Red, white, pink, burgundy and assorted bi-colored poinsettias are available from the LHT annual sale. Photo by Brian Oleksak
MORRIS COUNTY — The Landscape and Horticultural Technology (LHT) Program at County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding its annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale in early December.
Red, white, pink, burgundy and assorted bi-colored poinsettia, both large and small, will be available in 4.5 inch to 7.5 inch pots, along with various hanging basket arrangements. Prices range from $3.00 to $16.00 and bundles are available for multiple purchases. Proceeds from the plant sale benefit the educational activities of the CCM Landscape Club.
The sale takes place Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the LHT greenhouses. The greenhouses are located near Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.
For more information, contact (973) 328-5363 or [email protected]. To learn more about the LHT degree and certificate programs at CCM click here.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Lakeland Hills YMCA CEO Dr. Vik Joganow, and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury, presented on how the heroin and opioid epidemic is affecting New Jersey residents.
The program was held at the Lakeland Hills YMCA in Mountain Lakes on November 19. Representatives from Morris County Sheriff’s Office’s Hope One, Saint Clare’s Behavioral Health and other substance abuse recovery providers were onsite providing information and education. About 30 audience members attended the presentation, including local high school students.
Prosecutor Knapp stressed that this epidemic does not escape any community, and insight imparted to attendees is intended to start community conversations in their households and upcoming Thanksgiving tables. The epidemic touches everyone, according to the Prosecutor.
Senator Bucco discussed the need for additional state funding to fight addiction and to secure more treatment facilities.
Sheriff Gannon discussed his Office’s Hope One program, a mobile recovery access vehicle which offers support for persons struggling with addiction, and medically-assisted treatment programs available at the Morris County Correctional Facility. Twice a week, Hope One travels to locations throughout Morris County with a Sheriff’s officer, a licensed clinician, and a peer recovery specialist to recovery services.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury noted that since 2014, at least 342 people in Morris County have lost their lives to heroin or prescription drug overdoses. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury discussed the Overdose Prevention Act and Drug Court program, criminal justice measures to treat and not just incarcerated individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders.
Kate Garrity provided the audience with a heartfelt, firsthand story of how the Epidemic has affected her life. She shared the tragic story of her son who passed away in 2016 from an overdose, as a way to both keep his memory alive and to help inform the community that it can happen to their children whether they believe it will or not.
Prosecutor Knapp said “The heroin and opioid epidemic continues to be a scourge on the citizens of New Jersey. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with other stakeholders, will continue to combat this epidemic through our various initiatives and our strong focus on educating the public.”
Paul Ho-Sing-Loy, 2020 Meadowlands March for Babies Chair, tours the NICU at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. Photo: March of Dimes
MORRIS COUNTY — Business and community leader Paul Ho-Sing-Loy, Chief Information Officer for Lakeland Bank, has been named Chair of the 2020 Meadowlands March for Babies.
Paul knows how important it is to fight for the health of all moms and babies. “As a father and grandfather, I can’t think of a more important cause,” he says. “When you March for Babies, you make a statement that you want to live in a world in which healthy moms and strong babies are a priority for us all.”
Recently, in recognition of Prematurity Awareness Month this November, Paul participated in a tour of the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Hackensack. He was joined by Greater NY/NJ Board of Trustees member, Eli Manning, members of his Executive Leadership Team, Josh and Brett Lurie of Wilmington Paper Corporation and other community leaders. Paul states, “There is no better way to fully understand the impact of premature birth then to see it first hand and meet the families affected.”
“When you participate in a March for Babies, you’re helping to tackle the biggest health threats facing moms and babies, such as those these families have experienced,” says JoAnn Bartoli, Associate Executive Director for March of Dimes. “We’re thrilled to have Paul serve as our local March for Babies chair. He shares our commitment to moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Moms and babies are facing higher risks than ever before. March for Babies is a day for everyone to help change that by coming together and participating nationwide.”
