warbrick said. “I looked up, and the audience was standing, clapping, and cheering, all to honor those who’ve served. It was a very emotional moment for me.”
As she concluded her powerful rendition of the anthem, a C-17 Globemaster III flyover by the 732nd Airlift Squadron soared above the stadium, adding to the patriotic spirit of the day.
Senior Airman Christopher Megna Kicks a Field Goal
In another unforgettable moment, Senior Airman Christopher Megna, an operations manager with the 514th Civil Engineer Squadron, was selected to kick a field goal during halftime. Megna, a lifelong football fan and a passionate Giants supporter, had the opportunity to take center stage in a high-stakes moment at the home stadium of his favorite team.
“It was amazing,” Megna said of the experience. “I’m a huge Giants fan, so being able to see the players and then being chosen to kick the field goal—it was amazing.”
With the guidance of Senior Master Sgt. Dakota Bordelon, who helped coach Megna on the technique, the pair practiced the field goal attempt during the first quarter. Their hard work and teamwork paid off when Megna successfully kicked not just one, but two field goals during the halftime show.
“It meant everything to me to be able to represent the Air Force at my favorite team’s home stadium,” Megna said. “I’ve grown up playing football my entire life, so this was a dream—an absolute dream.”
A Day to Remember for Warbrick and Megna
For both Warbrick and Megna, the Salute to Service game was not just a moment of recognition but a chance to connect deeply with their fellow service members and their love for the Giants. Warbrick, whose father had served as the command chief at the 514th from 2013-2016, reflected on how special the experience was for her.
“It was incredible to be able to represent my squadron, the Freedom Wing, and the Air Force in general, but the whole experience was even more meaningful because I am also a lifelong Giants fan,” Warbrick said. “The 514th has been a second home for almost my entire life. The opportunities the Air Force has afforded me have been amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better memory.”
For Megna, the day marked a culmination of his passion for football and his commitment to serving in the Air Force.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Megna added. “To represent the Air Force in front of a Giants crowd—it was an honor.”
As the Giants continue to honor the service of those in the Armed Forces, the Salute to Service game in 2024 will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for the 514th Air Mobility Wing and the entire Giants community. This event was a powerful reminder of the strength of the connection between sports, patriotism, and the sacrifices made by our military personnel.
514th Air Mobility Wing Participates in Salute to Service at MetLife Stadium
On November 17, 2024, Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, had the unique honor of attending and participating in the NFL’s Salute to Service event during a New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium. The Salute to Service game is a special occasion that celebrates and honors the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, and this year, the 514th was invited to take part in an unforgettable experience.
A Day of Honor and Recognition
The 514th Air Mobility Wing members were treated to a VIP experience at MetLife Stadium. Before the game, they were invited onto the field to watch the warm-ups, giving them a close-up view of the Giants as they prepared for the game. The Airmen had the opportunity to pose for photos with the players, creating lasting memories of their day at the stadium. This behind-the-scenes access was just the beginning of the special treatment the service members would receive.
Forming the Gauntlet
As the game was set to begin, the members of the 514th were given a truly memorable role. They formed a gauntlet through which the Giants players ran as they took the field. The sight of the Airmen standing proudly in formation, ready to welcome the team, added an extra layer of meaning to the event. It was a powerful moment that symbolized the connection between the military and sports, and the mutual respect and admiration between the Giants and the Armed Forces.
This participation in the Salute to Service game not only allowed the 514th to honor their commitment to service but also demonstrated the deep bond between the New York Giants and the military community. The day at MetLife Stadium was a fitting tribute to those who serve and sacrifice for the nation, creating an experience that will be remembered for years to come.
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) — Join Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney on the big screen in a holiday event where the audience is the star when Theater to Go hosts the “White Christmas Movie Sing Along,” one night only on on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC) West Windsor Campus. The event begins at 8:00pm.
This classic star-studded movie featuring Hollywood legends is now an interactive sing along and play along movie experience. “White Christmas” is a 1954 American musical war film featuring the songs of Irving Berlin, including the title song, which is featured twice during the film.
But the most important cast member is the audience, who are not only allowed, but encouraged, to sing along. The crowd participates to varying degrees, with some in full costume and others just along for the ride. Packed with audience participation activities and a goody bag of props to use throughout the movie, the audience will be guided by hosts to sing along and play along with the movie. Some of the classic songs include Sisters, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, and of course, White Christmas. Prize awarded to an audience member in costume, plus a special recognition for military members and veterans who attend in uniform. Come early for holiday treats and the “ugly sweater” contest!
The event will be led by Elizabeth Rzasa, Jeff Price and Tom Bessellieu, who will guide the activities, introduce the film and, of course, sing along with everyone.
The “White Christmas Movie Sing Along” will be held at MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor, NJ, on Saturday, December 14 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and includes a goody bag. They may be purchased online at kelseytheatre.org or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at (609) 570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the Theater.
Founded in 1992 by Ruth Markoe, Theater To Go has been renowned for producing interactive events around the region and across the country for private, corporate and public groups. Starting out with murder mysteries exclusively, T2G now offers movie musical sing-alongs, as well as traditional stage productions.
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In Franklin Township, just off a busy state highway in New Jersey, stands one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States—a 30-foot-tall symbol of peace and spiritual unity. Nestled within the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center, this monumental statue has become a unique beacon for interfaith connection and a spiritual sanctuary for people from diverse religious backgrounds.
Built a decade ago under the leadership of a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk, the statue was designed with a singular vision: to unite people of all faiths. Since its installation, it has served not only as a place for Buddhist meditation but also as a gathering point for Hindus, Christians, and people of various other spiritual traditions. Its serene presence amidst the woods, framed by Route 27’s bustling traffic, reflects the surprising blend of tranquility and modern life that defines New Jersey’s rich religious landscape.
Among those drawn to the statue is Daniel Choi, a Princeton University professor raised in a Korean Christian church. Choi, who now practices Tibetan Buddhism, has meditated in front of the Buddha since 2015. “It just seems to be a nexus where a lot of people connect,” he says. The center, though primarily rooted in Theravada Buddhism—the tradition practiced in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand—welcomes a variety of Buddhist practices, making it a rare public space where people of different traditions can come together in spiritual harmony.
This inclusivity is seen in the variety of people who visit, from Sri Lankan Buddhists to Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Nepalese communities. The peaceful atmosphere is further enhanced by the center’s colorful Tibetan prayer flags and an interfaith peace mural, painted by local students, that reflects the religious diversity of central New Jersey. The mural includes symbols from Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, Baha’i, and other faiths, emphasizing the shared values of peace and compassion across religious boundaries.
The statue itself stands as a calm and collected symbol, offering solace to those who seek it. “Anybody who comes to that temple feels so calm and collected once they see that big Buddha,” says Tulsi Majarjan, director of Friends of Nepal-NJ. For him, the Buddha represents a deeper, universal calm that transcends religious lines. His organization has played a key role in promoting interfaith dialogue and creating the peace garden that surrounds the statue.
Carol Kruhen, a retired high school teacher who lives next door to the monastery, has seen firsthand the impact of the Buddha statue. Raised as a Presbyterian, Kruhen became interested in Buddhism after reading Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha and began practicing yoga. The arrival of the saffron-robed monks in 2002 led her to deepen her practice, finding comfort in meditation and Buddhism during a time of grief following her husband’s death. For Kruhen, the Buddha statue is not just a monument but a daily source of reflection on peace, understanding, and compassion.
“It’s the first thing I look at in the morning,” Kruhen says, sharing how the sight of the Buddha from her window has become integral to her daily life. “The whole point of Buddhism is to live in the moment. Meditation gave me a way to focus on the positive.”
Today, the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center stands as a testament to the power of faith to bridge divides. Whether visitors are drawn to its peaceful atmosphere, its commitment to interfaith dialogue, or the simple, profound presence of the Buddha statue, it has become a spiritual home for many, offering a place to connect, reflect, and grow in understanding.
For those seeking a space for peace, spiritual exploration, or interfaith community, the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara is a unique and welcoming destination—a true reflection of the diverse, interconnected world in which we live.
POINT PLEASANT — The historic Bennett Cabin, located at Riverfront Park, will once again be hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus for two days of Christmas cheer when residents can visit the cabin and get a picture with the famous couple.
The free event will be on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Keeping with the tradition from previous years, model trains will be set up inside the cabin for families to enjoy. Hot chocolate and cookies will also be available to all attendees.
Mayor Robert Sabosik said, “Santa is going to have a prelude to him arriving on the night of Dec. 24. Once again we will be opening the Bennett Cabin with hot chocolate and cookies and unveil Santa and Mrs. Claus to our residents and children.”
