Support Morris County’s Local Businesses This Holiday Season
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has officially designated Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, adopting a special resolution to observe Small Business Saturday, recognizing the essential role small businesses play in driving the county’s economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for our communities.
Small Business Saturday®, launched by American Express on Nov. 27, 2010, has evolved into a national movement encouraging holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses. This year marks the 15th annual event.
“In Morris County, small businesses are vital to our communities, serving as the backbone of our local economies,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers. “We are proud to have helped many of them after the pandemic through a Small Business Grant program that issued nearly $11 million in aid in 2022, and we continue to invest in marketing campaigns to drive visitors and tourists to our many downtown shopping areas. Small businesses are indispensable to our county’s economic strength and quality of life.”
Small businesses also are a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. According to a July 2024 report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses nationwide, representing 99.9% of all businesses and employing nearly 59 million people. These businesses have created more than 20 million net new jobs since 1995.
“We support several key resources that help to drive our area’s growth,” said Commissioner Tayfun Selen, liaison to the Morris County Economic Development Committee. “The work of organizations such as the Morris County Economic Development Alliance, Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County Economic Development Corporation, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce are crucial to growing local businesses in our community.”
This year, the Morris County Economic Development Alliancehas partnered with American Express as an official community partner for Small Business Saturday®. The partnership reinforces Morris County’s commitment to fostering local business growth by encouraging residents to Shop Small® and support the unique character of the county’s small business community.
“We’re proud to support Small Business Saturday and celebrate the many small businesses that give Morris County its unique charm,” said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. “We invite everyone to use our online business directory, a year-round resource to discover and support local businesses throughout the county.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to support small businesses throughout the holiday season. “Shopping small” not only bolsters the local economy but also preserves the charm and character that makes Morris County a special place to live, work and raise a family.
The final paragraph of the resolution reads:
“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, in recognition of the crucial role small businesses play in our economy and quality of life in Morris County, hereby proclaims November 30, 2024 to be “Small Business Saturday 2024” and urges communities across the nation to “Shop Small®” not only on that day, but throughout the year.”
This month’s elections underscored that economic concerns are a top priority for voters. As we move forward, it’s critical for policymakers – at both the state and federal levels – to prioritize initiatives that foster economic growth and stability.
The Murphy administration took an important step on the economy by issuing the recently announced executive order creating a state Economic Council – a concept the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has long championed. The Council, composed of state government leaders and members of the business community, will focus on a critical goal: finding actionable ways to make New Jersey a more attractive place to do business.
We view the executive order on the Economic Council as a first step that we hope transcends administrations, and includes legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle. Regular and sustained dialogue between the business community and government is essential to solving our economic challenges.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is eager to contribute to this effort, representing the interests of our member companies. Additionally, we will urge all of New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates – both Democrats and Republicans – to commit to continuing the Council’s work in future administrations.
The timing of this announcement came just as the Tax Foundation released its annual report, ranking New Jersey 49th out of 50 states in tax competitiveness. Simply put, New Jersey’s tax structure is among the least favorable in the nation, second only to New York.
The Tax Foundation’s findings were stark:
New Jersey endures some of the highest property tax burdens in the country;
It has the nation’s highest corporate income tax rate, and one of the highest individual income tax rates;
The state imposes an inheritance tax, aggressively taxes international income, and maintains some of the most poorly structured individual income tax systems in the country.
Against this backdrop, it was surprising last week to see a progressive group in New Jersey proposing further tax increases to address the state’s structural deficits. Their recommendations include new business taxes, new tax brackets for high earners, an expanded sales tax, and a revived estate tax.
We find these proposals deeply troubling. Raising taxes will almost certainly stifle job creation, drive businesses away, and further shrink our economy. The progressive group’s proposal to raise taxes in this environment is from their tired playbook that just does not work. Worse, it ignores the wishes of voters who indicated in this month’s elections and polls, that they want leaders, on the local and federal levels, to improve the economy, not raise taxes.
Instead of debating tax hikes, let’s shift the conversation to strategies that attract and retain businesses, create jobs, and make New Jersey a better place to live and work. We hope the Economic Council tackles this aggressively. With thoughtful policies and strong partnerships, we can ensure New Jersey’s economy begins a path to reach its full potential.
“Stormwater follows watershed boundaries, not political boundaries,” said Dr. Dan Van Abs, Professor at Rutgers University, during the 2024 New Jersey Planning & Redevelopment Conference (PRC). Many of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities grapple with flooding issues. For some, it is not uncommon for as little as three inches of rainfall to grind daily life to a halt.
New Jersey American Water and its foundation recently announced that the Foundation has awarded a combined total of $25,000 in State Strategic Impact grants to five nonprofit organizations that are battling food insecurity throughout New Jersey.
American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S.
Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and board member of the American Water Charitable Foundation, said the company’s commitment goes beyond providing quality service.
“Food security and water security go hand in hand,” he said. “We are proud to provide clean safe reliable water to our customers’ taps and we are happy to support our community food banks in their mission to provide healthy nutritious food to residents in our service areas throughout the state.”
Five organizations across New Jersey American Water’s footprint received donations totaling $25,000:
Community FoodBank of New Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey
FulFill NJ: Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
Mercer Street Friends Food Bank
Norwescap
Torrina Bennett-Michael, director of External Affairs at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, expressed profound gratitude for the support.
“This donation, coupled with the year-round support from New Jersey American Water for our events, enables us to enhance our efforts in providing essential assistance to nearly 675,000 individuals in our 15-county service area who are facing hunger,” she said.
Funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation was provided through the 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program’s State Strategic Impact grant. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and throughout American Water’s national footprint.
Baltic Ave Canal. The city is seeking bidders for the second phase of the Baltic Avenue drainage canal project. This phase will see the pump station built out at Atlantis Ave. Bids are due on Sept. 20.
Hmmm, Bader Field activity… Speaking of the Baltic Ave canal — the engineers that did the work on phase one of that project, Remington & Vernick, just recently won a contract to prepare a remedial action workplan for Bader Field.
Donut Update. The Lower Chelsea “coming soon” Drip N Scoop project finally got some good news: $380,000 in loans from the city, backed by HUD, to put toward the total $1.8 million project cost. We updated our piece from last month with the news.
What’s Coming Up?
The C.R.O.P.S. markets in Chelsea’s O’Donnell Park are back! Featuring food, produce and locally-made chocotacos (among other local vendor specialties) as well as music and entertainment. (Aug. 20 and following Saturdays through October.)
DJ Envy presents Drive Your Dreams Atlantic City, a car show with rides, celebrities and a whole lot more at Bader Field. (Aug. 20)
The Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA) administers a Home Improvement Program (HIP), which provides substantial rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes for income-eligible homeowners. It is a 0% interest, deferred repayment loan program. The loan is not repaid until the property is sold or otherwise changes ownership. The Program is currently accepting applications.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is restricted to residents who own their homes, meet the gross annual income requirements listed below, and who need repairs to one or more of their major systems such as heating, plumbing, electrical, and/or roofing. Please see flyer below for additional information.
To apply to the Home Improvement Program, please request an application directly from the County by contacting the Camden County Improvement Authority at 856-751-2242 or via email.
L-R: Plant Biology graduate students Mark Labarge, Ryan Earp, and agricultural agent, RCE of Monmouth County, William Errickson, won accolades at the 2024 ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meeting.
From November 10-13, leading scientists, researchers, educators, policymakers, students, exhibitors and government institutions gathered at the 2024 International Annual Meeting of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) to discuss cutting-edge developments in agronomy, crops and soil science. The theme for this year’s meeting was “AI Innovations for a Changing Climate.”
The annual meeting, which was held in San Antonio, TX, offered scientific sessions, workshops, poster sessions, an exhibit Hall, and student-focused programming that ensured numerous opportunities for students pursuing studies in these fields.
Plant Biology graduate student Mark Labarge.
