Cynthia A. Close
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Cynthia A. Close, 70, of Point Pleasant Boro, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at her home. Cindy was an accounts payable specialist who retired several years ago. Cindy loved spending time with her family and really dedicated her life to her sons and most recently to her grandson, Lukas. She really enjoyed living at the Jersey Shore and loved jogging on the boards with the ocean as her backdrop. Cindy loved her flower pots, rolling thunder roller coaster, chocolate covered strawberries, snuggling on the couch with Lukas and keeping the house clean. She loved spending time by the pool at the house with her late husband Kev and Brandi (german shepard) as he cooked tuna on the grill. But above all, she loved watching her sons and grandson play sports as she cheered the words “Go Go Gilio” that could be heard across the playing field.
Born in Elkins, West Virginia, she grew up in Spring Lake Heights and has lived in Point Pleasant Boro for the past 20 years or so.
Cindy joins her predeceased family members in Heaven, including her parents Denver and Faye Close; and her husband Kevin Gerrity. Surviving are her sons Clement Gilio of Wall and Christopher Gilio of Point Pleasant; grandson Lukas Gilio; sister Kimberly Bennett of Farmingdale; brother Jeffrey Close who resides in Florida; her cousins Sherry, Carole, Cathi, Karan, Jimmy and Aunt Raine; as well as her first husband and father of her 2 sons Clement Gilio of Toms River.
A private cremation took place under the direction of O’Brien Funeral Home, Brick. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the American Cancer Society.
Cindy and her family thanks everyone for their love and support.
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Barcade in Jersey City to Close; More Dining News
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Closings
Barcade, Jersey City
After 14 years, Barcade—a chain that pairs classic video and arcade games with craft ales and pub fare—has decided to close its Jersey City location when its lease ends on June 15. “We hope to return to JC one day in a new location,” the owners wrote on social media, adding that in the meantime, they’re opening in Lower Manhattan this spring.
Le Salbuen, Montclair
When Le Salbuen opened in 2012, it won fans for boosting breakfast and brunch staples to flavorful new heights. The popular farm-to-table spot, which was on New Jersey Monthly’s list of the best restaurants in Montclair, closed suddenly last week. The space is reportedly slated to become a Japanese restaurant.
Openings
Sihana Bistro, Newark
Sihana Bistro in Newark Photo: Courtesy of Urby Newark
This all-day bistro, replacing Jamie Knott’s Kinjo, brings a bold fusion of Mediterranean and Georgian flavors to Newark’s thriving food scene. Located inside the Newark Urby building, it offers dishes such as Khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and Chkmeruli (creamy chicken in garlic sauce), as well as craft cocktails made with spirits from the city’s All Points West Distillery. The restaurant also features Sunday live-music sessions and interactive cooking classes. Owners Kreshnik Berisha and David Khabuliani also helm Newark’s Sihana Café and Five Corners Ristorante.
Corner Slice, Maplewood
After seven years in Manhattan, where its New York Square Pie was named one of the best slices in the city, Corner Slice has moved to Maplewood. It’s known for its intensely flavorful, light and crispy crust. Toppings include house sausage, roasted mushrooms and Calabrian chili bomba. Order individual slices or whole pies, available for takeout or dine-in.
Life After Restaurant & Lounge, Edgewater
Located inside the Metropolitan apartment complex, this restaurant offers thoughtfully curated Southern, Caribbean and Spanish food. Also on tap: craft cocktails and live music.
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Thomas Grothues Appointed Director of the Rutgers University Marine Field Station : Newsroom
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Thomas Grothues, Associate Research Professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences.
Announcement by Oscar Schofield, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department Marine and Coastal Sciences
Congratulations to Thomas Grothues on being appointed Director of the Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS), effective January 2025. We could not have a better new director as the station anchors Rutgers’ bold marine research, conservation and technology development being based at the edge of the mid-Atlantic Ocean. The station is a working lab with ongoing graduate and postdoctoral level research occurring year-round. RUMFS is uniquely situated across from the Little Egg Inlet in the Mullica River-Great Bay estuary and is one of the most pristine estuaries on the East Coast.
Grothues is an Associate Research Professor and brings a wealth of experience to the role, including serving as the research coordinator of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. His research has spanned the globe from fish habitats in New York Harbor and shark ecology in Asia to climate driven impacts along the New Jersey seaboard. He brings a wealth of experience of turning science insights into practical needs.
His research portfolio of externally awarded grants is extensive, spanning a wide range of agencies and philanthropic organizations. Grothues also has high enthusiasm for bringing science to society, school kids and all users of our ocean. In addition, he is a technology innovator as a leader in using innovative robotic technologies to solve what were once intractable problems.
Thanks, Tom, for taking on this opportunity and we all look forward to helping you reach your exciting vision.
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Callahan to deliver commencement address at Centenary
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New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan, who became a household name during the governor’s daily pandemic press briefings, will deliver the address at the 150th commencement of Centenary University, the school announced.
The graduation will be on May 10.
A member of the governor’s cabinet, Callahan is the 14th colonel of the state’s leading law enforcement agency and was appointed to his current post in 2017. The university will present Callahan with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, to recognize his many contributions to the state and its residents.
“Col. Callahan is one of New Jersey’s most influential voices, with a message emphasizing that integrity, discipline, and hard work form the foundation for life success,” Centenary President Dale Caldwell said.
“That message is relevant for every member of the Class of 2025, no matter the career path they intend to follow. These are the qualities that define true leaders and make Centenary graduates unbeatable in the job market.”
A familiar face at Centenary, Callahan visits campus annually to address students in a course called Careers in Criminal Justice taught by Douglas Compton, assistant professor of criminal justice.
Compton invites a cadre of criminal justice professionals to discuss current issues in law enforcement and job opportunities in the field. Inspired by Callahan’s presentations, four recent Centenary alumni were among the 124 graduates of the 166th State Police Class last summer.
A native of Budd Lake, Callahan served as the N.J. State Police recovery bureau chief in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and worked with state and federal partners to develop and implement long-term recovery effort strategies.
Callahan also served as the commanding officer of the Emergency Management Section and assistant state director of the Office of Emergency Management. He was the chairman of the Command and Control Subcommittee of the Emergency Management Section when New Jersey hosted Super Bowl XLVIII, working to develop and implement all operations undertaken by the Public Safety Compound.
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Black Ladies of Construction Opens New HQ
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General Business
On Feb 13, 2025
To kickoff Black History Month, The Black Ladies of Construction (BLOC) Society, a network dedicated to empowering Black and Brown women in real estate, celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in Elizabeth with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 1. The ribbon cutting marked a significant milestone for the organization and its mission to foster economic empowerment and redevelopment within underserved communities.
The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for BLOC Society’s efforts in real estate education, entrepreneurship, and economic development. The space will offer resources, tools, and mentorship programs aimed at equipping women of color with the skills and knowledge necessary to build generational wealth through real estate investment and construction opportunities.
“We are incredibly excited to celebrate this monumental occasion, which marks a significant leap forward in our mission to empower Black and Brown women in real estate—an industry where we remain vastly underrepresented,” said Natasha Davis, CEO, The BLOC Society. “This new headquarters is not just a physical space, but a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and transforming communities.”
Since 2021, The BLOC Society has had a commitment to breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field for women of color in the industry, with an impressive portfolio of over 21 projects across the Tri-State Area, generating more than $9 million in revenue. The Society’s groundbreaking work is creating sustainable, impactful change within historically underserved communities, driving economic development, and paving the way for future generations of women of color to succeed in the real estate and construction industries.
