Our Montville

Conturso's Market & Fine Catering Offers St. Patrick's Day Menu

Our Menu is Available Saturday (3/13) through St. Patrick's Day.  Stop in this Saturday for a Corned Beef & Cabbage Tasting 
Corned Beef & Cabbage Lunch or Dinner Special
Homemade Corned Beef with Cabbage and Parsley Potatoes, accompanied with Whole Grain Mustard, Fresh Horseradish, Irish Soda Bread and Shortbread Cookies.
$49 serves 6 pp     $99 serves 10pp
Conturso's Famous Shepherd's Pie.........................................$11.99 ground beef w/our signature sauce, mashed potatoes, swiss cheese

Overstuffed Corned Beef & Swiss on Rye ..............................$ 7.95 homemade Corned Beef, thinly sliced pickle and fresh coleslaw
 
John's Piled High Pastrami Sandwich......................................$8.10 homemade Pastrami, thinly sliced pickle, Swiss Cheese & Honey Mustard
Also featuring: Irish Soda Bread St. Patrick's Day Cookies Corned Beef and Cabbage, Potatoes by the lb.

Conturso's Market, 446 Main Road, Montville, NJ, 973-588-7888 www.contursosmarket.com

Montville Chamber to hold 47th Annual Banquet & Awards on March 20

The Montville Chamber will hold its 47th Annual Awards Banquet at the Knoll “East” Country Club in Parsippany on Saturday, March 20th, 2010. Come support your community leaders as we recognize those businesses, organizations and individuals who make Montville Township and better place to live and work. Cost is $70 per person, which includes cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, entertainment, dancing and door prizes. RSVP BY MARCH 12

The 2009 Awardees are:
Business Person of the Year - Michael Karlan
Citizen of the Year - Robert (Bob) Gannon
Beautification Award - Ronald Soussa, Montville Office Plaza
Public Service Award - Vincent Sacco
Public Safety Award - Letitia Huffstutler
Silver Service Award - Maida Avallone
Organization of the Year - Montville Township First Aid Squad

Contact the Chamber Office at (973) 263-3310 for more information or download the attached.  Download Chamber Awards.

Popular sledding spot is deemed to be too dangerous

Camp Dawson is home to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, soccer, lacrosse and football, played on two lighted synthetic turf fields. And until recently, it was also one of the most popular spots in Montville for sledding.

Now, however, the township has banned any downhill activities on the property – sledding, tobogganing, coasting or even sliding to the bottom on a one-horse open sleigh – at least throughout this season.

According to Montville’s recreation director Maryann Witty, whose tenure goes back 33 years, Dawson was a summer camp owned previously by the Newark YMCA. It was purchased by the township about 10 years ago through the Green Acres program.

For a year or two, the camp site lay dormant, then athletic fields were installed, and all the while, kids where sledding down the hill whenever enough of the fluffy white stuff fell.

Continue Reading NorthJersey.com.

Chinese New Year Performance at St. Pius X

Jubilant shouts of “hao!” rang through St. Pius X School on February 23 during a Chinese New Year performance by acrobats from Dance China New York.  The St. Pius students eagerly implemented their fresh knowledge that “hao,” the Chinese word for “good,” may be combined with applause -- similar to the use of “bravo” -- to express excitement about a cultural performance. 

Senator Pennacchio Appears on WMBC-TV to Discuss the NJ Budget, Property Taxes and Healthcare

Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris/Passaic) recently appeared on Hometown on WMBC-TV with host Matt Fitzpatrick to discuss a variety of New Jersey issues, including the state budget, property taxes and healthcare.

Click here to view the video Senator Joe Pennacchio.

Officer Frank Cooney Receives the Spurgeon Award

Officer Frank Cooney received the highest award given through the Boy Scouts of America.  The William H. Spurgeon Award is the highest recognition for individuals making an outstanding contribution to America’s youth through the Learning for Life Programs.  Officer Cooney earned this award because of his hard work and dedication to the Montville Police Explorer Post.  Police Explorers are youths between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Officer Cooney has been the Post Advisor for the past 19 years.  He works very hard with training the youth so they are prepared to compete in national competitions and leads them in training to prepare them in all aspects of law enforcement.  The explorers assist the Montville Township Police Department with traffic and many community events.

Officer Cooney received his award at the Skylands at Randolph.  Many officers and explorers from the department supported him at this event.  He was presented with a plaque and a glass trophy.  The only other recipient of this award from the Montville Township Police Department was Lt. Letitia Huffstutler, who received this honor in 1996.

If you would like any information on the explorer program or would like to join please visit www.post 805.com

Employment Opportunity: Municipal Court Judge

Municipal Court Judge – The Township of Montville is seeking qualified candidates for part-time Municipal Court Judge following the sudden resignation of the embattled Seth Davenport.  

