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2025 NYC Winter Jazz Festival: A Celebration of Innovation and Tradition

The 2025 NYC Winter Jazz Festival, held from January 9th to 15th, kicked off the year with an incredible showcase of talent, blending the best of jazz’s rich history with the cutting-edge sounds of today’s genre-bending innovators. Spread across a variety of venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan, this year’s festival featured a stellar lineup of both established jazz icons and emerging artists, making it one of the most exciting early jazz festivals of 2025.

Iconic Performances from Jazz Legends

One of the key highlights of this year’s festival was the performances from legendary jazz musicians like Christian McBride and Terri Lynne Carrington. McBride, one of the most accomplished bassists in modern jazz, brought his signature style and virtuosic playing to the stage, reminding audiences why he remains a cornerstone of the genre. Likewise, the incomparable Terri Lynne Carrington, a trailblazer in jazz drumming, delivered an electrifying performance that resonated with both longtime jazz aficionados and newer generations of fans.

These performances were not only a celebration of their extraordinary talents but also a testament to the enduring legacy of jazz in New York City—a city that has long been a hub for the genre’s most influential figures.

Genre-Bending Jazz: The Future of the Scene

While the festival certainly honored the classic traditions of jazz, it also embraced the genre’s evolution. Artists like Keifer, Stefon Harris, and Makaya McCraven took the stage with performances that blended jazz with contemporary influences such as soulful hip-hop, electronic, and experimental sounds.

Keifer’s performance, for example, was a smooth mix of jazz improvisation and modern R&B, with soulful melodies that had the crowd swaying. Stefon Harris, known for his mastery of the vibraphone, pushed the boundaries of jazz with his innovative use of rhythm and melody, incorporating elements of hip-hop into his set. Meanwhile, Makaya McCraven, who has been dubbed a “beat scientist,” brought his unique fusion of jazz and experimental sounds to life, offering a performance that left audiences both stunned and inspired.

These artists represent the dynamic future of jazz, continuing to stretch its boundaries while keeping the genre’s core principles intact. Their performances were a perfect reminder that jazz, in all its forms, remains a genre that is continually evolving and influencing the musical landscape.

New York City’s Unstoppable Jazz Scene

The 2025 NYC Winter Jazz Festival is just another chapter in New York City’s ongoing story as the beating heart of jazz. From its early days in Harlem’s clubs to its modern-day presence in every borough, the city has remained a place where jazz thrives, grows, and reinvents itself. The festival itself is a testament to the city’s ability to balance its rich musical history with the relentless spirit of innovation.

As the festival continues to grow, it becomes clear that New York’s jazz scene is in a constant state of renewal. It’s a place where both revered legends and up-and-coming stars can share the same stage, contributing to an ever-evolving genre that continues to captivate and inspire. The festival’s ability to bring together artists from a variety of jazz subgenres speaks to the diversity and inclusiveness of New York’s jazz community.

A Must-See Event for 2025

The 2025 NYC Winter Jazz Festival was an exceptional event, offering something for every jazz fan—whether they were seeking the sounds of a living legend or the newest voices pushing the genre forward. With performances that fused tradition with experimentation, the festival underscored New York City’s place as both a city of the past and a city of the future for jazz music.

For jazz enthusiasts, musicians, and anyone looking to experience the power of live music, this year’s festival was not to be missed. And for the growing number of people discovering the magic of jazz, it was a reminder that the genre is as vibrant and relevant as ever. As the jazz scene in New York City continues to expand, the 2025 NYC Winter Jazz Festival has undoubtedly added another unforgettable chapter to its storied legacy.

Flyers Contain Devils for 4-2 Win in Second of Three January Meetings – The Hockey Writers – NHL News

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After a low-event game at the Prudential Center on Jan. 18, the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils found themselves face-to-face once again on Monday night, this time in the City of Brotherly Love. When the teams last played, the Flyers were playing some of their best hockey of the season, in the midst of a 5-0-1 stretch that featured gaudy play-driving numbers.

Since then, their offense dried up, with the team managing a combined two goals in their previous two games, both regulation losses against other Metropolitan Division foes. But with recently minted NFC Champions Cooper DeJean and Sydney Brown in the building, the Flyers rode the wave of momentum in the city created by the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance-clinching win on Sunday. Monday’s game didn’t count for nearly as much, but the Flyers once again stymied the dangerous attack of one of the NHL’s top teams, earning a 4-2 victory over the Devils.

