Vision

A look inside
I. Economic Development
From scratch, a village grows ..................................................................................................4
Lafayette takes pride in strong economy, new businesses .....................................................6
Five-story apartment building expected to spring up in downtown Newton ...........................8
Pace Glass Recycling expanding at home, Europe ..............................................................10
New firehouses being built in Newton, Frankford and Montague ..........................................14
Growing, studying at the speed of light .................................................................................16
II. Local Business

Homegrown banks stay true to roots while continuing to grow ............................................20
‘Friday the 13th’ fever lives on in Blairstown ..........................................................................22
III. Tourism
Sussex County offers visitors a diverse, unique kind of tourism ...........................................26
Ski entrepreneur comes home to where it all began .............................................................28
IV. Services
Project Self-Sufficiency’s Journey RV takes services on the road .........................................30
Empowering youth with Pass It Along ...................................................................................31
‘You are not alone’ at the Quinlan Bereavement Center .......................................................37
V. Quality of Life
Rebirth of local, live theater kickstarted by high schoolers, clubs .........................................38
Urgent Cares can fix you right up ..........................................................................................39
Newton Medical Center/Atlantic Health’s ‘Network of Caring’ offers best of all worlds ........40
Sussex County stakes its claim as a popular nightlife spot ..................................................44
State’s largest lake has stewards watching over it ................................................................46
Popularity of art galleries, studios showcase area’s talent ....................................................48
VI. Agriculture
It’s not your grandad’s Sussex County farm, anymore .........................................................50
Social media feasts on Taylor ham and French toast ice cream ........................................50
Hydroponic farming next career for retired attorney ............................................................51
Farming becomes a family affair..........................................................................................52
‘Accidental’ farmers enjoy new livelihood ............................................................................53
Cyclists hit the road for Tour de Farm to promote area farmers ...........................................56
VII. Education
SCCC officials excited about future of McGuire property ......................................................58
Centenary University: Hidden gem of the Northeast .............................................................64
Hopatcong students reach for the stars with observatory.....................................................66
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2018 Visions - 1 Ec Dev (NEW) - p1-19.indd 1 WednesdayDec/05/18 3:13 PM

Published by
The New Jersey Herald
2 Spring Street
Newton, New Jersey 07860
973-383-1500
Publisher
Keith Flinn, 973-383-1010
Dear Reader, Kflinn@njherald.com
In this second edition of Vision, a special publication brought to you by
Executive Editor
The New Jersey Herald, we continue to take a look at recent developments Bruce Tomlinson, 973-383-1171
that have had, are having, or promise to have a positive impact on the Sussex btomlinson@njherald.com
County community. News Editor
In reviewing recent events, we are happy to Kathy Stevens, 973-383-1203
kstevens@njherald.com
report good things underway and planned for our
region in a variety of segments. Photographers
Daniel Freel
North Village is under construction in Sparta, Jake West
Thorlabs has announced major expansion, and Warren Westura
last month a Newton businessman, bullish on Designer
the future of the county seat, unveiled plans to Jesse Kryscio
construct a five-story building with restaurant and Advertising Manager
apartments in the middle of the central business John Kopec, 973-383-1028
district. Jkopec@njherald.com
Mountain Creek, a major resort in the north part Production Manager

of Sussex County, has new ownership and promises Jaime Kerr, 973-383-1306
Keith Flinn jkerr@njherald.com
growth and stability, further securing the future of Publisher, New Jersey Herald
the area’s thriving tourism industry. Graphic Designers
Jason Baum
Sussex County Community College has begun technical classes in a satellite Naomi Korkes
campus in downtown Newton with plans on the table to expand its offerings Eileen Lakatos
Stephanie Sapone
there, energizing the downtown area.
Farmers young and old, experienced and entrepreneurial, are finding markets, 2019
feeding consumer demands and developing niche products. Taylor ham and New Jersey Herald
French toast ice cream?
Coming events
Newton Medical Center and urgent care facilities continue to respond to the
public’s need for quality healthcare options. & Contests
Save the Date!
Merchants and stakeholders in the township of Lafayette are working
together to make economic development easier to achieve, and businesses in • No. 1 Pet Photo Contest
Feb. 3 to April 25
the township of Blairstown are finding Friday the 13th can be lucky. • Spring Monster Garage Sale
Meanwhile, the county’s venerable safety net continues to assess and meet March 23
• Northern New Jersey Pet Expo
needs as they occur. May 4
All come together to maintain our quality of life and substantiate why we • Cutest Baby Contest
May 5 to July 25
choose to live, work and play here. • Fall Monster Garage Sale
We trust you will enjoy this edition of Vision and are proud to serve our Oct. 5
•Ladies Night Out
Sussex County community. Oct. 10
New Jersey Herald

njherald.com
It’s How You know
2018 Visions - 1 Ec Dev (NEW) - p1-19.indd 2 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:03 AM

3
2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 3 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:41 AM

Economic development
Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
The construction of Sparta’s North Village on State Route 15 was well underway on Dec. 4, 2018.
From scratch,
a village grows
“
By BRUCE A. SCRUTON townhouses and rental apartments.
bscruton@njherald.com The development will include an assisted
F oundations are in and steelwork is It’s been pretty cool. It’s been care facility with 70 residents, and a
beginning. Home sales began in a long time coming and I’m 95,000-square-foot ShopRite grocery and
mid-November, and townhouse sales excited about the details. We liquor store.
are soon to begin. were looking to make this About 90 percent of the remaining
By July, the new ShopRite should be open, a high-end development, make it 55,000 square feet of retail space has been
followed a few months later by a new, unique.” leased, although Dykstra wasn’t ready to
high-end restaurant. — OWen Dykstra, release a list of the tenants.
As the name implies, North Village at Devel Oper Of nO rth vIllage at sparta “We’re working with national chains on
Sparta will soon be welcoming its first On Watch Ing the Dream c Ome true that,” he assured.
shoppers, diners and residents. Already announced is a Starbucks store
“This is the fun part,” said Owen Dykstra, and an upscale restaurant, Modern Farmer
northwestern part of the township.
the developer who has seen his 15-year- by Mohawk House.
As envisioned, and now being set in
old idea now maturing into a reality of The restaurant will be operated by the
concrete, steel and wood, the village will
construction trucks, paved streets and owners of the well-established Mohawk
include some 210 residents, in a mix of
homes being built on the 65 acres off Route
92 single-family homes, along with
15, just south of White Lake Road in the Continued on Page 12
4

5

Lafayette takes pride in strong
economy, new businesses
By KYLE MOREL more than a dozen new stores.
kmorel@njherald.com Patti Singer, manager of
T he economy has enjoyed marketing and events at the

a rebound in many places Shoppes, said the first two
throughout the United new stores debuted last spring
States, a resurgence exemplified – Painted Barn Market, a
by Lafayette. home furnishing store, and
Mayor Rick Hughes said Whitewater Flies, which offers
Lafayette wants to retain its a range of equipment for fly
businesses as well as attract new fishing enthusiasts.
ones. Since then, the complex has
Hughes is a member of added roughly a dozen new
the township’s Economic stores, including multiple gift
Development Committee that shops, a salon, a pet boutique
was formed in November 2016 and a candy shop, with more
and is a vital part of Lafayette’s shops being added in coming
revitalization efforts. The months.
nine-member group which Hughes said he has heard
includes Hughes and Township lots of positive feedback from
Committeeman Rich Bruning, residents about what the
along with other business complex has to offer.
professionals and residents, “We have a good relationship
works with local officials to with the owners and the
identify opportunities for manager at the Shoppes at
commercial development while Lafayette ... I think we’re
also ensuring that those already working very effectively with
in existence remain. them to make sure that they’re
successful.”
“
Singer said the goal of the
Today Lafayette is property owners was to diversify
the shopping options and
coming back, you
therefore attract more visitors.
can see it, and we’re Hughes praised the variety of
looking for it to the stores, saying it provides a
continue.” “one-stop opportunity”
— Rick Hug Hes, Mayo R for anyone looking to plan an
event.
A new cafe is slated to open
Anyone interested in opening at the Shoppes in March, and
a store in Lafayette is directed Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
Singer said the owners are
to the EDC, Hughes said. The aiming to have around 75 to
group reviews the application A Historic Lafayette sign that stands next to a painted silo welcomes 85 percent of the stores on the
and provides a recommendation visitors to the town. property filled by next summer.
to the Township Committee and charm that makes it unique. “All of this has been a team “We’re looking to make it
Land Use Board, determining In recognition of Lafayette’s effort,” Hughes said. “Today the shopping destination it once
what can be done to facilitate significant strides, Hughes Lafayette is coming back, you was and continue to bring in
the new business in the process. was named the 2018 Sussex can see it, and we’re looking for new stores and fun activities for
Lafayette has also undertaken County “Mayor of the Year” by it to continue.” everyone who visits.”
efforts to beautify the overall the Sussex County Economic The township’s success is Among the area’s future
area, as evidenced by new Development Partnership. particularly evident in the plans, Hughes said officials hope
welcome signs along township The mayor gave praise to his Shoppes at Lafayette, which to install a pedestrian walkway
borders and the large painted fellow Township Committee held its grand opening at the running from the Shoppes at
mural on a silo on Route members when accepting the end of September. Businesses Lafayette to the center of town.
15. Hughes said the goal of award, saying the group of include apparel stores G.H. Bass With EDC members constantly
the township is to attract municipal employees collectively & Co., Maidenform and Van looking for new ways to improve
more businesses without played a role in elevating their Heusen from the renovated retail Lafayette, big things are shaping
compromising the historical hometown. complex’s previous line-up and up for the township. V
6

7

Five-story apartment building
expected to spring up in
downtown Newton
Business man
touts nearby
developments
HERALD STAFF REPORT
S purred by expansion of the

Thorlabs company to the
east and development of a
downtown campus by Sussex
County Community College to
the west, Newton businessman
John Kweselait plans to build a
five-story building in the middle.
In late November, Kweselait
unveiled his plans to build on
the site of a former restaurant
mid-block at 134 Spring St.,
which will include a sports bar
on the ground floor and 30-40
market-value apartments above
ranging in size from studio to
two-bedroom. Initial plans also Photos by Jake West/New Jersey Herald
include the possibility of pool
tables in the basement along John Kweselait unveils plans for the Bula Building at 134 Spring St. in Newton.
with a gym for tenants. downtown campus for Sussex “I saw what Alex Cable 60 Water St.
Kweselait, who owns a custom County Community College and was doing and jumped on his Kweselait also points out as
wood-working facility elsewhere expected to have 300 students coattails five years ago,” said among his reasons for taking on
in Newton, said the project, with per week attending technical Kweselait. “We all need to hitch another project that Newton is
an anticipated construction start and culinary classes. to his wagon.” home to Newton Medical
in the spring, is expected to cost Alex Cable, who established The 134 Spring building is the Center, and is the county seat.
$5 million. Thorlabs, a photonics company, fourth Kweselait has purchased He plans to be before the
The property backs up to in 1989, recently announced in the center of town. He also Newton Planning Board this
the former McGuire auto plans to expand its facilities owns 178 Spring St. and winter and once approvals are
dealership property which which ultimately would add up 81 Main St., where he created granted, he expects construction
is being converted into a to another 600 jobs. modern apartments, and to take about 16 months. V
Submitted photo
Supporters gather around John Kweselait, center, who cuts the ribbon
celebrating the opening of his building at 178 Spring St. An artist’s rendering of the completed building at 134 Spring St.
8

9

Pace Glass Recycling holds a groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility on May 1, 2018, in Andover Township. Pictured, from left, are Pace
Glass Recycling CEO George Valiotis, Andover Township Mayor Janis McGovern, Pace Glass Recycling COO Michael Mahoney and U.S. Rep. Josh
Gottheimer, D-5th District.
Pace Glass expanding

at home, Europe
By BRUCE A. SCRUTON New England the U.S. the figure is only about
bscruton@njherald.com and northern 10-30 percent.
T he future home of the world’s largest

glass recycling facility is the Pace
Glass plant site in Andover
Township.
The company is now working on an
Atlantic Coast
region.
Originally,
touted as
having a capacity of from 550,000 to
The process involves Pace vehicles going
to recycling centers within a 150- to 200-
mile radius to collect colored glass. At the
Andover Township facility, the glass is
separated by color by automated machines,
updated design that will make it even 750,000 tons per year, the new design will then ground into small, bead-like pieces
bigger. be able to handle one million tons of glass. called cullet.
George Valiotis, a partner in the company, “We’re looking at 16 to 18 months from When the plant was announced, Valiotis
said the new design will incorporate new this date to open,” Valiotis said in late said that with every 10 percent of cullet used
innovations and will bring in international November. in making new glass, the manufacturer saves
partners. The international partners are important about 5 percent on production costs.
He said the partnership is allowing Pace to since in Europe, about 80-90 percent of new
look at additional processing facilities in the glass is made with recycled glass, while in Continued on Page 12
10

Sparta Township is a thriving community situated in rural Sussex County,
New Jersey approximately 45 miles northwest of New York City with a
population of approximately 20,000 residents. Sparta covers more than 38 square
miles with rolling hills, beautiful lakes, picturesque farms, and inviting residential
developments.
Sparta has 11 private lake communities; the largest of which is Lake Mohawk.
The Lake Mohawk Boardwalk and Plaza are both listed on the State and National
Historic Registers.
Sparta hosts numerous business centers, including The Theatre Center, White
Deer Plaza, Upper Lake Plaza, The Sparta Town Center, Wilson Drive, Park
Road, and the newest addition of the North Village at Sparta – coming soon.
When it comes to K-12 education, Sparta is home to several nationally ranked,

schools, including: Sparta Township Schools, Sussex County Vo Tech, Veritas
Academy, Pope John XXIII Middle School and High School, Rev. George A.
Brown Memorial School and Hilltop Country Day School.
Within the community, Sparta Township offers an award winning municipal

library, historical society, senior living / services and activities, award winning
sports programs, newly upgraded parks and a diverse offering of recreation
programs and offerings. Community activities and attractions include: Outside
Movie Night, Sparta Day, The Farmers Market, Friday Night Concert Series,
German Christmas Market, Dragon Boat Races, The Cruiser Club, diverse food
and dining options, Tomahawk Lake, Juventus Soccer Academy USA,
Dreamfields, Giants Gymnastics, The Train Museum and a selection of over
ten 5K events. Sparta is also home to outstanding event venues, including The
Mohawk House, Lake Mohawk Country Club, Skyview Golf Club, and The Rock
Island Lake Club.
When it comes to outdoor living and recreation, Sparta has much to offer. Wheth-
er it be hikes in The Sparta Glen, (along Glenbrook Lake), boating / kayaking on
one of our 11 lakes, playing sports on one of our many recreation fields or just
relaxing outside at one of our parks – Sparta truly offers something for everyone.
Sparta is also home to many civic organizations, including The Elks, Kiwanis,
VFW Lodge #7248, Unico, The Sparta Chamber of Commerce, and The Knights
of Columbus. In addition, Sparta hosts the largest municipal, volunteer Public
Safety / Community Emergency Response Team in Sussex County.
To learn more about Sparta, visit us online @ spartanj.org
Township of Sparta
65 Main Street, Sparta
973-729-4493
spartanj.org
11

