The Philadelphia Flyers take on the New Jersey Devils this afternoon at the Prudential Center. Here are the projected/expected lineups sourced from NHL.com staff writers, independent correspondents, and others.
Owen Tippett — Morgan Frost — Travis Konecny Tyson Foerster — Noah Cates — Bobby Brink Joel Farabee — Sean Couturier — Matvei Michkov Olle Lycksell — Scott Laughton — Garnet Hathaway
Cam York — Travis Sanheim Egor Zamula — Rasmus Ristolainen Nick Seeler — Jamie Drysdale
Samuel Ersson Ivan Fedotov
Scratched: Erik Johnson, Aleksei Kolosov
Injured: Nicolas Deslauriers (upper body), Ryan Poehling (upper body)
Status report
Poehling will not play after being hit by New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov in the first period of a 5-3 win Thursday; the center will be replaced in the lineup by Lycksell.
Latest for THW:
Devils projected lineup
Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Dawson Mercer Paul Cotter — Justin Dowling — Tomas Tatar Kurtis MacDermid — Curtis Lazar — Nathan Bastian
Brenden Dillon — Dougie Hamilton Jonas Siegenthaler — Jonathan Kovacevic Luke Hughes — Brett Pesce
Jake Allen Jacob Markstrom
Scratched: Brian Halonen, Colton White
Injured: Santeri Hatakka (shoulder), Erik Haula (ankle), Stefan Noesen (illness)
Status report
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said Thursday there is an illness going around the team, which could result in some game-time decisions. … Haula, a forward, was placed on injured reserve Friday. White, a defenseman, was recalled from Utica of the American Hockey League on Friday.
Governor Murphy is looking to partner with incoming President Trump in his final year, according to Politico NJ.
President-elect Trump’s Transportation Secretary nominee has a record of voting against funding for the Gateway Tunnel project, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJDOH and Rowan University partnered to enhance mental health services at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital.
Some school districts are already banning cellphones in classrooms, according to NJ.com.
A North Jersey rabbi will deliver a blessing at President-elect Trump’s inauguration, according to NorthJersey.com.
A new public health institute in the state is taking shape, according to NJ Spotlight.
Burlington County appointed a law firm to review the 2024 election.
The proposed Essex County $874M budget includes a 1.99% tax hike, according to NJ Hills.
An Ocean County sheriff’s officer spoke out about a sex assault suit that brought a $177M award, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Van Drew promised to fight ‘tooth and nail’ against offshore wind, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rutgers University announced the inductees into its Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
Rep. Gottheimer was endorsed for Governor by mayors in Rep. Sherrill’s district, according to NJ Globe.
Former Senate President Sweeney launched his first digital ad for his gubernatorial candidacy, according to NJ Globe.
In LD4, Melinda Kane is joining the Assembly, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In LD32, Hoboken Mayor Bhalla launched his Assembly candidacy, saying ‘Trenton needs more mayors who get things done’. Assembly candidate Katie Brennan raised $85k for her campaign.
In LD35, a new Senator and Assemblymember will be chosen at a convention today, according to NJ Globe.
Senate President Scutari wants to look at consolidating watchdog agencies, according to NJ Globe.
Assemblywoman Munoz released a proposal for paid parental leave.
‘Fake farmers’ in the state could soon lose a tax break, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: Legislature devised interim solution to legal ads
In Jersey City, mayoral candidate Councilman Solomon raised over $800k.
In Bound Brook, the town will lose library services until further notice, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Camden, a proposed building would become the tallest tower in the city, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Newark, a unreleased report found students at a school endured anti-black racism, according to NJ Monitor.
In Ocean City, police are preparing for four years of disruption, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Old Bridge, a development may bring 2,400 residents into town, according to MyCentralJersey.
In South Amboy, a new apartment building may come to town, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, the council clamped down on how long people can speak at meetings, according to the Asbury Park Press.
ICYMI: In Parsippany, Bergen endorsed Barberio, in primary w/ Mussella; in Hoboken, Jabbour announced for mayor as Bhalla won’t seek re-election; in Jersey City, Akaezuwa announced council candidacy
Remember the scene in “Frozen,” when it’s Coronation Day? (What? I have two daughters. I’ve seen “Frozen” 47 times.) Anyway, it’s a thrilling song. Anna is thrilled because her sister Elsa is about to be crowned Queen (or something, I don’t know, I’m usually looking at my phone and not the movie).
Now that the dust has settled, and the Philadelphia 76ers will not be taking up New Jersey’s generous offer to build their new arena in Camden, here’s a more modest proposal than New Jersey’s standard deal, “How much tax-free public money do you want? We’ll pay it.” Let’s build an arena in Camden, anyway.
Gov. Phil Murphy has done enough State of the State addresses to know the deal: highlight your successes – and give a sneak peek of what may be coming in the more extensive budget address. Tuesday in Trenton, he didn’t disappoint.
New Jersey just took a giant step to strengthen our teacher workforce and knock down barriers to recruiting and retaining necessary talent. A new law that waives the Basic Skills Praxis exam for some aspiring teachers has been welcomed with disparaging headlines and social media posts intended to create controversy. A closer look, however, reveals a thoughtful effort to address teacher shortages and the redundancies of outdated certification practices while maintaining high standards for educator readiness.
Legislative Leaders, Advocacy Groups Respond to State of the State Address
Alex Connell, TAPinto Morristown
With Governor Phil Murphy’s annual State of the State Address over, legislative leaders gathered and shared statements outlining their views on the speech, and the agenda that was laid out for the final year of the current administration. Republican Senator Leader Anthony Bucco addressed the media shortly after, accusing Murphy of painting “a rosy picture about the state and how it’s stronger and fairer,” while questioning who it was stronger and fairer for.
America First Policy Institute, a national think tank formed to promote Donald Trump’s policy agenda, has formed a New Jersey state chapter with Cape May County GOP Chairman Michael Donohue as chairman and Save Jersey editor Matt Rooney as executive director.
Gov. Phil Murphy has counted on the support of public employee unions to advance his progressive agenda for the last seven years. During his State of the State address on Tuesday, Murphy offered a parting gift to state workers in form of 12-weeks of fully paid family leave.
The Seeing Eye Board of Trustees elected Michael H. Mittelman, OD, MPH, MBA, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.), of Horsham, Pa., to serve as Chair during its December 2024 meeting. Mittelman, who joined the Board in 2017, succeeds Cynthia Bryant, who had served on the Board since 2011. “I am deeply honored to serve as the Chair of The Seeing Eye Board of Trustees, an organization whose mission empowers individuals to lead independent, fulfilling lives,” Mittelman said.
Surprising new data from the state Division of Elections reveals exactly how Vice President Kamala Harris won New Jersey’s 14 electoral votes in November’s presidential race. Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, said Democrats did better in certain parts of the state with more affluent communities and educated, suburban communities that have recently become cores for the party.
If the Garden State just moved a little bit closer to having its own voter ID law, Save Jerseyans Governor Phil Murphy may be this all-important election integrity cause’s unlikely champion. A little context: fifteen U.S. states have some form of voter ID requirement. New Jersey isn’t one of them. For the longest time, the Left has complained that voter ID laws – which require voters to produce a legal ID card in order to cast a ballot – are discriminatory in large part because identification cards are allegedly hard to obtain.
The money you’re earning can be stretched a little further in some parts of the Garden State. Your purchasing power varies from county to county, according to a study from SmartAsset, a financial technology company. SmartAsset compared the per-capita income of each county with the cost of living for each county, to determine where folks may get more bang for their buck.
A New Beginnings Housing Program intended to offer homeownership to eligible candidates via renovation of abandoned properties needs reconsideration or termination. Created in 2022 then launched with righteous fanfare in August 2023, a remodeling of the house for Vanessa Solivan in the 600 block of North Clinton Ave. parallels a popular movie The Money Pit.
Our mission is to fully and comprehensively prepare adolescents and adults of Burlington County:
To respond to societal needs through the development of career and technical education programs reflecting the technological advances of the greater community while meeting the needs of both adolescent and adult learners.
To provide programs enabling all students to become productive, self-fulfilled, lifelong learners.
To develop and maintain reciprocal relationships with both civic and business communities.
To support community-wide social, cultural, counseling and career and technical education training programs, while jointly developing apprenticeship and occupational training programs with local businesses, industries, and educational institutions.
To position students for success in mastering the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Grades 9 through 12 in a safe, secure, and caring environment.
Three minutes into this film, I paused and texted my boyfriend, a huge enthusiast of creative thrillers, stunts, and cool fight scenes: “I think this is totally your thing.”
While Texas Chainsaw Massacre is almost THE horror film that would trigger the “You’ve NEVER seen this?” response, following its steps is hardly child’s play. I will not say Dead Community Guild is a textbook demonstration, yet it is rather straightforward and concise in what it conveys: a dystopia premise with the end-day desperation on the scorching Texas road. The opening scene well establishes how the worldview is built with a crisp and somewhat comedic confrontation. Just as such, we are informed of how, in the film, the human conflict is extremely exacerbated by the scarcity of resources that laws, civilization, and the goodness of human nature all cave in to the minimal animal instinct and the drive to survive. The radio broadcasting of the “welcoming” messages for survivors to join the community, despite the endearing tone, recurs in the film so often that it becomes creepy as a threat that we cannot help but assume the so-called community might be the climate of a bloodbath, just like the dawn of the Hunger Games.
Moreover, it is subject to personal interpretation why the center of the chaotic skirmishing is a pair of sisters nestled against each other for a tiny bit of warmth. Is it the hope that the bittersweet taste would mesh well with the dark coffee? Or is it an attempt to add their charm to this rough blend of madness? The savage beauty of two pretty women holding guns? Or is it for a different voice? Or, rather simply, the eyes of the newcomers?
No matter how I see it, I always appreciate the aesthetic of Western movies. From the breathtaking silhouette of the two sisters hugging in the sunset to dreamy, surreal sequences with almost poisonous-colored filters and empty shots of the no-man land, even the tiny breezes spread the drought. We can tell that these are well executed when we feel the overexposed images depriving every drop of water in our throat; still, the uniqueness and, sometimes, why we like Indies is how creative and wild they could be when they are free of the restraint of genres. The particularity of Dead Community Guild lies in the unexpectedly diversified color palette, time reversal, and experimental ghostly sequences.
