MADISON — On Friday and Saturday, May 26 and 27, volunteers from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 43 in Madison and Florham Park will distribute poppies and accept donations to support veterans in need. The American Legion Auxiliary has been entrusted with the Poppy Program since 1924, and the funds raised through poppy donations directly benefit veterans and their families.
National Poppy Day, observed on May 26 this year, is a precursor to Memorial Day. The red poppy flowers, which symbolize resilience and the sacrifice made by servicemen and women, flourished amidst the war-torn soils of France and Belgium after World War I. The poppy represents the hope that the sacrifices made by those who have lost their lives in the war were not in vain.
During World War I, Lt. Col. John McCrae penned the iconic poem “In Flanders Fields,” which vividly depicted red poppy fields among the battlefields of fallen soldiers. For over a century, the American Legion family has carried on the tradition of distributing handmade memorial poppies in communities the week before Memorial Day.
Traditionally, poppies are not sold but offered in exchange for donations. The funds raised through local distribution efforts have enabled volunteers from Auxiliary Unit 43 to provide various activities and support to service members at Lyons Veterans Affairs Hospital, as well as the veterans’ nursing homes in New Jersey (Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland). Financial assistance has also been extended to Veterans Haven North and Veterans Haven South, which offer shelter to homeless veterans.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Michaela Buckley, a resident of Mountain Lakes, was among over 700 students who graduated from Bob Jones University Friday, May 5.
Buckley graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Kinesiology.
In addition to 570 students earning bachelor’s degrees, 94 students received master’s degrees and 58 students received associate degrees. Three candidates earned doctorate degrees.
Since its founding in 1927, BJU has conferred over 52,500 degrees.
Located in Greenville, South Carolina, Bob Jones University provides an outstanding regionally accredited Christian liberal arts education designed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning, loving, and leading.
BJU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, education, fine arts and communication, arts and science, health professions, and business.
BJU has over 3,000 students from nearly every state and more than 40 countries. We are committed to the truth of Scripture and to pursuing excellence in all we do.
HANOVER — Hanover Township Public Schools 2023-2024 Budget Presentation.
Lisa Bomengo, President
Marc Amoresano, Vice President, Finance Committee Chair
Jeffrey Basile, Finance Committee Member
Christine Egbert
Gina Johnston
Gregory Skiff
Marcella Wilson
Gina Marie Winkler
Lynda Wright, Finance Committee Member
HANOVER — On May 16, 2023, the Hanover Township Board of Education passed Board Policy 8463, Parental Notice of Material Circumstances.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed the filing of a Division on Civil Rights (DCR) complaint challenging an unlawful policy enacted by the Hanover Township Board of Education. The policy requires school staff to notify parents of the gender identity and sexual orientation of LGBTQ+ students. Attorney General Platkin and DCR have also filed an emergency motion in Superior Court, requesting a preliminary injunction and temporary restraints to prevent the policy from going into effect. In contrast, DCR’s challenge to the policy remains pending.
The administrative complaint and the motion for a preliminary injunction allege that the Hanover Township Board of Education policy violates the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination’s (LAD) prohibition against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
“Contrary to the Attorney General’s Office’s erroneous assertions, Policy 8463 does not unlawfully discriminate against any student based on any protected status. Rather, a simple reading of Policy 8463 reveals that it requires school staff members to notify appropriate school administrators and a student’s parents whenever the staff member is made aware of any facts or circumstances that may have a material impact on a student’s physical and/or mental health and/or social/emotional well-being, including but not limited to the following issues: substance use; tobacco/vaping use; alcohol use; firearms; peer/academic/athletic pressures; school performance; eating disorders; suicide; self-harm; anxiety; depression; fatigue; isolationism / anti-social behaviors / social withdraw; truancy; theft; vandalism; unlawful activity; violent or aggressive behavior; preoccupation with anti-social music; pornography; sexual activity; sexuality; sexual orientation; transitioning; gender identity or expression; gang affiliation; obsessive-compulsive behaviors; familial/cultural challenges; harassment; intimidation; or bullying,” in a press release from the Hanover Township Board of Education.
Board Policy 8463 requires that staff members “say something to the parents and appropriate school administrators” if they “see something that could adversely affect the social/emotional well-being of a child.” The Hanover Township Board of Education believes that parents need to be fully informed of all material issues that could impact their children so that they – as parents – can provide the proper care and support for their children. The Board will vigorously defend this common-sense policy that protects parental rights and ensures the safety of all school children.
“We will always stand up for the LGBTQ+ community here in New Jersey and look forward to presenting our arguments in court,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We are extremely proud of the contributions LGBTQ+ students make to our classrooms and our communities, and we remain committed to protecting them from discrimination in our schools.”
In addition to filing an administrative civil rights complaint, DCR has filed a motion in Superior Court requesting temporary restraints and a preliminary injunction against the policy’s implementation. In contrast, the administrative complaint is being adjudicated by DCR.
The policy challenge was enacted by the Board of Education on May 16, 2023. It provides that all school staff members shall “immediately, fully and accurately inform a student’s parent(s) whenever such staff member is made aware of, directly or indirectly, any facts or circumstances that may have a material impact on the student’s physical and/or mental health, safety and/or social/emotional well-being,” including, among other things, a student’s “sexuality,” “sexual orientation,” “transitioning,” and “gender identity or expression.”