Continued from Page 4
House, located about three

miles away at the intersection of
Routes 181 and 517 in Sparta.
Sparta Mayor Josh Hertzberg
said the plans have been in the
works for a decade and “I think
people are excited to see the
progress at North Village in the
last few months.”
He talked about the new
grocery, restaurant and
Starbucks and predicted North
Village “is going to be a popular
destination for the people of
Sparta and Sussex County. It will
be the kind of livable, walkable,
shop-able neighborhood that
many people are looking for
these days. We are all excited
about its potential.”
The project is a joint venture
of Dykstra Associates, Prassas
Development and Westview
Group. Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
Ryan Homes is handling the
sales of the single-family homes Construction continues at North Village in Sparta, which will be a mix of shopping, dining and residential
and townhouses and Dykstra homes.
said there have already been with basketball and tennis courts Road, just north of the village’s Of watching the dream come
more than a dozen commitments as well as internal sidewalks. entrance. true, Dykstra said, “It’s been
for the single-family homes To handle the additional Route 15 will get new turn pretty cool. It’s been a long time
through VIP sales. Sales of traffic, Dykstra said a new stop lanes for both north- and south- coming and I’m excited about
residential units are expected light will be installed at the bound traffic and a second the details.
to be opened to the public main entrance to the village off entrance will be built onto “We were looking to make
shortly. Route 15, coordinated with the White Lake Road to serve the this a high-end development,
The plans also include a park existing light at White Lake residential areas. make it unique,” he said. V
Continued from Page 10 The proposed plant has been

Once processed into cullet at added to the county’s Solid
Andover, the material will be Waste Plan, which includes
shipped to customers, ranging the possibility of extending a
from fiberglass insulation plants railroad spur from adjoining
to a new bottle-making facility, tracks for both inbound and
where the cullet gets melted into outbound product.
new product. In addition to glass
Valiotis said the plant will be manufacturers in the tri-state
ready to take separated glass area, fiberglass manufacturing
from local municipalities should plants near Albany, N.Y., in
they decide to create a way to Berlin (Camden County), and
separate glass from the rest of several in Ohio could use the
their trash. He said there would recycled glass.
be no charge to the municipality Glass is unique among
to accept the glass. recyclables because there is no
“We chose Sussex County Janis McGovern, mayor of Andover Township, speaks during the limit to how much and how
because of its location, but ground-breaking ceremony May 1, 2018, for Pace Glass Recycling’s new many times the product can be
also because they (county facility in Andover Township. reused.
government) are advocates for in Jersey City. The Andover site manufacturing sites. The company’s plan presented
sourcing recyclables. They are is 85 acres. A company spokesman said to the township and county
very friendly toward the same When the plant begins some of the new jobs will be notes that a ton of recycled glass
goals we are,” Valiotis explained operations, it will employ about taken by current employees at saves a ton of natural resources
of the decision to build the new 40 people for two operating the Jersey City operation, but such as 1,300 pounds of sand,
plant in Andover. shifts, and as many as 60 truck most will be local hires. The jobs 410 pounds of soda ash, 380
Pace already operates a drivers who will collect glass to will be advertised as construction pounds of limestone and 160
smaller plant on a one-acre site be processed and deliver cullet to nears completion. pounds of feldspar. V
12

13

New firehouses being built in
Newton, Frankford and Montague
By LORI COMSTOCK which will include a kitchen
lcomstock@njherald.com and men’s and women’s shower
T wenty-six volunteer fire facilities, will house a

departments, several of full-service community center
them formed more than capable of holding an estimated
a century ago, provide service to 160 people.
Sussex County residents and The center will also be
property owners. offered, free of charge, to the
The committed volunteer men township’s other nonprofit
and women firefighters train and organizations, such as Montague
respond whenever called upon. Grange and the Montague
In addition to demonstrating Seniors.
its appreciation, the public In Newton, the demolition of
supports these dedicated Firehouse No. 2 on Woodside
volunteers and the operation of Avenue made way for a
their departments by providing new facility, which is under
funding for equipment and construction at a cost of nearly
facilities. $2 million.
In Montague, voters this year Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald In Frankford, just off Route
approved the construction of a 206, a piece of property
new firehouse in the township, The Newton Fire Department is building a new firehouse on Woodside purchased for the site of a larger,
while two other firehouses in the Avenue in Newton. more modernized Frankford
county, Frankford and Newton, Montague voters approved a will also serve as a community Township Fire Department is
are in the process of being $2.175 million bond referendum center and emergency shelter. ready for construction as officials
constructed. to pay for a new firehouse which The 10,000-square-foot facility, work through financing. V
Hardyston Township: Business and Family Friendly.

If you are looking for an ideal place for your business then welcome to
Hardyston Township, NJ! With outdoor activities such as swimming,
boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, skiing, and golfing.
Hardyston Township offers an active, healthy, country lifestyle
with good jobs and easily accessible nightlife, as well as
stable taxes and a well-managed community.
www.hardyston.com | 973-823-7020
14

15

Thorlabs, on the cutting edge of the field of photonics, located on Sparta Avenue in Newton, was established in 1989 by Alex Cable.
Growing, studying at the speed

By BRUCE A. SCRUTON and the first of what could be a half-dozen The company has seen double-digit
bscruton@njherald.com buildings, are expected to be presented to growth in sales nearly every year of its
L ess than a decade ago, Alex Cable the town’s Planning Board in early 2019. existence and 2017 did more than $500
made the decision to build the head- Thorlabs is on the cutting edge of the million in business.
field of photonics, the study of light in When the new headquarters building
quarters of his burgeoning company in
both its visible and invisible wavelengths. opened in March 2012, the company was
his hometown, turning down offers from
The company designs and produces the already quietly purchasing parcels of land
other regions of New Jersey and other equipment which scientists need for their in the area between Spring Street, Diller
states. studies and has its own staff of researchers Avenue and Sparta Avenue. The area
On the day Thorlabs opened its intent on finding what applications are included the home of the Newton Moose
headquarters on Newton’s Sparta Avenue, possible for those light particles, from Lodge, and some occupied buildings. Most
on what had been an abandoned factory military to medicine and communications to recently, the company purchased the former
lot in a redevelopment area, the company’s optical cables. Camp Iliff daycare center and property.
future growth was already apparent — the Thorlabs was established in 1989 in There was also the purchase of what is
building was already at capacity. Newton by Cable, who had been a researcher known as the Brooks property, farther to the
Now, just six years later, the company is at the world-renowned Bell Laboratories. east, some 70 acres of mostly undeveloped
ready to burst out again into a technology The original operations were located in a property tucked on a hillside between Diller
campus of about 100 acres of property small warehouse on Mill Street, but then and Hicks avenues with a small frontage on
stretching in both directions across the street moved to a facility on Route 206 in Andover Sparta Avenue. The property still contains
from its headquarters. Plans for that campus, Township in 1995. the vacant factory where E. J. Brooks Co.,
16

and warehousing.
Many of the products it sells are made at
Thorlab facilities around the country and at
subsidiaries in both Europe and Asia.
Also in early 2019, Thorlabs will submit site
plans for the portion of the Brooks property off
Diller Avenue near Sparta Avenue where more
buildings are being planned.
From his office atop the current headquarters
building, Cable can look across Sparta Avenue
toward the west and see the former Moose Lodge
property. By looking to the right, he can see the
Brooks property.
At this point in the plans, the headquarters staff
is likely to move into one of the buildings on the
New Jersey Herald File Photo
Brooks property and Cable’s current office will be
Thorlabs founder and owner Alex Cable talks about converted into other offices, labs or manufacturing
starting the company and its future in Newton. space.
with the process of approvals by the full board With all of the buildings occupied, the company
beginning in February. is expected to triple its Newton area workforce
Because the various parcels are under differing which currently is more than 300 employees.
ownership names, all aligned with Thorlabs, a Once construction is given the go-ahead by the
process to bring them under a single ownership, town, building will take about two years. The
and possibly a single tax parcel, was also begun. company said it will take another couple of years
Known as a Non-Condemnation Area in Need of to outfit the structure with the specially-designed
Redevelopment, the designation would allow the machines needed for manufacturing its products.
town to work closely with the company as to how Also included will be modern warehousing and
the final development would look, how it will fit in inventorying equipment.
with the neighborhood and adjustments to existing The ultimate goal is for Thorlabs to manufacture
zoning. as much as 95 percent of the equipment it sells,
In late November, Regimbal said adjustments both as a quality-control measure, but also to
to the site plan for the “Moose Lodge” area were speed up the process of getting products into the
nearly complete. hands of customers.
The building will be multi-story, about Cable’s first sale was an electronic microscope.
150,000 square feet and house both manufacturing Thorlabs future is coming at the speed of light. V
eed of light
made security seals. Later
the property was leased to
Meadowbrook Inventions, which
made glitter products.
With the campus, the area
will once again become the
manufacturing center of town,
just east of the Spring Street
downtown area. The railroad had
a terminal in the area and the
former Merriam Shoe Factory
building still exists, although it
now contains apartments.
Robert Regimbal, general
counsel and chief financial officer
of the company, said plans for
the first stages of expansion
will be presented to the town Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
Planning Board technical Thorlabs, seen in the background, is looking to expand into several empty lots at the intersection of Diller and
committee in early January Sparta avenues in Newton.
17

2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19 NEW.indd 18 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:59 AM
2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19 NEW.indd 19 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:59 AM
Local Business
SB One Bank, formerly Sussex Bank, unveils its new name and logo at its Main Street branch on Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Sparta. SB One Bank President and CEO An
the Board of Directors Edward Leppert, center, cut the ceremonial ribbon along with other bank officials and local dignitaries.
Homegrown banks stay tr

roots while continuing to
By ERIC OBERNAUER continuing its upward Highland’s two Sussex County branches
eobernauer@njherald.com trajectory as well. in Vernon and Sparta, and its other two
S ussex County continues to punch above Most recently, branches in Denville and Totowa, bringing
its weight when it comes to being an Lakeland Bank inked Lakeland’s total branches to 52. Of those,
incubator for business, and its home- an agreement to 12 are in Sussex County and another is in
grown banking institutions are no exception. acquire Highlands Highland Mills, N.Y., making Lakeland
Over the past couple of years, two banks State Bank, a longtime friendly competitor a banking powerhouse not just in Sussex
with longtime roots in the county — based in Vernon, in a move that will further County and New Jersey but the entire
Lakeland Bank and SB One Bank — have grow Lakeland’s presence in Sussex County. Northeast region.
gone to the head of the class, ranking among The FDIC approved the merger at the “We’ve competed with them (Highlands)
New Jersey’s fastest-growing companies. end of November 2018, bringing Lakeland’s for years and have always known them
Today, Lakeland Bank can lay claim to portfolio of assets over the $6 billion mark to be a well-run bank, so we were very
being among the state’s largest, a feat it has for the first time and further cementing its comfortable with their business model and
accomplished while continuing to retain its position as one of the fastest-growing banks culture,” said Thomas J. Shara, president and
greatest presence in its home base of Sussex in the region and state. CEO of Lakeland Bank, in discussing the
County and northwest New Jersey. The acquisition, which is slated to close merger.
SB One Bank is right behind it and in January 2019, will have Lakeland absorb “This will also further strengthen our
20
2018 Visions - 2 Local Biz (NEW) p20-25.indd 20 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:32 AM

of its recent acquisition of Enterprise Bank, based success and an opportunity to build a career.”
in Kenilworth. Notwithstanding their continued growth,
Together these will bring SB One’s total both Lakeland and SB One Bank remain heavily
locations to 19, including nine in the Sussex invested in Sussex County and the surrounding
County region. The others are scattered across four community and continue to support numerous
other counties and New York City. charitable and nonprofit causes here.
As part of its vision for continuing growth, To date, Lakeland has raised over $2 million in
SB One Bank — formerly known as Sussex scholarship money for local high school students
Bank — underwent a rebranding last year to its through company-sponsored golf outings and
current name. Its insurance subsidiary, which has other fundraisers. Lakeland also remains heavily
seen commensurate growth, underwent a similar involved with SCARC, Newton Medical Center,
rebranding from Tri-State Insurance to its new Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Pass It Along,
name of SB One Insurance. Project Self-Sufficiency, Sussex County Community
All of these moves are reflective of the College and other nonprofits, contributing more
bank’s enhanced regional profile, said Anthony than $700,000 in the last year alone to these and
Labbozzetta, president and CEO of SB One Bank. other causes.
“We never forget where we came from,” he “And that doesn’t even include the tens of
said, “but we’re proud to say the old Sussex Bank thousands of hours that our employees donate by
has grown into what today is a high-performing volunteering their time,” Shara said, “but we do
financial institution with nearly $2 billion in it because we believe in giving back as a company
assets that are spread across a pretty impressive and helping to make our communities better.”
geographic region for a bank market service area, SB One Bank has a similarly robust tradition
spanning from Sussex County all the way across of giving through the SB Foundation, which it
northern New Jersey and into New York and Long created specifically to support charitable causes
Island.” and to provide scholarships for college-bound
Labbozzetta credits the bank’s leadership team, high school students. The bank also supports the
from SB One Insurance CEO George Lista to “Homes Fit for Heroes” program, which provides
Peter Michelotti and Don Haake — the former homes and apartments for wounded Special Forces
CEOs of Community Bank of Bergen County and veterans and their families.
Enterprise Bank, respectively — with helping All of these efforts, from growing their business
make this all possible. to helping grow the community around them in
“A big part of our strategy has involved a positive way, fit into a larger vision of providing
partnering up with financial institutions and lasting value beyond what their impressive growth
keeping key rainmakers in those banks on board, figures or a quarterly balance sheet alone can tell.
as opposed to coming in and cutting everybody “When you do the things we’re doing, you
out and trying to make a go of it ourselves,” basically earn the right to keep going as a financial
ident and CEO Anthony Labbozzetta, and Chairman of Labbozzetta said. “But we have a tremendous institution because you’re creating value for your
culture here, and talented people usually want to customers, employees, shareholders, and for the
y true to
come work for us when they see our prospects for greater community,” Labbozzetta said. V
to grow
position in Sussex County,
giving us over 35 percent market
share,” he said.
SB One Bank is on the move
as well, having opened new
offices over the last few years in
Oradell and Astoria, N.Y. and
with plans to add another in
Weehawken in early 2019.
Another seven SB One
branches have come about
through acquisitions, three Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
of them as the result of last SB One Bank’s Marketing Executive Gada Elkenani, President and CEO of SB One Insurance George
year’s merger with the former Lista, Chief Financial Officer Steven Fusco, Chairman of the Board of Directors Edward Leppert, Chief
Community Bank of Bergen Administrative Officer Richard Glicini, President and CEO Anthony Labbozzetta, Chief Operating Officer Peter
County, based in Rochelle Park, Michelotti, Market Executive Rene Miranda, Chief Banking Officer Vito Giannola and Chief Credit Officer
and the other four as the result Nicole Bartuccelli show off SB One Bank’s new logo.
21