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Some might categorize movies into two kinds: artsy productions that cater to those who consider themselves cinephiles, who would “appreciate, criticize, and analyze,” and the other kind for those who just want to have a good time. And some might think the former is for the “pensive viewers” who speak the language of films. Yet there are always those for both, or neither, that defy a stereotypical definition and show all there is to show about a good story, and present a chorus after which anyone, deep-thinker or not, could say, “That was a good one”, and I would say Dead Community Guild would count as one. Even without special emphasis on the scores, it isn’t surprising that the director, Emil Minasyan, is a musician, as we can identify the beats, chorus, and repercussions in the overall narrative and how neatly it climaxes and wraps up.
“So, is it good?” One might ask. Whether you’re looking for just a good time, something for reflection, or something for analyzing, I would probably have the same answer. “This could totally be your thing, but there is only one way to find out.”
Dead Community Guild screens at the Spring 2025 New Jersey Film Festival onSaturday, January 25. The film will be Online for 24 Hours on this show date 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 43rd Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between January 24-February 21, 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! 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=$100; In-Person Only Student Ticket=$10 Per Program.
For more info go here: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2025.eventive.org/welcome
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025 Event Start Time: 7:00 PM Venue: State Theatre New Jersey Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes (no intermission)
Central New Jersey’s premier community talent show for ages 8-25 is back! Jersey Talent provides an exciting platform for youth to express themselves through their art in a supportive and safe environment. This event, held at the historic State Theatre New Jersey, celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of young performers, and promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Auditions Now Open!
If you’re a young performer between the ages of 8 and 25, you can apply to be part of Jersey Talent! Whether you’re a singer, dancer, musician, or have another talent to share, we want to see what New Jersey has to offer. Simply complete the online application form and include a video link (no longer than 2 minutes) showcasing your talent. No prior experience is necessary, and we encourage all types of performances—solo or in small groups (up to 4 people). Please note, no live animals or pyrotechnics will be allowed, and businesses or professional acts are not eligible.
The application deadline is February 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and finalists will be contacted by February 25 for live callback auditions. Performers under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian approval.
The Program
Jersey Talent is a celebration of youth artistry, bringing together a wide variety of performances that highlight the rich artistic diversity of New Jersey. Ten finalists will compete in front of a live audience, showcasing their skills in music, dance, and beyond. The finalists will perform in the following order:
John Boudouvas – Tap dancer from Metuchen
Isabella DiStasio – Singer from Hillsborough
Victoria Wylde – Pianist and composer from Milltown
Emmanuelle Aria Castañeda – Singer from New Brunswick
Angelina & Marianna Berberich – Irish step dancers from Avon-by-the-Sea
Elizabeth Larsen – Singer from Elizabeth
Laura Rodriguez – Singer-songwriter-guitarist from Colonia
Cullen Hussey – Singer from Southampton, PA
Marissa Lazovick – Dancer from Branchburg
Crowfield – Band from Monmouth County
The Judges
The finalists’ performances will be judged by a panel of four experienced professionals from the New Brunswick community, who will provide feedback and select the top three. The judges include:
Carolina Moratti
Professor Bob Ramos
Jessica Trechak
Lindy Zeledón
The winner will be determined by audience applause, adding a fun and interactive element to the competition.
The Hosts
Guiding the audience through this exciting evening will be dynamic hosts Claudio Mir and Sarah Ferreira. Their engaging personalities and enthusiasm will keep the energy high as they introduce the young talent taking the stage.
About Jersey Talent
Jersey Talent was created with the goal of providing a platform for young performers to showcase their abilities in a supportive, non-competitive environment. According to Sarah Chaplin, President & CEO of State Theatre New Jersey, “There are so many talented kids in our region who are looking for an outlet, a place to perform outside their schools, and we wanted to provide that outlet with Jersey Talent.”
The finalists for Jersey Talent were selected after a rigorous process of video and live auditions. This event not only highlights the remarkable talent of New Jersey’s youth but also strengthens the sense of community by bringing together friends, family, and supporters to cheer on the next generation of performers.
The Prize
The winner of Jersey Talent will receive the incredible opportunity to perform as a featured artist at the New Brunswick Heart Festival on August 10, 2025. This high-profile performance offers the winner a chance to take their talent to a larger audience and further their artistic journey.
Join Us for the 2025 Jersey Talent Show!
Don’t miss the chance to see the next wave of New Jersey’s brightest stars in action. Whether you’re a fan of music, dance, or other forms of performance, Jersey Talent offers something for everyone. The event promises to be a thrilling celebration of creativity, showcasing the diverse artistic spirit of New Jersey’s youth.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit State Theatre New Jersey.
After the first half of the season, the New Jersey Devils have emerged as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. Following a dreadful campaign in 2023-24, general manager Tom Fitzgerald set the team up for success with offseason acquisitions to address their shortcomings.
The Devils have made it clear that they are playoff contenders, starting with back-to-back wins at the Global Series in Prague. Since then, they have become an increasingly quick, physical, and determined team.
Ranked near the top of the Metropolitan Division, New Jersey has 56 points thanks to solid defense, goaltending, and special teams. So far, this team is reminiscent of their 2022-23 counterpart, which set a 52-win franchise record. Here’s a mid-season report on everything that’s gone right and what needs some improvement as the Devils attempt to clinch a playoff berth.
Devils Goaltending Greatness
Jacob Markstrom has all the qualities of an elite starting goalie, in stark contrast to last season. He seems to be making highlight-reel saves in every game, and his hard work has not gone unnoticed. Since acquiring him from the Calgary Flames in June, Markstrom has recorded a .911 save percentage (SV%) and is tied for second in wins with a 21-8-3 record.
This season, he has made 162 high-danger saves, which puts him in the 89th percentile among NHL goalies. Markstrom also has a 1.09 goal differential in 60 minutes of play, compared to the league’s 0.12 average.
He has been a monumental part of the Devils’ success this season and has become a Vezina Trophy favorite. He earned recognition last week against the Seattle Kraken when the NHL awarded him all three spots for ‘Play of the Night.’ The Devils are a far cry from the team that finished last season with the league’s sixth-worst goaltending, and Markstrom’s role cannot be understated.
Johnathan Kovacevic: Unlikely Hero
Johnathan Kovacevic is this season’s unsung hero so far. Playing a key role on the Devils’ blue line, it’s hard to believe that the team only surrendered a 2026 fourth-round pick to acquire him during the offseason. Paired with Jonas Siegenthaler, he has made a positive impact and established himself as a top-four defenseman.
Kovacevic leads the team with a plus-15 rating and ranks third in points among Devils defensemen. He has scored 12 points and is on pace to reach 22 points this season, which would be a career-high. He has a 58.33 goals for percentage (GF%) and has helped create 123 high-danger scoring chances. With 57 hits and 59 blocked shots, Kovacevic has helped the team’s new-and-improved physical game.
He has been an exceptional shutdown defenseman, and the Devils’ goalie tandem has a 92.83 save percentage (SV%) when Kovacevic is on the ice. Combined with his penalty kill success, he has become an all-around stellar defenseman. Management should re-sign him after an outstanding performance this season.
Devils’ Special Teams Dominate
Part of what makes the Devils so dangerous is their special teams. The team’s power play ranks third in the NHL with a 28.3% success rate, while their penalty kill ranks eighth. The Devils have the talent to back up their power play and penalty kill, but they must find a way to keep executing in high-pressure situations.
New Jersey Devils celebrate a goal (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
The power play has been hit or miss recently, scoring just five goals in their last ten games. But the Devils made sure to end their power play drought Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stefan Noesen scored the game-winning goal in overtime, which was the perfect redemption after a devastating loss to the New York Rangers.
The Devils’ penalty kill has also been an important factor in their success. With an 82.5% success rate, they have shut down their opponents and limited scoring chances. The team also ranks in the 90th percentile in neutral zone time on the penalty kill. As it stands, their high-powered special teams units should be a big advantage in the playoffs.
Devils Veterans Raise the Bar
Noesen and Ondrej Palat have stepped up their game with 47 combined points this season. Reuniting with Noesen during the offseason was the right call since his playmaking abilities continue to benefit the team. He is on pace to score 51 points and surpass the 30-goal mark, both would be new career highs.
With 17 goals, including eight on the power play, Noesen has been crucial for the Devils. He has become a reliable goal scorer, which the team needed in their bottom six. In a recent interview, Jack Hughes praised his netfront presence, as well as how Noesen can turn a broken play into a scoring opportunity.
After netting the opening goal against the Lightning, Palat became the eighth Devil to hit the 10-goal mark this season. He is also in the middle of a three-game point streak, scoring six goals and four assists in the last month. He has earned his spot on the first line alongside Hughes and Jesper Bratt, improving significantly since the start of the season to a 54.2 on-ice goals percentage. Palat is also crucial in creating high-risk scoring chances, and the Devils have scored 13 high-danger goals with him on the ice.
Noesen and Palat have been instrumental to the team’s success, and they will lead the Devils’ playoff momentum during the second half of the season.
Can Jake Evans Improve Secondary Scoring?
Even with Noesen, the Devils need to shake up their bottom-six. Their third and fourth lines have gone ice-cold and have become a liability, especially while Erik Haula remains out with an ankle injury. Against the Lightning, the bottom-six managed only one shot on goal throughout the game.
In order to remain in a playoff spot, the Devils must improve their secondary scoring. According to reports, management has expressed interest in trading for Jake Evans from the Montreal Canadiens. The 28-year-old center would add depth to the roster with 10 goals and 13 assists this season – Evans’ 23 points are more than Nate Bastian, Tomas Tatar, and Curtis Lazar have combined.
Evans would offer a bottom-six upgrade who can kill penalties, take faceoffs, and score goals at even strength. Between injuries and a scoring drought, the Devils must make a change to keep their playoff hopes alive, and Evans could be the short-term answer they need.
Devils Playoff Push: Looking Ahead
The Devils had an impressive first half, but they need a better effort from their bottom six to maintain a playoff spot. While many things have gone right, they need to address their weaknesses. But with a spectacular starting goalie and a roster filled to the brim with offensive talent, the team could reach new heights during the postseason.
“We have just learned of a massive release of nuclear warheads, authorized by the United States.”
Those are the grim words uttered at the beginning of the short Supercritical. Heightening our anxiety (and our blood pressure), the stakes continue to stack, as we see names and faces being crossed out in red, and radio static cutting into the broadcast as the sound of sirens close in on us. Heavy sighs are emitted, temples are rubbed, and we see a lone scientist stooping over a tape recorder with a defeated look in her eyes.
The scientist clicks on a tape recorder. “Official Entry for Shelter 0126M.” She already sounds so tired. “Logging the date as, uh… July 7th. Two months to the days that the bombs fell.” As she continues to list off the facts of the situation, it seems that the world as portrayed is getting more hopeless and hopeless. Depleted stores. Toxic fumes on the surface. Failing employee retention rates. Can there be any spark of light in this demoralizing time?
