Thursday, October 10, 2024
Home Blog Page 161

PSE&G Launches New Online Home Energy Assessment Tool for Residential Customers

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — PSE&G invites you to review the updated, user-friendly online Home Energy Assessment (HEA) tool, which is available to all PSE&G residential customers. The online HEA can be accessed through PSE&G’s My Account (www.pseg.com/myaccount). It is also easily accessible by visiting www.pseg.com/HomeEnergyAssessment. PSE&G encourages customers to log in and complete the authenticated assessment to understand better their household energy usage based on their home profile.

The online HEA tool, which can be completed in just over five (5) minutes, empowers and educates customers about how they can save energy and money. It also provides customers with valuable energy-saving information and links to programs and services to help them control their energy use.

To complete the HEA, customers answer questions about their home, such as heating, cooling, lighting, etc. Once the HEA is completed, customers will be asked to enter their email addresses to receive their HEA report.

The HEA report will provide the customer with several actions they can take to achieve energy savings, as well as links to other programs and services that can help them save energy and money. Customers can take the online HEA as often as they’d like, especially when circumstances change in their home that may impact energy usages, such as installing a new heating or cooling system.

If you have any questions, please email MyEnergy@pseg.com or call 1-800-708-9480.





Hanover Township to Hold Public Hearing Regarding the Relocation of the Patriots’ Path Easement

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

HANOVER TOWNSHIP —  On Thursday evening, January 12, the Township Committee, the governing body of the Township of Hanover, during its regular, open public meeting, will convene two public hearings concerning the proposed release and replacement of a Patriots’ Path public access and conservation easement held by the Township on a portion of the Hanover Towne Center property (former Pine Plaza Mall) located at 801-849 Route 10 East in the Whippany.

This property is also designated as Lots 12, 13, and 14 in Block 4001, as set forth on the Tax Map of the Township.

The property in question is a total of 19.77 acres. In the event of a snowstorm, the public hearings will be held on Thursday, February 9.

The two public hearings are being held in accordance with N.J.S.A. 13: 8B-5 and N.J.A.C. 7: 36-26.G(c) in conjunction with the Township’s application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program, for the proposed disposal and replacement of this same aforementioned Patriots’ Path public access and conservation easement held by the Township.

The Township proposes to divert 0.84 acres of the property under the Green Acres Program’s rules and replace it with a 1.04-acre trail and conservation easement on the same Hanover Towne Center property.

It will remain deed restricted under the Green Acres Program’s rules. With the redevelopment of the Towne Center property, there is now a need, and the opportunity, to relocate and construct the public trail and conservation easement to finally realize the intent of the original easement that dates back to 1990.

The relocation of the public access trail and conservation easement also requires the review and approval of the State House Commission and the Commissioner of the NJDEP. The application to Green Acres and related documents are posted here and will also be available at the Hanover Township Municipal Building and the Whippanong Library.

Suppose you are interested in making a public comment during the night of the Hearings or the written comment period. In that case, instructions are posted on the Township’s website under the Township News tab entitled “Hanover Towne Center Green Acres Disposal.”

Click here to view the Project Reference Maps.





Bucco Highlights $1.6 Million in Transportation Grants for Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Senator Tony Bucco announced that $1.6 million will be allocated toward improving access to transit facilities and public transportation throughout Morris County.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Anthony M. Bucco announced that $1.6 million would be allocated toward improving access to transit facilities and public transportation throughout Morris County.

“I am extremely pleased that over $1.6 million is being invested in Morris County to help rebuild our transit infrastructure. This funding is so important to New Jersey families,” said Bucco (R-25). “These grants represent a return on taxpayers’ investment and will help make the train stations and roadways of Netcong, Morristown, and Dover safer and more enjoyable for residents and commuters alike.”

The $1.68 million in grants are aimed at enhancing areas around transit facilities and public transportation throughout Morris County.

The grants are divided into Transit Villages, Safe Streets, and Bikeways. Netcong will receive $800,000 for improvements to Main Street through the Transit Village Program; Morristown will receive $86,000 for Phase II of their train station improvements throughout that same program, and Dover will receive $800,000 in Safe Streets funding for traffic signal improvements on Blackwell Street.





