MORRIS COUNTY — Lincoln 1st Bank supports English-as-a-Second Language class at Oasis – A Haven for Women & Children in Paterson by donating a TV.

Oasis offers multiple adult education classes and other compassionate programs to change the lives of women and children by breaking the cycle of poverty.

Lincoln 1st Bank is located at 31 Boonton Turnpike, Lincoln Park; 223 Changebridge Road, Suite 6, Montville; and Mortgage Center is located at 193 Changebridge Road, Montville.

Lincoln 1st Bank is a member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

MORRIS COUNTY — The royal family of the guitar, The Romeros, perform at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 19, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $29-$59.

Over half a century after walking onto the world stage as the first classical guitar quartet, The Romeros continue to be a veritable institution in the world of classical music, dazzling countless audiences and winning the raves of reviewers worldwide.

Known to millions as “The Royal Family of the Guitar,” the Romeros were founded by the legendary Celedonio Romero with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel in 1958. The Quartet went through natural transformations, and today consists of the second (Celin & Pepe) and third generations (Lito & Celino). To have so many virtuosi of the same instrument in one family is unique in the world of musical performance, and in the realm of the classical guitar it is absolutely without precedent. The New York Times has said: “Collectively, they are the only classical guitar quartet of real stature in the world today; in fact, they virtually invented the format.”

In 1957, the family left Spain and immigrated to the United States, where three years later, “The Romeros” became the first guitar quartet while the boys were still in their teens. The Romero tradition of family and love for the guitar provided the fertile ground for the next generation of guitar virtuosos as Celino and Lito joined the quartet.

The Romeros have performed on multiple occasions at the White House and many other venerable institutions worldwide. In 1983, they appeared at the Vatican in a special concert for John Paul II, and in 1986, they gave a command performance for his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. In 2000, His Royal Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain knighted Celin, Pepe and Angel into the Order of “Isabel la Católica”.

With a 55-year plus history, The Romeros have built an enviable discography and their achievements have not gone unnoticed. In February of 2007, The Romeros were granted The Recording Academy’s President’s Merit Award from the GRAMMYs© in honor of their artistic achievements. Television fans have seen and heard The Romeros many times on such shows as The Tonight Show and The Today Show, PBS’s Evening at the Boston Pops, the KPBS/PBS biographical documentary Los Romeros: The Royal Family of the Guitar, other PBS specials and the NDR documentary film Los Romeros: Die Gitarren-Dynastie.

Perhaps The Romero’s most lasting legacy is the creation of an entirely new repertoire for guitar quartet, both as a chamber ensemble and as a concerto soloist. For 55 years, The Romeros have inspired distinguished composers to either write new works or arrange existing ones, including Joaquín Rodrigo, Federico Moreno Torroba, Morton Gould, Francisco de Madina and Lorenzo Palomo. As Rodrigo has said, “The Romeros have developed the technique of the guitar by making what is difficult to be easy. They are, without a doubt, the grand masters of the guitar.”

For more information about The Romeros, click here or click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Hit Men, starring musicians and singers who performed and recorded with Elton John, Cat Stevens, Journey, Jim Croce, Three Dog Night, The Rascals, The Turtles, Carly Simon and more, perform music from the 60s and 70s at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $39.00 to $59.00.

THE HIT MEN – a supergroup consisting of Lee Shapiro, Jimmy Ryan, Jeff Ganz, Russ Velazquez and Steve Murphy – either played, sang or performed on stage with one or more of these artists, creating or recreating live, some of the most memorable hits of the era, including “Who Loves You,” “Oh What a Night,” “You’re So Vain,” “The Loco-motion,” “Mony Mony,” “Joy to the World,” and many more, on which they used their musical alchemy to spin songs into gold and platinum.

Lee Shapiro is a producer, arranger, singer and musician who not only arranged some of the Four Seasons biggest hits as the Music Director of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, but also collaborated with artists ranging from Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando, and Tommy James.

Jimmy Ryan began his career in the 1960s as lead guitarist, singer and a songwriter for The Critters. He was Carly Simon’s music director for twenty-one years, and his guitar is heard on works by Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney and Elton John and many others.

Jeff Ganz is a bassist and singer who has worked with an eclectic array of artists including Blood Sweat & Tears, Johnny Winter, Cheap Trick, Lou Reed, Dr. John, Vanilla Fudge and jazz greats including Gerry Mulligan, Tito Puente and Larry Coryell.

Russ Velazquez is a singer, composer and arranger whose credits read like a musical Who’s Who. He has collaborated with everyone from Sting, The Ramones, and LL Cool J to Luther Vandross, Korn and Paula Abdul. He has earned four Emmy Award nominations for his songs on Sesame Street and his song “2BA Master” hit the top of the children’s music charts on Radio Disney.

