Friday, October 4, 2024
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Murphy Launches Year Two of Community College Opportunity Grant Program

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Governor Phil Murphy

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy visited Middlesex County College, alongside Speaker Craig Coughlin, Executive Director David Socolow of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), and Deputy Secretary Diana Gonzalez of the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), to encourage students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application for New Jersey DREAMers by September 15 in order to be eligible for a Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG).

To receive free tuition through CCOG starting in the fall 2019 semester, all students planning to attend a New Jersey county college must meet the September 15 deadline to complete either FAFSA or the Alternative Application for New Jersey DREAMers and respond to all financial aid questions from HESAA or the college they are attending. Students with adjusted gross incomes between $0 and $65,000 may qualify to attend any of New Jersey’s 18 county colleges tuition-free during the upcoming academic year. Qualifying county college students who enroll in at least six credits per semester during the fall of 2019 and/or the spring of 2020 will be eligible for Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) awards funded by the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Act signed by Governor Murphy.

CCOG scholarships will fill in remaining gaps to cover tuition and approved educational fees after accounting for all other grant and scholarship aid for which the students are eligible. Students who have already completed a financial aid application for academic year 2019-2020 will be considered automatically for CCOG eligibility.

Everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue his or her dreams whether you are a recent high school graduate or an older student changing your career, said Murphy. Our community colleges play a critical role in helping our students build the skill sets they need to meet the demands of a growing and diverse 21st-century economy. CCOG grants provides a pathway to success for both our students and our state as a whole.

“Touring Middlesex County college today was a great opportunity to highlight the efforts of our 2-year college institutions throughout the state,” said Speaker Coughlin. “New Jersey has some of the premier institutions of higher education in the country. We are preparing future generations to compete in an ever evolving workforce and achieve their career goals. Helping families and students decrease the potential for student debt after college is a priority.  Encouraging everyone to fill out a FAFSA Application is essential to keeping college costs down for New Jersey residents.”

Every New Jerseyan, regardless of life circumstances, should have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality credential that prepares them for life after college. Expanding the Community College Opportunity Grant brings our state one step closer to achieving this vision by enabling us to serve more of New Jersey’s community college students, said Secretary of Higher Education Zakiya Smith Ellis.

During my spring graduation tour of New Jersey’s colleges, I heard over and over from students for whom free tuition made it possible for them to afford college. I’m excited we are able to continue and expand this fantastic opportunity.

We are delighted to expand this vital program that will help more county college students succeed,said David Socolow, Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Because CCOG is designed as a last-dollar scholarship, participating students must first apply for all other federal, state, and institutional financial aid grants. As we approach the crucial September 15 application deadline, HESAA is working with county colleges across the state to reach students and help them complete the financial aid forms they need to qualify for free tuition and approved educational fees.

Over 300 Middlesex County College students participated in the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program in the spring 2019 semester, including many who would not have been able to attend if not for CCOG, said Mark McCormick, President of Middlesex County College. “I believe that CCOG is an investment in our students as they earn an associate degree or industry credential that leads to a career with family-supporting wages.”

For detailed information on program parameters and eligibility criteria click here.





Blue Foundry Bank Announces Donations in Excess of $70,000 to Local Charities

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Theresa O’Keefe (Senior Vice President, Blue Foundry Bank) hands Father Michael Kreder (Pastor, Church of Saint Mary) a check for $179,819.99 representing the total amount of donations the church has earned through the bank’s Community Alliance Program (CAP) since they enrolled in 2008

MORRIS COUNTY — Blue Foundry Bank, one of northern New Jersey’s largest community banks and providers of financial services for more than 80 years, announced a 2019 Q2 payout of $70,132 to 140 local, New Jersey organizations enrolled in its Community Alliance Program (CAP).

The philanthropic program offers individuals and businesses a cost-free way to give back to their favorite regional non-profits, simply by holding an account atBlue Foundry Bank and designating it to an enrolled CAP organization. The In the 13-year existence of this program, the innovative bank has awarded a remarkable $3.8 million.

“Hundreds of organizations have been able to continue their meaningful work thanks to donations they have received through our Community Alliance Program,” said Debra Cannariato, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Blue Foundry Bank. “Giving back to organizations our account holders feel passionate about has always been a hallmark of our CAP program and we will continue to champion our customers, and our core values, through this effort.

