Jumping out of a flak-riddled B-24 Liberator over Nazi-occupied Austria wasn’t scary.

Staying inside the bomber’s death spiral, that would have been scary, Hjalmar Johansson told a pre-Memorial Day gathering in Morristown on Friday.

Never mind that the Army Air Force never gave him any parachute practice.

Hjalmar Johannson recounts being shot down over Nazi-occupied Austria in WWII. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“It’s too dangerous. You could kill yourself!” the Montville resident said, to peals of laughter.

The roughest ride awaited him on the ground.

Five months in German prisoner-of-war camps. Train journeys from hell. Solitary confinement. A near-starvation diet that shriveled him to 110 pounds.

“That was pretty harrowing,” he told the packed Morris County Freeholders meeting room, where 15 veterans from World War II to Afghanistan received the county’s Distinguished Service medal. Two of the awards were posthumous.

Hjalmar enlisted for duty in World War II at 18. Somehow, the engineer has made it to 88.

Half of his fellow airmen never came home from the war, he said.

In this video, a member of America’s fast-vanishing Greatest Generation reflects on the cost of freedom:

“We’ve been told that freedom isn’t free. And that’s for sure, right? Very expensive. And I know something about that.”

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:

0:20: Compares 8th Air Force and 15th

0:34: Wanted to be pilot

1:00: Was 100 pounds…has gained a few

1:30: German POW diet

2:30: “Milk run” to Vienna

3:08: Fifty-below

3:20: Flak

3:35: Shrapnel bouncing off plane

3:50: Taylor Charlie

4:00: Bam!

4:30: Two engines gone

4:54: “Not that scared”

5:35: Fighters in front of me

5:42: “She’s gonna go down”

6:05: Both guns lock up

6:22: Instant frostbite

6:35: Germans ignore surrender signal

7:02: “Gotta bail out!”

7:11: No parachute practice

7:22: “Too dangerous!”

7:33: The Caterpillar Club

8:30: No navigator

8:55: Thanks, buddy

9:24: Recovers fumble just in time

9:50: Rushes parachute, injures shoulder

10:25: “Absolute silence”

10:45: Scared NOT to jump

11:15: No John Wayne

12:00: Interrogation

12:22: Solitary confinement

13:25: “Pretty harrowing” train ride

14:30: Brit bombs rock boxcar

14:45: Camp with 70,000 POWs

15:10: Never alone: Lice and fleas

16:20: Grim stats

17:30: What freedom costs

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Under the long-term guidance of Dr. Edward Yaw, CCM has been widely considered a leader within the community college sector. In 2011, the school’s trustees exercised their own leadership by adopting an enrollment policy which accepted undocumented students meeting certain criteria.

Unfortunately, under intense pressure from a Morris County Freeholder group which has yet to recognize the unfolding demographic reality of this country, students who have been residents of the county must still pay the international student tuition rate, which is 2.8x the in-county resident cost.

Other community colleges have more student friendly, albeit unwritten, policies in this regard, and their budgets are favorably affected because they can attract dramatically more students at the in-county rate than at the international rate.

In 2013, it is time for CCM trustees to again exercise leadership consistent with the school’s mission of open enrollment.  At the March board meeting, CCM trustees indicated that because of the Immigration Act of 1996, they needed state legislation to correct the above tuition rate inequity affecting undocumented students. Bills A3509 and S2479 would provide what the trustees need by “allowing certain students including undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria to qualify for in-State tuition at public institutions of higher education and State financial aid.”

Articulate and persuasive CCM students—the Dreamers–have attended trustee meetings and given their testimonials about what it means to be paying the dramatically higher international rate, specifically what it does to their education—it typically means a much longer period to graduate and move on to a four-year school, which is what the CCM trustees rightfully regard as a positive outcome–and its impact on their aspiration to be fully contributing members of American society—it means their resolve to stay educationally committed in the face of injustice must be very high.

The specific request of these students is that CCM do what many of its college counterparts have already done: sign a support letter for the very bills which the trustees themselves say they need to do the right thing from a tuition rate standpoint.

And yet CCM trustees have refused to provide such a signature, claiming that this would constitute lobbying—“if we provided a letter here, what about the next bill,” being their excusal statement.  However, reportedly the trustees did support the bond issue of last November which brought capital funds to CCM.

Cynics would say that the Freeholders are the true CCM power base and they do not want the state bill to be passed, even when Republican lawmakers elsewhere are making their peace with the Hispanic community in order to have any chance of recovering from their crushing defeat in the 2012 presidential election. Comprehensive immigration reform at the national level seems likely.  All of which means that the Morris County Freeholders are way behind the political curve.

This is clearly another time for the CCM trustees to speak for themselves, to move forward and embrace the school’s mission, which of course is the trustees mission: facilitating open and diverse enrollment—and it can be done by simply adding their collective signature to the supporters everywhere of A3509/S2479.

Bob Howitt
Denville, NJ
May 24, 2013

But the sacrifice paid off for Austin Ellis and Meahgan Gibson, winners of the first Morristown High School Film Festival.

Austin Ellis and Meahgan Gibson, winners of the first MHS film fest. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Surviving Sandy, their documentary about the hurricane’s impact on Long Beach Island, beat out more than 40 student entries to take top honors Thursday from a three-judge panel of experts.

Freshmen Kirsten Traudt and Madeline Zurcher finished second with The Fad Cycle, a literate look at the evolution of fads.

Connor Taunton, Jessica Torres and Sarah Kane scored third-place kudos for a probing video about homelessness in Morristown titled, Hello My Name Is.

