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Morris County Unveils Small Business Recovery Grant Program

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — In recognition of “Small Business Saturday,” the Morris County Board of County Commissioners announced the development of the Morris County Small Business Grant Program that will provide federal fiscal recovery funding to local, small companies and entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic.

The application process has not yet opened, but will be announced later as program details are finalized and the program is officially launched. The program is being designed to provide grants of up to $15,000 to reimburse small businesses and non-profit organizations for specific pandemic recovery expenses incurred on or after March 3, 2021 – a timeline established under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is the source of the funding.

“Small businesses are not only vital to our economy but they are a key part of the unique identity of every town.  We look forward to launching a small business grant program, as we ensure we are meeting federal regulatory requirements,” said Commissioner John Krickus, who has been helping to develop the program through the Commissioner’s COVID-19 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee.

The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include:

  • Available to businesses with 25 or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent)
  • In operation since January 1, 2019
  • Located within Morris County
  • Less than $5 million in sales/revenue
  • Proof of a decline in sales/increased expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic

The Commissioners’ plan is to dedicate $5 million in ARPA funds to the program.

An online process is in development for applicants to submit proper documentation needed to determine the eligibility of a business and the expenses that qualify for reimbursement. The Morris County Chamber of Commerce will be coordinating outreach to potentially eligible businesses, including those who may not have traditionally sought government grant funding in the past.

“Small businesses in the county have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and its lingering effects,” said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation.

“Unlike larger companies, they had less margin for absorbing the revenue losses and costs required for reopening. At the same time, they have made every effort to keep their employees working while fulfilling the needs of their customers. We look forward to working closely with the County Commissioners to connect qualifying small businesses throughout the county with this grant program,” she added.

The Morris County Commissioners also have adopted a special resolution urging Morris County residents to observe “Small Business Saturday” by shopping locally this Saturday, November 27, 2021. The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become known as “Small Business Saturday” since American Express launched it on November 27, 2010, and it has since grown into a national campaign to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses.

Despite the pandemic impacts, U.S. consumers reported spending a record high total of $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on “Small Business Saturday” 2020. The Morris County Commissioners are actively encouraging Morris County residents to help repeat that success and even break that record.

The final paragraph of the resolution reads:

“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, New Jersey, in recognition of the crucial role small businesses play in our economy and quality of life in Morris County, hereby proclaims, November 27, 2021, to be “Small Business Saturday 2021” and urges communities across the nation to “Shop Small®” throughout the year.”

Morris Habitat for Humanity and the Town of Boonton Form Partnership to Rehabilitate Homes for Families in Need

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo
BOONTON — Morris Habitat for Humanity announces a new partnership with the Town of Boonton to repair and rehabilitate homes for families in need. The collaborative partnership agreement, executed by Boonton Mayor Richard J. Corcoran III, establishes the new program designed to assist low- and moderate-income homeowner families residing in Boonton.
The rehabilitation program will help homeowners ensure the safe and continued occupancy of their properties by addressing immediate and critical housing rehab problems such as foundation and masonry repairs, window, roof, or gutter repairs, wheelchair ramps, porch repair, safety grab bars in bathrooms, heating systems and more. The program will be available to owner-occupied, single-family homeowners in Boonton who meet the income restrictions established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“We’re excited to partner with the Town of Boonton to find creative solutions to help keep major home repairs affordable for its citizens,” said Mark Odenwelder, Morris Habitat’s director of program development. “This program will help protect people’s most important assets and enable them to stay warm, safe, and dry in their homes.”
Morris Habitat for Humanity is uniquely suited to partner with Boonton on the home repair program. The affordable housing organization has been repairing and rehabilitating homes since 1985 and completes an average of 100 home repair projects annually for families in need.
The Town of Boonton is offering zero interest repayable loans for up to $15,000 for homeowners meeting eligibility requirements. Residents must meet certain criteria and income eligibility requirements based on household size.
“This collaborative program will provide a unique opportunity to assist our highly valued residents in the Town of Boonton,” said Boonton Zoning Officer and Affordable Housing Liaison, Patrick Lavery. “The program will be a breath of fresh air during these uncertain times. It will provide our homeowner residents with the ability to retain one of the most important assets in their lives—their homes.”
For inquiries about the home repair program, contact Patrick M. Laverty, zoning officer for the Town of Boonton at (973) 402-9410 ext. 632 or Mark Odenwelder, director of program development for Morris Habitat for Humanity at (973) 891-1934 ext. 107. E-mails can be directed to: [email protected]
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization committed to building homes, communities, and hope. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds affordable new homes and provides home repair services to income-eligible families. Since 1985, Morris Habitat has served more than 660 families through building 120 local homes, preserving 200 homes for low-income and senior residents, and helping 280 families with housing solutions worldwide. The organization has engaged more than 130,000 volunteers for various programs. Morris Habitat also operates a successful ReStore home improvement outlet which has kept 11,000 tons of reusable materials out of landfills and funded 28 homes. For more information, visit Morrishabitat.org or call (973) 891-1934.

Madison Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — The annual Madison Christmas Parade is back after the forced cancellation in 2020. The parade is one of the most beloved Madison holiday traditions. Each year crowds of people gather on the route down Main Street to enjoy the parade and tree lighting sponsored by the all-volunteer Madison Christmas Committee. The tree on Waverly Place will be lit after the parade on Friday, November 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Those who are unable to attend can watch the entire ceremony live-streamed on YouTube from the comfort of your home by clicking here.
Please consider donating to the Madison Christmas Committee; your support is essential to keeping these great Madison traditions going: Santa’s Village, Lighted Tree on Waverly, Holiday Decorations in the Downtown, and the Christmas Parade.

Checks can be made payable to:
Madison Christmas Committee
Please mail your donation to:
Gloria Van Valen, Treasurer
Madison Christmas Committee Corp.
Lakeland Bank
265 Main Street
Madison, NJ 07940

StretchSource® Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By
Frank Cahill
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Boonton Mayor Richard Corcoran cuts the ribbon

BOONTON — On November 21, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its world-class
ribbon cutting for new business community member StretchSource® located at 550 West Main Street, Boonton on the corner of Fanny Road and the Boulevard.  

This location is the only Pliability Stretch™ if it’s kind and offers private 1-1 stretch sessions.  StretchSource® uses proprietary Flex IQ™ assessment to analyze the imbalances, dysfunction, and tension of a client’s muscles.  After the Flex IQ™ stretch, an individual program is designed and implemented by a specialist, to improve the client’s pliability and performance.  All ages and abilities levels are welcome and the studio is handicap friendly with ramp access and large door openings.

Frank Cahill presents Mara Kimowitz with a plaque to congratulate the success of StretchSource

In addition to creator, founder, and owner, Mara Kimowitz and Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce as they cut the ribbon were, Boonton Mayor Richard Corcoran, Council Members Maire Devenezia and Joe Bock, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov,  several Parsippany as well as Morris County Chamber Members, family, clients and employees of StretchSource®.

To book a stretch go to www.stretchsource.com. StretchSource is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

All ages and abilities levels are welcome and the studio is handicap friendly with ramp access and large door openings
Mara Kimowitz with Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Frank Cahill
Part of the giveaways during the celebrations

Tackling Turkey Day: Strategies for a healthy feast

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — The football teams taking the field on Thanksgiving will bring shrewd strategies and meticulous game plans to make sure they finish the day healthy and successful.

As we tackle one of the year’s biggest feasts, should we do the same?

On the one hand, it’s just one day.

“If you spend the rest of the year eating well and making sure your physically active then I think on Thanksgiving you can give yourself a break,” said Mandy Enright, the FOOD + MOVEMENT® Dietitian, author, and volunteer, American Heart Association. “Don’t be crazy in your choices, but everybody deserves a day off.”

On the other hand, Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday eating season, which can have significant ramifications on body weight – and health – for the entire year.

“Between Thanksgiving and News Year’s Day, it’s not uncommon to see weight gain occur if they aren’t careful,” said Enright. “We need to recognize the risks of the holiday season and be thoughtful.”

The Calorie Control Council, a food and beverage industry group, calculates one Thanksgiving meal can total 4,500 calories. That’s more than twice the recommended number of 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day for a woman.

A 2016 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the average American gains 1.3 pounds during the holiday season, while a 2000 study in Nutrition Reviews concluded that what’s packed on during the holidays accounts for half of weight gain for the year.

“Even if the average weight gain is only a kilogram (2.2 pounds) each year, over a lifetime it adds up if changes aren’t made to combat the increase in weight,” adds Enright.

This year may not be typical, as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts the usual stream of holiday gatherings and office parties. But the lessons for curbing the dietary impact of Thanksgiving dinner remain the same. Here are some tips:

• Prepare. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, be a bit more vigilant about your food intake. Maybe lose a couple of pounds so you’ll wind up with a net-zero after the holidays.

• Tweak recipes. You can treat yourself to special foods but also have control over how they’re made. Search the internet for a healthier version of a favorite recipe or a substitute for an unhealthy ingredient.

• There’s no quick fix for overeating. You can’t exercise your way out of gorging at the holiday table. Exercise is great, but it’s more about eating less food. It’s calories in, calories out.

• Don’t come hungry. Have a healthy breakfast or lunch. Some people try to avoid weight gain by eating very little before the big feast or a party, but that ends up backfiring because they’re so hungry they’re not able to control themselves.

• It’s not just about eating. Alcohol has calories too and the more you drink, the less you care – not just about the alcohol but the rest of the meal as well.

• Pace yourself. It takes time for the brain to realize you’re getting full. Eating slowly and waiting a few minutes before you go for seconds, or thirds can be very helpful.

• Beware of leftovers. The holiday table may be full of the most calorically dense foods people eat all year. If there’s more leftover, you may be the one suffering the consequences. Sooner or later, those pumpkin pies do get eaten.

As sound as the advice may be, the culinary temptations this time of year are hard to resist.

“Holiday season can be the time when people just let go,” concludes Enright. “When there are so many opportunities to eat and so much exposure to high-caloric foods, it’s very difficult unless people are incorporating more mindfulness into their days and food choices.”

Representative Sherrill to Hold Telephone Town Hall

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill

MORRIS COUNTY — On Tuesday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m., Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) will hold a telephone town hall meeting.

Sherrill will be joined by a panel of experts, including special guest Deputy Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration Amit Bose.

The panel will help answer questions directly from residents on topics such as the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the continued efforts to combat the pandemic, and a number of other key issues. The town hall will be held virtually to allow for as many residents as possible to participate.

Residents are invited to register to call in to the telephone town hall at sherrill.house.gov/live.

The town hall will also stream live at 6:00 p.m. directly on Representative Sherrill’s website.

To submit a question ahead of the event, please click here.

DETAILS:

WHAT: Representative Sherrill Telephone Town Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, November 23, 2021
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: sherrill.house.gov/live

Madison to Hold Free Rabies Clinic

By
Frank Cahill
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Annual Rabies Immunization Clinic

MADISON — The Madison Health Department will be offering a Free Rabies Clinic for Cats and Dogs on Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.

The clinic will be held at Madison Department of Public Works, 34 John Avenue, Madison.

There is no registration needed for this year’s clinic.

Those who receive a rabies vaccine at this clinic will be eligible to take advantage of Madison’s new three-year pet license.

CCM Winter and Spring Registration Now Taking Place

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — Registration is now taking place at County College of Morris (CCM) for the Winter and Spring semesters and there is no better time than now to apply and enroll for classes at CCM. By registering early, students have the best chance of obtaining the classes that best fit their schedules. At CCM students can explore degree options and careers, all while graduating with little to no debt and more financial freedom.

Winterim classes are offered in an online condensed four-week format. These classes are a convenient way to earn some extra credit and stay on track to graduate. Two Winterim sessions are offered at CCM, a four-week session that begins Wednesday, December 22, and a two-week session that begins January 3.

The Spring Semester consists of seven different sessions, providing students with maximum flexibility to move forward with their higher education. The regular 15-week session begins Wednesday, January 19. Several mini-term sessions follow that date. You can find those dates by clicking here.

Along with a wide range of degree options, CCM also provides numerous non-credit certificate programs and professional development courses to fast-track a career. To view, those programs click here.

The first step for all new students who want to take credit courses, whether degree-seeking at CCM or visiting from another college, is to submit an online application by clicking here.

The Admissions office also can be reached at [email protected] or (973) 328-5100. Walk-ins also are welcomed. The Admissions office is located in the Student Community Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Once your application is completed, you will be notified by email on how to register for classes. Also, be sure to apply for Financial Aid to see if you might be able to attend college for free.

Winterim and Spring Semester class schedules are available online through Titans Direct by clicking here. Titans Direct is frequently updated and offers the most up-to-date course information.

Don’t delay. Get started today on becoming part of a nationally ranked community college committed to your success.

Vespucci’s Marketplace to Hold Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Vespucci's Marketplace is located at 90 Ridgedale Avenue

EAST HANOVER — Vespucci’s Marketplace held a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, October 16.

They are located at the same spot where Esposito’s market used to be.

Vespucci’s Marketplace is a local Italian market providing authentic Italian cuisine and top-quality meats.

“I’ve had some of the most delicious sandwiches of my life at Vespucci’s. It is the best food around”, said customer Michael Stanzilis who recently frequented Vespucci’s.

Vespucci’s Marketplace is located at 90 Ridgedale Avenue.  They have a breakfast, lunch, and catering menu you can access online by clicking here.

Owner Lorenzo Vespucci was born and raised in Newark. Lorenzo was a “true” grandma/mama’s boy. In the Magine and Vespucci household, food was a sign of unconditional LOVE and RESPECT!

At the very young age of 9, Lorenzo (aka Zino) showed a passion for food that would eventuality turn into the Corporate Cafe brand. Lorenzo has been proudly serving Morris County for nearly 38 years.