“This event is showcasing different properties the town owns and is another way to give back to our residents. Evenings and afternoons that they can enjoy with their children, grandchildren and friends,” he added.
One family at a time will get a chance to meet Santa, with a professional photographer ready to take and print the family’s picture, before the family leaves the cabin. Residents are also encouraged to bring their own camera to take more photos if they so wish.
This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
Check out our other Point Pleasant Boro stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
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The State Planning Commission has approved publication of the Preliminary Draft Plan of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, marking the first time the plan has been updated since 2001.
Used as a guide to inform the public and encourage state agencies, counties, and municipalities to align their land use policies with its vision, the plan promotes a balanced and inclusive strategy for managing and guiding growth across the state. It is centered on 10 key land use priorities, including: economic development; housing; infrastructure; revitalization and recentering; climate change; natural and water resources; pollution and environmental cleanup; historic and scenic resources; equity; and comprehensive planning.
“The State Plan reflects decades of progress and underscores our commitment to balanced growth, equitable development, and opportunity for all New Jerseyans,” said Gov. Phil Murphy.
According to Ray Cantor, deputy chief government affairs officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, the business community supports the plan. “If done right, it will not only protect ecologically sensitive lands but will designate lands where we can develop and grow and build the affordable housing we need,” Cantor said.
He added that he was pleased to see that the plan did not specifically reference incorporation of DEP’s proposed Inundation Risk Zones, although it did state that it would defer to DEP on making these decisions.
“If DEP moves forward with their rule proposal and if it is subsequently incorporated into the State Plan, it will undermine its development, housing, and other economic goals,” Cantor said.
DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette commented, ”Alongside our local government partners, the DEP plays a leading role in implementing the smart growth mindset of the State Plan while ensuring site-specific consistency with New Jersey’s flood safety, water quality, and land resource protection laws. It helps to guide the development and redevelopment of residential and commercial centers more resilient to the challenges of our changing climate, including risks of drought, wildfire, and flooding.”
Two past attempts to finalize a State Development and Redevelopment Plan failed under the administrations of Gov. Jon Corzine and Gov. Chris Christie. Gov. Murphy has said he wants a plan finalized before he leaves office at the end of next year.
The Department of State’s Office of Planning Advocacy began outreach last year to develop the draft. Starting Feb. 12, 2025, an intensive two-month public comment period will feature meetings in every county. These hearings will continue through April 16, 2025, and initiate a cross-acceptance process, comparing municipal, county, and state land use plans with the State Plan to achieve maximum consistency across all levels of government.
Read the full Preliminary Draft of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan here.
The Seattle Kraken take on the New Jersey Devils tonight. Here are the projected/expected lineups sourced from NHL.com staff writers, independent correspondents, and others.
Jamie Oleksiak — Brandon Montour Vince Dunn– Adam Larsson Josh Mahura — Will Borgen
Philipp Grubauer Joey Daccord
Scratched: Daniel Sprong, Andre Burakovsky
Injured: Jordan Eberle (pelvis), Ryker Evans (hand)
Status report
Seattle did not hold a skate on Friday after a 5-2 win at the New York Islanders on Thursday.
Gourde is expected to play after missing the final 17:50 of the third period on Thursday due to “bumps and bruises.”
Latest for THW:
Devils projected lineup
Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Stefan Noesen Tomas Tatar — Erik Haula — Dawson Mercer Paul Cotter — Justin Dowling — Nathan Legare
Brenden Dillon — Dougie Hamilton Jonas Siegenthaler — Johnathan Kovacevic Luke Hughes — Brett Pesce
New Jersey Republican players are awash in a sea of optimism regarding the 2025 gubernatorial campaign. This is due to the closer than expected margin in the Garden State between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the November presidential general election. This optimism may be very misplaced, however, depending on the actions of the incoming Trump administration.
If, for example, Trump conducts a major deportation of undocumented immigrants, affecting the lives of thousands of New Jersey Hispanics or makes large reductions in Social Security or Medicare benefits, the result will be a massive backlash against the New Jersey Republican Party. The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election will then become a referendum on such Trump administration policies, which would virtually ensure a Democratic gubernatorial victory.
Yet aside from this, the NJGOP has a major electability problem regarding its three major gubernatorial candidates. State Senator Jon Bramnick is the most electable GOP candidate in the general election, but unwinnable in the primary. Radio host Bill Spadea could well prevail in the primary, but in the general election, he is a certain loser. While Jack Ciattarelli is the putative frontrunner, his past tergiversations and equivocations regarding Donald Trump have resulted in substantial losses of credibility among both MAGA and mainstream GOP primary voters. A brief analysis of all three candidates follows.
Jon Bramnick
Bramnick has been an outstanding state legislator for over two decades. He has maintained a coherent and comprehensive center-right political philosophy throughout his tenure. His ethics are unimpeachable, and his competence as a lawyer is outstanding. His knowledge of state government is topflight, and he has the knowledge and administrative and people skills to be an outstanding state governor. If nominated, he would have a very good chance of being elected.
The day before Election Day 2024, I opined to a friend that if Trump lost the national election to Kamala Harris, Bramnick could emerge as the leading New Jersey Republican gubernatorial prospect for the post-Trump era. As the leading anti-Trump New Jersey opinion journalist, I admired his courage and incisiveness in refusing to support Donald Trump, his party’s candidate for president in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Unfortunately for Bramnick, Donald Trump won in 2024. He will remain the avatar of the Republican Party until discredited by events. As long as Trump retains that status, Jon Bramnick cannot win a statewide New Jersey Republican primary.
Bill Spadea
Spadea has two major assets that could enable him to win the Republican primary. First, he will have the support of the overwhelming majority of MAGA voters. Second, he has the endorsement of George Gilmore, the powerful and effective chair of the Ocean County Republican Committee. The combination of a large victory in Ocean County, which will have the largest vote in the 2025 GOP primary, plus a majority of MAGA voters throughout the state could enable Bill Spadea, with his not insubstantial communication skills and charisma, to prevail in the 2025 NJGOP gubernatorial primary. There are aspects to Spadea which actually make him more likable than Trump. The Donald is anti-intellectual and communicates a negative sense of empathy which appeals only to a voter’s grievance and anger. Spadea projects a hopeful Reaganesque empathy to voters and also possesses a healthy degree of historical intellectualism. Also, unlike Trump, Spadea is neither racist nor a misogynist. He is without personal or financial scandal and leads a monogamous lifestyle.
Yet due to his vehement anti-abortion choice stance, Spadea would be doomed in the 2025 gubernatorial general election. Abortion choice is a third rail of New Jersey politics. Rather than deemphasizing his anti-abortion choice views a la Chris Christie in the 2009 election, Spadea has made them the centerpiece of his campaign. Such a positioning is anathema to the great majority of women voters and consigns Bill Spadea to a landslide general election defeat.
Jack Ciatarelli
In the 2017 Republican gubernatorial primary, Jack Ciatarelli ran as a principled anti-Trump candidate and won my admiration. Unfortunately, unlike Jon Bramnick, Ciattarelli proved to be a man whose ambitions vitiated his principles.
A column I authored during the 2021 campaign described Ciattarelli’s obsequious efforts to appease and appeal to MAGA voters, even going so far as to attend a MAGA Stop-the-Steal rally. These efforts only won him the mistrust of both MAGA and mainstream GOP voters.
There is a pac group in this election, Kitchen Table Conservatives, independent of Ciatarelli but with the obvious objective of defeating Spadea, Ciatarelli’s principal primary opponent, on the grounds that Spadea is insufficiently pro-Trump. Such efforts will undoubtedly result in abysmal failure. One may be harshly critical of Spadea on various grounds, but not of being insufficiently pro-Trump.
I am not saying that Ciattarelli absolutely cannot win either a primary or general gubernatorial election. The mistrust factor does persist, however, and hampers both his nomination and general election chances.
The electoral problems facing Ciattarelli, Bramnick, and Spadea raise the incentive for Bergen County State Senator Holly Schepisi to run for governor. She is the most electable gubernatorial prospect in the New Jersey Republican Party. She is everybody’s favorite for the GOP Lieutenant Governor nomination, but she has not yet ruled out a gubernatorial run.
On the issue of Trump, Holly has maintained a consistent position of unenthusiastic, but never disloyal support. This makes her acceptable to all wings of the GOP in the primary and the prospective candidate least likely to be negatively impacted by any downturn in Trump’s approval ratings in the general. On abortion, she has taken a sensible centrist position, defending a woman’s right to choose while willing to consider common sense restrictions.