Game Recap

The Devils had a golden opportunity to start the scoring early just as they did the last time they played the Flyers. Philadelphia’s second most-used penalty killer Rasmus Ristolainen drew blood from the face of Ondrej Palat, giving New Jersey a four-minute power play less than four minutes in. Not only did the Flyers kill it off, they were arguably the more dangerous team, generating as many scoring chances (two) as the Devils.

Philadelphia’s penalty-killing excellence stood out even more when the Flyers scored six seconds into their lone power play of the first, as Bobby Brink’s long-range one-timer bounced off Brett Pesce and completely changed directions on Jake Allen. On the next shift, Allen could not come up with a clean save on a wrist shot by Scott Laughton, who had one of the team’s shorthanded chances and drew the penalty that Brink capitalized on. Laughton, playing for the first time since Jan. 18 after missing three games due to personal reasons, picked up a primary assist when Joel Farabee jammed the rebound under Allen for his fifth goal in six games and his team’s second in 28 seconds.

Scott Laughton Philadelphia Flyers
Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The Flyers picked up another greasy goal early in the second period as Garnet Hathaway tipped in a Cam York wrist shot just 2:49 in. After generating just one shot in the back half of the third period, the Devils rediscovered their A-game, pressing Samuel Ersson heavily. Some of their best chances came during a two-minute four-on-four stretch after Nick Seeler laid a thunderous check on Nathan Bastian, sending the Devils forward down the tunnel (Seeler and Dougie Hamilton received post-whistle penalties; the hit itself was ruled clean).

Shots were 11-2 Devils halfway through the second, but the Flyers again controlled play in the back half of the period. Despite that, the Devils got back in the game on a “bar-down” goal by Hamilton that hit the crossbar, popped high in the air, and trickled over the goal line upon returning to Earth.

The Flyers didn’t let that goal faze them largely turning in a strong defensive effort in the third period. Allen was actually the busier goaltender in the final 20 minutes, robbing Garnet Hathaway and Brink of potential one-timer goals. Those saves loomed especially large when a Timo Meier one-timer found twine with 1:22 to play, keeping hope alive for New Jersey. But that was as close as they would get, with Laughton sealing the victory with an empty-net goal.

In contrast to the Flyers’ most recent game, a loss to the New York Islanders on Friday that was pretty comparable in score and shots to Monday’s, the Flyers had much more energy in a well-played, physical game. But a team is only as good as its next game, and the teams will have to wait less than 48 hours for another matchup when they head to the Prudential Center for a nationally televised Wednesday night tilt.

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Step Aside, Pickleball! NJ Embraces Padel, Fastest-Growing Racquet Sport

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SEBS/NJAES Retirees Connect at Annual Luncheon : Newsroom

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Executive Dean Laura Lawson addresses the attendees of the 2024 Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon in December.

In what is one of our favorite Cook campus traditions, retired faculty and staff from the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) convened in Neilson Dining Hall for the annual Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon on December 5, 2024. Executive Dean Laura Lawson was on hand to host the affair.

The Rectangle Room at Neilson was resplendent with a colorful array of red, white, pink, and orange poinsettias from our Floriculture Greenhouse, infusing the room with holiday cheer. Red and white tablecloths and napkins added a Rutgers flair to the spirit of the season.

Retirees enjoyed catching up with former colleagues and friends, including current faculty and staff, over a delicious buffet lunch, including potato crusted cod velouté and grilled lemon pepper chicken. The meal was accompanied by some light background music, provided by a pianist from the Mason Gross School of the Arts. The names of those most recently retired scrolled through monitors in the front of the room.

During coffee and dessert, retirees from around the room shared some of their favorite memories from their time at SEBS and NJAES, which decorated the room with laughter and smiles.

As always, guests were invited to bring a poinsettia home to remember the joy of the occasion during the holiday season. See photo gallery below.

Attendees and Guests (including current faculty and staff)