March of Dimes gives 4 million babies born each year the best possible start. Nearly half a million of them are born prematurely or with birth defects. Premature birth and its complications are the largest contributors to infant death in the U.S. and pregnancy-related death has more than doubled over the past 25 years.
Paul Ho-Sing-Loy is asking local businesses and community leaders to join him in support of March for Babies. “Near 200 babies are born prematurely each week in New Jersey and that is not acceptable,” He says. “March of Dimes empowers families with programs, knowledge and tools.”
Last year Meadowlands March for Babies raised more than $460,000 in North Jersey and Paul Ho-Sing-Loy wants to surpass that in 2020. He has made the commitment to surpass the event goal of $500,000. Every March for Babies participant can make a huge difference for families. Anyone interested in joining a walk near them or the virtual walk can register by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Rodney Frelinghuysen has endorsed Aura Dunn, his former aide, tor the state Assembly seat vacated by Anthony Bucco.
Frelinghuysen who left the political scene since his departure from Congress in January, sent a letter dated November 14 endorsing Dunn to replace Anthony M. Bucco in the District 25 seat.
Dunn is one of six candidates vying for the seat at a GOP convention Thursday, November 21 at County College of Morris. (Click here for related article).
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office received a staggering 398 suggestions of names for Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retriever puppies that were donated to the K-9 section.
Names that will carry them with dignity and fidelity throughout their careers as police dogs have been chosen for two endearing puppies donated to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Section.
10-week-old male Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever will answer to Odie, which was Officer Arthur J. Ohlsen’s nickname on the Dover police force.
One suggestion in particular stood out when the Sheriff’s Office solicited potential names for the 5-month-old female Belgian Malinois and 10-week-old male Labrador Retriever on its Facebook page.
From the submissions, two entrants suggested the dogs be named in memory of Dover Town Police Officer Arthur J. Ohlsen, III, and Mount Arlington Police Officer Joseph S. Wargo, who both died in the line of duty.
In honor of the two Officers, the Belgian Malinois has been named JoJo, after Officer Wargo. The Labrador Retriever will answer to Odie, which was Officer Ohlsen’s nickname on the police force.
“Officers Ohlsen and Wargo are still remembered and very much missed. Naming these beautiful dogs who are partnered with Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Detectives for them keeps their spirits alive within the law enforcement community,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
END OF WATCH FOR OFFICER OHLSEN: Tuesday, December 30, 2003.
Officer Ohlsen, an 18-year veteran of the Dover Police Department, was struck by a New Jersey Transit train under the Salem Street overpass in Dover as he directed fire apparatus to the scene of a blaze on the tracks and tried to ensure that people known to congregate by the tracks were not in danger.
END OF WATCH FOR OFFICER WARGO: Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Officer Wargo was struck in his patrol vehicle on Route 80 in Roxbury Township by a driver who admittedly was impaired on drugs. Despite efforts by police and emergency medical technicians to save him, Officer Wargo died. The driver pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and in 2013 was sentenced to 20 years in state prison.
Officer Ohlsen’s son, Trevor Ohlsen, is a Morris County Sheriff’s Officer. A second son, Arthur Ohlsen IV, is a former Morris County Sheriff’s Officer who now is a Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer.
“I think this is an amazing tribute to my father. Both my family and myself want to thank the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and everyone that voted for naming of the new K-9 puppies after him,” said Officer Trevor Ohlsen.
Officer Wargo’s widow, Amy Wargo, said she was deeply touched by the gesture and that she still has two pugs she shared with her husband before his death eight years ago.
“This is really special. It shows that Joe has not been forgotten. He would be over the moon about it,” said Amy Wargo.
Two people suggested during the Sheriff’s Office Facebook contest that the dogs be named after Officers Ohlsen and Wargo. They are now-retired Dover Police Officer Tim Thiel and resident Eric Budinger.
The hundreds of submissions showed a great sense of fun, wit, thoughtfulness, and even scholarship. There were some duplications – Lola and Titan were suggested more than a dozen times – and many people wanted the Retriever to grow up with a human name, like Walter, Sherman, Steve or Jack.
Prince and King also were favorites. Other submissions called upon mythology with the names Thor, Zeus, Artemis and Apollo. Other proposed monikers were a bit long: Captain McPuppyface Good Boy and Commander Floppy Eared Booper Nose.
Some suggested names associated with law enforcement: Justice, Badge, and Honor.
Both puppies made their first visit on November 6 to the Hodes Veterinary Group in Mine Hill Township to have their weight, eyes, teeth, fur and overall health checked.
The male Labrador weighed in at 13.1 pounds. His handler is Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9 Section Detective John Granato, who already has begun training the Labrador in explosives detection through odor recognition exercises.
Belgian Malinois has been named JoJo, after Officer Wargo
The Belgian Malinois weighed in at 36 pounds. She is handled by Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9 Section Detective Marc Adamsky, who will train her in search and rescue and accelerant detection.
The specialized training will take up to six months before certification occurs. But both dogs will likely not start their official working careers until they are a year old and more mature.
The Labrador was donated to the Sheriff’s Office by Walter Quense, founder and trainer of on POINT-K9 in Bernards Township. The Belgian Malinois was donated by Jeff Riccio, founder and trainer at Riptide K9 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Both donors have a professional relationship with K-9 Section Detective Corporal Michael McMahon. The donations will save Morris County about $12,000 that otherwise would have been spent on new dogs for the K9 Section.
The K9 Section, which provides services to all 39 municipalities in Morris County, responds to more than 1,000 calls annually that include patrols, searches for missing people, fires, narcotics investigations and sweeps of public areas, festivals, concerts and large gatherings for explosive devices.
FLORHAM PARK — The American Legion nationally has changed its membership rules, and American Legion Post 43 of Madison and Florham Park has followed suit — offering free first-time membership to qualified veterans, according to Robert Holtz, past Commander of both the local and Morris County American Legion, and Sergeant-at-Arms Joseph Noonan of Post 43, headquartered at 20 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park.
In July, Congress passed the bipartisan Legion Act, extending the recognized wartime era back to December 7, 1941. The Legion Act fills in the gaps of war eras and redefines the American Legion membership eligibility dates, beginning with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and continuing until it is determined the U.S. is no longer in a state of war.
Opening The Door
The legislation opens the door for hundreds of thousands of veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
The gaps in the war era were largely during the Cold War, a time when threats to U.S. national security were real, especially to the men and women serving in uniform. Overall, estimates show that about 1,600 U.S. service members were killed or wounded in hostile operations during periods that previously were not recognized as times of war by the federal government.
Holtz and Noonan said that, with any honorably discharged veteran who served from December 7, 1941 to the present time now eligible to join the American Legion, Post 43 is celebrating the expanded access to American Legion programs and services by offering free first-year membership to any new member.
For information about the new membership offer at American Legion Post 43, call Holtz and Noonan at Post 43 at (973) 377-7756, or write to American Legion Post 43, 20 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932.
Capital Craft celebrates ribbon cutting grand opening
EAST HANOVER — Capital Craft celebrated a Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening recently. East Hanover Council President Brian Brokaw, Sr. and Co-owner Erika Desimone holds the scissors before cutting the ribbon.
Browkaw was joined by Councilman Frank DeMaio, Jr., and members of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Capital Craft combines the warm, relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern with a menu to impress the palate. Our chef puts an eclectic, flavorful spin on what you’ve come to expect from a gastro pub. Offerings are freshly prepared, with superior ingredients like locally sourced meats, organic produce and artisan cheeses. Enjoy creative appetizers and small plates, chef-curated specialties, premium steaks and burgers, handcrafted coal-fired pizza and more.
Capital Craft offers the finest array of craft beers in the area, with 24 taps rotating daily. Choose from seasonal selections and exclusive labels hailing from the top brewers in New Jersey, the U.S., and around the globe. Don’t miss special events including tap takeovers, celebratory keg tappings, and gourmet beer dinners where you’ll have the opportunity to sample unique tastes and rare varieties. At Capital Craft, you can even selectively pair your own beer flights, making us the ultimate destination for beer lovers everywhere. For East Hanover Tap list, click here.
Capital Craft is located at 138 State Route 10, East Hanover. Click here for more information.
FLORHAM PARK — This year, the Florham Park Volunteer Fire Department will be collecting food items to donate to the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains. Those who wish to help needy families this season can drop off canned and non-perishable items at fire headquarters, at 315 Brooklake Road.
Donations will be accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. this Thursday November 21; this Friday November 22, and Monday, November 25.
Additional hours from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, November 25, will offer another opportunity to drop off donations.
One more scheduled pick-up is available to those who require it on November 25; call the FPFD office at (973) 377-3241 to schedule a pick-up.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco taking the oath of office during a session of the New Jersey Senate on October 24, 2019
MORRIS COUNTY — Six candidates submitted their names to be included in the special election to elect a successor to the Assembly seat vacated by Anthony Bucco in Legislative District 25.
The candidates are (alphabetical order): John Barbarula, Randolph; Alison Deeb, Morristown; Aura Dunn, Mendham Borough; Sarah Neibart, Mendham Township; Robert J. (“Bob”) Olejar, Randolph and Al Ribeiro, Bernardsville.
The convention will be held on Thursday, November 21 at The County College of Morris, Davidson Room, Student Community Center, Building 1.
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. and the Meeting Commences at 7:00 p.m.
Space is Limited. Only County Committee from Legislative District 25, Candidates for Vacant Assembly Seat, Elected Officials from Legislative District 25, Executive Board members from Morris and Somerset Republican Committees or people in possession of a pass from MCRC will be permitted. Photo Id’s will be required to vote.
In an email sent earlier this week to committee members, Morris County Republican Committee Chair Ronald DeFilippis temporarily stepped down on Friday, November 8.
Laura Marie Ali, publisher of TapInto Parsippany and former Chatham Township Committee member, will serve as acting chair. Bucco, who resides in Boonton, was named to fill the Senate seat that was occupied by his late father Anthony R. Bucco, who passed on September 16. He was sworn into the Senate on October 24, and resigned his Assembly seat, as was required by law, shortly before he was sworn in at the Statehouse.
The 25th district includes Boonton Town, Boonton Township, Chester Borough, Chester Township, Denville Township, Dover Town, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Mine Hill Township, Morris Township, Morristown, Mount Arlington Borough, Mountain Lakes Borough, Netcong Borough, Randolph Township, Rockaway Borough, Roxbury Township, Victory Gardens Borough, Washington Township and Wharton Borough; and Bernardsville in Somerset County.
Statement from John Barbarula, Randolph
John Barbarula
John Barbarula, a successful business owner and tenacious attorney. Assembly for district 25.
Why should you vote for me over anyone else? Because I am the one person who will work tirelessly, 24/7 for YOU, the taxpayers of this great state and constituents of District 25. I am a fighter. By profession and by character. I fight for what’s right and believe that what Governor Murphy and the current Trenton legislators are doing, is completely wrong. I am seeking this seat to fulfill my passion and commitment to public service. I am a third generation New Jersian and a 25 year resident of the 25th District. By profession, I am an attorney since 1977, owning his own office in Butter. I have been a Special County Counsel for 21 years. I’ve been married for 35 years to Joan (Carton) Barbarula and have two grown children, Melanie and Michael. I am the right person at the right time for this Assembly seat. I have for 40 years supported Republicans from mayors to senators in their campaigns and office because I believe New Jersey is best represented by Republicans and with the right effort, we can get our great state back on track to being financially solvent. We need to create a quality of life that is affordable for our families so that our children and grandchildren can make their life here and not move away.
Through my practice I have appeared before almost all of New Jersey’s boards, agencies and departments. I have worked with Democrats, Republicans and independent voters in numerous areas in my business.
When I go to Trenton I will look to making New Jersey livable again by taking the following steps:
●Conduct comprehensive reviews of the numerous agencies and departments, with an eye towards illation or merger
●Review rules and regulations for current relevance and duplications
●Introduce a 2.5% budget wide spending cut
●Cast ‘NO’ votes on all new proposed taxes
●Move to remove New Jersey from sanctuary status
●Support our President and his America First Agenda
Statement from Alison Deeb:
Alison Deeb
Alison is the strongest candidate because:
•She views her public service as a calling
•She is a moderate Republican and a fiscal conservative
•She is a committed environmentalist
•She is electable and has a proven record of bipartisan leadership
•She fundamentally believes in limited government, lower taxes and less spending
•Her one and only job will be in the State Assembly
•She will serve all citizens of the 25th district
Her Accomplishments
•Holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from George Washington University
•Has 25+ years of public and private sector professional experience; understands both business and government
•As a Councilwoman in the Town of Morristown, she ramrodded numerous projects for the Town in the past 12 years and will bring this energy and can-do attitude to Trenton
•Starting in 2014, she added Financial Trend Analysis to fiscal year budgets, allowing the Town to track financial trends
•Doubled the size of Foote’s Pond Park in Morristown and created the first pocket parkin Morristown in 50 years
•Spearheaded the off-leash dog park movement in Morris County and beyond
Statement from Aura Dunn, Mendham Borough
Aura Dunn
A Republican Willing to Fight for you in Trenton! Control Taxes & Spending; Safer Schools; Fairness in School Funding Formula; Fight the Opioid Epidemic
Professional Experience:
• U.S. House of Representatives — District Director and Domestic Policy Advisor, Veterans’ Affairs Committee
• U.S. Senate — Appropriations Committee Budget Analyst on Education Policy
• Vice President, Sesame Workshop, MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD, and Jumpstart for Young Children
• Community Liaison and Compliance Officer for Au Pair in America
• President, AKD Government Relations
• Master of Public Administration (MPA), the George Washington University
• Mediation Certificate, New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators
Community Service:
• Morris County Habitat for Humanity Board Member
• Morris County Mental Health Addictions Services Advisory Board
• Planning Board, Borough of Mendham
• Fresh Air Fund, Host Family (10 years)
• Jersey Battered Women’s Service Crisis Response Team (Mendham Police Department)
• Religious Education Teacher (9 years)
• Founder of “Boogey for Books” Library Fundraiser
• Mendham Public Community Access Television Board
• Former Delegate, County Council of Parent Teacher Associations
• Board Member, Alternative House for Abused and Homeless Children’s Refuge
Endorsements:
Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, LD 26
Mayor Mary Jane Canose,Bernardsville
Mayor Janet Hoven, Chester Borough
Mayor Marcia Asdal, Chester Township
Mayor Chris Glassner, Mendham Borough
Mayor Matt Murello, Washington Township
Mayor Sam Morris, Mine Hill
(June 2019) N.J. Hills Media Group: “Vote Aura Dunn for Assembly; her platform has all the right choices.”
Statement from Sarah Neibart, Mendham Township
Sarah Neibart
Sarah Neibart is a 26-year resident of Legislative District 25. Sarah has deep roots in this community, growing up in Morris Township and attending Morristown High School. Sarah moved to Mendham Township in 2016 where she currently serves as the Deputy Mayor. In this role, Sarah has focused on increasing shared services opportunities with neighboring municipalities and fighting property tax increases for all of her residents. Additionally, Sarah serves as a Board Member for Daytop NJ, Morris County Arts, and the Spring Street Community Development Corporation.
Sarah is leading the fight against the growing problems posed by excessive taxes. In 2017, Sarah founded Citizens for Accountable Taxation (CAT), an organization that seeks to educate New Jersey residents on our highest-in-the-nation property taxes and the negative impact that these taxes have on residents and businesses across the State. CAT’s current campaign is Fair Property Taxes for all New Jersey (click here). Sarah is also a Republican political and public affairs professional. She worked as Deputy Campaign Manager for Bob Hugin’s Campaign for the United State Senate. Before that, she served as the Statewide Political Director for Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadgano’s Campaign for Governor. In 2016, Sarah was the Campaign Manager for Scott Garrett for Congress and the National Ballot Access Director for the Chris Christie for President Campaign. In March 2018, Sarah entered public service when she was appointed to the Mendham Township Committee. In November 2018, Sarah was re-elected and was voted Deputy Mayor by her colleagues in January 2019. While on Township Committee, Sarah has served as the liaison to many committees. Sarah was integral in the formation of the Ad Hoc Shared Services Committee by leveraging her relationships with elected officials in neighboring towns.
During her time in elected office, Sarah has voted against every proposed tax increase and has been an avid fighter for ensuring affordability for our middle class families. Sarah has learned the hardships and red tape that municipalities and businesses statewide face under this liberal Democratic administration. With people of all ages fleeing New Jersey in record numbers, Sarah will be a steadfast voice against bad economic policies, outrageous overdevelopment of our communities, and will look to repair the school funding formula that contributes to our highest-in-the-nation property taxes. The Democrats are coming for this district in 2020 and Sarah understands how important it is to win. LD25 is located in the most expensive media market in the country and we need a candidate who is able to compete against the hundreds of thousands of dollars that the Democrats will pour into this district. Sarah has financially supported Republicans up and down the State for many years and is committed to doing whatever it takes to strengthen the Republican Party in LD25 and beyond. She has a vast fundraising network and is prepared to put her personal money into this race to retain this incredibly important seat. Now, more than ever, we need checks and balances against the Murphy Administration’s radical agenda that is crushing our families and ruining our communities. Sarah will be a steadfast voice against these irresponsible policies and will consistently fight for a better way.
Statement from Robert J. (“Bob”) Olejar, Randolph
Robert J. (“Bob”) Olejar
Self-employed lawyer and forensic accountant who has appeared in court as attorney of record at both plaintiffs and defense table, and on the witness stand as an expert in forensic accounting, resulting in a unique perspective on all sides of an issue.
Successful criminal defense in U.S. District Court and Circuit Court of Appeals as member of Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel of Defense Attorneys.
More than 20 years’ service as court-appointed Receiver and Forensic Accountant to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, General Equity, in Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic Counties.
Proven managerial skills gained from planning and supervising forensic accounting engagements for “Big Four” accounting firm, managing entities in receivership, including prosecuting and defending legal actions on their behalf.
Licenses and Certifications
▪ Attorney and Counsellor at Law (New Jersey and New York)
▪ Certified Public Accountant (New Jersey)
▪ Certified Fraud Examiner (International)
▪ Barrister (England and Wales) Education ▪ Seton Hall University School of Law
▪ Montclair State College Personal
▪ Residency:Lifelong resident of New Jersey
▪ Randolph Township resident since 1986 (Former Randolph Republican Club Member)
▪ Family:Wife: Linda, Attorney
▪ Daughter: Natasha, Randolph High School Class of 2010, Syracuse University 2014
▪ 1st Generation American: Both parents from former Czechoslovakia
Military and Other:
▪ A former U.S. Marine, supports the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, a charity which provides family aid and a $35K bond to each child of a fallen Marine or Federal law enforcement officer. (Since 1995, MCLEF has raised and distributed more than $78 million to 4177 recipients.) www.mc-lef.org
▪ New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, Editorial Board, six years
▪ Author: Six professional articles, three of which published in New Jersey
Statement from Al Ribeiro, Bernardsville
Al Ribeiro
Why I’m Running
Through my time in the private sector, I have earned a reputation as someone who brings people together to find solutions to challenging problems. Trenton continues to make it a challenge to live or work here with an unfavorable tax and economic climate. I have always led by example to make things better in my community. Therefore, I am seeking the 25th Assembly seat to find bold solutions to these and other challenges.
Top Policy Priorities ● Sensible, transparent government that balances budgets, reduces costs and lowers debt
● Lowering property and income taxes
● Growing economic opportunities for all; attracting people and businesses to New Jersey
About Me Both growing up in New Jersey, my wife and I settled in Bernardsville a few years ago. I have worked in the biopharma sector for over ten years, where the team I am part of has helped launch breakthrough cancer treatments, and we work tirelessly to ensure patients have access to these medicines.
Previously, I worked on GOP campaigns throughout the country, including on Senator McCain’s and Mayor Giuliani’s Presidential campaigns. I have an MBA from Georgetown University and B.A. from The College of New Jersey, and serve on Somerset County’s Open Space Advisory Committee
Sean Saraiva, Hanover Park High School student, receiving his official blue shirt. Alongside are Michele DePhillppes, teacher of the HIVE program, Rachel Romano, Transition Coordinator for the district and Joe Poulter, Job Coach
EAST HANOVER — The “H.I.V.E.,” Hanover’s Individual and Vocational Education Program, at Hanover Park High School is designed for students ages 18-21 who have been identified as having a need for an extended school program to help them transition into adult life.
The Employment Skills course promotes skills that lead to meaningful and sustainable employment in the community. Within Employment Skills, a major goal is to empower students to be successful and appropriate while at a work site. Work experiences greatly enrich the curriculum and enable students to prepare for adult and working life in a controlled environment.
Career exploration is designed for students to learn valuable employment skills such as interviewing, resume writing, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, job searching and other work related topics and tasks. Our students also receive life skills training in order to appropriately navigate the social and logistical aspects of employment.
Job sampling and structured learning experiences are initiatives for students to connect the classroom to careers, promoting student engagement in the world of work.
Working within the community allows to create relationships and connections with our student population, as well as community members by encouraging the work to become more meaningful because it is connected to the school experience.
We have been fortunate enough to work with local companies such as Broadway Elite, Pioneer Freight Systems, Walgreens, Little Duck Daycare, Sportscare, PG Chambers, Precision Sports Performance, Petco, The Greater Morristown YMCA, Applebees, The Hyatt House, Barnes and Noble, Harmony House, Cornerstone Adult Day Center, and Best Buy to name a few. One of our students recently received the honorable accomplishment of receiving his official “blue shirt” at a large Best Buy holiday rally. His hard work and training has helped him become an asset to the East Hanover store that continues to foster the training we provide alongside the company on a weekly basis.
Officer Ohlsen, an 18-year veteran of the Dover Police Department, was struck by a New Jersey Transit train under the Salem Street overpass in Dover as he directed fire apparatus to the scene of a blaze on the tracks and tried to ensure that people known to congregate by the tracks were not in danger.
Officer Wargo was struck in his patrol vehicle on Route 80 in Roxbury Township by a driver who admittedly was impaired on drugs. Despite efforts by police and emergency medical technicians to save him, Officer Wargo died. The driver pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and in 2013 was sentenced to 20 years in state prison.
FLORHAM PARK — The American Legion nationally has changed its membership rules, and American Legion Post 43 of Madison and Florham Park has followed suit — offering free first-time membership to qualified veterans, according to Robert Holtz, past Commander of both the local and Morris County American Legion, and Sergeant-at-Arms Joseph Noonan of Post 43, headquartered at 20 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park.