What happens next is hilarious, but I can’t tell you about it. It would spoil the surprise. Instead, I will tell you this.
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Supercritical is the debut short film from southern-born director, writer, and editor John Osment. Osment graduated from the Oregon College of Art & Craft with a BFA in Fine Art and a minor in Photography, and is currently a video editor in New York City. I have to say that for a debut short film, Supercritical is masterfully executed. The amount of care that’s put into the production design and mood setting shows a high level of craft. Even the smallest detail, like the crumpled up quality to a piece of paper, adds to the story in a way that puts a smile to my face. Perhaps it has something to do with Osment’s previous work in the commercial industry, working with clients like Netflix and Apple – where every second counts, as short as they are. Indeed, it almost feels like a pilot sketch for a TV series you would watch on Hulu – it’s just quick, snappy, to-the-point, and fun. Not a second is wasted – there is no single shot that lingers on for longer than it should.
What inspired such a short? In a director’s statement from Osment, he says, “I have a lot of love for snappy comedies and wanted to bring something traditionally experienced in our day jobs into an interesting setting.” Elaborating, he goes on to state, “It’s a not-so-subtle play on what it feels like to be bothered by nonsense while dealing with… everything.” I have to say, the satire of Supercritical is well-supported by the current atmosphere of things. Every day we seem to learn about a new world-ending tragedy, and our choices are just… to deal with it. To actively put our heads in the sand. To whistle and pretend like everything is a-ok, and to only pay mind to the small things that we can handle, because the big things are too much. Supercritical feels like one of those shorts that appears at the right time in the right place – that reassures us that we are seen, and we are heard, while giving us a little noogie on the head along the way.
This is all to say, you should go watch the short for yourself. I’m not joking! You really should! Don’t just sit here and read me waxing poetic about this all day. Go take the 7 minutes out of your day to see what the hype is about for yourself. I promise that it will be worth it.
Supercritical screens at the Spring 2025 New Jersey Film Festival onSaturday, January 25. The film will be Online for 24 Hours on this show date 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 43rd Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between January 24-February 21, 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! 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=$100; In-Person Only Student Ticket=$10 Per Program.
For more info go here: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2025.eventive.org/welcome
Hiring for diversity and inclusion is essential for businesses aiming to foster a dynamic workforce. To achieve a truly diverse and inclusive environment, employers must adopt deliberate strategies throughout their recruitment processes. These strategies ensure a broader range of perspectives and experiences within the team, enhancing overall creativity and problem-solving abilities. Today, we’ll cover several actionable steps that can help integrate more diversity and inclusion into your hiring practices.
Crafting Inclusive Job Descriptions
Your job descriptions should communicate clearly and appeal to a diverse range of candidates. Avoiding biased language is crucial; instead, focus on the qualifications and skills necessary for the job. Use language that promotes inclusivity, ensuring that potential applicants feel welcomed regardless of their background. This not only increases the range of applicants but also positions your company as an inclusive and attractive place to work.
Setting Diversity and Inclusion Goals
You need to define what diversity and inclusion specifically mean within your organization. Setting these goals involves understanding the demographics you aim to represent and how inclusive practices can be integrated into your organizational structure. By clearly defining these objectives, you ensure that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but actionable targets that impact recruitment, retention, and corporate culture.
Working with Nonprofits
Working with nonprofits can be a great way to benefit your community while spreading the good word about your business. For instance, nonprofits in New Jersey focusing on diversity and inclusion have access to valuable funding opportunities that can help expand their impact. Diversity grants provide crucial financial support for initiatives aimed at promoting equity, cultural understanding, and representation in underserved communities.
Implementing Blind Hiring Practices
To reduce unconscious bias during the hiring process, consider removing identifying details from resumes and applications, such as names, gender, age, and educational background. This focus on skills and experiences can help in evaluating candidates more objectively. Implementing such practices demonstrates your commitment to fairness and can lead to a more diverse workforce.
Understanding the Paperwork
For businesses, understanding tax paperwork is essential to maintaining compliance and avoiding costly mistakes. Key forms, like the W-9, play a crucial role in collecting accurate information from contractors and ensuring proper tax reporting. Understanding the purpose of W-9 forms helps businesses prepare accurate 1099s, track expenses, and stay on top of IRS requirements. Clear knowledge of tax documentation streamlines operations and reduces financial risks.
Expanding Recruitment Channels
To reach a diverse audience, utilize a broad array of recruitment platforms. Beyond mainstream job boards, include platforms dedicated to underrepresented groups. This approach not only widens your talent pool but also signals to potential employees that you are serious about diversity and inclusion. Engaging with diverse job boards and forums can also help you gain insights into the needs and expectations of different demographic groups.
Diverse Interview Panels & Standardizing Interview Questions
Ensure that your interview panels reflect the diversity you seek. Including panel members from various backgrounds can add different perspectives and reduce bias in the selection process. A diverse interview panel not only provides varied insights into candidate suitability but also showcases your organization’s commitment to diversity to potential hires.
Using a consistent set of questions for all candidates ensures that the interview process is fair and comparable across all applicants. This standardization helps mitigate bias and makes the evaluation based solely on the candidate’s responses and suitability for the role. Fairness in the interview process reinforces your organization’s dedication to equity and inclusion.
Promoting Your Diversity Commitment
Highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion on your company’s website and in your job postings. This visibility not only attracts diverse candidates but also sends a strong message to clients and competitors about your values. Publicizing your efforts can enhance your brand’s reputation as an equitable and forward-thinking employer.
Adopting a strategic approach to diversity and inclusion in hiring can transform an organization’s culture and drive innovation. It requires a commitment to continuous improvement and an openness to change existing recruitment practices. By embracing these principles, companies not only enhance their competitive edge but also build a more cohesive and inclusive workplace. Effective diversity and inclusion strategies are not just beneficial; they are essential for any forward-thinking organization.
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In the third round of the 2024 Draft, the New Jersey Devils selected Swedish winger Herman Träff. He turned 19 on New Year’s Eve and has already found success playing in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), Sweden’s highest level of pro hockey.
The 6-foot-3, 216-pound winger is not afraid to get involved physically, often scoring his goals in and around the blue paint. Despite very limited ice time playing for HV71 in the SHL, he’s scored seven points in 19 games, a per-game pace comparable with some first-round picks in the same draft class.
He cracked the roster for Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships (WJC) in Ottawa, scoring two goals on his birthday against the Czechs. It will be music to Devils fans’ ears that they were both power-play goals, one with a wicked wrist shot and the other by crashing the net.
While Sweden unfortunately fell to Czechia in the bronze medal game, The Hockey Writers caught up with Träff afterwards. Here are some key quotes.
On Making Team Sweden
“I mean, it means a lot,” Träff said. “(There’s) many good players in my country, and I’m just happy to be a part of this group.”
On Two Birthday Goals vs. Czechia
“We had a good time with the team after, and of course, it was a great (feeling), to score two goals on my birthday. I was super happy.”
Connection with Devils & Season in Sweden
Träff said the Devils wished him luck heading into the WJC. Then he spoke about his pro season: “It’s been good. Good games in HV71, and good coaches and good practices,”
At one point, he was on loan for three games to the Nybro Vikings (Hockeyallsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier league), where he notched a goal and an assist. “I felt like when I came home (to HV71) after that, I was flying. So that was really good for me and my career, to get more playing time, find more confidence in my game, and (continue to) play against men,” he said.
Herman Träff, New Jersey Devils (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Any Plans to Come to North America Yet?
“No, (right now) I’m just going 100% with this team, then we will see how it’s going to be in the future.”
Does Träff Follow the NHL Devils?
“Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “I love the team. I love the people there I met that week (at Development Camp). They have really good coaches and (I made) new friends. I stay in good contact with my friend Kasper Pikkarainen from Finland. I’m looking forward for the summer to come back and be there again.”
Any Other Devils Prospects He’s Close To?
“It was a lot of guys (at Development Camp). (I) talked much with (Anton) Silayev. I hope he’s a little bit better in English now,” Träff said lightheartedly. “But yeah, it was fun to meet him.”
The Devils opened a couple days of Development Camp up to their season ticket holders. “Yeah, it was fun,” he said. “You know, really good fans, and you can see they love hockey.”
Look Up to Any Current Devils Players? (+ Shocking Fact)
“I would say Jack Hughes or Jesper Bratt…I watched (Bratt) a little bit when I was a kid. I know when he played in Allsvenskan, he played with a lot of confidence, and I like his game. He’s so fast, and I mean, he’s so skilled too, and also that he’s from Sweden.”
So, THW asked Träff how old he was when Bratt played pro there. “I don’t remember,” Traff said. “I was young, so I don’t know.”
After looking it up, Träff was eight, nine and ten years old when Bratt played parts of three pro seasons for AIK in the Allsvenskan. It seems like almost yesterday that Bratt made his NHL debut.
On His Physicality
“It means a lot to win (many) more pucks when you use your body,” he said. “Yeah, I’m (always) trying to play physical and use my size.”
Plans for Rest of the Season
“We’re just going home now and then we’re going to play with HV71 again,” he said. “Of course, this sucks to take fourth place (at the WJC), so (I’ll) just take it easy tonight and be with the group. Then take the next step with HV71.”
Träff looked confident throughout the WJC, often helping create long shifts in the offensive zone by using his forechecking skill and physical strength. While his ceiling is probably a middle-sixer in the NHL, he can fulfill a role similar to Stefan Noesen, where he’s a menace on the power play.
If you’re a Devils fan, keep an eye on Träff. Elite Prospects’ 2024 Draft Guide said, “Träff forechecks with pace and intensity. He hits and works to get the puck back. And he takes the puck to the net every chance he gets. When in doubt, he bets on his size and strength and mobility. Not only is he already fast for a 6-foot-3 player, but he hits most of the right notes in his posture. His knees bend at the right angle and advance past his toes and his back conserves the appropriate angle with the ice.”
It could be a few years before Träff makes the jump to North America, likely to the Utica Comets (American Hockey League) first. But once he does, he could become very valuable to the Devils.
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) — Get out of the house this winter and take the kids to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) for fun shows for all ages! Here’s what is in store for January through March 2025.
Please note that several performances are “Sensory Friendly,” in which modifications have been made so children with sensory sensitivities may share in the experience. MPAC offers quiet rooms, fidget toys and noise-reduction headphones for these events.
