North Plainfield/Green Brook/Watchung, NJ Education Section

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By LINDSEY KELLEHER

May 31, 2020

Duck legs confit. Waygu burgers. Anduille sausage. These items from meat supplier D’Artagnan typically would be headed to restaurants, but due to COVID-19 much of it is on its way to homes, instead.

“We got into this because the restaurants disappeared,” said D’Artagnan President Andy Wertheim. “This is a question of finding another way to get the product into ...

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New Jersey Date Night is a series on NJ Flavor by relationship writer Craig Rogers.

Before you know it, our date nights can actually happen at a table in a restaurant! As New Jersey begins to slowly emerge from stay-at-home rules, couples are itching to get our and experience something hot. How about something sizzling found in a basket, on a plate or inside a bucket?

When it comes to ...

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As people avoid going into grocery stores during the coronavirus pandemic, many in New Jersey are turning to CSAs as an alternate source for fresh food.

CSAs, or community supported agriculture programs, connect local farmers with consumers. They typically provide locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs. Some also offer other kinds of locally produced foods, such as eggs, cheese, ...

TAPinto Red Bank Editor Shares Story of Virtual Art Auction to Benefit Neighbors in Need

By SANDY SCRAGG

June 5, 2020

RED BANK, NJ -- Scott Wingerter, Editor of TAPinto Red Bank, joined Host Stephanie Willoughby to share a story from his community about a local nonprofit organization who held an online art auction to raise money to feed the needy.

Lunch Break is a Red Bank organization founded in 1983 to help underemployed people make ends meet, said Wingerter, but it has evolved into much more.

TAPinto Camden Editor Talks about Peaceful Protest for George Floyd that brought City into National Spotlight

CAMDEN, NJ -- Steven Rodas, Editor of TAPinto Camden, spoke with Stephanie Willoughby about the recent protest held here in solidarity with George Floyd that has put the city in the national spotlight for both its peaceful nature and police participation.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Camden on Saturday, May 30, but what made this protest stand out from the thousands of other ...

Clinton NJ Vegan Café Pays it Forward by Preparing Meals for the Community & Essential Workers

CLINTON, NJ -- Tara Stone, Owner of Grounded for Life Cafe, recently appeared on TAPintoTV’s Sunday morning show on News 12 Plus, where she spoke to Host Stephanie Willoughby about her experiences as a small business owner navigating the pandemic.

Stone described Grounded for Life as a plant-based restaurant “borne from a need to bring healthy and compassionate food, ...

Rutherford, NJ Bakery Brings Smiles and Support to their Community During the Pandemic

RUTHERFORD, NJ -- Stephanie Willoughby spoke with Renee Faris, Chef & Owner of Erie Coffee Shop & Bakery, about her small business in town and how life and work has changed for her during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the coronavirus outbreak began to take hold in New Jersey, at first Faris set limits as to how many people could be in the bakery, but eventually wound up closing altogether ...

Berkeley Heights Restaurant Creates Mobile Market to Serve their Community During the Pandemic

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ -- Host Stephanie Willoughby caught up with Ralph Acquaviva, Owner of Delicious Heights, a restaurant/bar/takeout establishment, to see how he has managed his business during the COVID-19 pandemic and learn about the initiatives he has established to continue meeting his customers’ needs.

“My dream was always to open up a restaurant,” said Acquaviva.

SpaceX Launches New Era of Manned Space Flight at Kennedy Space Center in Florida

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA -- Today, SpaceX launched a manned flight into space from Kennedy Space Center. To commemorate the event, we take a look back at our post from last year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing, which originated, like today's flight, from Kennedy Space Center. The center just reopened its doors to the public on May 28, 2020.

In ...

Statement from Morris Township Police Chief Regarding Last Night Procession and Vigil

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By MORRIS TOWNSHIP POLICE CHIEF

June 1, 2020

Community members,

Last night, there was a vehicle procession and vigil organized by Black Lives Matter Morristown and Wind of Spirits in regards to the horrific death of George Floyd. The event began in Morristown and continued at the Morris Township Municipal Building and Police Department. I am extremely impressed by the leadership of the event coordinators. The event was meaningful, ...

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Message from the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey

The images of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis are deeply disturbing. Mr. Floyd’s death is being investigated not only by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in Minneapolis, but by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights division, as it should be.

As ...

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Dear Editor:

In my decades as an educator and school administrator, I’m hard pressed to find a situation as challenging as what we face related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last few months have been painful on many levels, from the heartbreaking loss of life to the millions who have suffered emotional and economic loss. It’s been a harrowing time for everyone.

For our students, ...

Long Beach Island Region Opens Summer with New Way to Get The Information You Need

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By LORI PEPENELLA

May 27, 2020

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. — With restrictions from COVID19 beginning to lift, the need for safe travel planning can be easily met online with Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce members newly launched, high performance, tourism related website. In time for summer, this dynamic site brings local knowledge directly to travelers coming from near or far. The Southern Ocean County ...

I photographed a George Floyd protest in Newark. This is what I Witnessed.

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By DANIEL HAN

June 2, 2020

Daniel Han is a freelance journalist, Westfield High School Graduate of 2019 and freshman studying journalism at Rutgers University.

I entered Newark, N.J. on Saturday with shatter-proof goggles, a helmet and camera. As a freelance photographer, I wanted to capture the historic moment of the George Floyd protests, but was also nervous. Footage of Minneapolis, New York and Philadelphia ...

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A recent poll on Twitter found that 44% of respondents would take a 10% pay cut in order to work from home permanently. That is interesting, but as interesting, is the fact that 56% said they would not. These statistics line up nicely with the suggested introvert/extrovert divide.

Are introverts really more suited to remote work? With my small Instagram following, I asked that very question.

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As a vascular neurologist, I’m concerned that people’s fear of catching COVID-19 is stopping them from seeking health care, even those who may be gravely ill. Having a stroke is a major emergency that requires immediate medical intervention, yet people with symptoms erroneously believe the risk of coronavirus infection is a greater threat.

I assure you it is not.

Anyone who ...

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At-home fitness equipment is extremely important right now, especially because we are so sedentary; and even more so now because of COVID-19. The number of products out there can make your head spin. Here's my top ten list that can help you stay fit; focusing on cardio, strength, toning, and flexibility.

Check out these affordable recommendations that will ensure that ...

159 million Economic Impact Payments processed; Low-income people and others who aren’t required to file tax returns can quickly register for payment with IRS Non-Filers tool

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By IR-2020-111 SUBMITTED BY FILOMENA MEALY

June 4, 2020

WASHINGTON – With 159 million Economic Impact Payments processed, the Internal Revenue Service reminds many low-income Americans who don’t usually file tax returns to register for a payment by Oct. 15.

Millions of low-income people and others who aren’t required to file a tax return may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and can easily register for a ...

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WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded people who live and work abroad that they have until Wednesday, July 15, 2020, to file their 2019 federal income tax return and pay any tax due. The usual deadline is June 15.

The additional time was included in a wide range of Coronavirus-related relief announced in early April. The postponement generally applies to all taxpayers ...

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As Economic Impact Payments continue to be successfully delivered, the Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that some payments are being sent by prepaid debit card. The debit cards arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.”

Nearly 4 million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of paper check.

Long Beach Island Region Opens Summer with New Way to Get The Information You Need

By LORI PEPENELLA

May 27, 2020

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BELMAR, NJ — A swell of people, stretching blocks along Belmar's boardwalk, turned out to buy seasonal beach badges on the first day of sales at Taylor Pavilion.

Advance badge sales will continue daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days of week, as beaches will officially open on Memorial Day weekend — under capacity and social distancing restrictions that will be ...

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NEW JERSEY — While referencing “Jersey Girl” — in which Bruce Springsteen ruminates over everything being alright at the shore — Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday that all public and private beaches in the state will re-open in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Starting May 22, more than 120 miles of beaches in the state of 9 million, as well as lakefronts, ...

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TRENTON, NJ - Governor Phil Murphy is in the process of his daily COVID-19 press conference. For beach communities along the New Jersey shore, beaches and boardwalks will be open with some restrictions as of Friday, May 22.

Beaches will still be open to the public with limited capacity. This means restrictions on beach badges and requirements as far as social distancing ...

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OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – People north of the Driscoll Bridge look to Memorial Day to begin their trek “go down the shore.” For Ocean County residents, a visit to the sand and surf is more commonly referred to as hitting the beach. With just two weeks away, it is important to know about beach badges and the like.

In Southern Ocean County, Long Beach Island offers an assortment ...

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TRENTON, NJ - Nature calls, but you might want to be careful how you answer it...

In this afternoon's daily COVID-19 briefing, Col. Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police commented about the, "inordinate" amount of human waste generated at parks statewide following the reopening of public spaces across the Garden State.

While parks have been given the greenlight ...

Atlantic Health System Leads Phase 1 Study on CPI-613® (Devimistat), First-in-Class Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer to be Presented at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2020

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By ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM

Atlantic Health System Cancer Care’s Angela Alistar, MD, medical director of GI medical oncology at Morristown Medical Center and medical director of the Phase 1 Breakthrough Treatment Center, is lead author of a phase 1 study of CPI-613® (devimistat), a unique first-in-class treatment for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with two chemotherapy drugs. Dr.

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By TAPINTO STAFF

June 5, 2020

FRANKLIN, NJ - Two 19-year-olds have been arrested and face murder and weapons charges in the death of Dominic J. Frederick, 25, Winston Drive, who was found shot in his vehicle after it crashed into a residence on Foxwood Drive on May 25, 2019.

The year-long investigation led to the arrest of Trey Hyman, of King Road, Somerset, and Gavin Owens-Jones, 19 of Peoples Line Road, Somerset both of ...

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BRIDGEWATER, NJ – One dozen local Somerset Patriots players and a few who'd like to join the team gathered at TD Bank Ballpark on a hot and humid Thursday for the first workout of 2020, an opportunity provided by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order on May 26th allowing professional sports franchises to resume practices,

“Right now it is all about doing it the ...

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WARREN, NJ - Warren will be ready for outdoor dining, yoga, and martial arts when Gov. Murphy' s Executive Order #150 goes into effect.

At a Special Township Committee Meeting held on June 3, the Warren Township Committee introduced Ordinance 20-19, which amends the Zoning Ordinance to allow outdoor dining and outdoor commerce consistent with Governor Murphy’s Executive ...

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HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - Dr. Lisa M. Antunes, superintendent of schools, and Karen A. Bingert, principal of Hillsborough High School,circulated a letter to members of the school community yesterday in response to complaints about "racist, homophobic and profane" online posts from several Hillsborough High School students.

An investigation is underway.

May 30, 2020

Dear HTPS ...

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SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Somerset County Department of Health reported Sunday that 4,030 residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus since the pandemic hit locally in March, with the death toll increasing by one overnight to 418.

The US Centers for Disease Control this morning reported 103,153 COVID-19 deaths in the United States, with a total of 1,756,170 cases. Worldwide, ...

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SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Somerset County Department of Health reported Saturday that 4,017 residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus since the pandemic hit locally in March, with the death toll increasing by 6 overnight to 417.

The US Centers for Disease Control this morning reported 102,323 COVID-19 deaths in the United States, with a total of 1,735,971 cases. Worldwide, ...

Rules of Engagement

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By JOHN CHRISTMANN

The unofficial start to summer has begun and people are emerging gingerly from their Covid-free lairs like bears from hibernation. And after months living in quarantine without pants or haircuts, the question on all of our minds as we contemplate going out in public is, how is this supposed to work?

Here are some useful etiquette tips to help you open up this summer.

There seems to be so ...

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By CATHLEEN LEWIS

There are both too many things to say and nothing to say. I am horrified and yet unsurprised, I am heartbroken for my friends who fear for their children, who have to have “the talk” with their young sons. I am longing for a leader who will work to weave the country back together rather than rip us apart.

I am heartbroken by the violence that has erupted and by the predatory ...

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By JENNIFER POPPER

June 5, 2020

PLAINFIELD, NJ — The Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition will hold a peaceful march and rally Saturday, June 6, starting at Library Park. The event is in response to the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police, and racial injustice.

Norman Deen Muhammad, a member of the PAVC and one of the organizers of the march, told TAPinto Plainfield that "the horrendous killing ...

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SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- Austin Holman is the coach of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School football team. He sent this letters to his players, coaches, parents and supporters. With Coach Holman's permission, TAPintoSPF has reprinted his thoughtful and moving letter.

Dear Raider Family:

I write this to you as the leader of the football community in the district of Scotch ...

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SUMMIT, NJ - More than 1,500 peaceful, concerned citizens from Hilltop City and surrounding towns gathered Tuesday afternoon at Summit's Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School (LCJSMS) to show their support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and, in the process, set a high bar for respectful, organized ...

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CAMDEN, NJ — A police lieutenant shouted, “No justice!”

And hundreds responded, "No peace!"

Protests against police brutality have unfolded across the nation over the weekend following the death of George Floyd.

Perhaps nowhere as uniquely as in Camden, where officers and the police chief on Saturday stood hand in hand ...

Farmers Against Hunger: More Heroes in the Pandemic

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Farmers are a demographic that many may not have thought of as being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But New Jersey-centered organization Farmers Against Hunger has been helping local farmers as well as people in need during this difficult time. Since the pandemic started ten weeks ago, Farmers Against Hunger has donated 300,000 pounds of fruit, vegetables, dairy, and ...

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NEWARK, NJ — Standing before the unfinished Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal One redevelopment site, Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, detailed the drastic losses the government agency suffered as a result of the coronavirus.

With a 97% drop in passenger volume at Newark airport alone (the difference between ...