There are two major benefits that a Schepisi gubernatorial candidacy would bestow on the NJGOP. First, she would give the GOP a solid chance to carry Bergen County in the general. Indeed, her political heritage is with the Bergen County Cary Edwards Republicans. The late Cary Edwards would have been a great governor had he been elected in 1989 or 1993. Second, more than any other candidate, she gives the Republicans a fighting chance to garner a greater share of the vote of white college educated women.
Prior to the 2019 general election, I authored a column effusively praising Schepisi for both her governmental and attorney skills. She would make an outstanding governor of New Jersey. To run, however, she will have to soon decide to enter the primary in order to raise sufficient funds and hire staff.
Alan J. Steinberg of Highland Park served as regional administrator of Region 2 EPA during the administration of former President George W. Bush and as executive director of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. He graduated from Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is the host of the Dynamic Political Centrism podcast, published on Substack.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved more than $3.8 million in 2025 Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding to support 76 human services related programs in the coming year that were recommended by volunteer advisory committees to the county Department of Human Services.
The Board of Commissioners annually allocates the grant funds to support critical support services for Morris County residents, while also enhancing and/or expanding human services programs funded through other funding streams, such as Chapter 51 funding for substance use, funding under the New Jersey State Community Partnership to assist youths and the Social Services for the Homeless grant to assist those experiencing homelessness.
“The Board of County Commissioners is proud to allocate $3.8 million to support 76 critical human services programs, ensuring resources reach seniors, individuals with disabilities, our youth, and those facing homelessness. This funding reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Morris County residents,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers, liaison to Human Services.
The grant proposals were reviewed and endorsed by the county’s Advisory Council on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans (ACADV); the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), the Mental Health Addiction Services Advisory Board (MHASAB) and the Youth Services Advisory Committee (YSAC).
Some services that are funded for seniors only through the Federal Area Plan Grant can be made available through the GIA funding to adults with a disability who are under 60. The services include case management, information and referral, housekeeping services, minor home repairs, caregiver respite through childcare, in-home mental health access, home health aides and visiting nurses.
Additionally, the GIA funding supports programs that would not otherwise be available to the community such as recreation and socialization services, teaching life skills and job training programs for adults with a disability.
The county advisory committees, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, play a critical role in the GIA process by advising the Department of Human Services in setting service priorities, reviewing funding proposals, making funding recommendations and monitoring programs. This annual process works to ensure funded programs meet the current community needs and provide a high-quality service in the process.
2025 Funding Highlights
General Human Services
With the increased need for domestic violence services throughout the state, Morris County HSAC recommended prioritizing the services with funding to JBWS, which provides safety and support to people fleeing abuse, and Legal Services of Northwest Jersey. Legal Services of Northwest Jersey provides legal representation to victims of domestic violence through the Legal Intervention Brings Recovery & Empowerment (LIBRE) program, which is newly funded through GIA in 2025.
Housing and Shelter: Various programs are being funded in 2025 through Homeless Solutions and Homesharing, Inc. These programs provide permanent housing options for those seeking a shared living situation, shelter programs for those experiencing homelessness, and a “warming center” for Morris County residents to escape the outdoor elements from December through March.
Mental Health
A wide range of mental health counseling and case management services are funded through Prime Healthcare (St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Services), NewBridge Services, and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris (MHASAB). The various agencies provide services through in-office visits and off-site settings such as drop-in centers or other community locations. Virtual visits also are available upon request at some agencies.
NewBridge Services continues to be funded to provide outreach in the event of a community disaster or traumatic event in Morris County with the goal of connecting individuals to services if follow-up counseling or support is needed.
Community and peer support services are prioritized by the MHASAB, which has support lines for both adults and teens. The line provides peer support for the community and provides individuals with an opportunity to prepare for employment through the support lines.
Youth Services
Community programs funded through GIA provide powerful, lifelong skills for youth in Morris County.
The Center for Family Services and Deirdre O’Brien Child Advocacy Center provide case management and family support for youth and families in Morris County. The Center for Family Services is funded to provide the Mending Arts program which gives children the opportunities to heal from difficult situations through art, dance, drama, and culinary art therapy.
In addition, New Bridge Services, Inc., has a Jobs PLUS program which provides case management and employment services to assist youth in finding job opportunities throughout the community.
Addiction Services
Temporary housing options to support those in recovery are covered in this round of GIA funding. Included is Freedom House, which supports housing for men in recovery in two different houses in Morris County. Additionally, ALFRE, Inc. was recommended for funding for Mrs. Wilson’s House which focuses on housing women during their recovery.
Treatment, counseling, and education services are available through multiple GIA-funded agencies with a wide range of target populations. Acenda, EDGE NJ and Prime Healthcare (St. Clare’s Behavioral Health Services) all provide a range of treatment, education, and counseling opportunities to residents in Morris County.
Aging, Disabilities, and Veterans Services
Funding was recommended for a wide range of programs that provide services to seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and veterans, such as Dawn Center for Independent Living’s Caregiver Connection and Support program, as well as Child and Family Resources’ Disability Child Care Subsidy, which provides childcare subsidies to assist disabled parents or guardians.
Two new funded programs for 2025 include Community Hope’s Emergency Housing Assistance for Veterans and Jewish Family Services’ Friendly Visiting. These programs serve identified prioritized needs related to housing stability and social isolation.
You can view the Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, listing all agencies funded through the GIA 2025 program as a PDF at the following link.
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Photo 1: Morris County’s Veterans Service Office located at 540 West Hanover Ave. in Morris Township.
Photo 2: Judy Orlander, a homebound senior resident who received a companion pet dog through the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming’s “Joy for All” robotic companion pet program.
This new sushi restaurant says it flies in the freshest fish daily from Japan and provides a Michelin-quality sushi experience in New Jersey. Led by Michelin-star chef Jeffry Undiarto, Butterfish offers an omakase-style dining experience. Guests can enjoy meticulously crafted multi-course menus. Reservations are available on Resy.
The Philly-famous pizzeria known for its square pies, made with the sauce above the cheese, has opened in Cherry Hill. It recently launched a location in Brigantine, and is working on expanding to Deptford and Haddonfield. The family-owned restaurant was founded in Philadelphia in 1959.
The NYC-based fast-casual chain has opened in Clifton. It’s Passaic County’s second location and New Jersey’s ninth. The menu offers more than a dozen salads, plus wraps, warm bowls, soups and smoothies. There are seasonal options and “earth-friendly” salads touted as having low-carbon footprints. Guests who purchase a reusable bowl will receive a free topping with each salad order.
Closings
Tesoro Macaron Company
The bakery’s Collingswood location is closing just months after expanding. Its flagship location in Swedesboro will remain open.
JLL Capital Markets recently announced it has closed on a $115 million refinancing package for a portfolio of nine Tri-State self-storage facilities owned and operated by Storage Post.
Nuveen Real Estate provided the first mortgage financing for the institutional-quality, Class A assets, which were acquired in 2022 by Storage Post, an industry leading self-storage owner and manager.
Ownership has grown the original 633,364-square-foot portfolio, located in prime regions of New York and New Jersey, to 723,664 rentable square feet across 9,578 units as a supply imbalance within the submarkets has driven strong demand. The New York assets are located in the Bronx, Floral Park, Garden City, Huntington Station and Yorktown Heights. The New Jersey assets are located in Haledon, Elizabeth, Linden and Perth Amboy.
The JLL Capital Markets team that arranged the transaction was led by Senior Managing Director Steven Klein and Director Robert Tonnessen.
“Storage Post’s long history and track record operating self-storage assets in the New York Metro area uniquely positions them to leverage market dynamics, optimize performance and drive growth in this competitive sector,” Klein said. “It was a pleasure to work with Nuveen, further enhancing the potential for success in this venture.”
Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Brian Rashley who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.
Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property Seaview is home to two world class golf courses, The Bay and The Pines Courses, as well as a 312 Room Hotel and Spa. Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club located in Galloway, NJ sits on 670 beautiful acres of woodland and seaside land.
The Bay Course opened in 1914 was designed by Hugh Wilson and Donald Ross. The 6,300 yard course is not a test of length, rather a test of imagination, accuracy and short game. The Bay Course presents a Scottish links feel, dramatic seaside views, deep pot bunkers, plus small undulating greens. The course is the current host of the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by ACER as well as 9 holes in the 1942 PGA Championship.
The Pines Course was opened in 1929 designed by William Flynn and Howard Toomey. Unlike the Bay Course, the Pines winds its way through New Jersey Woodlands presenting elevation change and doglegs abound. The course measures just under 6,800 yards, features many large bunkers, and gently sloping large greens. The 16th hole was the site of Sam Snead’s miraculous 60 ft chip-in to win the 1942 PGA Championship; His first major.
