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Day-Long Celebration of Art, Music and Theater Includes Performances, Exhibits and Workshops

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — The 2025 Morris County Teen Arts Festival will be held on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at County College of Morris (CCM). The day-long festival celebrating youth arts will bring together nearly 1,000 middle and high school artists, musicians from across Morris County, and educators for a full day of creative workshops, performances and exhibits. It also provides a platform for students to showcase their work, receive critique and earn an invitation to the prestigious New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival. The public is also invited to enjoy student artwork and performances at the event. 

Each year the festival centers around a thought-provoking theme and the 2025 focus is “Art & Consumerism.” This theme encourages students to explore how consumer culture influences their creative work, from the artist’s perspective to the broader reception in the art world. 

The festival’s keynote speaker is Anthony Marques, a prominent comic book artist, educator and local business owner. A graduate of the iconic Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey, Marques began working as an editor for publishers DC Comics and Dynamite Entertainment. A true student of the medium, he has brought new and exciting visions to life as an artist for beloved characters such as Batman, the Green Hornet and the Ghostbusters. In addition to working on numerous projects with these companies, Marques became an instructor at the Kubert School before eventually becoming president and owner of the institution.  

Following the keynote, CCM faculty, visiting artists, and current students will offer various activities for participation across CCM’s scenic campus. These include classroom workshops, pop-up performances in the college’s state-of-the-art Music and Technology Building, and outdoor interactive stations on the lawn (weather permitting). This year’s Teen Arts Festival is not to be missed! 

Registration opens Tuesday, April 1 and runs through May 1. Space is limited. Visit www.ccm.edu/teenarts/ for more details. Email questions to [email protected]. CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. The festival is sponsored by Morris Arts, whose mission is to engage and build community through the arts.

St. John’s Episcopal Church Hosts Pasty Sale to Support Community Initiatives

By
Frank Cahill
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0

DOVER – St. John’s Episcopal Church brings a taste of tradition to the community with its highly anticipated Pasty Sale on Saturday, April 5. This delicious fundraiser will take place at the church, located at 11 S. Bergen Street, Dover, where supporters can pick up their pre-ordered pasties starting at 12:30 p.m.

The pasty, a beloved pastry filled with a hearty mixture of meat and vegetables, has long been a comfort food for many, and the members of St. John’s Episcopal are excited to share their homemade versions with the community. Each pasty is made with care and available for $9.00 a piece, with proceeds directly benefiting the church’s outreach programs and local charitable efforts.

“We love hosting this event because it brings people together while supporting a great cause,” said one of the organizers. “Every purchase helps us continue our service mission in the Dover area.”

Those interested in securing their pasties are encouraged to call (973) 366-2772 to place an order. Due to high demand, early reservations are recommended.

St. John’s Episcopal Church has been a cornerstone of the Dover community for years, offering spiritual guidance, community support, and charitable initiatives. This fundraiser is one of many ways the church engages with and gives back to the local area.

Mark your calendars, and don’t miss this chance to enjoy a delicious meal while making a meaningful contribution to the community!

Join the Dover Police Department for Coffee with a Cop on March 11

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Dover Police Officer Louis P. Sperry connects with community members at a "Coffee With A Cop" event, promoting conversation and building relationships over coffee.

As the weather warms and days lengthen, the Dover Police Department invites residents to a Coffee with a Cop event. This gathering will focus on traffic and pedestrian safety and introduce the special needs registry.​

  • Date: Tuesday, March 11​
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM​
  • Location: Dover Free Public Library, 32 East Clinton Street, Dover

This event offers a relaxed setting to discuss community concerns and enhance neighborhood safety. All are welcome to attend.​

We hope to see you there!

Dover High School to Present “Little Shop of Horrors” March 14-16

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Dover High School students bring the sci-fi musical "Little Shop of Horrors" to life, featuring Noah Cardona-Sanchez as Seymour, Yanalis Cotto as Audrey, and Christopher Escobar as the voice of the man-eating plant, Audrey II. Catch their performances March 14-16 at the Dover High School Auditorium.

DOVER — Dover High School will bring the Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” to life this spring with a talented cast and thrilling production.