About Blue Foundry Bank: Founded as Boiling Springs Savings Bank in 1939 and headquartered in Rutherford, New Jersey, Blue Foundry Bank is a new kind of bank offering New Jersey full service, crafted banking. Its deposits are insured by the FDIC. With 17 branches throughout Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, Blue Foundry is one of the area’s largest savings banks designed specifically for its people, the movers and shakers. Reflecting its deep roots within New Jersey, and efforts to continue to move the community forward, the bank became Blue Foundry Bank on July 1, 2019.

To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (201) 939-5000.





Blue Foundry Bank Announces Donations in Excess of $70,000 to Local Charities

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Theresa O'Keefe (Senior Vice President, Blue Foundry Bank) hands Father Michael

PARSIPPANY — Blue Foundry Bank, one of northern New Jersey’s largest community banks and providers of financial services for more than 80 years, announced a 2019 Q2 payout of $70,132 to 140 local, New Jersey organizations enrolled in its Community Alliance Program (CAP).

The philanthropic program offers individuals and businesses a cost-free way to give back to their favorite regional non-profits, simply by holding an account atBlue Foundry Bank and designating it to an enrolled CAP organization. The In the 13-year existence of this program, the innovative bank has awarded a remarkable $3.8 million.

“Hundreds of organizations have been able to continue their meaningful work thanks to donations they have received through our Community Alliance Program,” said Debra Cannariato, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Blue Foundry Bank. “Giving back to organizations our account holders feel passionate about has always been a hallmark of our CAP program and we will continue to champion our customers, and our core values, through this effort.

About Blue Foundry Bank: Founded as Boiling Springs Savings Bank in 1939 and headquartered in Rutherford, New Jersey, Blue Foundry Bank is a new kind of bank offering New Jersey full service, crafted banking. Its deposits are insured by the FDIC. With 17 branches throughout Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, Blue Foundry is one of the area’s largest savings banks designed specifically for its people, the movers and shakers. Reflecting its deep roots within New Jersey, and efforts to continue to move the community forward, the bank became Blue Foundry Bank on July 1, 2019.

To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (201) 939-5000.





Nicholas Chaplin Receives Degree from Western New England University

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Nicholas J. Chaplin

PARSIPPANY — Nicholas Chaplin, of Florham Park, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Terrorism & Homeland Security Concentration from Western New England University during the May 18 commencement ceremonies.

Chaplin was among over 600 students who received degrees from 28 states. The top five fields of study were Mechanical Engineering, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Pharmacy Studies, and Psychology.

Celebrating its Centennial in the year 2019, Western New England University is a private, independent, coeducational institution. Located on an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England serves 3,974 students, including 2,629 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the School of Law.





Madison Car Show to be held on October 6

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Patrolman Joe DiRocco, John Kirwan, owner of Madison Tire & Auto Repair; 2019 Car Show Chairman, Peter Daniele; PBA President, CPL. Vincent Dellavalle

MADISON — The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and Madison P.B.A. #92 is hosting their 27th Annual Madison Car Show on Saturday, October 5. This popular event runs in conjunction with Madison’s Bottle Hill Day street festival. Madison Tire & Auto Repair, 285 Main Street is the events main sponsor.

The Madison Car Show is held in the parking lot of the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters at the corner of Kings Road and Prospect Street. The event site is a short walk from the Bottle Hill Day festivities, which are centered in Madison’s business district. 

One of the most prestigious automotive events in New Jersey, the Madison Car Show features many vehicles in several classes, including hot rods, trucks, customs, antiques, classics and street machines. There is no set price for fan admission, but donations are encouraged and generously accepted at the gate.

Peter Daniele, the proprietor of Rose City Collision, 291 Main Street, is the long-time chair of the Madison Car Show committee. Daniele is also a vice president of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, a independent, non-profit business league. 

“We have organized this car show for 27 years and we’re expecting several hundred car enthusiasts to enjoy the sparkle, shine and spectacle of dozens and dozens of unique automobiles and trucks right here in our hometown, the Rose City, for one day only,” said Daniele. “The site of the car show is located between the Madison’s Borough Hall and the Madison Public Safety Building on the corner of Prospect Street.”

“Along with attracting great cars and producing a very festive atmosphere the day of the event, the Madison Car Show showcases the businesses of our local automotive industry and helps to raise the prestige of the community,” said John Morris, co-owner of Stewart-Morris Awards, Gifts & Flags, of 71 Kings Road. Morris is also the president of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce.