If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course? When traveling to the Jersey Shore golfers have plenty of options. There are over 20 courses within the region that vary and range in pricing and architectural style. However, none of the courses in this area have to offer what Seaview has. We have two championship style courses in our Bay and Pines that are extremely different in layout albeit being 500 yards apart from each other.
The Bay Course affords golfers the ability to play a true Donald Ross and Hugh Wilson classic. For any golf enthusiast playing a Donald Ross Course is a treat. The Bay is also a links style course which is rare in the North East. The course affords golfers scenic views of Reeds Bay, Brigantine and the Atlantic City Skyline.
The Pines Course is more traditional in style to the North East and present a longer more demanding challenge from tee to green. Where the Bay is open, each hole on the Pines is lined with tall Jersey Pines that make any errant shot an almost guaranteed penalty.
Most importantly when looking for a place to play we feel the story behind the courses are almost as important as the courses them selves. When you play our courses you are walking the same fairways as some of the games greats. From Sam Snead winning the 1942 PGA Championship to Stacy Lewis, Annika Sorenstam and others as the current host site of the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer, golfers are immersed in a world of legends and history as they make their trek around our two award winning golf courses.
What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course? Both Courses put a demand on accuracy but in different ways. The Pines Course requires accuracy off the tee with tree lined fairways on each hole. The Bay Course puts more of a premium on approach shots as the greens are quite small. The one similarity to both courses is the slope of the greens. Most of the greens slope from back to front so for players to manage their way around the course coming up short on a hole is the best miss. Very few greens have bunkers or trouble directly in front of it which allows for a variety of pitch or chip shots to the green.
Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course? The accolade we are most proud of is being one of 25 courses in the world to host a major that is open to the public. It is rare that any player can play a course that hosts a major, but Seaview offers that unique opportunity. Players can walk in the footsteps of Hogan and Snead and relive the 1942 PGA Championship. We have also been voted best course in state by golf.com and consistently appear on the best courses you can play list for New Jersey. Our golf shop has been recognized as a Top 100 Golf Shop as well as a multi Platinum Award Winner by The Association of Golf Merchandisers.
What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole? The signature hole is our 2nd hole on the Bay Course. This 436 yard par 4 plays directly out to Reeds Bay. Off the tee the players will face a very demanding tee shot as OB lines the right side and a deep bunker and fescue complex guards the left side. Once players have successfully reached the fairway the difficult part begins. Most players will be hitting long irons and fairway woods into this green which is one of the flatter surfaces on the course. The difficulty comes from Mother Nature. The final 50 yards of the hole open up and are exposed heavily to the trade winds the generally blow from right to left and into the players the face. The tricky part for golfers is gauging how much wind is actually blowing. From the fairway the players are guarded by tree’s which will trick a player into thinking their is less wind when in fact by the green (when the ball is at its highest part of the flight) the wind is blowing 10 to 20 mph stronger which will most likely put any errant shot in the hazard which surrounds the green behind and to the left and right. However once on the green players will be awarded with a fairly flat putt and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic City Skyline and surrounding shore communities.
What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It? My favorite hole is the 16th hole on the Pines Course. The hole is a 219 yard Par 3 that plays about a club down hill from the tee. There is a cross bunker that is about 60 yards short of the green but is perceived as being much closer. The right side is guarded with a deep bunker and left side has a large mound which can either kick balls on the green or into some surrounding tree’s. The reason this hole is my favorite is because a major piece of golf history took place on this hole. Before the second nine was built in the mid 50’s the Pines Course was just 9 holes. The 16th hole was then the 8th hole of the old rotation and played as the 17th hole in the 1942 PGA Championship. A young golfer by the name Sam Snead stood on that tee with a one up lead and two holes to play against Jim Turnesa. Snead missed the large green leaving him about a 60 foot chip. Snead calmly stepped up and holed the chip shot giving him a 2 & 1 victory and his first major championship of his young career. Anytime you can step foot on a hole that gave way to one of the most memorable shots in major championship history is special, and something that cannot be said for most courses.
Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole? One of our signature dishes in the Coastal Grille is our daily grilled cheese special. Our talented culinary team takes a traditional sandwich and creates special and unique offerings that vary from day to day. The most popular is the buffalo chicken grilled cheese.
Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score? 62 is our Course record in Tournament Play on the Bay Course. Three ladies hold that record. In 2005, both Laura Davies and Jimin Kang shot 62 and in 2014 Jennifer Johnson shot 62. All rounds were during the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
Back Tee Stats Par: Bay 71 Pines 71 Yardage: Bay 6,366 Pines 6,731 Slope: Bay 70.4 Pines 72.4 Rating: Bay 124 Pines 123
More Information Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club 401 South New York Rd Galloway, NJ, 08205 609-748-7680 www.seaviewgolf.com
POINT PLEASANT — Santa Claus will make an appearance at Point Pleasant Fire Station 75 on Sunday, when families, kids and even pets are welcome to take pictures with the big guy.
Gail Wells, treasurer of the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, previously told The Ocean Star, “We just thought it would be a fun, family event for the community to try and bring people together and give them the opportunity to take photos with Santa.”
The event will take place from noon until 3 p.m. at the station on Beaver Dam Road.
This is the second time the Ladies Auxiliary or the fire department held an event like this, and last year, it was met with a very warm and positive reception. With firetrucks in the background adorned with Christmas decorations, Santa Claus sat proudly on his chair. Last year, approximately 15 pets arrived to take pictures, and over a dozen families, with some kids who were just as excited to see the firetrucks as they were Santa. Wells referenced a kid who arrived in a firefighter costume to meet Santa and to see the firetrucks.
While this is a free event, donations are being accepted to benefit the fire department.
Residents are asked to bring their own camera and keep all pets leashed.
This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
Check out our other Point Pleasant Boro stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
Subscribe today! If you’re not already an annual subscriber to The Ocean Star, get your subscription today! For just $38 per year, you will receive local mail delivery weekly, with pages and pages of local news and online access to our e-edition on Starnewsgroup.com.
Founded by Luke Ferrell in 2022, Ferrell Studios offers exceptional and affordable performing arts education and theatrical productions. They offer a variety of classes and programs, including acting, musical theatre, playwriting, film and television acting, public speaking, and theory and criticism as well as private lessons for those who want to focus on a specific area of study.
At Ferrell Studios, they believe that the arts have the power to inspire, uplift, and transform. They strive to create a positive, supportive environment where students can feel confident and comfortable expressing themselves.
With a mission statement like that, there is a lot to expect from Ferrell Studios so it’s no surprise that their first full length play is something as thought-provoking as “The Shape of Things.”Starring Catherine Hunt, Max Miiller, Breanna Schad, and Steven Franklin, the four-character play explores how far someone is willing to go and how much they change for who (or what) they love.
“The Shape of Things” is presented at the Mignolo Arts Center (272 Lake Avenue) in Metuchen December 13-14 at 8:00pm and December 15 at 1:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Here you can listen to our interview with director Uchenna Agbu and stars, Catherine Hunt and Max Miller. There’s a lot to break down.
Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage! Want info on how to advertise? Click here
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Content provided by Discover Jersey Arts, a project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
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Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Saturday, December 07, 2024 @ 2:00pm Algonquin Arts Theatre 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736 category: theatre
View event page for full information
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Saturday, December 07, 2024 @ 7:30pm Algonquin Arts Theatre 60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736 category: theatre
Yesterday at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association’s annual Public Policy Forum held at the APA Hotel Woodbridge, several political pundits shared their thoughts on the fallout from the 2024 presidential election, while also looking ahead to New Jersey’s gubernatorial election in 2025.
In terms of the presidential election results, while Vice President Kamala Harris won New Jersey in 2024, Donald Trump was able to close the gap for Republicans, capturing 45.9% of the vote compared to Harris’ 51.8%. In 2020, President Joe Biden won New Jersey with 57% of the vote to Trump’s 41%.
Notably, four counties saw a voting turnout drop of 10% or more, including Burlington, Essex, Atlantic and Cumberland counties, though this is likely due to fewer mail-in ballots used in 2024.
When exploring why the election shook out the way it did, Briana Vannozzi, anchor, NJ Spotlight News, believes that a growing distrust in elected officials could have played a tangible role.
“In going around and talking to voters, particularly young voters on college campuses, we found there was a lot of anger behind some of the voting,” said Vannozzi. “Voters do not trust their elected officials. The number one question I get asked from folks is: ‘Where does all the money go?’ They don’t believe that their elected officials have their best interests in mind. I think [this lack of trust] is right there with affordability and polarization as a top issue driving voters.”
Daniel Bryan, president of Bryan Strategies Group, added that for him, sometimes the simplest answer is the correct one.