Steve Murphy is a drummer, singer, who has toured with The Alan Parsons Project, Jack Bruce, Eric Burdon and the Animals, Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), Dave Mason, Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), The Turtles, Mickey Dolenz, Gary Puckett, Mitch Ryder and over a dozen more major artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

THE HIT MEN connect with audiences on a level rarely seen by today’s musical artists. From the classic songs we all know and love (such as “Oh What a Night” & “You’re So Vain”) to the backstage stories never told until today, a HIT MEN show is like no other, as they combine the music & the memories alongside exciting multimedia footage & visuals, evoking an unforgettable musical and visual experience. “We can say whatever we want about our legacy with complete legitimacy,” Lee Shapiro said. “We have an emotional connection with the audience that tribute bands and soundalike bands can’t have.

When we share our experiences and tell stories, we aren’t reciting a script. We were there. When we tell you how Warren Beatty got thrown out of Carly Simon’s dressing room at the Troubador in LA in 1971, we know it’s true because Jimmy Ryan was the one who did it!”

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2018-2019 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

MORRIS COUNTY —  Students from Parsippany, Boonton, Randolph, Morristown, Mendham, Succasunna, and Roxbury were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s February Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Percussionists — prior to the Thursday, March 14 performance by the Kodo Drummers of Japan.

The students were recognized for their achievements on stage prior to the concert and had the opportunity to meet the performers.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts. The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor. Students will be invited to perform at a year-end recital in June.

The 2018-2019 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

Music Students of the Month are:

Jack Liska
Grade 8, John Hill School; Boonton; Nominated by Yvonne Manca
Jack has been a part of the JHS band since 4th grade.  He is in the advanced band and has no trouble reading any rhythms.  He plays in the harmony band outside of school (which is the town band). Jack has taken private lessons outside of school because he has a passion for percussion. Jack is well rounded on all percussion instruments and can play any part at first sight. He truly is an asset to the band.

Ethan Chen
Grade 12, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian
Ethan Chen has been a dedicated member of our instrumental music program at PHS since his freshman year. He has participated in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pit Orchestra. Ethan also served as our Drumline Section Leader and Snare Captain for the Marching Band this past year. Since his freshman year, Ethan has always been determined to become a true multi-percussionist, and through countless hours of dedicated practice and training he has achieved that goal. He is a great role model to his peers and always leads by example. Ethan is someone we can always count on whenever help is needed and always carries himself with pride, honor, and spirit in everything he does. It is my great pleasure to recommend Ethan Chen for the Outstanding Percussionist Student of the Month award.

Dylan Curnow
Grade 10, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by Carmine Fusaro
Dylan Curnow is in the 10th grade at Randolph High School. Dylan has participated in the Randolph music program since the 4th grade starting with chorus, and joining band in 5th grade. Dylan chose percussion and has been with it ever since. In 7th grade, he joined the schools percussion ensemble and continues with it today. In the 9th grade, he joined the Randolph High Schools Marching Rams marching band. He started off in the front ensemble playing bells and vibes and in 10th grade moved up to the drumline playing Bass Drum 4.  Outside of school, Dylan participates in local groups. He helps his father at the local firehouse, Randolph Chemical Engine Co. 2 with Christmas Tree sales, cleanups, and renovations. Dylan also participated with the local cub scouts for 5 years. In school, he participated in the Model UN Club for 2 years, won 3rd place at the Stem Junior Solar Sprint, participated in sports including baseball, soccer, and track and field for multiple years, and won the schools citizenship award in 5th grade.

Colin Elgarten
Grade 12, West Morris Mendham High School; Mendham; Nominated by Timothy Beadle
Colin is the hardest-working student I have ever taught. He has transformed himself from the student who struggled the most as a freshman to the leader and most accomplished percussionist in our program. Whether he is working on jazz ensemble, concert band, pit orchestra, percussion ensemble, youth orchestra, or marching band music, you can find Colin in the band room doggedly working through tough licks and difficult passages. Colin has been a ubiquitous presence in the practice room for the past four years and this has given him unending credibility as a leader in the percussion section and band as a whole. He was the natural choice for drum captain in the marching band this year and is almost a co-teacher in the percussion section of our advanced wind ensemble. I cannot recommend Colin Elgarten enough for outstanding percussionist!

James Fourie
Grade 8, Mountain View School; Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter
In 5th grade, Jame Fourie started out as a trumpet player. He came in at every opportunity for extra help and to practice his instrument. He did very well and was my top trumpet of his grade. But he also longed to play the drums. I tried to discourage this as I had plenty enough percussionists, but James was persistent. He took up both instruments and I let him do both for a while hoping he would go back to the trumpet. But it was not to be. James really had it in his heart to play the percussion and there is not fighting the heart. I let him focus fully on his passion and I am glad I did. James has continued to improve as a percussionist. He has made unbelievable growth always challenging himself to get better and better. He asks for the difficult parts and challenges himself with mallet instruments for example, or the bass drum which the rest of the bucket solo drums rely on. James is a team player and works well with the other percussionists in our band; he shares his camaraderie and leadership as the drummers challenge each other to new heights. As a percussionist myself, I am inspired by James’ passion and drive for learning. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful musician and young man as my student.