‘Friday the 13
lives on in Bl
By JENNIFER JEAN MILLER
jmiller@njherald.com
camp and actor Kevin Bacon’s
role in the first film.
F riday the 13th has In the upcoming 2019 events

become a lucky day for — Sept. 13 and Dec. 13 —
business entrepreneurs in they and other businesses are
Blairstown. expected to join in with drink
With several locations and food specials, themed items
featured in the 1980 inaugural for sale and other discounts.
“Friday the 13th” movie, fans of One standard every Friday
the cult horror classic descend the 13th, Iurato said, is a free
on the small community near self-guided tour. The museum
Sussex County’s southern provides maps at no charge with
border when the calendar hits nine of the movie locations.
those days. One of the other highlights is
“We’re all excited for it,” the Crystal Lake photo booth.
said Jeanette Iurato, founder The museum also hosts
and owner of the non-profit three-hour trolley tours, which
Blairstown Museum. requires a ticket and advanced
The date has become one the reservation. “The trolley tours
community and local businesses book quickly,” said Iurato.
celebrate, Iurato said. The tour takes visitors to
Pizza Express in Blairstown the three filming locations
offered a Friday the 13th pizza, – Blairstown, Hope and
with meat and olives artfully Hardwick to Camp No-Be-Bo-
arranged like the mask of the Sco – which was transformed
movie’s Jason character. Some into the legendary “Camp
drivers even donned the famous Crystal Lake.”
mask for deliveries. Iurato said the trolley
Barber on Main has offered coincidentally holds 13 people,
haircuts for $13. The Post Time including the film actor who
Pub created the “Crystal Lake will be scheduled to travel with
Martinis” and the “Kevin Bacon tour-goers. As part of the tour,
Burger” in honor of the fictional fans also receive a “before” and
Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald
Actress Robbi Morgan, who portrayed Annie Phillips in “Friday the 13th
Part 1,” signs memorabilia for fans inside the Blairstown Museum.
22

e 13th’ fever
Blairstown “after” booklet showing Blairstown for Friday the
the film locations “then” 13th weddings or to renew
and “now.” Prop actors will their marriage vows and
pop up along the way with even requested “Jason” to
surprises and re-enactments walk the bride down the
during the tours. aisle. Some couples have
In January, the museum enlisted Jason as their
will launch its permanent flower girl – he drops rose
exhibit of “Friday the 13th” petals as the bride walks
memorabilia which will down the aisle.
include movie props and a Iurato said visitors from
“Jason mask” signed by the as far away as Australia
actor who played “young have come to experience
Jason” in the first film, the sights and sounds of
Ari Lehman. Lehman “Friday the 13th.”
returned to Blairstown for “For many it’s nostalgic,”
a meet-and-greet event in said Iurato. “This recalls
April 2018. their youth. The movie now
Iurato said at least one tends to be cheesy and campy
actor from the series will — it’s more anxiety-driven. Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald
appear at the 2019 events. We lose that in movies Jen Artiglier, left, and Rob Bower show off their weapons during the Friday the
Some have come to these days.” V 13th celebration in Blairstown.
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TOURISM
Heather A. Homemaker, left, leads a hike along the Paulinskill Trail, hosted by Angry Erik Brewing and Botanical Hiker in Lafayette.
Sussex County offers visit

diverse, unique kind of tou
By LORI COMSTOCK of its many resorts and shop “small” at local based, such as farms; and recreational
lcomstock@njherald.com boutiques. tourism, or outdoor activities.
T here are hundreds of reasons to visit “We’re unique in the kind of tourism we Because of its diversity, offering a gamut
Sussex County throughout all four have in the county,” Tammie Horsfield, of opportunities, tourism has been and
seasons, with skiing on freshly fallen president of the Sussex County Chamber of continues to exceed expectations as a vital
snow in the winter, fairs and festivals in the Commerce, said. “We are a four-season revenue stream for the region, Horsfield
spring, hiking, biking and swimming in the tourism destination and not everyone can said.
summer and pumpkin mazes set among the say that in the state.” Horsfield indicates tourism is exploding in
vibrant foliage of fall. What makes Sussex County so diverse and the region, and will continue to do so as the
With an area encompassing nearly 536 not a “one-stop destination,” Horsfield said, years progress, with data collected showing
square miles, visitors opt to get away to the is that it offers three different types of visitors spent $530.4 million in Sussex
sprawling countryside of Sussex County, tourism: Ecotourism, or natural places that County in 2017.
located just 40 miles from New York City, to aim at ensuring the natural environment; Compared to data from 2016, visitor
take in a fine dining experience, lodge at one agritourism, or places that are agriculturally spending increased by $8 million between
26
2018 Visions - 3 Tourism (NEW) - p26-29.indd 26 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:50 AM

5 percent in steady annual
growth of tourism.
Four seasons of fun
While Sussex County
residents already know that it is
a hidden gem nestled in the
northwestern portion of the
state, more and more visitors are
finding that to be true.
“We are close enough but far
enough for a lot of people,”
Horsfield said, adding that
visitors who come year-round
are mainly from the tri-state
region, especially New York City.
But visitors eager to explore
what Sussex County has to offer
come from as far north as
Canada, as far west as Ohio and
as far south as the Carolinas,
Horsfield said.
But just what is it about
Sussex County?
Many come for the ecotourism;
the abundance of hiking trails,
from novice to the advanced, is
at the forefront with scenic
overlooks of the lush landscape
the county has to offer.
Hikers, bikers, horseback
riders and those eager to sit Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
lakeside and catch a bass or carp
can look to various state parks Tammie Horsfield, president of the Sussex County Chamber of
in the county, such as High Commerce, left, and volunteer David Goldenberg, of United Northern
Mutual, were among volunteers who spent a day removing loose
Point, Hopatcong or Kittatinny
and fallen trees from a stretch of the Sussex-Branch Trail near the
Valley.
intersection of Trinity and Stuart Streets during Trail Clean Up Day.
High Point State Park, located
in the northwestern portion of park and ropes course, County has to offer.
Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald
the county, offers views of New TreEscape, which opened in “Our tourism icons (Mountain
York, Pennsylvania and New summer 2017. Creek and Crystal Springs)
isitors a
Jersey from the top of the High Crystal Springs Resort, in understand that our visitors are
Point Monument, which stands Hardyston, just down the road, also staying there to explore
at 1,803 feet above sea level and also boasts a slew of activities. other parts of the county,”
reaches an additional 220 feet Visitors come from far and wide Horsfield said. “That is something
into the sky. It’s also the state’s to take up a round of golf, while that has really changed and
tourism
highest point. others may enjoy a game of grown over the years.”
As for recreational tourism, basketball or a dip in its heated Included in those other parts
visitors can take in a variety of pool. are the Sussex County
activities at Mountain Creek Visitors can choose from seven Fairgrounds, particularly its
Resort, in Vernon, such as golf courses laid out within just festivals and the New Jersey
2016 and 2017, with $522.1 skiing, cross-country skiing, five miles of each other, State Fair/Sussex County Farm
million spent in 2016. snowboarding, snowshoeing and Horsfield said. and Horse Show; Skylands
The roughly $530 million in snowtubing. “Our golf courses are a big Stadium, home of the 2018
spending, Horsfield said, “People want to come and draw to the county, and in Can-Am League Champions and
supported a total of $722 stay at the Crystal Springs addition to those offered at professional, independent
million in business sales and Resort or at Mountain Creek for Crystal Springs, there are many baseball team, the Sussex
$113 million in income. the water park or winter public courses available,” County Miners; and Waterloo
While visitor spending in activities,” Horsfield said. Horsfield said. Village, situated along the
2016 helped generate 6,277 jobs Mountain Creek, which offers In fact, there are over Musconetcong River.
in the county, in 2017, that four mountain peaks and eight 20 courses in Sussex County! Unique attractions include the
number increased to 8,147. lifts in the winter, also offers While many stay and play at Sterling Hill Mine, in
In fact, over the last 10 years, some fun in the summer months Mountain Creek and Crystal Ogdensburg, which was the last
Horsfield said, there has been with the Mountain Creek Springs resorts, visitors also tend working underground mine in
from 1.5 percent to as high as Waterpark and its adventure to seek out what else Sussex Continued on Page 29
27

Ski entrepreneur come
By ERIC OBERNAUER Through her company, Halley O’Brien
eobernauer@njherald.com Productions, she continues to churn out
W ho says you can never go home

again?
At Vernon’s Mountain
Creek Resort, an international ski industry
rainmaker has done just that by following his
regular video updates on ski and snow condi-
tions across North America titled “The Snow
Report” and “SnoCountry Snapshot” that are
seen by millions each week throughout the
winter, while also serving as a member of the
lifelong love of snow and water sports back leadership team at Snow Operating.
to the place where it all began for him. Her impact has even attracted the notice
Born and raised in Vernon, where his of concerns outside the ski industry including
first paid job came as a 14-year-old parking the Boston Red Sox, which turned to her a
attendant at Mountain Creek, Joe Hession few years ago for her insights on what the
worked his way through college while ski industry was doing to appeal to a wider
working his way up the ranks at Mountain audience and what baseball could do to
Creek, eventually becoming the resort’s apply those same lessons.
general manager by the time he was Together she and he constitute what is
30 years old. arguably one of the most formidable power
After setting off for Colorado, Hession couples in the ski industry today, with resort
went on to found his own international clients spanning the United States, Canada
ski industry consultancy, Snow Operating, and even China.
which he has since parlayed into a For both of them, Vernon and Mountain
multinational outfit with more than 40 Creek are where they have returned to
resort partners in North America and Asia. embark on one of their biggest ventures to
Submitted photo Along the way, he also met and married date, a partnership that culminated in Snow
Joe Hession, left, and Halley O’Brien met the love of his life, Halley O’Brien, a New Operating acquiring a controlling interest in
several years ago while getting their start in Jersey native and respected ski industry the resort in November 2018.
the ski and snowboard business at Vernon’s trailblazer in her own right who also got her In his new capacity as Mountain Creek
Mountain Creek. start at Mountain Creek. CEO, Hession envisions the resort becoming
28

omes home to where it all began
a premier four-season destination offer top-notch ski, snowboard who’ve trained here. senior leadership team is Hugh
anchored by its winter ski and and snowtubing conditions The summer waterpark, Reynolds, vice president of
summer waterpark attractions throughout the winter season which is open from June marketing, along with Hession’s
but also including its mountain along with one of the best through September, includes brother, Patrick Hession, and
bike park, a ropes course and terrain parks in the East. For additional attractions for their attorney, Scott Baldassano.
aerial adventure park called overnight and extended stays, everyone from tots to teens to Assisting them in overseeing
TreEscape, and the 27-hole, The Appalachian offers slopeside adults and is in the midst of day-to-day operations is Evan
365-acre Great Gorge Golf accommodations at the base of several upgrades of its own, Kovach, the director of sales and
Course and more. Vernon Peak. including a newly opened “4-D” marketing.
The resort’s mission: “To The resort also has redoubled ride dubbed “Alpine Rush,” “Mountain Creek is where I
enhance the lives of our guests, its efforts to support aspiring which is something of an indoor grew up, it’s where I met my
team and partners by building ski racers, culminating recently waterslide wrapped up in a wife, and it’s where my brother
lasting connections.” in the launching of an elite ski virtual reality experience. met his wife, and we’re here for
“Operating a mountain academy program in partnership The waterpark also began the long haul,” Hession said.
is really about fostering a with Hilltop Country Day hosting several adult party nights “In the coming years,” he
community, and we intend to School in Sparta. The program, throughout summer 2018 for those added, “I want this resort to
create an environment that is believed to be the first of its 21 and up, and plans to continue become known as one of the best
a great place to work, play and kind in the mid-Atlantic region, doing so in coming years. places to work in Sussex County,
live,” Hession said. combines academic instruction Fun and memories are if not New Jersey and the entire
With plans to invest more with daily coached skiing the name of the game here, country — and I want the guest
than $5 million in an enhanced lessons throughout the winter superseded only by an overriding experience to be one where
snowmaking system and for middle school students with concern for guests’ well-being people say ‘I want to come
grooming fleet over the next Olympic dreams of following in and safety, said Hession. back, I love what this resort’s
five years, the resort promises to the footsteps of past Olympians Rounding out the resort’s doing.’ ” V
shows and gets a marketing boost from a Anaheim, Calif., in June, which brings
New Jersey when it went out of operation in tourism grant through the New Jersey together nearly 70 countries, and a new
1989, and for the thrill-seeker, Skydive Sussex, Division of Travel and Tourism. international trade show called Connect
located at the Sussex Airport in Wantage, the Jeff Vasser, executive director of the New Travel Marketplace, held in February in
closest skydiving center to New York City. Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, Kissimmee, Fla.
frequents Sussex County, Horsfield said, and The Sussex County Chamber of
Full steam ahead on the heels of a recent tour throughout the Commerce has also taken on a year-long
With the new year on the horizon, the county, Horsfield said she anticipates he will venture that will be unveiled the first of the
future of tourism is looking bright in Sussex come back a few more times in the near new year: a fully revamped and revitalized
County. future. Sussex Skylands website.
“I see tourism continuing to grow. I think To boost area tourism, Horsfield has, and “It will have offerings for the tourism
that the outdoors and getting back to nature continues to, attend various travel shows industry where businesses can add their own
is something that more and more people will throughout the country, including the New content and packages,” Horsfield said.
see in the area of health and wellness,” York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javits The site, designed by Simpleview, whose
Horsfield said. “People want that getaway, Center in New York City and the American team of experts also created the U.S. Travel
they want that escape and we have the Bus Association’s Marketplace in Louisville, Association website, Horsfield said, will be
opportunity to provide that.” Ky., held within days of one another in focused on the customers.
Horsfield said the Sussex County Chamber January. “People will be able to walk away with
works closely with the state of New Jersey, Horsfield also has the U.S. Travel their own itineraries,” Horsfield said. “We
where Sussex County is promoted in travel Association’s International Pow Wow in are really looking forward to it.” V
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services
At the ribbon-cutting for the Project Self-Sufficiency Journey are from left, Sue Murphy, board member, Lorraine Parker, board member, Beverly Gordon, board presiden
Patrice Green, PSS staff and project originator, Cathy Ellman, with her son, Mike, and husband, Blake, and PSS supporter and board member Kathy Esposito.
Project Self-Sufficiency’s Jo
RV takes services on the r
By LORI COMSTOCK PSS Journey, Opportunity on the Move. winter coats.
lcomstock@njherald.com PSS Journey now provides those in need The RV, which is colored in tan and white
F or more than 32 years, Project with access to services just outside their front with green lettering, has two bathrooms, a
Self-Sufficiency has provided a place doors. shower, charging ports, a kitchen, three large
where residents of Sussex County can Debuting in April, the RV, retrofitted television screens and other useful amenities.
obtain the tools and resources necessary to with five computers, internet access and A rotating schedule has been put in
help them attain their goals. staffed with a case worker along with a place where the RV stops at two different
Now, to reach residents seeking assistance driver, allows clients to search for jobs, municipalities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each
but unable to get to PSS services, the agency receive information or referrals week.
can take its services to them, courtesy of its to community services and obtain items, Deborah Berry-Toon, the agency’s
new one-of-a-kind mobile services vehicle, such as diapers, food, clothing and executive director, said PSS Journey
30
2018 Visions - 4 Services (new) - p30-33.indd 30 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:57 AM