“We had a deeply unpopular incumbent president in Joe Biden, and [Kamala Harris] failed to separate herself from him. I think there were opportunities for her to distinguish herself from the president, but she chose not to, whether it was from loyalty or something else,” Bryan said.
Looking ahead to 2025, Alexandra Wilkes, attorney and Republican strategist, said that she believes the Republicans in New Jersey need to expand their messaging beyond just affordability and the general economy if they want to find success in 2025.
“They can’t run the same property tax campaign every single year,” she said. “While Republicans have often made the case for addressing affordability, it hasn’t been enough to advance them across the finish line. Republicans need to understand that people stay in New Jersey for various non-economic reasons such as staying close to family or for the state’s school systems. They need to speak to those people about the other issues that animate them. I think Donald Trump did that well this year when he spoke about immigration and taking away opportunities for girls in sports, for example. These were issues where Republicans were able to make great advances with people who weren’t necessarily even political.”
In terms of the Democrats’ strategy moving forward in the state, Ginger Gold Schnitzer, director of education and strategic initiatives, Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, said that it will be interesting to watch the dynamic between how the Democrats in the Legislature will campaign, and how reflective will that be on how they govern between now and the 2025 election.
“I don’t know that these things are necessarily mutually exclusive,” said Schnitzer. “You can still battle Donald Trump, and you can still do things to help with affordability. There are a lot of issues to choose from.”
For example, she said that Democrats may choose to enact protections for various social issues or look at regulatory issues that don’t necessarily cost a lot of money.
“With the size of the budget last year, Democrats will be very conscious of what spending looks like between now and the election,” she said.
Bryan said he’d like to see the state take big swings at its affordability issue, citing things such as cutting in-state tuition in half at Rutgers, building more affordable housing, and improving daycare and senior care.
“Take big swings so that middle-class families can look at their income and say, ‘Wow this is a great income.’ That doesn’t happen in this state,” he said. “It is so difficult to raise a family in New Jersey. [Our officials] need to talk to young working families about what specifically they are going to do to make their lives better and more affordable.”
Scott Stevens can be considered one of the last of a breed of NHLer that wreaked havoc on other players. During a time when checks were seemingly more vicious than in today’s game, Stevens threw his share of hits that rattled opposing players; some were injured, some were just angry, but there was never a doubt that Stevens played a hard, physical game. But, was that hard, physical game considered “dirty” when it came to his hit on Eric Lindros?
For 22 seasons Stevens played that type of game and helped the New Jersey Devils win three Stanley Cups. Some said he was dirty but others respected Stevens and knew instinctively not to cross the center line with their heads down. That was an invitation to get checked hard, as Lindros found out. It was a hit that changed his career, ended his time with the Philadelphia Flyers and ironically did some good for the sport.
Currently working with the NHL Network, Stevens brought attention to the issue of concussions in the NHL. In fact, he had to retire after he was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome.
Scott Stevens, the Beginning
Stevens was a defenseman drafted by the Washington Capitals fifth overall in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Having grown up in Kitchener, Ontario, Stevens was on the hockey road from an early age. In 1982, he won the Memorial Cup playing for the Kitchener Rangers. A respect for Canadian heritage, the juniors and a passion for the game moved Stevens along to his next natural step, the NHL.
Debuting that fall with the Capitals, the big, sturdy rearguard earned a regular spot with Washington, and so impressed that pundits that he was selected to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. Through eight seasons, including a selection to the First All-Star Team in 1987-88, Stevens helped turn around the floundering franchise. His fierce confidence on the blue line made him a favourite with both his teammates and the fans.
“Fierce confidence” is one way to describe a player who instilled fear into the hearts of opposing players. But, one hit, in particular, eventually defined Stevens much to his dismay.
The Lindros Hit
Tom Gulitti, staff writer at NHL.com wrote a piece in their top 100 players series about Stevens. There is no question that the defenseman was one of the NHL’s all-time most effective and prolific hitters. But, it was this hit on Eric Lindros in Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference Final that set Stevens apart as a player not to be ignored on the ice.
Of the hit Gilitti wrote:
“Although Scott Stevens always took pride in the physical part of his game, the Hockey Hall of Famer has never been comfortable with his devastating hit on Philadelphia Flyers center Eric Lindros in Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference Final being one of defining moments of his 22-season NHL career. Lindros was knocked out of the game and sat out the entire 2000-01 season after sustaining a concussion on the hit, which was legal.”
Some might have found it difficult to believe that Stevens was capable of remorse but it goes to show that he was not a “goon” or a dirty player. Lindros, on the other hand, seemed resigned about it. In a National Post story on Jan. 16, 2018, by Michael Traikos, Lindros said:
I’m not a referee. But it happened. So, whether he got a five-minute major or not, I’m out and probably not available for the final. So what does that matter to me, whether he got penalized or not? It occurred.
The ESPN announcers said that the hit was legal but the question will linger as long as a puck slides across the frozen pond. Was it a dirty hit? Was Stevens a dirty player? I was with some friends recently who both said, “No” but added that the distinction was close.
Stevens Hits Led Concussion Awareness
Traikos notes that the larger issue, as time has revealed, is that Lindros was playing after his sixth diagnosed concussion and his fourth in five months. Under today’s standards, he likely would not have been allowed on the ice for that Game 7. Traikos, however, asserts that the Stevens hit was dirty: “Heck, it was dirty by any standards. Except the lunging shoulder that Stevens delivered to Lindros’ jaw wasn’t ruled that way at the time.”
“Just 7 minutes and 50 seconds into Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final, Stevens, the most intimidating defenseman in New Jersey Devils history, caught Lindros in transition coming across center ice in the Flyer offensive zone … with his head down. In real time, measured against today’s standards, Stevens’ hit on Lindros is nothing compared to what seems to occur nightly in the NHL at breakneck speed. The difference is, back then, the Stevens’ hit was deemed legal. Today, it would draw a five-minute major, game misconduct and possible suspension because the principal point of contact from Stevens’ shoulder was the chin and forehead of Lindros.”
So, times have changed and what was considered normal tough play a decade or so ago would now be penalized.
Scott Stevens, former defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, and one of the NHL’s hardest-hitting players (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Whether or not you hurl profanities at the screen anytime you see the replay the hit on Lindros, or you look at it and acknowledge that hockey is a tough sport, the hit stands out as a defining moment in Stevens’ career. But, in an odd way, it was all for good because it forced the NHL to look more closely at concussions.
Panaccio pointed out, “Medically speaking, this remains the biggest impact Lindros had on hockey — he brought much-needed focus to concussions.” If Lindros had such an impact, it can be argued that it was the Stevens hit that served as a launching pad for the spotlight to shine on Lindros and his concussion history, and subsequently to further that focus onto the league as a whole.
Arturs Irbe suggested during the 2001 Playoffs that his hits were dirty and that he was deliberately trying to kill players or knock them out for the playoffs.
That is quite the accusation. Of course, he had seen Hurricanes teammates Shane Willis and Ron Francis both get pummeled by Stevens during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Cullen noted Stevens’ reply to those who criticized his play:
“What kind of respect do I get? Just because I’m a physical player, it’s O.K. to come at me and do what you want? Hey, it’s a hockey game. It’s not figure skating. You know what? I can take a hit and I can give a hit. I don’t care who it is. No one gets a free ride out there. I don’t get a free ride, and no one gets a free ride from me.”
Furthermore, Cullen agrees with Stevens’ viewpoint:
He played hard and was very physical, but played the right way and certainly was not a dirty player. Only four elbowing minors in his entire career supports this.
Again, it comes down to perspective at some level, but the play of Stevens was not dirty or intended to kill or injure other players. He played tough hockey when hockey was a much tougher sport that it is today. And, because of his tough play, the NHL is trying to take better care of its players today.
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Stevens and Lindros are both in the Hall of Fame, deservedly. They share a thread in time that is not remembered fondly. Lindros was hurt with another concussion and his career was inextricably altered. Stevens played a few more years but also had to hang up his skates due to concussions. Lindros seems resolved to gloss the hit with an, “It is what it is” response. Stevens says don’t come across the line with your head down.
Tom Canavan wrote in December 2000, that Stevens was not thrilled about having made the hit on Lindros:
From the moment the topic turned to hitting and Eric Lindros’ name was mentioned, it was obvious Scott Stevens was uncomfortable. His eyes seemed to glisten and it took a couple of seconds for the New Jersey Devils captain to decide on Sunday whether he wanted to discuss the crushing hit on Lindros.
Canavan also noted: “It’s very hard, it’s tough,” Stevens said Sunday in recalling the play and knowing how bad he felt. “It’s something I don’t like to think about and I try to put it behind me and go on.”