“This is more than just a building, more than the location. When you walk in these doors, you know that you have individuals around you who are going to be by your side every step of the way, making sure you get the empowerment you need, the inspiration you need, but most importantly, making sure that we bring this to the next level of helping one another and move forward, because that’s what it’s all about,” said Sergio Granados, Union County Commissioner. “When one of us moves forward, we help others move forward with us, and that’s what these three ladies at The BLOC Society are doing here in our community.”
To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.
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Sinkhole keeping I-80 eastbound in Wharton, New Jersey shut. Here’s what experts think caused it.
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WHARTON, N.J. – Hopes of reopening Interstate 80 quickly have been dashed.
A section of the eastbound lanes remains closed due to a 40-foot sinkhole, and it won’t be an easy fix.
It started out as a depression in the roadway Monday, and quickly opened up into a large sinkhole.
“The minute they started to do the soil borings, that’s when it opened up. So, you know, so it went from what we thought was going to be an easy fix to something much, much more difficult,” State Senator Anthony Bucco said.
It’s not clear exactly how long it will take to reopen the closed lanes.
What’s causing the sinkholes?
The new opening is just 75 feet from another sinkhole that closed I-80 in December. Officials are blaming abandoned mineshafts that have collapsed.
“What really causes these sinkholes to open up after such a long amount of time is water,” College of New Jersey civil engineering professor Andrew Bechtel said. “Water probably caused the first sinkhole to collapse. When they filled it, they changed how water moved under I-80. And now they’re probably developing a new one in a different place. So the realistic problem is to figure out where all these old mines go, and then fill and cap them and then rebuild the road on top.”
Sinkholes causing anxiety, hurting local businesses
The recurring sinkholes are causing anxiety for some drivers.
“The underground is like Swiss cheese. So I guess there’s a bunch of like mines that just weren’t filled in properly. And they just keep collapsing in on themselves,” Jefferson Township resident Jeiris Cook said. “I mean it’s pretty scary, you know, to think that the ground could just come undone underneath your feet at any moment.”
The eastbound closure is causing traffic to back up for miles, and it’s hurting some local businesses.
At the Townsquare Diner on Route 15, the normally busy lunch hour was unusually quiet.
“So people hear all the traffic in the area, they just divert. They go elsewhere,” owner Peter Sedereas said.
I-80 detour around sinkhole investigation
All eastbound lanes are closed at Exit 34. Drivers should use Route 46 or Route 10 as an alternative.
Route 46 eastbound alternative:
- Drivers on I-80 eastbound are advised to take Exit 28/Route 46 eastbound to Route 10/Ledgewood/Lake Hopatcong, which is several miles before the closure
- Continue on Route 46 eastbound
- Stay in the left two lanes to turn left at the traffic signal to continue on Route 46 eastbound
- Turn left onto Route 15 northbound in Dover back to I-80, or continue on Route 46 eastbound for about 12 miles and stay left for I-80 eastbound
I-80 eastbound detour:
- Drivers on I-80 eastbound are being directed to take Exit 34 to Route 15/Wharton/Dover/Sparta
- Stay right following signs for Route 15/Jefferson/Dover/Sparta
- Stay in the left lane on North Main Street to Route 15 southbound/To I-80/Dover
- Merge onto Route 15 southbound
- Stay left to take the exit to I-80 eastbound
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Women’s Advisory Council | Burlington County, NJ
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Burlington County Seeks Applications for the 2024 Outstanding Female Students of Burlington County Scholarships.
This year, the Burlington County Women’s Council is offering five (5) scholarships.
Each year, the Women’s Advisory Council and the Burlington County Board of Commissioners honor outstanding female students who have made a difference within the Burlington County community by awarding scholarships to help advance their academic careers.
The Burlington County Alice Paul Champion Scholarship is presented to an outstanding female graduating senior from Burlington County, who is continuing her education. The scholarship is $1,000. To apply for this scholarship the recipient must:
- Reside in Burlington County, NJ
- Excel scholastically
- Demonstrate leadership
- Have been accepted into a post-high school academic program
- Deadline to apply: Tuesday, April 1st at 4pm
Burlington County and Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce Future Entrepreneur Scholarship
Each year, the Women’s Advisory Council and the Burlington County Board of Commissioners honor outstanding female students who have made a difference within the Burlington County community by awarding scholarships to help advance their academic careers.
The Burlington County and Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce Future Entrepreneur Scholarship is presented to an outstanding female graduating senior from Burlington County who wants a career in business. The scholarship is $1,000.
To apply for this scholarship, the recipient must:
- Reside in Burlington County, NJ
- Excel scholastically with an interest in business
- Demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial spirit
- Have been accepted into a post-high school academic program
- Deadline to apply: Tuesday, April 1stat 4pm
The Burlington County /Remington & Vernick Engineers STEM Innovation Scholarship is presented to an outstanding female graduating senior from Burlington County, who is continuing her education. The scholarship is $1,000. To apply for this scholarship the recipient must:
- Reside in Burlington County, NJ
- Excel scholastically with extensive interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) studies
- Demonstrate leadership
- Have been accepted into a post-high school academic program
- Deadline to apply: Tuesday, April 1st at 4pm
The Burlington County and Virtua Health Light Maker Scholarship is presented to an outstanding female graduating senior from Burlington County, who is continuing her education. The scholarship is $1,000. To apply for this scholarship the recipient must:
- Reside in Burlington County, NJ
- Excel scholastically with extensive interest in healthcare studies
- Demonstrate leadership
- Have been accepted into a post-high school academic program
- Deadline to apply: Tuesday, April 1st at 4pm
Burlington County Commissioners Leading the Way Scholarship
The Burlington County Leading the Way Scholarship is presented to an outstanding female graduating senior from Burlington County, who is continuing her education and has demonstrated leadership ability. The scholarship is $1,000. To apply for this scholarship the recipient must:
- Reside in Burlington County, NJ
- Excel scholastically with interest in Law, Government, Community Service, or related field
- Demonstrate leadership
- Have been accepted into a post-high school academic program
- Deadline to apply: Tuesday, April 1stat 4pm
The Outstanding Women of Burlington County:
Each year, the Women’s Advisory Council and the Burlington County Board of Commissioners honor women who have made a difference within the Burlington County community.
The County honors women who have made significant contributions to the community and have demonstrated their support of women. These women may have acted as mentors, role models, or advocates for other women.
A nominee must have lived or worked in Burlington County for at least one year to be eligible. Only individual women – not groups, clubs, or organizations – will be considered for this award.
This year, nominations will be accepted in the following categories:
Business Leadership
Community Service
Diversity/Inclusion
Education/ Mentorship
First Responder/Law Enforcement
Government
Healthcare
Law
Military/Veteran
Volunteerism
Nomination Criteria:
- Only one category may be selected
- Nominee must reside or work in Burlington County, NJ for at least one full year
- Nominee must excel in her chosen field/category
- Demonstrate leadership and champion women
- All fields of this form must be completed
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
Includes: 2 Full Tables with signage (20 tickets), Premium full-page ad, business logo signage at event, public recognition at dinner and social media advertising.
Gold Sponsor – $2,000
Includes: 10 tickets, full-page ad, business logo, public recognition at dinner and social media advertising.
Silver Sponsor – $1000
Includes: 5 tickets, full-page ad, business logo, public recognition at dinner and social media advertising.