Plant Biology graduate student Mark Labarge won second place in the graduate student oral presentation competition for Turfgrass Breeding, Genomics, Physiology, and Molecular Biology for “Evaluation of Improved Cold Hardy Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass for Use in New Jersey,” with Christopher Tkach, Eric MacPherson, Matthew Elmore, James Murphy, and Stacy Bonos.
According to Lebarge, “turfgrass managers in New Jersey face numerous challenges, such as heat and drought, that are becoming more intense with the growing effects of climate change. Plant breeders have made significant improvements in bermudagrass and zoysiagrass that make them a promising option for utilization in the state. This presentation and the associated research aim to provide information on the performance, benefits, and shortcomings of these species for turfgrass managers in New Jersey.”
Plant Biology graduate student Ryan Earp.
Graduate student Ryan Earp won second place in the graduate student poster presentation under the Turfgrass Breeding, Genomics, Physiology, and Molecular Biology category for “Comparison of Genotype Calling Methods for Kentucky Bluegrass,” with Juan Gonzalez, Christine Kubik, Jennifer Vaicinus, Josh Honig, and Stacy Bonos.
“I presented on my preliminary thesis work evaluating different software to conduct genetic evaluation of Kentucky Bluegrass, a common turfgrass used in the northern United States. This grass has a complex genetic makeup which makes leveraging genetic information difficult,” said Earp. “My work aims to help bridge the gap between genetic information and sustainable turf traits to assist in advancing the breeding goals of the Rutgers turfgrass breeding program.”
According to Errickson, “the article discusses innovative research from the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science, in which a native strain of beneficial root bacteria from the New Jersey Pine Barrens was used to improve drought stress tolerance in turfgrass. Turf plants that were inoculated with this bacterium were able to maintain higher quality and grow bigger roots with less water. This research can help to conserve important freshwater resources while still maintaining healthy turfgrass in New Jersey.”
The study, led by Aimee Stahl, associate professor of psychology, found that children as young as two can intuitively distinguish between impossible events and possible but improbable events — and that they learn better from impossible events.
In an experiment involving three toy-filled gumball machines and 335 two- and three-year-olds,
Through play with these gumball-style machines, researchers determined that toddlers understand the concept of impossibility.
Stahl and research partner Lisa Feigenson, co-director of the Johns Hopkins University Laboratory for Child Development, taught children that, like a regular gumball machine, inserting a coin would yield a prize. One machine contained equal parts pink and purple toys; another contained mostly purple toys but one pink toy; and a third machine contained only purple toys. Regardless of the machine the child was presented with, the prize dispensed was always the same: the pink toy.
Once dispensed, the researchers taught the children a novel word for the pink toy — “blick” — and then measured how well they learned that new word by asking them to pick the blick from a lineup of other toys.
When a blick was dispensed from a machine that contained a pink toy — even if just one pink toy — the kids seemed unfazed and often forgot the toy’s name. But when the blick came out of the machine full of only purple toys, the kids usually remembered the toy’s name when later asked to pick it out of the lineup.
“When the pink toy appears out of nowhere as if by magic, kids are driven to explain that event,” Stahl says. “They’re curious about it. Our results show that young children are keen to seek information about these events that violate their expectations, which impels them to learn more effectively.”
A child’s ability to reason about what is possible, even if it is statistically improbable, is an impressive feat, Stahl says, since they do not yet have the language to express these concepts.
Stahl started this research as a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University and is carrying it forward in her work in TCNJ’s Cognitive Development Lab — or “Baby Lab” as it is known on campus — housed on the first floor of the Social Sciences Building.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a peer-reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences, is an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans the biological, physical, and social sciences. The journal is global in scope and submission is open to all researchers worldwide.
Talk Birdie to Me – Starting at $389 Midweek stay at Sheraton Atlantic City Round of golf at LBI National (After 1pm) Round of golf at Brigantine Golf Links Round of golf at Renault National Dinner at Tun Tavern ($50pp)
Starting at $389.00 per person is based on 2 people sharing a room, midweek, Sunday through Thursday.
Ole Hansen and Sons Chairman and Hidden Creek Golf Club Owner Roger Hansen has announced the sale of the golf club to Dormie Network. The renowned Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw designed course was recently named among “America’s 100 Best Modern Courses” by Golfweek Magazine for the 18th consecutive year and was home to the prestigious U.S. Senior Amateur Championship in 2015. The sale of Hidden Creek Golf Club to Dormie Network is expected to be completed in mid-January.
“My wife Edwina and I felt that now is the best time to pass the ownership along to someone else, but only to a new owner who shares the same vision for the club that we have,” said Hansen. “While it was a difficult decision, we feel confident that we are doing the right thing for the club, and leaving it in the hands of an ownership group that has a passion for the game of golf and will continue to build on the tradition of quality, service and camaraderie we have established at Hidden Creek.”
“We have long admired Hidden Creek Golf Club and are very excited about the pending purchase of the club,” said Dormie Network President Zach Peed. “Hidden Creek is a world-class golf club in every way. Our vision is to bring Hidden Creek into the nation’s premier network of private destination golf clubs, further enhancing the member experience for all.”
Dormie Network provides full-service hospitality at world-renowned facilities featuring golf courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Coore & Crenshaw, and Lester George. The fast-growing network was founded in 2016, and currently includes five critically acclaimed clubs, each ranked among the best in its respective state. Those clubs include the network’s namesake, the Dormie Club, another Coore-Crenshaw design in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Also part of Dormie Network’s portfolio are Victoria National (a Tom Fazio design ranked among the world’s best) in Indiana; Ballyhack Golf Club in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains; ArborLinks, an Arnold Palmer Signature design in Nebraska; and the acclaimed Briggs Ranch Golf Club in Texas.
Dormie Network membership extends full member privileges and complete access to every club in the network-an arrangement that will include Hidden Creek once the sale of the club is finalized.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be welcoming Hidden Creek and its members and staff to the Dormie Network family in January,” said Zach Peed. “It’s an absolutely exceptional club and a perfect fit.”
As the holiday season blankets New Jersey with its festive spirit, there’s no better way to embrace the magic of this special time of year than with an unforgettable afternoon at the New Jersey Chamber Singers (NJCS) concert. This year, the ensemble presents a heartwarming and festive performance titled “The Waiting Sky”, an event that promises to fill the air with beloved holiday favorites, beautiful choral music, and the uplifting spirit of caroling.
A Seasonal Celebration of Music and Joy
The Waiting Sky concert is a perfect blend of traditional holiday tunes and the soul-stirring harmonies of choral music, all wrapped in the signature artistry of the New Jersey Chamber Singers. In this special concert, audiences will be treated to a range of festive classics—think Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, alongside more intricate choral arrangements that evoke the wonder and anticipation of the season.
One of the highlights of the concert will be the Messiah Sing, a beloved tradition that invites the audience to join in the singing of Handel’s iconic Messiah. Whether you’re an experienced singer or simply a lover of the music, the collective joy of raising your voice alongside the NJCS will be a memorable part of this festive afternoon.
The afternoon will also feature NJCS-led caroling, encouraging everyone to participate and share in the joy of singing together. The holiday season is all about connection, and there’s no better way to build that community spirit than through the universal language of music.
A Premier Vocal Ensemble at the Jersey Shore
The New Jersey Chamber Singers are a well-respected and premier vocal chamber ensemble, proudly based at the Jersey Shore. For over three decades, the NJCS has been known for its sensitive artistry, imaginative concert themes, and eclectic repertoire. Whether performing classical masterpieces, contemporary choral works, or holiday favorites, the ensemble’s versatility and passionate performances create a truly unique and enriching experience for all in attendance.
Their ability to blend vocal precision with emotional depth makes them a standout ensemble in New Jersey’s vibrant arts scene. This concert, “The Waiting Sky”, will surely reflect the NJCS’s signature style—delivering performances that are at once technically impressive and deeply moving.