Banners honoring New Jersey Devils Ken Daneyko and Scott Stevens, 2009 (Pacmanghostx via Wikimedia Commons)
For me, this is sums up how I view the hit. Stevens wasn’t gloating but actually felt something for Lindros. Sure, Stevens justified that hit and others by saying players should not come at him with their heads down. But, I don’t think he had a thirst for hurting his opponents or possibly ending their careers. He played a tough game with a tough style and other players knew that. If they chose to come at him with their heads down, then they did so – likely knowingly – at their own risk.
In my opinion, no, Stevens was not a dirty player nor was the hit on Lindros a dirty hit. As Hurricanes television play-by-play voice John Forslund says, “That’s hockey baby!”
NJ natives are among key Trump Administration picks, according to NJ Biz.
The feds approved a $10B Port Authority bus terminal project, according to NorthJersey.com.
Federal and state officials convened over drone sightings in the state, according to NorthJersey.com. The Governor says the drones aren’t a threat to public safety, according to NJ.com.
A court could decide to revive fusion voting in the state, according to NJ Globe.
NJ companies are stockpiling imports to avoid Trump tariffs on China, according to NJ Herald.
NJ port workers’ contract talks are stuck over adding automation, according to NorthJersey.com.
Monmouth County officials say the airport owner restricted their on-site inspection, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Pallone is calling for refunds for customers affected by Monday’s NJ Transit delays, according to NJ101.5.
In Edison, there have been apologies and retractions all around after the council banned props at meetings. The town says they didn’t ban the American flag, according to NJ.com.
In Barrington, Barrington News apartment residents are meeting over a proposed sale, according to Burlington County Times.
In Franklin, officials are grappling with affordable housing mandates, according to TAPinto.
In Greenwich, a hedged OK was given to a warehouse, according to the Daily Journal.
In Harding, the cell phone tower is up and running, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, the council failed to fill the Ward 6 council vacancy, according to TAPinto.
In Howell, the town is being sued after unanimously shooting down a warehouse complex plan, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, the city touted a decline in homicides, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Newark, amid a building boom, Passaic River flooding poses a problem, according to NJ Monitor.
In Ocean City, the council failed to adopt a room tax ordinance, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, a judge didn’t dismiss an indictment against former Mayor Torres, according to Paterson Press.
In Raritan Borough, the council approved the Raritan mall redevelopment plan and tax abatement, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, a senior housing project was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, schools may sell land to make up for a multi-million dollar budget gap, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, an annoyed neighbor led the city to discover that drinking water went untested for a year, according to NJ.com.
Federal, state and local authorities convened Wednesday to discuss an uptick in reported drone activity across North and Central Jersey as residents continue to flood the FBI tip website and take to social media to report the mysterious objects.
Gov. Phil Murphy and acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced Wednesday the allocation of more than $42 million in federal funding to expand and improve preschool facilities in 22 school districts across New Jersey. The funding marks a major step in the administration’s push for universal access to high-quality preschool.
When deciding on the best towns to put down roots, choosing one that offers eco-friendly living has become a growing priority for many people. And according to a recent report, three of the nation’s most desired sustainable suburbs are located right here in the Garden State.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin will represent New Jersey in the bipartisan Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program, which brings leaders from across the U.S. together to explore ideas and develop education agendas. The program was named for former North Carolina Gov. James Hunt and former New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean, Democrat and Republican, respectively, who were known as education governors during their time in office.
A new pilot program is paving the way to make sure mothers are heard and seen before, during and after birth. Christine Ivery is the program officer for New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute that partnered on the project with two hospitals in Mercer County, Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro.
Maybe Joe Biden didn’t do the fairest thing by pardoning his son, Hunter. But he did the right thing as a father.
The Race for Governor in New Jersey: Ten Gubernatorial Candidates Declared
TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City Staff
As we close out 2024 in the Garden State, 2025’s gubernatorial field is rapidly expanding. Within the past month, two candidates whose announcements have been widely anticipated, have declared their intent to compete in June’s Democratic primary: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Congressional District 5) and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (Congressional District 11). In the crowded Democratic field, Gottheimer and Sherrill join Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Governor Steven Fulop, Former Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller.
It went from a bit of a joke earlier this week when I started talking about the drone sightings. The information started coming in a few weeks ago when my friend and Florham Park, NJ Mayor Mark Taylor texted me about strange drones hovering over his backyard. The noise, the lights, and the size of the crafts were certainly concerning. We didn’t think too much of this issue honestly, I even joked yesterday about aliens, Disney, and a not-100% joking reference to the Chinese government.
A literary lion is scheduled to grace the halls of Warren County Community College on Thursday, Dec. 5. Billy Collins, an American poet, will read from his latest published work ‘Water, Water: Poems” as a guest of the college’s Visiting Author Series on Thursday evening. The reading will happen at 6 p.m. in room E206. it will be followed by a Q&A.
Wegovy and similar injectable weight-loss drugs called GLP-1s can cost more than $1,000 a month, but New Jersey is not one of a dozen states where people on Medicaid can get it covered for weight control. Jenna Tagliabue, an active dog walker in Hasbrouck Heights, said she can afford the popular drug Wegovy only because she’s covered by her parent’s health insurance. Her doctor prescribed it after Jenna’s blood pressure kept rising.
An evolution of terminology has introduced unhoused as substitution for homeless. No matter which word receives employment, adequate shelter and food supply remain key issues in Trenton where thousands face serious life challenges. Homelessness in New Jersey increased by 17% between 2022 and 2023, according to a 2023 summary of the state’s annual count of unhoused people.
Eleven Veterans Presented With Morris County Distinguished Service Medals
Veterans, dignitaries, family members, and friends gathered last night at Morris County’s Annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony, where the Board of County Commissioners presented Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals to 11 local heroes, who were also honored by state and federal officials.
Retired Admiral James “Frank” Caldwell Jr., former director of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, was among those in attendance, traveling from Annapolis, MD, to support the veterans at the event that took place on the fifth floor of the county’s Administration and Records Building in Morristown.
Commissioner Director Christine Myers led the ceremony alongside Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo, Tayfun Selen, Deborah Smith, and John Krickus, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.State Sen. Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (Morris-25) presented Joint Senate-Assembly Resolutions, while U.S. Rep. Tom Kean and Willy Tolba, representing U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, delivered Certificates of Honor to each veteran or their family member.
“The County Commissioners have traditionally used the occasion of our Veterans Day Observance to recognize resident veterans by presenting them with the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal,” said Director Myers. “These honors are presented to veterans who served honorably and who have helped to make our nation and Morris County a better place to live.”
Before the ceremony started, Director Myers acknowledged the recent passing of three notable New Jersey figures who leave behind lasting legacies: Deacon Ray Chimileski, founder of Operation Chillout to aid homeless veterans; former Assembly Speaker Chuck Haytaian, an advocate for education on genocide and human rights; and Vincent “George” McMann Jr., a former Municipal Court judge and Tank Platoon Leader with the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Judge McMann’s daughter, Superior Court Judge Marcy McMann, attended the ceremony.
The Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal program began in 1999 to commemorate World War II veterans on the 55th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of France. Since then, the county has expanded the medals to honor veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars, as well as other military conflicts. In 2022, Morris County introduced medals for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Director Myers invited U.S. Rep. Kean to deliver opening remarks at the ceremony, where he highlighted his commitment to supporting local veterans.
“I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis with my colleague Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to bring a VA Vet Center Community Access Point (CAP) right here to Morris County,” said Kean. “Vet Centers provide a range of lifesaving services for veterans and their families. Our veterans need to know that when they come home, quality care is close to home.”
The federal Veteran Center CAP the congressman was referring to opened in May at the Morris County Veterans Service Office (VSO) located at 540 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township. Morris County volunteered to share and improve its county VSO space to host the CAP and VA counselors from the Bloomfield Vet Center are available once a week to provide services. Veterans interested in these services should call 973-748-0980 to schedule an appointment.
Among the veterans honored was retired U.S. Navy Captain Charles E. Fegley of Randolph Township, who served from 1957 to 1981 and earned distinguished honors, including the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” Device and the Legion of Merit. Captain Fegley oversaw nuclear power operations, notably leading the PM-3A Nuclear Power Plant at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, where he later helped establish a commemorative monument. His contributions are recognized with a bronze plaque on Observation Hill and the naming of Fegley Glacier.
The ceremony also included tributes to the late Brigadier General Sean Patrick Mulholland, a Montville resident and U.S. Army veteran of the War on Terrorism, who served from 1985 to 2015 and received the Bronze Star Medal, among other accolades. Mulholland passed away in 2018.