Empowering
Ellman Discovery Foundation.
Impact Garden State 100,
a New Jersey woman’s
philanthropic organization,
youth with
provided $141,000 that was
used to purchase the RV, which
was three years old with less
than 30,000 miles on it, Berry-
Pass It Along
Toon said. The seller, who was
someone known to staff at the
agency, allows the RV to stay
in a garaged enclosure when it’s
I
not on the road.
Other organizations, such as t all started with a passion
High Point Solutions, in Sparta, to help others and a red According to Pass It
also assisted with equipping the child’s wagon. Along’s 2017 annual
RV. This is how Diane Taylor, report, the youth
“We are just thrilled board chair for the organization
everything came together the Pass It Along, describes the involved with the
way it did,” Berry-Toon said. conceptualization of the not-for- organization have since
As is the case with any new profit group that has recently clocked in 250,000
venture during its first year, headquartered and opened its
Berry-Toon said there is always youth center at the Shoppes at service hours helping
work to be done. Lafayette. out in the community,
“There are some days when “It was a calling,” Taylor said, with more than 14,000
there are a lot of people, other “I had young people around me
looking for a way to serve.”
people helped. Pass It
days when there are a few and
some days where there is no Taylor said that in 2001, her Along serves Sussex,
one,” she said. “So we want to children and other young people as well as Essex, Morris
start to build up our clientele she knew — some as young as 7 and Warren counties.
by going to more town-based — had the urge to help others.
events and look at other towns After talking with her children project such as “Ryan’s Cases for
in need.” about those in the community Smile,” in which participants sew
Berry-Toon said PSS has who were without means to cheery pillowcases for terminally
worked closely with donors as afford Thanksgiving, they ill children in local hospitals.
well as Sussex County Social immediately grabbed their little The community center will
Services to obtain and distribute red wagon, filling it with food host “Family Days” for service
needed items. items from their own pantry. projects, with 20 project stations
At Thanksgiving, Berry-Toon “They couldn’t even finish to choose from, as well as
said coolers were placed aboard listening,” Taylor said. They youth-empowering workshops.
the bus and meals were delivered told her, “Mom, we’ve got to do Pass It Along teaches children
to residents. something now.” and teens to use their abilities to
Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald Taylor at that time was
In the new year, Berry-Toon make a difference in the world,
n, board president, Kate McNamara, PSS staff, said she’d like to focus on working a full-time job, but saw unlocking their potentials.
posito. establishing a cadre of “such hunger and thirst to help “The Services Corps,” a
s Journey
volunteers to travel on the people” in her children. leadership program, offers teens
RV to assist in multiple ways, The Pass It Along movement the opportunity to convene
from helping clientele navigate started with a group of children weekly to research and plan
computers to handing out food in Taylor’s church and has
service events. Another program
and supplies. evolved. According to Pass It
he road
is “goLEAD,” a leadership-
In addition, Berry-Toon said Along’s 2017 annual report,
building program for teams
they will continue attending the youth involved with the
that works on skill and team
town-based events to continue organization have since clocked
building.
analyzing where the need is in 250,000 service hours
has been making stops in Teens can also engage in
as the mobile services vehicle helping out in the community,
Sussex, Hamburg, Franklin, self-discovery programs. “Get
continues to gain traction. with more than 14,000 people
Ogdensburg, Montague, Connected” is a support network
For more information about helped. Pass It Along serves
Vernon, Hopatcong, Netcong that helps youth between the
Project Self-Sufficiency’s Journey Sussex, as well as Essex, Morris
and Jefferson, all somewhat ages of 16 and 22 over a period
RV, including a schedule of all and Warren counties.
remote from Project Self- of 10 weeks to participate
stops, call 973-940-3500 or visit With Pass It Along’s new
Sufficiency’s Newton location. in workshops and volunteer
www.projectselfsufficieny.org. youth center, young people can
The project could have never opportunities. It focuses on
To follow PSS Journey on instantly participate in a walk-
taken place, Berry-Toon said, building connections in the
the road and for the latest in service project. The parents
community and a young person’s
if it hadn’t been for funding by information, visit Facebook.com/ can drop off their child or can
Impact Garden State 100 and PSSJourney. V also lend a helping hand with a Continued on Page 32
31

sense of purpose. “Discover Your

Passion & Purpose” teaches
teens service, gratitude and
self-awareness through group
discussions, interactive games
and other activities.
Volunteerism is one of the
other heartbeats behind Pass
It Along. The organization
partners with other non-profit
and educational entities to
provide hands-on volunteering
opportunities for the teen
ranging from art projects,
to hunger and homelessness
assistance, to caring for animals
and the environment.
Meals on Wheels, One Step
Closer Animal Rescue, Birth
Haven, Habitat for Humanity,
Hardyston Township Charity
Garden and Katie’s House are
just a few of the organizations
that partner with Pass It Along.
Kurt Walton, Pass It Along’s
president, retired from years in
education, discovering while he
Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald was there that many youth are
Pass It Along volunteers, from left, Sydney Hill, 15, of Sussex Borough, Charlotte Pagliaro, 16, of Branchville, looking for their purpose.
Michaela Bleakley, 16, of Sparta, Erin Finnegan, 16, of Sparta, and Maddie Arcuri, 16, of Sparta, sort “A lot of kids out there don’t
through care packages for area veterans they assembled at the Pass It Along Youth Center. know what’s out there for
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105 SPARTA AVE., NEWTON www.upandabovecontractors.com
32

them,” Walton said.
With Pass It Along, he has seen children
find a safe and caring atmosphere that will
help them to find who they are as they help
others. While Pass It Along partners with
many area schools, Walton said the new
youth center will open the door to other kids
in the community, such as home-schoolers.
Pass It Along Board Member Jim Ferguson
asked attendees at a recent fundraising
event, “How much would you pay to have
your child instilled with a passion to give
back to their community and learn how to
lead with compassion and integrity?”
Ferguson said the answer was, “Probably
whatever it costs. Pass It Along provides this
life-changing experience for our teenagers
at no charge. We never have. Diane’s vision
of giving this gift to the world is something
we all believe in and we hope you can all
envision it as well.”
Ferguson believed so strongly in Pass It Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald
Along’s mission when he met Taylor almost
15 years ago, he said he needed to ensure Liam Hassloch, 11, decorates a box during the Pass It Along Family Volunteer Day at Sparta
the program remained for his children to Evangelical Free Church in Sparta.
participate in. Ferguson’s son was then age 3 working with children after Pass It Along. “I found myself, my purpose and my
and his daughters were newborns. Ferguson’s She is now striving to become a counselor power to make a difference in the lives of
son has been involved in Pass It Along’s working with children. families just like my own,” McGuiness said.
Service Corps and his daughters will begin Tyler McGuiness said he was so inspired Taylor summed up the ripple effect of just
their Pass It Along journey when they begin after his family received help from the one action and serving others.
high school next year. community when times were tough, he joined “Everyone has a hunger to help other
One participant recounted how she began Pass It Along when he was in high school. people,” she said. V
• Landscape Construction
• Excavating
• Lawn Maintenance
• Trucking
• Snow Plowing
Newton, NJ
973.579.6854
Like us on www.gerberlandscaping.com
33
them,” Walton said.
With Pass It Along, he has seen children
find a safe and caring atmosphere that will
help them to find who they are as they help
others. While Pass It Along partners with
many area schools, Walton said the new
youth center will open the door to other kids
in the community, such as home-schoolers.
Pass It Along Board Member Jim Ferguson
asked attendees at a recent fundraising
event, “How much would you pay to have
your child instilled with a passion to give
back to their community and learn how to
lead with compassion and integrity?”
Ferguson said the answer was, “Probably
whatever it costs. Pass It Along provides this
life-changing experience for our teenagers
at no charge. We never have. Diane’s vision
of giving this gift to the world is something
we all believe in and we hope you can all
envision it as well.”
Ferguson believed so strongly in Pass It Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald
Along’s mission when he met Taylor almost
15 years ago, he said he needed to ensure Liam Hassloch, 11, decorates a box during the Pass It Along Family Volunteer Day at Sparta
the program remained for his children to Evangelical Free Church in Sparta.
participate in. Ferguson’s son was then age 3 working with children after Pass It Along. “I found myself, my purpose and my
and his daughters were newborns. Ferguson’s She is now striving to become a counselor power to make a difference in the lives of
son has been involved in Pass It Along’s working with children. families just like my own,” McGuiness said.
Service Corps and his daughters will begin Tyler McGuiness said he was so inspired Taylor summed up the ripple effect of just
their Pass It Along journey when they begin after his family received help from the one action and serving others.
high school next year. community when times were tough, he joined “Everyone has a hunger to help other
One participant recounted how she began Pass It Along when he was in high school. people,” she said. V
• Landscape Construction
• Excavating
• Lawn Maintenance
• Trucking
• Snow Plowing
Newton, NJ
973.579.6854
Like us on www.gerberlandscaping.com
33

Quality of Life
By ROBERT PRICE
bprice@njherald.com
F or anyone who doubts the

surge of interest in local,
live theater over the last
couple of decades, look no
further than our high schools.
And as school thespian
programs have grown and
prospered, independent
community theater groups
have multiplied and grown
exponentially.
“
The arts are a
unique resource for
creative thinking
and that ability
is needed perhaps now
more than ever as we
remain challenged by
not only money, but
technology advancements
that curtail folks from
leaving their homes or the
demand of our time that
we universally face.”
— STephen L. Frederick S,
Founder and
execu Tive direc Tor
o F The Growin G STa Ge
In Sussex County and the

surrounding areas, a dozen
or so organizations have been
staging more and more quality
productions, and the trend
doesn’t look like it will slow any Members of Drama Geek Studios in Newton perform “Into the Woods” at the Sussex County Community College Performing Arts C
Rebirth of local, liv

time soon.
To continue that growth,
community groups, many of
them non-profits, are getting
kickstarted by high sch

creative off-stage as well.
“As we plan for the future,
collaboration and partnerships
are a necessary component to
ensuring our success. This can
happen between members of for both young and old to Joshua Reed, founder with his artists train for years
the non-profit community, as nurture their “inner actors.” wife, Vicky, of Drama Geek at their crafts but end up
well as through the formation Anyone with a love for theater Studios. “I can only speak getting ordinary jobs to pay
of active relationships with — from the youngest children to what I’ve seen at Drama the bills. These are the people
the for-profit sector,” said to senior citizens — can find an Geek, but we continue to we have found coming out to
Stephen L. Fredericks, founder opportunity to participate in attract a higher and higher participate in community theater
and executive director of some way nowadays. And some caliber of talent to take part in now.”
The Growing Stage — The people may discover talents they our productions on both the From the perspective of the
Children’s Theatre of New never knew they had. performance and production audience, one major reason
Jersey, in Netcong. “I think that the quality sides of things. Truth be told, community theater has grown is
With the growth of interest of what we call ‘community the entertainment industry is the cost to attend relative to the
in theater has come an expected theater’ or ‘amateur theater’ has a tough one and as the cliches cost of, say, a Broadway show.
jump in the talent levels, as and will continue to improve go, most people don’t ‘make it.’ “The good news is that
there and more opportunities from what it once was,” said However, many, many aspiring local people can get to see
34
2018 Visions - 5 Quality of Life (new) - p34-45.indd 34 WednesdayDec/05/18 11:04 AM

e Urgent Cares can
fix you right up
Sparta joins Newton with new facility
By LORI COMSTOCK
lcomstock@njherald.com
A bout five years after

opening an urgent care
facility in Newton, Dr.
David G. Mattes opened a sec-
ond location in Sparta. Both
locations provide medical care
seven days a week that can
help avoid unnecessary trips to
a hospital emergency room.
Starting with two physicians,
the Urgent Care Centers
now employ eight ER-
trained physicians plus nurse
practitioners, said practice
manager Maria Obolensky.
According to a February Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald
report by the Urgent Care The outdoor sign directs patients
Association of America, urgent to the Sparta Urgent Care
care is an $18 billion industry Medical Campus.
that was projected to grow by
pre-employment physicals,
5.8 percent this past year. The
drug testing and workman’s
more than 7,500 urgent care
compensation issues are
facilities nationwide typically
a segment of health care
offer convenient on-demand,
that urgent care centers are
no-appointment-needed
providing to local employers,
comprehensive medical care.
which grew at an unanticipated
Both Sparta Urgent Care
in Sparta and Newton Urgent rate, Obolensky said. They
Care in Newton follow that are also a national collection
Submitted photo site for Allere labs for DOT
model, with no appointments
Performing Arts Center. needed for illness or wellness drug screens and random
, live theater
care, such as physicals for camp, breath alcohol testing, plus
school and sports, according to all providers are certified
the facilities’ website. by the National Registry of
The Urgent Care Centers are Certified Medical Examiners to
provide medical exams for the
schoolers, clubs
open seven days a week,
12 hours a day. Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Among the services offered Administration.
are digital X-rays, minor An urgent care facility
surgical procedures, lab work, provides a convenient option
flu and tetanus shots and drug should someone’s primary
professional-level productions and the affordability over
and alcohol screenings. care physician be unavailable
and performances at local professional options.”
community theater prices,” Reed Theater organizations are Injuries, illnesses and other and is also an alternative to
said. also staging popular non- maladies that can be treated going to a hospital emergency
“(Audiences) seem to be theater events to raise funds to include allergic reactions, room for non-life-threatening
growing as well because the supplement their operations. asthma and bronchitis, health issues. The urgent
experience of viewing live Cornerstone Theatre often hosts burns, ear and eye infections, care facilities’ shared website,
theater is such a more dynamic concerts and comedy shows. flu symptoms, insect bites, spartaurgentcare.com and
level of entertainment than the The Growing Stage holds a lacerations and suturing, newtonurgentcare.com, offer
usual fare in this digital age,” Harvest Festival every fall, stomachaches and pains, a checklist to help patients
Reed continued. “I see live hosts occasional concerts and is urinary tract infections, wound determine if an emergency
theater growing and growing, planning to bring back movies care, infections and headaches. room visit is needed.
especially on the community to the Palace Theatre. Employer services, such as The Newton and Sparta
level because of these reasons Continued on Page 37
Continued on Page 39
35

Newton Medical Center recently underwent upgrades including a new state-of-the-art emergency center that was completed about a year ago.
Newton Medical Center/Atlantic

Health’s ‘Network of Caring’
offers best of all worlds
By ERIC OBERNAUER also implemented valet parking outside recognition over the past year from the
eobernauer@njherald.com the emergency center, noting that the last American Heart Association and American
F ounded in 1932, Newton Medical thing a family wants to worry about when Stroke Association for its treatment of
Center has grown over the years from driving a loved one to the emergency room is these conditions, and from the American
a small community care center to one looking for a parking spot. College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
that today continues to set the gold These are but a few of the reasons Newton Accreditation for its Cancer Care Program.
standard for health care in northwest Medical Center continues to be recognized Since becoming part of Atlantic Health
New Jersey. for the quality of its patient care, most System in 2011, Newton Medical Center
As part of Atlantic Health System, the recently earning Healthgrades’ Patient has been connected to nearby Hackettstown
hospital also benefits from Atlantic Health’s Safety Excellence Award as well as its Medical Center, which joined Atlantic
academic and clinical affiliation with Mount Stroke Excellence Care Award, a recognition Health System in 2016.
Sinai School of Medicine and Mount Sinai bestowed only on the top 10 percent of Together they constitute part of Atlantic
Hospital in New York City. hospitals in this category. Health’s “Trusted Network of Caring,”
Most recently, Newton Medical Center Newton Medical Center also has received which aims to provide patients the peace of
underwent additional upgrades including Healthgrades’ five-star ratings for treating mind of knowing they’ll receive the same
a new state-of-the-art emergency center sepsis and heart failure for nine years in a top-notch care as they would at Atlantic
that was completed just over a year ago. At row, and for its treatment of respiratory Health’s flagship campus in Morristown or
the time, in a further quest to improve the failure for five years in a row. at any of its other facilities, which include
patient experience, Newton Medical Center The hospital has received additional Continued on Page 38
36