Julianne Altavilla

Nick Bello

Michelle Brill

Arthur Brown

Susan Caruso

Camille Cennamo

Theodore Chase

Serena Claiborne

Bruce Clarke

Joan DeBoer and Tess Schneider

Annette Devitt

Debbie Drugos

David and MaryLou Earl

Lauren Errickson

Geetha and Raj Ghai

Ramu Govindasamy

Peter Guarnaccia

David Hancock

Carol Harvey

Zane Helsel

James and Dee Johnson

Esther Kacso

Robert and Carol Koch

Ralph and Diane Lindauer

Roger Locandro and Bonnie McCay Merritt

Rick Ludescher

Rachael Lyons

Kathleen Maguire

Ian Maw and Michele Petrullo-Maw

Daryl Minch

Kathleen Morgan and Patricia Kearns

Esther Neals

Diana Orban-Brown and Michael Brown

Nick Polanin

James Quinn

Lisa Reed

Nathan and Rose Reiss

Ann Rhinesmith

Troy Roepke

Daniel and Alyce Rossi

Thomas Rudel

John Sacalis

Lee Schneider

Don Schaffner

Dawn Skouboe

Joanne Stevely

Joan Suber

Michael and Suzanne Sukhdeo

William Tietjen

Sherman Tomasino

Vibu Udayaraj

John and Constance Webster

John and Harriet Worobey

Maria Zamora



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Submit Your Film to the UCPAC Film Fest 2025, A Celebration of Independent Filmmaking

Get ready to experience the magic of cinema as the UCPAC Film Fest 2025 makes its return for a second year, set to take place from Friday, May 16th to Sunday, May 18th, 2025. This exciting three-day event will showcase the incredible work of aspiring and independent filmmakers, featuring screenings of short films across various genres, engaging panel discussions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with industry professionals. We are thrilled to bring this festival back to the historic Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), located in the heart of Rahway, NJ.

Submit Your Film: Deadline March 14, 2025

The final deadline to submit films is March 14, 2025—so filmmakers, don’t miss your chance to showcase your work at this prestigious event! UCPAC Film Fest 2025 invites aspiring filmmakers aged 14 and above to submit their short films for consideration. Whether you’re a high school student, a college filmmaker, or an independent artist, this festival is the perfect platform to share your creative vision with a wider audience.

UCPAC’s mission is to elevate emerging filmmakers by providing a renowned venue for their films to be showcased. The festival also aims to foster a greater appreciation of independent cinema while offering participants the chance to compete for prizes and recognition.

A Historic Venue for Filmmakers

The Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of independent cinema. Built in 1928, UCPAC’s Main Stage is a historic theater with a rich cinematic history—it was originally a movie house that featured RKO Pictures releases. Today, UCPAC continues to host a variety of live performances and film screenings, including 35mm and 16mm formats, alongside modern digital screenings.

By participating in UCPAC Film Fest, filmmakers will have the rare opportunity to see their work displayed on the big screen in a venue that has been an iconic part of Rahway’s cultural landscape for nearly a century.

Film Categories & Submission Guidelines

The festival offers a variety of categories for filmmakers to submit their work:

General Categories
Open to everyone. Films must be 35 minutes or less in length.

  • Horror / Sci-Fi
  • Drama
  • Comedy
  • Action / Thriller / Mystery
  • Non-Fiction (Documentary)
  • Experimental / Musical / Music Video
  • Made in Union County, NJ (70% of the film shot in Union County)

High School Student Category

  • Films must be 20 minutes or less in length.
  • Completion date between 2022-2025.
  • All genres accepted.
  • Student passwords available by emailing fest@ucpac.org.

College/University Student Category

  • Films must be 20 minutes or less in length.
  • Completion date between 2022-2025.
  • All genres accepted.
  • Student passwords available by emailing fest@ucpac.org.

Awards & Prizes

Awards and prizes will be presented at the Awards Ceremony during the festival. Please note that filmmakers must be present at the ceremony to receive their awards. Prizes and recognition will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Rules & Terms

When submitting films to the UCPAC Film Fest, filmmakers agree to several key terms:

  1. Marketing Participation: Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their involvement in the festival through social media and other channels.
  2. Online Status of Submitted Films: Films must not be publicly viewable in their entirety online before the festival (unless indicated as part of the student curriculum).
  3. Copyright Compliance: Filmmakers must have the necessary copyright clearances for all original content, and the use of AI-curated imagery or music is strictly prohibited.
  4. Promotion Rights: UCPAC may use submitted films and footage for marketing purposes, including promotional use for current and future festivals.
  5. Indemnification: Filmmakers agree to indemnify UCPAC from any claims related to their submission.

Please note: No refunds for submission fees under any circumstances.

A Rich Legacy at UCPAC

The UCPAC Film Fest is held at the Union County Performing Arts Center, a venue steeped in history and rich in cultural significance. Opening in 1928 as the Rahway Theatre, it has been a pillar of the local arts community for nearly a century. Originally built for vaudeville and movie screenings, it is now a multipurpose venue that hosts live performances, concerts, films, and more.

The theater’s Wurlitzer organ—affectionately known as the “Biggest Little Wurlitzer”—is one of the few remaining examples of its kind in New Jersey, adding an extra layer of charm and historical significance to the venue.

Submit Your Film Today!