Deputy Director Shaw read a letter from retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Glen G. Roussos, who served alongside Mulholland in the 7th Special Forces Group. Roussos described Mulholland as “a warrior who made a difference wherever he went.” Senator Bucco read a letter from General Bryan P. Fenton honoring Mulholland’s legacy and presented a framed copy of the letter to Mulholland’s sister, Sheila.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Deputy Clerk Anna McMahon, County College of Morris (CCM) President Tony Iacono, CCM Trustee James Loveys, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr and Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
In recognition of Veterans Day coming up, the Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation has updated the Morris County Veterans Compendium Project, an ongoing initiative to document every Morris County soldier’s service dating back to the American Revolution. Learn more about these veterans and their sacrifices through the Official Website of Morris County, NJ.
Photo 1: Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw presents the Morris County Distinguished Service Medal to retired U.S. Navy Captain Charles E. Fegley of Randolph Township.
Photo 2: Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo and Derek Oates, U.S. Army Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ahead of his return to the White House in January, President-elect Donald Trump has begun announcing the key figures he wants to fill Cabinet positions and other major roles in his upcoming administration. The list of nominees features some of Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill, as well as prominent figures from his 2024 campaign.
In addition to well-known politicians like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, and high-profile entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, several notable New Jersey natives are among Trump’s selections.
Dr. Mehmet Oz – Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Dr. Mehmet Oz, a longtime Bergen County resident and TV personality, has been selected as the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency within the Department of Health & Human Services. Oz became a household name in the early 2000s through his frequent appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, later hosting his own daytime talk show.
While Oz has faced criticism for promoting unproven medical products and claims, such as endorsing the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, Trump expressed confidence in his qualifications to address America’s healthcare challenges. Oz is set to work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to lead the Department of Health & Human Services. The CMS position requires Senate confirmation.
Charles Kushner – U.S. Ambassador to France
Charles Kushner, founder of Kushner Cos., a major real estate firm with a significant presence in New Jersey, has been tapped to serve as U.S. Ambassador to France. Kushner, who is the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, is a prominent businessman with ties to the Trump family. Trump praised him as a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker,” and highlighted his son’s previous work in the White House, particularly on initiatives like Operation Warp Speed and the Abraham Accords.
However, Kushner’s past includes a conviction for tax evasion and illegal campaign donations, which led to a prison sentence. He was pardoned by Trump in 2020. Like all ambassadorial nominees, Kushner’s appointment will require Senate confirmation.
Susie Wiles – White House Chief of Staff
Susie Wiles, a political strategist who played a key role in Trump’s past campaigns, has been named the first female White House Chief of Staff. Wiles, who grew up in Saddle River, New Jersey, has an extensive career in politics, having worked on Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign and with numerous Republican candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. She will not require Senate confirmation to take on this role, and Trump has expressed admiration for her leadership, calling her “tough, smart, innovative, and universally admired.”
Jared Isaacman – NASA Administrator
Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur from Central Jersey, has been selected to lead NASA. Isaacman, the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, will take charge of NASA’s mission of space exploration, drawing from his extensive leadership background and experience as an astronaut. Although he has no direct experience at NASA, Isaacman’s ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his own spaceflights with SpaceX make him a unique choice for the role. Isaacman’s appointment will require Senate confirmation.
Frank Bisignano – Social Security Administration Commissioner
Frank Bisignano, the CEO of Fiserv Inc., has been chosen to head the Social Security Administration. Bisignano, who has an extensive background in financial services, including leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup, is credited with transforming large corporations. Fiserv, under his leadership, has expanded its presence in New Jersey, establishing a financial technology hub in Berkeley Heights. His appointment also requires Senate confirmation.
Trump’s picks reflect a combination of business acumen, political experience, and personal connections, with several New Jerseyans playing a key role in the upcoming administration. As the appointments move forward, Senate confirmation will be required for most positions, ensuring further scrutiny and debate before the new administration takes shape.
Businessman hand pointing finger to growth success finance business chart of metaverse technology financial graph investment diagram on analysis stock market background with digital economy exchange.
Bloomfield-based Cornerstone Financing, an industry leader in advisor-driven financial solutions, has been approved to originate in Ohio. This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to broadening access to its innovative CHEIFS (Cornerstone Home Equity Insurance/Investment Funding Solutions) product, a groundbreaking home equity solution designed to convert home equity into financial success.
With this expansion, Cornerstone Financing is now accepting business in seven states, including: • Ohio (OH) • Massachusetts (MA) • Pennsylvania (PA) • California (CA) • Arizona (AZ) • Florida (FL) • Missouri (MO)
“Expanding our reach to Ohio marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide transformative financial tools for advisors and homeowners alike,” Daniel Anderson, co-founder of Cornerstone Financing said. “By increasing our footprint, we aim to equip more financial professionals with the resources needed to convert home equity into meaningful financial outcomes.”
Cornerstone’s CHEIFS product enables homeowners to access liquidity by selling a fraction of their home equity to fund critical life and financial planning needs, such as insurance, annuities, long-term care and many other investment opportunities.
“Our growth is fueled by the trust of our advisor network and the backing of our partners,” Anderson added. “We are dedicated to creating a seamless, value-driven model that enhances advisor-client relationships and supports homeowners in achieving financial success.”
Cornerstone’s expansion to Ohio is supported by its $285 million financing from Aquiline Capital Partners and Nomura, which underscores the company’s financial stability and vision for national growth.
Jennifer Ortiz, associate professor of criminology, was recently honored by the American Society of Criminology for her tireless work supporting and advocating for formerly incarcerated individuals.
She received the 2024 Division on Critical Criminology and Social Justice Praxis Award at a ceremony on November 14, 2024, at the ASC Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California.
The award honors an individual’s unique achievements in activism, commitment, persuasion, scholarship, service, and teaching in areas that have made a significant impact on the quality of justice for underserved, underrepresented, and otherwise marginalized populations.
Ortiz has worked to help individuals who have been disenfranchised and advocated for their behalf. For four years, she served as president of the New Albany Indiana Human Rights Commission, investigating complaints of discrimination.
Additionally, she helped raise over $1 million for Freed From Within, a non-profit transitional living facility that provides men with skills to successfully reenter society post-incarceration.
Ortiz’s academic research involves prisoner re-entry, but her focus is squarely on education.
“Education is the strongest factor we have to actually lower recidivism,” she says. Education, she explains, is both educating incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people as well as educating the general public about what can and should be done to create change.
She has presented to the White House Domestic Policy Council and the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, among others.
“I do my best to try and bring all of what I’m seeing to places with people who can make change and can do something with it,” she says. “The policymakers.”
Ortiz serves as chair of the Division of Convict Criminology of the ASC, where she established a travel scholarship to bring formerly incarcerated graduate students to the ASC conference where they can share their lived experience with professionals in the field.
Additionally, she established a mentorship program that pairs formerly incarcerated students with mentors to help them deal with the stigma associated with having been in prison. Ortiz is currently mentoring a formerly incarcerated person who is now a student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Must Be Santa,” the single of The Weeklings latest album, “Christmas,” on JEM Records. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEM RECORDS
Elvis was the Pelvis. Jerry Lee was Killer. The Beatles were The Fab Four. Well, The Weeklings are The Mashers, kings of the musical mashup.
Their latest, “Must Be Santa,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Must Be Santa” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
Continuing their tradition of tinkering with Beatlesque themes, The Weeklings throw another curve ball by mashing the holiday classic “Must Be Santa” with the iconic “Helter Skelter.” The results transform “Must Be Santa” on JEM Records from a fanciful children’s song into a bona fide heavy rock anthem. The children’s memory game lyrics of the song direct the listener to happy holiday times, but all the while, The Weeklings are cranking up the guitars and drums!
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Other Weeklings mashups include “Revolution Wonderland” (The Beatles’ “Revolution” with “Winter Wonderland”), “Christmas Time Is Here Again” (The Beatles’ holiday classic with their “Magical Mystery Tour deep cut “Flying”), as well as “Mr. Soul Satisfaction” (Neil Young’s “Mr. Soul” with the Stones’ “Satisfaction”).
The original 1960 version of “Must Be Santa” was written for and released by Mitch Miller, and the song was also more recently covered in a polka-meets-klezmer style by Bob Dylan. The Weeklings have applied a new twist to a classic to produce a cheerful romp that is most welcome for the holiday season!
A very active act at Christmas, The Weeklings feature their latest holiday single on their new JEM album, “Christmas.” The 16-song collection mixes original holiday-themed songs with powerful rock renditions of seasonal classics!
Lefty Weekling (aka Glen Burtnik) and Zeek Weekling (aka Bob Burger) composed nine tracks for the album to cover a broad spectrum of musical styles, as well as sprinkle unexpected interjections of musical interludes throughout the record. The lead original tracks include “Christmas Day,” “Another Year,” “Festivus,” “Star Carol” and “Gonna Be Christmas.”