Holmes Library Garden Celebrates Grand Opening Celebration

By
Frank Cahill
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0
The grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Holmes Library Garden

BOONTON — The Holmes Library Garden celebrated a Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, November 5. The event was hosted by Boonton Main Street and The Boonton Holmes Public Library.

It’s official. The grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Holmes Library Garden
Ms. Laura Wagner, Former Executive Director, Boonton Main Street

Ms. Laura Wagner, Former Executive Director, Boonton Main Street, welcomed the dignitaries and the general public to the grand reopening.

Steve Kampschmidt, Interim Director, Boonton Main Street

Steve Kampschmidt, Interim Director, Boonton Main Street, delivered remarks and introduced Lotte Newlin, Director Boonton Holmes Public Library.

Lotte Newlin, Director Boonton Holmes Public Library

Newlin said “There’s so much to be thankful for today – fabulous fall weather, good company, and beautiful surroundings. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Boonton Holmes Public Library, I would like to thank Boonton Main Street, Inc. for making this amazing garden project possible, and to John Kohut and his incredibly hard-working landscapers for executing the project. Our lovely town now has a great outdoor gathering and performance space right here in historic downtown. I’m sure it will be used and loved by residents and visitors alike for many years to come.”

“As some of you may know or have noted, it’s not just the Holmes Garden which has undergone major improvements. This spring and summer we installed a new roof, replaced the floors in common areas, installed new (gorgeous, by the way) windows, and are in the process of completing the exterior restoration and painting. Several of these major restoration projects have received major funding from Morris County Historic Preservation Commission. The Library is deeply grateful for the Commission’s ongoing support over the years.”

She thanked Margaret Hickey of Connelly and Hickey Historical Architects for design, coordination, and inspiration for the restoration of our old “grande dame” of Boonton.

Town of Boonton Mayor Richard J. Corcoran III

Town of Boonton Mayor Richard J. Corcoran III said “This garden and outdoor community space will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come and is an invaluable asset to Boonton. I and the residents of Boonton look forward to enjoying many events here for years to come.”

This project is the largest project of the nearly $600,000 received through the Main Street NJ COVID-19 Relief Grant awarded to Boonton Main Street (BMS) in 2019.

“Thank you to BMS, whose work toward improvements to the town of Boonton has been tireless. Their revitalization efforts can be seen here in this garden but extend throughout Main Street with events, murals, a weekly farmers market, holiday light displays, and decorations, just to name a few. It is the involvement of BMS as a Main Street NJ community that made this project possible, and why I’ve chosen tonight’s event to share a special announcement,” said Corcoran.

The Town of Boonton has been selected to receive a Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) designation for the Boonton Main Street District from the NJ Department of Community Affairs.

This designation includes an initial $125,000 grant from the New Jersey DCA Neighborhood Preservation Program. Additionally, Boonton is anticipated to receive up to $125,000 a year for a total of five years to assist with economic and community development here on Main Street. In addition to the funding from DCA, the council has approved an annual contribution of $25,000 toward the Neighborhood Preservation Program. The council has made this investment understanding the importance of revitalizing our downtown, and we are thrilled by the projects that will be generated from this investment. BMS applied for this grant on behalf of the Town, and it is thanks to their efforts we celebrate this designation tonight. BMS has been a cornerstone organization in regeneration along Main Street, and The Town looks forward to continuing the partnership with BMS on these revitalization efforts. In addition to funding, this designation offers Boonton access to the State’s NPP Team of place-based revitalization experts. The focus will be on properties facing Main Street from Division Street to Hill Street. Boonton is among 20 new communities throughout New Jersey to receive this designation for 2022 and will join communities like Cape May, Millville, and Mount Holly in significant revitalization efforts. To assist with these revitalization efforts, the council recently approved a new position, Special Projects Coordinator, and appointed Laura Wagner, former Executive Director of BMS. Laura will be responsible for overseeing capital improvement projects associated with the revitalization of the historic downtown district such as the renovation of the Darress Theatre and executing the $1 million Transportation Alternatives Program Federal Grant awarded to Boonton. She will oversee Boonton’s Neighborhood Preservation Program as the NPP Coordinator, and work together with BMS to create visual and impactful change here on Main Street.

Corcoran ended by saying “Many wonderful things are happening here in Boonton, I’m excited for the future of this town and honored to be a part of the team revitalizing our beloved Boonton to become a regional cultural center of arts entertainment.”

The Kohut crew who assisted in executing the project
The Kohut crew who assisted in executing the project
The finished project of the Holmes Library Garden
The finished project of the Holmes Library Garden
Members of the Board of Directors Boonton Main Street
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