Mike Super – Magic & Illusion | Saturday, January 25 at 3:pm & 7:30pm. As the winner of NBC’s hit TV show Phenomenon, Mike Super is the only magician in history to win a live magic competition on primetime TV and to be voted “America’s Favorite Mystifier!” Mike has also been a Top Finalist on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Tickets range from$37-$57 (includes all fees)
Pinkalicious the Musical | Sunday, January 26 at 1:30pm & 4:30pm (Sensory friendly). Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. Tickets range from $21-$26 (includes all fees).
BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular! | Sunday, February 16 at 3:00pm. BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular! celebrates Hip Hop dancing. Featuring a cast of supremely talented artists from the world of “B-Boying,” “Locking,” “Electric Boogaloo” or “Popping,” Power Tumbling, as well as DJ-ing and Bucket Drumming, BREAK pays tribute to this urban American art form. Tickets range from $35-$67 (includes all fees).
Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
The Gazillion Bubble Show | Saturday, February 22 at 11:00am, 2:00pm & 5:00pm. Prepare to be amazed by the world-famous Gazillion Bubble Show! This mind-blowing show combines the beauty of bubble artistry, the wonders of soapy science, and interactive fun for the whole family. With mesmerizing bubble magic, immersive lights and lasers and high-energy music, it’s a spellbinding experience for all ages. Don’t miss the spectacular celebration of bubbles, science, and family fun at the Gazillion Bubble Show! Tickets range from $31-$58 (includes all fees).
A Year with Frog and Toad | Sunday, March 9 at 1:30pm & 4:30pm (Sensory friendly). A hit on Broadway, A Year With Frog And Toad was nominated for 3 Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s books and featuring a jazzy, upbeat score by Robert and Willie Reale that bubbles with melody and wit, this whimsical musical follows two great friends — the cheerful, popular Frog and the curmudgeonly Toad — through four, fun-filled seasons as they celebrate and rejoice in their differences that make them unique and special. Tickets range from $26-$43 (includes all fees).
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello | Saturday, March 22 at 2:00pm & 6:00pm (Sensory friendly). Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide-and-seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! Tickets range from $47-$79 (includes all fees).
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey. MPAC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2024-2025 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Jan. 12 had some big moments from some of the greatest players in National Hockey League history. One legend returned to where he made a name for himself, another became the first to reach a new plateau, while a third had to step away from the game. Plus, there were memorable nights in New Jersey, Calgary, and Chicago. The hockey time machine is fired up, so let’s take our daily trip back through the decades.
Mr. Hockey Returns to Detroit
The great Gordie Howe stepped onto the ice in Detroit for the first time in nearly nine years on Jan. 12, 1980, when the Hartford Whalers traveled to the Red Wings. He retired from the NHL and Red Wings in 1971 after 25 seasons, 786 goals, and 1,809 points with the team. After six seasons in the defunct World Hockey Association, he was back for one final tour of duty in the NHL during the 1979-80 season.
Howe returned to Detroit on this date in 1980. (Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Whalers ended their nine-game winless streak with a 6-4 victory over the Red Wings. There were three members of the Howe family in the Hartford lineup; Gordie and his sons Mark and Marty. Mark was the only Howe to find the scoresheet with a pair of assists. He eventually played the final three seasons of his career with the Red Wings.
Lemieux Steps Away
On Jan. 12, 1993, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that star forward Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Thankfully, the disease was detected early. He has a large lymph node removed from his neck and undergoes radiation treatment which caused him to miss nearly two months of the season.
This didn’t slow down Super Mario in the least. He returned to the Penguins lineup on March 2, 1993. In the final 19 games of the season, Lemieux had 15 games with at least two points, including six with four or more. Despite missing 22 games, he still won the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league with 160 points.
Another First for Gretzky
We would need to take off our shoes to count all the feats in NHL history that Wayne Gretzky was the first to accomplish. On Jan. 12, 1994, he scored a pair of goals in the Los Angeles Kings’ 6-4 win over the Whalers to become the first player in league history to score 2,400 career points. His pair of tallies also made him the seventh player to score 200 goals as a member of the Kings.
Gretzky hit 2,400 points on this date in 1994. (Photo By Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)
Gretzky scored another 457 points before retiring in 1999. No other player in league history has ever scored 2,000 points. Jaromir Jagr is second in all-time scoring with 1,921 points. The Great One had 1,963 assists.
Devils Make History
Before the Russian Five made their debut in Detroit, the New Jersey Devils made history on Jan. 12, 1992. This was the night they had defensemen Viacheslav Fetisov and Alexei Kasatonov and forwards Valeri Zelepukin and Alexander Semak in the lineup during their 5-2 win over the visiting Kings.
This was the first time in league history where four players born in the Soviet Union dressed for the same team. The foursome combined for three points, with Zelepikin scoring a goal and adding an assist, with Kasatonov setting up his goal. Fetisov was traded to the Red Wings in 1995, where he became part of the famed Russian Five line.
A Big Date for Flames
Cliff Fletcher was named general manager of the Atlanta Flames on Jan. 12, 1972, nine months before the team made its NHL debut. He held this position until May of 1991, when he resigned to become the president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Gary Roberts scored his eighth career hat trick on Jan. 12, 1996, as the Flames won 3-1 over the visiting Buffalo Sabres. The three-goal performance came in his second game back after missing nearly a full year with a neck injury.
Jason Wiemer scored in overtime on Jan. 12, 2000, to give the Flames a 2-1 win against the visiting Dallas Stars. This was their eighth overtime win of the season, tying an NHL record set by the 1987-88 Winnipeg Jets.
Milestones in the Windy City
Stan Mikita scored the 450th goal of his NHL career on Jan. 12, 1975, as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Rangers 4-2 at Chicago Stadium. He scored 541 goals before retiring in 1980, the second-most in franchise history.
Tom Lysiak accounted for all of Chicago’s offense on Jan. 12, 1983, in their 10-3 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers. He scored the third and final hat trick of his career, which included his 250th NHL goal.
Denis Savard scored just four seconds into the third period on Jan. 12, 1986, in the Blackhawks’ 4-2 victory over the Whalers. This tied the NHL record for the fastest goal to start a period, set by Claude Provost of the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 9, 1957. James van Riemsdyk matched this feat with the Maple Leafs on March 28, 2014.
Odds & Ends
Joe Malone scored five goals on Jan. 12, 1918, to lead the Canadiens to a big 9-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators. This made him the first player in the very short history of the NHL to score 20 goals in a season. This was just the seventh league game for him and the Habs, and he scored at least one goal in all of them.
Bep Guidolin, a 16-year-old rookie, scored two goals and added an assist on Jan. 12, 1943, during the Boston Bruins’ 3-0 win over the Blackhawks. Frank “Mr. Zero” Brimsek picked up the 26th shutout of his career. This was the second of four games that donated proceeds to the American Red Cross and their war fund efforts. A total of $10,624 was raised at Boston Garden.
Staying in Boston, on Jan. 12, 1969, Ken Hodge scored two goals and set up two others in the Bruins’ 8-4 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. Phil Esposito tied a team record with five assists on the night.
On Jan. 12, 1981, the Canadiens became the first NHL team to have four different goaltenders earn shutouts in one season. On this night, rookie Richard Sevigny picked up the first of his NHL career in a 5-0 win over the Oilers.
Mike Foligno set a team record, on Jan. 12, 1985, by scoring a goal in his eighth consecutive game in the Sabres’ 1-1 tie at Montreal. The draw extended Buffalo’s unbeaten streak to 10 straight games (8-0-2).
Two years later, on Jan. 12, 1987, Charlie Simmer registered the 13,000th goal in Bruins’ history during a 4-1 win over the Rangers. The milestone goal was scored over 62 years after Bruins’ Fred Harris posted the club’s first goal on Dec. 1, 1924.
Paul Coffey scored his 270th NHL goal on Jan. 12, 1990, in the Penguins’ 6-4 road win at the Washington Capitals. This tied him with Bobby Orr for second place on the all-time goals list for defensemen.
Teemu Selanne scored his 100th career goal on Jan. 12, 1994, in the Jets’ 3-2 win over the visiting Sabres. He became the second-fastest player in league history to score 100 goals in just 130 games. That was just one game more than Mike Bossy scored his first 100 goals in 129 games for the New York Islanders.
Selanne’s career got off to a historic start. (Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images)
Ray Ferraro scored a goal on Jan. 12, 1999, for his 700th career point. He scored again, in overtime, to give the Kings a 3-2 victory against the rival Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
One year later, on Jan. 12, 1999, Joe Sakic scored the 350th goal of his career and added an assist as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Blackhawks 4-1.
Defenseman J.J. Daigneault made history on Jan. 12, 2001, with his first appearance for the Minnesota Wild. He became just the second player in league history to play for 10 different teams during a 5-0 loss to the Avalanche.
The Rangers retired Mark Messier’s No. 11 on Jan. 12, 2006, prior to their game against the Oilers. It was appropriate that this ceremony was done with Edmonton in town, as his number hangs from their rafters as well. He spent 10 of his 25 NHL seasons in New York, scoring 250 goals and 691 points in 698 games. He captained the team to the 1994 Stanley Cup, the franchise’s first and still only championship since 1940.
Goaltender Curtis Joseph announced his retirement on Jan. 12, 2010, following 19 seasons in the NHL. After never being drafted out of the University of Wisconsin, he spent time with the St. Louis Blues, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes and Flames. He is sixth all-time with 943 games played, and his 454 career wins are the seventh-most in league history.
Happy Birthday to You
The late Hall of Famer Tim Horton and member of the 2021 induction class, Marian Hossa (46), headline a group of 36 players born on this date. Other notable birthday boys include Curt Fraser (67), Jocelyn Thibault (50), Niklas Kronwall (44), Claude Giroux (37), Maxime Lagace (32), David Kampf (30), Ben Harpur (30), and Felix Sandstrom (28).
The New Jersey Devils headed home for their first home game of 2025. They were on a six-game road trip and only came away with one win under their belts. They looked to turn over a new leaf when they hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning on Jan. 11, and their mission was secured. It was a close game when the Lightning forced it to go to overtime, but it was the Devils who prevailed, winning 3-2.
Noesen with the OT Winner
Heading into the third period, the Devils had the lead, 2-1. Towards the middle of the third, the Lightning were able to score to tie the game up. With no more goals, it forced the game to head into overtime, the sixth time this season for New Jersey. For the second time this season, the Devils were able to come away with the OT win, thanks to Stefan Noesen.