Bronze Sponsor – $500
Includes: 2 tickets, half-page ad, business logo, public recognition at dinner and social media advertising.
Ad Rates – Ads are in Full Color
Full-Page Ad – $350 (7.5” wide x 10” high)
Half-Page Ad – $200 (7.5” wide x 4.75” high)
Quarter-Page Ad – $100 (3. 5” wide x 4.75” high)
Family/Friends Greeting – $25
Personal message on the Friends and Family page (25 words maximum)
The Burlington County Commissioners and the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council are seeking nominations to spotlight incredible women on social media. The Spotlight WOW program highlights outstanding women who strive to make a difference in our community.
Nominees should have made significant contributions to the community and have demonstrated their support of women. These women may have acted as mentors, role models, or advocates for other women.
To be eligible, a nominee must have lived or worked in Burlington County for at least one year.
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Newmark Associates successfully trades house of worship
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Temple Beth Shalom, a house of worship located at 40-25 Fairlawn Avenue in Fair Lawn, recently sold for an undisclosed amount, according to a Thursday announcement from Newmark Associates Commercial Real Estate.
Mary Swatek, vice president of Newmark Associates, handled the transaction and managed a seamless process for the sellers.
The property, consisting of a 28,000-square-foot building situated on approximately 2-acres, has been a longstanding place of worship, community gathering space, and preschool, and presented unique considerations as this was the first time the property had been brought to market in over 60-years.
Understanding the commercial real estate market and sensitivity to the needs of religious institutions, Swatek navigated the complexities of the transaction to achieve a successful outcome. Working with the sellers involved complex communications and negotiations with the temple’s Sale Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors as well as the local community.
Newmark Associates’ expertise in marketing specialized properties was instrumental in generating considerable interest resulting in multiple offers.
“It was truly a historic day for the synagogue. This sale will help perpetuate our legacy for decades. Mary did a fabulous job in trying circumstances. She helped to keep the process going and dealt with all the bumps in the road along the way,” Jeffrey Herrmann of Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann and Knopf, acting as a board member and legal counsel said.
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Morris County Hosts Veterans Services Event to Expand Outreach – Morris County, NJ
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Published on February 11, 2025
Nearly 100 Attendees Learn About Resources and Support for Local Veterans
Nearly 100 attendees gathered at the Morris County Veterans Services Office (VSO) last week for an information session on the extensive support available to local veterans.
The event, hosted by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, featured representatives from federal, state and county offices, along with veteran service providers offering guidance on available resources. Many guests wore red in observance of R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Shirt Friday, a tradition honoring deployed service members.
“We hosted an outreach session for veterans at the local VFW in my hometown of Montville last fall, which was well received by the vets who attended. At my suggestion, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously agreed to expand these outreach efforts,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo. “We have strengthened our VSO with expanded staff and funding, and we will continue to grow these critical programs.”
Commissioners Mastrangelo and John Krickus welcomed attendees before introducing Christine Hellyer, director of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, and Jessica Tomalo, program coordinator for the VSO, who led an informative presentation.
Missed the Event? View the Video Recording Available Online
“Morris County doesn’t recognize our veterans only on Memorial Day and Veterans Day — we honor them every day,” said Commissioner Krickus, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “We continue to expand the Veterans Services Office to meet growing needs, including doubling its space in 2023, hiring a fourth Veterans Services Officer and establishing a federal Veteran Center Community Access Point in Morristown in 2024.”
He also noted that the county maintains an online archive of local veterans’ history, which preserves stories of service from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. Additionally, he highlighted County College of Morris’ (CCM) Veterans Resource Center and manufacturing training programs available at no cost for veterans and their families, supported by a $5 million U.S. Department of Defense grant.
Marie Fragomeni, outreach coordinator for the County Clerk’s Office, spoke about services available to veterans through County Clerk Ann Grossi’s office, including the “Operation Give Back” program, which offers discounts to veterans and Gold Star family members who present their Morris County ID Card at participating local businesses.
Also present to provide updates at the event were Nicholas Henry, field representative for U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr.; Willy Tolba, constituent services representative for U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill; Alex McConnell, legislative aide to State Sen. Anthony Bucco; Jon Hinker, senior vice commander of the New Jersey VFW; and Shenandoah Ellis-Ullmer, veterans and military services coordinator at CCM.
Service providers in attendance included the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, Inc. (MHA) and Atlantic Behavioral Health’s True North Program for Veterans.
Hellyer shared an update on the 2025 human services veterans grants, which fund critical services for Morris County veterans and their families. The grants support the MHA’s mental health, substance abuse, care management and educational programs; Interfaith Food Pantry’s distribution of food and household essentials to food-insecure families; and Legal Services of Northwest New Jersey’s legal assistance and counseling for veterans. This year, Community Hope will also receive funding for emergency housing services.
She also highlighted other essential county services, including Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS), a curb-to-curb shared ride service for seniors, individuals with disabilities and veterans, as well as the Morris County Nutrition Project, which provides home-delivered meals to seniors.
Following presentations, an engaging Q&A session gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions and provide input. Attendees also had access to a resource table with informational materials, and light refreshments and snacks were offered.
For more information on veteran resources, visit morriscountynj.gov/veterans.
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Photo 1: Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo.
Photo 2: (l-r) Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo and Commissioner John Krickus.
Photo 3: (center) U.S. Navy Veteran Tom Mazzaccaro.
Photo 4: Jessica Tomalo, Program Coordinator of the Morris County Veterans Services Office.
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NHL Rumors: Marchand, Bruins, Gibson, Oilers, Devils, Canadiens – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors
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In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Boston Bruins are reportedly getting calls about the availability of Brad Marchand. Could a big run at the 4 Nations tournament up his stock or make it so the Bruins want to hang onto Marchand? Meanwhile, John Gibson‘s name came up often this week in connection with the Edmonton Oilers. Is there anything to this speculation? Finally, could the New Jersey Devils be prepared to take a swing on acquiring Jake Evans from the Montreal Canadiens?
It’s unlikely anything will happen while Brad Marchand is playing for Team Canada, but could a trade take place between the time the games end and the NHL returns to action? It sounds increasingly like there’s something to trade discussions surrounding Marchand.
RG.org cites an NHL executive source who said, “They’re getting calls on [Marchand], and teams are wondering what they’re going to do here, but, at this point, I think they’re just listening.” They add, “Still, the fact that the Bruins or Marchand haven’t come right out and squashed this like they have in the past is telling. With things also being so quiet on contract talks, it tells you this is getting real.”
It is being reported that the Bruins are not actively trying to trade their captain. But, this break might give both sides some time to reflect on where they want things to go. “The fact they’re listening, though, means that, if they can’t find common ground over this break, it becomes more than listening when they return from break.”
As for interested teams, the report notes the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars are all teams that have been mentioned.
Gibson Linked to the Oilers, But Oilers Not Looking at Goalies
Elliotte Friedman reported he’d heard the Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes were the two teams goaltender John Gibson preferred as potential trade destinations this season. He has a $6.4 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list.
Related: NHL Rumors: Evans, Canadiens, Klingberg, Oilers, Canucks
The Oilers are an interesting fit for a few reasons. Friedman noted that he was under the impression Gibson wants to go where he’d be “the guy”, as in the starting goaltender.”. The Oilers have a starting goaltender in Stuart Skinner, who GM Stan Bowman has been very supportive of publicly. Skinner has been inconsistent at times, but he’s got decent numbers since November and he took the Oilers to within on win of a Stanley Cup last season.
There is also debate in Edmonton about how much of an upgrade Gibson would be and that, for the money, the Oilers are better off spending their cap space dollars elsewhere.
Are the Devils Interested in Jake Evans?
We reported that contract talks between Jake Evans and the Montreal Canadiens have not gone well. He’ll likely be traded ahead of the NHL trade deadline. New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols notes that it’s “common knowledge” Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald wants to trade for a third-line center. Evans might be a target for them.
The Canadiens are looking for a second-round pick, and the Devils have three of them. They don’t have a first-rounder, which could pose a bit of an issue if several teams get involved and the price goes up.
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The 2025 Air War: Sweeney Versus Gottheimer
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When former senate president Steve Sweeney launched his first gubernatorial campaign ad for the 2025 race Wednesday, he came out with a tough-on-crime, blue-collar style message: this Democrat would support law enforcement and protect New Jersey families. It was a clear, simple, if broad message from the southern New Jersey ironworker. He was flanked by Gloucester County Sheriff Carmel Morina who said of Sweeney, “he doesn’t just talk, he gets [bleep] done… he’s cracked down on illegal guns…”
In northern New Jersey, Congressman Josh Gottheimer is running his own campaign ads as he seeks to succeed Phil Murphy. His message style was “very Jersey” – he appeared to be in a diner at a counter, talking about affordability and his mission to cut taxes. His ad also notes that New Jerseyans always hear about politicians wanting to cut taxes, but invites would-be voters to go to his website and see his tax plan. In another short video, he gets directly to the point and says he will cut taxes. “No bull$h!t.”
New Jerseyans on both sides of the aisle, which seems to have an ever-deepening chasm growing between them, may at least agree that they’d want a governor who can “get $h!t done” and don’t want any “bull$h!t.” It’s the language of the people, and Democrats have often been framed by the opposition as being out-of-touch with average folks, hung up on what they perceive to be more abstract issues rather than bread and butter. In short, bull$h!t.
When a convicted felon comes along, and speaks the people’s language about (sometimes bizarre) issues, but nevertheless ones that hold people’s attention, he is rewarded with the highest office in the land. Dems ignore this at their peril. These two Democratic ads do not compare to the national rhetoric being thrown around, as New Jersey politicians still generally adhere to a degree of decorum. But both of these men, one white collar, one blue collar, one northern, one southern, one a national official, one a former state official, are positioning themselves as “no bull$h!t” issues candidates: tackle crime, tackle affordability. Whether red, blue, green, or independent, everyone except those of the wealthiest class can agree that it is challenging to live in New Jersey and that one’s dollar doesn’t go as far as it did. Safe streets invite a stronger economy and better schools, an overall boost that appeals to anyone.
Both ads represent a race for the middle, to show they are safe and serious candidates that can win in November. Sweeney can categorize himself effectively as the working man’s Democrat, and try to win back some of the blue collar workers who defected to the populism of the Trump camp, feeling Democrats did not represent them. (He himself was deposed by a non-union trucker, Sen. Ed Durr, in a spectacular coup, although the seat flipped back to blue.) Further, as senate president, Sweeney can capitalize on his senior, state level experience for the governor’s bid. Gottheimer has a powerful bastion of support in terms of population and (lots of) money, largely in his Bergen base. For years he has championed himself as a bipartisan leader, working across the aisle for practical solutions and being re-elected in a relatively red district. The question for Democratic voters, then, looking for a centrist choice in a crowded field in the upcoming primary, is who is talking a line of bull$h!t and who is not?
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Revisiting the Lightning’s Blockbuster Trade for Blake Coleman – The Hockey Writers – Lightning History
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For the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 2019-20 season was a make-or-break moment for a franchise that had become known as good enough to make deep runs in the postseason but not good enough to win a Stanley Cup. After the well-documented 2019 Postseason collapse, it became clear that the team would have to find a way to win it all soon, or risk seeing another talented player core torn down after coming up empty-handed one too many times.
Given this atmosphere, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois decided it was time to go all-in and buff his already impressive roster at the 2020 Trade Deadline. After standing pat with a group that looked unbeatable in 2019, BriseBois took an aggressive approach by cashing in a bevy of Tampa Bay’s picks and prospects in order to bring back players that could make the difference for a Stanley Cup push.
Lightning Acquire Coleman From Devils in Blockbuster Trade
The first major trade by the Lightning occurred on Feb. 16, 2020, when BriseBois shipped 2019 first-round draft pick Nolan Foote and the 2020 first-round pick they acquired in the J.T. Miller deal with the Vancouver Canucks to the New Jersey Devils for forward Blake Coleman. This trade made a lot of sense for Tampa Bay at the moment, even if it cost a premium price.
The reasons why BriseBois coveted Coleman were understandable. He was a solid defensive forward who was on an impressive scoring run for a bad New Jersey team, posting 21 goals and 31 points in 57 games. Not only that, he was being paid below market value at $1.8 million until the 2021 offseason, giving BriseBois a cost-controlled asset that could slot in, conceivably, anywhere in the lineup.
What Coleman Brought to the Lightning
Due to circumstances outside of anyone’s control, it took some time for Coleman to showcase his talents for Tampa Bay. However, once he started playing alongside Yanni Gourde and fellow deadline acquisition Barclay Goodrow in the 2020 Postseason, he became a key cog on one of the most impactful forward lines for the Lightning.
Sure they didn’t score every night, but this line changed the way Tampa Bay played. They were a tenacious force that brought to the ice everything you needed to win in the postseason. For his part, Coleman led the team in hits, took on more than two minutes of playing time short-handed each night, posted the Lightning’s last goal of the playoffs, and scored one of the best goals of the entire postseason.
With one successful postseason run under his belt, Coleman looked to continue his incredible play in the shortened 2020-21 season. In 55 games, he posted 14 goals and 31 points, while continuing to be an absolute pest alongside Gourde and Goodrow.
However, it was the 2021 Playoffs when Coleman once again made his mark on the franchise. In 23 games, he played that perfect energy role to help push the Lightning over the top. While he didn’t score a lot, the few times he hit the back of the net it was impactful, including a last-second goal that helped secure a victory in the Stanley Cup Final.
After winning back-to-back championships with the Lightning, Coleman departed the franchise and signed a well-earned six-year contract with the Calgary Flames paying him roughly $4.9 million per year.
What the Lightning Traded for Coleman
While Coleman’s tenure in Tampa Bay was successful, they didn’t get his services for free. Giving up a top prospect like Nolan Foote (His brother, Cal Foote, plays with the Nashville Predators) and a potential top-15 pick had the chance to backfire dramatically.
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First, let’s discuss Foote, who has been showing solid development since joining New Jersey. In the 2020-21 season, he played in 24 games for the then Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Devils, posting seven goals and 17 points. He also got the call to start in six NHL games as well, scoring a goal and an assist.
In 2021-22, Foote continued this strong play for the Utica Comets in the AHL, starting in 37 games and posting eight goals and 22 points along with a plus-18, which was third-best on the team. Given that he is only 23 years old, there is still a lot of time for him to develop his power forward frame and become a top-six monster for New Jersey.
Now for the first-round pick, things could have gone a lot worse for Tampa Bay. The 2019-20 Canucks were a good team that had playoff aspirations despite some stretches of weak play that threatened to pull them out of contention. Despite this, after they went on a run in the 2020 Playoffs and came up just short of the Western Conference Final, this pick settled in at 20th overall for New Jersey.