CCM Rated the Best for Transfer Students for Second Consecutive Year

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The County College of Morris (CCM) has been rated the Best for Transfer Students by Intelligent, adding to the college’s growing list of accolades.
This is the second year in a row that Intelligent has rated CCM as the best community college in New Jersey for students who start at the college and then transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The 2023 ranking of the Best Community Colleges in New Jersey is based on the transfer agreements CCM holds with colleges and universities across the state and nation. CCM has more than 170 transfer agreements to ease the process for students who want to earn an associate then a bachelor’s degree. More than 70 percent of CCM graduates transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree within three years of graduation – enrolling in schools from New Jersey’s top colleges and universities to the Ivy League.

“CCM has made it a priority to develop transfer agreements with other institutions to ensure our students can seamlessly continue with their higher education,” notes Kari Hawkins, Coordinator of Transfer Services & University Partnerships. “We are delighted to receive this recognition as additional proof of the high-quality education and support services students receive at CCM so they can meet their educational goals.”

Besides its success at transferring students to other colleges, CCM also enrolls many students each year who begin at another institution and then decide the community college is a better fit for starting their higher education.

Along with this latest distinction from Intelligent, the college earned several other national and state rankings in 2022. Included among those, CCM was selected as a Top 10 Community College in the U.S. by the Lumina Foundation, rated the Best Community College in New Jersey by Best Accredited Colleges, and #1 For associate degree graduates in New Jersey who earned the Best Salaries by Payscale, a distinction it has received for five consecutive years.

The college is currently enrolling students for the Spring 2023 Semester. Don’t delay; enroll today so you, too, can benefit from exceptional higher education and support services designed for your success. Click here for more information.





East Hanover Police Hold Successful Toy Drive

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

EAST HANOVER — The East Hanover Police department is expressing gratitude to the community for the overwhelming, generous response to this year’s toy drive that they orchestrated to benefit the kids at Goryeb Children’s Hospital.

The East Hanover Police posted, “A special thanks to two local businesses, New Adventure Toys & Games and Silver Fox BJJ of East Hanover, who donated above and beyond!”

They needed a convoy of police vehicles and trailers to transport the toys due to the number of toys donated. The toys donated not only help during this holiday season but throughout the year for birthdays, treatment days, or any day to help a child through a hard time.





Morris Plains resident Bethany Schwager Named MPAC’s Volunteer of the Month

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Bethany Schwager

MORRIS PLAINS —  Morris Plains resident Bethany Schwager was Named MPAC’s Volunteer of the Month. This recognition program is designed to shine a light on the many individuals who contribute their time and energy toward making MPAC and the MPAC customer experience successful.

Bethany joined the MPAC Volunteer Program in 2016. She is one of the many faces behind our concession stands at performances. Bethany has supported MPAC during some of our busiest shows, which involves serving our patrons quickly and efficiently. Her ability to stay calm during very complicated and unplanned situations has been an asset to MPAC. In 2020 Bethany introduced us to her daughter, Aubrey, who is also now a volunteer with us, adding a new, dynamic mother-daughter duo to our team.

“Bethany and I have had to handle some surprising situations together, and she has made it look like everything is running as planned,” said Eric Pach, MPAC’s Front of House Director.  “We are grateful to have such a genuinely hard-working woman as a part of our concessions team!”

“I volunteer because I enjoy being involved in my community and supporting the arts,” said Bethany Schwager. “I value my connections with the staff and fellow volunteers and always look forward to time spent at MPAC.”

For more information about MPAC’s volunteer program, please click here.





Madison Menorah Lighting

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MADISON — The Chabad of Southeast Morris County Menorah Lighting will take place on Sunday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. at the Madison Train Station, on Kings Road.

The primary concern is everyone’s health and safety, and therefore they will be providing a livestream option so that residents can choose to watch in-person or from the comfort of their own home. View the virtual lighting on YouTube.

During the lighting, road closures will take place on Kings Road, between Green Avenue and Prospect Street.





Mini-Courses Return in Person at Madison Library

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MADISON — Registration begins on Wednesday, January 4, for two in-person “minicourse” offerings at the Madison Public Library.

