Census is hiring for 2010 count

by Independent Press

Wednesday January 07, 2009, 11:03 AM

AREA -- The U.S. Census Bureau is looking to hire thousands of NJ residents for the 2010 census.

Jobs can last several weeks, or up to one to two years. Right now, Census 2010 is looking for New Jersey field staff in Essex, Morris, Union and other counties.

To schedule a test in the NJ area, call the Census Bureau Recruiting line at 646-233-2402.

In the Towns the week of Jan.7, 2009

by Independent Press

Wednesday January 07, 2009, 10:49 AM

DivorceCare workshops begin

NEW PROVIDENCE -- The Presbyterian Church at New Providence, 1307 Springfield Ave., offers workshops for those in the process of divorce. These are free to the public.

The church's DivorceCare workshops are underway, 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays through February. These workshops begin with video presentations on such topics as, What's Happening to Me?; Facing Your Loneliness; Facing Your Anger; and Moving On.

Group discussion follows each video presentation. Those who wish to share their experiences are welcome to do so; however, others may be more comfortable just listening.

Workshop organizers note that attending a workshop such as this is a courageous first step for many. Attend as few or as many sessions as your schedule permits. To register for DivorceCare, call the church office at 908-665-0050.

Continue reading "In the Towns the week of Jan.7, 2009" »

Local high schools earn silver medals

by Independent Press

Tuesday January 06, 2009, 11:44 AM

AREA - Several local high schools received an early holiday gift this year when U.S. News and World Reports released the second edition of the America's Top High Schools.  Chatham, Madison, Millburn and Summit were all awarded silver medals by the magazine.

More than 21,000 high schools were included in the analysis representing 48 states.  New Jersey ranked 6th overall having 45 high schools in the state awarded a bronze medal or better.  Only two schools in the state, The Ronald McNair Academy in Jersey City and the High Technology High School in Lincroft received gold medals, 18 received silver medals and 21 received bronze medals.

Patricia Calhoun, President of the Summit Board of Education, said, "We're extremely pleased and proud to have been selected for this award. It puts us in the top two percent of high schools." Ms. Calhoun said the gold medal winners were primarily charter schools, as were some of the silver medal winners. The charter schools, she said, serve a more limited student population. "This award validates the excellent programs we have at Summit High School and that we are competitive with any other school."

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The Independent Press will be delivered together with the Star-Ledger

by Independent Press

Tuesday January 06, 2009, 11:35 AM

AREA -- Starting with the Wednesday, Jan. 7 newspaper, the Independent Press is being delivered together with the Star-Ledger.

Those people who subscribe to the Star Ledger will receive the Independent Press in the same bag with their Star-Ledger. Those who do not subscribe to the daily newspaper will receive the Independent in a separate bag delivered by the Star-Ledger's distribution team. The Star-Ledger and the Independent Press are both owned by Advance Publications.

The primary reason for this change is its financial savings, which will be significant over the course of the year. In these difficult economic times the Independent Press, like companies from coast to coast, must continually look for every possible way to reduce costs without negatively affecting service to customers.

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Berkeley Heights recycling dates announced

by Township of Berkeley Heights

Tuesday January 06, 2009, 9:56 AM

BERKELEY HEIGHTS -- Township officials have announced the dates for the local recycling program.
Remaining dates include Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1, 15 and 29; May 13, 27; June 10, 24; July 8, 22; Aug. 5, 19; Sept. 2, 16 and 30; Oct. 14, 28; Nov. 11, 25; and Dec. 9, 23.

Senior citizens invited to get free training in Word at school in Berkeley Heights

by Berkeley Heights Board of Education

Tuesday January 06, 2009, 6:53 AM

Seniors can
learn Word skills

BERKELEY HEIGHTS -- Columbia Middle School's T.W.I.S.T. (Teen Women in Science and Technology) will be offering a workshop that provides Word training on Jan. 22. Senior citizens interested in attending a workshop during which they will be introduced to the basic applications of Word are welcome.
Students will lead the training as a means of connecting students with the community. The workshop will take place in Room B3 at Columbia Middle School from 9 to 11 a.m. on Jan. 22, and residents may sign up by calling 464--1600, ext. 1648. The deadline is Jan. 12.