Don’t miss this chance to be part of UCPAC Film Fest 2025! Submit your short films by March 14th, 2025 and get ready to showcase your work at this incredible event. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, UCPAC Film Fest is the perfect opportunity to share your story, connect with fellow creatives, and compete for exciting prizes in a historic and vibrant setting.

Start planning your film submission today, and get ready to be part of a festival that celebrates the art of motion pictures in the heart of Rahway, NJ.

For submission guidelines, the full list of categories, and more information, visit UCPAC Film Fest.

Matthew Lawrence keeps the screams coming with latest film

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By day, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Matthew Lawrence teaches digital filmmaking. By night, he puts his pedagogy to practice, writing and directing horror movies. Here, he talks about his latest film, “Bloody Axe Wound,” which was released in theaters in December, his process, and the filmmakers and movies he admires most — including a surprise pick for his all-time favorite.

Matthew Lawrence directing his latest film
Matthew Lawrence directs his latest film. Photo credit: Tony Coon.

Q: “Bloody Axe Wound” — sounds scary. What’s the movie about?

A: The film is about a young woman named Abbie Bladecut whose father is a killer along the lines of Jason from “Friday the 13th or Freddy Kruger from “Nightmare on Elm Street.” He magically records all of his killings and offers them up to rent to customers in the video store he owns.

Abbie wants to follow in her father’s footsteps but since she is a young woman, he thinks she is too small and weak and won’t be able to do it — so it plays on the sexist argument that women can’t do certain jobs.

She decides to strike out on her own and she infiltrates a high school where she realizes that the students there are not these one-dimensional archetypes she thought they were. She is torn between the “traditions” of her family and the newfound friendships and love found at the school.

Q: How long did it take to get this movie into production?

A: I started writing this script about 10 years ago and we tried to get it off the ground for a couple of years. We had some actresses attached and we were raising money, but it all fell through due to some bad luck.

But I really liked the script. And then after my last feature — “Uncle Peckerhead” — in 2020, some people started reaching out, asking what scripts I had. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan and his wife, Hilarie Burton direct messaged me on Twitter! They shopped “Bloody Axe Wound” around and AMC really liked it. It was a good fit because AMC also has a horror-specific streaming platform.

It took another two years to get it officially greenlit, and in 2023 we were on our way.

Q: We understand that you also directed the film. How did you balance both writing and directing?

A: The biggest difference is that when you’re writing, you’re building a world. You create a vision in your head and hope it can be brought to life. As a director you have to actually figure out a way to manifest that to the screen knowing you have limited resources and tools at your disposal — whether that’s financial or deadlines or other limitations.

As a director you also have to communicate the vision to the actors and everyone on the crew.

I think it’s a little easier to do both in that, since I wrote it, I felt like I had even more authority to speak on behalf of the story and the characters.

Q: Tell us more about the production. Where was the movie shot? How many people worked on it? How long did the shoot take?

A: We shot for 18 days in June of 2023. We had a bunch of locations, most of them up near Saugerties, New York, near Woodstock, including the high school where a lot of scenes took place.

This was my first official union crew shoot so on any given day we had 50–75 cast and crew members on the set, which was crazy! It was the first time I worked with proper department heads, like a production designer and wardrobe department.

It allowed me to bring in some of my longtime collaborators and people I’ve worked with for 15 years, including my producing partner Wicky Mendoza, our makeup and practical FX wizard Jared Balog, a pair of really great cinematographers, Michael Sutter and Kyle Kelley, and others.

Q: As a filmmaker, who are some of your biggest influences?

A: John Carpenter is a big one. His films like “They Live” and “The Thing” are incredible as far as the sheer entertainment a horror movie can deliver. But if you want to go beneath the surface and ponder some of the deeper narrative elements, he is offering serious commentary on our culture, especially during the Reagan era of the 1980s.

Away from horror, I like all kind of genres. Believe it or not, “Wayne’s World” is probably my favorite movie. On the surface it’s a goofy movie developed from an SNL skit. But if you look beyond that, it also comments on the perils of when art mixes with commerce.

Kevin Smith was also a major influence on me. When I was a kid, I never thought I could actually make movies. It just seems like that was something that happened in a faraway land. But then he came along with “Clerks,” which just broke my brain. He was just a kid from New Jersey that made a movie with his friends. He made it seem more attainable.

 

NOTE: “Bloody Axe Wound” is now available to rent and buy on all major streaming platforms.