Performances will take place at the Dover High School Auditorium, 100 Grace Street, on the following dates:
•Friday, March 14 – 7:00 p.m.
•Saturday, March 15 – 7:00 p.m.
•Sunday, March 16 – 2:00 p.m.

A Cult Classic Comes to Dover

One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows, “Little Shop of Horrors” is a dark, tongue-in-cheek musical comedy performed worldwide with great success. The show follows Seymour Krelborn, a shy floral assistant who discovers a mysterious plant he names “Audrey II”, after his coworker crush. However, Seymour soon realizes that Audrey II is no ordinary plant—it’s a bloodthirsty, R&B-singing carnivore with evil origins and a desire for global domination. As Seymour struggles with his moral dilemma, the musical unfolds into a wildly entertaining mix of comedy, horror, and catchy tunes.

Meet the Cast & Crew

The Dover High School production features an ensemble of talented student performers:
•Noah Cardona-Sanchez as Seymour
•Yanalis Cotto as Audrey
•Christopher Escobar as Audrey II
•Nicholas Moraga as Orin Scrivello, DDS
•Dakota Chacon as Mr. Mushnik
•Angeles Gandhi as Chiffon
•Michaela Cedeño as Crystal
•Emily Tyrone as Ronnette
•Aaliyah Ishtiaq as The Derelict
•Natali Garnica as Bernstein
•Joseph Rosales as Snip

Dover High School music teacher Daniel Vazquez directs the production.

A Unique Role for Audrey II

Christopher Escobar, who plays the murderous plant, Audrey II, shared his excitement about the role.

“I love how Seymour slowly descends into insanity—how subtle it starts out and how explosive his final moments are,” he said.

Escobar, who has performed in three musicals and one play, said this role has been the most challenging and unique for him vocally.

“I’d say this show is very gimmicky and can be very fun at times, but it can also get frustrating trying to figure it out. Overall, I’ve had an extreme amount of fun,” he added.

While the students did not build the plant, the school rented it from Music Theatre International, along with the performance rights.

“As for the puppeteering, from my understanding, there’s someone inside the plant that lip-syncs to the voice of the plant, using their entire body to move it around,” Escobar explained.

Get Your Tickets!

•All tickets are $7.00 and can be purchased at the Dover High School main office or at the box office on the day of the performance.
•Senior citizens are admitted free!
•For tickets or more information, call (973) 989-2010.

Don’t miss Dover High School’s thrilling production of “Little Shop of Horrors”—a show packed with laughs, thrills, and unforgettable music!

Hanover Township to Celebrate Irish Culture with Free Community Event on March 16

By
Frank Cahill
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0

HANOVER — Residents of all ages are invited to celebrate Irish culture at a free event hosted by the Hanover Cultural Arts Committee on Sunday, March 16, at 3:00 p.m. The event will occur at the Community Center at 15 North Jefferson Road in Whippany.

Attendees will enjoy a lively Irish Step Dance performance by dancers from the Wick School of Dance in Rockaway. In addition, guests can savor traditional Irish Soda Bread, generously provided by Verrilli’s Bakery in Morristown.

Those who wish to attend are encouraged to register through the township’s Community Pass website by clicking here or calling (973) 428-2463 to reserve a seat.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Irish heritage with the local community!

Morris Plains Boro Public Schools to Receive Slight Increase in State Aid for 2025-26

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS PLAINS — Morris Plains Boro Public Schools will receive a small increase in state aid for the 2025-26 school year, according to newly released figures from the New Jersey Department of Education. The district will receive $1,599,057, reflecting an increase of $1,299, or 0.08%, compared to the current year’s $1,597,758 allocation.

Statewide Education Funding Trends

The increase is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion state budget, which designates $12.1 billion for K-12 education across New Jersey. While many districts will see larger increases, some—like Morris Plains—will receive only modest adjustments under the state’s funding formula.

Statewide, approximately 68% of districts will see an increase in aid, while others will experience reductions due to formula adjustments. To prevent drastic funding shifts, the state has implemented a 3% limit on aid reductions and a 6% cap on increases for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Impact on Morris Plains Schools

With a marginal increase of $1,299, the funding adjustment will unlikely significantly impact district operations. However, the Morris Plains Board of Education will determine how best to allocate the additional funding, potentially toward:

✔ Maintaining existing academic and extracurricular programs
✔ Supporting classroom technology and minor infrastructure needs
✔ Enhancing instructional materials and student resources

Looking Ahead

Governor Murphy’s budget proposal still requires legislative approval, but Morris Plains school officials will continue working to ensure students receive the best possible education within the district’s financial framework.

Madison Boro Public Schools to Receive Increased State Aid for 2025-26 School Year

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MADISON—According to newly released figures from the New Jersey Department of Education, Madison Boro Public Schools will receive a 6% increase in state aid for the 2025-26 school year. The district will receive $3,668,168, an increase of $207,632 from the current year’s $3,460,536 allocation.

Statewide Education Funding

This funding boost is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion state budget, which designates $12.1 billion for K-12 education across New Jersey. The increase aligns with the state’s commitment to fully funding the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, with adjustments made under S2 legislation.

Madison Boro joins the majority of New Jersey school districts receiving an increase, as the state continues efforts to ensure equitable school funding. Statewide, 68% of districts will see increases in aid, while 31% will experience reductions due to formula adjustments.

Impact on Madison Boro Schools

The Madison Board of Education will determine how the additional $207,632 will be allocated. Possible areas of investment include:

✔ Enhancing student programs and academic resources
✔ Improving classroom technology and school infrastructure
✔ Expanding extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities
✔ Providing additional support for faculty and staff

What’s Next?

While Governor Murphy’s budget still requires legislative approval, Madison Boro school officials are optimistic about the increased funding. If approved, the additional aid will support the district’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities for students in the 2025-26 school year.

Dover Public Schools to Receive Increased State Aid for 2025-26 School Year

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Dover Board of Education, 21 Belmont Avenue

DOVER—The Town of Dover Public Schools will receive an increase in state aid for the 2025-26 school year, according to newly released figures from the New Jersey Department of Education. The district will receive $62,733,640, reflecting an increase of $761,041 or 1.23% compared to the current year’s $61,972,599 allocation.

This increase is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion state budget, which allocates $12.1 billion for K-12 education statewide. The funding is intended to help schools maintain and expand academic programs, provide student resources, and support operational costs.

Statewide Funding Trends

Dover Town is among the majority of New Jersey school districts receiving increased aid, as the state continues its commitment to fully funding the school aid formula under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, with adjustments made under the S2 legislation. This marks the second consecutive year of full funding under Murphy’s administration.

Statewide, approximately 68% of districts will see an increase in aid, while others will experience reductions due to adjustments in the funding formula. To stabilize budgets, the state has implemented a 3% limit on aid reductions and a 6% cap on increases for the fiscal year 2026.

What This Means for Dover Town

The Dover Board of Education will determine how the additional $761,041 in funding will be allocated. Potential areas of investment may include:

  • Enhancing student programs and academic support services
  • Upgrading classroom technology and infrastructure
  • Expanding extracurricular and enrichment opportunities
  • Supporting faculty and staff resources

Looking Ahead

Governor Murphy’s budget proposal still requires legislative approval, but education leaders in Dover Town remain hopeful that the funding will be finalized. If passed, the increased aid will help sustain and improve educational programs for Dover students in the coming academic year.

DOVER—Las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Dover Recibirán un Aumento en la Ayuda Estatal para el Año Escolar 2025-26

DOVER—Las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Dover recibirán un aumento en la ayuda estatal para el año escolar 2025-26, según las cifras recién publicadas por el Departamento de Educación de Nueva Jersey. El distrito recibirá $62,733,640, lo que refleja un aumento de $761,041 o 1.23% en comparación con la asignación de $61,972,599 del año en curso.

Este Aumento en la Financiación Estatal

Este aumento es parte del presupuesto estatal propuesto de $58.1 mil millones por el Gobernador Phil Murphy, el cual asigna $12.1 mil millones para la educación de K-12 en todo el estado. La financiación está destinada a ayudar a las escuelas a mantener y expandir programas académicos, proporcionar recursos a los estudiantes y cubrir costos operativos.