One minicourse, titled “Women Artists in Europe from the Renaissance to World War II,” will begin on Monday, January 23, and run for five consecutive Mondays in January and February from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dr. Kimberly Rhodes, a professor of art history at Drew University who has been recognized as a National Endowment for the Humanities Distinguished Teaching Professor, will lead the sessions.

This course surveys women artists working in Europe from the Renaissance to the Second World War. The course will review women trained as artists, how they navigated their professional identities and how European nations differed in their approach to including women in the art world.

The course will also focus on how societal attitudes toward women in the eras influenced the reception of works by women artists. Sofonisba Anguissola, Artemisia Gentileschi, Angelica Kauffman, Rosa Bonheur, Harriet Hosmer, Mary Cassatt, and Vanessa Bell are among the artists to be studied.

A second minicourse, “Barber to Boheme: Opera in the Romantic Era,” will begin on Tuesday, January 24, and run for five consecutive Tuesdays in January and February from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dr. Robert Butts, director of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and a lecturer at Montclair State University, the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies at Drew, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, and St. Elizabeth University, will present these sessions.

Many of the most popular and influential operas were composed during music’s Romantic Era (1800-1920). The works of Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, Bizet, Wagner, Puccini, and others remain favorites of audiences and artists while still influencing composers in the 21st century.

While opera was entertainment during the period, it also reflected social changes and new ideas ranging from fantasy to realism, from history to legend, and from past to present. Participants are invited to explore the operas that continue to be performed and enjoyed worldwide.

Interested residents of all ages can find registration information by clicking here.

The tuition for each course is $95.00. No refunds or credits will be given once the course begins. These courses are organized by the Friends of the Madison Public Library, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds benefit the Madison Public Library.

These virtual non-credit courses are open to the public.

The courses, which will cover topics relating to women artists in Europe and opera in the Romantic era, are sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of the Madison Public Library with no prerequisites or examinations. For more information, click here or email minicoursesmadisonlibrary@gmail.com. You can also call (929) 450-7940.





Sherrill’s Legislation to Address Flooding Headed to President’s Desk

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill

MORRIS COUNTY — Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology’s Environment Subcommittee, secured House passage of two bipartisan bills she introduced to address flooding, the most widespread of all weather-related natural disasters in New Jersey and across the United States.

This legislative package will head to the President’s desk for his signature after Senate action later this week, according to a press release issued Thursday, December 15.

“Unexpected severe rainfall and flooding are costly and upend the lives of New Jersey families. Recent extreme weather events like Hurricane Ida only underscore the importance of an effective understanding and response to high water,” said Rep. Sherrill. “These common-sense bills will protect lives, homes, and neighborhoods by improving forecasting and communication of extreme weather events to serve at-risk areas better. I am proud we were able to advance this legislation for New Jerseyans and all Americans who face dangers from these natural disasters.”

“Updating the data we rely on to determine flood elevations and manage the stormwater runoff will help flood-prone communities to protect their homes and businesses better, enabling New Jersey and our nation to become more resilient to the increasing extreme weather we are experiencing,” said Commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Shawn M. LaTourette.

“Accurate precipitation data are among the most overlooked and highest reward opportunities to ensure our cities and towns are built for a future of more frequent and intense rainfall,” said Melissa Roberts, executive director of the American Flood Coalition.

“We commend Representative Sherrill for her leadership to enact bipartisan legislation to provide consistently updated, forward-looking data to inform better and protect communities on the front lines of flooding.”

“Passage of these two bills now will ultimately save thousands of lives and untold billions of dollars in taxpayer and private sector losses from flood disasters going forward,” said Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), which represents over 20,000 state and local floodplain officials and other floodplain management professionals, “ASFPM strongly supports both the FLOODS Act and the PRECIP Act to update and modernize basic data and information systems that underpin flood risk management efforts across the nation.”

The Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support (FLOODS) Act establishes a National Integrated Flood Information System to coordinate and integrate flood research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It also establishes partnerships with higher education institutions to improve total water predictions. It establishes a committee to ensure coordination of federal departments with joint or overlapping responsibilities in water management. The bill is designed to improve flood risk communications, including flood watches and warnings.