With their third selection in the 2020 first round, the Devils took a bit of a risk on defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin. While some scouts saw Mukhamadullin as a sure-fire first-rounder, others had him going in the early third at best. However, as a 23-year-old with a 6-foot-4 frame and a path to take on big minutes in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), it’s easy to see why New Jersey took the chance on him.
Since being selected, Mukhamadullin has been a good player, taking on 39 games in 2020-21 and 34 games in 2021-22 for Ufa Salavat Yulaev. While his scoring numbers aren’t exceptional, he showed the development path for a player who made the jump to North America in subsequent; however, it wasn’t with the Devils as he was traded to the San Jose Sharks at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. He made his NHL debut with the Sharks on Jan. 27, 2024.
Who Won the Coleman Trade?
While it is always fun to discuss who won or lost a big trade in the moment, it often takes months or even years to fully understand the impact of these deals. If you’re a fan of the Lightning, the trade for Coleman was a clear win, as he played a key role in back-to-back championship runs. Depending on how you look at it, you can make the argument that this is one of if not the best deadline deals in franchise history.
On the other hand, if you’re a fan of the Devils, you can also make the argument that they won this trade. The team cashed out a prime asset at peak value, returning a top prospect and a first-round pick. This was no small return, and smart moves like this that can help kickstart a rebuild.
Read Also: Legendary Players, Weird Jerseys
In the end, if both teams can look at a trade positively, that means there likely isn’t a true winner. The Lightning got a piece that they needed, and the Devils got assets to help them rebuild for the future, making this a rare deadline win-win.
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Lila Keith
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Lila Keith passed away on November 23, 2024, in the comfort of her home in Virginia. Born Lila Faye Pearce in Pt. Pleasant, NJ, on May 7, 1925, to Thomas and Hannah Pearce, she was the youngest of eight siblings, all of whom predeceased her. Known affectionately as Nan to her family, her long and healthy life is attributed to many years spent walking the boardwalk with her friends, who also lived into their nineties. Nan’s knitting skills were exceptional, crafting items from socks to Barbie doll outfits, with her favorite being baby sweaters and booties for her grandchildren, now cherished by her great-grandchildren.
Nan is survived by five sons, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She was laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Frank, known as Pop to his family, in Greenwood Cemetery in Brielle, NJ. Nan was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed.
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Bramnick will not Compete in GOP County Conventions
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Bramnick will not compete in GOP County Conventions
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Senator Jon Bramnick notified all Republican county organizations that he will not be competing in county Republican conventions. He released the following statement.
“The decision to not compete in the county conventions across the state was not taken lightly. The work of the Republican County party leaders, county committee members and volunteers is an important part of the GOP. However, given the decision by other Republican candidates to not participate in the process, I believe the convention process will not accurately represent the true landscape of the primary this year.
“I still intend to speak with county committee members across the state as well as rank and file Republican voters to encourage them to engage in the primary process. In the 2021 gubernatorial primary less than 24% of registered Republicans cast a ballot. My campaign is focused on building on the enthusiasm in the party to encourage more Republicans to participate in the primary this year.”
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Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Asbury Short Film Concert: World’s Best Short Films
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(MANASQUAN, NJ) — Asbury Shorts USA, New York City’s longest running non-competitive short film showcase returns to the revered Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan on Saturday, March 8, 2025 to present their national touring “44th Short Film Concert- An Evening of the World’s Best Short Films.”
The first film blasts on to the screen at 8:00pm. This will be Asbury Shorts USA’s thirteenth year bringing world renowned short films to Algonquin Arts. Diane Raver, Founder of The Garden State Film Festival, will once again serve as guest host. The short film concert is recommended for ages 16 and older.
Tickets are $15 and available for purchase online or by calling 732-528-9211. Algonquin Arts is located at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive in Manasquan, New Jersey.
Combining classic short films with current festival winners, Asbury Shorts USA provides a rare opportunity for audiences to view global hits on a real cinema screen as opposed to YouTube, computers, or smart phones. Oscar nominated director Jason Reitman (“JUNO,” “Up in the Air,” “Thank You for Smoking,““Ghostbusters Afterlife”) calls Asbury Shorts: “The best short film show I’ve ever experienced.”
The March 8th presentation will feature a mix of outstanding comedy, drama and animated shorts in a fast paced, eclectic lineup including Oscar nominees, “Best of Show” awardees from U.S. film festivals and international honorees.
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Asbury Shorts “concerts” have been presented at: The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, The Vero Beach Museum of Art in Florida, Summer Stage in Central Park, The Charleston Music Hall in South Carolina, Director’s Guild Theater in Manhattan, The AERO Theatre in Santa Monica, CA, Osprey Arts Center in Nova Scotia, Canada, Royal Festival Hall in London, U.K., The Leminske Theater in Berlin, Germany…to name a few of the prestigious venues where audiences have enjoyed these amazing films including 12 years previously at Algonquin Arts Theatre.
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.
Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors working alongside seasoned professionals. AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.
Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
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American Theater Group presents “Purlie”
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(RAHWAY, NJ) — Broadway veteran Kenny Ingram will direct American Theater Group’s (ATG) production of the exhilarating and Tony Award-winning musical Purlie, running March 6-23, 2025, at Hamilton Stage in Rahway. Gary Mitchell, Jr. will provide Musical Direction. Purlie is the 1970 musical adaptation of Ossie Davis’s comedic play Purlie Victorious, which just completed a hugely successful revival on Broadway last season.
Ingram was nominated for a 2023 Audelco Award for his direction of James T. Lane’s Triple Threat Off Broadway at Theatre Row and choreographed the NY Times’ Critic Choice’s Emojiland at the Duke on 42nd St. Ingram’s Broadway debut was in The Lion King, where he performed for a decade.
Featuring an unforgettable score, Purlie tells the story of a traveling preacher who returns to his hometown in Georgia and concocts a scheme to reclaim his church while ringing the bell of freedom for plantation workers. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction and Best Choreography, the original Broadway production launched the careers of Melba Moore (Tony Award – Best Featured Actress in a Musical), Cleavon Little (Tony Award – Best Performance by a Leading Actor) and Sherman Hemsley. Purlie was written by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell with music by Gary Geld.
(LEFT) Timothy Ware-Hill (RIGHT) Aeja Barrows
Leading the cast as Purlie will be Timothy Ware-Hill (Broadway: Kinky Boots), joined by newcomer Aeja Barrows as Lutiebelle. Tyson Jennette (B’way: Book of Mormon) will portray Gitlow, Tom Souhrada ((B’way: Mary Poppins) will play Ol’ Cap’n, Ryan Bronston will play Charlie, Nicole Powell (B’way: Ragtime, Hairspray) will portray Missy, Virginia Woodruff (B’way: Violet, Leap of Faith) will play Idella and Kayla Ceaser, Berlin Lee Charles, Lilliannie Arie Urgent, Maya Mays, Lathan Roberts, Joshua Shepard, Shaquile Hester and LJ Brodie will round out the ensemble. A local choir will also appear in the opening and closing numbers.
Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226. Ticket prices range from $20 (student) to $65. Performances are Thursday – Sunday, March 6-9; Thursday – Sunday, March 13-16 and Friday – Sunday, March 21-23. Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway, New Jersey.
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“Purlie is a show that we are delighted to re-introduce to new audiences,” noted ATG Producing Artistic Director Jim Vagias. “It has an amazing, raise-the-roof score that is a real crowd-pleaser. It is truly a great American musical that we are honored to produce.”