A Welcoming and Inclusive Event
One of the most wonderful aspects of this concert is that no tickets are required for entry. This makes it a perfect event for families, friends, and community members of all backgrounds and ages to come together and enjoy a beautiful afternoon of music. While attendance is free, the NJCS will accept a free-will offering, allowing attendees to contribute in support of the choir’s ongoing efforts to bring high-quality choral performances to the community.
The NJCS’s commitment to accessibility ensures that the concert is open to all, making it an event that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their financial situation. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience world-class music in an inviting, non-judgmental setting—just the kind of warmth and inclusivity we all seek during the holiday season.
A Perfect Way to Spend an Afternoon in New Jersey
The holidays are a time for gathering, for creating memories, and for basking in the joy of togetherness. Attending the New Jersey Chamber Singers’ concert in the spirit of the season offers a chance to experience all of this and more. With its festive repertoire, beautiful choral harmonies, and the unique experience of participating in a Messiah Sing, the concert is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the NJCS or discovering them for the first time, “The Waiting Sky” promises to be an afternoon filled with wonder, warmth, and the joy of shared music. Join the New Jersey Chamber Singers for a holiday celebration you won’t soon forget.
Event Details:
Event: The Waiting Sky Holiday Concert
Tickets: No tickets required, free will offering accepted
Featuring: Beloved holiday favorites, choral music, caroling, and a Messiah Sing
For more information and updates on the concert, visit the New Jersey Chamber Singers’ website or their social media pages.
Celebrate the season with song, community, and the New Jersey Chamber Singers!
(NEW YORK, NY) — Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company announced a grant award totaling $40,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $82 million this year to 509 artists and 1,497 organizations across the state.
“As the unparalleled leader of arts and culture, New York’s creativity and innovation inspires the world,” Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investment in our dynamic creative sector will further boost tourism, strengthen our local economies and continue New York’s success as a rich and vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
Executive Director of NYSCA Erika Mallin said, “On behalf of the Council and staff, I am so proud that we are supporting the critical work of so many nonprofit organizations all across the state, including work of Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. New York State’s art and culture nonprofits make us a global leader, strengthening our connections to each other and the larger world. I thank you for your dedication and service and look forward to all your work in the coming year.”
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. It was created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch.
Celebrating over 30 years of dance-making, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company is a rare Asian American female-created touring company that honors and advances the dynamic spirit of Chinese American cultural tradition. Led by Nai-Ni Chen, a visionary in Asian American dance, the company emphasizes the immigrant experience through multicultural performances. Founded in the early 1990s, the company’s diverse repertory bridges Asian and American arts, collaborating with musicians like the Ahn Trio and artists such as Myung Hee Cho. Recent works like “A Quest for Freedom,” developed with the Ahn Trio, exemplify the Company’s commitment to innovative, cross-cultural productions. Nai-Ni Chen’s unique choreographic styles reflect the grace and splendor of the Chinese cultural traditions she studied in Taiwan and the dynamic spirit of modern and contemporary dance she acquired in New York.
Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info
The Company’s contribution to the community has been honored by OCA, the leading national Asian American advocacy organization, New Jersey Chinese American Chamber of Commerce and the International Institute in Jersey City. The Company has toured extensively in the United States and at international festivals around the world. Their global presence includes performances in Mexico, Canada, Russia, and China, supported by esteemed institutions and foundations. Nai-Ni Chen has been honored with over 20 awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, and prominent institutions – including the Lincoln Center Institute, the Joyce Theater, Dancing in the Streets, New Jersey Ballet, Ballet Met, Dancing Wheels and Baraka Sele at NJPAC – all have commissioned notable works.
Programs of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company have been made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, DanceNYC Dance Advancement Fund, the Hyde and Watson Foundation, E.J. Grassman Trust, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, New Music USA, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, American Dance Abroad, the Association of Performing Arts Presenters’ Cultural Exchange Fund, supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, PSEG, Proskauer, WAC Lighting and the Glow Foundation. WQXR is a media partner of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.
Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info
Patricia A. King, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away at home in Myrtle Beach, S.C., following a courageous battle against cancer. Trish was born in Ocean Township, N.J. and lived in Manasquan and Lake Como prior to retiring to Myrtle Beach in 2012. Trish taught pre-school for the Brick Township Board of Education for over 25 years. Helping children was her passion. She is survived by her husband Bill of 61+ years, sons Bill Jr. and wife Denise of Neptune City, N.J. and Derek Jon at home, grandson William D. King of Philadelphia, PA., granddaughter Kimberly Raheb and husband Rob of John’s Island, S.C., with great-granddaughter Eloise Reine Raheb. She is also survived by her loving brother Carl Embrey and wife Robin of Long Branch, N.J.
Trish lived life to the fullest as she loved the beach, traveling, skiing and rooting for her favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles. She also flirted in the sporting world competing in several marathons including New York City and the Marine Corps 26.2 in Washington D.C., a number of 100-mile bike tours, and a few sprint triathlons; although her greatest accomplishment was seeing her students achieve their goals and prosper in life.
In accordance with her wishes, a private cremation is being held, and in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Trish’s memory to a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be planned in the future at the family’s convenience.
Somerset-based D2 Creative, a full-service digital marketing and communications agency specializing in the life sciences industry, has been named a 2024 Top Life Sciences Marketing Services Provider by Life Sciences Review.
This recognition highlights D2 Creative’s commitment to delivering impactful, innovative, and results-driven marketing solutions for life sciences companies of all sizes. With an average client relationship spanning over seven years, D2’s commitment to long-term success is evident in its enduring partnerships with top medical device and technology companies.
D2 Creative was selected from a large pool of candidates following an exhaustive evaluation process by a panel of industry experts, C-level executives, and the Life Sciences Review editorial board.
“Receiving this honor is a testament to our team,” said Mike DeFabrizio, president of D2 Creative. “Our clients know they can rely on the D2 team to bring the same level of dedication, talent, and industry knowledge on to every project.”
Walk-in Service for Passport Applications, Business Trade/Firm Names, and Notary Oath of Offices
400 Route 38
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM and Saturday, 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Phone: 856-642-3833
Within the Moorestown Mall by the northern/Rt. 38-facing corner entrance between Cooper University Health Care and Joe Italiano’s Maplewood Restaurant.
This role is responsible for developing programs and services within a community to enhance the quality of life for residents. As a leadership role, the Director oversees the department’s strategic goals, leads in the creation of new programs, and is responsible for maintaining the department’s budget.
With the first period underway, there was already some excitement to be had. Not even a minute into the first period, there was already a penalty call. Alexandre Carrier was sent to the penalty box for hooking Jesper Bratt. Although the Devils had two minutes with an extra man advantage, they were not able to make the most of it.
Play continued, until 5:08 when Filip Forsberg scored the first goal of the game. Stealing the puck from the Devils, Forsberg shot from the right side of the net, seemingly with no chance of making the net. However, the puck found its mark, earning the Predators the first goal of the night. With eight minutes left in the period, the Devils were able to get one back and tie the game. Dawson Mercer had the puck, skating into the Devils goal zone. Passing it to Johnathan Kovacevic, he saw Erik Haula out in front of the net. He passed it to Haula, who was able to tip the puck into the net to start the scoring for the Devils.
Four minutes into the second period, the Devils were able to take the lead. Captain Nico Hischier scored the second goal, with an assist from Timo Meier. Hischier was able to out pace two Nashville players to score the second goal of the game and put the Devils in the lead.
Halfway into the second period, the Predators received a penalty for too many men on the ice. This time, the Devils were able to capitalize on this. Hischier found himself in front of a scrum in the net, where the two teams were vying for the puck. it came loose and went straight to him, who shot the puck and scored his second goal of the night. However, he was not done. Three minutes left to the period and Hischier earned his third goal of the game. With a pass from Stefan Noesen, he was able to skate to the front of the net unguarded once again. Hischier was able to net the fourth goal of the game for the Devils and earned himself a hat trick.
Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Eight minutes into the third period, the Predators scored their second goal of the night. Zachary L’Heureux received a pass from Roman Josi. L’Heureux was able to get a breakaway and scored the second goal of the night for the Predators. They slowly started to make their way back to a fighting chance.
Twelve minutes into the third, Meier received a 10 minute game misconduct and a five minute major penalty after a cross-check to L’Heureux. He did not return to the game.
Although the Predators were trying to fight their way back to a winning chance, it was the Devils who prevailed once again. The Predators pulled their goalie, but Justin Dowling earned his first goal of the season with an empty net shot, extending the Devils lead 5-2.
With 46 shots on net from the Devils compared to the Predators 21, the Devils had better shot attempts and it clearly showed in the final score.
Next Games
The Devils look to earn two more points when they host the St. Louis Blues on Wed. Nov. 27. The Predators also play on Wed. Nov. 27, where they look to pick up two points when they host the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off on Thursday and Friday, and will return on Monday. We wish all of our readers a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday weekend.
The Governor ordered departments to freeze hirings and salary increases, and reduce budgets by 5%, in an attempt to rein in spending in anticipating of a revenue drop, according to ROI-NJ.
New Jersey has a severe shortage of nurses and it’s likely to get worse, according to NorthJersey.com.
Congestion pricing is moving closer to reality, according to NJ Biz.
Senator Helmy co-sponsored the ‘Housing Survivors of Natural Disasters Act’.
Rep. Gottheimer was announced as the new co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus.
Rep. Menendez was elected Policy vice chair of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus.
Rep. Watson Coleman rejected a plan to bring a ICE detention center to Trenton.
Rep. Norcross reacted to the nomination of Rep. Chavez-DeRemer as Labor Secretary.
Rowan College of Burlington County President Cioce’s future is uncertain, according to Burlington County Times.
Roy Rogers is plotting a South Jersey comeback after 40 years, according to NJ Biz.
Mia Clarke remembers the first time she stumbled upon raw milk. She was “off the beaten path” at a roadside farm stand in North Carolina. “I pulled up to the farm, and the cows were glowing in the sun and the lady was super nice. I wasn’t scared of it,” Clarke says. “I thought I would try it out, and when I had the first sip, it just tasted so good that it was hard to believe that there would be any danger about it.”
Members of the world’s greatest deliberative body affirmed their independence last week by doing nothing – other than publicly sharing their distaste for a credibly-accused pedophile to be named the nation’s top law enforcement official. It’s what you’d call a promising start. But even though many Republican senators made it clear that Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz needed to be dropped into history’s wheelie bin, there will be more tests of their collective spine in January, when other repellent contenders sent by President-elect Trump will face confirmation hearings.
New Jerseyans aren’t always civil, but it’s still possible for a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican to have a rational and pleasant conversation about politics in the state. Dan Bryan is a former senior advisor to Gov. Phil Murphy and is now the owner of his own public affairs firm, and Alex Wilkes is an attorney and former executive director of America Rising PAC who advises Republican candidates in New Jersey and across the nation, including the New Jersey GOP. Dan and Alex are both experienced strategists who are currently in the room where high-level decisions are made. They will get together weekly with New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein to discuss politics and issues.
Most adults in New Jersey would support a warning label that appears when kids open up social media platforms on their devices, according to a poll out of Fairleigh Dickinson University. The same poll suggests a majority of New Jerseyans believe social media is bad for young people, but they don’t know why. The poll, released on Nov. 18, found big differences between parents and non-parents — and maybe not in the way that you’d expect.
A large black truck plastered with Russian President Vladimir Putin posters was spotted parked in the heart of Princeton on Thursday, sparking confusion and outrage by some Princeton residents. The posters on the back and sides of the truck included a photo of Putin and the message: “Disarm Ukraine. Vote Yes on Referendum 4. Support Putin.”
A patient meets tells the doctor that he has struggled with depression for years. The patient says he has been on several antidepressants to treat his mental health condition, but the medications make him numb. “Therapy keeps me stable, but it only works for a little while, and I don’t really feel like I’m living,” the patient says. “And the ketamine treatments that you prescribed, they also work for a short period of time, but I have to keep going and it’s really expensive.”
Good morning. Welcome to this meeting of the minds. Last week ended with more local news than an average person should endure, especially with that U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office District of New Jersey report on the state of the city’s police department and the City of Trenton.
Donna Gervasi, co-owner of Grayrock Farm Sanctuary in Clinton Township, knows turkeys have feelings. They cry. They whimper. They love. They mourn. “When we had to euthanize our turkey Nicholas, I had to cover his brother Elijah’s eyes because he was crying and whimpering,” Gervasi said. “And for days before that, Elijah stayed right next to him to guard him from any danger.”
The 2024 election results have many Democrats in panic mode. We hear crazy talk that New Jersey is the next swing state. It’s overblown. New Jersey has the same Congressional delegation makeup that we did in 2020. Chill out. Even so, the fact that Morris, Passaic, Gloucester, Atlantic and Cumberland counties all flipped from Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024 is concerning to Democrats. But it doesn’t have to be. Democrats have messaging and policy options that can flip these counties back to blue. The question Democrats need to ask is which of their gubernatorial candidates is best positioned to pivot from the failed messages of 2024 to winning ones for 2025.
New Jersey litigator Adeel Mangi’s bid to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit effectively ended last week when he was left out of a bipartisan deal to advance court nominees. Mangi, who would have been the first Muslim American to sit on a federal appeals court, faced questioning during the confirmation process that critics decried as bigoted and Islamophobic.
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent protest at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts. With a win in Wisconsin, Trump cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.
Thirty-three years ago, not long after Armando Fontoura won the first term of his 11 terms as Essex County sheriff, he got a call from the nun in charge of the Newark location of Missionaries of Charity-St. Augustine, a women’s shelter, food pantry and soup kitchen personally dedicated in 1981 by the global missionary organization’s founder, Mother Teresa.
State prosecutors have urged a judge to deny Democratic power broker George Norcross III’s motion to dismiss his racketeering indictment, accusing defense attorneys of trashing their investigation to “indoctrinate the press, the public, and, worst of all, the prospective jury pool.” In a new filing, state prosecutors implored Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr. to reject Norcross’ argument that he and five co-defendants were engaged in “hard-bargaining,” not extortion, conspiracy, and other crimes, in deals since 2012 to secure land, easements, and tax incentives along the Camden waterfront.
The fourth-place finisher in a field of nine candidates for three Mount Holly Township Council seats, Sayke Reilley, will be back in court this week, arguing that an old runoff law was never repealed, and that the top six candidates must face off again. But the candidates who came out on top in the nonpartisan general election—Lew Brown, Chris Banks, and Rich DiFolco—say the runoff election was eliminated when they changed their municipal races from May to November.
New Jersey Democrats’ priorities remain as bizarre as ever, Save Jerseyans. Will it hurt them in 2025? Especially after Donald Trump’s single-digit finish in the Garden State earlier this month?
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla refused to back down from having a Palestinian flag raising inside the council chambers of City Hall this afternoon, declaring that “I would never cancel the people of Palestine.”
A New Jersey Shore town is getting the final piece of a flood defense network: a $300 million system of interconnected levees, gates, walls and dune, all designed to channel, deflect and drain dangerous storm surges intensified by a warming climate. On Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the final contract phase of the Port Monmouth Storm Risk Reduction Project.
The Hazard NJ podcast is back and is examining the crisis of toxic pollution caused by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in New Jersey’s soil and water. The story starts in Salem County, where scientists stumbled upon the chemical that would become known as Teflon in 1938 at DuPont’s Chamber Works plant. The accidental discovery was considered a scientific miracle at the time. PFAS would go on to be used for countless products, like frying pans and fast-food wrappers.
Properties Targeted in Denville, Madison Borough, and Mendham Township
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight approved $1.8 million to preserve more than 65 acres across three municipalities as part of the 2024 Open Space Program.
The projects, formally adopted by the board after receiving recommendations from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, are located in Denville, Madison Borough and Mendham Township, and range in sizes from 3.5 acres to 51 acres.
“We are proud to approve these projects for funding, as they protect critical habitats, expand recreational opportunities, and ensure the long-term health of our environment,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “Since 1994, we’ve preserved more than 18,300 acres of open space, which is an area larger than the Township of Parsippany, reflecting our commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
OPEN SPACE PROJECTS APPROVED FOR MORRIS COUNTY GRANTS:
Description: The property is contiguous to the 430 plus acre Jonathan’s Woods, which was acquired in 2000 through a combination of municipal, state, and county trust fund dollars. Over the past 20 years, the Morris County Park Commission has also acquired many of the smaller parcels off Hillcrest Drive. The Whitney Property, situated at the end of Hillcrest Drive, represents one of the largest remaining tracts of land to be acquired for the Jonathan’s Woods conservation area.
Schiff Preserve Addition – Civille Property
Applicant: Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA)
Located in Mendham Township
11 acres
Award: $447,234
Description: Positioned at the Somerset County border, the Schiff Preserve Addition known as “Civille” features the North Branch of the Raritan River along its eastern boundary. A conservation easement along the stream protects the Category One waters as well as steep slopes. Following acquisition, the property will be transferred to the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, expanding their existing Nature Preserve. The land will be managed for conservation and passive recreational purposes.
Drew Forest Project
Applicant: Madison Borough
51 acres
Award: $1,087,766
Description: Drew forest plays a critical role as an aquifer recharge area for the Buried Valley Aquifer, which supplies water to 31 towns across three counties. The forest also includes steep slope areas and serves as a habitat for the endangered Indiana Bat. Drew University students use the Zuck Arboretum and Hepburn Woods within the forest as outdoor ecological classrooms. In 2023, the project received a $5 million grant from Morris County, marking the first dedicated funding for its preservation.
Funding for open space acquisitions and preservation comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, which is generated by a special county tax. The funding source is also used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.
Since its inception in 1994, the Morris County Open Space Program has preserved a total of 18,306 acres utilizing more than $300 million in grant funding. This is all in addition to lands that have been preserved and improved through the other Preservation Trust Fund Programs: Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation and Trails Construction.
Did you know that county, municipal, federal, state, and nonprofit-owned open space totals nearly 94,600 acres, accounting for approximately 30.7% of Morris County’s total area? The Morris County Planning Board released an updated master plan for open space in September 2024 that is available on the county website.
###
Photo: Schiff Preserve Addition was awarded $447, 234 to cover 11 acres in Mendham Township.
We applaud the legislature for introducing legislation to address the alarming findings in the disparity study, which recognized the need for more equity in government contracting for Minority and Women-Owned (MWBE) businesses.
The imbalances outlined in the study have long been articulated by those affected – and is the focus of one of the Chamber’s economic priorities that calls for equal opportunities for MWBEs when it comes to securing not only public but also private sector contracts. Increasing supplier diversity spending with MWBEs has economic and social benefits for all by enhancing competition, encouraging innovation, increasing job creation and supporting communities. Solving for this inequity in a timely manner is what is best for New Jersey and its residents.
While there are some bills in the introduced legislative package that we support today, we are reviewing and assessing other bills that might impact our membership due to proposed specific changes to state contracting.
We believe there also needs to be ongoing constructive dialogues and collaborations between the Administration and our business community colleagues to develop additional solutions that remedy the inequities that exist.
—Thomas Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Without a safe, stable place to call home, how can people achieve any personal goals?” asked Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez. Her opening remarks kicked off the session, “Housing: What’s Next in New Jersey?” at the 2024 NJ Planning and Redevelopment Conference. Suárez described the agency’s “housing first” model, including programs to facilitate home ownership, prevent homelessness and support walkable downtowns.
Four panelists joined Suárez to discuss solutions to the housing crisis, which affects people of all races and many incomes. Poverty is statewide, explained Peter Rosario, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Casa de Don Pedro, citing applications from mostly white families for free and reduced school lunches in suburban Toms River. But he added, “the biggest density problem in this state is single-family homes, which are weaponized against black and brown communities.”
“Traditional housing that is affordable is being priced out,” said Michele Delisfort, Principal and Managing Partner, Nishuane Group LLC, noting, “Even with a college degree, it’s difficult to afford a home.” Josh Bauer, Staff Attorney at the Fair Share Housing Center declared, “Affordable housing is a racial justice issue.” Stephen Santola, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, at Woodmont Properties asked, “The entry-level cape is getting knocked down and replaced by a larger home selling for so much more—Where are the mid-level people going to live?”
Some solutions will come soon—next June—from the municipalities that must adopt new plans to build affordable housing under the Mount. Laurel doctrine. A new law enacted earlier this year, A4/S50, streamlines and clarifies the process; it assigned tasks to DCA, which Commissioner Suárez described:
Issue non-binding affordable housing obligations for each municipality in October 2024.
Gather and publish more robust municipal data on Affordable Housing Trust Funds and the number and type of affordable units that have been constructed.
Develop criteria to streamline compliance and give municipalities more certainty.
She encouraged the audience to contact her office with concerns and suggestions.
Local officials face many challenges in siting affordable units. “How can communities plan and zone for affordable housing that advances smart growth while managing local opposition?,” asked moderator Chris Sturm, Policy Director for Land Use at New Jersey Future. Commissioner Suárez called for better communication. “People hate change, but elected officials need to have open conversations, and if they know the type of person who will live in affordable housing, it will help,” offering the example of a nurse who needs housing in the community where they provide healthcare. “Education is primary,” added Michele Delisfort, encouraging local leaders to explain redevelopment to stakeholders early and often and to get their feedback. She emphasized understanding the community, and compelling developers to deliver well-designed projects. Josh Bauers argued for a change in perceptions: “A four-story building will NOT detract from the property values of surrounding homes,” adding that people should view “multi-family” housing as “residential”. Steve Santola cited Princeton’s ordinance allowing Accessory Dwelling Units as a test case, which, if successful, could be a statewide remedy.
“People hate change, but elected officials need to have open conversations, and if they know the type of person who will live in affordable housing, it will help” –Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Suárez
All NJ municipalities urgently need practical tools to design and plan for housing. New housing should not only be affordable but climate resilient and in great neighborhoods where it’s easy to get around without a car and near parks and plazas. Panelists recommended:
State support to increase local capacity for public outreach and early investment in comprehensive planning.
Mandatory high-quality training for planning boards, in place of today’s lax program.
Best practice tools, such as FAQs on planning and redevelopment, “Density by Design – NJ Style”, and templates for hosting effective planning board and governing body meetings.
The ability to use more affordable housing trust fund monies for presentations and messaging, supported by revised DCA rules.
Timely technical assistance that reaches towns early, before they begin their lengthy schedule of monthly meetings.
Affordable housing success stories like the Taylor Vose inclusionary housing project in South Orange can help local officials envision solutions for their community. See New Jersey Future’s Smart Growth Award winners for more.
Audience members raised broader affordability concerns, like the role consumer debt plays in limiting access to credit. Commissioner Suárez highlighted the difficulty municipalities face in hiring employees like emergency medical service staff and inspectors who do not earn enough to afford to live where they work. Panelists recommended holistic approaches to making New Jersey affordable—like using regionalization to lower the cost of local government (Suárez ), working with banks and financial institutions (Delisfort), and changing rental and mortgage requirements to focus on on-time rental payments (Rosario).
When asked, “What’s next for housing in 2050?” speakers shared visions that can inspire residents and local leaders today:
More sustainable housing that relates to the environment, and communities that are better connected. -Michele Delisfort
Look to student housing to see what’s next. -Stephen Santola
Better public transportation. -Josh Baurs
Open air spaces, plazas, and walkability, like those found in other parts of the world. -Peter Rosario
Walkable, liveable places transformed from past industrial giants and malls. More community-centric places with multi-generational housing. -Commissioner Suárez
Chris Sturm closed the session by announcing that New Jersey Future and partners are launching a collaborative new initiative, Great Neighborhoods for All, which seeks to achieve visions like these because everyone in New Jersey deserves an affordable home in a community that’s a great place to live.
The Great Neighborhoods for All group is advancing three separate but interrelated initiatives:
Building a statewide movement of local campaigns that advance inclusive, well-planned, and well-designed housing projects.
Empowering local governments to solve pressing problems, such as addressing accelerating displacement of renters and meeting Mount Laurel Fourth Round deadlines with better planning for neighborhoods.
Changing state policy in the next eighteen months.
To learn more, email Chris Sturm (csturmnjfutureorg) or Alesha Vega (aveganjfutureorg) .
Construction site crane building a blue 3D text. Part of a series.
The Metz Industrial Group of Bussel Realty Corp. closed three leasing transactions totaling 52,207 square feet of industrial space and five acres of outside industrial storage and parking in Newark and Jersey City.
The Metz Industrial Group is comprised of Jordan Metz, senior vice president, Ben Abbate, senior associate, and James Friel, sales associate.
MIG leased 38,207 square feet at 320 Elizabeth Avenue in Newark to My Flowers USA Inc. MIG represented the landlord, RHS Realty Group, and My Flowers USA Inc. was represented by NJR Group LLC.
“We pulled the rare two-for-one ‘tenant space exchange’ at 320 Elizabeth Avenue,” Metz said. “My Flowers identified the property and quickly determined it would meet all of their specific needs. They initially leased 26,007 square feet of space. Just as we were finishing the lease, an adjacent tenant advised that they were open to downsizing a portion of their space. My Flowers quickly locked in the opportunity to accommodate their anticipated growth, which increased the total area leased to 38,207 square feet.”
MIG subleased 14,000 square feet and two acres of outside industrial storage and parking at 125 James Avenue in Jersey City to Overnight Freight Inc. MIG represented Overnight Freight and CBRE represented the sublandlord, Staples Inc.
“This transaction exemplifies MIG’s expert pulse on the market and robust tenant representation services that results in the site selection success expected by our clients,” Metz said. “In delivering the ideal site, which is a functional truck terminal with two acres of IOS land for parking a fleet of trucks or storage in an asset class with minimal vacancy in the region, to Overnight Freight, we were able to close on a deal that was a win-win-win for all parties involved.”
MIG leased three acres of outside industrial storage and parking at 150 Pacific Street in Jersey City to an undisclosed transportation and warehouse services firm. MIG represented the landlord, Neu Holdings Corporation, in the transaction.
“The industrial outdoor storage sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for strategically located parking/outdoor storage sites,” Metz said. “150 Pacific Avenue offers a prime location just minutes to the Holland Tunnel and New York City markets. We are currently marketing an additional two acres of IOS space and 176,132 square feet of warehouse space at the property.”
Abdul Rafique, working at the Bangladesh Community Center on Fairmount Avenue during one of the center’s weekly food distributions, said that voting matters to him and his family. He arrived in New York in 1996 and moved to Atlantic City for work. He joked that he has some children who vote democrat and one son who votes republican — but he still talks to him. “They’re voting for whoever they choose,” he said.
“It’s important to exercise your voice,” he said.
Rafique said that because the Bangladeshi community is a majority in the 5th ward (the section of the Chelsea neighborhood on the east side of Albany Avenue) it has a lot of power in the local election. “We are really well organized,” he said. “Whoever we like in this local area, he’s elected.”
Md. Jahed at the Bangladesh Community Center on Fairmount Avenue
Rafique’s colleague, Md. Jahed, was also working at the food distribution. He said that having the building has helped the Bangladeshi community to become better organized. Since COVID-19, they have been using the building to hold meetings as well as events such as weekly food distributions.
Jahed and Rafique said they are able to distribute food to up to 500 families each week, working in partnership with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Food is a big issue for local residents right now, Jahed said. “The prices are going up…and people need food,” he said. Rafique added that he is also concerned by gun violence and he wants local candidates to take action to stop violence.
Jahed said the Bangladeshi community is fortunate that they feel they can take their complaints to their councilman. “It’s important to vote because you can select your choice and he or she will pass on the important things,” he said. “Then he or she can help us after the election.”
Join the Fun as a Volunteer at Cherry Hill’s First Winter Festival!
Cherry Hill Township is seeking enthusiastic volunteers (ages 14+) to help make our inaugural Winter Festival a magical experience! The event takes place on Sunday, December 8, at Croft Farm (100 Bortons Mill Road), and we’d love to have you on our team.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Before the Event: Help vendors find their spots, unload and set up booths, and ensure everything is ready for a festive day.
During the Event: Assist with crowd control for our special guests (Santa, Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch, and Elf), guide craft activities, and lend a hand wherever needed to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Volunteering with Cherry Hill Township is a fun, rewarding way to give back to the community, spread cheer, and create lasting memories.
Sign up today and help us bring this winter wonderland to life! Click one of the buttons below to register.
Rutgers Master Gardeners show off the fruits of their labor in 2016 at the Giving Garden Harvest in Monmouth County. Photo: Courtesy of Rutgers Master Gardeners.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension is seeking volunteers to train as Master Gardeners, who will help the school deliver horticulture programs and information to the public. Enrollees can expect to complete training and start service by the second week of January.
Anyone interested in gardening and volunteer service can become a Rutgers Master Gardener by enrolling in a free information session in the following counties: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Sussex and Union.
The session will inform participants of the program’s purpose and structure, and the amount of training and commitment required. Participation in one information session is required before enrolling in the 2025 Rutgers Master Gardener Training Program. No previous education or training in horticulture is required.
Space is limited to 40 participants per session. Both morning and evening sessions are available.
Information sessions are listed below.
For more information, contact Ruth Carll, Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener Programs at Rutgers Cooperative Extension, at 848-932-4211.
The SHOP @ TCNJ, a campus food pantry and resource to aid anyone facing food insecurity, continues to expand its offerings and resources through a grant from Governor Phil Murphy’s Hunger-Free Campus initiative, distributed through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
The funds allow The SHOP to increase its staffing, replenish its stock of household items and hygiene products, and purchase additional equipment, such as a freezer, a commercial refrigerator, and a microwave for storing and preparing food on site.
“As a free-choice pantry, we want to give our clients the opportunity to choose their food and household and hygiene items in a way that mimics shopping at a store,” said Nicole Harris, manager of health promotion and resiliency at TCNJ. “Our hope is to lessen any stigmas associated with having to come to The SHOP as a resource.”
Pantry items available for students and community members.
Through a partnership with Mercer Street Friends, The SHOP now carries perishable items such as eggs and produce and receives frozen halal meat from Mercer Street Friends. The SHOP also partners with Trenton Area Soup Kitchen to receive and distribute frozen meals for clients.
The SHOP, which is open to members of the public as well as the campus community, has seen steady growth in visitation since opening its doors in 2019. In fact, in the past year, traffic has increased by almost 450 percent.
The SHOP now stocks frozen meats.
“The more we program, post, advertise, and speak about The SHOP, the more our client base grows,” Harris said. “The more the client base grows, the more effort we put into establishing community partnerships that benefit The SHOP and create ways for it to be self-sufficient and sustainable.”
The SHOP is located on the north side of Building 700 on Campus Town Drive, next to the fitness center. It is ADA accessible and has parking directly in front of the building.
Events This Week in New Jersey from November 26 to December 3, 2024
originally published: 11/26/2024
Here is a look at upcoming events taking place from November 26 to December 3, 2024 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. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Music, Theatre, Comedy, Dance, Community, Event Listings.
Send press releases to info@newjerseystage.com to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.
FEATURED EVENTS
Wednesday, November 20 – Katchats 11/20/24 – an interview with Rod Picott. Singer-songwriter Rod Picott recently announced he was playing one final round of shows in the U.S. and Europe and would be hanging up his guitar. On Sunday, December 1, 2024, Picott brings the tour to the Belmar Arts Center. Kat reached out to learn more about the pending retirement and final shows.
Friday, November 29 – Remember Jones presents back to BACK TO BLACK: the Amy Winehouse Celebration at The Vogel. (RED BANK, NJ) — Remember Jones presents back to BACK TO BLACK: the Amy Winehouse Celebration at The Vogel on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 7:30pm. This is an exciting dedication to the life and music of Amy Winehouse with a 12-piece band and revival of the entire 2006 Grammy Award-winning album Back to Black in its entirety, plus many other hits from Amy.
Follow New Jersey Stage on social media Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter
Friday, November 29 – bergenPAC presents comedian Anthony Rodia on November 29th. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) — Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Anthony Rodia on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 8:00pm. A first-generation Italian-American born and raised in Westchester, New York, Anthony Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh.
Friday, November 29 – American Repertory Ballet to Present “The Nutcracker” in Princeton, Red Bank, Trenton, and New Brunswick. Ring in the holiday season with this timeless tale of magic and festive fun for the whole family! A holiday tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker is one of the longest running productions in the nation and a treat for all ages, holding a special place in the hearts of both new and longtime patrons. Performances will take place from Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Princeton, Red Bank, Trenton, and New Brunswick.
Saturday, November 30 – bergenPAC presents Fairytale of New York – The Ultimate Irish-Inspired Christmas Concert. (ENGLEWOOD, NJ) — After three sell out tours in Ireland and the United Kingdom, join Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) for Fairytale of New York – a festive journey through the heart of Ireland with the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert – direct from Dublin and London’s West End. The event takes place on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 7:00pm.
Saturday, November 30 – MPAC presents Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis on November 30th. (MORRISTOWN, NJ) — Mannheim Steamroller’s annual Christmas tour pulls into Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) for two performances on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm. Led by Chip Davis, this has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 35 years!
Tuesday, December 3 – Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Indigo Girls. (RED BANK, NJ) — Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Indigo Girls on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 7:30pm. Over a thirty-five-year career that began in clubs around their native Atlanta, Georgia, the multi-Grammy-winning duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray has recorded sixteen studio albums, sold over 15 million records, and built a dedicated, enduring following across the globe.
Tuesday, December 3 – George Street Playhouse presents “Gene & Gilda” throughout December. (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) — George Street Playhouse presents Gene & Gilda, written by Cary Gitter (The Steel Man), and directed by Joe Brancato (Daniel’s Husband), from December 3-22, 2024. The cast includes Jordan Kai Burnett (Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Live) and Jonathan Randell Silver (Virtuous Life of Joseph Andrews), who are reprising their roles from the original Penguin Rep Theater production as Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder respectively.
MUSIC
Tuesday, November 26 – NJPAC presents Lindsey Stirling, viral premier electronic violinist, dancer, and aerialist. (NEWARK, NJ) — Lindsey Stirling, viral premier electronic violinist, dancer, and aerialist, is tuning up her bow for the holidays. The multi-platinum-selling musician-composer is ready to embark on her North American Snow Waltz Tour 2024, a 21-date trek that brings her to Newark, New Jersey on at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 8:00pm for The Snow Waltz Tour 2024.
Friday, November 29 – Matteo Bocelli to Perform Shows in Red Bank and Atlantic City. (ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) — Rising pop star Matteo Bocelli has a pair of shows in New Jersey at the end of November. He’ll be at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on Friday, November 29th and Sound Waves in Atlantic City on Saturday, November 30th as part of his tour: A Night with Matteo: The Americas 2024.
Saturday, November 30 – SOPAC’s 25th Annual Giants of Jazz Event to Honor Drummer Lewis Nash. (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) — South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its iconic Giants of Jazz event by honoring Grammy Award-winning drummer and master band leader Lewis Nash on the Mainstage Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 8:00pm.
Sunday, December 1 – Newton Theatre presents Jessica Lynn: Very Merry Classic Christmas. (NEWTON, NJ) — You can get into the Christmas spirit early this year with Jessica Lynn’s “Very Merry Classic Christmas” at The Newton Theatre on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 7:00pm. Her record-breaking and award-winning show has become a genuine holiday tradition, rivaling, and even eclipsing some of the biggest Christmas spectaculars.
Sunday, December 1 – Jazz ‘doubleheader’ at Rutherfurd Hall features Sinatra film and Latin, Brazilian band on December 1st. (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Jazz fans will get two for the price of one at Rutherfurd Hall on Sunday, December 1, 2024 with the presentation of the PBS documentary “Jimmy Van Heusen’s Swingin’ with Frank and Bing” followed by the live sounds of Latin, Brazilian band, Cubano Be, Cubano Bop.
Tuesday, December 3 – The Levoy Theatre presents Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas”. (MILLVILLE, NJ) — The Levoy Theatre presents Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winning actress is joined by Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and The Tony Guerrero Quintet. Doors are at 6:00pm; Showtime is 7:00pm.
THEATRE
Luna Stage presents “Lonely Planet” by Steven Dietz. (WEST ORANGE, NJ) — Luna Stage presents Lonely Planet by Steven Dietz, directed by Melissa Firlit, from November 14 – December 8, 2024. Lonely Planet is a funny and heartwarming story of friendship, love, and survival. In the 1990s, down an old city street, inside a small map store, a pile of chairs begins to form. Two best friends, Jody and Carl, manage the ever-growing mountain of chairs while taking care of each other and navigating the dark reality that looms in the outside world.
Paper Mill Playhouse presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical. (MILLBURN, NJ) — Paper Mill Playhouse presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical from November 27 to December 29, 2024. Based on the classic 1954 holiday film, it is a Technicolor Broadway musical extravaganza. The production is directed by Paper Mill’s Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee.
Follow New Jersey Stage on social media Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter
Kick Off the Holiday Season with “The Best Time of the Year – Music & Memories of Christmas” at MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre. (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) — Put away the turkey, unpack the jingle bells and get into the holiday spirit with The MTM Players for a warm, fun, family-friendly musical revue “The Best Time of the Year – Music & Memories of Christmas” for one weekend and five performances, November 29-December 1, 2024, at the Kelsey Theatre on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor Campus.
Centenary Stage Company presents “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”. (HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) — Centenary Stage Company’s Family Friendly, Holiday Spectacular: A Christmas Carol: The Musical will run in the Sitnik Theatre from November 29 through December 15, 2024, with many performance times and dates available, including some weekday matinees. This is a musical stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story, featuring music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent.
Mile Square Theatre presents the World Premiere of “The Christmas Show Must Go On”. (HOBOKEN, NJ) — Mile Square Theatre presents the World Premiere of The Christmas Show Must Go On by Pia Wilson from November 29 through December 15, 2024. This is a new classic tale for Christmas! The fairies in the Christmas Realm have been losing their power and the Christmas ghosts may all be leaving the realm to become Halloween ghosts. Can the Christmas Fairy welcome humans to the show for the first time ever, stop the ghosts from defecting, and make the annual Christmas Show happen?
The Theater Project to Mark 30th Anniversary with “It’s A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play”. (SUMMIT, NJ) — The Theater Project will mark 30 years of staging new plays and helping aspiring playwrights develop their craft with its 2024 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play, November 30 and December 1 at the Oakes Center Theater in Summit.
Surflight Theatre presents “Miracle on 34th Street”. (BEACH HAVEN, NJ) — Surflight Theatre presents the Christmas musical, Miracle on 34th Street, from November 30 through December 15, 2024. Paula Hammons Sloan directs and choreographs and Pete Clapsis heads the cast as Kris Kringle. In the play, single mother, Doris Walker, doesn’t want her six-year-old Susan’s head filled with romantic notions – such as Santa Claus.
American Theater Group’s Monday Night Play Reading Series presents “Moses in Berlin” by Erik Kahn on December 2nd. (RAHWAY, NJ) — American Theater Group (ATG) will present the premiere reading of Erik Kahn’s new play Moses in Berlin as part of its free Monday Night Play Reading Series on December 2, 2024 at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, NJ. Joseph Discher will direct the reading. The reading is scheduled for 7:00pm.