NJ Transit halts distribution of rail newsletter at stations

by PAT KELLEY/Independent Press

Monday January 05, 2009, 3:21 PM

AREA -- The Lackawanna Coalition, a local rail advocacy group, has been stopped by NJ Transit from distributing its Railgram newsletter at NJ Transit train stations.

"This is a First Amendment issue. It's a strong First Amendment issue," said the Lackawanna Coalition's chairman, David Peter Alan, last week.

Mr. Alan said he was at the Madison train station on Dec. 12 to drop off a stack of the newsletters when he was told by the ticket agent that he had received an order that the Railgram could no longer be distributed from NJ Transit rail stations.

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One last gift to give after the holidays: The gift of life, with a blood donation

by The American Red Cross Colonial Crossroads and Millburn-Short Hills chapters

Wednesday December 31, 2008, 12:37 PM

AREA -- The American Red Cross Colonial Crossroads and Millburn-Short Hills Chapters are asking residents to consider a blood donation during January. All types are needed; however there is a critical need for Type O blood.

"We all expect blood to be there for us if we have an emergency, yet barely a fraction of those individuals who are able to donate blood actually do," said Christine Hodde, executive director of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter. The Red Cross supplies nearly half of the nation's blood supply to hospitals through 35 blood service regions across the country. Although the Red Cross system is able to ship blood when and where it is needed, volunteer blood donors of all blood types are needed everyday to replenish and sustain the blood supply nationally and locally. "When one region or area of the country experiences low blood supplies, it puts a strain on the entire blood collection system, which could ultimately affect patient care locally," said Ms. Hodde.

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Start the new year with a healthy resolution: take a lifesaving class from the American Red Cross

by Staff/Independent Press

Monday December 29, 2008, 6:35 PM

AREA -- Keep yourself and your family safe this year with skills learned through a Red Cross Health and Safety course. A variety of classes during the week and on the weekend make it easy to find a course that suits your schedule.

Infant and Child CPR - Trains individuals to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in infants and children up to 12 years old. The course is offered in Millburn on Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. The course fee is $50.

Adult, Infant & Child CPR - Combines Adult, Child and Infant CPR to teach participants to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies. It will be offered in Millburn, Friday, Jan. 9, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon and on Friday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. Both sessions must be attended. The fee is $60.

Adult CPR/AED - Provides training in recognizing and handling emergency situations, caring for breathing and cardiac emergencies, performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on adults, and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on victims of sudden cardiac arrest until advanced medical help is available. Basic precautions to prevent the transmission of disease also are covered. The course is offered in Madison on Friday, Jan. 9 (6 - 10:30 p.m.), in Millburn on Friday, Jan. 9 (6 - 10:30 p.m.), in Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 13 (9am - 1:30pm), in Summit on Saturday, Jan. 17 (9am - 1:30pm) and in Millburn on Friday, Jan. 23 (6 - 10:30pm). The fee is $50.

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Church of the Little Flower hosts re-employment workshop

by Staff/Independent Press

Monday December 29, 2008, 4:26 PM

BERKELEY HEIGHTS -- The Re-Employment Ministry continues to meet in the cafeteria of Church of the Little Flower, 110 Roosevelt Ave. in Berkeley Heights. The ministry is co-sponsored by the churches of the Little Flower; Our Lady of Peace in New Providence; and St. Teresa in Summit.

The ministry offers coaching and lectures by Lloyd Feinstein, president of Career Marketing Consultants of New Providence. Mr. Feinstein is the co-author of Career Changing: The Worry-Free Guide.

The group's next meeting will be 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Mr. Feinstein will speak about how to introduce yourself, build confidence and project a winning image. Learn to improve your presentation and message. For information, call 908-464-1585 or visit ww.lfbhnj.org.

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Christmas Night blaze leaves 30 apartments without power, water

by Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross

Monday December 29, 2008, 1:42 PM

CHATHAM TWP. -- Firefighters and rescue personnel were on the scene all night when a Christmas night blaze damaged ten dwellings at The Chatham Hill Apartments, and left a total of 30 units without heat, power or water.