The Devils were able to earn a power play when Nick Paul tripped Jack Hughes. They were not going to let this extra man opportunity go to waste. Jesper Bratt skated up to the left face-off circle, taking a shot. Noesen was in front and tried to tip it into the net, but Andrei Vasilevsky denied his chance. Jack Hughes recovered the rebounded puck by the boards and skated around. He took another shot from the same face-off circle Bratt was in. It was once again denied, but Noesen was up in front to try and make a scoring chance. Luckily, this time the puck went in the net to end the game and give the Devils the win.
Markstrom Continues to Stun
If Jacob Markstrom is not in contention to win the Vezina Trophy, he should be now. He made excellent saves throughout the game to put the Devils on top.
Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Brayden Point, from directly in front of the net, took a shot at what was an open space of the net. Markstrom made a lunge for the puck, putting his arm directly in line with where it was going. He made sure that the puck was not finding its mark.
Markstrom made 23 saves this game, giving him a save percentage of .920. This game marked win 21 for him out of 32 total games played this season. His overall save percentage sits at .911 with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.19. His performance has been stellar this season, with this being his lowest GAA in his career.
His save on Point’s shot was not the first incredible save he has made this season, and there’s a good chance that it is not his last. As his performance continues to get even better, Markstrom should be in the talks for the Vezina Trophy for the 2024-25 season.
Home Ice Territory for the Win
After a six-game road trip that resulted in only a single win, the Devils were able to win their sixth straight game at home with this game. This home win streak stretch started back on Dec. 12, when the Devils defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. They were unfortunately unable to repeat this when they played Los Angeles in their home arena on Jan. 1 to ring in the new year.
The Devils clearly perform better when they play on home ice. Their record at home is currently made up of 13 wins and nine losses, three of which were in overtime. Their away record is currently comprised of 13 wins and 10 losses, one of which was in overtime. Although this is a narrow margin of just one game, that still puts the Devils above in terms of home games versus away games. Hopefully, they can keep that home-ice momentum up and look to get a better away record.
Staying at Home
The Devils will look to earn another home-ice win when they host the Florida Panthers on Jan. 14.
Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex/Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon), Vice Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, and Senator Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, released the following statement regarding allegations involving Seton Hall University President Monsignor Joseph Reilly and the findings of an internal investigation into claims of sexual abuse.
“The allegations surrounding Monsignor Joseph Reilly’s egregious mishandling of sexual abuse allegations are utterly atrocious and absolutely unacceptable. It is outrageous that an individual who reportedly failed to disclose sexual abuse allegations and violated university, State, and federal policies has been appointed as president of Seton Hall University. This decision blatantly disregards the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice for survivors.
“Seton Hall must take immediate and decisive action to restore faith in its leadership. The university must unequivocally demonstrate that it stands with survivors and upholds the principles of justice rather than shielding those who enable abuse through inaction. Anything less is a blatant failure to protect its community and fulfill its mission.
“The time for half-measures and evasion is over. Seton Hall University owes answers, accountability, and justice to its community and the public.
“We demand Monsignor Reilly’s immediate resignation from the presidency of Seton Hall University. Furthermore, the university must release the full findings of the investigation to the public. Transparency is not merely optional in this matter; it is a moral and social imperative. The refusal to disclose this report only strengthens the perception of a cover-up and perpetuates a culture of silence that has permitted abuse within institutions for far too long.
“This crisis is not solely about one individual; it is fundamentally about holding accountable those who allowed this appointment to occur despite clear evidence of misconduct. The Board of Regents has severely compromised its credibility and betrayed the trust of students, faculty, and the broader community by promoting Monsignor Reilly, even after a university-sanctioned investigation recommended his removal. We wholeheartedly support the demands of survivor advocacy groups: those who were aware of these damning findings and still endorsed Monsignor Reilly must also be removed from their positions.”
Morris County OEM Director to Lead NJ’s County Coordinators in Disaster Response
Jeffrey S. Paul, Director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), was sworn in today as president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association.
Col. Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, conducted the ceremony at the Administration and Records Building in Morristown. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who graduated the 20th Basic Police Class with Paul at the former Morris County Police Training Academy in 1983, held the Bible.
“For this new assignment, I am grateful and truly humbled by the enormity of the responsibility and commit to accepting the challenges that lie ahead. There are many — both known and unknown,” said Paul. “The men and women that make up the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinators Association in our 21 counties, along with everyone in this room, come from various backgrounds with unique gifts offered in service for the good of the people, who are counting on us to protect and defend. This is what I was born to do.”
The event also was attended by Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Commissioner Deborah Smith, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Director Scott Di Giralomo of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, senior staff at the Morris County administration and members from the county’s various departments.
“As we speak right now, our OEM is on the phone with California for what may be the most devastating fire in our nation’s history. New Jersey was the first to place a call and collectively we will go and help. Whether it’s Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Texas, Hawaii or California — fill in the blank. When people say, ‘Who can help us in a time of crisis?’ It’s New Jersey. And it’s because of men like Jeff Paul,” said Col. Callahan, who also serves as the state Director for Emergency Management.
Paul has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency management, and EMS operations. He started his career with the Morristown Bureau of Police in 1979 and later served as captain of tactical operations with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office until his retirement in 2012.
“Only a short 42 years ago, Jeff and I were graduating classmates of the police academy. We’ve come a long way since then, but our joint mission has always been the same: to protect and serve our communities. Just look at his list of achievements: this is the right man for the job of president of the emergency management association!” said Sheriff Gannon.
As director of the Morris County OEM, Paul manages emergency response partnerships across the 39 county municipalities. He also serves as the county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coordinator and oversees the county’s EMS program, including the deployment of pre-hospital emergency response assets.
Paul also commands the county’s Special Operations Group which provides advanced life support/basic life support (ALS/BLS) services for the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team tactical teams, as well as the bomb squad and HAZMAT units. He led the team responsible for developing the county’s Rescue Task Force Program and is a Class 2 Officer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
During President Donald J. Trump’s first term, Paul coordinated ALS/BLS teams that supported the U.S. Secret Service and White House Medical Team on visits to New Jersey and will be continuing those efforts during President Trump’s next term.
“We are very proud that Morris County’s own director of OEM has been selected to lead the state’s emergency management association, and rightly so. Jeff is a consummate professional and his decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency management will bode well for the state,” said Prosecutor Carroll, who also spoke at the ceremony.
Paul is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the International School of Tactical Medicine, and a certified tactical medical practitioner with numerous advanced certifications. He has written articles and contributed to the resource guide, “Ciottone’s Disaster Medicine,” in addition to lecturing extensively on emergency management topics. He has also taught programs and courses throughout the state and serves as an instructor for the New Jersey State Police.
“This is a tremendous honor for the Department of Law & Public Safety. What we do in Morris County is critical, and having the opportunity to influence emergency management statewide through collaboration with all 21 counties and the state police OEM will strengthen preparedness and response efforts across New Jersey. I have no doubt that Jeff will excel in representing the county and OEM coordinators throughout the state,” said Law & Public Safety Director Di Giralomo.
The New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association represents emergency management leaders from all 21 counties. Its mission is to protect lives and property within New Jersey and to work with all relevant emergency support functions (ESFs) that support these efforts.
Photo 1: New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick J. Callahan (left) swears in Morris County OEM Director Jeff Paul (right) as president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association. Morris County Sheriff James Gannon is holding the Bible.
Photo 2: MCPO Deputy Chief of Detectives Jan-Michael Monrad, MCPO Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Col. Patrick Callahan, Jeff Paul, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Sheriff James Gannon.
Photo 3: Jeff Paul signs an Oath of Office formalizing his position as president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association.
For more than a century, residents of Plainfield and the surrounding area have been able to skip the trip to New York City whenever they’re seeking a world-class symphony performance.
The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, now in its 105th season, is the oldest community orchestra in New Jersey and one of the longest continuously running in the United States. The ensemble formed in 1919 and held its first concert with about twenty amateur musicians; it now plays everything from Mozart to Duke Ellington.
Conductor Charles Prince, music director since 2009, studied with Leonard Bernstein and has worked with orchestras across the country. His goal with the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra? Attain the highest level of musicianship possible.
Conductor Charles Prince has been the musical director of the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra since 2009. Photo: John Jewczyn
“I started programming consecutively more difficult music until we were just performing music that other great orchestras in the world don’t even want to go near because it’s so difficult,” Prince says. “We’re a community symphony, but we do not play like any community symphony.”
Of the orchestra members, he adds: “They’re not only my colleagues, they’re my friends and they’re my family.”
Most of the ensemble’s musicians are not career symphony performers but ordinary New Jerseyans. “We all struggle to pay the bills,” says concertmaster Evelyn Estava. “The orchestra is a living organism full of working people. Our mission is to reach out to other people like us.”
The symphony’s board of directors aim to foster a broad, inclusive and disability-friendly environment. Community initiatives include supporting a music education program in Paterson for underserved children, and running a program that allows young volunteers to assist concert ushers, aid senior citizens and plan fundraisers.
Financial challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic have made funding their mission an ongoing struggle. To donate, visit www.plainfieldsymphony.org.
The orchestra’s free annual family concert takes place Saturday, January 25, at 3 pm.
Fitness Holdings North America, a leading franchisee of Crunch Fitness, is significantly expanding its New Jersey footprint by acquiring five locations from Jersey Strong Gym in Tinton Falls, Ocean Township, Wall Township, Freehold, and Marlboro.
These new locations will undergo over $20 million in renovations and upgrades to enhance member experiences with modern amenities and cutting-edge equipment.
“Strengthening the Crunch Fitness presence in New Jersey demonstrates our commitment to bring seriously fun fitness to even more gymgoers in the Northeast, Fitness Holdings North America CEO Mark Federico said. “This expansion marks a significant step in our New Jersey growth and beyond. We look forward to welcoming these gyms into our fitness family while transforming these locations into vibrant, welcoming, and engaging spaces.”
Crunch Fitness said that every gym features a comprehensive range of amenities, including cardio machines, Olympic lifting platforms, dumbbells up to 120 pounds, hydromassage beds, and the exclusive HIITZone™ for high-intensity interval training. Members can participate in classes such as dance, yoga, and Pilates, offered at convenient times throughout the week.
With state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of resources, Crunch gyms are designed to help patrons achieve their fitness goals in a supportive and energetic environment.
POINT PLEASANT — The Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual President’s Gala Installation and Leadership Awards this February.
On Friday, Feb. 28, all members from the community, whether they are chamber members or not, are invited to The Lobster Shanty on 83 Channel Dr.
The evening will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and will cost $100 per person. Tickets include a one hour open bar, dinner, dancing and door prizes.
