LOCAL

Central Jersey Daily Rundown, Sunday, Nov. 4

Brad Wadlow
Courier News and Home News Tribune
August (Gus) F. Manz, Jr. presenting Bonnie Blaszak with ISM-NJ’s Diamond Award.

10th annual Women and Leadership Conference held

ISM-NJ (NJ affiliate of Institute for Supply Management) held its 10th annual Women and Leadership Conference on Oct. 24 and 25 at The Palace in Somerset. Attendees listened to a variety of topics such as “Leaving Your Legacy,” “Digitization of Supply Chain,” “How to Sell Your Idea,” etc. Bonnie Blaszak, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. head of strategic sourcing received the Diamond Award for her leadership and mentoring of women in a supply management role.

Linden cops participate in "No Shave November" 

Linden Police Chief David Hart said the department has partnered with Linden PBA Local 42 and the Linden Police Superior Officers Association to participate in “No Shave November” and “Nails for November” to raise funds for the Valerie Fund, a New Jersey-based charity that provides comprehensive health care services for children with cancer and blood disorders. Officers who voluntarily make a charitable donation are allowed to grow out their mustaches, beards, or goatees and female officers will be allowed to paint their fingernails purple for the month of November. The public can participating by dropping off checks or money orders made payable to Linden PBA Local 42, re: Valerie Fund at the police desk, 301 N. Wood Ave., Linden  any time in November. A receipt will be given for each donation. Cash donations cannot be accepted. Learn more at www.thevaleriefund.org

JANUS/GPS Bereavement support group

On Nov. 6 JANUS/GPS Bereavement support group will feature, "Sleep Better, Wake Better" by Cleo Van Dyke, local integrative health coach who will highlight how getting the proper amount and quality of sleep will help functioning during the day, especially for those grieving a loss through death, divorce, loss of job, health or relocation. There is no fee for the 7:30 p.m. event at 1124 Route 202 South. Suite A2, Raritan Borough, but registration is requested by contacting group founder/facilitator at 908-218-9062 weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments are provided.

NJDOT authorizes record $23M bike, pedestrian projects

The New Jersey Department of Transportation has announced that a record $23 million in federal funds has been earmarked for local bicycle and pedestrian projects through Transportation Alternatives Program grants. The $23 million in grants represents the full allocation of funds available through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for TAP and Safe Routes to School programs. There were 18 projects totaling $18.6 million in TAP grants, including several regional projects, and 14 Safe Routes to School grants totaling $2.3 million. An additional $2.2 million was authorized for Safe Routes to School work administered by Transportation Management Associations (TMAs). The program funds the design and construction of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation; Community improvement activities, such as streetscaping and corridor landscaping; Construction of scenic turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas. A full list of eligible projects is available on the New Jersey Department of Transportation website.   

Local Bridges, Future Needs applications being accepted

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced the grant solicitation period for FY19 Local Bridges, Future Needs program is open with applications being accepted through January 11, 2019. Local Bridges, Future Needs (LBFN) is a $47.3 million program funded through the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), which provides funding for each of New Jersey’s 21 counties for the improvement of county bridges. Every county receives $1 million and the additional funding is allotted based on a formula taking into account the total bridge deck area in the county, and the amount of deck area in poor condition in the county. The grants help counties focus on bridges with the greatest structural deficiencies. Additional information is available at https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/

Animal Adaptations event on Nov. 8

Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge has scheduled a naturalist-led program Animal Adaptations 10:30 a.m. Nov. 8 to help children and adults learn how different animals adapt to their surroundings in order to survive. The fee is $6 per person. Pre-registration is required and may be done by calling 908-722-1200, ext. 5002. or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment. Registration is available online at www.somersetcountyparks.org  

Bishop James F. Checchio reviews and blesses the troops after the 2017 Blue Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The Phillipsburg Police Department will serve as the host agency of the Mass this year.

17th annual Blue Mass on Nov. 7

The Diocese of Metuchen will honor law enforcement at the 17th annual Blue Mass, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, 548 Main St., Metuchen with Bishop James F. Checchio presiding. Members of police departments from around the diocese, which includes Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, will assemble outside and proceed into the cathedral at 10:15 a.m. as the bishop reviews them. There will be an honor guard procession, pipes and drum music, and the singing of the national anthem. The service will include a remembrance of officers who died in the line of duty.

(Left to right) Past Rotary District Governor Dr. D. Michael Hart; Phil Richardson; President elect Liz Ensslin; Mary Ellen O' Boyle; Mayor Michelle W. Brindle; Joe Mindak; and Chris Beck.

Rotary Club proclamation issued

Westfield Mayor Shelly Brindle has issued a proclamation honoring the work of the Rotary Club of Westfield. The club recently raised $3,500 in grants, purchased and planted 25 trees on Dudley Court in Westfield. The grants were provided by The Westfield Foundation, Rotary International District 7510, and the Rotary Club Foundation. The Rotary Club of Westfield, founded in 1921, gives about $100,000 per year in college scholarships and $20,000 in community grant. The club meets the first three Tuesdays of the month for lunch at 12:15 on the second floor of the Westfield Y. 
For additional information contact Michael Hart drmhart@yahoo.com.