Kenny Ingram has served as director and/or choreographer at Regional Theaters across the US, most recently at Maine State Music Theatre where he directed and choreographed Funny Girl and 9 to 5 The Musical. He also served as director/choreographer for The Wiz at New Bedford Musical Festival Theater and Blues in the Night at Porchlight Dinner Playhouse in Chicago, for which he won a Jeff Award. He also choreographed Emojiland at the Duke, Turtles on a Fence Post and Till, The Musical. In addition, Ingram served as choreographer for Dreamgirls, Sound of Music and Jolly Holiday at Papermill Playhouse. He will make his directing and choreography debut this spring at The Fulton Theatre in Pennsylvania with Anastasia.
Musical Director Gary Mitchell, Jr., regularly collaborates with renowned singers, instrumentalists, artists, and ensembles throughout the world. He has been featured at Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theatre, Lincoln Center, The Harlem Opera Festival, The United Nations, Teatro alla Scala, Dance Theater of Harlem, 54 Below, Cape Playhouse, New London Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, and Barrington Stage Theatre with select performances in Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, Copenhagen, and Australia.. He has also collaborated and performed with The New York Historical Society, Broadway Inspirational Voices, PBS, MTV, VH1, and is currently Director of Music and Arts Administration at First AME Church: Bethel-Harlem.
The creative team also includes Bernita Robinson (Production Stage Manager); Cat Murphy (Production Manager); Max Evans (Assistant Stage Manager); Jose Luis Santiago Jr (Lighting Designer); Saawan Tiwari (Costume Designer); Seth Howard (Set Designer); Travis Joseph Wright (Sound Designer); Ben Merrick (Tech Director); Alison Merrick (Props) and Sara Norton (Hair and Wigs).
Purlie is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Following Purlie, ATG will present “Broadway in the ‘Burbs,” a unique 90-minute “behind-the-scenes” look at Broadway with veteran theater critic and insider Peter Filichia at the Sieminski Theater on May 17-18. Filichia will regale the audience with anecdotes, gossip and entertaining tales of his life on the aisle, including his 20 years as the state’s top critic for the NJ Star-Ledger. He will be joined by Broadway artists singing popular songs from the shows mentioned. Filichia has seen 13,000 shows in 47 states and 17 foreign countries, appears on the “Broadway Radio” podcast and has a weekly column for Masterworks Broadway.
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is a non-profit organization offering quality programming and performances that strive to be educational, affordable, and enrich the arts within our diverse communities. UCPAC features two venues, the Main Stage, built in 1928, and the Hamilton Stage, a recently renovated intimate 199-seat theater built by the City of Rahway Redevelopment Agency, and located at 360 Hamilton Street.
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North to Shore Festival presents Slightly Stoopid at Stone Pony Summer Stage
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(ASBURY PARK, NJ) — As part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, Slightly Stoopid will bring their new tour, Step Into The Sun Summer 2025, to Stone Pony Summer Stage on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 6:30pm. They will be joined by support acts Iration and Little Stranger.
Since their inception in 1995, Slightly Stoopid—fronted by the incredibly versatile duo Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald—has evolved a unique fusion of rock, reggae, acoustic soul, hip-hop, heavy metal, and punk rock. They have achieved both artistic freedom and commercial success while staying true to their DIY ethos. The band has grown from an original trio to a seven-piece ensemble, becoming a generational leader in a burgeoning subculture and lifestyle movement.
“We’re thrilled to hit the road this summer with our longtime friends Iration and to welcome Little Stranger to the family,” said Miles Doughty of Slightly Stoopid. “We have some new tunes that we’re eager to share, and we’re particularly excited to perform at some venues we’ve yet to explore.”
Tickets are available for purchase online. Stone Pony Summer Stage is located at 913 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Launched in 2023, the North 2 Shore festival is a unique combination of performances by artists beloved both internationally and in their hometowns. In its first two years, the festival brought in more than $25 million for ticketed events and has drawn a total audience of over 500,000 to more than 650 shows in approximately 250 venues in Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City.
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The 2025 festival will take place from June 9-29 and will be sponsored by Prudential Financial for the second year in a row. Details about the lineup and venues will be announced at an in-person press conference in the first quarter of 2025.
Once again, both global headliners and artists who hail from cities along the festival route will take the stage in front of an audience drawn from across the region. North to Shore Community Arts Awards will be given to artists, arts organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses to produce and present free festival events. Additionally, the festival will now include season-long community engagement events in Atlantic City. A complete list of free and ticketed festival events will be shared at northtoshore.com in spring 2025.
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Bank of America Donates $50,000 to Fulfill
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Triada Stampas, President & CEO of Fulfill (center) accepts a donation from Bank of America Charitable Foundation for $50,000.
Philanthropy
On Feb 7, 2025
Bank of America recently presented Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean counties, with a generous donation of $50,000 as part of Bank of America’s support of nonprofit organizations that provide access to healthcare, food access and nutrition, family stabilization and other poverty-related issues.
The gift will support food distribution to Fulfill’s over 300 pantry partners, as well as help the food bank continue to comprehensively fight hunger in the Jersey Shore region. Triada Stampas, president & CEO of Fulfill, accepted the check from Bank of America.
“Combatting food insecurity and supporting hunger-relief efforts is essential to helping our communities thrive,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “Fulfill plays a critical role in ensuring families across Monmouth and Ocean Counties have access to nutritious food and the resources they need to build a stronger future. Addressing hunger strengthens our communities, supports economic vitality and creates pathways for long-term success.”
In addition to the financial contribution, Bank of America New Jersey employees volunteered their time to assist with food distribution at one of Fulfill’s “Pop the Trunk” drive-through events, loading cars with fresh food, shelf-stable items and other essentials. The volunteer efforts and donation were part of Bank of America’s broader commitment to community engagement.
“This past year, we saw that the number of Monmouth and Ocean County residents facing hunger continued to climb, with more than 100,000 monthly visitors at local food pantries,” said Stampas. “The need is urgent, and the partnership between Bank of America and Fulfill reflects a shared commitment to fighting food insecurity and building stronger communities. This generous donation, coupled with Bank of America’s volunteer efforts, are making a difference in our region.”
To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.
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N.J. receives over $22B in federal funds in FY2024; 56% increase from pre-pandemic levels
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New Jersey secured an estimated $22.155 billion in federal revenue in FY2024. That’s according to a first-of-its-kind report released by the state’s Grants Management Office (GMO) which cited 609 state-administered programs received federal revenue on a state fiscal year basis.
Federal funds for FY2024 awarded to New Jersey were down slightly from the prior year due to the expiration of some COVID funding programs, however the state still secured an estimated $22.155 billion in federal revenue for the year – which is 56 percent higher than in FY2019, the last fiscal year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Securing this federal funding is critical to boosting programs that make New Jersey a stronger, fairer, and safer place to live—and Treasury’s Grants Management Office has furthered that mission since it was established in 2022. My Administration will continue to pursue opportunities for federal funding for crucial programs that provide children with free meals, make health care affordable, and prevent violence in our communities,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.
“By actively seeking and securing valuable grant opportunities, we are ensuring critical State programs have the resources they need to support New Jerseyans and fulfill their missions,” State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio said. “I’d like to thank the Grants Management Office for their work in compiling this report, which gives the State a better understanding of federal funding levels and will guide our future revenue pursuits.”