Minimum qualifications: NJ resident having practiced law for at least 5 years – applications due March 15, 2010.  Interviews will be conducted on April 6, 2010 with selection process completed on April 13, 2010. Successful candidate will be required to attend the “New Judges Orientation Seminar" to be scheduled the latter half of April, 2010. 

Submit application/resume to Gertrude Atkinson, Township Clerk, 195 Changebridge Road, Montville, NJ 07045.

Gardens of the World Exhibit at Springfest March 11-14

The "Best Flower Show in New Jersey" is coming this March 11th to the 14th, held in the greenhouse at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.  Gardens of the World will be exhibiting in the new conservatory in booth C1. For coupon and more information:

Download 2010 Springfest Lecture Schedule

Changebridge Medical Associates Combats Obesity Epidemic

Changebridge Medical Associates Combats Obesity Epidemic with Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program That Targets Long-Term Success.  March is ‘peak time’ for dieting as people look toward warmer months.

At a time when obesity is fast approaching smoking as the leading preventable cause of death,¹ Changebridge Medical Associates (www.changebridgemedical.com) is offering a new medically supervised weight-loss program focusing on realistic, long-term weight loss.
 
The program’s introduction comes during a peak time for dieting, according to market researcher the NPD Group. “Traditionally, many consumers start diets as part of New Year’s resolutions; however, the actual percentage of consumers on a diet doesn’t peak until March,” according to the group.²

MTWC Holds "First" Annual Fundraiser on March 11

The Montville Township Women’s Club is holding their “First” Annual Fundraiser on March 11, 2010 from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Red Barn Restaurant, Route 202, Towaco, NJ.  There will be a special menu for the evening.  Proceeds to benefit various local charities and club projects.  For more information, please call 973-334-7753.

Students celebrate Dr. Seuss Day

On March 2, Juliana Eoga and Suzanna Ludwig, both of Boonton, and Christina Kurtz, of Lincoln Park, celebrated the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel -- better known as Dr. Seuss -- with their kindergarten class at St. Pius X School in Montville.  The students wore their pajamas to school and enjoyed a breakfast of "Green Eggs and Ham" before sharing their favorite rhyming stories.

Animal Planet Star joins PASS to Help Homeless Animals

PASS (Parsippany Animal Supporters Society) was excited to welcome celebrity David Leon, the Canine Carpenter from Animal Planet’s “Underdog to Wonderdog” to our event on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Monster Mini Golf.  It was a great day enjoyed by supporters, friends and families taking a break from shoveling snow for some indoor “glow in the dark” fun with friendly monsters.

David, a Parsippany resident, dropped by to show his support for PASS and our efforts to help area shelters and rescue groups place unwanted animals in caring homes. 

PASS also focuses on helping to reduce pet overpopulation and the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy animals in Morris County as well as dedicated to improving animal welfare by providing education on animal issues for the general public.  To learn more about PASS, please visit us at www.pass4pets.org or call 973-402-7387, Box #4.

Pictured above: Cheryl Redding (Event Coordinator & PASS Volunteer) and David Leon from Animal Planet

GFWC Montville Township Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting on March 15

The GFWC Montville Township Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.. – Senior House, 356 Route 202 (Main Road), Montville, NJ.  PROGRAM:  “President’s Tea” honoring outgoing President, Michele Caron.  Ms. Caron has brought many new innovations to the Club.  Members are reminded to bring an appetizer, main course or dessert.  State and District Officers of the NJSFWC will also attend. 

Montville Township Women’s Club meetings are held the 3rd Monday of each Month.  New members are welcome.  Please telephone Rene Chirico, Membership Chair – at 973-668-1004 if interested in membership.  Don’t forget to visit us at our website – www.mtwc.org

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen - The Week Just Past

The Week Just Past-March 5, 2010

 

““Another 36,000 Americans lost their jobs in February, and yet the President and Congressional leaders continued to focus only on health care and virtually ignored private sector job creation this week.  Once again, the efforts of President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid to ram their government takeover of health care through Congress dominated Washington.  

 

“From listening to my constituents and large and small businesses, I know that this health care ‘reform’ effort is one of the issues, along with higher taxes and more regulation, that is discouraging new hiring.  The prospect of higher business costs is actually lengthening the economic slump. 

Friday Two Feet of Snow

Women’s Club receives support for its Cancer Care Pillow Campaign

The Montville Township Women’s Club (MTWC) received a donation for its Cancer Care Pillow Campaign from Boiling Spring Savings Bank at 448 Main Road, Towaco. Cathy Wade, Towaco branch manager, and Debra Cannariato, vice president of Bbsiness development at Boiling Springs Savings Bank, presented the check as part of the bank’s Good Neighbor Program. Michele Caron, MTWC president, and Kathy Walter, chairman of MTWC Special State Projects, accepted the donation.