Some firefighters who responded to the 10:41 p.m. alarm did not return home until 6 a.m. on Friday, and the Disaster Action Team from the Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross was still working with displaced residents, some of whom were away for the holidays and returned to find their homes uninhabitable.

Fire Departments from Green Village, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Morris Plains and New Vernon responded to the apartment complex located behind the Hickory Square Shopping Center while units from other Fire Department's provided mutual aid coverage from the vacated fire headquarters. The Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) worked with the fire departments and property manager to locate clients, establish shelter and provide food and necessary support. In addition, the team provided support for the firemen, including warm beverages for five hours as the fire was extinguished and the building searched and secured.

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Christmas apartment fire routs tenants

by Pat Kelley/Independent Press

Monday December 29, 2008, 1:35 PM

CHATHAM TWP. - A Christmas night fire at the Chatham Hill Apartment complex on Hickory Place resulted in the relocation of 10 families whose apartments were left uninhabitable.

Firefighters initially received a call at 10:41 p.m. to investigate a water leak at the apartments. When they responded, they discovered a fire and smoke condition at the rear of Building K. It took them approximately two hours to knock the fire down, officials said, and by 12:51 a.m. the fire was out.

According to police, at least 10 apartments were damaged so severely that they were classified as uninhabitable. The Red Cross is assisting in the relocation of the displaced families. There were no reported injuries, and those residents who were home at the time of the fire were safely evacuated.

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In The Towns the week of Dec. 31, 2008

by Staff/Independent Press

Monday December 29, 2008, 1:02 PM

St. Barnabas hosts support

AREA -- In January, St. Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, will offer education programs and support groups.

These will include childbirth preparation classes, new moms circles, breastfeeding basics and support groups, perinatal bereavement support groups, osteoporosis support groups and celiac support groups.

For dates, fees and course descriptions, and to register for courses, call 973-322-5360.

Davies speaks about insurance

AREA -- Ted Davies of Davies and Associates Insurance Management in Murray Hill, opens the 2009 speakers program for the Summit Area Old Guard.

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Mr. Davies will speak about insurance coverage, policy gaps and insurance for consumers.

The Summit Area Old Guard meets on Tuesdays at the New Providence Municipal Center, 360 Elkwood Ave. Coffee hour begins at 9:15 a.m. and is followed by a short business meeting at 10 a.m.

The Guard welcomes area active men ages 50 and older. The group participates in sports, bridge, hikes, trips, plays, concert and cultural events. Call 908-233-2136.

Continue reading "In The Towns the week of Dec. 31, 2008" »

Gridiron trio tasted success; Pioneers, Highlanders, Hilltoppers (and fans) enjoyed the season

by ART POLAKOWSKI/Independent Press

Sunday December 28, 2008, 2:06 PM

Three of the six area high school football teams rendered it an exciting season for their followers, and in each case that fan support proved a component to their success.

New Providence, which traditionally draws the most consistently large crowds among local gridiron contingents, posted the area's best record and concluded its campaign (in front of an overall audience in the 3,000 range) with a Thanksgiving Day victory against archrival Berkeley Heights.

The latter school, meanwhile, reached an NJSIAA Playoff State Final for just the second time in Governor Livingston history, and more than 4,000 GL fans turned out for the Highlanders' game against Caldwell at Giants Stadium.

While Summit, despite winding up with a losing record, proved a highly entertaining ballclub that drew its largest 'away' crowd in 15 years to a playoff game at Hanover Park, where that fan presence (considering there were twice as many people as the home team attracted) was, arguably, a factor in an upset victory. Incidentally, even more Hilltopper fans attended the following weekend's semifinal-round contest at GL, but the preceding crowd had removed the element of surprise from that equation.

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District accepts preschool applications in Berkeley Heights

by Berkeley Heights Board of Education

Saturday December 27, 2008, 4:37 PM

BERKELEY HEIGHTS -- The Berkeley Heights School District will accept applications in January for its preschool program for the 2009-2010 school year.
To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Berkeley Heights Township and have birth dates between Oct. 2, 2004, and Oct. 1, 2006.

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