‘You are not alone’ at the
Quinlan Bereavement Center
W hen a child or adult

is experiencing loss
in their life, whether
it is of a family member, friend
or pet, the Joseph T. Quinlan
Bereavement Center is available
to provide support to those
grieving.
The bereavement center is
an offshoot of the Karen Ann
Quinlan Hospice, which has
been rooted in the community
since 1980. The non-profit
hospice organization was formed
in honor of Karen Ann Quinlan,
daughter of founders Julia and
Joseph Quinlan. The Quinlan
family made national headlines
when their family was launched
New Jersey Herald file photo
into tragedy in 1975.
Daughter Karen Ann fell into Bereavement counselor Lori Opitz, left, leads a support group at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center in
a coma while out with friends. Frankford, helping those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
She was hospitalized and never Newton Medical Center, the bereavement, said programs At the center, those who are
expected to recover. hospice has celebrated growth are available to the community, making end-of-life decisions can
Her family made the and a legacy of helping others whether or not their loved ones take part in planning activities.
heartbreaking decision to remove since. The 501(c)(3) non-profit are, or had been, in the hospice Counselors at the Bereavement
her from life support. However, now staffs over 100 employees program. Center can guide individuals
the medical community resisted and a group of dedicated Programs include adult with how to deliver the news
that decision. and trained support groups, grief support to their family members, for
This led to a volunteers to for children between the ages example. They can also assist in
landmark New Programs at the center assist families of 6 and 12, and support planning memorial services and
Jersey Supreme include adult support in their time of for pet loss. Workshops are directives.
Court case groups, grief support for need. available in expressive arts The Bereavement Center can
in 1976 that children between the ages The Joseph including music, art, journaling also be a place where families
has been the of 6 and 12, and support T. Quinlan and art appreciation that come together and meet, in
precedent for for pet loss. Workshops Bereavement help strengthen grief coping anticipatory grief or after their
other “right are available in expressive Center strategies. “It teaches them loved one has passed away.
to die” cases celebrated the to get their inside feelings For children, a play therapy
arts including music,
throughout the ribbon cutting out,” Sebzda said. “It’s both room is filled with art supplies
nation. art, journaling and art
appreciation that help for its Augusta educational and supportive.” and games. The games provide
Once the location in Joel Peterson, a bereavement children with grief support,
Quinlan family strengthen grief coping
2017. It is counselor at the center, has through “The Coping Skills
was permitted strategies. here that been instrumental in heading Game” and “Emotional Bingo.”
to remove bereavement up expressive arts activities for Games and free play can help
Karen Ann groups meet regularly, adults, based off of the success of counselors assess how children
from life support, she survived individual and group grief the children’s programs. are processing grief.
without life support until June counseling sessions are “Experiencing emotion Counselors can also assist
11, 1985. scheduled, memorial services are through the art makes grief schools with setting up support
Julia and Joseph Quinlan conducted and special workshops more tangible and not as groups and providing crisis
transformed their own pain take place. abstract,” Peterson, said. support in times of need.
and experiences to help others The Augusta bereavement Lee Ellison, marketing “It’s a whole team approach
through the creation of the center has satellite locations in director for Karen Ann Quinlan here,” Ellison said. “Nobody
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice on Hackettstown and Milford, Pa., Hospice, said the Bereavement has to walk this journey alone.
April 15, 1980. to serve those areas. Center also offers programs to They don’t have to navigate it
Starting from one room in Diana Sebzda, director of address anticipatory grief. alone.” V
37
2018 Visions Page 37.indd 37 WednesdayDec/05/18 4:02 PM

Quality of Life
By ROBERT PRICE
bprice@njherald.com
F or anyone who doubts the

surge of interest in local,
live theater over the last
couple of decades, look no
further than our high schools.
And as school thespian
programs have grown and
prospered, independent
community theater groups
have multiplied and grown
exponentially.
“
The arts are a
unique resource for
creative thinking
and that ability
is needed perhaps now
more than ever as we
remain challenged by
not only money, but
technology advancements
that curtail folks from
leaving their homes or the
demand of our time that
we universally face.”
— STephen L. Frederick S,
Fo under and
execu Tive direc To r
o F The Growin G STa Ge
In Sussex County and the

surrounding areas, a dozen
or so organizations have been
staging more and more quality
productions, and the trend
doesn’t look like it will slow any Members of Drama Geek Studios in Newton perform “Into the Woods” at the Sussex County Community College Performing Arts C
Rebirth of local, liv

time soon.
To continue that growth,
community groups, many of
them non-profits, are getting
kickstarted by high sch

creative off-stage as well.
“As we plan for the future,
collaboration and partnerships
are a necessary component to
ensuring our success. This can
happen between members of for both young and old to Joshua Reed, founder with his artists train for years
the non-profit community, as nurture their “inner actors.” wife, Vicky, of Drama Geek at their crafts but end up
well as through the formation Anyone with a love for theater Studios. “I can only speak getting ordinary jobs to pay
of active relationships with — from the youngest children to what I’ve seen at Drama the bills. These are the people
the for-profit sector,” said to senior citizens — can find an Geek, but we continue to we have found coming out to
Stephen L. Fredericks, founder opportunity to participate in attract a higher and higher participate in community theater
and executive director of some way nowadays. And some caliber of talent to take part in now.”
The Growing Stage — The people may discover talents they our productions on both the From the perspective of the
Children’s Theatre of New never knew they had. performance and production audience, one major reason
Jersey, in Netcong. “I think that the quality sides of things. Truth be told, community theater has grown is
With the growth of interest of what we call ‘community the entertainment industry is the cost to attend relative to the
in theater has come an expected theater’ or ‘amateur theater’ has a tough one and as the cliches cost of, say, a Broadway show.
jump in the talent levels, as and will continue to improve go, most people don’t ‘make it.’ “The good news is that
there and more opportunities from what it once was,” said However, many, many aspiring local people can get to see
38

e Urgent Cares can
fix you right up
Sparta joins Newton with new facility
By LORI COMSTOCK
A bout five years after

opening an urgent care
facility in Newton, Dr.
David G. Mattes opened a sec-
ond location in Sparta. Both
locations provide medical care
seven days a week that can
help avoid unnecessary trips to
a hospital emergency room.
Starting with two physicians,
the Urgent Care Centers
now employ eight ER-
trained physicians plus nurse
practitioners, said practice
manager Maria Obolensky.
According to a February Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald
report by the Urgent Care The outdoor sign directs patients
Association of America, urgent to the Sparta Urgent Care
care is an $18 billion industry Medical Campus.
that was projected to grow by
pre-employment physicals,
5.8 percent this past year. The
drug testing and workman’s
more than 7,500 urgent care
compensation issues are
facilities nationwide typically
a segment of health care
offer convenient on-demand,
that urgent care centers are
no-appointment-needed
providing to local employers,
comprehensive medical care.
which grew at an unanticipated
Both Sparta Urgent Care
in Sparta and Newton Urgent rate, Obolensky said. They
Care in Newton follow that are also a national collection
Submitted photo site for Allere labs for DOT
model, with no appointments
Performing Arts Center. needed for illness or wellness drug screens and random
, live theater
care, such as physicals for camp, breath alcohol testing, plus
school and sports, according to all providers are certified
the facilities’ website. by the National Registry of
The Urgent Care Centers are Certified Medical Examiners to
provide medical exams for the
schoolers, clubs
open seven days a week,
12 hours a day. Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Among the services offered Administration.
are digital X-rays, minor An urgent care facility
surgical procedures, lab work, provides a convenient option
flu and tetanus shots and drug should someone’s primary
professional-level productions and the affordability over
and alcohol screenings. care physician be unavailable
and performances at local professional options.”
community theater prices,” Reed Theater organizations are Injuries, illnesses and other and is also an alternative to
said. also staging popular non- maladies that can be treated going to a hospital emergency
“(Audiences) seem to be theater events to raise funds to include allergic reactions, room for non-life-threatening
growing as well because the supplement their operations. asthma and bronchitis, health issues. The urgent
experience of viewing live Cornerstone Theatre often hosts burns, ear and eye infections, care facilities’ shared website,
theater is such a more dynamic concerts and comedy shows. flu symptoms, insect bites, spartaurgentcare.com and
level of entertainment than the The Growing Stage holds a lacerations and suturing, newtonurgentcare.com, offer
usual fare in this digital age,” Harvest Festival every fall, stomachaches and pains, a checklist to help patients
Reed continued. “I see live hosts occasional concerts and is urinary tract infections, wound determine if an emergency
theater growing and growing, planning to bring back movies care, infections and headaches. room visit is needed.
especially on the community to the Palace Theatre. Employer services, such as The Newton and Sparta
level because of these reasons Continued on Page 37
Continued on Page 39
35

Newton Medical Center recently underwent upgrades including a new state-of-the-art emergency center that was completed about a year ago.
Newton Medical Center/Atlantic

Health’s ‘Network of Caring’
offers best of all worlds
By ERIC OBERNAUER also implemented valet parking outside recognition over the past year from the
eobernauer@njherald.com the emergency center, noting that the last American Heart Association and American
F ounded in 1932, Newton Medical thing a family wants to worry about when Stroke Association for its treatment of
Center has grown over the years from driving a loved one to the emergency room is these conditions, and from the American
a small community care center to one looking for a parking spot. College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
that today continues to set the gold These are but a few of the reasons Newton Accreditation for its Cancer Care Program.
standard for health care in northwest Medical Center continues to be recognized Since becoming part of Atlantic Health
New Jersey. for the quality of its patient care, most System in 2011, Newton Medical Center
As part of Atlantic Health System, the recently earning Healthgrades’ Patient has been connected to nearby Hackettstown
hospital also benefits from Atlantic Health’s Safety Excellence Award as well as its Medical Center, which joined Atlantic
academic and clinical affiliation with Mount Stroke Excellence Care Award, a recognition Health System in 2016.
Sinai School of Medicine and Mount Sinai bestowed only on the top 10 percent of Together they constitute part of Atlantic
Hospital in New York City. hospitals in this category. Health’s “Trusted Network of Caring,”
Most recently, Newton Medical Center Newton Medical Center also has received which aims to provide patients the peace of
underwent additional upgrades including Healthgrades’ five-star ratings for treating mind of knowing they’ll receive the same
a new state-of-the-art emergency center sepsis and heart failure for nine years in a top-notch care as they would at Atlantic
that was completed just over a year ago. At row, and for its treatment of respiratory Health’s flagship campus in Morristown or
the time, in a further quest to improve the failure for five years in a row. at any of its other facilities, which include
patient experience, Newton Medical Center The hospital has received additional Continued on Page 38
36

for the community onstage and
At places like Drama Geek backstage.” 24 Hour Towing • Heavy Duty Towing
Flat Bed • Keys Made • Cash for Cars
Studios, the Newton Theatre Tri-State Actors Theater,
Arts Academy and Centenary founded by Paul Meacham in
Stage Company, acting classes 1988 and a forerunner and
are offered for a fee. trend-setter of the community
Cornerstone Playhouse, which theater movement, is currently
originated as a small group in inactive.
Sparta, is a perfect example of Some of the area’s best-known
a growing organization. A few community theater groups are
years ago, Cornerstone took over listed below:
the Crescent Theater in Sussex • Drama Geek Studios,
Borough — an old 13 Washington St., Newton;
movie theater that had been 973-512-8251 or visit www.
renovated by Tri-State Actors dramageekstudios.com.
Theater in the 1990s — and • Cornerstone Playhouse,
is now a thriving group for all 74 Main St., Sussex Borough;
ages. 973-702-0687 or visit www.
“Cornerstone Playhouse is a cornerstonetheatrenj.com.
non-profit community theater, • The Growing Stage,
in residence at the Crescent 7 Ledgewood Ave., Netcong;
Theater dedicated to excellence 973-347-4946 or visit www.
in Sussex County,” said artistic growingstage.com.
director Janine Byrnes. “The • Centenary Stage Company,
100-year-old theater is alive 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown; Licensed Collections Agency
and well, showcasing talented
performers and musicians from
908-979-0900 or visit www.
centenarystageco.org. Enclosed Motorcycle Storage
throughout New Jersey and
New York. Talent from ages 5
• Newton Theatre Arts
Academy, 219 Spring St.,
Auto Transport
to 105 are encouraged to be a Newton, 973-940-NEWT or Serving all of North Jersey
part of this growing community
theater. Opportunity awaits
visit www.thenewtontheatre.
com. V repotony11@aol.com
37

Continued from Page 36 afford doctors and patients This means, for example, Atlantic Health Specialty Care,
two other regional hospitals, throughout the network access that a cancer patient at Newton where physicians affiliated with
a children’s hospital, and to the same general information Medical Center can benefit Hackettstown Medical Center
rehabilitation and hospice as well as to their own individual from the additional resources will be able to provide patient
services. patient records, leading to and expertise of Hackettstown care across a variety of in-
“Our goal is for people to easier and more streamlined Medical Center’s Joan Knechel demand specialty areas such as
realize that even though Newton communication among doctors Cancer Center. Conversely, breast surgery, endocrinology,
Medical Center might not be as well as between doctors and a patient at Hackettstown allergy, rheumatology, bariatrics
as large as some of our other their patients. Medical Center can benefit from and nutrition.
facilities, it offers the same “With this system in place,” Newton Medical Center’s cardiac Since then, Atlantic Health
quality of care,” said Joseph DiPaolo explained, “patients catheterization lab, which has announced two new
DiPaolo, western regional and providers now have access is currently not available at partnerships — Coordinated
president of Atlantic Health to the information they need Hackettstown Medical Center. Health and MedExpress — that
and president of Newton and from a single system, including Patients from both locations, will provide patients greater
Hackettstown medical centers, medications, allergies and other meanwhile, have additional access to high-quality urgent
in explaining the concept. health issues, regardless of where access to the trauma and and outpatient care close to
“We want the Atlantic Health they receive care within Atlantic neonatal intensive care services home.
System name to be synonymous Health System.” of Morristown Medical Center, “In the coming year, we will
with patient-first service, no Thus will patients benefit a level II regional trauma center continue investing in updates
matter where our patients choose from having access to Atlantic and level III regional perinatal and enhancements to our patient
to go,” he said. Health’s standardized protocols care center. And because care areas,” DiPaolo said. “We
The past year saw a further as well as to the specialized all facilities within Atlantic have plans to expand a variety
milestone for Newton Medical care options offered within the Health’s Network of Caring of services including heart care,
Center as the hospital rolled Network of Caring. share the same ambulances and cancer care and behavioral
out its new electronic medical And because the state helicopters, patients can easily health programming to meet
record system, which was regulates which facilities can and quickly be transported from the growing needs of our
simultaneously implemented offer certain types of procedures, any one of these facilities to community.”
at all the other hospitals and having access to a range of any another facility within the Included in these will be the
outpatient locations throughout options within the Network of network. region’s only TrueBeam image-
Atlantic Health’s Network of Caring makes it that much easier Atlantic Health recently guided radiotherapy system at
Caring. for patients to quickly locate and took another step forward Hackettstown Medical Center.
The system, called Epic, will receive the care they need. with its June 2018 launch of Slated to arrive in spring 2019,
Our township is a charming,

small town with a rural atmosphere.
It is dotted with beautiful lakes, golf courses,
recreational facilities, and hiking trails.
The township boasts an excellent school system, outstanding police
department, and dedicated volunteer rescue squad
and fire organization.
www.andovertwp.org
134 Newton-Sparta Road, Newton, NJ 07860
Tel: 973-383-4280 • Fax: 973-383-9977
38

this leading-edge technology will Continued from Page 35
deliver radiation treatments faster Urgent Care centers are staffed with
and with greater precision than other emergency-medicine physicians as well as
traditional methods, and will do so advanced-practice nurses.
in a manner that is more comfortable Mattes provided care to county patients for
for the patient. 35 years in the emergency room at Newton
Newton Medical Center, Medical Center and was the Emergency
meanwhile, will remain the premier Department medical director for many years.
health care facility in Sussex He was semi-retired, however, after seeing
County. The hospital also will the need for urgent care in Sussex County, he
be able to offer county residents opened the Newton facility in April 2013, and
the benefit of its affiliation with contacted a colleague, Dr. Michael Ganon,
Hackettstown Medical Center along who helped him launch the Newton facility
with Morristown Medical Center and worked there until this past summer. The
and Goryeb Children’s Hospital second facility in Sparta opened in March of
in Morristown, Overlook Medical this year in the medical arts building on Route
Center in Summit, and Chilton 15 in Sparta.
Medical Center in Pompton Plains Both facilities accept most major health
— all of which complete Atlantic insurance plans.
Health’s Network of Caring. Medicare.com notes that there are many
“Newton and Hackettstown situations where a person should seek
medical centers are here to serve treatment at a hospital emergency room.
our community members in the However, it also notes that “a study by the
ways they need us most,” DiPaolo Centers for Disease Control found that almost
said. “In addition to providing vital half the patients who visit emergency rooms,
medical and wellness services, we and who are not admitted to a hospital, visited
also offer many programs designed the ER because their doctors’ offices were closed.”
to improve the health and well-being •••
Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald
of our communities by preventing Sparta Urgent Care is located at 376 Lafayette
disease, educating the population and Dr. David Mattes, of Stillwater, stands in a hallway Road in Sparta.
changing living conditions for the below some art from the country of Belize at the Newton Urgent Care is located at 181 High St.
better.” V Sparta Urgent Care. in Newton. V
39