Kent Hefele
Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by Michael Russo
I have known Kent for the last four years as his Band Director and I have enjoyed seeing him develop his skills as a musician at Morristown High School. He has been involved in many aspects of the Music Department and he has become a respected upperclassman to our younger members. Kent performs as a Percussionist in the Morristown HS Wind Ensemble and is a Section Leader in the Marching Band.  He has also been a Drummer for the Morristown HS “Spectrum” Jazz Ensemble.  Kent has also performed in a Side-By-Side Concert with the New Jersey Wind Symphony and represented Morristown HS in the Boys State Band sponsored by the American Legion.  Kent possesses great desire and works very hard to achieve his goals. He is a very talented young man in many areas. His natural enthusiasm combined with his preparedness for his ensemble rehearsals make him a student I am eager to challenge in my teaching.

Jamie Kim
Grade 7, Eisenhower Middle School; Succasunna; Nominated by Shannon Perrone
Jamie Kim is a talented young percussionist!  He works hard in band class, follows through with practice assignments, and has a positive outlook.  At Eisenhower Middle School, Jamie also auditioned and placed into both of our extracurricular ensembles- Jazz Band and Honors Band.  He’s willing to help out as needed throughout the section and plays an important role in our ensembles.

Nicholas Morris
Grade 10, Roxbury High School; Roxbury; Nominated by Jeffrey Conrad
Nicholas is an outstanding leader in our program despite only being a sophomore.  He auditioned successfully into the NJ Region 1 Symphonic Band on mallets and is an active member of both our marching bands, indoor percussion and is a frequent participant in our chamber music concerts.  Nicholas is not only a hard worker, but is also kind and funny.  He has earned the admiration and respect of his peers as well as our band staff.  He leads by example; always giving his best and always working to be prepared at the highest level.  He is a true asset to the Roxbury Band Program.

Daniel Pinyan
Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Carmine Fusaro
Dan has developed a passion for the variety of percussion instruments and a respect for the level of skill it takes to play all of them. He officially started playing percussion at the age of 11 in fifth grade on the snare drum. After continuing in the middle school with the marimba, timpani, bass drum, chimes and auxiliary percussion, he was nominated for the North Jersey Area Band for timpani. Dan had always enjoyed playing timpani because of the wide range of the drums and the occasional solo. He thought it was a great experience to play with so many other dedicated musicians and meet other fellow percussionists. Along with playing the timpani, Dan also played the marimba for the world premiere of the percussion ensemble piece “Octet for Percussion” composed by Matthew Blood.   He is a well-rounded scholar and an active member of his community.  He volunteers at his church as a vacation bible school counselor and is interested in many types of sports.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2018-2019 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

MORRIS COUNTY — When a pipe bursts, the air conditioning shuts down or a boiler breaks at the Morris County Correctional Facility, Warden Christopher Klein calls on two people whose vocabularies don’t include the word no.

The honor goes to Bureau of Corrections Sergeant Shawn Johnston and Civilian Employee Lugene Melchiorri. They received plaques, three extra days off, and allotted parking spots for the duration of this year.Now, Warden Klein also calls the pair 2018 Employees of the Year of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office’s Bureau of Corrections.

Warden Klein said he and bureau captains bestow the award every year on a sworn officer and a civilian employee who, simply stated, “Do a fantastic job.”

“There’s nobody else who knows this building like they do. Every nail, bolt and nut,” Warden Klein said.

Both Sergeant Johnston and Melchiorri work in the Support Services Division, which is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the 524-bed correctional facility that opened in May 2000. Both employees are available around-the-clock to perform or manage emergency repairs or maintenance and have been tackling for the past six months an overhaul of the 75 showers in the facility, Warden Klein said.

For security reasons, the correctional facility operates as a self-contained environment with most maintenance and repairs performed by in-house staff overseen by Sgt. Johnston. The challenges are growing as the facility ages, Warden Klein said.

“It makes me feel appreciated. It’s a real nice honor,” said Sgt. Johnston. He has worked at the Correctional Facility since 2005 and, besides managing maintenance of the facility and serving as its Fire Safety Director, is responsible for OSHA and Workers Compensation issues.

Sgt. Johnston even runs a snow plow around the parking lot in an emergency.

Melchiorri, a licensed plumber and heating/cooling technician, has worked for Morris County for 29 years and expects to retire in August. He worked five years at the antiquated former county jail before the modern correctional facility opened in 2000 in Morris Township.

“I love it here and enjoy all the people I work with,” Melchiorri said.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said the honor rewards two employees with extraordinary work ethics.

“I thank Sergeant Johnston and Mr. Melchiorri for their expertise and commitment to ensuring the Morris County Correctional Facility is kept in tremendous condition,” the Sheriff said.

Warden Klein said Melchiorri never hesitates to stay late or come into the facility when air conditioning, plumbing or heating falters, and that Sergeant Johnston is an officer whose skills and knowledge of the facility he relies on every day.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Morris County Freeholder and Republican candidate for Surrogate, Heather Darling, visited Employment Horizons in Cedar Knolls last week.

Employment Horizons, originally founded by a group of parents who wanted to expand work and personal growth opportunities for their children with disabilities employs adults with disabilities both on-site and in the community at locations across Morris County and beyond.

“It was a treat for me to meet Bobby, Sean, and many of the other employees working at Employment Horizons. Employment Horizons serves many citizens of Morris County by providing jobs, training, referrals and more. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to visit and learn about this resource.”