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NJ Nonprofit Is Changing Laws—and Stigma—Around Period Products

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Government Employee Unions Sue Trump Administration for Shutting Down USAID

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Last night, Public Citizen Litigation Group and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of the American Foreign Service Association and American Federation of Government Employees against Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the State Department, and the Department of Treasury for shutting down USAID, causing a global humanitarian crisis.

As the complaint explains, by imposing stop work orders, freezing funding, putting staff on leave or terminating them entirely, naming Secretary Rubio as Acting Director, and other actions, the Trump Administration has cost thousands of Americans their jobs and threatened U.S. national security interests. And it has led to humanitarian catastrophe: USAID provides life-saving food, medicine, and support to hundreds of thousands of people across the world.

“Dissolving USAID is illegal and unconstitutional. The Administration’s actions will cost lives and threaten the livelihood–and in some cases the physical safety–of thousands of American workers who have dedicated their lives to public service,” said Public Citizen Litigation Group attorney Lauren Bateman. “Without USAID, U.S.-led medical clinics, soup kitchens, refugee assistance programs, and countless other projects cannot operate. Meanwhile, thousands of Americans who support and lead these important initiatives are out of work. This disruption of aid is unfathomably cruel, unnecessary, and against the law.”

“The Trump administration’s attack on USAID is part of a coordinated campaign to undermine the will of Congress and isolate America in the world,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “This will make Americans at home and abroad less safe.”

“The men and women of USAID deserve a government that values and understands their contributions, not one that leaves them high and dry and unable to pursue their important work after a hostile takeover,” said Everett Kelley, AFGE National President. “We will stand up for our members and all USAID workers who deliver aid across the globe and contribute to a safer, healthier world for all Americans.”

“The dismantling of USAID including its Foreign Service members has thrown dedicated public servants—and their families—into chaos and uncertainty. These professionals have spent their careers advancing America’s interests abroad, only to find their livelihoods upended overnight,” said AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi. “The consequences of this disruption go far beyond individual careers—it weakens U.S. leadership and undermines global stability worldwide. AFSA will continue to defend its members and pursue all options to protect this essential workforce.”

The full complaint is available here.

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2 amazing films at the New Jersey Film Festival today!

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By Al Nigrin

originally published: 02/07/2025

God Teeth  screens with the short The Traumatist at the Spring 2025 New Jersey Film Festival on Friday, February 7.  The film will be Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7 PM in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ.  Tickets are available for purchase here.

The Traumatist – Michelle Beck (Brooklyn, New York) In this psychological thriller, Avery Vaughn, played by Amelia Workman (Anita Tucker, A Thousand and One), searches for retribution and release from her childhood traumas. She enlists the help of Dr. Theodore Hubbell, a questionable character with an unorthodox method of trauma therapy. The “Immersive Retribution Trauma Therapy” program, or IRTT, provides a cathartic release through vengeful and violent reenactments. Starring the talented Robert Picardo (The Doctor, Star Trek Voyager) as Dr. Hubbell, this stirring piece of fiction is told with suspense, passion, and humor. See how one person’s trauma can last generations and the lengths someone will go to make their oppressor pay. 2024; 15 min.

God Teeth – Robbie C. Williamson (Puntaneras, Costa Rica) God Teeth is a wildly original and fantastical odyssey about four recently deceased souls who find themselves on an abandoned ship at sea. Part confessional, part elegy, the narrators must recount the circumstances which led to their untimely deaths, before a marauding gang of sting rays destroys their memories, banishing them to an eternity in purgatory. Created entirely from found internet footage, God Teeth offers the viewer a new and profound experience culled from the infinite digital world and turns it into a thought provoking, cinematic song of mourning and acceptance – The glory of life and death. Boom, a 10-year-old swimmer endeavors to make sense of the loss of her father in a world of dragons, magical sea creatures and underwater superheroes, but will she be destined to repeat history? Albert, leather clad and speeding through a tunnel, flashes back to his life wandering the streets of Hong Kong in search of desire and connection, but with an increasing sense of unease and isolation, he must finally confess to a long-held and shameful secret. Rose, an ambitious sports agent is on the cusp of experiencing a career defining moment, when out of the blue, she takes a bold left turn – with horrific and unintended consequences. Devoted family man, Campbell, speaks only in third person as he reluctantly recalls a raging forest fire that would forever change his existence, leaving him stuck atop a thousand-foot pole. 2024; 60 min.

The 43rd Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between January 24-March 2, 2025. The Festival will be a hybrid one as it will be presented online as well as doing in-person screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VoD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. Each General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person screenings. Plus, acclaimed singer-songwriter Renee Maskin will be doing an audio-visual concert on Friday, February 21 at 7PM and there will be a special benefit in-person screening of the film Bucha on March 2 at 5PM! The in-person screenings and the Renee Maskin concert will be held in Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ beginning at 5PM or 7PM on their show date. General Admission Ticket=$15 Per Program; Festival All Access Pass=$120; Bucha Benefit Screening=$20; In-Person Only Student Ticket=$10 Per Program. For more info go here: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2025.eventive.org/welcome

 


Albert Gabriel Nigrin is an award-winning experimental media artist whose work has been screened throughout the world. He is also a Cinema Studies Lecturer at Rutgers University, and the Executive Director/Curator of the Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, Inc.



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Math prof dives into mapping the movements of sea creatures with new NSF grant

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Nick Battista

As a kid, Nick Battista wasn’t much of a swimmer.

Growing up outside of Buffalo, New York, he loved going to the aquarium and admiring his grandmother’s fish tanks, but on trips to the beach, a fear of sharks kept him from venturing into the water.

That changed during the last year of his PhD in mathematics where he studied the fluid dynamics at play in the development of the human heart. His adviser encouraged him to join her in taking up scuba diving so they could draw inspiration from nature and study how fluid dynamics affected other animals.

Battista is now an associate professor of mathematics at TCNJ, and he visits the Florida Keys twice a year to dive with his research collaborators, including his former advisor. There’s now even more diving in their future, as Battista has secured a collaborative research grant from the National Science Foundation to develop new computational methods to understand predator-prey interactions underwater.

The three-year, $124,000 grant will fund field studies and quantitative analysis of how cnidarians (a branch of the animal kingdom that includes jellyfish and coral) are affected by fluid dynamics in their attempts to capture the plankton they eat — and how those interactions look from the prey’s perspective.

“We’re still learning things from animals all the time”, Battista says. “Imagine a jellyfish expanding and contracting to swim. It seems like a relatively simple process, but there’s some really interesting physics going on.”

Using a combination of calculus, geometry, differential equations, and machine learning — and the biological validation offered by observing sea creatures in their natural habitats — Battista and his colleagues will seek to understand how animals maneuver through water to achieve their goals, whether that means capture or escape.

He plans to work with undergraduates from TCNJ’s School of Science and the School of Engineering on some of the mathematical modeling that undergirds this multidisciplinary research. And although the grant emphasizes the study of aquatic life, it will also support the development of new mathematical approaches that could expand into other arenas, just as Battista’s study of cardiovascular dynamics eventually led him to the sea.

“A beautiful thing about math,” he says, “is that the same methods we’re creating to study how animals swim and interact can be used for completely different applications in engineering or medicine, too.”


— Ben Seal, with reporting by Emily W. Dodd ’03

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Book Club Kits Now Available at the Sussex County Library System

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Contact: Julie Knapp Sussex County Main Library 973 948-3660 ext. 3409 jknapp@sussexcountylibrary.org

Newton, New Jersey – The Sussex County Library System (SCLS) is excited to introduce Book Club Kits, a convenient new way to bring readers together. Whether you’re starting a new club or looking for fresh inspiration, these kits provide everything you need—except the refreshments!

Each Book Club Kit includes six copies of the selected book, discussion questions to guide conversation, and a read-alike guide with recommendations for future reads. It’s a book club in a bag!

Spark meaningful discussion and discover new favorites with Book Club Kits from your library. Browse the library’s catalog and request a kit for your next book club today. Take the hassle out of organizing your next gathering.

“We are always looking for unique ways to meet the needs of our community,” said Will Porter, Library Director. “These Book Club Kits are another example of how the library supports lifelong learning and connection. From decorative cake pans for special celebrations to sewing machines for DIY projects, Memory Kits for individuals with dementia, and Chromebooks & Mobile Hotspots for remote work—we’re here to make life easier and more enjoyable.”

For more information about Book Club Kits and other library resources, visit www.SussexCountyLibrary.org.

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Accreditation | Cherry Hill Township, NJ

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Accreditation

Accreditation is a progressive and time-proven method of assisting law enforcement agencies in improving their overall performance. Participating agencies conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these standards and objectives. When the procedures are in place, a team of trained, independent assessors verifies that the applicable standards have been successfully implemented.

Accredited status represents a significant professional achievement. Accreditation acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. The Cherry Hill Police Department underwent this extensive process and successfully achieved accreditation status in March 2024.  

The attitudes, training and actions of the Cherry Hill Police Department best reflect compliance with the standards contained in this program. Policy and procedure based on Accreditation will not insure mistake-free policing or a crime-free environment for citizens. However, comprehensive and effective leadership through professionally based policy development is directly influenced by this law enforcement program that is thorough, complete, and based on standards that reflect professional best practices.

Additional information regarding accredited agencies can be found by visiting the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police website at www.njsacop.org

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Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), Jersey Shore Wave gears up for season kickoff

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The newest franchise in the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), Jersey Shore Wave, is getting ready to kick off its first season on March 29 against the Chicago Winds with tickets on sale via the team’s website.