Sussex County stakes its claim
By KYLE MOREL
kmorel@njherald.com
W hether it involves
listening to live
music, taking in a
special movie screening or
laughing it up at a comedy
special, the area’s diverse and
historic entertainment scene has
something for everyone to enjoy
on any given night.
One of New Jersey’s oldest
concert venues, the Stanhope
House, built in the 1790s,
features performances from both
established and up-and-coming
artists. The site has mainly
featured blues musicians in the
past but also hosts acts in rock,
jazz, folk, reggae, ska and many
other musical genres.
With over two centuries of
memories, the Stanhope House’s Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
original tin ceiling and wood
Barry Blues and Carol Fredericks perform at the Stanhope House on Nov. 27, 2018, in Stanhope.
floors are representative of an
effort to retain as much of its with character,” said owner according to Klein, are that Babe Stanhope House has also
history as possible. Jon Klein. Ruth would frequently stop in played host to legendary
“It’s a great old building filled Among its claims to fame, and have drinks in the basement, comedians like Gilbert Gottfried
and several paranormal groups and Judy Gold, proving that
have investigated reports that the the entertainment offered there
venue is haunted. is more than just for music
As music has evolved over the lovers.
decades, so, too, have the styles While Klein said the
of famous performers at the popularity of clubs like the
Stanhope House. Stanhope House “comes and it
World-renowned artists like goes,” he noted that the venue
Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, has enjoyed a resurgence in
Stevie Ray Vaughn and Buddy attendance over the past few
Guy have all performed in the years. He cited the intimate
venue, as have Aaron Carter, setup of the building as one of
Rusted Root, Red Jumpsuit the main reasons why so many
Apparatus and other acts more enjoy taking in a show there.
emblematic of the late 1990s and “You’re close to each other,
early 2000s. and you’re very close, in most
Established 1898
Proud to be the Longest Running
Store in Sussex County! Main Street, Branchville • 973-948-3210
40

aim as a popular nightlife spot
cases, to the artist,” Klein said. “For those and “Manchester by the Sea” to classic the “unlucky” date shows up on the calendar.
who like it, it’s an exciting form of intimate movies and smaller Indie films. Like its counterparts in Stanhope and
get-together with the artist.” To further broaden the reach of the venue, Newton, Roy’s Hall has its fair share of
Like its counterpart in Stanhope, the the Newton Theatre Arts Academy opened history associated with it. Founded in 1913
Newton Theatre, founded in 1924, is well- in January 2018 as an outlet for kids 5 years as Roy’s Theatre by film exhibitors Robert
known for the wide variety of entertainment of age and older to participate in classes for Roy and Raymond Smith, the building
icons it attracts to the recently restored acting, choreography, visual arts and more. screened silent movies twice a week before a
605-seat center. President and CEO Doubleday called the academy “well-needed” fire in February 1917 damaged much of the
Jonathan Peirce said the diversity in events is for local children, as many schools are inside.
something that has been a focus of his since decreasing or eliminating arts funding from Just five months after the blaze, the
the theater reopened in its current form in their curriculum. theater was rebuilt with more modern
September 2011. Peirce said turnout to the theater features. It continued showing similar
“You have to (have a variety) because has remained relatively steady since its films until 1930, when “talkies” overtook
not everybody has the same tastes,” Peirce revival, and he and fellow administrators silent movies as the most common form of
said, “and we’re trying to cater to the whole are committed to booking fresh, diverse entertainment.
community, the whole area.” entertainment for the public to enjoy. Although the theater survived another
Kansas, Arlo Guthrie and Todd Rundgren “We’re trying to do new stuff and bring natural disaster, a flood in 1955, the
are among the music legends that have in new acts,” Peirce said, “and I think for the emerging popularity of television proved
graced the stage over the past seven years, most part, everybody’s really happy with the to be its undoing as a regular movie house.
while the Big Apple Comedy Club and theater.” With heavy competition from the new
numerous other individual acts from the Fans of classic horror movies may recog- medium, the original Roy’s Hall closed its
comic world have visited the venue as well. nize the exterior of Roy’s Hall on Main Street doors on Nov. 2, 1961.
The theater is also the place to go in the in Blairstown as the area was the setting for Today, the theater is operated by
area for fans of all kinds of movies, which many scenes from the first installment of Blairstown Live-Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
are shown on the largest screen in Sussex the “Friday the 13th” series in 1980. Nearly organization committed to the promotion of
County, according to development director four decades later, the theater continues to culture and the arts for everyone. It regularly
Karen Doubleday. Guests can enjoy critically embrace its claim to fame, often holding hosts artists and groups with a wide variety
acclaimed motion pictures like “La La Land” consecutive screenings of the film whenever of musical specialties. V
41

Sailboats fill up Lake Hopatcong in Mount Arlington on a beautiful summer day.
State’s largest lake has

stewards watching over it
JENNIFER JEAN MILLER of that exhibit, the public will be able to the Lake Hopatcong Commission, an
jmiller@njherald.com find at the foundation offices information independent state agency overseen by
F our years after it purchased the on events and businesses at the lake, plus an 11-member board of commissioners,
historic stone train station at Lake educational materials on how to keep the manages and conducts the preservation,
Hopatcong, the Lake Hopatcong lake healthy. restoration and enhancement of Lake
Foundation is readying to move its offices Lake Hopatcong, as New Jersey’s Hopatcong. The Lake Hopatcong
into the space with the goal of providing largest lake, is a year-round destination Foundation partnered with the Lake
education and information about the lake to for recreation and fun, stretching across Hopatcong Commission to organize
the public, as well as a meeting space for the portions of Sussex and Morris counties. the second lake-wide cleanup this year
community. The 2,500-acre, freshwater lake spans six during the 60-inch drawdown of the lake
Jessica Murphy, president of the Lake miles in length and is bordered with mostly level. According to the Lake Hopatcong
Hopatcong Foundation, said that plans privately-owned lakefront properties. Foundation tally, more than 400 volunteers
call for the foundation offices to be fully However, there are public access points logged an excess of 1,200 hours collecting
operational by spring in the former train on the lake, including Lee’s County Park debris from around the lake’s 50 miles of
station baggage room. The train station Marina on Howard Boulevard, where the shoreline.
is listed on both the State and National Lake Hopatcong Foundation also works The foundation also recently launched a
Registers of Historic Places. to educate boaters on how to keep from floating classroom, the Study Hull, on the
The foundation already has an exciting introducing invasive species into the lake. lake, which takes the public on educational
event planned for the upcoming summer — Hopatcong State Park has a public beach cruises where they learn about the lake
the traveling “Water/Ways” Smithsonian and a museum dedicated to the history of through hands-on adventure. Educational
exhibit will be on display in the the lake, while local marinas offer boats for school trips are also offered.
exhibit/meeting space, which had been rent, including pontoon boats, to cast off for Water sports, swimming, powerboating,
the waiting room for the train station, she an adventure. waterskiing, jetskiing, sailing, kayaking,
said. In addition to the Lake Hopatcong windsurfing, fishing, ice fishing and
Though Lake Hopatcong itself is not part Foundation being stewards of the lake, lounging on patio or pontoon boats, are
42

several of the many activities
at Lake Hopatcong, and
both the foundation and the
commission are working to
keep the lake healthy so those
activities can continue to be
enjoyed.
Before it became a year-round
residential area, Lake Hopatcong
was known as a playground
to the rich and famous in the
1800s, who flocked to the many
spacious hotels in the summer
resort. The museum on the
grounds of the Hopatcong State
Park chronicles those early days
of tourism and the luxury of the
lake-area hotels.
In addition to the museum,
Hopatcong State Park is a
location where visitors can enjoy
a slice of the lake’s southwest
corner, for swimming, fishing,
picnicking and recreational
activities. The park also has a
public boat ramp.
The Lake Hopatcong Golf Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald
Club is a mini golf facility open
to the public in the Nolan’s A family enjoys the beach at Hopatcong State Park in Landing.
Point Park vicinity of the lake,
whose features also play into the
lake’s history.
Lake Hopatcong offers a range
of year-round dining options,
with waterfront dining and
outside patio-style, seasonal
dining. In the warmer months,
boaters can cruise and dock
at many of the eateries, with
some establishments offering
champagne brunches on
Sundays.
Annual events on Lake
Hopatcong that raise funds for
the lake include the Lake Loop,
which offers bicycling, paddling Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald
and running, and the Lake
Hopatcong Block Party. V A speedboat cruises the water during a late summer afternoon in Lake Hopatcong in Mount Arlington.
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$10 OFF
a purchase of
$50 or more!
43

Popularity of art galleries,
studios showcase area’s talent
By KYLE MOREL
kmorel@njherald.com
W hile artists and art

lovers flock to New
York City and other
heavily populated areas, Sussex
County has forged a sizable path
for itself as a vibrant fine arts
community.
Skylands Gallery and Studio,
in Wantage, was founded
in December 2014 by John
Maione Jr. as a way of fostering
a relationship among art
enthusiasts in the region.
Maione said he had met other
artists in the county from time
to time, but “there wasn’t really Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
a place to exhibit regularly.”
Works of art hang on display in John Maione Jr.’s Skylands Gallery in Wantage.
Thus, Maione got to work
setting up Skylands Gallery. The moveable hangers for the pieces. had as many as 20. the Sussex County Courthouse
space in Wantage is designed As a partnership of Potential members must and a number of businesses in
“like a New York-style gallery,” professional artists, the gallery fill out an application that the area.
Maione said, with white walls is always welcoming new includes submitted artwork The organization’s premier
and a system of a track and members to its group and has and a “resume” — with details event, the Skylands Juried Art
such as where the applicant has Exhibition, celebrated its 31st
exhibited and where he or she year in 2018. The exhibition,
went to art school — which the held at the SCAHC gallery on
others in the group will review. Spring Street, is on display for
Those interested in applying several weeks each spring and
can access the form online at is open to both amateur and
www.skylandsgallery.com/ professional artists in a variety of
application. categories.
The gallery is open from SCAHC President Perry
1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, noon Anderson said the positive
to 4 p.m. Sunday and by reception to the arts on a local
appointment any other time. level has had a direct effect
According to Maione, featured on the organization, whose
exhibits are what bring out the membership has increased in the
highest amount of people. past few years to more than
“We’ve found that we get 200 currently.
the most traffic when there’s an “We continue to see a
event,” he said. “You get visitors growing interest in art,” he said.
when you’re having some type of Nestled in the Delaware
reception.” Water Gap National Recreation
Turnout at each event varies, Area, Peters Valley School of
but over the years, Maione Craft offers many options for
estimated thousands of people those interested in art, including
have walked through the gallery. classes for adults and children,
Other local organizations artist scholarships and items for
include the Sussex County Arts sale in its retail gallery. The Sally
and Heritage Council, based D. Francisco exhibition gallery
in Newton, which funds arts, hosts free, rotating exhibits of
history and social programs various types of art throughout
through state grants. SCAHC the year.
organizes art exhibitions at the Kristin Muller, who has been
Sussex County Community the executive director of Peters
College Performing Arts Center, Valley since 2009, has seen
44

firsthand the area fully embrace
the school’s unique art offerings
in that time.
“There’s definitely an
interest, I think, by the public
in handmade things,” she said,
noting that the “special skill”
required to create such art is
something people always seem
to appreciate.
With the emergence of so
many organizations dedicated to
the arts in recent years, Maione
said he has noticed a significant
portion of art enthusiasts gravi-
tating toward Sussex County.
“It does seem to be growing in
the area,” he said. “(The county)
is getting on the map.”
Muller agreed that there has
been and will continue to be
an uptick in the locals’ interest
in art — a phenomenon she
believes will be beneficial in
multiple ways going forward.
“The arts do bring
community, the arts do bring
culture. They sort of elevate
communities,” Muller said,
adding, “It’s so nice to see
that Sussex County is really
embracing the arts.” V Artist John Maione Jr. shows off his art gallery, Skylands Gallery in Wantage.
Learn more about our town, tucked away in

the northeast corner of Sussex County, NJ
http://www.vernontwp.com/
Vernon Township is a four-season destination for visiting outdoor enthusiasts. A designated Appalachian Trail Community and
rated #1 in NJ for nature lovers by Expedia.com, Vernon offers everything from skiing and snowboarding to an outdoor water park
and golf, as well as miles of hiking and biking trails and a beautiful 182 acre Township Park bursting with amenities. Vernon is
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bridge and the “Stairway to Heaven” section - rated as one of the best viewpoints in NJ. We are excited about the enhancement
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Outdoor challenges await, or simply relax and refresh at a charming bed-and-breakfast, dine at a local restaurant, or stop in at
unique coffee and gift shops. Vernon has what you desire – from wild to mild and everything in between.
45