Boiling Springs Savings Bank is the newest bank to open a branch in Montville (Towaco).

Continue Reading NorthJersey.com

G.F.W.C. Women's Club to hold Barn Theatre Fundraiser on March 18

Are you tired of the winter doldrums?  Do you want a change of scenery???  How about a night at the theatre with wine and cheese, dessert and a fun show “Epic Proportions”. Sponsored by the G.F.W.C. Montville Township Women’s Club, we invite you to join us on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at The  Barn Theatre, Skyline Drive, Montville, NJ. Refreshments start at 7:00 p.m. and will also be served during intermission. Showtime:  8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00.  Please call 973-334-7422 for additional information and tickets.

Montville Township Public Library announces new programs

Acoustic Guitarist Peter Biedermann will perform original pieces on 6- and 12-string guitars in a concert in the Pio Costa Auditorium on Saturday, March 13th at 1:30pm. 

 

A Musical Tribute to Ethel Merman – As the star of classical music comedies like Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy, Ethel Merman was a vivacious and powerful performer who could mesmerize audiences and critics alike. On Sunday, March 21st at 1:30pm in the Pio Costa Auditorium, the women of The Traveling Stage Company bring Ethel Merman to you, live and in person, in this musical adventure through her life.

Montville looking at layoffs, furloughs with state aid cuts coming

The township is mulling possible furloughs and layoffs of municipal employees this year as officials prepare for an expected drop off in state aid.
Mayor Jim Sandham said the township committee plans to weigh each department for that possibility, as well as other spending cuts, but the decision hinges on the amount of state aid Montville receives. Preliminary budget figures gave a 3 percent tax levy increase--but only under the presumption state aid stayed flat.

"We plan to review each, but won't know the extent of the need until we know the level of funding from the state," Sandham said. "For now, not much is off the table."

In the past two years, Montville has lost more than half a million dollars in state aid, and received a little over $2.7 million from the state in 2009, said township administrator Frank Bastone. The township's current budget is about $28 million.

Continue Reading Daily Record.

MONTVILLE'S ROCKLINE DONATES 46,000 PACKAGES OF WET WIPES TO HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORTS

Rockline Industries, North America’s largest manufacturer of private brand wet wipes and coffee filters - with a manucturing facility in Montville - announced that it donated nearly 46,000 packages of wet wipes to Haitian earthquake disaster relief efforts.

“The earthquake has left a lot of people without running water for cleaning and bathing,” said Ron Kerscher, Rockline’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.  “These wipes will help communities recover by promoting cleanliness until running water can be restored.”  “Rockline understands the importance of people and community, and we are grateful to be able to give some assistance,” he added.

The donation, valued at over $77,000, contains a variety of different body and baby wipes and was shipped from Rockline’s manufacturing facility in Booneville, Ark., on Feb. 5.  The international aid organization Feed The Children, which guarantees the donated products will be used in relief efforts, is handling transportation to Haiti.

John Longo Massage Therapy now open!

John Longo, a N.J. Certified Massage Therapist, has opened a new massage office in Montville. John has been a Towaco resident since 2002 and has two children attending Montville Township High School. The office is located in The Maximoff Center for Care at 170 Changebridge Rd., Unit A4, Suite 3, Montville, NJ 07045.  John provides many Modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology and Hot Stone Massage. For a complete biography, hours, fees and services visit JohnLongo.MassageTherapy.com or contact John directly at johnny4018@aol.com or call 973-902-5643. 

Montville Chamber of Commerce Announces New Directors

Margaret Miller-Sanders, Esq., president of The Montville Township Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2 newest Directors in the Montville Chamber of Commerce!

 

Dr. Tanya Maximoff, D.C, C.C.S.P. and our own Ron Soussa were recently approved to sit on the Board of Directors for the Montville Chamber.  Both have businesses here in Montville and are looking forward to helping support the businesses in town.

Study ‘walks’ the Board through a busing quagmire

The long-awaited Transportation Efficiency Study has been completed but a final decision about the future of busing in the Montville School District is still a long way down the road.

After efficiency expert Ross Haber outlined his 40-plus page study during the Board of Education meeting last week, members recommended sending the discussion back to committee. Board member Paul Przetak suggested, "taking it back to committee and really mulling it over."

Board member Karen Cortellino took it one step further. "I agree it should go back to committee," she said, "but not just a committee made up of Board members but also administrators, principals, teachers and parents.

Continue Reading NorthJersey.com.