Team owner and WNFC Board Member Dawn Sherman says she is thrilled to not only grow the game of women’s football but also to increase women’s representation in sports overall, promoting greater equality.

“Having lived in New Jersey for many years, it is an honor to be the owner of the newest addition to the Women’s National Football Conference,” Sherman said. “It is a personal ambition of mine to drive equity for women broadly. Owning a professional women’s tackle football team gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important role of women in sports and to address the critical issue of the pay gap for women who compete and give their all just like men. General awareness, recognition, game attendance and pay all continue to lag behind sports played by men. It is time for all of this to change.”

Jersey Shore Wave will play its inaugural season at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. The nearly 100-year-old, newly renovated stadium was home to baseball’s Negro League in the 1930s and 40s. Hinchliffe now takes another momentous step, in hosting the Jersey Shore Wave.

“We are thrilled to host the Jersey Shore Wave in its inaugural season here at Hinchliffe Stadium. Hinchliffe has always been at the forefront of progress, and our partnership with the Wave will add to the storied history of Hinchliffe Stadium,” Bryan Verhasselt, general manager at the Hinchliffe Property District.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh celebrates the Wave’s move to play at Hinchliffe Stadium as an impactful way to show the community’s support for athletic excellence in female sports. “I am elated to welcome the Jersey Shore Wave to Paterson for their inaugural season,” Sayegh said. “This partnership represents more than just a game; it celebrates progress, equality and opportunity. Supporting women athletes is crucial to showcase their talent and determination and to inspire the youth of Paterson to dream big and see what’s possible.”

“At present, players in the WNFC are not paid. One of our primary goals is to pay our players a living wage. Everyone involved from players to owners, and everyone in between, believes in the potential of this league and is committed to putting in time and effort to grow the game until our goal becomes a reality,” Jersey Shore Wave President Jared Ferko said.



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Morris County Hosts Project Homeless Connect – Morris County, NJ

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Published on January 31, 2025

Annual Event Provided Critical Resources and Outreach to Those in Need

01 31 2025 Project Homeless Connect (1).jpg

Morris County hosted its annual Project Homeless Connect event today at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, bringing together more than 40 community-based organizations to provide essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing.

The event, organized by the Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris Inc. (MHA) in partnership with the county, offered free healthcare screenings, vaccinations, haircuts, clothing, food, personal care items and housing assistance. Mobile service units, including the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance’s (OTA) Navigating Hope and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One, were also on-site to provide additional resources.

Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Sheriff James Gannon joined county and community leaders to emphasize the importance of working together to address homelessness.

“Rising costs continue to place financial strain on families, making events like Project Homeless Connect more important than ever,” said Director Selen. “Morris County remains committed to finding real solutions, from expanding emergency assistance to increasing prevention efforts, because no one should have to face homelessness alone.”

Morris County took significant steps in 2024 to address homelessness by allocating an additional $300,000 in the county budget, which included doubling emergency assistance funds to $300,000 and dedicating $150,000 to prevention programs. The county also directed $100,000 in federal funding to three agencies for homelessness prevention and secured $190,000 in state funding for Code Blue activation — double the usual allocation — by demonstrating both need and efficient fund distribution.

In addition, the county’s OTA services expanded, with staff now stationed at the Morris County Library every Wednesday to assist residents in need.

View Photos from Project Homeless Connect 2025

“Morris County’s network of services and partnerships, including the MHA and the county’s Human Services Department as critical partners, is truly remarkable. When I became Sheriff in 2017, we saw the urgent need to address homelessness, mental health and addiction. At that time, our community leaders and experts came together at CARES in Rockaway Borough and we recognized the importance of bringing services directly to those in need. That’s how Hope One was born, and eight years later, we remain committed to that mission,” said Sheriff Gannon.

“It’s wonderful to be at St. Peter’s Church this morning, where mercy and compassion prevail — not just through the church, but through the community-based nonprofits, the individuals we serve and the support of Morris County and its elected officials. Together, we ensure mercy and compassion prevail,” said Robert Davison, CEO of MHA.

01 31 2025 Project Homeless Connect (2).jpg

The event coincided with the annual Point-in-Time Count, a federally mandated survey assessing homelessness in the county. Last year’s count identified 680 individuals experiencing homelessness in Morris County, a 32% increase from the previous year. While some of the increase may be due to improved data collection, it underscores the growing need for coordinated solutions.

During the event, two men shared their journeys of recovery and how Morris County’s services helped them rebuild their lives. Both, once homeless, now live in stable housing and continue to find hope through ongoing support from the providers who assisted them.

Since its launch in 2006, Project Homeless Connect has evolved into a year-round initiative, bringing essential services directly to local drop-in centers in Dover and Morristown.

“Homelessness is a challenge we must address together as a community,” said Director Selen. “Morris County will continue to work with our partners to provide resources, expand services and create opportunities for long-term stability.”

For more information about available services, visit the Morris County OTA Homeless Services webpage.

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Photo 1: (back, l-r) Robert Davison, CEO at MHA, Sheriff James Gannon, Amy Archer, Morris County Community and Behavioral Health Services Division Director and Kasey Errico, Director of the Morris County Department of Human Services. (front, l-r) Viktorija Spasova, PATH Program Director at MHA, Dr. Rose Brown, Senior Director, Program Services at MHA and Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

Photo 2: Sam Khoury, owner of Razorz Edge barber shops, provides a haircut to an attendee.

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Devils’ Dawson Mercer Set to Play in His 300th NHL Game – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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The New Jersey Devils just had a player celebrating an exciting milestone, with Tomas Tatar playing in his 900th NHL game on Jan. 29. As the team gets ready to take on the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Feb. 2, Dawson Mercer is getting ready to skate in his 300th NHL game.

Mercer has spent his entire NHL career with the Devils so far. As a part of the 2020 Taylor Hall trade with the Arizona Coyotes, the Devils received an 18th overall draft pick. They selected Mercer with that pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Dawson Mercer New Jersey Devils
Dawson Mercer, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

In his previous three seasons with the Devils, Mercer played in all 82 games. He has earned a total of 131 points, via 64 goals and 67 assists. His performance over these three seasons proved to be a valuable asset to the team, so Mercer signed a three-year contract right before the 2024-25 season started. The contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $4 million.

Mercer has played in all 53 games so far this season, scoring 13 goals and earning 11 assists for a total of 24 points. His 24 points have earned him a spot in the Devils’ top ten point totals, in the seventh slot. Mercer is one of four players who has recorded a shorthanded goal this season, sharing the honor with Brett Pesce, Jesper Bratt, and Nathan Bastian.

Mercer has shown that he deserves a spot on this team. He currently plays right wing alongside captain Nico Hischier on the second line. He averages 17:51 of total time on the ice, which shows he’s doing something right for his team.

Congratulations to Dawson Mercer on his 300th career NHL game!

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Devils Place Nico Hischier on IR, Call Up Simon Nemec – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier sustained an upper-body injury against the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 25. He was deemed week-to-week, but today the Devils shared an update on his status. They have placed him on injured reserve.

Hischier has been a solid force for the Devils this season. He has played in 51 games and earned 43 points via 24 goals and 19 assists. He plays center on the second line, averaging about 20 minutes of total ice time (TOI) this season.

Simon Nemec was also called up today from the Utica Comets, the Devils’ American Hockey League (AHL) team. Jonas Siegenthaler left the game in the first period on Feb. 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He did not return and the rest of the defense stepped up to the plate. As fans await an update on Siegenthaler’s injury status, Nemec has been called up to play defense in his stead.

Nemec played in nine games for the Devils earlier this season, recording one point from one assist. For the Comets, he has played in 32 games and recorded 22 points via five goals and 17 assists.

Even though Hischier and Siegenthaler will be missing some time, the Devils only have two more games until a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. This will afford these two players the time and rest they need, without missing too many games.

The Devils are getting ready to take on the Vegas Golden Knights later this evening, Feb. 6.

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Today’s New Jersey Rare Bird Alert (February 5, 2025)

New Jersey’s birdwatching community has spotted a number of rare and exciting species today. Here’s a roundup of the sightings, with links to eBird checklists and maps for those interested in exploring these rare birds further:

  • Cackling Goose (1)
    • Location: Lenape Park–Pond, Union, NJ
    • Reported by: Sam Capone
    • Time: 3:30 PM
    • Description: A small, frosted brown-backed goose contrasting sharply with others in the flock.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid) (1)
    • Location: 58-60 NJ-173, Hunterdon, NJ
    • Reported by: Jordan Parham
    • Time: 9:38 AM
    • Description: A hybrid goose, showing brownish body feathers, a white belly, and an extensively white neck.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Long-tailed Duck (1)
    • Location: Hackensack River Point 1, Hudson, NJ
    • Reported by: Christopher Takacs
    • Time: 10:14 AM
    • Description: A female long-tailed duck spotted in Hudson.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Sandhill Crane (6)
    • Location: Sandman/Shunpike fields, Cape May, NJ
    • Reported by: Vince Elia & Barb Bassett
    • Time: 9:36 AM
    • Description: A continuing sighting of six Sandhill Cranes in Cape May.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Dovekie (1)
    • Location: Manasquan Inlet, Ocean Co., NJ
    • Reported by: Alex Tongas
    • Time: 8:30 AM
    • Description: A small, black and white alcid with a stubby bill.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Black-headed Gull (4)
    • Location: Various locations in Ocean, NJ
    • Reported by: Chelsea Hockenbury, Bob Leifeste, Jason Kelsey, Robert Dodelson
    • Time: 9:00 AM to 12:33 PM
    • Description: Continuing sightings of a Black-headed Gull, distinguishable by its pale mantle and black “ear” spot.
    • eBird Checklist 1
    • Map
  • Tricolored Heron (1)
    • Location: Island Beach SP, Ocean, NJ
    • Reported by: Robert Dodelson
    • Time: 10:00 AM
    • Description: A tricolored heron that appears to be spending the winter in New Jersey.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Black-capped Chickadee (7)
    • Location: Sandy Hook, Monmouth, NJ
    • Reported by: Multiple observers
    • Time: 8:47 AM to 9:27 AM
    • Description: Several sightings of this small, inquisitive songbird.
    • eBird Checklist 1
    • Map
  • Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1)
    • Location: Black Run Preserve, Burlington, NJ
    • Reported by: Scott Errickson
    • Time: 4:00 PM
    • Description: A tiny, active bird, observed with a Titmouse in the upper stories of hardwood trees.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Veery (1)
    • Location: Wood Dale County Park, Bergen, NJ
    • Reported by: Michael Strother
    • Time: 10:13 AM
    • Description: A Veery spotted briefly at a close distance.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map
  • Orange-crowned Warbler (1)
    • Location: Home, Camden, NJ
    • Reported by: Walt Nadolny
    • Time: 7:38 AM
    • Description: A very plain, drab warbler observed in Camden.
    • eBird Checklist
    • Map

These birds are all notable for their rarity, and birders are encouraged to explore these locations while keeping in mind the importance of responsible birdwatching. For further information and to contribute to sightings, visit eBird and use their resources for responsible birding.

Six Flags Great Adventure to Hire 4,000 Team Members for 2025 Season

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originally published: 02/06/2025

(JACKSON, NJ) — Six Flags Great Adventure announced plans to hire 4,000 seasonal associates for the 2025 season. As part of National Hiring Week, the park complex will host a week-long recruitment event from February 15-22, 2025 to fill a wide variety of roles across its theme, water and safari park operations.

Available roles include Ride Operators, Food and Beverage, Lifeguards, Security, and many more positions.

A full list of job opportunities is available at https://jobs.sixflags.com.

“At Six Flags Great Adventure, our team members are essential to creating the memorable experiences our guests love,” said Brian Bacica, park president. “We’re proud to offer competitive wages, incredible benefits, and a variety of roles that provide flexible schedules. Six Flags jobs aren’t just about work, they’re an opportunity to make a difference, develop valuable skills, gain hands-on experience and form lasting friendships with fellow team members. Whether looking for full-time, part-time, or seasonal opportunities, we have a wide variety of positions in a fun, dynamic environment.”

Interested applicants must be at least 16 years old. Six Flags Great Adventure is conducting virtual interviews daily and will hold in-person interviews from February 15-22, 2025 at the Team Six Office. To apply, visit https://jobs.sixflags.com. The Team Six Office is located at 1 Six Flags Blvd in Jackson, New Jersey.


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Notable perks include:

* Competitive rates up to $20 per hour for specialized entry-level positions.

* Paid training for all positions.

* Flexible schedules, in-park discounts, reward programs, exclusive in-park events, and free admission to any Six Flags park.

Also, Six Flags Great Adventure team members will be among the first to experience THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity, the park’s newest coaster set to debut this spring, which promises an adrenaline-pumping ride experience. With its intense launches and high-speed twists, THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity will be a must-ride for junior and adult thrill-seekers alike.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property including Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

Six Flags Great Adventure Resort boasts 4 world-class attractions with Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Wild Safari and Savanah Sunset Resort and Spa. Home to the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park and award-winning rides like Nitro, El Toro and Jersey Devil Coaster. The park offers two areas just for the littlest guests and great family rides for the whole family, plus entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of dining options. Its Wild Safari is one of the largest safaris outside of Africa and gets guests up-close to more than 1,200 animals from around the globe. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks with more than 25 refreshing attractions for the whole family.


Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment (WBDGTE), part of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences, is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, and licensing of location-based entertainment, live events, exhibits, and theme park experiences based on the biggest franchises, stories and characters from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGTE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by the Wizarding World, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. With best-in-class partners, WBDGTE allows fans around the world to physically immerse themselves inside their favorite brands and franchises.

DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels.  DC’s creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions, and on the DC Universe Infinite digital comic subscription service.

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Join the Black History Month Celebration at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch


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Events This Week in New Jersey from February 4-10, 2025


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Mac and Cheese Festival to Take Place Saturday in Morristown


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Interactive Family Magic Show to be Presented at RVCC Theatre


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Dan Aubrey to give a talk on Joseph Bonaparte at Trenton City Museum

(TRENTON, NJ) — The life and loves of noted area 19th century beauty Annette Savage will be the topic of a talk Saturday, February 9, 2025 at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie. Titled “Le Jeu de l’Amour,” the program, led by journalist and writer Dan Aubrey, will explore how Napoleon’s brother and former King of Spain, Joseph Bonaparte, and his American mistress, Annette Savage, found passion and pain in the Trenton and Bordentown region of New Jersey. The event runs from from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

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3 Takeaways From the Devils’ 3-2 Shootout Win Over the Penguins – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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The New Jersey Devils traveled south to close out their road trip against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 4. The pair put up a tough fight, but the Devils were able to take the win 3-2 in the shootout.

Seven-Round Shootout to Determine the Winner

The Penguins managed to tie up the game towards the middle of the third period. No goals were scored after this, and the game went into overtime. Despite each team getting two shot attempts on the net, neither was able to score a goal. The game went to a shootout in order to determine the winner.

The seven-round shootout was determined by Paul Cotter, Dougie Hamilton, and finally, Timo Meier, who scored the winning goal.

Related: Jack Hughes’ 2 Goals Helps Devils to 3-2 Shootout Win Over Penguins

Both the Penguins and the Devils scored in the first round. Anthony Beauvillier scored in the third round for Pittsburgh, but Hamilton kept the Devils alive with his third-round goal. He was able to shoot the puck through the legs of Alex Nedeljkovic to keep the game alive. Daws made some great saves in the next four rounds that followed, including an incredible glove save on Kevin Hayes’ shot. In the final round, Meier banked to the right of Nedeljkovic as he went to the middle of the net. He sent the puck into the right side of the net to win the game for New Jersey.

Hughes and Bratt Are the Dynamic Duo

The Devils continue to have two strong point leaders on their team, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Both goals in regulation time were scored by Hughes last night. Who recorded an assist on both goals? None other than Bratt.

Hughes’ first goal came right at the end of the first period. The Devils made a break to the net. Ondrej Palat was with Hughes, passing the puck back and forth. Palat took a shot which was blocked. Bratt was in front of the net, recovered the rebound and took another shot. Once again, the puck was stopped but Hughes was able to send it past Nedeljkovic.

Jack Hughes Jesper Bratt New Jersey Devils
Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Nine minutes into the second, the pair repeated their success. Hughes won the faceoff against Sidney Crosby. He sent the puck to Bratt on his right. He skated around the circumference of the faceoff circle as Hughes skated out across the ice. He passed to Hughes while he was in a prime scoring position. With a blast of a shot, he scored his second goal of the night.

Bratt currently leads the Devils in assists with 45 while Hughes is close behind with 40. He is also second on the team in goals with 23. He sits behind Nico Hischier on the team’s leaderboard. In overall points for New Jersey, Hughes leads with 63, but Bratt is close behind with 61. The pair have been an unstoppable duo on the first line this season.

Daws Displayed Stellar Athleticism in First Full Game of the Season

Daws set foot on the ice in the last game on Feb. 2 against the Buffalo Sabres. However, he only recorded 19 minutes of ice time because Jake Allen was pulled from the net. Against the Penguins, he got his first start of the season.

Daws saved 25 of the 27 shots that the Penguins took last night. The two goals that he let in earned him a save percentage of .926. In the shootout, he was able to stop five of the seven shots from the Penguins. He gave the Devils the edge they needed to take home the two points.

The Devils have two more games before the 4 Nations Face-Off. One is a home game against the Vegas Golden Knights, while the last one is in Montreal against the Canadiens. There is a day break between each game, so it is not a back-to-back. However, don’t count out Daws’ chance to start again yet. After his stellar performance against the Penguins, he proved that he can play at the NHL level. The future goaltending for the Devils is looking bright.

Heading Home

The Devils will head back home to host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, Feb. 6.

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NJPAC presents Latin Star Natalia Lafourcade

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originally published: 02/05/2025

(NEWARK, NJ) — New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents the world-renowned singer, songwriter, and music producer Natalia Lafourcade on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 8:00pm. She is one of this century’s most influential voices in Latin popular culture.

Exploring Mexican and Latin American rhythms through her music, Lafourcade creates innovative connections across genres, generations, and identities. Her most recent Grammy Award®-winning studio album, *De Todas las Flores* (Of All the Flowers), serves as a musical diary inspired by various life experiences. The album blends experimental jazz, avant-garde ballads, and sunny retro tropical pop, creating a space where tragedy, warmth, restlessness, and acceptance coexist.

In 2024, Lafourcade was named the first Ambassador of Music for Peace at the 19th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. Her music has been recognized for its ability to break down barriers, unite people, and spread messages of hope, peace, respect, and solidarity. Throughout her career, Lafourcade has won 17 Latin Grammy Awards®, 4 Grammy Awards®, a Billboard Music Award, and 3 MTV Awards.

“With her ability to weave history into the mainstream, Lafourcade has brought the past soaring into the 21st century and established herself as a proud guardian of Latin America’s musical legacy.” — NPR

Tickets are available for purchase online starting Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00am. Tickets are also available by calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office. New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is located at One Center Street in Newark, New Jersey.


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New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

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Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Party’s & Specials in New Jersey

If you’re in New Jersey and looking for some exciting events to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, you’re in luck! Here’s a roundup of some great parties, watch events, and unique activities happening across the Garden State on February 11, 2025:

1. Super Bowl Sunday @ 254

Time: 6:30 PM
Location: 254
Price: From $100
Head to 254 for a vibrant and energetic Super Bowl celebration! Whether you’re there to enjoy the game with friends or looking to be part of an exciting atmosphere, this event promises to deliver. Come for the game, stay for the good vibes!

2. Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off

Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck
Price: From $10
Get ready for some friendly competition! Watch the Super Bowl while enjoying a variety of chili offerings at Sweetwater Marina’s chili cook-off. Taste the local flavors, vote for your favorite, and cheer for the game. A perfect combo of sports and food.

3. Super Bowl LIX Watch Party & Buffet

Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music
Price: From $28
Combine a great watch party with an all-you-can-eat buffet! At Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music, you can enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, and all the Super Bowl action on the big screen. A great place for foodies and sports fans alike!

4. Super Bowl Watch Party 2025

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 220 Passaic Ave
Price: Free
For those looking to watch the game in a relaxed environment, head to 220 Passaic Ave for a laid-back Super Bowl Watch Party. It’s free to attend, and you’ll get to enjoy the game with other fans in a comfortable space.

5. Touch Down Super Bowl Party!

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 100 Ocean Ave
Price: From $21
Join the crowd at this lively Super Bowl party, featuring music, drinks, and plenty of excitement. Whether you’re a diehard Eagles fan or just in it for the halftime show, this event will get you in the game day spirit.

6. Super Bowl Roller Skating Party

Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center
Price: From $5
Take the family out for some pre-game fun at the roller skating rink! Get your skates on and enjoy a day of skating, followed by the big game. It’s a fun way to get your energy out before settling down to watch the Super Bowl.

7. Super Bowl LIX Party at Ponds!

Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Ponds Reformed Church – Fellowship Hall
Price: Free
If you’re looking for a family-friendly gathering, check out the Super Bowl LIX party at Ponds Reformed Church. The watch party is free to attend, making it an excellent option for those who want to celebrate without breaking the bank.

8. Super Bowl LIX at the W

Time: 5:00 PM
Location: 19 Park St
Price: Free
For those seeking a stylish, upscale watch party, head to the W for their Super Bowl LIX event. It’s free to attend, and you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere to cheer on your team.

9. Eagles Super Bowl Watch Party

Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Ryfe Restaurant, Bar & Event Venue, Moorestown
Price: From $1
Join other Eagles fans for a thrilling Super Bowl watch party at Ryfe Restaurant in Moorestown. Celebrate the big game with a drink in hand and plenty of fellow fans rooting for the Birds!

10. Pre-Super Bowl Party at Azure Restaurant + Bar

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Berkeley Carteret
Price: From $20
Get the Super Bowl weekend started early at Azure Restaurant + Bar in Asbury Park. This pre-game party offers an exciting vibe to warm up for the main event. The cocktails and appetizers will keep you fueled until the big game begins!

11. Super Bowling Party

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Play Hoboken
Price: From $50
For a truly unique Super Bowl celebration, head to Play Hoboken for a Super Bowling Party! Enjoy the game while bowling and hanging out with friends in a fun, interactive atmosphere.

Whether you’re craving chili, ready to rock your skates, or just want to watch the game with fellow fans, New Jersey has no shortage of exciting Super Bowl events!

Philadelphia eagles Super Bowl Party Specials in New Jersey

THE WHOLE SHEBANG / SUPER BOWL SPECIAL

Get ready to make your Super Bowl party legendary with our Whole Shebang Special! It’s the ultimate game day feast, perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry fans. Order now, and pick up your spread on Friday, 2/9, between 2 PM – 6 PM in Voorhees.

Order Deadline:

Don’t wait—cut off for ordering is Thursday, 2/6 at 12 PM!

THE WHOLE SHEBANG

Only $99 and feeds 6-8 people! Here’s what’s included:

  • 6 pc Italian Hoagie – Classic, delicious, and ready to eat!
  • 6 pc Cheesesteak – With melty cheese, plus cherry peppers on the side. Add fried onions for a small extra kick.
  • 12 pc Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara – Crispy and cheesy, a perfect crowd-pleaser.
  • 12 pc Chicken Tenders with 2 Sauces – Perfect for dipping and devouring.

WRAP TRAY

For just $59, this feeds 6-8 people too. Pick your favorite wraps from the following:

  • Gyro
  • Falafel
  • Buffalo Ranch Chicken
  • Classic Chicken
  • Hummus
  • Veggie Burger

16oz Dips (served with pita or carrots)

  • Tzatziki – $16
  • Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Salad – $15
  • Hummus – $14

Don’t miss out! Place your order by 12 PM on Thursday, 2/6, and pick up your Super Bowl spread on 2/9. Let’s make this game day unforgettable with the perfect mix of savory bites and satisfying flavors!

Eagles Flag Raising, Bird Dogs & More at the Betsy Ross House – Thursday, February 6, 2025

Philly is about to get extra spirited this Thursday at the Betsy Ross House with a fun and free event you won’t want to miss! Kick off the day at 11 a.m. with a special Eagles flag-raising ceremony in honor of the team’s Super Bowl push. It’s not every day you get to witness history in the making — and this one’s got that Philly flair. Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin themselves will be handing out Dietz & Watson Bird Dogs until 12:30 p.m., so grab your free snack and enjoy some Philly pride. The best part? If you’re rocking your Eagles gear, you’ll even get $1 off admission to the Betsy Ross House, where you can explore this iconic part of American history. It’s all going down at 239 Arch Street, right in the heart of Old City!


Game Day Grub for the Eagles Super Bowl Run

It wouldn’t be game day without the right food, and Philly is known for its legendary eats. Here’s where you can score the best bites for your Eagles viewing party:

Cheesesteaks
Nothing says Philly like a cheesesteak. Whether you’re at the game, tailgating, or watching at home, this classic sandwich is a must-have for any Eagles fan. Check out some of the best spots in the city:

  • Angelo’s Pizzeria (South Philly): Serving up a juicy cheesesteak with the finest ingredients like freshly sliced steak, onions, and gooey cheese on a Sarcone’s Bakery roll. It’s an unbeatable choice! (736 S. 9th Street)
  • Pat’s King of Steaks (South Philly): The birthplace of the cheesesteak! Since 1930, this iconic spot has been feeding Philly’s love for cheesesteaks with their finely crafted sandwiches. (1237 E. Passyunk Avenue)
  • Geno’s Steaks (South Philly): Right across the street from Pat’s, Geno’s keeps the cheesesteak rivalry alive, offering up tasty thinly sliced rib-eye steak, fresh onions, and homemade bread. You can’t miss it with the neon lights glowing. (1219 S. 9th Street)

Hoagies
For a delicious twist on the traditional sandwich, Philly’s hoagies are perfect for any Super Bowl gathering. These sandwiches are packed with flavor and will keep you energized through the game:

  • PrimoHoagies: This Philly chain is known for elevating the hoagie game with a huge variety of mouthwatering options. Multiple locations across the region make it easy to pick one up or order catering for a big game-day feast. (Various locations, including 1528 Ritner Street)
  • Cosmi’s Deli (South Philly): A family favorite since 1932, Cosmi’s Deli has been serving up delicious hoagies and cheesesteaks. Their hoagie trays are perfect for your Super Bowl spread. (1501 S. 8th Street)
  • Fink’s (Northeast Philly): Famous for its gourmet hoagies, Fink’s takes things up a notch with unique ingredients like fresh pork sausage and secret olive spread. Order one of their hoagie trays to try a variety! (4633 Princeton Avenue)

Drink & Snack Ideas for Game Day:

  • Càphê Roasters: If you’re looking for a caffeine kick with an Eagles twist, grab their midnight green dirty matcha featuring matcha tea, espresso, and your choice of milk. (3400 J Street G1)
  • Evil Genius Beer Company: Celebrate the Eagles postseason with the Fly Like an Eagle IPA — a mango-infused, milkshake-style brew that’s sure to be a hit. (1727 Front Street)
  • I Knead Coffee: Get in the Eagles spirit with their playoff-inspired beverages like the AJ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso or Bleed Green Iced Matcha. (4600 Richmond Street)
  • McGillin’s Olde Ale House: Philly’s oldest bar gets in on the action with Eagles-themed drinks like Eagletinis and green beer. (1310 Drury Street)
  • Taqueria Amor (Manayunk): For a bit of a twist, check out the Philly Philly margaritas and the Victory Bird-ito at Taqueria Amor. (4410 Main Street)

Whether you’re waving the flag at Betsy’s House or indulging in Philly’s finest game day eats, the city is buzzing with excitement as we root for the Eagles! Don’t miss these fun events and tasty treats as we head toward Super Bowl glory!

Projected Lineups for Penguins vs Devils – 2/4/25 – The Hockey Writers – Pittsburgh Penguins

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

7 p.m. ET; SN-PIT, MSGSN2

Devils projected lineup

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

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

Nico Daws
Jake Allen

Scratched: Brian Halonen, Kurtis MacDermid

Injured: Jacob Markstrom (MCL sprain), Nico Hischier (upper body), Santeri Hatakka (shoulder)

Status report

Haula will be a game-time decision after missing 12 games with an ankle injury; he practiced Monday at second-line center.

Latest for THW:

Penguins projected lineup

Rickard Rakell — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust
Michael Bunting — Cody Glass — Danton Heinen
Anthony Beauvillier — Kevin Hayes — Philip Tomasino
Bokondji Imama — Blake Lizotte — Noel Acciari

P.O Joseph — Kris Letang
Matt Grzelcyk — Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves — Vincent Desharnais

Alex Nedeljkovic
Joel Blomqvist

Scratched: Matt Nieto, Ryan Shea, Jesse Puljujarvi

Injured: Evgeni Malkin (lower body)

Status report:

Malkin skated on an individual basis before practice Monday and took part in the Penguins’ optional morning skate Tuesday. The center remains week to week and will miss his fourth straight game.

Latest for THW:

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Democratic Contenders for Governor Kick Around the Issues at Debate

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TRENTON – “Transparency” is a word thrown around a lot when it comes to politics.

And so it was no surprise that one of the questions at Sunday’s Democratic gubernatorial debate focused on the demise of the Star Ledger, which printed its last edition on Sunday. While it will continue online, the disappearance of a “real newspaper,” is bound to impact the news site’s viability.

Curiously, with the exception of Steve Sweeney, most of the other candidates really have not been in office long enough to truly recall what a robust Jersey press corp used to be about.

For the record, others on stage Sunday were Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill and Sean Spiller.

“It kills me to see the press gone, pretty much gone,” Sweeney said.

Baraka noted that nationwide, news – through social media – is controlled by “tech magnates,” which was a pretty good observation.

Moving the conversation back to New Jersey, it was noted that the administration of Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, of course, has had a pretty awful record in regard to transparency.

Recall that it was Murphy who signed bills weakening the state’s election watchdog agency – ELEC  – and Open Public Records Act.

None of the candidates supported those moves.

Fulop saw some “good” news in recent events. He noted now-Senator Andy Kim’s successful lawsuit last year against the county line, the indictment of George Norcross and the conviction of Bob Menendez.

His point was that there’s hope for the good guys and for “good government.”

State finances remain the top issue.

A student at Rider University, where the debate was held, noted – like many Republicans do – that the state budget has skyrocketed under Murphy. So how are the candidates going to keep that from happening again if elected?

Gottheimer reiterated his plan to reduce income and property taxes. It is on his website.

Spiller talked about overhauling the procurement process.

Fulop said the state budget needs better oversight – noting that it often gets very quickly-approved at the last minute.

Sherrill talked about her success in bringing money back from Washington.

This was a very polite debate, but that comment prompted Sweeney to say:

“Expecting more federal money from this administration is a pipe dream.”

Donald Trump was not in the room – although he has a golf club in Bedminster.

There was general agreement among the candidates that deportations must be based on the constitution and not done en-masse.

Spiller said we can’t lose sight of who we are, as a nation.

Sweeney said that Barack Obama and Joe Biden deported many immigrants. but that they did it with compassion.

Baraka said Trump’s moves are based on “white supremacy and racism.”

Baraka, the Newark mayor, was the most rhetorical, saying at another point in the debate:

“We can’t fight extremism with moderation.” (Was he channelling Barry Goldwater?)

On the issue of transgender rights, most candidates expressed support for athletes.

Sherrill, however, suggested that this issue – a popular one for Republicans – can take time away from more substantive issues like education and reducing costs.

She said Democrats should not take the bait. In fact, she called some of the hoopla around the issue, “bullshit.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Communication studies professor Yifeng Hu embarks on projects to document and share our country’s AAPI history

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Yifeng Hu at Young's Grocery in Earle, Arkansas.
Yifeng Hu at Young’s Grocery in Earle, Arkansas. Photo courtesy of Yifeng Hu.

Yifeng Hu, associate professor of communication studies, spent a good part of last summer documenting the stories of Chinese immigrants and their descendants in Arkansas. Now, she hopes that similar storytelling projects will soon capture the voices of Asian communities in New Jersey.

 

The project is part of the ASIANetwork-Mellon Foundation Award for AAPI Voices and Stories: Community-based Digital Storytelling, which provides funding to support oral history and community conservation projects to record the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

 

“It’s important to hear ordinary people’s voices and to preserve those voices,” says Hu, who worked with colleagues and students at the University of Central Arkansas in collecting the untold stories of Chinese American families who settled in Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta in the late 1800s.

 

Hu explains that after the Civil War, Cantonese families came to the Mississippi Delta region to work in the cotton fields, having made their way southward from California after completing work on the Transcontinental Railroad or being transported directly from China after the Emancipation Proclamation.

 
In the 20th century, these families became small business owners, primarily operating grocery stores that have been a mainstay in rural areas since.  These businesses served as one of the few places where both Black and white communities were able to mingle during the Jim Crow South.

 

Communication studies professor Yifeng Hu embarks on projects to document and share our country’s AAPI history
L to R: Yifeng Hu, Ted “Monty” Wong, Sandy Wong. Monty was born in Holly Grove, Arkansas in 1944. His family owned a grocery called Wong’s Grocery, opened in 1933. Photo courtesy of Yifeng Hu.

 

The adult children of many of those immigrants are now professionals in the cities of the South and beyond. Still, many of the grocery stores remain in the care of the Chinese families who originated them. While in Arkansas, Hu visited Young’s Grocery, which has been in business since the 1940s in the small town of Earle: population 1,831.

 
“The store is such a bustling place,” she says. “It is the hub of this small town.” And a necessary resource, she explains. “Many customers mentioned how Earle wouldn’t exist today if not for the grocery store.”

 

This spring, TCNJ students will embark on a storytelling project to document the voices of AAPI students on campus, says Hu, who hopes that similar oral history initiatives can commence throughout the state.

 
“The goal is to create an oral history of Asian Americans in New Jersey and promote the awareness of it,” says Hu, co-chair of the college’s Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition. 

 

Hu says the first Chinese settlement on the East Coast was not the well-known Chinatown in New York or even in Philadelphia, but rather in Belleville, New Jersey, in 1870, as Chinese immigrants continued to travel east after completing the railroad.

 

“There’s a lot to be talking about and a lot to be shared with people, it’s exciting,” says Hu. “American history is not just Black and white; we all need to be heard. I really want to tell people that Asian-American history is American history.”

 

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Lunatic Fringe: Wacky NJ Improv Group Centers Audience Suggestions

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Kislak sells 16K SF mixed-use property in Hunterdon County for $1,275,000

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Kislak Commercial Real Estate Services, the commercial sales and leasing affiliate of The Kislak Company, announced the recent sale of Echo Hill Plaza, a 16,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial retail and office building at 1128 Route 31 in Lebanon for $1,275,000.

Kislak marketed the property on behalf of the seller with commercial sales and leasing associate Sara Soliman handling the assignment, and she also procured the purchaser.

The parties were not disclosed.

“This was the buyer’s first acquisition of a building of this size, facilitated through an I.R.C Section 1031 exchange and supported by seller financing. The offering presented an attractive investment opportunity and although the process involved various complexities, we worked through them diligently to ensure a successful closing,” Soliman said.

Echo Hill Plaza, formerly the Van Cleef Engineering professional building, boasts a prime location with stunning wooded views, ample natural light, and a well-maintained structure.

The property has a mix of excellent tenants and is strategically positioned near Route 78, making it an attractive investment opportunity. The building is situated in a high-traffic area, with an average of 25,000 vehicles passing by daily.

Soliman also secured a new beauty bar tenant for the property.



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Former recreation director sentenced to probation for theft – Star News Group

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BRICK TOWNSHIP — Former Brick Township Recreation Director Daniel Santaniello, 46, of Brick Township, was sentenced to a three-year probationary term in connection with his former position after his previously entered guilty plea to theft.

Santaniello was required to resign from his position with Brick Township and forfeit any and all future public employment. 

The former recreation director was also previously required to pay full restitution in the amount of approximately $9,260. 

Santaniello pled guilty before Judge Guy Ryan on Dec. 10. Judge Ryan was also the sentencing judge.

This charge is the result of a joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, and Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau.

The investigation revealed that in his position as Director of Recreation, Santaniello was responsible for issuing permits to private organizations for utilizing the township’s recreational facilities, including the township’s various softball fields. Private organizations wishing to utilize the fields were charged fees for their usage.

The investigation further revealed that Santaniello required certain organizations wishing to utilize the township’s fields to pay him directly in cash, rather than issuing checks to the township.

Instead of depositing the cash into the township’s accounts, Santaniello kept the monies for himself. In order to conceal his theft, Santaniello provided the private organizations who paid him in cash with fraudulent permits.

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

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

 

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Retailer Survey Shows Favorable Outlook Entering 2025 

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shopping

General Business

According to North Plainfield-based Levin Management Corporation’s (LMC’s) 14th annual Retail Outlook Sentiment Survey, store managers have entered 2025 with a favorable attitude fueled by strong annual and holiday sales volume. In fact, three quarters (75.7%) of respondents report they are optimistic about performance in the coming year – a new survey high.

“Tenants in our leased and managed shopping center portfolio had a strong year, with our survey findings mirroring reports of record retail spending and better-than-anticipated holiday seasonal sales in 2024,” noted LMC’s Matthew K. Harding, chief executive officer.

More than three quarters (76.1%) of LMC poll participants say their 2024 annual sales reached the same or a higher level than 2023; just under three quarters (73.6%) indicate same-or-higher holiday sales year over year. These percentages compare to survey trailing averages of 61.6% and 66.0%, respectively.

Just as positive outcomes beget positive outlooks, embracing change and creating new opportunities for customer engagement are keys to ongoing success in the retail environment, Harding noted. To that end, about 45% of LMC survey participants say their company recently adapted – or has plans to adapt – its business model to maintain or improve competitive advantage.

“Retailers are working to meet consumers where they are today – and that means creating a distinctive brick-and-mortar shopping experience,” Harding noted. “Our survey respondents ranked customer service and support, and the social experience of in-person shopping as the top two advantages of physical retail over its ecommerce counterpart. Their most popular enhancements fit in that context.”

  • 72.3% of adapters are placing more training and focus on customer experience.
  • 36.9% of adapters are increasing their emphasis on community programs and engagement.
  • 32.3% of adapters are working on new or updated customer loyalty/incentive programs.

The survey also asked retailers about the adoption of artificial intelligence technology. “While AI plans didn’t make our ‘top three’ adaptations in this year’s Outlook survey, the shift in that data point is well worth a mention,” Harding said. “In our 2024 Outlook, 14.6% of our adapters reported new plans involving AI. This year that number more than doubled, jumping to 29.2%. We look forward to taking a deeper dive into that topic in our Mid-Year Survey, which focuses on technology in the retail space.”

Industry Drivers and Growth Plans
For the second consecutive year, inflation/rising prices topped the list of drivers LMC survey participants feel will have the biggest impact on their retail or service business over the next 12 months. At the same time, inflationary increases seem to be easing somewhat, with 24.2% of respondents saying they did not raise prices last year, up from 22.5% and 18.8%, respectively, in LMC’s two prior Outlook surveys. Of those who did raise prices in response to inflation last year, 25.4% expect to raise prices further in 2025, down from 30.4% and 34.7% in the two prior Outlook surveys.

The economy/consumer confidence ranked second among anticipated 2025 industry drivers. Shifting consumer expectations and shopping patterns came in third, displacing supply chain/inventory availability, which had been a “top three” driver since 2022.

LMC’s Outlook survey also asked tenants about their plans for growth in the coming year. In the latest poll, 40.9% of respondents say they are hiring; 17.0% anticipate expanding, renovating or reformatting their location; and 22.0% expect to open additional locations in 2025.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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Office of Planning Advocacy Sets Public Meetings on Draft State Plan – Morris County, NJ

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Published on January 31, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025 Public Meeting Scheduled in Morristown

02 03 2025 Draft State Plan Morris County.png

The New Jersey Office of Planning Advocacy, in coordination with the County of Morris, will hold a public meeting on Feb. 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon regarding the draft preliminary State Development and Redevelopment Plan (State Plan) and the process by which public and private interests will be able to provide input.

The meeting will take place at the Morris County Administration & Records Building, 10 Court St., Morristown, on Floor 5 inside the County Commissioners’ public meeting room. In the event of a weather emergency, the alternate meeting date will be March 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The meeting also may be attended via Zoom; however, only in-person attendees will be able to comment during the meeting.

The purpose of developing a State Plan is to coordinate planning activities and establish statewide planning objectives in the following areas: land use, housing, economic development, transportation, natural resource conservation, agriculture and farmland retention, recreation, urban and suburban redevelopment, historic preservation, public facilities and services, and intergovernmental coordination.

The purpose of the meeting is to educate the public on the draft preliminary State Plan and the process by which the public as well as state, local and county officials and other interested parties will be able to learn about, comment on and discuss the proposed draft preliminary State Plan.

The Feb. 28 public meeting on the State Plan will focus on the 11 municipalities for which the County of Morris is acting as a liaison and regional negotiating entity with state officials developing the State Plan.  The municipalities include Lincoln Park, Pequannock, East Hanover, Florham Park, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Randolph, Long Hill and Madison.

Anyone unable to attend the meeting in person may submit comments or feedback via a State Plan project email established by Morris County: stateplan@co.morris.nj.us.

Comments may also be submitted directly to the Office of Planning Advocacy by completing a survey or emailing stateplan.comments@sos.nj.gov.

A copy of the State Plan can be accessed via the following link. The legal notice about the meeting, along with the Zoom link, is available here.

The New Jersey Highlands Council will also host an informational meeting on Feb. 20, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Highlands Council offices at 100 North Road (Route 513) Chester, N.J. That meeting will focus on the 28 municipalities in Morris County as well as municipalities outside the county for which the Highlands Council is acting as a liaison and regional negotiating entity with state officials developing the State Plan.

The Morris County municipalities include Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chester Borough, Chester Township, Denville, Dover, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Mine Hill, Montville, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Netcong, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Riverdale, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, Roxbury, Victory Gardens, Washington and Wharton.

For more information about this meeting, contact the Highlands Council at (908) 879-6737 or via email at highlands@highlands.nj.gov.

A copy of the State Plan can be accessed via the following link.

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Matisyahu to Play Two Nights at Debonair Music Hall with Duvbear opening

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originally published: 02/03/2025

(TEANECK, NJ) — Black Box Studios, The Elated System & Debonair Music Hall presents two special nights with Matisyahu, ft. opener Duvbear, at Debonair Music Hall on March 25-26, 2025. Creativity is like a fire in a fireplace: You have to tend it or it will go out. For nearly two decades, Matisyahu has kept his creative spirit aflame by evolving his sound, melding genres, and testing the limits of the musical traditions that have inspired him. Doors open at 6:30pm. showtime is 7:30pm.

His latest release, Hold The Fire, and its leadoff single “Fireproof” takes inspiration from a fire dream inspired by Matisyahu’s Old Testament religion, which has meant so much to his spiritual and creative life since his recording career began in 2004 and his breakout track “King Without a Crown” blasted into the Billboard charts in 2005.

In a roundabout way, those same Old Testament roots springboarded Matisyahu’s music career. Growing up outside New York City, the young Matthew Miller followed jam bands like Phish and the Grateful Dead. Then, in Bob Marley and reggae, he found that the messaging of Rastafarianism was sourced in part from that same Old Testament. The sound that emerged on his first albums—including his first two studio releases as well as 2005’s Gold-certified Live at Stubb’s—embraced both the spirit of reggae and his spirituality and roots in Judaism.

Buoyed by hits like “King Without a Crown,” albums like the Grammy-nominated and Billboard No.1-ranked Youth in 2006, and the Gold-certified 2009 antiwar hit “One Day” (streamed over 150 million times on Spotify alone), he toured extensively through the second half of the aughts with a high-energy stage show that has since grown to include more improvisation. All the while his music expanded into a shapeshifting collision of reggae, hip-hop, alt rock and boldly inventive pop.

Today, he continues to be inspired by evolving musical trends, finding linkages and loops between eras and genres. Matisyahu’s spirituality has evolved in parallel with his music, though his Jewish heritage remains a central theme throughout his life and music. The EP, Hold The Fire (released February 2024), also finds him reflecting on celebrity and artistic success. For Matisyahu, “the unbelievable and miraculous feeling of being connected to our people” is what keeps the creative fire alight.


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Tickets are $65 general admission/$85 reserved (all ages are welcome). Tickets are available for purchase online. Debonair Music Hall is located at 1409 Queen Anne Road in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Opening act Duvbear is a 18 year-old artist whose music captures the essence of his life experiences. His songs delve into personal struggles and the ways he overcomes them, all while weaving in his deep connection to Jewish spirituality. As the son of Grammy-nominated reggae artist Matisyahu and having an older brother (Laivy), he is following in his footsteps. Duvbear is carving out his own path, declaring his independence and committing to a unique musical identity.

Black Box Studios is some-time event producer and the area’s only collaborative performing arts school and cutting-edge professional theater, est. 2007 by Englewood’s Matt Okin:  The Elated System is the Englewood, NJ-based trans-cultural think tank and mixed-media film production studio of electro-acoustic composer/visual artist Danny Howard Hamilton.  Together, Black Box & Elated recently wrapped up a year+ of special appearances by both secular and Jewish-interest music and comedy acts in Teaneck, which included sold-out performances from comedian Elon Gold; The Aryeh Kunstler Band; Israel Portoy; Soulfarm; J-Sketch Comedy; Distant Cousins; the redevelopment of The Rock Musical SOUL SEARCHING; James Maddock; Willie Nile; Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham in Edward Albee’s FRAGMENTS; The Cure’s Reeves Gabrels and his genre-free improv rock outfit Doom Dogs; comedians Jim Florentine, Don Jamieson, and  Mark Riccadonna; Dog Party, and more.

Debonair Music Hall is a live music venue that brings the best national touring acts and local bands to Teaneck, NJ. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while you experience the electrifying energy of live music.


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A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical – A Celebratory Portrait of a Jazz Legend

Louis Armstrong’s legendary career spanned decades, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music world. His life was filled with unexpected twists, both onstage and off, as he navigated the complexities of fame, race, and music. As one of the most beloved and influential figures in jazz, Armstrong’s contributions continue to resonate, and now, the new musical A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical seeks to bring his story to life for a new generation.

The show’s trajectory reflects the same spirit of perseverance and creativity that characterized Armstrong’s career. Initially conceived in 2019, the production faced numerous challenges due to the pandemic, but thanks to the collective efforts of theater director Christopher Renshaw, the late novelist/director Andrew Delaplaine, playwright Aurin Squire, and Tony-winning actor James Iglehart, A Wonderful World is now making its way to Broadway. The musical opened its Broadway run at Studio 54 in November, offering a fresh and dynamic portrayal of Armstrong’s life.

A New Perspective on Armstrong’s Life

What sets A Wonderful World apart from other biographical musicals is its unique approach to Armstrong’s life. Rather than focusing solely on Armstrong himself, the show explores his relationships with his four wives: Daisy Parker, Lil Hardin Armstrong, Alpha Smith, and Lucille Wilson. This fresh perspective gives audiences a more nuanced view of Armstrong, showing both his strengths and vulnerabilities through the eyes of the women who knew him best.

Iglehart, who not only stars as Armstrong but also makes his directorial debut with the show, finds a deep connection with the man behind the trumpet. “It was the guy behind the trumpet that I found so interesting,” Iglehart reflects. He relates to Armstrong’s struggles with identity, particularly when he faced criticism for not being “Black enough” or for playing “only for the white folks.” Iglehart’s portrayal captures Armstrong’s humanity, showing his complex inner world and the ways in which he navigated the challenges of fame and race.

A Dual Role: Acting and Directing

Balancing the responsibilities of acting and directing is no small feat, but Iglehart brings a unique perspective to the production. While acting requires him to focus on his character’s journey, directing demands a broader vision. “When you’re an actor, you focus on what your character is doing, but when you’re a director, you have to see the whole picture,” Iglehart explains. His dual role in the production allows him to bring a holistic understanding of the story, guiding his performance and the show’s overall direction with great care.

Working alongside co-director Christina Sajous, Iglehart helps shape the vision for A Wonderful World, making decisions about how best to portray Armstrong’s life and legacy onstage. “We’re guides in certain places, saying, ‘I think that’s a good idea,’ and then we throw in our ideas and discuss, sometimes debate, on what it should be and how it should be,” Iglehart notes. This collaborative approach has resulted in a production that feels both authentic and innovative.

The Challenges of Portraying Armstrong

Capturing the essence of Louis Armstrong is no easy task, and Iglehart faced the challenge of portraying the full range of his personality. Armstrong was not a saint, and his flaws were part of what made him such a fascinating figure. “You can’t have a whole story where someone is a saint the entire time,” Iglehart admits. “I had to go to some of my dark places and say, ‘James, you’re not perfect.’” The result is a portrayal that feels genuine and multifaceted, showing Armstrong’s complexity as a man and as a performer.

The Evolution of Jazz Through Armstrong’s Eyes

In addition to portraying Armstrong’s life, A Wonderful World offers a new perspective on the impact of jazz. For Iglehart, who grew up with hip-hop, working on the musical has deepened his appreciation for jazz’s roots and its ongoing influence on modern music. He reflects, “Studying Armstrong and realizing where those rhythms come from, where certain chords and progressions come from, it was like hip-hop. Our folks aren’t just reinventing the wheel. Each generation has their own version of this jazz as a metaphor.”

Iglehart now sees jazz not as “older music” but as “our music,” recognizing that it was created by African Americans who pioneered the genre. “Not only is jazz an American-created music, but it’s an African American-created music,” he says, acknowledging the profound cultural significance of the genre.

A Moving Tribute to Louis Armstrong

A Wonderful World is more than just a musical; it’s a celebration of Louis Armstrong’s enduring legacy, his impact on jazz, and his humanity. Through James Iglehart’s powerful performance and direction, audiences are given a deeply humanized portrayal of Armstrong that captures both his brilliance and his struggles. The musical’s unique approach, focusing on Armstrong’s relationships with the women in his life, adds depth to his story, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known figure.

This production succeeds in not only honoring Armstrong’s legacy but also in introducing his music and his story to a new generation. A Wonderful World is a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, and it is sure to leave audiences with a renewed appreciation for Armstrong’s contributions to music and culture.

The Improve Cafe’s Radio Show: Singing with Swing. Sundays are all about winding down, and Singing with Swing is here to help you do just that. This delightful radio show, brought to you by The Improve Cafe, is the perfect companion for a laid-back evening. Whether you’re nestled in a cozy chair with a cup of tea or enjoying a peaceful night in, Singing with Swing sets the ideal atmosphere with its carefully curated selection of vocal jazz.

The show features a mix of timeless classics and contemporary jazz performances, showcasing the talents of some of the finest vocalists in the genre. From the smooth tones of legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to modern-day crooners, Singing with Swing brings you a rich variety of voices, all wrapped up in the warmth of jazz’s signature swing.

Each Sunday, you can tune in and let the velvety melodies wash over you, as Singing with Swing effortlessly combines nostalgia and innovation, offering a refreshing take on the jazz tradition. The ambiance is nothing short of enchanting, making it the perfect way to unwind after a busy week.

Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or new to the genre, Singing with Swing is sure to enhance your Sunday experience, offering you a chance to relax, reflect, and enjoy the music that’s been charming listeners for decades. So, grab a comfy seat, turn down the lights, and let Singing with Swing be your Sunday soundtrack.

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Dr. Waltraut T. Buser

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Dr. Waltraut T. (Heinrich) Buser passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025 at her home in Wall Township after a long journey with dementia. Waltraut was born in October 1929 in Munich, Germany, and faced the challenges of a difficult yet loving childhood in the years during WWII. After receiving her Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Munich in 1956, she emigrated to the United States in 1958 with her husband Rudolf, where both started as research physicists at Camp Evans. After the birth of her second child, Waltraut became a full-time mother and raised four children in ‘Little Bavaria’, her beloved house and property. Later in life she started to teach, first as a substitute teacher at Wall High School and then as a math and physics professor at Brookdale Community College and Georgian Court University. Waltraut was a passionate environmentalist who found joy in the great outdoors, especially hiking, skiing, and canoeing. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of all things plant-related and was well known for her unique beach plum and wild cherry flavored vodkas as well as and her jams and jellies made from fruits and berries sourced from her and Rudolf’s expansive organic garden. Waltraut loved music, played the piano and accordion, and was a long-time member at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Choir in Manasquan, and also sang with the Georgian Court Chorale.
Waltraut is survived by her four children, Claudia, Christopher, Carolyn, and Cornelia and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and her brother and sister who reside in Munich.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Manasquan with Pastor Mary Farnham presiding, on Saturday, May 31st at 11 am, and a private burial will follow in Munich, Germany.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to either of her two favorite charities (American Friends Service Committee or Friends of the Parks of Monmouth County) or your favorite charity.
Cremation was private and held under the direction of O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall.
To send condolences please visit http://www.obrienfuneralhome.com.

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Top 5 Kansas City Scouts of All-Time – The Hockey Writers – Hockey History

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The Kansas City Scouts existed for all of two seasons in the National Hockey League. 160 games played, but a mere 27 wins. The team scored a total of 374 goals in that time – just a little bit more than two goals per game. Meanwhile, the Scouts allowed a whopping 679 goals against, or an average of more than four a game. Such a lopsided goal differential, and the losses understandably piled up.

The Scouts finished second to last in both 1974-75 and 1975-76. Not exactly thrillsville. That does not mean though that there were not some diamonds in the rough.

Kansas City drafted an eventual 350-plus goal scorer. They plucked a Stanley Cup champion off of the “Broad Street Bullies” in the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft. The Scouts even acquired a goalie who would go on to win both the Vezina Trophy and the William M. Jennings Trophy. Ultimately though, the (very) modest amount of talent that Kansas City did possess was not enough to withstand 1970s NHL powerhouses like the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins.

Top 5 Kansas City Scouts of All-Time Gary Bergman Denis Herron Wilf Paiement

The Scouts became but a fleeting memory. During the summer of 1976, the team relocated to Colorado to become the Rockies. Even in Colorado the team only managed to remain viable for six seasons before moving to New Jersey where they have remained ever since as the better known and far more renowned Devils.

But let us not close the page on the Scouts so quickly. It has been more than 40 years since their last NHL game at the old Kemper Arena. We have the luxury of hindsight now, and can take a look back at the team’s top performers.

THW ranks for you the five most proficient players in the brief history of the Kansas City Scouts.

5) Gary Bergman

Golden oldie Gary Bergman was 37 years old when he became a member of the Scouts. The team acquired him on Aug. 22, 1975 from the Detroit Red Wings, along with netminder Bill McKenzie in exchange for goalie Peter McDuffe and center Glen Burdon. Bergman had already played 11 seasons in the NHL prior to the trade, and solidified himself as an earnest, hard-nosed blueliner who could also chip in offensively.

The 1975-76 NHL season was Bergman’s final one in the NHL and his lone season for the Scouts. It would also end up being one of his finest performances, solidifying him as the best rearguard to wear the Scouts uniform.

Gary Bergman #5 of the Kansas City Scouts
BOSTON, MA. – 1970’s: Gary Bergman #5 of the Kansas City Scouts skates against the Boston Bruins at Boston Garden. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Bergman played in 75 of the team’s 80 games that season. In the process, he tallied five goals, 33 assists and 38 points. That led all Scouts defenders in scoring, and saw Bergman finish third overall on the team among all skaters. Those 33 assists were his most in a season for his entire 12-year career.

Furthermore, Bergman was an important role model for a very young Scouts hockey club.

4) Simon Nolet

The Scouts did themselves well at the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft. After they and their fellow newcomers, the Washington Capitals, selected goaltenders through the first four selections, it was Kansas City that made Simon Nolet the first skater selected with the fifth overall pick. Nolet, who was fresh off of a Stanley Cup victory with the 1973-74 Philadelphia Flyers, became the Scouts inaugural team captain.

Nolet was a decent goal scorer, with four seasons of 16 or more goals for Philly. Captaining the Scouts, he had a career-year in 1974-75 as he set all career highs in goals (26), assists (32) and points (58). Those totals saw Nolet lead or tie for the team lead in each category.

Nolet scored the first goal in Scouts history – an Oct. 9, 1974 tally against the Toronto Maple Leafs and goaltender Doug Favell. He would be named to the 1975 NHL All-Star Game as the sole representative for Kansas City.