Show participants are eligible to win awards and door prizes. The Best in Show award is sponsored by Pine Manor Associates, Painting & Wallcovering Specialists, 22 Drew Place. The grand door prize is a $500.00 Stop & Shop Gift Card donated by Stop & Shop, 133 Main Street.  All car show entrants are eligible to enter the drawing.
The Madison Car Show features eight top awards, twelve special awards, which include categories for engine, paint, type of vehicle and more plus “Top 50” awards for the best fifty entries. All awards are sponsored by the local businesses.

The Madison Car Show begins at 9:00 a.m. The awards ceremony starts at 3:00 p.m.  To be eligible for judging and prizes, all cars must arrive at the show no later than 11:00 a.m.

DJ Jimmy Givens aka “The Oldies Maven” will spin the music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. A volunteer cooking crew from the Madison Fire Department will provide refreshments. On-street parking is free in Madison.

The car show committee invites all car show enthusiasts to pre-register their vehicles by Friday, September 27 for the discounted fee of $15.00 and to guarantee participation. The day-of-registration is $20.00.

Registration forms may be obtained by calling Peter Daniele at (973) 377-4037. On the day of the show please call (973) 886-7849 with questions or concerns.





Community Hope receives $7,500 grant from  the Affinity Federal Credit Union

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MORRIS COUNTY — Community Hope has received a grant in the amount of $7,500 from Affinity Federal Credit Union.  The donation made by the Foundation will be used to fund shelter and critical services for veterans who served in various wartime periods and conflicts, many with complex medical and mental health histories including severe PTSD, multiple physical ailments, and struggling with substance use.

“Some of the veterans in our programs have been living on the streets or in shelters for many years with no access to healthcare and no mental health treatment services,” said Carmine V. Deo, Executive Director of Community Hope. “This grant will have a significant impact on veterans’ lives, ensuring they receive the counseling and therapy they need to overcome PTSD and other issues plaguing our former service men and women.”

This year alone, Community Hope estimates that through their veterans’ programs and services more than 1,000 veterans and family members will be saved from living on streets and overcrowded shelters.  In addition, each day 150 individuals are served in Community Hope’s mental health supportive housing and residential recovery programs.

Community Hope is a leading nonprofit organization serving veterans in need and at-risk veteran families in and around New Jersey.  Founded in 1985 by caring families of young adults whose lives were impacted by severe depression and other debilitating mental illnesses, Community Hope is on a mission to help veterans and their families overcome mental illness, addiction, homelessness and poverty by providing housing and support services. The Hope for Veterans umbrella of programs has saved more than 6,000 veterans and their family members. To learn more about Community Hope, click here  and follow us on Instagram: CommunityHope_NJ, Twitter @CommunityHopeNJ, and Facebook at facebook.com/CommunityHopeNJ.

The AFCU Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Affinity Federal Credit Union and its Community Connected. The Foundation is dedicated to helping vulnerable populations thrive towards  financial independence. The Foundation invests in local, grassroots organizations that support those in need, both through contributing grant dollars and connecting charities with skilled volunteers to elevate their mission.

With more than 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size. It is a member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information click here.





Winston is looking for a new home

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MORRIS COUNTY — Meet Winston, a six-year old Maltese! Winston’s nickname is Winnie the Pooh because he’s such a friendly dog!

He is very sweet and loving. Winnie loves belly rubs, long walks, and he already knows his basic commands! He is a laid-back gentleman who just wants to be in your company and cuddle on your lap, Winston needs to take daily medication for his liver but is totally fine taking it!

This happy guy does well with other dogs and cats. He would also be fine in a home with children above the age of ten.

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.





Rotary Invites Other Groups to join “Walkfest 2019”

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PARSIPPANY —  The Rotary Clubs in our area are planning their 24th annual walk-a-thon for charity, “WALKFEST 2019”, and are inviting other charitable and community programs to join them and share the profits.

The Walkfest will be held on Sunday, October 13, at Waterloo Village, 525 Waterloo Road, Stanhope. The event will be raising money to support ending hunger programs in New Jersey, and traditionally allows other non-profit groups to join the effort and keep 50% of the money they raise.

Any legitimate community or charitable program may participate.  Youth programs, sports teams, religious groups, booster clubs, Women’s Clubs and school clubs are some of the other outside groups that are welcome to join this effort.