Tendencias de Financiación a Nivel Estatal

Dover Town se encuentra entre la mayoría de los distritos escolares de Nueva Jersey que recibirán un aumento en la ayuda estatal, ya que el estado continúa con su compromiso de financiar completamente la fórmula de ayuda escolar establecida en la Ley de Reforma de Financiación Escolar de 2008, con ajustes realizados bajo la legislación S2. Este es el segundo año consecutivo en que la administración de Murphy financia completamente el sistema educativo.

A nivel estatal, aproximadamente el 68% de los distritos verán un aumento en la ayuda estatal, mientras que otros experimentarán reducciones debido a ajustes en la fórmula de financiación. Para estabilizar los presupuestos, el estado ha implementado un límite del 3% en las reducciones de ayuda y un tope del 6% en los aumentos para el año fiscal 2026.

¿Qué Significa Esto para Dover Town?

La Junta de Educación de Dover determinará cómo se asignarán los $761,041 adicionales en financiación. Algunas áreas potenciales de inversión pueden incluir:

✔️ Mejorar programas estudiantiles y servicios de apoyo académico
✔️ Actualizar la tecnología en las aulas y la infraestructura escolar
✔️ Expandir oportunidades extracurriculares y programas de enriquecimiento
✔️ Brindar más apoyo a docentes y personal educativo

Mirando Hacia el Futuro

La propuesta presupuestaria del Gobernador Murphy aún necesita aprobación legislativa, pero los líderes educativos de Dover Town se mantienen optimistas de que los fondos serán aprobados. Si se aprueba, el aumento en la ayuda estatal permitirá mantener y mejorar los programas educativos para los estudiantes de Dover en el próximo año escolar.

Mountain Lakes Boro Public Schools to See Slight Decrease in State Aid for 2025-26

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Mountain Lakes High School

MOUNTAIN LAKES—According to newly released figures from the New Jersey Department of Education, Mountain Lakes Boro Public Schools will experience a 3% decrease in state aid for the 2025-26 school year. The district will receive $1,304,433, a reduction of $40,343 from the $1,344,776 allocated in the current school year.

Statewide Funding Adjustments

This adjustment is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion state budget, which allocates $12.1 billion for K-12 education across New Jersey. While most districts will receive increased aid, some, including Mountain Lakes Boro, will experience reductions due to formula adjustments.

Statewide, approximately 68% of districts will see an increase in aid, while 175 districts will experience reductions. To mitigate drastic changes, the state has implemented a 3% cap on aid reductions and a 6% limit on increases for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Impact on Mountain Lakes Boro Schools

The Mountain Lakes Board of Education will assess how to adjust its budget to accommodate the $40,343 decrease. While the reduction is relatively small, it may require slight reallocations within the district’s financial planning.

Possible areas of focus include:

  • Maximizing existing resources for academic programs
  • Exploring alternative funding sources for school initiatives
  • Adjusting operational costs while maintaining educational quality

Looking Ahead

Governor Murphy’s budget proposal still requires legislative approval, but local school officials are preparing for the funding changes. Despite the funding adjustment, the district remains committed to ensuring that Mountain Lakes students continue to receive a high-quality education.

Boonton Public Schools to Receive Increased State Aid for 2025-26 School Year

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Boonton High School File Photo

BOONTON — ​Boonton Public Schools will receive a significant increase in state aid for the 2025-26 school year. According to figures released by the New Jersey Department of Education, the district will be allocated $3,500,000, an increase of 5% compared to the current year’s funding of $3,333,333.​

This additional aid is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s record-breaking $58.1 billion proposed state budget, which earmarks $12.1 billion for K-12 education. Murphy described the funding as a testament to his administration’s commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and better-prepared New Jersey.​

Of the state’s 392 school districts, 175 will see funding cuts, while others, including Boonton, will experience an increase. Statewide, most districts saw funding adjustments of no more than a 6% increase or a 3% decrease.​

The 2025-26 school year marks the second consecutive year that New Jersey has fully funded its K-12 school aid formula, initially established under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 and later revised by S2 legislation in 2017. These measures aimed to phase out adjustment aid for some districts while ensuring others received their fair share of funding.​

Governor Murphy’s latest budget also aims to curb dramatic fluctuations in state aid, responding to concerns about unpredictable funding levels for the nearly 600 school districts across New Jersey.​

This increase in funding is welcome news for Boonton Public Schools, helping ensure continued investment in student programs, resources, and educational opportunities.

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