The complaint filed does not challenge other aspects of the policy that, on their face, do not violate the Law Against Discrimination, such as the requirements for parental notification related to “substance use,” “alcohol use,” “firearms,” or “unlawful activity.”
The Township of Hanover has a Township Committee form of government comprising five members.
Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Mayor
Michael A. Mihalko, Deputy Mayor
Brian J. Cahill, Committeeman
John L. Ferramosca, Committeeman
Ronald F. Francioli, Committeeman
HANOVER — On Saturday, June 10, at Malapardis Park, the Hanover Rotary Club will be hosting its 31st Annual Duck Race at 3:00 p.m.
The fun and games will begin at 1:00 p.m., and the race will start at 3:00 p.m. This year’s activities include face painting, music, games, food, and ice cream.
To participate in the race, tickets are available for $10.00 each. Each ticket corresponds to one duck entry into the pond. If you’re interested in purchasing tickets, you can do so by emailing HanoverRotaryFundraiser@gmail.com.
This year, there are more than 40 prizes, including a $2,000 American Express gift card as the grand prize. Other prizes include AirPods and tickets to New York Yankees, New York Mets, and New York Giants tickets.
The funds generated from the Duck Race are allocated to support numerous local service projects organized by the Hanover Rotary Club. Some of these initiatives include the Gift of Life program, which facilitates heart operations for children, support for youth sports, vocational scholarships at Whippany Park High School, and the provision of dictionaries to all third-grade students in Hanover and East Hanover.
MADISON — Kim Booth has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Winter 2023 President’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with a 90-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 170,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high-quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Click here to learn more.
The Market is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday from June 10 to October 7
MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains Farmers Market is scheduled to open on Saturday, June 10. Enjoy locally-grown produce, fresh baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. Mark your calendar, and don’t miss this exciting community event.
Proudly sponsored by Provident Bank, the market will operate every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Merchant Block from June 10 to October 7.
Shoppers can look forward to reconnecting with their favorite vendors, including Ort Farms, Hoboken Farms, Pickles & Olives, Paolo’s Kitchen, and Krakus Deli. In addition to the familiar faces, visitors can browse a diverse range of local crafters, makers of freshly baked goods, homemade soups, flavorful sauces, and more.
This year’s market boasts some exciting new additions. The aroma of Coniglio’s specialty coffee drinks and pastries is set to waft through the market. Sourland Mountain Spirits and Morris Plains’ Autodidact Beer will offer samples and packaged goods for beverage aficionados.
In a bid to spotlight Morris Plain’s businesses, the market will feature unique highlights every week. On the opening day, Monrroy Design, LLC will present a flower bar where patrons can create their own bouquets, with 10% of the proceeds going to the All Seasons Garden Club.
The farmers market is not just about shopping; it’s about community and entertainment too. Visitors can expect weekly entertainment that includes live music and an array of activities designed to keep the kids engaged and entertained.
The 2023 Morris Plains Farmers Market is managed by resident Mike Cocheo in collaboration with the Business Development Committee. For any queries related to the market, the public is encouraged to contact the Clerk’s office at (973) 538-2224.
The Mayor and Council of Morris Plains eagerly look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the market, marking a season of community, freshness, and local spirit. Come along and immerse yourself in the best of what Morris Plains has to offer!
HANOVER — The first step in launching the Whippany-Passaic Rivers’ Flood Mitigation project will occur on Thursday afternoon, May 18.
A low-flying helicopter will investigate approximately a 12-mile Whippany and Passaic Rivers corridor and its tributaries. The purpose is to identify areas in need of clearing and de-snagging. Data will be collected from a manned helicopter approximately 600 feet above ground level, traveling at 35 knots ground speed. The helicopter will utilize a high-tech camera to gather imagery. The survey will include tributaries such as the Smith Ditch, Black Brook, and Pinch Brook streams.
Once the aerial inspection survey is completed, Colliers Engineering & Design, the Task Forces’ designated engineering firm, will prepare a topographic base map of the approximately 500’ wide river corridor. The base map will represent existing site features observed during the field survey to identify drainage issues and blockages. It will also include other site features such as buildings, roadways, driveways, retaining walls, and individual trees in open areas.
Following completion of the base mapping, Colliers Engineering & Design will identify the locations needed de-snagging and pinpoint site access to those areas, considering the need to minimize disturbance and environmental impact in each area. The partnering municipalities, Hanover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Parsippany, Morris Plains, and Morristown, will be responsible for securing permission in their respective towns to use the site access points for the clearing and de-snagging work.
HANOVER — Hanover Township Police Officer Anthony D’Angelo arrested Mr. Juan Zapata-Mendoza, 37, Boonton, for shoplifting.
Officer D’Angelo responded to Wegmans for a reported shoplifter being detained. Upon arrival, Officer D’Angelo arrested Mr. Zapata-Mendoza and charged him with shoplifting $240.67 worth of merchandise.
He was also advised he was no longer allowed on store property.
He was released pending his court date.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