Medicaid was the largest program supported by federal funds, accounting for $13.913 billion. Other programs which received federal funding included school breakfast and lunch programs, preschool support, violence prevention services, water and land conservation initiatives, and cancer prevention programs, among others.
Grants Management Office assists in reducing and removing barriers to federal grant funding through identifying grant opportunities, advocacy, and coordination among federal grant applicants across the state.
The GMO’s full report is available by clicking here.
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Bramnick Calls for more Debates
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Marilyn Matthews
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Marilyn Matthews of Manasquan, New Jersey, peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 25, 2024. She was preceded in death by her son Drew and her beloved life companion Janet Booth. She is survived by her son Jeffrey of Denver, Colorado, her daughter Jill Allen of Jackson, New Jersey, four grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
Marilyn was born to Sydney and Lillian Maxwell of Manasquan, New Jersey, on August 16, 1935. She was a graduate, as were all of her children, of Manasquan High School. She lived almost her entire life on the Jersey Shore and was a Jersey girl through and through. Marilyn was a doting and devoted, yet firm, mother to her children, instilling in them her core values of honesty, loyalty, and the importance of being true to one’s self.
Her sense of humor was legendary and she could sling off-color jokes with the best of them. She made many friends throughout her life and remained true to them to the end. She weathered divorces, cancer, the death of her youngest son, and the death of her companion Janet Booth, and never gave up or in.
Godspeed Marilyn Matthews. She was one of a kind and a truly great broad.
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Act Now to Replace Stolen Benefits – Morris County, NJ
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Published on February 08, 2025
Feb. 8, 2025 PSA – Attention SNAP & WFNJ Recipients: Act Now to Replace Stolen Benefits
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) clients can request replacement for benefits that were stolen electronically between September 1, 2023 and December 20, 2024. Any benefits stolen on or after December 21, 2024 are not eligible for replacement, as a result of a change in the federal budget.
If you think your benefits were stolen electronically between September 1, 2023 and December 20, 2024, you must complete and return a Request for Replacement Form within 30 days of discovering your benefits were stolen. In addition, you must immediately re-PIN or replace your Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
The form is available below for you to complete and submit online at https://nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/resources/stolen. You also can print it to mail or drop off in-person to your County Social Service Agency. Additionally, you can call your County Social Service Agency and complete the form over the phone.
To keep your benefits safer, new features are coming soon that will allow you to lock your Families First card when you are not using it and receive alerts for your account for transactions or changes to your account. Keep checking www.NJSNAP.gov for updates about the new features.
In the meantime, to offer some protection, change your PIN at least once a month. The best time to change it is right before your benefits are deposited. You can change your PIN online at www.NJFamiliesFirst.com or using the ConnectEBT app.
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Take their word for it: Students in a TCNJ linguistics course have their fingers on the pulse of linguistic innovation.
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Students in a 200-level linguistics course have “locked in” on this year’s submissions for the American Dialect Society Word of the Year, with a slang-heavy list of entries that have been amplified and boosted by social media.
“Lock in,” meaning to focus, was on the list that was considered when the society chose a winner at its meeting in Philadelphia from January 9–12. While it didn’t win the word of the year, it did win the category of “Most Useful” word of 2024.
Last year’s ADS winner was “enshittification,” a term used in a blog post by author Cory Doctorow to describe how digital platforms worsen over time.
Some years, the submissions are more sober, such as in 2020, when words focused on the emerging pandemic.
Entries from TCNJ have made the finals of the generally lighthearted word competition during two recent years, indicating that students have their “finger on the pulse of linguistic innovation,” said Felicia Steele, who chairs the English department.
Students in Steele’s fall LNG 202, Structure and History of the English Language, have participated in the exercise for several years. This year’s list includes the straight-out-of-social-media “brat” to convey confidence, and “demure,” suggesting class, elegance, and refinement. Both words enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame last summer, and “brat” won in the “Most Fun While it Lasted” category for 2024.
Matthew McGrath ’26 submitted “lawfare.” The term has been around for a while, and it describes using the levers of the law to attack opponents and gain momentum during the recent political season.
“It was a word I encountered a lot while watching the news,” said McGrath, who noted that participating in the word-of-the-year application process touched on many of the concepts he learned in class.
Likewise, Gianna Panei ’29 said the words selection was a fun way to end a challenging class. She said a good number of the words or phrases are in her routine vocabulary. “I use ‘crash out’ a lot,” she said, referring to a term used for a breakdown.
Steele said she was partial to femininomenon — a blend of feminine and phenomenon popularized by singer/songwriter Chappell Roan.
Others on the list submitted by TCNJ students include:
- aura: a quality that can be gained or lost; derived from video gaming
- bet: an affirmative, “Are you going to the party?” “Bet.”
- big back: gluttonous consumption
- brainrot: deterioration of mental or intellectual state
- cap: lie
- looksmaxxing, improving one’s appearance
- lore or lore-drop: personal history
- mewing: creating a “pout-like” expression
- tweaking: anxious and frantic behavior
- unc: derisive term of address to older peer
“Brainrot” won the category of “Digital Word of the Year.”
See the 2024 Word of the Year and other category winners, learn more about the ADS, and see lists of past Word of the Year submissions on the American Dialect Society’s website.
— Patricia Alex
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Devils’ Russian Goalie Prospect Could Be Their Future in the Crease – The Hockey Writers – Devils Prospects
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Quite often, the New Jersey Devils have been stifled by Russian goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who boasts an 11-6-1 record with a .914 save percentage (SV%) against them. Since Shesterkin entered the league in 2019-20, the Devils have iced a multitude of starters. Now, a potential answer for the Devils’ future is making a name for himself, just as Shesterkin once did in the Rangers’ pipeline: 6-foot-5, 18-year-old Russian Mikhail Yegorov, also known as “Big Mike”.
Related: Devils’ Brian Halonen Confident Despite Limited NHL Action
Yegorov’s Journey
Sure, Jacob Markstrom has been excellent, but he’s 35 years old already. He’s a temporary solution (and a great one at that), but not the answer in the crease for the future.
On the second day of the 2024 NHL Draft, the Devils traded defenseman John Marino and a fifth-round pick to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for a 2024 and 2025 second-round pick. Literally seconds later, the Devils took Yegorov with the 2024 pick. Playing for the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), he became the first North American goalie to come off the board – and second out of 24 total drafted.
A quick glance at his numbers made some fans feel he was a reach, as he went 8-25-3 with an .892 SV% in Omaha during the 2023-24 season. But some believe the Lancers would not have won more than one or two games without him…that’s how much they struggled. The Devils knew he was committed to Boston University (BU) where he would eventually have higher-end talent around him.
He started the 2024-25 season in Omaha again, where he was similarly peppered with shots on a nightly basis. Regardless, he still improved, playing to a .912 SV% despite winning just three of 18 games. On Jan. 2, 2025, he had to make 66 saves in a contest which set a Lancers franchise record.
On Jan. 21st, he headed east to finally join BU – his first games in quite some time with a defense that helped him more than it hurt him. He was instantly thrown to the wolves as his very first start came against the top-ranked school in the nation: Boston College. He stopped 23 of 24 (.958 SV%) in a 2-0 loss – the only non-empty net goal from Nashville Predators prospect Teddy Stiga.
He’s had two more starts since, first a 7-2 victory over University of New Hampshire. Then, against Harvard University in the Beanpot Tournament semifinals, where BU won 7-1. In the two games combined, he stopped 45 of 48 (.938%), raising his cumulative total to .944%. It’s a small sample but that’s pure dominance nonetheless. In just a couple weeks, he’s instantly became a hero at BU, where the student section has absolutely taken the nickname “Big Mike” and ran with it.
Yegorov greets the Dog Pound after securing his first collegiate victory.#BUvsUNH pic.twitter.com/VV6F43X1wZ
— Boston Hockey Blog (@BOShockeyblog) February 1, 2025
The Hockey Writers talked to Matt Beck, who was Yegorov’s goalie coach in Omaha since he came to North America in 2023. He was quick to praise the young netminder: “I think Mike has all the attributes of an elite goalie,” he said. “He is always at the rink working to get better and knows himself very well. He’s got an incredibly high IQ, on and off the ice. That’s contributed to his ability to adapt and learn so quickly.”
It’s no kidding that his IQ is equally high off the ice, as his classes while attending BU’s College of Arts and Sciences don’t seem like a cakewalk: Intelligence & Homeland Security, Hospitality, Calculus and Microeconomic Analysis. That’s no small feat while simultaneously training to become a dominant goaltender.
It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows for Yegorov, whose determination and curiosity got him to where he is so far. “When he first came over (to the USHL), he had to adjust to the pace of the game, especially on east to west plays,” said Beck. “The USHL is fast. He’s always been very hard working and wants to know why we do things. He’s an analytical thinker who is always curious to learn and get better.”
With that came being a little too hard on himself at times. “Mentally, it took time for him to work through adversity and being hard on himself,” Beck said. “This year, he embraced being counted on every single night while also taking responsibility for the good and the bad. Physically, his 6-foot-5 frame, combined with his athleticism and play-reading is what makes him elite. He’s worked really hard on his tracking, skating and simplifying his game.”
Nothing is a guarantee, but Yegorov looks super promising. Once he gets more games under his belt at BU, expect him to become a household name when it comes to elite prospects.
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New Jersey Devils Need More From Veteran Forward Erik Haula – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils
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The New Jersey Devils suffered from a lackluster January, kicking off 2025 with a 5-5-3 record. There are a few different reasons for their struggles, but their biggest issue as of right now is injuries. First, they lost starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom, quickly followed by their captain Nico Hischier. However, they were also missing another important part of their roster: Erik Haula.
The veteran forward spent most of January on injured reserve, missing 12 games with an ankle sprain. Head coach Sheldon Keefe was initially hesitant to share a timeline for Haula’s return, marking him as a game-time decision earlier this week. But on Tuesday night, he made his long-awaited return to the Devils’ bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Haula’s recent performance has proven just how crucial he is for the Devils. As the team continues to recover from injuries, he needs to provide veteran leadership and play an important role.
Haula Must Improve Depth Scoring
In Haula’s absence, the Devils struggled with depth scoring. Justin Dowling mainly filled his role as third-line center, but he was unable to match Haula’s volume of shots on goal, recording just three shots on goal in January. Haula, on the other hand, managed three shots in his first game back. While Haula only has five goals and six assists throughout this season, his 47 Corsi For percentage is higher than that of Dowling and Curtis Lazar.
Haula put in a strong performance on Tuesday night, making positive offensive contributions. He created six scoring opportunities, along with four high-danger chances. Centering Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer, he had 12:07 ice time, managing one rebound and one rush attempt. Despite finishing the game minus-one and receiving a penalty for elbowing, it is clear Haula is playing with renewed vigor.
So far, the Meier-Haula-Mercer line has done a good job of generating shots on goal. Against the Penguins, this combination had seven shots on goal, only one less than the Ondrej Palat-Hughes-Jesper Bratt line. And this trend continued on Thursday night against the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite suffering a 3-1 loss on Thursday, the Meier-Haula-Mercer line still managed to create three scoring chances, only one fewer than the Devils’ top line.
Haula’s Faceoff Contributions
For most of this season, Hischier led the NHL in faceoffs and the lack of his two-way skills has been harmful for the Devils. However, Haula has a 54.6 faceoff win percentage, and he can be a temporary substitute until Hischier returns to the lineup.
In the last two games, his faceoff percentage has improved. Against the Penguins, Haula took 14 faceoffs and won only three. But his play in the faceoff dot took a step in the right direction against the Golden Knights when he won 61.54% of faceoffs compared to 21.43% on Tuesday night.
Related: New Jersey Devils’ 3 Stars of January
Nonetheless, he has also been making an impact outside of the faceoff dot and deserves credit for his efforts on both sides of the ice. Since returning from injury, he has recorded three hits, blocked two shots, and drawn one penalty. The Devils still need more from the 33-year-old forward, but he has made positive strides leading up to the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
Should Haula Be Given Power Play Time?
Haula needs to accept additional responsibilities in the wake of so many injuries, shifting from a bottom-six role to one of the top lines. However, there is one more way he can contribute: on the power play. Considering that the Devils are three for nine on the power play in their last four games, something needs to change. Haula could be a short-term solution for the second power-play unit.
This season, he has recorded 40:31 of ice time on the man advantage, less than half the amount he spent during the 2023-24 season. Haula has one goal and three assists on the power play so far this season, despite it not being his strong suit.
On the second unit, Mercer is still acting as a temporary center at times. If Haula is added to the power play, Mercer could return to his dominant position on the right wing. It would make sense for Keefe to shake up the power play before facing the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. He should have Haula center the second power-play unit with Meier and Mercer on his wings.
Haula’s Impact Moving Forward
It is clear the Devils are trying to get back to their winning ways and Haula’s presence can help them rediscover that mindset. He has been good at firing shots on goal, but is clearly still adjusting to being thrust into a top-six role.
Haula is supposed to represent Team Finland in the NHL’s Four Nations Face-Off, but it is unclear if he will opt out of the tournament to fully recover from his injury. In the meantime, he will continue to maintain an important role as the Devils work toward having a healthy roster.
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Ocean County College Hosts “The Homage Exhibit” for Black History Month
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(TOMS RIVER, NJ) — In celebration of Black History Month, Ocean County College will host “The Homage Exhibit” on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 on the College’s main campus in Toms River. This special event is sponsored by OCC’s Organization for Black Unity and Office of Student Life in collaboration with the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
“The Homage Exhibit” draws from the personal collection of Nia and Morris McAdoo, showcasing more than 650 pieces that chronicle the African-American experience in the United States from the era of enslavement through Barack Obama’s historic presidency. The thoughtfully curated collection features artifacts that highlight prominent leaders, including Booker T. Washington, Shirley Chisholm and Frederick Douglas, as well as cultural milestones and key historical moments in the civil rights movement, accompanied by works created by artists and creatives. The exhibition encourages conversations around Black history and culture and invites audiences to reflect on the unconquerable human spirit and the power of collective progress.
The exhibit can be viewed from 11:00am to 4:00pm in the Larson Student Center (Building #8), 2nd Floor. Ocean County College invites students, faculty, staff, and members of our community to attend and join us in celebrating the achievements and legacy of Black Americans.
For 60 years, Ocean County College, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, has provided area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. OCC is an innovative academic leader offering affordable, student-centered, high-quality educational experiences that prepare and empower diverse learners to contribute to and succeed in global societies. OCC invests in and fosters academic, economic, and cultural excellence, and ensures financial strength by generating new revenue streams, engaging in national and international university and corporate partnerships, and cultivating a technologically progressive and entrepreneurial spirit.
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