Five levels of sponsorships are available to businesses, being a $100 Table Sponsor, $250 Dessert Sponsor, $500 Cocktail Sponsor and $500 Music Sponsor.
Barbara Fritz, executive director of the Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, told The Ocean Star, “The President’s Gala is our annual event where our president, Michelle Coffey, and the chamber host where we install our board of directors for 2025 and we also do Leadership Awards for our chamber members and community.”
This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
Check out our other Point Pleasant Boro stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
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This team consists of specially trained sworn officers who respond to specific police emergencies where negotiating skills may be necessary during an incident. These personnel are required to pass stringent qualifications including an oral interview process in order to be selected as a member.
Training
All members must attend an initial 40 hour training course instructed by the FBI which includes:
Hostage Negotiation Strategies
Personality Profiles
Suicide Intervention
Active Listening Skills
Media Relations
Mental Health Awareness
In-service training courses and scenario role playing with other police agencies provide these officers with additional techniques to continually enhance their skill levels.
Special Equipment
To compliment the team, they are outfitted with special equipment including a mobile hostage rescue phone that allows more than one negotiator to monitor a single conversation, a Wireless Telular® Box that can transform any landline into a wireless phone, and a rescue throw phone that can be delivered to a location where no phone equipment exists.
Mission
The primary mission of the unit is to taper off volatile situations and mediate a peaceful resolution with a person who may be in a crisis state by using specific strategies and skills.
Announcement from Sara Elnakib, Chair, Family and Community Health Sciences
Dr. Patty J. Oehmke.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Patty J. Oehmke as the new FCHS Professor of Practice.
Patty joins Rutgers Cooperative Extension as a Family and Community Health Sciences Professor of Practice in the area of wellness. She will lead initiatives in student wellness on the Cook Campus at Rutgers–New Brunswick and provide leadership, including substantial networking with existing services and resources on campus, as well as bring programs offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension to campus to engage students.
She has more than 20 years of accomplished wellness and wellbeing leadership in collaborating and addressing dimensions of wellness through both collective and individual approaches. She creates sustainable intergenerational, intersectional, and intercultural partnerships that enhance student and community wellbeing through experiential learning and accessibility.
Patty has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science – specializing in fitness, recreation, exercise activity and educational methodologies, a Master of Arts degree in Exercise Physiology – specializing in health promotion and corporate wellness, and a Ph.D. in College and University Administration, Wellbeing Leadership – specializing in curriculum development, disease prevention and the role of the environment in physical health and wellbeing.
Counterclockwise from top left: Jeffrey Garibaldi, Jr., Managing Partner, NAI Summit; Jeffrey Garibaldi, Sr., CEO, The Garibaldi Group; Peter O. Hanson, SIOR, Chairman of the Board, NAI James E. Hanson; William C. Hanson, SIOR, President, NAI James E. Hanson
Real Estate
On Jan 10, 2025
NAI James E. Hanson, the largest New Jersey-based full-service independent commercial real estate firm, has expanded its regional footprint through the acquisition of The Garibaldi Group (TGG), a full-service CRE company with more than 100 years of experience, and NAI Summit, eastern Pennsylvania’s premier full-service commercial real estate firm.
NAI James E. Hanson’s President William C. Hanson, SIOR, will now serve as president of the three companies. TGG will relocate its offices from Chatham to NAI James E. Hanson’s Parsippany office at 10 Lanidex Plaza West. NAI Summit will continue to operate under its name and out of its office at 1620 Pond Road in Allentown, Pa. Together NAI James E. Hanson, TGG and NAI Summit will now total over 100 team members and over 10 million square feet of properties under management.
“This is very exciting. Our families have multi-generational relationships. We have similar cultures and values that make this feel like a natural fit,” said Hanson. “Our acquisition of The Garibaldi Group and NAI Summit will strengthen our geographic reach across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, deepen our presence and reinforce our expertise in important asset classes. We are thrilled to welcome The Garibaldi Group and NAI Summit to the NAI James E. Hanson team and look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to deliver an unmatched level of service to our clients.”
Founded in 1919 in Hoboken, TGG is now in the fourth generation of Garibaldi family leadership. With a long history of servicing recognizable corporate clients such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Prudential, and Honeywell, the firm has established itself as a boutique brokerage house with impressive reach, conducting high level transactions across the country and even the globe.
TGG acquired NAI Summit in 2021. Led by Managing Partner Jeffrey Garibaldi, Jr., NAI Summit’s team boasts four decades of experience in acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing, particularly within the industrial sector. In addition, NAI Summit’s property management division currently manages over three million square feet of commercial space across the region. Together, TGG and NAI Summit employ 14 brokers and over 40 support staff. Jeffrey Garibaldi Jr. will remain in his role as managing partner of NAI Summit and continue to oversee day-to-day operations in collaboration with William C. Hanson.
“The roots of this transaction trace back to our acquisition of NAI Summit, combined with our family’s more than 50-year relationship with the Hansons. This key strategic move will enable us to join forces in the northern New Jersey market to deliver an unmatched commercial real estate services experience to businesses of all sizes,” added Jeffrey Garibaldi, Jr., managing partner of NAI Summit.
Jeffrey Garibaldi, Sr., CEO of TGG, continued, “As a multigenerational family business, we saw a natural alignment with NAI James E. Hanson’s values and vision. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to combine our deep expertise and longstanding relationships to build one of the region’s most comprehensive and dynamic commercial real estate services platforms. We are excited to work together to continue to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional results for our clients.”
John Cromie and Amanda Kelly of Connell Foley LLP provided legal services and Kevin Collins of Aprio Advisory Group LLP served as the accountant for the transaction on behalf of NAI James E. Hanson. James DiGuilio and Michael Dee of O’Toole Scrivo provided legal services and Michael Zone of Weisman & Co. served as the accountants for the transaction on behalf of The Garibaldi Group and NAI Summit.
Every Sunday night, Singing With Swing brings the best of Big Band and Swing music right to your radio. Tune in for an hour of classic hits, smooth vocals, and the unforgettable rhythms that defined an era of jazz. From the iconic sounds of Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington to the vibrant melodies of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, this show keeps the spirit of swing alive. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or new to the world of Big Band, Singing With Swing offers a perfect way to cap off your weekend with a timeless musical experience.
With a blend of familiar standards and hidden gems from the Swing era, Singing With Swing offers more than just music—it’s a journey through history. From the brass-heavy swing beats to the lush vocal harmonies, every track brings the past to life, and you’ll often hear a fun mix of live performances, exclusive interviews, and deep dives into the legends of the genre. Make sure to tune in Sunday nights and let the rhythm of the swing era fill your home.
Live Big Band & Swing News: Exciting Events on the Horizon
The world of live Big Band and Swing music is thriving, and there’s plenty of exciting news for fans of vocal jazz and big band performances. Here’s what’s happening in the vocal jazz and swing scene:
CWU Vocal Jazz 1: This talented ensemble has been selected to perform at the ACDA National Conference in March 2024. As part of their preparations, they’re fundraising to cover the costs of flying 20 students to Dallas and providing accommodations for their exciting performance. It’s an incredible honor for this group, and their performance will surely be one to remember.
Millikin University Vocal Jazz Invitational: Mark your calendars for February 8, 2025, when Millikin University hosts this non-competitive festival, bringing together vocal jazz enthusiasts for a day of learning and inspiration. The event will feature expert clinicians, interactive masterclasses, and a stellar performance by Millikin’s OneVoice vocal ensemble.
College of Southern Nevada Vocal Jazz Solo Nights: On November 15–16, 2024, the Jay Morrison Recital Hall will showcase talented vocal jazz performers at this annual solo competition. General admission tickets are just $8, with discounted prices for students and seniors, making it an affordable and accessible way to enjoy some amazing local vocal talent.
Concordia University, Nebraska Vocal Jazz Ensemble: This 14-voice choir will be hitting the road with a tour of Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and South Dakota from May 5–10, 2024. It’s a great chance to catch these talented performers in action and experience the magic of live vocal jazz.
1881 Club in Pasadena: Known for its lively jazz nights, the 1881 Club is adding vocal jazz to its lineup, offering an exciting new space to enjoy live jazz performances in Pasadena. Whether you’re a fan of traditional swing or contemporary vocal jazz, this venue is sure to bring a fresh energy to the scene.
All About Jazz: The popular jazz publication has recently highlighted some of the most exciting jazz vocalists of 2024, including Big J, New Ground, Violet, and Rothko Sketches. These artists are bringing fresh interpretations to the world of jazz, pushing boundaries while honoring the genre’s rich history.
ASU Popular Music: The Arizona State University Popular Music program has welcomed international jazz and pop vocal artist Coller to their team. With Coller’s vast experience in both jazz and popular music, ASU students can look forward to an exciting new chapter in their musical education.
With these events and developments, it’s clear that live Big Band and Swing music are alive and well, and the vocal jazz community is growing stronger each year. Keep an eye out for these performances and get ready to swing along with the best of the best!
Top 15 Most Read Stories At New Jersey Stage January 5-11, 2025
originally published: 01/12/2025
Here’s a look at the top 15 most read articles published at New Jersey Stage from January 5-11, 2025. Each week we publish about 70 articles, including several original columns and features, along with news releases for events happening throughout the state and nearby areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This week’s top 15 includes articles from 7 counties in New Jersey (Cape May, Essex, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Union).
Make sure your events are part of our weekly columns by sending press releases to us at info@newjerseystage.com. Event previews are always one of the most popular areas of the website. Event previews get noticed when we first publish them and then get noticed again when they are brought back to the main area of the site the week the event takes place – sometimes even several months later. We also run weekly columns promoting events, music, and theatre shows taking place for the week. These columns include our featured event previews and event listings along with all of our event previews of the week. Your events can stand out for as low as $10! Many times, they are among the most read stories of the week. There is no cost for us to run your press releases!
1) A Tribute to Southside Johnny – On December 20, 2024, Southside Johnny announced he was retiring from touring effective immediately. His annual show for New Year’s Eve was cancelled and fans around the world starting paying tribute to him and wondering what the future would hold for him and the Asbury Jukes. New Jersey Stage wanted to pay tribute to him as well, so we reached out to fans in the “Jukebox: Southside Johnnyfanzine” Facebook group, some musicians, and industry professionals for their thoughts.
2) Events This Week in New Jersey from January 7-13, 2025 – Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from January 7-13, 2025 along with our featured listings. New Jersey Stage offers previews of events throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
3) Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music Issues Call for Papers: Born to Run at 50 – (WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) — The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM; Springsteen’s official repository) and Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences invite you to submit paper and/or panel abstracts for a scholarly conference devoted to the life, work, and influence of “The Boss” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the landmark album, Born to Run. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, March 15, 2025.