First Night Morris County 2023 Offers Over 70 Performances

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — As has usually been the case in recent years, First Night Morris County in Morristown will offer New Jersey’s most ambitious program of family-friendly arts events on New Year’s Eve this year, with music, comedy, film, visual arts, and children’s entertainment at various venues, some of which also will be streamed or offered on-demand, online.

The 31st annual First Night Morris County will feature more than 70 performances at more than 20 downtown venues, free parking, shuttles, and two firework displays from 4:00 p.m. to midnight Saturday, December 31, with tickets starting at $25.00.

The event brings art, film, music, comedy, and family-friendly fun to Morris County in the form of a safe, alcohol-free, and substance-free community celebration.

Fireworks over the Green are coming back this year; depending on the weather, they will occur at 9:15 p.m. and midnight.

Early bird admission runs through Wednesday, December 21, at $25.00, or $22.50 each, when purchasing four or more.

Regular admission pricing begins Thursday, December 22, and runs through the event at $30.00 per admission or $23.75 each when purchasing four or more.

To purchase tickets and for more information, click here, visit the Mayo Box Office at 100 South Street or call (973) 539-8008 during regular business hours.

With the artistic guidance Morris Arts Director of Galleries and Morris Township resident Lynn Siebert provides, the program offers numerous performance genres, including theater, music from around the world, visual arts, world cultures, and children’s programs. Mark Boutros and Don Jay Smith’s work to curate the First Night Film Festival, held in collaboration with the Thomas Edison Film Festival, First Contact Film Festival, and MCEDA Film Committee, brings over 50 films for all ages and interests.

For $25.00, First Night attendees have access to all in-person performances, the family and children’s activities at Morristown High School, the Film Festival, two firework displays, and a midnight countdown to welcome in the new year, plus a live stream and on-demand access to more than films in this year’s Film Festival, a print program, and a mobile app. First Night attendees also receive complimentary parking and free shuttles.

With the waning of COVID-19, a full schedule of family and children’s programming returns this year, providing opportunities for hands-on participation for younger art aficionados and their families. Centered at Morristown High School, the family and children’s programming begins at 4:45 p.m. and includes various interactive performances, storytelling, international dance, painting, and LEGOs.

The schedule of children and family activities includes “Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother” by Kit’s Interactive Theatre, Folktales from Around the World with storyteller Julie Pascual, Square Dancing with Mary Moody, Bollywood and Contemporary Indian Dance with Mani, Fun with LEGOs with Maniac4Bricks, Paint Night with the Artsy Palette led by artist Patty Darden, the Children’s Fun Festival with Juggles the Clown, NJ Tap Soloists Maurice Chestnut and Jeffry Foote, the Hilarious Hypnotist Show with Mr. Hypno, StoryFaces with Christopher Agostino and “Dinoman Dinosaurs!” and his life-size inflatable dinosaurs.

This jam-packed schedule of family-friendly events repeats throughout the evening to provide multiple opportunities for family fun at First Night.

First Night is welcoming back fireworks over the Green with two displays.

This year’s visual arts exhibits include the Atrium Gallery exhibit “Through Women’s Eyes” at the Morris County Administration Building. The exhibit opens at 4:00 p.m. featuring the work of five female artists: Medy Bozkurtian, Isabella Pizzano, Lisa Moran, Kay Reese, and Marilyn Greenberg. Siebert curates the gallery.

Two exhibits at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) begin at 7:00 p.m.: The Morris County Art Association member exhibit at the Upstairs Art Gallery and Nina Nemeth’s “People and Places” at the Starlight Gallery.

Live opera performances will be provided by the Vocal Trio of Harmonious Beginnings at the Church of the Redeemer starting at 7:15 p.m. The performance delves into an array of Sacred, Broadway, Opera, and Americana with solo performances, duets, and classic presentations of three-part vocal harmony. The trio features the powerful vocal talents of performers Ted Chletsos, Lauren D’Imperio, and Stephen Lasher, accompanied by pianist Kristin Dabaghian.

Live Choral And Classical Music Performances

Live choral and classical music performances will occur at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Leading off the evening at 7:15 p.m. with the first two performances at Saint Peter’s is one of New Jersey’s leading choral arts organizations Harmonium Choral Society, directed by Madison resident Anne Matlack.