Determined to lift everyone’s spirits this holiday season, The Weeklings provide something for everyone with their light-hearted LP, ranging from J.S. Bach’s album-opening “Joy” to the comical interlude version of “Dreidel.” On “Joy,” lead guitarist Rocky Weekling (John Merjave) burns through the classical melodies of Bach and Beethoven, as well as mashup snippets from The Beatles and Queen. The Weeklings wax whimsical with “Dreidel,” a traditional Yiddish song that celebrates the spirit of Hanukkah. Throughout “Christmas,” such charming touches as bicycle bells and the sounds of musical toys would put a smile even on Scrooge’s face!
For those who don’t celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, The Weeklings also have a track for “the rest of us!” The band’s original song, “Festivus” is inspired by the faux holiday invented by the Seinfeld character Frank Costanza as a ridiculous alternative to the traditions and commercialism of the season.
Joining drummer-percussionist Smokestack Weekling (Joe Bellia) and the rest of the Traveling Wilburys/Beatles-inspired all-star band on the album are the Ocean Avenue Stompers Horn Section and the Red Ryder BB Gun Singers Choir.
The Weeklings have a hot weekend of holiday shows coming up. On Dec. 21 at My Father’s Place in Roslyn on New York’s Long Island, The Weeklings Holiday Bash will feature JEM label mate Paul Collins. On Dec. 22 at The Vogel in Red Bank, the sold-out The Weeklings & Friends Holiday Hullabaloo will continue the all-star seasonal tradition started by Glen Burtnik’s Xmas Xtravanza more than 30 years ago.
The Weeklings also will play Jan. 16 at Milton Theatre in Delaware, the 25th anniversary Light of Day Festival on Jan. 17 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park with Dramarama, Bobby Mahoney, SONiA and Pete Mancini, and Feb. 8 at Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center for a Beatles Bash with an orchestra.
For more, visit http://www.weeklings.com. For more about JEM Records, click https://jemrecordings.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com.
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin’s Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
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Blue Hawk Records – Album Release Event
Friday, December 06, 2024 @ 7:00pm Monmouth University – Plangere 235 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 category: music
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The Musical Box performing Genesis’ “Selling England by the Pount” album
Friday, December 06, 2024 @ 8:00pm State Theatre New Jersey 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 category: music
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Chris Knight
Friday, December 06, 2024 @ 8:00pm The Vogel 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701 category: music
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Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea
Friday, December 06, 2024 @ 7:00pm Monmouth University – Pollak Theatre 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 category: music
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Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams
Friday, December 06, 2024 @ 7:30pm Avenel Performing Arts Center 150 Avenel Street, Avenel, NJ 07001 category: music
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Blue Hawk Records to Celebrate 25th Album Release on Friday
(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) — Blue Hawk Records, Monmouth University’s student-run record label, is marking a major milestone with the release of its 25th compilation album, Vol. 25: Signature Edition, on Friday, December 6th, 2024. This special album features seven new original tracks from Monmouth students, alumni, and even an American Idol contestant, showcasing the diverse talents within the university community.
Art House Productions & Tris McCall present Songs & Stories
State Theatre New Jersey presents The Musical Box: 50th Anniversary Genesis — Selling England by the Pound
Dallas Brass to present Holiday Show at Kean Stage
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.
BELMAR — During public comment of the Nov. 26 council meeting, Mayor Gerald Buccafusco reported that the borough has not been approached by Monmouth County officials to be included in a county shared-services agreement for emergency medical services (EMS).
The South Monmouth Emergency Medical Services (SMEMS) shared service agreement, which will expire at the end of this year, encompasses the local municipalities of Belmar, Lake Como, Sea Girt and Manasquan. The four municipalities funded the shared service of the SMEMS that was made up of paid professionals from the Borough of Belmar, who served as the host organization in the service agreement.
The Manasquan borough council, at its Dec. 2 meeting, unanimously passed two resolutions, authorizing a new shared services agreement with Monmouth County for EMS and withdrawing from the borough’s current EMS shared service that expires at the end of the year. Sea Girt is reportedly also looking into this shared service option from the county (see related story, page 1).
“We are aware of those agreements with Manasquan and Sea Girt and we have not been approached by the county to become a part of that agreement,” Mayor Buccafusco said.
Borough Administrator Kevin Kane also confirmed that neither he nor any borough official had heard from the county about such an agreement, but said that the borough is “going to look at all options.”
“Neither myself, the mayor, police chief, no one has been approached by the county on our end. I’m not going to speak for Lake Como but I assume it’s the same thing with them,” he said. “We’re looking at all options as far as that goes, as far as EMS goes, and what is going to be the best public safety situation for the residents of Belmar. That’s our number one concern.”
“We’re going to look at all options, including the county, and assess it and (the) mayor and council will decide,” Kane said.
This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Coast Star—on newsstands Thursday or online in our e-Edition.
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By Anthony Birritteri, Editor-in-Chief On Dec 4, 2024
The 2025 economic outlook is a mixed bag for New Jersey businesses that, under a new Trump administration, may experience growth under the deregulation of certain industries, while being negatively impacted by tariffs on foreign imports and a crackdown on immigration.
Additionally, New Jersey’s own financial outlook, with a structural deficit of more than $4.5 billion, coupled with high property taxes, a high-income tax rate, and the highest corporate business tax in the nation, will also be challenging for businesses unless the state delivers stability in its public policy initiatives.
These issues and other issues were presented before a business audience of more than 220 during a fireside chat on the economy at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association’s annual Public Policy Forum held at the APA Hotel Woodbridge today.
NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka moderated the discussion, which included Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, a former state treasurer and now owner of ASE Tax Policy and Administration, LLC, and Mark Lehman, CEO of Citizens JMP Securities and president of Citizens in California.
When asked by Siekerka what his overall view was concerning the nation’s economy next year, Lehman said 2025 will “start out roaring.” This is because of “great” economic growth these past four years as the nation emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and businesses benefited from the Tax Cut & Jobs Act and the Build Back Better program, which included the American Rescue Plan.
Lehman said the stock market has done well the past four years and that there has been a lot of euphoria on Wall Street these past four weeks. He’s optimistic about 2025, but cautioned, “there is always something lurking around [the corner]. I’m afraid we are getting a little too euphoric.”
The Trump Effect
Under the incoming Trump administration, Lehman said there will be profound changes, especially concerning tariffs on foreign countries.
Sidamon-Eristoff said that these tariffs will especially impact the 20,000 New Jersey companies that are involved in exporting and the 1.2 million jobs here that are connected to international trade. “That’s 1 in 5 jobs, so any talk on tariffs is very serious,” he said.
He added that he is not sure if the Trump administration will follow through on all the president elect’s tariff proposals and crackdowns, pointing to Trump’s last administration when tens of thousands of individual tariff exemptions were given to companies.
Meanwhile, Lehman said he doesn’t think that the administration will deport millions upon millions of illegal immigrants that the incoming president is calling for.
“There definitely will be some communities that will be affected disproportionately, with some retribution-type scenarios from the administration. However, I think entire complex of foreign workers going away is not going to happen … the numbers are too daunting,” Lehman said, while stressing once more that there will be some “profound repercussions … because the electorate wants it. Trump has done a very good job in making that loud and clear to people.”
NJ’s Fiscal Problems
Looking at New Jersey’s fiscal problems, Sidamon-Eristoff said much of the new spending in the state’s FY2025 budget, at $56.7 billion, is unsustainable. The state has drawn down some $2.4 billion from its budget surplus, while the structural deficit is north of $4.5 billion, according to Sidamon-Eristoff. The Stay NJ property tax relief program for seniors alone will require an increased appropriation of $1.3 billion over the next few fiscal years, he said.
He called Gov. Phil Murphy’s call for each state department to freeze hiring and find 5% in budget savings as just “window dressing” and that the next governor will have to deal with all the fiscal issues.
When asked by Siekerka what the state can do to be more tax friendly, Sidamon-Eristoff said an important solution is creating stability in public policy, whether its taxes, spending or regulatory. Additionally, he said that the increase of the corporate business tax was a prime example of how not to handle state tax policy. “It singled out New Jersey as an unreliable public policy partner with the business community. It signaled to the rest of the country, if not the world, that New Jersey is less competitive,” he said.
Further delving into the high tax dilemma on both the state and local level, Sidamon-Eristoff said that it is a cultural issue in New Jersey that must be addressed inside and outside of government.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved more than $3.8 million in 2025 Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding to support 76 human services related programs in the coming year that were recommended by volunteer advisory committees to the county Department of Human Services.