It’s not your grandad’s Susse
Agriculture
jmiller@njherald.com and
BRUCE A. SCRUTON
bscruton@njherald.com
A griculture has deep roots

in Sussex County and
remains an integral part
of the community as farmers —
both established and
entrepreneurial — alter
processes, take advantage of
emerging technology and
consumer demands, to introduce
new and niche products.
Visitors will not see thousand-
acre corporate farms with miles
of wheat, corn or soybeans.
Instead, Sussex County farms are
much smaller and more personal.
Most produce and livestock
grown on local fields are
intended to meet nearby
customers’ growing desire for
fresh farm-to-table products,
either through farm-share
programs and farmers markets,
as well as at local grocery stores
and restaurants..
Local farm products include
in-season fruits and vegetables,
year-round hydroponic produce,
Christmas trees, beef, pork,
poultry and alpaca fiber items
to name a few. Oh, and then
there are Jersey-themed flavors
of homemade ice cream such as
the social media sensation Taylor
ham and French toast.
Presented here is a “taste” of
farming operations in Sussex
County.
Social media
feasts on
Taylor ham
& ice cream ABOVE: Jake Hunt scoops a cone of buttermilk and blueberry ice cream at Windy Brow Farms in Fredon. Hunt, who has a more tha
N ew farming takes Fredon area, said he was given creative reign to build on the farm’s already thriving business. RIGHT: Chunks of caramelized Taylor
creativity and in maple syrup-flavored ice cream, made with local maple syrup.
reinvention — and Hunt, 28, returned from the university. After working on Windy Brow Farms —
Taylor ham and French toast ice college at the University a small farm, Hunt suggested originally named for its “windy
cream? of Delaware in 2013, after starting a creamery and his location on the brow of the
Jake Hunt of Windy Brow graduating in 2012 as a pre- parents gave their backing. ridge,” according to the farm’s
Farms grew up in the farming veterinary medicine and animal Hunt, who has a more than website — started as a dairy
industry with his parents science major. Hunt’s path 300-year family history in the farm in the late 1800s. The
Jim and Linda, the current shifted as a member of the Fredon area, said he was given Inslee Family, who owned the
proprietors of Windy Brow internship team that helped to creative reign to build on the farm in 1920s, planted the
Farms since 2000. start the UDairy Creamery at farm’s already thriving business. farm’s first fruit trees. After the
46
2018 Visions - 6 Agriculture (new) - p46-55.indd 46 WednesdayDec/05/18 11:29 AM

ussex County farm, anymore
that the Inslees constructed in 1946. component of the expansion for
For Hunt, it has been interesting Hunt was into cyberspace.
to meet people who tell him they “When I returned to Windy
used to visit the farm as children in Brow, one of my goals
the 1940s. was to bolster our social
“There are lots of businesses in media,” Hunt said.
agritourism in New Jersey “We didn’t have
and there’s a romanticism an Instagram and
in farming,” Hunt said. “To we needed to
be able to survive, you have grow the farm’s
to reinvent yourself and Facebook page.
diversify.” It’s hard to reach
In addition to the produce clientele without
for sale and social media.”
orchards, In a generation
Windy Brow that receives most
has become of its news from
known for online sources,
its store with Hunt understands
cider, local jams the importance
and sauces and of harnessing
baked goods the internet
like apple cider and stepped
doughnuts and pies. out in that
One of the biggest direction
holidays for Windy Brow as he
is Thanksgiving, when Hunt said conceptualized
the family typically sells about unusual varieties of
700 freshly-made pies. ice cream for the creamery.
Hunt started the expansion Instagram and Facebook have
efforts and the Cow’s Brow become forums where Hunt
Creamery. An important Continued on Page 50
Hydroponic farming next career for retired attorney
R onald Kahn is on his

third career — engineer,
lawyer, farmer.
His engineering field:
degree and began work as an
electronic engineer.
“Then I decided on a change;
it was either cabinet-making
The greenhouse, with a more
substantial system where water
is pumped through tubes, came
later. In the greenhouse, which
Electronics. His law field: or the law,” he recounted. “I can be operated year-round, the
Real estate. His farm field: decided to keep the cabinet- plants are held stationary while
Hydroponic. making for myself and went the water seeps by the roots. The
His nickname: Young Boy, to Columbia (Law School), water gets recirculated and with
hence the YB in the business practiced 30 years.” every crop, the tubes and trays
name. A product of New Jersey’s get cleaned and sanitized.
Most of the crops he grows urbanized area, he said he didn’t YB Farms is open to the public
inside a greenhouse on property know any farmland was left in a couple of days a week and
Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald at 31 Pierce Road, Lafayette, the state until a few years ago. “we’ll pick as you wait,” he said.
ho has a more than a 300-year family history in the never see any soil. They grow “I was brought up here by a The farm also has its own
aramelized Taylor ham and house-made French toast sit with their root systems dangling friend. It was an awakening,” he version of a box of greens —
into a slow flow of nutrient-rich said. “Here was a place I could either a box size or a bag size
water. have my own, what we used to — and has several varieties of
dairy barn was ravaged by fire in
“I got bitten around 2014,” call, ‘Victory Garden.’ ” lettuces; five kinds of basil,
the 1940s, the Inslees focused on
he said of hydroponics. “I built He moved onto the Pierce 10 varieties of mint as well as
the orchard. Many of the original
fruit trees are still producing three little ponds. Had nine little Road property in 2009. sage, rosemary and thyme.
fruit today that are harvested trays that floated in the pond. With some minor success with “We also have aloe vera,”
and also plucked by visitors to Now we’re doing 10,000 units his “little ponds,” Kahn said he he said, “and other greens like
the orchards. (plants) a month.” built three larger ponds of about arugula, chard and kale.”
The Hunts manage the Kahn, 78, graduated from 4-by-50 feet, still with the plants Not everything is grown in
packing house and farm store college with an engineering floating in trays. Continued on Page 48
47

Farming becomes said of the maze.
Just because it’s an
a family affair entrepreneur’s farm,
H
doesn’t mean it won’t
e didn’t grow up on a farm, but be affected by the
Tor Andersen lived in farm country. weather. “It wasn’t
Now 36, he said, “I worked for a a good year; a lot of
bunch of different farms when I was young. rain,” he said.
My best friend lived on a dairy farm and The farmstand on
that’s what got me started.” Route 23 in Sussex
So off to college at SUNY Cobleskill, has picked up a
(full, formal name of State University of clientele that likes
New York College of Agriculture and native plants for
Technology at Cobleskill) where he landscaping.
graduated in 2001. At the Sparta store,
“When I got back, I convinced my parents there’s room for
to sell their house; they had just paid it off,” freezers so Andersen
he said, “and we bought a farm.” Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald said they have beef
They still own, and farm, on the Along with fruit and vegetables, Andersen Farms on Route 15 in Sparta and pork available.
approximately 150 acres they bought, but has locally sourced beef and pork available. Locally sourced, of
also lease another 250 acres or so where they course.
grow hay and feed corn. his trips to the Amish produce market in He said the store is likely to expand into
They also have about 30 acres of Lancaster, Pa. baked goods in the near future.
vegetables, some in sweet corn, which they He also goes to the Philadelphia fresh “My two oldest daughters want to take
sell at one of the three farm stands the family produce market where he finds “crazy” fruit. the culinary course at (Sussex County
operates, in Sussex Borough, Sparta and “It makes it interesting for the clients,” he Technical School),” he said. “There’s pies in
Andover Township. said, “but we do throw a recipe in the box so our future.”
Their biggest product has become Farm they know what to do with the fruit.” Andersen Family Farms has a website at:
in a Box, a 20-week program where the This past holiday season, the farm sold www.andersenfarmsnj.com as well as a
consumer gets a box or bag of fresh produce, Christmas trees for the first time, and in the Facebook page, which can be
much of it grown on the farm, but it also summer of 2018, tried a sunflower maze. viewed at: www.facebook.com/
includes what Andersen brings back from “We probably won’t do that again,” he AndersenFarmsGardenCenter/. V
• Maintaining the balance of rural communities rich in history Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald
with the convenience of commercial necessities and Ronald Kahn owns YB Farms in Lafayette.
shopping nearby
Continued from Page 48 per week,” he said.
• An abundance of both private and preserved farmland
the hydroponic baths since Kahn But he does still harbor the
• Our schools have been awarded the blue ribbon school of dreams.
said he also likes to dig in the
excellence and are ranked in the top 20% of the State
dirt so there are root crops in “Yeah, if I could, maybe I’d
• Picturesque lake communities with recreational opportunities season, along with the crops have a large building, totally
available: Swartswood State Park, Paulinskill Trail and Bear enclosed, humidity controlled;
grown indoors.
Swamp Wildlife Management
YB Farms has no illusions air locks so no bugs get in; white
• Dedicated volunteer organizations to serve the residents of becoming a major player suits for the workers.”
in the hydroponic field, even YB Farms has its own website
Hampton Township though it’s the only such current at: www.ybfarm31.com and
“The Heartland of Sussex County” operation in Sussex County. its own Facebook page at:
www.hamptontownshipnj.org “Oh, there is a place in https://www.facebook.com/
Newark that does a million units YBFarmnewjersey/. V
48

‘Accidental’ farmers enjoy new livelihood Baker said he envisions their
children will become an even
A lthough Jon Baker and greater part of the farm as they

his wife Amanda both grow. Aria has already told
grew up in Sussex her parents she would like to
County, he joked that his experi- become a veterinarian, because
ences with farming in his early she loves animals. Bentley
years was limited to driving past likes helping around the farm
them. and participating in farmhand
Baker said he was born activities that children his age
in Rutherford and moved to can assist with. Arley Farm’s
Wantage as a boy. In his teens, new “Rosie Rooster” logo and
he worked for a chicken farm name was inspired by their
in Wantage and said it was youngest daughter’s name.
something he really enjoyed. The Bakers have teamed
He envisioned farming as an up with the Rose Family in
activity he would take up in his working Arley Farms and their
retirement. latest venture — an indoor
The Bakers married shortly farmers market at the Shoppes
after buying their first home in at Lafayette. The couples met
Green Township in 2012. One Ally Rose, left, and Jon Baker, are co-owners of Arley Farms along with because Aria and Ava Rose first
day while walking their dog in their spouses, Andy Rose and Amanda Baker. forged a friendship, with the
2014, Baker said he noticed a and “jumped the corporate ship.” Farms” is a combination of the friendship expanding to Ally and
tract of farmland and a barn “I told people I was going couple’s three children’s names; Andy Rose and their youngest
needing restoration for sale to be a farmer and they looked Aria, age 5; Bentley, age 3; daughter Arden.
and suggested to his wife they at me like I had six heads,” and Rosalie, 9 months. The “One day I asked Andy if he
purchase the land and build a Baker said. “If it wasn’t for local farm started off with breeding could give me a hand and help
home. That was the beginning of farmers, we wouldn’t have local miniature donkeys as pets and me to finish some work on the
Arley Farms. Baker was working meats and produce, but instead guardians for their sheep. From farm,” said Baker. “He kind of
in a corporate construction items from factory farming there, the Bakers started raising never left.”
management job at age 37 and overseas.” free-range and naturally-fed Andy Rose, a teacher by trade,
decided to take a leap of faith Baker said the name “Arley pork, chicken and beef. Continued on Page 50
156 Main Ste. (RTE. 206) | Newton | 973-383-5200 | www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com
49

Continued from Page 49 activities take place at the farmers market, sources its produce for the market off-season
became what is described on the farm’s according to its website, Arley Farms is from other small farms from throughout the
website as an “accidental farmer” in 2016. developing a Community Supported Agricul- country, such as strawberries and tomatoes.
The Roses have purchased 50 acres adjacent ture or CSA program in Green Township this They will stock their own corn, tomatoes
to Arley Farms and the friends will continue coming spring. In exchange for membership, and other Jersey Fresh produce in-season.
to farm together. CSA members will receive a new bounty of Not looking to compete with other Sussex
Baker said their farming knowledge has fresh vegetables in season delivered weekly County farmers, Baker said his current
been amassed differently than farmers of from approximately May to October. “locally grown” apples, for example, come
the past, with Baker and Andy Rose often Arley Farms celebrated its opening day from a farm in New York state.
relying on online tools like their smartphones at the Shoppes at Lafayette on Nov. 23. At At the Shoppes at Lafayette, Arley Farms
to help them troubleshoot topics and develop the Shoppes, customers can purchase Arley also specializes in jarred sauces, farm-themed
ideas as they work on the farm. Farms’ farm-raised meats and eggs as well home decor items, kitchen gadgets, gift
While most of the farm’s current visible as vegetables in season. Baker said the farm items and Christmas trees in season. V
Continued from Page 47 customers are especially seeking honey followed in the collection. “You have to come visit the
posts visually-appealing and creative items. It was the Taylor ham — or as farm,” he said.
creative photos of the creamery It was this past spring the some have argued with Hunt Visitors do just that for
creations, the farm’s artisanal farm came up with its inaugural should be named “pork roll” festivals and just to stop by to
breads and more. It is online flavor in the “Only In Jersey” — ice cream that has launched enjoy ice cream — including
where visitors can learn of the ice cream collection — Taylor into popularity in the internet vegan — a range of artisanal
cones available to go or ice ham and French toast ice cream. stratosphere. breads, specialty coffee
cream sold by the quart. Hunt put out a release party “We’ve had up to 1,000 beverages, stone oven pizza
It was also here where Hunt invitation on social media, with requests asking us to ship it to nights and much more.
sought a way to celebrate the his post going viral. places as far as Hawaii,” Hunt Hunt’s latest Thanksgiving
creamery’s five-year anniversary The New Jersey Herald was said. creation was “pork roll pie,” with
and developed ideas reflecting on the first to cover the story about Hunt explained the farm suggestions to serve it warm
what makes New Jersey special. the maple ice cream-based does not ship due to the need with a scoop of the Taylor ham
His brainchild was the birth of chilly concoction, with national for local supply chains closer to ice cream.
unique “only in New Jersey” news coverage to follow. Honey the destinations seeking Windy He posted on Facebook about
flavors. With Windy Brow’s lavender, cranberry creamsicle, Brow’s ice cream. Keeping the newest pie, “At least we’re
booth weekly at the Sparta blueberries and buttermilk, Windy Brow’s presence local has consistent at keepin’ it weird
Farmers Market, Hunt said tomato pie and sweet corn and been important for the farm. every six months or so.” V
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51

Cyclists hit the road for Tour de F
“
By LORI COMSTOCK
When you get to
M otorists driving
through Sussex
County catch a
glimpse of the many small
bucolic farms that dot the
know your farmer,
you are more likely
to purchase from
your farmer.”
landscape along the main — Mitchell Morrison,
Who started annual t our
thoroughfares.
de Far M sussex c ounty
But visiting them by bike brings
bicycle tours
them up close and personal.
“What a concept that we
have incredible farmers in Tour de Farm participants,
northwestern New Jersey,” said aboard their own bicycles, start
Mitchell Morrison, who started and finish at the Sussex County
annual Tour de Farm Sussex Fairgrounds in Frankford
County bicycle tours about six choosing from three routes —
years ago.
each based on their level of
“When you get to know your Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald
fitness. Morrison also holds a
farmer, you are more likely to
purchase from your farmer,” Tour de Farm Warren County, Maria Merkle, of Boonton, takes time out of cycling to pet Windy Flats
Morrison explained. which starts and ends at Race Farm’s farm dog, Anna, during the 2018 Tour De Farm bicycle ride.
Each year, more than half of a Farm in Blairstown.
dozen farms agree to participate Whether its 20 miles, 34 The event ticket also includes Sussex County is scheduled
as stops for bicyclists who take miles or 46 miles, bicyclists are a locally-sourced breakfast and for Sept. 1 and will include
in what each farm has to offer, introduced to different farms and T-shirt. A Farm-to-Fork lunch is stops and samplings at:
getting a more complete picture get a “tasting” at each and can another option. Churutabis Farm, Daisy Fields
of farming in the county. purchase items for sale as well. The 2019 Tour de Farm Farm, Cerbo’s Nursery and
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de Farm to promote area farmers
Hidden Pastures Farm, all
in Branchville, Ventimiglia
Vineyards and The Farm
at Windy Flats, both in
Wantage, and NJ Farm at
Glenwood Mountain, in
Sussex Borough.
Morrison, who has cycled
across the country by himself,
said the concept to do a Sussex
County Tour de Farm was
“borrowed” from Vermont,
where the purpose was to
support and get to know local
farmers.
Cyclists, many from outside
Sussex County eager to get
a taste of what farmlife is all
about, see how farms treat
their produce and fruit as well
as their animals, Morrison
added.
Tour organizers state, “We
absolutely love bicycling in
northwestern New Jersey. If
you love great food, fresh air
and beautiful countryside, this An Angora goat walks by a group of visitors at Hidden Pastures Farm in Branchville as biking enthusiasts take
event is for you.” V part in the 2018 Tour De Farm cycle ride.
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Education
By KYLE MOREL
kmorel@njherald.com
N ewton and Sussex