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4) Blue Man Group co-founders Chris Wink, Matt Goldman, and Phil Stanton to Return to the Stage for Special Performances During Final Shows in NYC – (NEW YORK, NY) — Blue Man Group, the international entertainment phenomenon known for its world-famous music and distinctively non-verbal forms of communication, will conclude its history-making residency in New York City next month. As part of the farewell celebration, Blue Man Group co-founders Chris Wink, Matt Goldman, and Phil Stanton will return to the stage as Blue Men for two special performances. They will perform at an additional show that has been added on January 9 at 4:00pm, and they will also perform during the January 24, 2025 performance at 8:00pm.
5) Harmonium Choral Society Announces Laurel Luke Christensen as New Emerging Composer-in-Residence – (MORRISTOWN, NJ) — Harmonium Choral Society is pleased to announce their new emerging composer-in-residence Laurel Luke Christensen beginning January 2025, “what a great way to start the new year with an emerging talent,” says Artistic Director Anne Matlack. She will join long-time composer-in-residence Mark Miller.
6) Princeton Second Sunday Poetry Reading to feature Andrew Condouris and Todd Evans – (PRINCETON, NJ) — Princeton Makes, a Princeton-based artist cooperative, and Ragged Sky Press, a local publisher focused on poetry, will host a Second Sunday Poetry Reading on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 4:00pm. The readings will take place at the Princeton Makes store in the Princeton Shopping Center and will feature music themed poetry by Andrew Condouris and Todd Evans. Their readings will be followed by an open mic available to up to 10 audience members who would like to read their original poetry.
7) Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market Evolves into New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market – (TRENTON, NJ) — The iconic Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market (TPRFM), a celebrated institution in New Jersey’s independent arts, music and food scene, has officially rebranded as the New Jersey Punk Rock Flea Market (NJPRFM), reflecting its growth and expanded reach across the Garden State and beyond.
8) Katchats with Callum – the girl with the purple hair – Callum is a 17 year old singer songwriter from Berlin, MD that blends her influences of Indie Pop, Folk, Jazz and R&B into something truly special. Recently I was contacted by Callum’s management. They read the article on My Musical Journey at New Jersey Stage. Her manager felt I would be a good fit working with her and her team in 2025.
9) USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards Names Madison Resort Wildwood Crest #1 Best New Hotel In America – (WILDWOOD CREST, NJ) — Madison Resort Wildwood Crest has been awarded the prestigious title of #1 Best New Hotel in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition is a significant milestone for Madison Resorts, which opened the Wildwood Crest property in May 2024. Among 18 hotels nominated nationwide, Madison Resort was the sole representative from the New Jersey tri-state area and is the first New Jersey hotel – and the first ever from the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey Region – ever to win this coveted award.
10) Brookdale Leads in Interior Design and Brings Innovation to Beacon Hill Country Club – (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) — Brookdale Community College’s Interior Design Program has demonstrated its excellence again, earning accolades as the Best Interior Design Program in New Jersey, Top 3 in the Northeast, and #10 in the nation, according to Best Community Colleges.com. A recent collaboration with Beacon Hill Country Club showcased the program’s remarkable talent, reinforcing the program’s reputation for producing industry-ready professionals.
11) Classical Cape May Returns For Second Season – (CAPE MAY, NJ) — This winter in Cape May enjoy four free classical music concerts featuring unusual instruments, original works and accomplished musicians. Building on the success of its inaugural season, Classical Cape May announces its second season of programs, sponsored by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture).
12) Art by Mary Fogarty on Display at the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch – (WARETOWN, NJ) — The Ocean County Library Waretown Branch is pleased to present the works of Jersey Shore-based artist Mary Fogarty, “Subject to the Viewer’s Imagination,” throughout the months of January and February. The mixed media display marks Mary’s return to her lifelong creative passion, after raising a family and working in the nine-to-five world.
13) Makin Waves Song of the Week: “Fever” by Lisa Bouchelle – While mixing her next album, Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Lisa Bouchelle has dropped a new video for “Fever” from her 2022 full-length debut LP “Jump In.”
14) Montclair State University’s Cali Opera & Symphony Orchestra presents “Calisto” – (MONTCLAIR, NJ) — Montclair State University’s Cali Opera Program is set to present their mainstage opera “La Calisto” by Francesco Cavalli February 1-2, 2025. This exquisite baroque opera is directed by Rebecca Jo Loeb and conducted by Kyle Ritenauer. Cavalli’s poignant and ruckus opera begins in the heavens when we learn that a young, beautiful nymph, Calisto, has the chance to become immortalized as a constellation among the stars.
15) Vivid Stage to Celebrate 30th Anniversary with Fundraising Gala on Valentine’s Day – Love Songs and Laments – (SUMMIT, NJ) — Vivid Stage will celebrate its 30th Anniversary with a special gala fundraiser on Friday, February 14, 2025. This special Valentine’s Day celebration will be held at the Oakes Center in Summit from 6:00pm-10:00pm. As part of this special event, the theatre will honor Steven McIntyre, a former board member and staff member and longtime patron and friend of the company.
Want your events to stand out? Check out our ad rates which start at just $50 for an entire month of targeted advertising and includes events listed in our online calendar. Or you can have your events listed in the calendar for $10 per event (shows with multiple performances get every show listed for just $10). Either way your events will be featured in the weekly columns. NJ Stage keeps our rates low so they are affordable to arts organizations of all sizes. We are proud to be an independent media company. Nobody covers the Arts throughout the Garden State like New Jersey Stage!
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Tuesday Night Book Club – Harold Pinter, Betrayal
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 @ 7:30pm VIRTUAL category: community
View event page for full information
How Not To Be Famous – A Conversation with Richard Kind
Saturday, January 25, 2025 @ 8:00pm Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631 category: community
View event page for full information
Mike Super – Magic & Illusion
Saturday, January 25, 2025 @ 7:30pm Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 category: community
View event page for full information
More events
Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages
Radio Tower or Espionage Center? “WSC Calling?” at the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch
(WARETOWN, NJ) — The Tuckerton Wireless was a communications marvel at its inception in 1912. But it soon plunged the Jersey Shore into a web of international intrigue. Join historian Jeffrey Brown for “WSC Calling? The Tuckerton Wireless” at the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The event begins at 12:00pm.
It’s the midway point of the 2024-25 season, which is always a fun time to review how things have gone through the first 40-plus games and indicate what could transpire over the remainder of the schedule. So far, there have been plenty of storylines, including several teams that are both under and overperforming.
While by no means the sole reason, a big part of certain teams overperforming based on preseason projections comes from the voice they have behind the bench. There are many coaches this season who have done an excellent job with their teams to date, and, if things keep up, they could find themselves in the running for the Jack Adams Award. Here are the five leading candidates to take home the Coach of the Year honours thus far.
5. Sheldon Keefe (New Jersey Devils)
The New Jersey Devils were expected to be better than they were a season ago, but many thought they may find themselves in a dogfight for a playoff spot down the stretch of the 2024-25 campaign. Barring a collapse over the second half, it doesn’t look as though they’ll have any sort of issue getting into the dance, as they sit second in the Metropolitan Division with a 25-15-4 record.
Keefe deserves a ton of credit for turning the Devils around in his first season with the organization. They’ve had help in other areas as well, perhaps most notably in net thanks to the addition of Jacob Markstrom. Still, Keefe is quickly proving why he was scooped up so quickly after being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
4. Ryan Huska (Calgary Flames)
Seemingly nobody had the Calgary Flames in a playoff spot before the season began, as most believed they’d be a lottery team. Granted, they aren’t in a spot at the moment, but trail the Vancouver Canucks by just one point for a wild card position. Ryan Huska has instilled a scrappy and relentless work ethic into this group which has made them a very difficult matchup for opposing teams.
Ryan Huska, Head Coach of the Calgary Flames (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
What Huska has also done a great job with is helping develop some of the organization’s young players. Individuals such as Dustin Wolf, Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, and even Jakob Pelletier appear to be making big strides under his guidance, which bodes well for the future of this team. If the Flames get into the playoffs, Huska has a strong chance at being a top-three finalist for the Jack Adams.
3. John Hynes (Minnesota Wild)
The expectations for the Minnesota Wild heading into 2024-25 were similar to what they’ve been with this team for years. A borderline playoff team that has talent but is not a group anybody looks at as a Stanley Cup contender. Based on the standings right now, however, they look very much like a team that could go all the way.
The Wild are currently fourth in the NHL standings with a 26-12-4 record, a stark turnaround for a team that finished 11 points shy of a playoff spot a season ago. It is quite clear that having a new voice behind the bench has gone a long way in helping improve this group. Much like Huska in Calgary, John Hynes has really fast-tracked the development of young players such as Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy.
2. Scott Arniel (Winnipeg Jets)
One team that nobody seemed to know where to rank coming into the season was the Winnipeg Jets. This is a team that for years has had some top-end talent such as Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Connor Hellebuyck, but have been up and down due to a sometimes underwhelming supporting cast.
The Jets were ousted quickly by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of last year’s playoffs, leading many to believe they would be an average-at-best team in 2024-25. Instead, their 28 wins are tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for first in the NHL. Should they continue winning at such a rapid rate in the second portion of the season, Scott Arniel, who is in his first year as a head coach with the Jets, could very well take home the Jack Adams.
1. Spencer Carbery (Washington Capitals)
The Washington Capitals have been an incredible story this season. After just barely sneaking into the playoffs a year ago, they were not projected by many insiders to make it this time around. Instead, they have been torching the NHL, and sit second in league standings with 58 points.
Spencer Carbery, Head Coach of the Washington Capitals (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
The fact that Spencer Carbery not only got the Capitals into the playoffs at all last year, but has them sitting atop the Eastern Conference has him sitting as the frontrunner for the Jack Adams. A rough second half could change that, but with how well this team is rolling, it’s hard to envision much of a fall-off.
Plenty of Deserving Candidates
While the five coaches listed here are the frontrunners for the Jack Adams as of now, there are plenty of other bench bosses around the league doing fantastic jobs as well. The problem that many of them will have when it comes to this particular award is that it oftentimes is given out to a coach whose team overachieved based on what was expected heading into the season. Based on that definition, these five seem to have the best shot at winning the award thus far.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is deeply disappointed by the implementation of congestion pricing in Manhattan, which went into effect yesterday.