The final two performances of the evening at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church are courtesy of the award-winning Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ), whose performance begins at 9:45 p.m. The orchestra, directed by Madison resident Robert Butts, explores orchestral music from the 17th through 21st Centuries.

Live reggae and Irish music performances will occur at St. Peter’s Parish House. Random Test Reggae Band will begin at 7:15 p.m. and will pay tribute to Reggae and Soca Music pioneers.

Following them will be All-Ireland Fiddling Champion Brian Conway and Kieran Flanagan beginning at 10:00 p.m.

Live Jazz Performances will take place at the United Methodist Church, featuring the new addition of Winard Harper and His Jazz Group, followed by Morristown native Rio Clemente with his band, the Bishop of Jazz, and his Abbotts.

Winard Harper and His Jazz Group will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church. Winard Harper studied at the Conservatory of the University of Cincinnati and Howard University. He was part of the Young Lions with his brother Phillip and members of The Harper Brothers.

Winard performs regionally and has recorded seven albums featuring a host of special guests, including his latest project, Winard Harper & Jeli Posse.

The Bishop of Jazz and his Abbotts will take the stage at the United Methodist Church beginning at 10:00 p.m. Clemente, who has performed at the White House, is an official member of the Morristown Hall of Fame and has served as music director for the Generations of Jazz program of the New Jersey Jazz Society. NJ Monthly magazine named him among its “Top 40 New Jerseyans,” and the New Jersey Jazz Society has named him “Musician of the Year.”

In-Person Film Festival 

The in-person Film Festival returns at the Hyatt Regency Morristown and the Morris County Administrative Building, featuring more films at two venues beginning at 6:00 p.m. Under the direction of Mark Boutros and advisor Don Jay Smith, this year’s Film Festival is held in collaboration with the Thomas Edison Film Festival, First Contact Film Festival, and the MCEDA Film Committee, featuring films chosen specifically for the First Night Morris County audiences.

With specific category segments for short films and feature films, each having its performance blocks, most movies are for all ages, with some for teens and adults and one for young adults and adults. All films are available on-demand through 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, via the First Night Morris County website or mobile app.

Performances at the Mayo Performing Arts Center begin at 7:00 p.m. This year’s program again includes both live in-person performances and a live stream, courtesy of MPAC, which is accessible through the First Night Morris County website and mobile app.

“Once again, we are thrilled to partner with the Mayo,” said First Night Morris County Chairman Walter Deutsch. “The Mayo provides a top-notch performance venue, box office, and a live stream for those who cannot attend in person. We are so grateful for their continued support.”

The first performance of the evening at 7:00 p.m. is Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix, a slapstick comedy dog show. Peers will lead more than a dozen rescue dogs through tricks as he plays the straight-man role in this family-friendly show.

Following Peers, the John Ginty Band will take the stage at 9:45 p.m. Born and raised in Morristown, John Ginty is a two-time Grammy winner and has spent decades as a session keyboardist and band member for such artists as Jewel, The Chicks, Wu-Tang Clan, Whiskeytown and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

Stand-up comedy will return to the Hyatt’s Regency Room at 7:15 p.m., opening with comedian Buddy Fitzpatrick. A regular at all the prominent showcase clubs in New York City, Fitzpatrick is a regular on Comedy Central and has made appearances on A&E’s An Evening at The Improv, Caroline’s Comedy Hour, and Gotham Comedy Live on AXS.tv. He has also appeared on The Sopranos.

Comedian Brad Trackman will take the stage at 10:00 p.m. Trackman has made many t.v. Appearances include The Late Late Show; Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, Gotham Comedy Live, NBC’s Friday Night, Star Search, and his own Dry Bar Comedy Special. Trackman has opened for Dana Carvey, Robin Williams, Damon Wayans, and Weird Al Yankovic.

“With more performance venues than ever, this year’s event has a stellar line-up that spans too many genres to list,” said First Night Morris County Chairman Walter Deutsch. “We are very excited to bring back the children and family programming at Morristown High School and welcome back fireworks over Morristown at two points in the evening: 9:15 p.m. and midnight, offering our youngest participants an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent display.”

Click here to purchase tickets.





1...160161162...526Page 161 of 526

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

Contact us: news@morrisfocus.com

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »