MILLTOWN, NJ - It may not feel exactly like spring is in the air this week, but the season officially arrives on Tuesday, March 19. To celebrate, the Milltown Public Library is hosting Blossom Bingo on Monday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. Adults and families are welcome to stop by the public library to enjoy spring bingo along with snacks and refreshments. There will also be a kids' scavenger hunt. Registration is not required to attend.
]]>HELMETTA, NJ - The Helmetta Department of Public Works is looking to hire a seasonal support laborer. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Duties include landscaping, operation of equipment, heavy manual labor along with other public works related projects and duties. Interested applicants must be able to lift 80-pounds and have a valid NJ Driver's License with a clean record. Applicants will have to have a background check and a mandatory drug test prior to hiring. The hourly wage is $15.
Applications can be downloaded at the Helmetta Borough website. Completed applications can be emailed to Helmetta Borough Clerk Melissa Hallerman at m.hallerman@helmettaboro.com. Applications can also be mailed to Hallerman at 51 Main Street, Helmetta, NJ, 08828.
]]>
BORDENTOWN CITY, NJ — The United States Post Office in Bordentown will be dedicated to one of the town's most influential past residents during a ceremony being held this weekend.
The Post Office is being renamed for Clara Barton, who famously founded the American Red Cross and who also found the first free school in New Jersey, which was located in Bordentown.
The dedication ceremony is being held on Saturday, March 23 at 1PM at the Post Office, located at 14 Walnut Street. A portion of Walnut Street will be closed to ensure pedestrian safety.
The U.S. Senate passed legislation in December 2020 that renamed the Bordentown Post Office after Barton. H.R. 4988 was co-sponsored by every member of New Jersey's bipartisan delegation.
The event's timing is especially significant given March is both Women's History Month and Red Cross Month. The brief outdoor ceremony will feature Bordentown City Mayor Jennifer Sciortino and a Red Cross representative as speakers, as well as six former Clara Barton Elementary School students who will be sharing how Barton has inspired them. The Red Cross will be providing hot chocolate, coffee and snacks.
While most Americans associate Barton as the founder of the American Red Cross she is also an important figure in New Jersey history, having helped found the first free school in New Jersey, located on Crosswicks Street and Burlington Street. Barton’s efforts helped increase the number of children in school from six when the school was first established, to over 600 by the next year.
The Bordentown Historical Society is currently raising money to restore the school house.
Read More Local Bordentown, NJ News
MORE: Bordentown Post Office to be Renamed After Clara Barton
]]>NUTLEY, NJ - The Nutley Department of Public Safety is hosting a hiring workshop for the Nutley Police Department on Wednesday from 6 p.m to 7 p.m.
This is your opportunity to learn the process of becoming a Nutley Police Officer.
The workshop will be held at Nutley Public Safety Headquarters (the courthouse / police dept. firehouse) at 228 Chestnut St.
More details in the attached "flyer"
]]>
BORDENTOWN, NJ — Support Bordentown's Girl Scout Troop 20153 while providing your children some holiday fun at the same time this Easter through the "Egg My Yard" program.
"Egg My Yard" allows families who live anywhere within the Bordentown Regional School District (BRSD) and Chesterfield to wake up on Easter morning — Sunday, March 31 — to a yard full of plastic Easter eggs stuffed with candy.
Residents within the BRSD and Chesterfield can purchase a pre-set number of stuffed eggs, and the Girl Scouts will hide them in front yards the night before Easter (Saturday, March 30) with a note from the Easter Bunny. Kids can enjoy an Easter egg hunt in their own yards when they wake up on Sunday morning.
The "Egg My Yard" rates are 30 eggs for $25, 50 eggs for $35 and 75 eggs for $50.
The Girl Scouts are only able to "egg" a limited number of lawns, so book soon!
To book an egg hunt, fill out the Google Form found HERE.
All proceeds will benefit Bordentown's Girl Scout Troop 20153.
]]>RANDOLPH, NJ- Delivery of fine shredded wood mulch will be available to residents while quantities last. Each truckload contains approximately six to eight cubic yards of mulch. If you are interested in having this product delivered to your residence, fill out our Mulch Order Form and submit it to the Engineering Office.
Deliveries will be made every Thursday and Friday from March through October. There is a delivery charge of $100 that may be paid when scheduling delivery. As always, residents are welcome to pick up mulch free of charge at the Recycling Center on Sussex Turnpike. For more information, contact the Engineering Office at 973-989-7066.
Please Note that mulch is only available for pickup or delivery while quantities last.
]]>MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — With lots happening in Mount Laurel you may have missed some of TAPinto Mount Laurel's top stories this past week. Here is your chance to catch up on what you've missed before the week ahead begins!
LRHSD Students Attend Capitol Hill Day to Highlight Unified Sports Program: Students from the Lenape Regional High School District’s (LRHSD) Transition to Adult Program (TAP) recently had the opportunity to meet with New Jersey’s lawmakers in the nation’s capital to discuss how one of the District’s initiatives has positively impacted them. Students Veronica Applebaum and Ciylen Bowman, along with their teacher, Ms. Kate Maloney and Cherokee High School alumni Nicholas Ori and Riley Fitzpatrick traveled to Washington, D.C. on February 5 and 6 to attend the annual Capitol Hill Day on behalf of Special Olympics of New Jersey.
Mt. Laurel Woman Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Fatal Stabbing of Mother: A Mount Laurel woman has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison for stabbing and killing her mother in 2019 at their home in Mount Laurel, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced on Thursday. Marisa Rivera, 27, was convicted on January 12 of Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree). Under a sentence handed down on March 8 by the Hon. Terrence R. Cook., P.J.Cr., in Superior Court in Mount Holly, Rivera must serve the entire 30-year term before becoming eligible for parole.
One Word To Describe Lenape Girls Basketball: Champions: Some athletes or teams may brag about being champions without actually putting in the hard work and dedication needed to reach such a plateau. The Lenape High School girls basketball program truly knows what it means to be a champion and they proved it on the court throughout the course of the 2023-2024 season. The Indians earned the NJSIAA State Group 4 championship with a 43-28 victory over Morristown on March 9 in a contest held at Rutgers University.
Lenape H.S. Wins Burlington County Mock Trial Tournament: Months of preparation paid off for Lenape’s Mock Trial team, as the students were victorious in a recent county-wide tournament. Lenape’s Mock Trial team took home First Place at the Burlington County Mock Trial Tournament, which took place on February 22. Lenape defeated Rancocas Valley Regional High School, earning a 4-1 record for the season.
‘Painting with Police’ Provides Fun, Fellowship Among Mount Laurel Community: About three dozen Mount Laurel Township families channeled their inner Leonardo da Vinci and Salvador Dali inside the township’s Community Center last week as they participated in the Mount Laurel Township Police Department's "Painting with Police" program. The program has several other purposes besides painting, Mount Laurel Township Police Department Community Relations Officer Kyle Gardner told TAPinto Mount Laurel. “They are doing this and not … conducting destructive behavior,” he said. In addition, “the more they are around us, the more comfortable they become with police officers.”
Lenape High School Honors March Students, Employee of the Month: Lenape High School is celebrating its March Students and Employee of the Month. Each month, one student from each of the classes, as well as a school employee, is selected to receive the honor. March 2024's Students of the Month are 9th grader Keira Dromgoole, 10th grader Gavin Murphy, 11th grader Melanie Page and Senior Julia Buciorelli. March's Employee of the Month is Lis Lamon.
]]>BORDENTOWN, NJ — With lots happening in Bordentown Township and Bordentown City, you may have missed some of TAPinto Bordentown's top stories this past week. Here is your chance to catch up on what you've missed before the week ahead begins!
Heather Cheesman Sworn-In as Bordentown City Commissioner: The Bordentown City Board of Commissioners gained a new member on Monday night, as Heather Cheesman was appointed to fill a seat left vacated by former Commissioner Jim Lynch. She was given the oath of office by Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz. As part of her duties, she will also serve as the Director of Public Safety and Affairs, a role which was previously held by Lynch.
Bordentown Boy Scouts Learn Response Skills in River LINE Drill: The members of Bordentown’s Boy Scouts Troop 13 learned first-hand how first responders prepare for the worst in order to have the best outcome in the event of an emergency situation that impacts the state's railways. Recently, the Boy Scouts spent part of their Saturday participating in a mass casualty drill organized by the New Jersey Transit Police Department at the Cinnaminson Station on the River LINE. During the drill, which was designed to simulate a high-intensity emergency situation on NJ TRANSIT’s River LINE, the Boy Scouts pretended to be the victims of the staged transportation accident. The exercise aimed to test the response capabilities of local emergency services, including first responders, transit police, and medical personnel.
Register Now for Bordentown Regional Middle School’s Family Fun Color Run: The Bordentown Regional Middle School (BRMS) PTO will be hosting its annual family-fun Color Run and Ticket Auction next month. The Color Run and Ticket Auction will take place on Saturday, April 27 — rain or shine — at BRMS, located at 50 Dunns Mill Road, with check-in starting at 9AM and the run/walk beginning at 11AM. The Color Run is a 2-mile fun run or walk — go at your own pace! The Color Run fee is $25 per person. Participants who register by March 22 will receive an official 2024 Color Run t-shirt.
Bordentown Township, City, Fieldsboro to Get NJDEP Grants to Promote Recycling and Reduce Waste: Municipalities across New Jersey, including Bordentown Township, Bordentown City and Fieldsboro, will receive a portion of $16.2 million in grants to help reduce waste and promote recycling, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced this week. Towns that receive the grants must use it for recycling initiatives such as sponsoring household hazardous waste collection events, providing recycling receptacles in public places or maintaining leaf composting operations. Bordentown Township will be receiving $14,590 while Bordentown City will be getting $7,073. Fieldsboro will get $928.
Bordentown Sewerage Authority to Get $1.8M in Federal Funds for Upgrades, Modernization: The Bordentown Sewerage Authority will be receiving $1,803,000 for equipment upgrades under the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) has announced. The requested funding by the Bordentown Sewerage Authority will go towards improvements to modernize and repair existing treatment facilities at the Blacks Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, specifically the aerated grit chamber, plant drain pump station and the soda ash chemical feed system, according to Thomas Redwood, the Authority’s Executive Director.
Place Your Order: New Area Chick-Fil-A Location Opening: The brief wait is over for Chick-Fil-A customers who have been missing their favorite chicken sandwich, waffle fries and shakes, as the local eatery has announced it is reopening at its new location. After being closed briefly since February 24, Chick-Fil-A re-opened bright and early at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12 at their new located in Hamilton Marketplace at 500 Marketplace Boulevard.
]]>WARREN, NJ —Warren Township hosted its second annual Ramadan crescent lighting ceremony at the Warren pavilion on Friday, March 8.
Neighbors gathered to witness a celebration beginning the holy month, and also to show strength and unity. The Warren Middle School Chorus, led by Amy Jensen, performed “The Full Moon Rose Over Us.”
Ramadan begins the evening of Sunday, March 10 and ends Tuesday, April 9. According to Islamic belief, Ramadan marks the month when the holy book Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. The start of the month is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar month.
Ramadan is the 9th month in Islamic calendar / Hijri Calendar. The length of the Month varies between 29 and 30 days depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon which leads to the much awaited Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal. Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and during this holy month, Al-Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.). The word ‘Ramadan’ comes from the Arabic world ‘Ramad / Ramida’ which means scorching heat or drought. So the word Ramadan means abstinence from eating and/or drinking anything from dawn till dusk.
]]>JERSEY CITY, NJ-Jersey City officials have again officially marked March 31 as the Transgender Day Of Visibility.
The Jersey City Municipal Council unanimously approved (9-0) a resolution to commemorate the day of celebration at its March 6 Council Meeting.
2024 marks the 15th annual international Transgender Day of Visibility. In Jersey City, this marks the fourth time that the day has been recognized.
In 1999, trans U.S. Navy veteran Monica Helms designed the Transgender Pride flag as a symbol of trans diversity and trans rights and introduced the flag at a Phoenix Pride Parade in 2000. Nine years later, in 2009, Michigan activist Rachel Crandall founded the Transgender Day of Visibility to honor the achievements and contributions of trans people.
In addition to being seen and raising awareness, Transgender Day of Visibility is also about raising the awareness of the discrimination faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community in housing, employment, sports, and public accommodations among other activities of daily life.
According to the resolution, Jersey City strives to be an inclusive community in which our residents not only take pride in our diversity but also aim to provide safety, prosperity, equality, and hope for all who are a part of our great City. As such, the resolution was approved by the City Council unanimously. The resolution continues that the City “celebrates the lives of transgender individuals, recognizes their resilience and strength, and promotes inclusion, non-discrimination and advancement of gender equity and equality and civil rights for transgender community.”
In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, Jersey City will fly the Transgender Pride flag above City Hall on March 28. The City will also post about the day on social media platforms in recognition of the freedom and cultural diversity in Jersey City.
]]>BLOOMFIELD, NJ--Brookdale ShopRite prides itself on being Bloomfield’s “Supermarket with a Heart,” and its latest national recognition shows exactly why.
As part of ShopRite’s Partners in Caring campaign to end hunger in the communities they serve, the Brookdale store raised $11,600 over the past year to donate to local food pantries and charities. Of more than 300 locations from Connecticut to Maryland that participated in 2023, Brookdale ShopRite was one of the top performing stores.
For that achievement, two ShopRite associates – Devon Pray and Diana Alvarez – will be featured alongside associates from other locations on a limited-edition Cheerios box, which can be purchased at all ShopRite supermarkets.
This is the second year in a row that Brookdale ShopRite has received this honor, which, according to owner Neil Greenstein, is a testament to the entire team’s dedication to selflessly serving everyone who calls the Bloomfield area home.
Separately, in recognition of Brookdale’s 25th anniversary under its current ownership, General Mills and Wakefern Corporation (the corporate arm of ShopRite) donated $2,500 each to Montclair’s Human Needs Food Pantry and the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges.
]]>
MONTVILLE, NJ - The NJDEP has lifted the system-wide boil water advisory for Montville Township, effective Saturday, March 16.
Two days earlier, the Township issued a notification to all residents on asking them to boil their water until further notice because of a water main broken by a contractor installing water lines on Cheryl Road which caused widespread effects on the water system.
As such, on March 14 the NJDEP required a system-wide boil water advisory out of an abundance of caution.
]]>EDISON, NJ - Police advise residents to avoid Duclos Lane on Saturday due to ongoing roadwork, according to a recent nixle alert. Residents should plan an alternate route and follow all detours posted on the roadways.
Duclos Lane will be closed from Route 27 through Orange Street until further notice, according to the nixle alert. This part of the road will be closed for thru traffic only.
Duclos Lane is located between Route 27 and Woodbridge Avenue. Residents can access Vale Street and Duley Avenue, located off Duclos Lane between Route 27 and Orange Street.
]]>MONTVILLE, NJ – Township administrators have found themselves fielding many questions about the water boil advisory in effect for the township, so they released the following information to answer the questions they have received:
1.What parts of the water system are affected?
All parts of the Montville Township water system are affected, including Montville, Towaco and Pine Brook.
2. Why does this involve the whole town?
Montville Township has one water system. The severity of this break did have an impact on the entire system, therefore, the NJDEP required a system-wide notification.
3. If I have a well am I impacted?
No, you are not.
4. When will the Boil Water Advisory (BWA) be lifted?
Not until the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) allows the BWA to be lifted. Water samples have been collected and sent to the lab for testing. The results will be reviewed by the NJDEP. The earliest the BWA could be lifted is mid-day Saturday, March 16. All efforts to expedite the process will be utilized.
5. How will I know the water is safe?
There will be a Nixle alert and the message will be posted on our Township website and other social media.
6. Why is the NJDEP involved?
All water activities are overseen by the NJDEP. The BWA is a mandated procedure under certain events. The process for handing a water main break is strictly prescribed by the NJDEP.
Visit and read your exclusive Montville news at TAPinto Montville 24/7 for FREE: TAPintoMontville.net
Sign up to receive FREE TAPinto news in your email inbox: www.tapinto.net/enews
Follow TAPinto on X: @MontvilleTAP
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontvilleTAP/
Download the FREE TAPinto App! Click here for Android - Click here for iOS to get news as it is happening.
]]>BLOOMFIELD, NJ--Congested outfalls, clogged catch basins and brittle pipes; there’s little question that the state of Bloomfield’s stormwater drainage system is in dire need of updates and maintenance.
With climate change increasing the frequency of “100-year” rainstorms that cause intense flooding, Bloomfield officials have been urgently working to determine how to improve the flow of stormwater through town. A presentation made at Monday’s Township Council meeting may serve as a crucial first step.
As part of the town’s ongoing stormwater survey – launched in the wake of Tropical Storm Ida in September 2021 – a comprehensive map showing every piece of stormwater management infrastructure in Bloomfield was created by engineering firm Remington and Verdick (RVE), and shared with town officials. The digital map pinpoints everything from storm drains to culverts throughout the area, including neighboring towns, and describes their condition in great detail.
The hope is that this map will not only identify trouble spots for immediate repairs and maintenance, but also serve as a reference for town planners when considering future development in Bloomfield. With a noted lack of green space in town, decisions guided by this type of mapping could mean the difference between a dry basement and a completely waterlogged neighborhood.
“[With] the natural water cycle, it rains, the pervious grass typically soaks it into the ground, and it slowly makes its way back to a major water body before doing the cycle all over again,” said Hans Benford, an engineer from RVE. “As we’ve developed over the past 150 years, the “Over time we’ve paved over all these grassy areas, and made more and more impervious surface, and that’s what leads to flooding issues downstream.”
Remington and Vernick noted that some of Bloomfield’s stormwater system predates not only the recent developments and construction in town, but also significant state infrastructure projects like the Garden State Parkway, leading to issues near the Brookdale and Oak View neighborhoods during major storms.
In terms of next steps, much of the fixes will be up to town officials and engineers to coordinate. However, the mapping project will be integral to understanding what parts of town are at highest risk for severe flooding, and more importantly, why.
One issue that could be tackled immediately, according to Remington and Vernick, would be to address the 17 broken or clogged outfalls in Bloomfield, which represent 10 percent of the town’s stormwater management system.
]]>MILLTOWN, NJ - March Madness gets underway next week on the basketball court, but it's already happening at the Milltown Public Library. To get in on the action, stop by the West Church Street library to cast a vote in the March Book Madness Tournament. There are two brackets set; one for adult books and another for children's. Books with the most votes move through the brackets each week until there is an adult and a kids champ.
]]>MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — Hockey fans, get ready for a fun night out with your neighbors!
Mount Laurel Township will be hosting a “Mount Laurel Night” at a Philadelphia Flyers game next week, and tickets are still available for puchase.
Mount Laurel Night will be taking place on Tuesday, March 19 at the Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers will be facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the game scheduled for 7PM.
Tickets can be bought at various price points between $30 and $60.
To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE. No code is required. The deadline to buy tickets is March 19 at 5PM.
There is no code required. Please note the Township will not provide transportation for this event.
Wells Fargo Center is located at 3601 South Broad Street in Philadelphia.
Read More Local Mount Laurel, NJ News
MORE: Play Ball! Mount Laurel Night Set for May 21 at Citizens Bank Park
]]>PATERSON, NJ - The Paterson City Council honored Carmen Chalas, a cherished member of the community known for her outstanding contributions and dedication, on Tuesday.
Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on March 19, 1963, Chalas moved to Paterson where she was raised and educated. She attended School 2 for elementary education and proudly graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1982. Following her passion for technology, she pursued studies at a business school, specializing in Microsoft technology.
In 1982, Chalas married Jimmy Chalas, and together they raised two children, Vickiana and Jimmy Jr.
In 2014, driven by her thirst for knowledge and personal growth, Chalas embarked on a journey to complete her college education. She enrolled at Pillar College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and counseling. Additionally, Chalas obtained a Professional Life Coach Certificate, further enhancing her ability to positively impact lives.
Throughout her life, Chalas has been deeply involved in various community and church activities. She served as a Deacon for 12 years and dedicated her time as a children's church teacher. Chalas' leadership extended to the Food Pantry, where she played a pivotal role in serving those in need. For a decade, she led the Women's Ministry, leaving a lasting impact on countless individuals.
"Carmen has been an invaluable member of our school community for many years, and her retirement will be deeply felt," Councilwoman-at-Large Dr. Lilisa Mimms said. "Her dedication, warm spirit, and peaceful presence have made a significant impact on our school. We are grateful for her tireless efforts and the positive influence she has had on our students and staff. Her long tenure has been a testament to her commitment to our school, and we will miss her dearly."
Chalas' commitment to spiritual growth led her to earn a certificate from the New Beginnings Bible Institute, enriching her understanding of faith and ministry.
Professionally, Chalas' career spanned over 25 years of service with the Paterson School District. Beginning in 1998, she worked tirelessly, demonstrating unwavering dedication in various roles within the district. Prior to her tenure in education, Chalas spent 13 years at Kearfott Corporation in the traffic department as a clerk, showcasing her versatility and work ethic. Additionally, she contributed her skills to US Customs, further solidifying her reputation as a diligent and capable professional.
]]>