Each group simply registers with the Rotary program, enlists pledges for their walkers, enjoys a one-hour stroll in a lovely park and then gets a check in the mail for their own program. At the same time they are aiding the work of Rotary Clubs in support of food pantry programs throughout New Jersey.

Corporate sponsors of this year’s event include Provident Bank, The Hanover Manor, Live the Lake NJ, Logan and Logan CPA, Blue Foundry Bank, Applebee’s Bar & Grill and Portofino’s Restaurant in Oak Ridge.

For further information or reservations, contact Margit Rahill, at (973) 361-2810 or by e-mail at rotarydg7470@gmail.com.

To learn more about Rotary in your community click here. To download a copy of their brochure click here.





Lowe’s of Hanover Opening Soon

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The new Lowe's is located at 230 East Hanover Avenue, in the new Cedar Village shopping plaza

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Lowe’s of Hanover will officially hold a grand opening celebration on Thursday, August 29.  The new Lowe’s is located at 230 East Hanover Avenue, in the new Cedar Village shopping plaza. The store will be offering special deals and giveaways.

The store will actually have a soft opening on Thursday, August 22.

The Lowe’s sign on East Hanover Avenue

The 117,753-square-foot Lowe’s is currently hiring staff to prepare for the soft opening. The store will be open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

According to RD Management, in a story published on MorrisFocus.com, the site also includes as a 7,150-square-foot proposed gas station and a 5,500-square-foot convenience store to the property. (Click here to read story). (Editor’s Note: Although on a newer concept plan, it shows only 10,710 square feet available, and no mention of the proposed gas station and 5,500-square-foot convenient store. As of the date this article was published their website indicates the space has no tenant. Calls to RD Management were not returned.)

RD Management one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate development and management organizations, and partner JMF Properties, a leading New Jersey development company specializing in transit-oriented projects, urban retail centers, and commercial office parks.

“Morris County continues to be a top-tier destination for shoppers and we have no doubt that Cedar Village will fit right in,” said Richard Birdoff, principal and president of RD Management. “In a great location, we expect Cedar Village and Lowe’s to garner immense traffic from the Hanover community and surrounding areas. JMF Properties is a long-term partner of ours on multiple projects and securing this anchor retailer enhances the developments taking place in the area.”

Cedar Village, a new commercial development, is located in the heart of Morris County in the Cedar Knolls section of Hanover on Hanover Avenue between Horse Hill Road/Martin Luther King Avenue and American Road, a heavily trafficked area with 26,406 cars passing daily. The property is situated in a high density, high-income trade area with close proximity to Interstate 287. Cedar Village is located just across from the Mennen Sports Arena, an all-season indoor arena with three ice rinks. A new full movement traffic signal will be installed as part of the development. Nearby establishments include IHOP, Mangiano Pizza Italian Restaurant and Catering, Walmart, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Old Navy, Ulta, Five Below, ShopRite, and an Acme with Sav-on Pharmacy.

“We are proud to welcome Lowe’s as the anchor tenant of this burgeoning new shopping destination we are creating in Hanover along with our partner, RD Management,” said Joseph M. Forgione, Founder and Principal of JMF Properties. “This is a high-income area with strong retail demand. We believe that Lowe’s will thrive in this location and Morris County consumers will benefit from the value it delivers to the local marketplace.”

Lowe’s is a Fortune 50 home improvement company serving more than 18 million customers per week and employs over 310,000 people in 2,390 stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During the 2017 fiscal year, the improvement store’s total sales hit $68.6 billion.

RD Management is currently building Waterview Marketplace in Parsippany, which will house Whole Foods, Homesense, The Paper Store, Ulta Beauty, DSW and other retailers.





Mickey Chopra selected “Chef of the Year Award”

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Mickey Chopra

BOONTON — Boonton restaurant owner, Mickey Chopra has been selected to be a Grand Royal Patron and bestowed with “Chef of the Year Award” 2019 at Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) India Day parade in New York City to be held on Sunday, August 18.

Parade starts at 12:00 Noon from 38th Street and Madison Avenue with the award ceremony following 2:30 p.m. at Cultural Stage on 24th Street.

There will be a lot of Indian cuisine from different regions and cultural programs. Please come  and show your “Support Our Troops and Salute our troops.

Chopra is the owner of I2I Indian Italian Fusion Restaurant located at 408 Main Street, Boonton. He is also the owner of Vinnie’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, 406 Main Street.





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