This policy is a direct blow to New Jersey’s commuters and visitors who depend on access to New York City for work, business, and leisure. It unfairly penalizes New Jersey residents, adding a new financial burden to already high transportation costs.
Beyond its immediate environmental and economic impacts, congestion pricing is demeaning and disrespectful to New Jersey. There is no logic whatsoever for our citizens to pay for the economic woes of New York’s MTA. This is simply a money grab that challenges our need to be more affordable and competitive.
The State Chamber has been working diligently to cheerlead our state’s many positive attributes to improve our image. Being treated like a pocketbook and second-class citizen by New York flies directly in the face of our image-building mission. I hope our governor, Congressional delegation and Legislature can find a way to stop this egregious action.
Trains, Buses, Ferries, and Incentive Programs for Hassle-Free Travel
Morris County residents who commute to New York City have several mass transit options to avoid the newly implemented Congestion Relief Zone Toll, which went into effect on Jan. 5.
Vehicles entering Manhattan’s Central Business District, defined as streets below and including 60th Street, will incur toll charges via E-ZPass or by mail.
Lakeland Bus Lines, Inc.: Provides service from Morris County to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC.
Coach USA: Offers routes from nearby Passaic and Essex counties to NYC.
Boxcar: Book a seat on the Morris Meteor, departing from Convent Station, Madison, and Chatham, with stops in uptown Manhattan.
Carpool and Rideshare Services
NJ Rideshare: Connects commuters through a free ride-matching service, helping form carpools or vanpools.
Hudson River Crossing Options
PATH Stations: Travel under the Hudson River via PATH service in New Jersey.
Ferries: The Port Authority lists ferry services with bus connections.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail: Runs 20 miles along the New Jersey waterfront, connecting to trains, PATH, and ferries. Hoboken is among the 26 stations and the light-rail line includes several parking facilities.
Business Relocation Incentive
NJ RISE Program: The New Jersey Re-assigning In-State Employees (NJ RISE) grant program offers $20 million to incentivize businesses to reassign New Jersey employees working out of state to in-state locations. The program ensures income taxes remain in New Jersey, boosting local revenue.
Congestion Pricing Information and Discounts
For more information on the New York State Congestion Relief Zone Toll, visit NYC Congestion Pricing Portal.
It’s a shame bears can’t vote. At least it is for Steve Fulop.
Among the points made by Fulop in a wide-ranging “Sustainability” proposal is a plan to end the state’s bear hunt.
The Jersey City mayor and gubernatorial candidate is clearly relying on detailed policy positions to separate himself from his five competitors for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
His website presents policy ideas for a number of areas, including transportation, education, housing and public safety.
Sustainability is his most recent addition.
New Jersey’s bear hunt is hardly the state’s most pressing environmental issue, but it’s certainly one of the more emotional ones.
The state for years did not have a bear hunt until then-Governor Chris Christie started one. Phil Murphy initially stopped the hunt, but with bear complaints rising, he restarted it in 2022.
A bear hunt has been routinely opposed by animal rights advocates and others who contend the state’s black bears pose no danger.
Fulop’s proposal reads:
“Enacting a plan to end the controversial bear hunt, reflecting Mayor Fulop’s long-standing partnership with animal welfare advocates and commitment to humane policy approaches.”
Another part of Fulop’s proposal is enacting a statewide moratorium on warehouse development pending a study of land use laws.
Warehouse construction often is controversial with White Township, a small town in Warren County, offering the best example of that. For four years, residents fought – and ultimately stopped – a massive warehouse plan from being built in their rural community.
The dilemma, of course, is that as more people shop online – as opposed to visiting malls – more warehouses are needed. So how do you square that circle?
The gubernatorial candidate also talks about protecting and expanding open space, which includes enacting the Liberty State Park Protection Act. The park is in his hometown of Jersey City.
Other ideas include raising state efficiency targets, expanding clean energy technology, investing more in electric vehicle infrastructure, preserving nuclear power and strengthening the DEP to better allow the agency to “actively enforce environmental regulations, address pollution, and tackle flooding risks.”
Broadly speaking, just about all of the Democratic candidates for governor present some type of information on issues on their websites.
As of yet, none has been as detailed as Fulop.
Which presents an interesting question. How important are issues? Keep in mind that successful primary runs often depend on personality, political alliances and deals.
As noted, Fulop thinks details and precise proposals are what matter to voters..
The Aerospace Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art aerospace research space that will include co-working and studio spaces that are ideal for collaboration and innovation, is coming to Egg Harbor Township.
The facility, to be located in the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park and will have high-speed connectivity to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace data systems and laboratories, recently was approved for an $8.6 million investment by the board of the N.J. Economic Development Authority.
In addition to the EDA’s investment, the ACIA, NARTP and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance will contribute $10.5 million dollars in funding to construct the innovation center. Construction for the innovation center is underway and is expected to be completed in October 2025.
The center is expected to be fully operational in January 2026. ACIA is managing the construction of the facility and NARTP will manage the AIC’s operations.
The AIC will be the fifth Strategic Innovation Center in the state – and the first with a focus on innovation in aviation.
“This investment from the NJEDA builds upon New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in cultivating an innovation economy by expanding opportunities for aerospace research in our state,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “As our fifth Strategic Innovation Center, it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and continue to attract entrepreneurs to New Jersey.”
The AIC will be a 40,000-square-foot, two-story facility containing office and studios dedicated to research and development, innovation, and commercialization of emerging aerospace and aviation technologies. The innovation center will create hundreds of local, good-paying jobs in Atlantic County, including 130 permanent jobs and 114 construction jobs.
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said its potential impact is huge.
“Atlantic County’s deep roots in the aerospace industry makes it a prime location for the Aerospace Innovation Center, where companies can test and further their products, while students and entrepreneurs make discoveries and create new technologies to help move the industry forward,” he said.
“The NJEDA, under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, has developed programs and initiatives to drive innovation, create jobs, and support sustainable long-term economic growth. Strategic Innovation Centers, like the AIC, is helping unlock opportunities for innovators to pursue research, testing, and development of cutting-edge technologies.”
State Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Twp.) obviously was thrilled.
“The Aerospace Innovation Center is an incredible addition to the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center and National Aerospace Research and Technology Park was made possible through the leadership of Gov. Murphy and perseverance of New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan,” he said. “Atlantic County is finally forging a path where people can be educated here, trained here, and have excellent opportunities for permanent employment in high-paying technical jobs.”
LAVALLETTE — The annual municipal reorganization meeting was held Monday night, when two longtime council members were sworn in again and the governing body previewed what the borough has to look forward to in 2025.
Before the meeting got underway, the oath of office was administered to incumbents Joanne Filippone and Jim Borowski so they could take their seats on the dais.
Filippone took the oath of office, which was administered by Borough Administrator John O. Bennett, with friend and resident Barbara Sussino holding the Bible.
“I was just sworn in by John Bennett, a former (acting) governor of the State of New Jersey and a former state senator,” said Filippone. “He’s also the business administrator for the Borough of Lavallette and I’m even prouder to say that he’s my friend…Never in my greatest imagination did I think that this would go on forever…I thank you all.”
Following her was Borowski. His brother, attorney John Borowski, administered the oath to him, while his wife, Andrea, and daughter Kayleigh held the Bible. He thanked them, as well as his son and his late mother.
“I’m truly honored and blessed that the voters of Lavallette think enough of me to continue in service to this great community, in spite of my old age — 2025 presents some new challenges as well as having to manage some ongoing ones,” said Councilman Borowski. “I cannot thank the borough staff and workers enough for all that they do to help make our jobs more seamless, easier and more manageable.”
On a motion from Councilman David Finter, seconded by Councilman Michael Stogdill, Councilwoman Anita Zalom was unanimously reelected council president for another year. Council President Zalom will be entering her third decade of public service on the Lavallette council during her current term.
“Thank you very much, I am very, very proud to be the council president of this town; to have worked with the workers we have and with the council people and mayor,” said Zalom. “It’s really a wonderful thing. I’m very lucky.”
ENGINEERING APPOINTMENTS
In a first for the Lavallette mayor and council, three consulting engineer appointments were made. Currently, Van Cleef Engineering, a firm with a location in Toms River, serves as the borough engineer.
“In the past we had one engineer that got a three-year appointment, and we still have Van Cleef on for two more years,” said Mayor Walter LaCicero. “We’re going to appoint several consulting engineers, which gives us the flexibility to look at resumes a little bit closer and to pick ones that may have a little bit more expertise in particular areas. We’re not bound to Van Cleef, although they’ve done a great job for us.”
The firms Morgan Engineering, based in Island Heights, Remington & Vernick, based in Toms River, and T&M Associates, based in Middletown, were appointed as consulting engineers with consent of the council.
MEETING DATES
The Lavallette Borough Council announced the following dates for meetings for the year of 2024. All the meetings take place on Mondays at 7 p.m., unless noted otherwise: Jan. 21 (Tuesday); Feb. 3 and 18 (Tuesday); March 3 and 17; April 7 and 21; May 5 and 19; June 2 and 16; July 7 and 21; Aug. 4 and 18; Sept. 2 (Tuesday) and 15; Oct. 6 and 20; Nov. 17; Dec. 1 and 15.
Each meeting will be held in the municipal building, located at 1306 Grand Central Ave.
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The American Red Cross will be hosting several blood drives at locations in Cherry Hill on or near MLK Day.
Blood Drive
Thursday, Jan. 9 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Jefferson Health Cherry Hill Conference Rooms 2 & 3 2201 Chapel Ave., West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Click here for more information. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: jefferson cherry hill to schedule an appointment.
MLK Day of Service Christ Our Light
Monday, Jan. 20 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Christ Our Light 402 N. Kings Highway Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Click here for more information. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Christ Our LightMLK to schedule an appointment.
MLK DayZZ of Service
Monday, Jan. 20 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ZZ Dance Studio 2091 Springdale Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Click here for more information. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: ZZDANCE to schedule an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Paul, Director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), was sworn in today as president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association.
Paul has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency management, and EMS operations. He started his career with the Morristown Bureau of Police in 1979 and later served as captain of tactical operations with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office until his retirement in 2012.
Paul is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the International School of Tactical Medicine, and a certified tactical medical practitioner with numerous advanced certifications. He has written articles and contributed to the resource guide, “Ciottone’s Disaster Medicine,” in addition to lecturing extensively on emergency management topics. He has also taught programs and courses throughout the state and serves as an instructor for the New Jersey State Police.
Morris County residents who commute to New York City have several mass transit options to avoid the newly implemented Congestion Relief Zone Toll, which went into effect on Jan. 5.