Despite Nolet being one of the more skilled Scouts, he would end up being traded along with Ed Gilbert and a 1st-round draft pick on Jan. 8, 1976 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In addition to receiving Chuck Arnason and a 1st-round pick of their own, the deal brought heavily feared pugilist Steve Durbano to Kansas City, and was designed to add some much needed toughness to the team’s roster.

Nolet’s 36 goals in a Scouts uniform are third-most all-time, while his 83 points are second-highest.

3) Denis Herron

Perhaps no player was more important to the Scouts than goaltender Denis Herron.

Having initially gone with the maligned netminding tandem of Michel Plasse and Peter McDuffe, Kansas City knew they had to get better in the goal crease and fast. The team sent Plasse to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Jan. 10, 1975 to receive Herron and defender Jean-Guy Lagace. A commendable trade by the Scouts, no doubt.

Herron proceeded to play 22 games for the team after the trade, going 4-13-4 as his record. He stopped 687 shots of the 767 that he faced, and compiled a .896 save percentage in return – a far from terrible number on such a challenged team. Additionally, Herron’s 3.75 goals-against average for the Scouts that season is the only GAA to be below 4.00 in the team’s history.

Denis Herron Kansas City Scouts
Kansas City Scouts goalie Denis Herron led the entire NHL in shots faced and saves made during the 1975-76 season (Photo Credia: 1975-76 Kansas City Scouts Media Guide).

Finding their cornerstone, the Scouts saw Herron become the NHL’s busiest goaltender in 1975-76. He led the entire league in both shots against (2,211), and more importantly, saves with 1,968 while playing 64 games. Subsequently, Herron earned a record of 11-39-11.

For a Scouts team that went 12-56-12 overall, were it not for Herron, those wins and ties totals would have easily been in the single digits.

He would go on to play 10 more seasons in the NHL, winning the Vezina Trophy in 1981 and the Jennings Trophy in 1982, both while with the Montreal Canadiens.

2) Guy Charron

Guy Charron is probably the most skillful player to have worn the Scouts uniform. In what was a rare instance of the team utilizing some zeal, Kansas City obtained Charron and Claude Houde from the Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 15, 1974 in exchange for Bart Crashley, Larry Giroux and Ted Snell. The Scouts won the trade hands down, as Crashley, Giroux and Snell all had careers that never materialized following the transaction.

Charron, on the other hand, would proceed to generate five straight seasons of 35 or more assists. He went 13-29-42 in scoring in 51 games after arriving to Kansas City in December to finish second in points behind Nolet.

Guy Charron Kansas City Scouts
Guy Charron had three seasons in his career with 40 or more assists; the first of which came as a member of the Kansas City Scouts (Photo Credit: 1975-76 Kansas City Scouts Media Guide).

Settled in with his new team, Charron became the Scouts quintessential player in the 1975-76 season. Going 27-44-71 in scoring through 78 games, he led the club in all three major offensive categories. Charron’s 44 helpers were the first of three 40-assist seasons in his career.

Additionally, he is the Scouts all-time leader in assists (73) and points (113). Charron is the only player in the team’s existence to reach or surpass the 100-point plateau while wearing the Kansas City uniform.

1) Wilf Paiement

Possessing the second overall pick of the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft the Scouts chose Wilf Paiement to become their mainspring.

It should be no real surprise that Paiement sits at the top of our list. As a rookie in 1974-75, he played in 78 regular season games, led the team with 101 penalty minutes and tied with Nolet in the goal scoring column (26). His 39 points as a rookie place him at fourth for scoring.

Wilf Paiement Kansas City Scouts
Wilf Paiement, Kansas City Scouts (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Paiement missed some time in his sophomore season of 1975-76, but he continued what would become 11 straight seasons of 20 or more goals. Playing in 57 games of the 80-game scheduled, Paiement finished second on the Scouts for goals (21) and points (43). He would represent Kansas City at the 29th NHL All-Star Game played in Philadelphia on Jan. 20, 1976.

Paiement’s 47 goals and 222 penalty minutes in a Scouts uniform are both records for the team’s 2-season history. The solid right winger would have an NHL career of 946 regular season games, across seven different teams. Paiement completed his career in 1988 season having scored 356 goals in total. He was also the last active player to have suited up for the Scouts at the time of his retirement.

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Demand Accountability with Immediate Removal of Camden School Board President Wasim Muhammad

We, the undersigned concerned citizens of Camden, New Jersey, are writing to demand the immediate removal of Camden School Board President Wasim Muhammad. Under his leadership, the Camden School District has failed to meet the educational needs of our children, resulting in a significant decline in the quality of education and a failure to support our teachers and staff.

The role of the school board president is to guide the district toward providing the best possible educational opportunities for Camden’s youth. However, Wasim Muhammad’s tenure has been marked by a lack of accountability, poor decision-making, and a disregard for the voices of students, parents, and educators. His failure to act in the best interests of the Camden community has had a direct negative impact on our students’ success.

We are calling on Vice President N’Namdee Nelson, the City of Camden School District, and all Advisory Board members to take immediate action and remove Wasim Muhammad from his position as School Board President. Our students deserve leadership that prioritizes their education and well-being.

The current state of the Camden School District demands urgent attention, and the removal of Wasim Muhammad is an essential step toward restoring accountability, trust, and the quality of education our children deserve.

We urge the school district to act swiftly in the best interest of Camden’s future and to take the necessary steps to ensure that our children receive the education they need and deserve.

New Jersey Devils’ 3 Stars of January – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

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The New Jersey Devils hit a rough patch in January, rounding out the month with a 5-5-3 record. They remain in a playoff spot, sitting in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 64 points. However, the Devils must resolve their inconsistencies if they want to remain Stanley Cup contenders. They suffered a four-game losing streak and dealt with overtime struggles, but finished strong with a 5-0 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. But the Devils were dealt a few devastating blows, namely losing their starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom and captain Nico Hischier

But who stood out as the Devils kicked off 2025? In the first edition of the “Three Stars of the Month” series for The Hockey Writers, here are a few players that deserve recognition for their January efforts.

Third Star: Jesper Bratt

Jesper Bratt was an instrumental part of the Devils’ success in January. With six points in his last four games, his skill and versatility are invaluable. Bratt remains on the top line alongside Jack Hughes and Ondrej Palat, otherwise referred to by fans as “PB&J.” This line recently combined for two goals against the Flyers, and has been fairly reliable in terms of point production.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe made a brief line change at the end of January, opting to put Bratt with Hischier and Stefan Noesen. Bratt picked up three points in two games with this line combination but was returned to the “PB&J” line following Hischier’s injury.

Related: Devils’ Nico Hischier Out With Undisclosed Injury

Bratt recorded two goals and nine assists across January with 33 total shots on goal. With an average of 2.54 shots on goal per game, Bratt generates numerous scoring opportunities. He has been excellent at setting up plays in the offensive zone, but his power-play impact was especially noteworthy. He scored five assists on the man advantage and remains a critical part of the Devils’ first power-play unit.

Bratt ranks second on the team in points, with 58 so far this season. Currently, he is on pace to record 90 points, which would be a career-high. Bratt even surpassed Bobby Holik with his 271st assist, and now holds the record for 10th-most assists in Devils’ franchise history.

Second Star: Jake Allen

There’s no denying Jake Allen stepped up in the Devils’ time of need. After Markstrom suffered a knee sprain, Allen took over and led the team to a 5-1 victory against the Boston Bruins. He then started the next three games with Isaac Poulter as his backup.

Jake Allen New Jersey Devils
Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Allen saved 127 out of 137 shots faced, and has a 3-1-0 record since Markstrom’s injury. Likewise, he finished the month with a 1.81 goals against average (GAA). He also had a .927 save percentage (SV%) in January, an improvement from his .878 SV% in December. He even recorded his third shutout of the season when the Devils faced the Flyers for the last time in January, making a total of 24 saves.

Even though losing Markstrom for four to six weeks is far from ideal, Allen has embraced his role as a temporary starting goalie. It appears that general manager Tom Fitzgerald made the right move acquiring Allen from the Montreal Canadiens for a conditional third-round 2025 draft pick.

Allen’s January performance proves that the club can rely on him when it counts. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if he starts in net more often to lighten Markstrom’s workload following the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

First Star: Jack Hughes

The Devils might have dealt with a few January difficulties, but one thing is certain: Hughes shined. Even though he was absent from practice after needing stitches mid-game against the Bruins, he is back and better than ever.

Unsurprisingly, Hughes led the team in points, scoring five goals and adding nine assists. This also marks the fourth-consecutive season where Hughes has hit the 20-goal mark, making him the fourth player 23 years old or younger to do so for the Devils.

Throughout January, Hughes had four multi-point games, most notably scoring one goal and adding two assists against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 16. Hughes was even the hero in the Devils’ 4-3 overtime win against the Canadiens. On a pass from Timo Meier, Hughes raced ahead to score the game-winning goal on a breakaway. Hughes also had a hand in the first and last goals against the Flyers on Wednesday night, assisting Palat’s goal and netting the last goal at the start of the third period.

Hughes recorded 49 shots on goal in January and averaged 3.77 shots per game. He finished off the month with a four-game point streak with two goals and three assists. His speed and agility remain two of the Devils’ greatest assets, and there’s no doubt Hughes will play a monumental role in the Devils’ upcoming playoff push.

Looking Ahead to February

The Devils have just four games remaining before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Key players must keep delivering so the team can remain on a playoff track. With Allen standing strong in net and the Devils’ power play staying red-hot, it appears the team can continue its recent upward trend in February.

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