Theater League of Clifton to Hold Auditions for Dinner/Theater Murder Mystery Comedy. (CLIFTON, NJ) — The Theater League of Clifton will hold auditions for its next dinner/theater production, “Girls Night Out,” on December 3-4, 2024 from 7:00pm-9:00pm, at Mario’s Restaurant (710 Van Houten Avenue) in Clifton. Call backs will be on December 5th.
COMEDY
Friday, November 29 – The Newton Theatre presents Big Apple Comedy Club 58. (NEWTON, NJ) — Big Apple Comedy Club returns to The Newton Theatre on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 8:00pm. This edition features performances by James Camacho, Raanan Hershberg, Marion Grodin, and Rodney Laney.
Saturday, November 30 – NJPAC presents a Thanksgiving Comedy Fest with Nephew Tommy, Sheryl Underwood, Finesse Mitchell, and Dominique. (NEWARK, NJ) — New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents an unforgettable evening filled with laughs on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 8:00pm. This Thanksgiving Comedy Fest has some of the today’s funniest comedians including Nephew Tommy, Sheryl Underwood, Finesse Mitchell, and Dominique.
DANCE
Friday, November 29 – Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet to be Performed at RVCC Theatre. (BRANCHBURG, NJ) — Celebrate the magic of Christmas this holiday season when The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg presents Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Friday, November 29, 2024 with performances at 4:00pm & 8:00pm.
Saturday, November 30 – Roxey Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at Villa Victoria Theater. (EWING, NJ) — Roxey Ballet is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved holiday tradition, Tchaikovsky’s, “The Nutcracker”, a favorite for residents and visitors alike. Six performances will take place from November 30 through December 14, 2024 at Villa Victoria Theater in Ewing.
COMMUNITY
Friday, November 29 – T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center to Celebrate Native American Heritage Day. (RED BANK, NJ) — On Friday, November 29, 2024, the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center will honor Native American Heritage Day with a special event spotlighting the intertwined histories of Monmouth County’s Native American and African American populations. The program will feature the premiere of the short film “Entwined for Survival: Monmouth County’s Native American People & the Black En- slaved Population,” followed by a historical presentation from Claire Garland, Executive Director of the Sandhill Historical Society.
Saturday, November 30 – Hip-Hop Legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels to Launch New Reserve Wines at Old York Cellars on November 30th. (RINGOES, NJ) — Hip-Hop icon Darryl “DMC” McDaniels is coming to Old York Cellars in Ringoes on Saturday, November 30, 2024 to launch his new 2022 King DMC Reserve Wine Collection, featuring an exclusive Meet & Greet with Darryl at the winery. The event runs from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Sunday, December 1 – NJPAC presents Neil deGrasse Tyson: Science As A Way Of Knowing. (NEWARK, NJ) — Interested in exploring the mysteries of our Universe? Don’t miss out on the chance to see world renowned astrophysicist, professor, and New York Times best-selling author of the Hayden Planetarium Neil deGrasse Tyson at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 3:00pm.
Sunday, December 1 – Sweets with Santa at Music Mountain Theatre. (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) — An annual event at Music Mountain Theatre returns on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Join them when Santa stops by the theater! Enjoy some sweet treats, a fun craft to take home, and your very own photo with Santa himself!
Monday, December 2 – RVCC Art Show, Sale to Feature Ceramics, Handmade Jewelry, and Artwork. (BRANCHBURG, NJ) — Raritan Valley Community College’s Arts & Design department will present its annual Holiday Art Show and Sale from December 2-6, 2024, in the Art Gallery (lower level, College Center) at the College’s Branchburg campus. The event is free of charge and open to the public.
Tuesday, December 3 – Seton Hall University presents 15th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3rd. (SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) — Grab your blue Santa hats as Seton Hall University marks its 15th annual Christmas at the Hall celebration with its renowned Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, on the University Green on the South Orange Campus. This free festive celebration promises an evening filled with holiday cheer, featuring live performances, seasonal treats and a chance to join in the spirit of giving. The event begins at 6:00pm.
Follow New Jersey Stage on social media Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter
EVENT LISTINGS
Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.
Wednesday, November 27 @ 8:00pm – Manhattan Comedy Night November at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Friday, November 29 @ 2:00pm – American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, November 29 @ 2:00pm – American Repertory Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, November 29 @ 2:00pm – A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Friday, November 29 @ 5:00pm – A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Friday, November 29 @ 7:00pm – American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, November 29 @ 7:00pm – American Repertory Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Friday, November 29 @ 7:30pm – Remember Jones Presents back to BACK TO BLACK: the Amy Winehouse Celebration at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Friday, November 29 @ 8:00pm – Matteo Bocelli – A Night with Matteo at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Friday, November 29 @ 8:00pm – Anthony Rodia at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Saturday, November 30 @ 12:00pm – Santa’s Holiday Market at the Palace at The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong
Saturday, November 30 @ 1:00pm – American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, November 30 @ 1:00pm – American Repertory Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, November 30 @ 2:00pm – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Saturday, November 30 @ 6:00pm – American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, November 30 @ 6:00pm – American Repertory Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Saturday, November 30 @ 7:00pm – Fairytale of New York – The Ultimate Irish-Inspired Christmas Concert at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Saturday, November 30 @ 7:30pm – Bell Bottom Blues – A Tribute to Eric Clapton at Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton
Saturday, November 30 @ 7:30pm – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Saturday, November 30 @ 7:30pm – Air Supply at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Sunday, December 1 @ 1:00pm – American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton
Sunday, December 1 @ 1:00pm – American Repertory Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” at McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre), 91 University Place, Princeton
Sunday, December 1 @ 1:00pm – Sesame Street Live! Say Hello at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Sunday, December 1 @ 2:00pm – NJ Ballet: The Nutcracker Sensory Friendly Performance at Union County Performing Arts Center – Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Sunday, December 1 @ 5:00pm – Sesame Street Live! Say Hello at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Sunday, December 1 @ 7:00pm – Linda Eder at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Monday, December 2 @ 7:30pm – WP Piano Night: Just Dance at William Paterson University – Shea Recital Hall 101, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne
Monday, December 2 @ 7:30pm – Great Art on Screen – Perugio: Eternal Renaissance at Monmouth University – Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Tuesday, December 3 @ 7:30pm – WP Percussion Ensemble at William Paterson University – Shea Auditorium, 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne
Tuesday, December 3 @ 7:30pm – George Street Playhouse presents “Gene & Gilda” at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
Tuesday, December 3 @ 7:30pm – Indigo Girls at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Tuesday, December 3 @ 7:30pm – Tuesday Night Record Club – Queen, A Night at the Opera at Monmouth University – Lauren K. Woods Theatre, 370 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch
Tuesday, December 3 @ 7:30pm – The Sensational Soul Cruisers: Destination Soultown Holiday Show at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 100 South Street, Morristown
Narrow results by date, categories, or region of New Jersey.
Santa’s Holiday Market at the Palace
Saturday, November 30, 2024 @ 12:00pm The Historic Palace Theatre 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857 category: community
View event page for full information
Holiday Spirits: Festive Cocktails and Cheer
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 @ 5:30pm State Theatre New Jersey 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 category: community
View event page for full information
Tuesday Night Book Club – Percival Everett, James
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 @ 7:30pm VIRTUAL category: community
View event page for full information
More events
Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages
RVCC Art Show, Sale to Feature Ceramics, Handmade Jewelry, and Artwork
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) — Raritan Valley Community College’s Arts & Design department will present its annual Holiday Art Show and Sale from December 2-6, 2024, in the Art Gallery (lower level, College Center) at the College’s Branchburg campus. The event is free of charge and open to the public.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has officially designated Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, adopting a special resolution to observe Small Business Saturday, recognizing the essential role small businesses play in driving the county’s economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for our communities.
“We support several key resources that help to drive our area’s growth,” said Commissioner Tayfun Selen, liaison to the Morris County Economic Development Committee. “The work of organizations such as the Morris County Economic Development Alliance, Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County Economic Development Corporation, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce are crucial to growing local businesses in our community.”
A Message from President & CEO Tom Bracken
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners 
njfuture
org