County Community
College further
cemented their relationship
recently when the college began
holding welding and automotive
classes in a former auto
dealership on Main Street.
The brick McGuire Campus
Technical Education Center,
named for the auto dealership
that occupied the property for
decades, began holding welding
and automotive classes in
November. Registration is open
now for classes for the spring
semester, which include arc
welding.
“
Ten years from
now, this (campus)
will be another
crown jewel
in the Sussex County
community.”
— Tyler Morgu S
SCCC Board of Tru STeeS
College President Dr. Jon

Connolly said that the project is
in good shape moving forward,
and the SCCC community as a
whole is encouraged by the work
that has been put in so far.
The brick building at 47
Main St. was built in 1915. It
was at first an auto-repair shop,
according to county historian
Wayne McCabe. It became a
General Motors auto dealership
in 1925 and continued in that
business until 2013.
Now in its next 100 years,
the building that houses the
McGuire Technical Education This rendering shows Sussex County Community College’s plans for the former McGuire Chevrolet auto dealership in Newton. Now
Center will provide hands-on eventually going to go and do most professional welding I’ve The acquisition of the 2.5-acre
experience for SCCC students as this for a living, and this is the done,” Switzer said. plot, which had been vacant
a downtown Newton satellite type of atmosphere they’re going Welding courses started since McGuire Chevrolet moved
campus for multiple programs. to be (working in).” on the main campus in late to a new dealership a few miles
Welding instructor Dennis Shane Switzer, one of eight September with textbook work north of town on Route 206, is
Foley praised the set-up in the students in Foley’s program, and practice on a welding expected to house classes in the
McGuire building, which offers had some previous welding simulator, Foley said. Classes diesel mechanics and machine
spacious work stations for his experience and decided to enroll in the McGuire building take technology departments in
students as well as a large space as soon as he saw it offered at place four days a week, mainly addition to the welding and
for those in the automotive SCCC for the first time. From at night to accommodate the automotive classes already
program to get hands-on the size of the building to the students with day jobs. underway. Diesel mechanics and
practice with vehicles. quality of the equipment to As more and more students hands-on welding are among
“You don’t have this much the course instruction itself, he, sign up and lessons expand, the new classes the college is
area in a college. Mostly in the too, had no shortage of positive Foley is optimistic that programs now offering because of the new
college, it’s all little rooms,” words for the college’s set-up. on the new campus will continue available space.
Foley said. “These people are “In my experience, it’s the to GROW as well. SCCC also plans to use part
54
2018 Visions - 7 Education (new) - p54-64.indd 54 WednesdayDec/05/18 11:42 AM

SCCC officials excited
about future of
McGuire property
Submitted graphic
in Newton. Now known as the McGuire Campus Technical Education Center, the building is a satellite campus for SCCC.
of the building as a culinary district. believes the McGuire campus overall.
arts space, which would include “This will be good for can add to the overall draw of The college’s Board of
a restaurant to be open to the downtown,” Connolly said. Newton. She said she is hoping Trustees got the wheels
public on several weekdays. Newton Town Manager Tom the town will be able to use any rolling on the project at its
Connolly said the culinary Russo said he and other town additional space on the property June meeting, when members
aspect will get underway officials had several meetings for redevelopment opportunities, unanimously approved a
when the college officially with representatives from SCCC including residential and retail resolution allowing for work
purchases the property following regarding both entities’ goals for spaces as well as a possible on the site by Newton-based
environmental clearance. the future of the area. He feels restaurant. company HQW Architects.
College and town officials the McGuire property can be an While Russo acknowledged Town officials and members of
alike have touted the McGuire asset to the town as the college that the revitalization effort is the public expressed support for
project as one that will benefit continues its commitment to the “not going to happen overnight, the project, and are optimistic
the students at the school, as second campus. so people need to be patient,” that the programs will help
well as serve as a catalyst for “I’m excited about the long- he is confident that a continued students gain local employment.
further development in the term potential,” Russo said. partnership with the college
county seat’s central business Town Planner Jessica Caldwell will be beneficial for the town Continued on Page 57
55

56

Submitted graphic
Classes began at the McGuire Campus Technical Center in November 2018.

Continued from Page 55 now, this (campus) will be another crown negotiations to purchase it continue and
“We need qualified technical people,” jewel in the Sussex County community.” renovations are done.
said Tyler Morgus, a Thorlabs employee and “Practically everyone I speak to is so Connolly said the project “has a lot of
treasurer of the college Board of Trustees. excited for this project,” added Ati Shaw, promise and potential. We know that there’s
“I want to see a day when young people are co-owner of Newton Health and Wellness, a lot of work to be done, but there are, right
educated at one end of Spring Street and at an October meeting. now, no surprises.
employed at the other end ... Ten years from The college is leasing the property while Continued on Page 58
57

“We’ve been pleased with what’s

happened. Everything has happened
the way that we thought that it
would, and that’s nice when that
happens.”
Caldwell said the town has been
“really cooperative and forward-
thinking” in the project and is
hopeful that the mutually beneficial
relationship will continue in the
future.
Russo is similarly optimistic about
the town’s outlook, noting that the
Newton Theatre, the former Bula
restaurant and several other buildings
on Spring Street have already been
or are in the process of being
renovated.
“I think we’re already seeing
the fruits of our labor,” Russo said.
He added that along with the
emergence of other businesses like
Thorlabs, the McGuire property
can have a “domino effect” on other
areas in town and contribute to the
resurgence of Newton in the years to
come.
“One success turns into another
success,” Russo said, “and you’ve just Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald
got to keep the momentum going Sussex County Community College student Mark Norwillo, of Fredon, left, and instructor Dennis Foley,
forward.” V of Vernon, work during their welding class on the McGuire Campus of SCCC in Newton.
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Let’s start with location:
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• Route 23 - the most heavily traveled highway in Sussex County
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• New highway commercial zones
• Main Street offers ample parking with existing, flexible building
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For more information about Franklin Borough and how we can help your business succeed, please call 973-827-9280, ext. 100
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58

New location
opening in Sparta
January 2019
2018 Visions - 7 Education (new) - p58-68.indd 63 WednesdayDec/05/18 6:06 PM

New location
opening in Sparta
January 2019

New location
opening in Sparta
January 2019

New location
opening in Sparta
January 2019
59

Submitted photo
Centenary University, located about a half dozen miles south of Sussex County, has been named a Hidden Gem of the Northeast for 2019 by two
national ranking online organizations.
Centenary University:
Hidden gem of the Northeast
HERALD STAFF REPORT online organizations. Jersey universities for its Hidden Online Schools Center, which
C entenary University has Online Schools Center selected Gems of the Northeast listing. collects data about colleges
been named a Hidden Centenary, located about a half The annual list published by and universities from highly-
Gem of the Northeast for dozen miles south of Sussex Online Schools Center recognizes respected sources to share with
2019 by two national ranking County, as one of just two New small universities and colleges students and their families.
that offer outstanding academics “Some may be less ‘hidden’ than
and superb opportunities, but others, but all provide more
are sometimes overshadowed by support and attention than any
larger institutions. The website large, public, state school with
notes that large, well-known a massive student body could
universities often can’t provide provide. These would truly be
each student with individual a gem in any college student’s
attention. This year’s list life.”
includes colleges with student In its comments, Online
bodies between 1,000 and Schools Center said of
4,000, and student-to-faculty Centenary, “This small college
ratios that are less than 20:1. provides a home for students
“These schools are off the that allows for individuality,
beaten path for many students,” freedom of expression in the
explained Rowan Jones, classroom, and a huge amount
lead researcher and writer of academic and extracurricular
of the latest ranking from opportunities.
60

“The coursework is College Raptor’s overall rankings
challenging and the professors is based on an analysis of data
are strict, but only because they about the school’s selectivity,
have an enormous amount of financial health, academic rigor
respect for their students and and student success.
seek to push them outside of To qualify as a College
their comfort zones to discover Raptor Hidden Gem, a school
something new about themselves must receive fewer than 5,000
and their field of study.” applications a year and have
Additionally, Online Schools fewer than 7,000 undergraduate
Center points to Centenary’s students enrolled. College
impressive 95 percent job Raptor lists Centenary’s total
placement rate for graduates. enrollment as 2,054 —
Earlier in the year, College 1,369 undergraduate students
Raptor, a mobile-first college and 685 graduate students.
planning platform that helps Robert L. Miller, vice
families discover colleges based president for enrollment
on academic and cultural fit, management and marketing at
named Centenary as one of only Centenary, said today’s students
three New Jersey schools to are increasingly recognizing the
its 2019 list of Hidden Gems benefits of attending a small
in the Northeast, the second university like Centenary, which
consecutive year the university recorded a 15 percent increase in
was included in this national freshman enrollment this fall.
ranking. “More and more students and
College Raptor produces their parents are recognizing
its Hidden Gems Rankings to Centenary’s commitment to
highlight an institution’s overall each student’s success, providing
health and quality based on a challenging academic
multiple metrics including grad- environment, while at the same
uation rates, diversity, financial time offering the support needed
resources, and other key factors. to succeed,” Miller said. V
61

Hopatcong students reach for the stars
W hat began as an Eagle Scout

project, love of astronomy and
desire to fill a need in the area,
has turned into an asset for the entire
Hopatcong Borough School District and
beyond.
Justin McCarthy, a 2018 Hopatcong High
School graduate, became fascinated with
astronomy at age 6. After nearby Lenape
Valley Regional High School’s planetarium
was repurposed for necessary science lab
space in 2016, McCarthy — now a student
at Stevens Institute of Technology – realized
there were few astronomy resources available
for young people seeking ways to stargaze.
Within a year’s time from start to project
completion, McCarthy approached the
Board of Education, Hopatcong’s mayor Photo by Warren Westura/New Jersey Herald
and Council and the borough’s Land Use Eagle Scout Justin McCarthy, of Hopatcong, back-left, shows off his project, an observatory
Board with his idea. His plan was met with complete with telescope, to Alex Bianchi, 8, of Hopatcong.
enthusiasm at every turn; and he applied for
all of the necessary permits to construct the to the sky. family friend of the McCarthys who is
8 feet-by-10-feet observatory building and McCarthy’s gift to the district was a professional framer assisted with the
outfit it with star charts, digital equipment, accomplished with fundraising from building’s final touches.
diagrams and most importantly, a telescope. community sponsors for the full $3,000 “This was the most exciting thing I’ve
As part of his innovative design, McCarthy project cost. He put in further sweat equity worked on that a student has come up with,”
included a roof that slides back and opens up and used the high school’s woodshop. A said Anthony Fasano, Hopatcong Borough
62

tars with observatory Sandyston Township
Local farms selling organic products like meat and
Schools’ Board of Education said Fasano. poultry and seasonal vegetable & fruit stands as well as a
president. “Justin created this The district has received unique sunflower maze.
selflessly and it was inspiring to requests from neighboring Over 70% State and Federal property offering multiple
watch as a board member.” school districts seeking to use recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing, hiking,
Fasano described the the observatory. “We’re quietly camping, biking, photography, and more!
observatory as “top notch” and but quickly becoming a little Family-operated nine hole country golf course,
when it is in use, PSE&G has hub for astronomy thanks to conveniently located recreational vehicle center, indoor golf
advised how to turn off the Justin McCarthy,” Fasano said. facility, fantastic taverns, restaurants specialty shops offering
parking lot lights temporarily to “We’re fully expecting it to be supplies for the outdoor sportsman, antiques, patriotic and
limit light distractions that could used more and more.” homemade gifts, as well as antique auto restoration and dog
lessen the experience. McCarthy said he had hoped boarding facility.
During the summer of 2018, at the start of his project that the We take great pride in our outstanding school system,
McCarthy mentored 65 third- building would be used by the dedicated volunteer fire department and recreation
and fourth-grade students who community at large, including department, welcoming church congregations and devoted
participated in the district’s astronomy clubs and anyone else non-profit organizations.
academic summer camp, Camp interested in astronomy. Unique & well-known craft villages and schools boasting
Innovate. McCarthy taught While he has graduated, handmade wares of local artists.
the kids about the technology he is still involved with the
behind telescope mirrors; and observatory and planned to Looking to the future with appreciation
also about the solar filters fundraise for more equipment. of our historic past
needed when looking at the sun. His other plans were to install
With the observatory still a data conduits to enable teachers
novel addition to the district to operate the equipment in
facilities, Fasano said the district the observatory from their
is in the process of revising its classrooms. Choose Sandyston . . .
curriculum and finding ways to Fasano said, the project is “a
utilize this asset. phenomenal story and great Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret
“We’ve started to dabble with lesson of how one person can www.sandystontownship.com
it and are using it for field trips,” help many.” V 973-948-3520
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64

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A look inside

II. Local Business

2018 Visions - 1 Ec Dev (NEW) - p1-19.indd 1 WednesdayDec/05/18 3:13 PM

Mountain Creek, a major resort in the north part Production Manager

New Jersey Herald

2018 Visions - 1 Ec Dev (NEW) - p1-19.indd 2 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:03 AM

2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 3 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:41 AM

Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald

2018 Visions - 1 Ec Dev (NEW) - p1-19.indd 4 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:06 AM

2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 5 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:42 AM

T he economy has enjoyed marketing and events at the

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2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 7 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:43 AM

S purred by expansion of the

2018 Visions - 1 Ec Dev (NEW) - p1-19.indd 8 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:09 AM

2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 9 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:43 AM

Pace Glass expanding

T he future home of the world’s largest

2018 Visions - 1 Ec Dev (NEW) - p1-19.indd 10 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:13 AM

When it comes to K-12 education, Sparta is home to several nationally ranked,

Within the community, Sparta Township offers an award winning municipal

To learn more about Sparta, visit us online @ spartanj.org

2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 11 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:44 AM

House, located about three

Continued from Page 10 The proposed plant has been

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2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 13 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:45 AM

T wenty-six volunteer fire facilities, will house a

Hardyston Township: Business and Family Friendly.

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2018 Vision FULL PAGES 1-19.indd 15 WednesdayDec/05/18 9:46 AM

Growing, studying at the speed

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Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald

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Homegrown banks stay tr

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2018 Visions - 2 Local Biz (NEW) p20-25.indd 21 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:36 AM

F riday the 13th has In the upcoming 2019 events

Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald

2018 Visions - 2 Local Biz (NEW) p20-25.indd 22 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:38 AM

NEWTON: Where It All Comes Together

GOVERNMENT SUSSEX COUNTY’S

2018 Visions - 2 Local Biz (NEW) p20-25.indd 23 WednesdayDec/05/18 10:40 AM

94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ | 973.383.7644 | SkylandsStadium.com |

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Sussex County offers visit

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W ho says you can never go home

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25 Years of Selling Real Estate in Sussex County

Wood Call Parrott and

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sense of purpose. “Discover Your

TRI-STATE Your Vision...

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2018 Visions - 4 Services (new) - p30-33.indd 33 WednesdayDec/05/18 11:01 AM

F or anyone who doubts the

In Sussex County and the

Rebirth of local, liv