Ribbon cutting for the Simon Youth Academy, the first in the state of New Jersey, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall.

First Simon Youth Academy in the state opens

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has announced the opening of the Simon Youth Academy, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth, providing at-risk youth an opportunity to earn a high school diploma. The academy is a partnership between the Simon Youth Foundation, the Freeholder Board and the Union County Vocational-Technical School District. The academy in Elizabeth has a capacity of 20 seats, available for students between the ages of 16 and 21. The Simon Youth Foundation builds high schools called Simon Youth Academies, through which students who dropped out of their traditional high school receive the personalized support needed to earn their diplomas. Additional information about enrollment, eligibility criteria and curriculum can be obtained by contacting Simon Youth Academy Principal, Syreeta McClain, by phone at 908-956-1519 or by email at smcclain@ucvts.org.

Stormwater flooding and pollution bill advances

A state Assembly panel recently advanced legislation sponsored by Assembly members John McKeon (D-27th District) and Nancy Pinkin (D-18th District) that would allow municipalities and counties to create stormwater utilities and management policies to address excess rainwater that results in flooding and pollution problems. The bill (A-2964) permits municipalities, counties, and certain authorities to establish and operate stormwater utilities. Municipalities would be allowed to contract with private firms for the operation or improvement of stormwater utilities. The bill was approved by the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. It will now be given further consideration by the Assembly Speaker.

PNC Bank will present the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce’s 30th Annual Hunterdon County Business & Food Showcase on Thursday, Nov. 8.

30th annual Hunterdon Business Expo & Food Showcase

The 30th annual Hunterdon County Business & Food Showcase will be held 2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the newly renovated Nex Level Arena, Case Boulevard, Flemington. The free even, which is open to the public, will feature more than 100 businesses showcasing places in Hunterdon to shop, work and do business. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce will have a continuous, free shuttle service for convenient parking at J.P. Case Middle School. The food showcase, featuring local restaurants, will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, established in 1916, represents over 600 member organizations with over 15,000 employees. Additional information on the Chamber or the EXPO may be obtained at www.hunterdon-chamber.org or by calling 908-782-7115.

Volunteer advocates for sexual violence victims sought

The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking volunteer advocates to join its crisis response team after completing a training course in November and December. Training will be held during daytime business hours. The Rape Crisis Center is a volunteer program run by the Union County Department of Human Services, with offices at the County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The training covers sexual trauma, sexual harassment, cultural issues, date rape, and the legal and emotional issues that confront victims, among other topics. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, Union County residents, and have their own car. In addition to acting as advocates for victims, volunteers staff a 24-hour hotline, 908-233-RAPE (7273). To volunteer or for further information, call the Rape Crisis Center, 908-233-7273. 

ALDI to offer online ordering on Instacart 

ALDI is now offering online ordering of products via Instacart in New Jersey with delivery of fresh groceries, including organic produce, antibiotic-free meat and fresh seafood, in as little as an hour. Customers fill their virtual carts by visiting Instacart.com/aldi or downloading the Instacart app. To celebrate the nationwide partnership with Instacart, first-time Instacart customers in New Jersey can receive $10 off their first three ALDI orders of $35 or more with the code ALDIDELIVERY460.*

Musician to perform Nov. 7 at Flemington Library

Musician Macheis Wind will present a talk/concert performance 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Flemington Public Library, 118 Main St., Flemington. Wind, known for performing children's son, has recently been dedicated to bringing music as a healing vehicle into domestic violence safe houses, homeless shelters, teen shelters and women's prisons. Additional information is available at www.macheiswind.com or www.guitartree.org

Bill Schmedes

Forsgate golf instructor honored

Bill Schmedes III, director of instruction for the Forsgate Golf Academy and a member of the club’s teaching professional staff, has been recognized for the second consecutive year by Golf Digest as one of “The Best Young Teachers in America (2018-2019).” Prior to joining Forsgate last month, Schmedes was director of instruction at clubs in New Jersey and Florida, including working as a head golf coach for the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy. He has been recognized as one of the top golf coaches in the country. He has worked under some of the top golf instructors in the world and has assisted over 14 tour players on the PGA, LPGA, European, and Web.com Tour.

12,000 pounds of prescription drugs turned in 

A total of 12,749 pounds or 6.3 tons of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs in New Jersey were turned in Oct. 27 during the Drug Enforcement Administration's 16th national Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Nationally more than 900,000 pounds of prescription medicines were collected at 6,000 sites across the country. In New Jersey 181 police departments participated in the collection of the prescription drugs at 197 collection sites. Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#initiative-results . The DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2019.

READ: Central Jersey Daily Rundown, Saturday, Nov. 3

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