Good news from NewJerseyNewsroom.com

NewJerseyNewsroom.com was started about ten months ago when a number of former Star Ledger journalists got together with a passion for making a journalistic impact.  Their audience has continued to grow since then.  To date, more than 130 journalists and writers have joined the venture and are striving to make a difference.  See story on NewJerseyNewsroom.com

Fried to take the helm

The Board of Education announced last week that it would appoint Dr. Paul R. Fried as superintendent of the Montville Township K-12 School District. Fried will be officially hired at a special Board meeting on Feb. 18; however, his scheduled start date is July 1.

"We are very excited to have Dr. Fried join us as our new superintendent and are confident that his track record for establishing collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders will help move our district forward," said Montville Board President Jon Alin.

The hiring of Fried, who is the superintendent of the Mamaroneck Public Schools in Westchester County, NY, ends an extended search for a new district leader. It began last June when former Superintendent Gary Bowen notified the Board of his intention to retire at the end of 2009, with one year left on his contract.

The board utilized the expertise of Leadership Advantage, a company based at Seton Hall University, which has conducted about 80 superintendent searches in New Jersey.
Continue Reading NorthJersey.com.

Woodmont PTA will present its Wine, Dine and Dance Basket Fundraiser on March 19th

Woodmont PTA will present its Wine, Dine and Dance Basket Bonanza fundraiser on March 19, at The Brownstone, 351 West Broadway in Paterson, from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets cost $50 each and include a wine tasting sponsored by Wine Country in Boonton, Seaboard Brokers and Jersey National/Capital Wine and Liquor Co.; a full buffet; and a DJ.

For an additional cost, there will be a cash bar, a raffle of baskets valued at $100 to $300 or higher, and a Super 50/50 raffle. Advanced ticket sale is at a $10 discount. Three sheets of 26 tickets and 10 grand prize tickets cost $50.

On the night of the event, ticket prices will be: one sheet of 26 tickets, $20; two sheets, $40; and best deal three sheets, $50. Grand prize tickets, three for $5 and a best deal 10 for $10; Super 50/50, $5 each.

If interested in reserving a seat or a table, call Sarina DePeri at 973-575-1210, visit Woodmont’s Web site www.montville.net/woodmont/pta/ or mail it by March 1 to Woodmont School, 39 Woodmont Rd., Pine Brook, NJ 07058. Mark the envelope "Wine, Dine & Dance."

John Morella and Carmela Novi, Esq. running for Montville Board of Education, vow to put “Montville Students First”

John Morella and Carmela Novi, Esq., announce their intention to run for the Montville Township Board   of Education.  They vow to put “Montville Students First” by focusing on the four cornerstones of their platform -- fiscal responsibility; student safety and security; reduction in high turnover and voids in key administrative positions; and opening the lines of communication between the Board of Education and the community. 

Mr. Morella is a Sergeant with the West Orange Police Department who has been assigned to the schools as a School Resource Officer Supervisor for 11 years.  He has been actively involved in volunteer activities including those focusing on the safety and wellbeing of children.  He has also been instrumental in procuring grant funding for many of the in school programs he has administered and implemented.  Mr. Morella has received several national and state awards for his work from several professional organizations.

Ms. Novi is a family law and real estate attorney with the firm of Casha & Casha, L.L.C.  She has served on various community and non-profit boards, including Montville’s Residents With Disabilities Advisory Committee; Montville Kiwanis; and the Towaco Civic Association.  She has received numerous professional accolades and citations for her volunteerism, including being named a “Rising Star” in the area of family law in New Jersey Monthly magazine and recognition from Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and Partners for Women & Justice for her pro bono work.  

The election will take place on April 20, 2010.  To learn more about John and Carmela and how you can support their campaign, go to www.montvillestudentsfirst.com

Nominations are being sought

Montville Township High School Hall of Fame Committee is seeking candidates for possible induction in the high school’s Hall of Fame.

Since 2001, over 50 outstanding individuals or teams have been recognized for their significant achievements and contributions.

The committee would appreciate being informed of Montville Twp. High School graduates and retired staff member who should be considered for induction.

Gauging the environmental impact of PSE&G’s plan

Although the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) unanimously voted to approve Public Service Gas & Electric’s controversial Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line, a locally planned public hearing on the project will still go forward.

The $750,000 Susquehanna-Roseland project proposes to add a 500-kilovolt line from Pennsylvania across 44 miles and 15 municipalities – including Rockaway Township, Parsippany and Montville - into northwestern New Jersey along a standing 230-kilovolt corridor.

The existing line is set on poles that are about 80 to 90 feet in height; however, the new lines would need to be doubly as high, with some towers reaching up to 195 feet into the air.

On Feb.18, one of three public hearings will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in Parsippany, where representatives of the National Park Service will begin the process of determining the impact of PSE&G’s proposal to expand the right-of-way through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and across the Appalachian Trail.

Continue Reading NorthJersey.com