— Luke Sacks

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Sussex County Library System (SCLS) Offers Free DigitalLearn Workshops to the Community

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

Newton, New Jersey – The Sussex County Library System (SCLS) is thrilled to announce the launch of free DigitalLearn workshops starting in February 2025. These hands-on technology classes, available to all county residents, are part of a national collaboration supported by the Public Library Association and AT&T.

DigitalLearn Workshops aim to help participants build confidence and essential skills in using technology. Led by expert librarians, each 90-minute class offers practical, step-by-step guidance on topics such as:

  • Computer Basics
  • Internet Basics and Online Safety
  • Gmail Basics
  • Introduction to Smart Phones & Tablets
  • And more!

Participants will enjoy light refreshments, receive SCLS-branded giveaways, and be entered into a raffle to win a tablet.

Powered by the user-friendly training materials from DigitalLearn.org and AT&T’s ScreenReady initiative, these workshops are designed to make technology more accessible to everyone. In addition to in-person guidance, attendees will also learn how to use these free online resources to continue learning.

The DigitalLearn Workshops will run through May 2025. To register for an upcoming class, contact the SCLS at 973-948-3660, ext. 3418, or email sussexref@sussexcountylibrary.org. For more information about this program or other library services, visit www.SussexCountyLibrary.org.

Digital Learn Workshops

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Newark Fish Market Raided by ICE

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(Photo: oceanseafood.com)

Government

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a federal raid on Newark fish wholesaler Ocean Seafood Depot yesterday. According to reports, eight individuals were questioned. Four women allegedly showed identification, had their fingerprints taken, and were given slips to appear in court next month. Three men allegedly had no documentation and were detained – and a fourth was an American citizen and released.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka called the raid an “egregious act in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment, which guarantees ‘the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.’”

“Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized,” Baraka said.

He also added that the agents did not produce a warrant.

ICE Newark said in a statement that: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter US citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey. This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations.”

The raid comes in the wake of President Donald Trump signing multiple immigration-related executive orders, including declaring a national emergency on the US-Mexico border, designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, and reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border, ending a policy in which asylum seekers were released into the US while their cases were still being considered by immigration courts.

Trump’s emergency declaration — along with designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations — clears the way for using the military to help combat illegal immigration.

In a post on X, ICE says it has made 538 arrests and lodged 373 detainers since President Trump took office. Raids were also reportedly carried out in several other states, including cities such as Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle and Miami.

An Axios-Ipsos poll released last week found that 66% of Americans support deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally.

US Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) said they are “deeply concerned” about the news of the raid, and that their offices have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to “demand answers.”

 “Actions like this one sow fear in all of our communities — and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics,” the Senators’ joint statement said.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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Child Safety Seat Program | Burlington County, NJ

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CSS Flyer 2025The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office Child Safety Seat Team consists of State Certified Technicians who provide free safety seat checks and installations. Our technicians check all child safety seats for recalls and incorrect installation. They will not only install the car seat correctly, but they will go over everything with you and show you how to install it yourself step by step.

WHEN?

Child Safety Seat Checks are offered every FIRST and THIRD Wednesday of each month (except for holidays) from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. 

NO APPOINTMENT IS NEEDED, just call 609-265-3788 when you arrive.

WHERE?

Burlington County Courts Complex (EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT ENTRANCE OFF OF KING STREET)
49 Rancocas Road
Mt. Holly, NJ 0806o

For more information on car seat checks happening around the county this year CLICK HERE!

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Reach the Municipal Marketplace – Advertise in NJ Municipalities 

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Read by local government officials and decision-makers in all areas of municipal government, readers rely on NJ Municipalities magazine for news, new initiatives, and information on local government in New Jersey.

Magazine Readership Chart

Magazine Readership Chart
Local Elected Officials 51%
Municipal Management 24%
Municipal Professionals 13%
Non-Municipal 6.5%
Public Safety 3%
State 2.5%

Print Ads

Many magazine advertisers have found success in establishing brand awareness and a lasting presence through advertising in NJ Municipalities magazine.

Why advertise?

  • High visibility
    Over 6,470 readers each month.
  • Niche reach
    91% of the subscribers are directly involved in local government.
  • High pass-along readership
    Distributed among municipal staff.
  • Dual versions
    Print & digital format.

Business Directory Listing – year-round exposure at an affordable cost!

Establish a presence all year by placing an ad in the magazine’s Business Directory! For a one-time fee of $630, your ad is included in 9 issues of NJ Municipalities. And as an added benefit – business directory ads are included in the magazine’s online digital issues. Advertisers also receive a complimentary annual subscription to NJ Municipalities, as well as a free copy of the League’s Municipal Directory published in March.

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