“I thought it would be interesting,” Austin said of Surviving Sandy, which tells the story of last fall’s devastating super-storm from the perspective of two family friends who attempted to ride it out on the battered island.

The documentary succeeded, the senior said, thanks to “long hours every Friday night.”

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Meaghan, a junior, said they started shooting in December “because we wanted to show a lot of damage.” She was surprised by the extent of it.  “They couldn’t even flush the toilets. The sewers were out.”

The duo began piecing together all their footage in mid-March. Distilling hours of interviews and B-roll into 10 minutes of screen time was challenging, Meahgan said. Nearly as hard: “Picking good music” to convey the survivors’ grim situation.

Surviving Sandy includes terrifying home videos of the ferocious Atlantic roaring through homes.  Some clips were cut because the language was too salty, Meahgan said.

As the project took shape, Meaghan also worked on Colonial Corner, the high school’s video news magazine, while collaborating on a second entry for the festival. Should Something Be Done examines gun control in the wake of the Sandy Hook School massacre.

Austin, who plans to study business and film at Boston College, juggled his video chores with pitching duties for the Colonials’ baseball varsity.

For their efforts, each won a Nikon D5300 camera, courtesy of an anonymous donor, and a share of $200 in prize money from the Home School Association. The second-place team also won cameras, while the third-place finishers received gift certificates to Sandrian Camera.

Entries were judged by Caits Meisner of the Tribeca Film Institute, Mark Ehrenkranz of the New York Film Critics series, and Brad “Bisco” Smith of ARTS By the People.

The evening of documentaries capped the fifth annual MHS Art Show, a 1,500-piece exhibition that included a fashion show (Meahgan was a model), dueling muralists and a cardboard boat contest.

“I can’t wait till next year,” said Art Show organizer Brian Kievning, who teaches photography.

Broadcasting teacher Mike Butler announces winners of the first Morristown High School film fest, as assistant producer Allie Lott listens. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Video entries traced New Jersey’s underground music scene, chronicled a community garden, and delved into the worlds of 3rd graders and high schoolers.

Immigrant students from Egypt and Germany were profiled. Bacon and Baking each got clever treatment. Morristown police spoke candidly on camera.

Broadcasting teacher Mike Butler, who produced the film festival with an assist from senior filmmaker Allie Lott, said he got choked up by the back stories.

Some video newcomers bested Broadcasting III veterans. Others struggled to complete their projects.

“You forget these kids are just 14!” said Mike, a former director for Court TV. “We’re holding them to professional standards.”

Those standards, it turns out, lured Meahgan’s family back from China.

“We moved to Shanghai a year ago,” said Cindy Gibson, Meaghan’s mom. “We decided to come back because of Mr. Butler. His mentoring is priceless.”

We invite these talented young filmmakers–and you!–to enter the Sixth Annual MorristownGreen.com Film Festival. Entry deadline is June 15, 2013, for the August screening. Our theme: Documentaries, under five minutes, keep ‘em clean. Three prize categories!

“Dancing,” she said on Wednesday, burning up the dance floor with deejay Pete Limon at the seniors spring picnic in Morristown town hall.

About 175 seniors attended the luncheon at the town seniors center, said Wayne Cresta, manager of the town senior citizens division.

The festivities were made possible in part by a $2,500 donation from Investors Bank, which was inspired by the town’s warming station after Hurricane Sandy, said bank Vice President John Celmer.

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“We knew the town needed help after Sandy,” John said. “I know they support a lot of people, so we made a donation to help seniors and people in need in town.”

In addition to funding senior events like the picnic,  the donation will support communications efforts of the town’s Community Emergency Response Team, said Mayor Tim Dougherty.

“It’s a great thing that a local bank wants to be part of the community. They’re showing they care, and not just about seniors, but about Sandy relief,” said the Mayor, who dined with the seniors.

Coincidentally, Tammi Hills volunteers with CERT when she is not dancing.  Over the years, the widow said, she owned four businesses. The secret to that?

“It’s just a matter of hanging in there,” she said.

Morristown employees Ruby Green and Shanae Blanchard serve lunch at seniors spring picnic in town hall. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

(Click icon to toggle between videos in playlist.)
Here is a playlist with video of opening and closing remarks at the Morristown Candidates Forum, from May 20, 2013.

Six Democrats are vying for three at-large council seats in the June 4 primary.   Incumbents Michelle Dupree Harris and Toshiba Foster and running mate Michael Elms are opposed by Michael Pooler, Tommy Alexander and Jessica Williamson.

The forum was moderated by Catherine Sorge for the League of Women Voters.

Here is the order of speakers.

OPENING REMARKS:

0:00 Intro by Marie Fornaro & Catherine Sorge
3:10 Michael Elms
5:14 Tommy Alexander
6:50 Michelle Dupree Harris
9:10 Michael Pooler
11:00 Jessica Williamson
13:10 Toshiba Foster

CLOSING REMARKS:

0:00 Moderator Catherine Sorge
0:29: Toshiba Foster
2:13: Jessica Williamson
3:31: Michael Pooler
5:00: Michelle Dupree Harris
6:12: Tommy Alexander
7:43: Michael Elms

Morristown council candidates await questions at League of Women Voters forum. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Morristown native Connor Lade of the New York Red Bulls. Photo: NewYorkRedBulls.com

The Morristown High School graduate–a member of the 2012 U.S. Men’s National Team–will return to his home field at 3 pm on May 27, 2013, for the 90-minute session, organized by the Morristown Neighborhood House and the locally based law firm Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP.

According to the Nabe, children “will learn basic soccer skills through skill-building activities and games, familiarizing each child with the structure of a game setting, while including lots of positive reinforcement.”

Kids can sign up at the Neighborhood House, at 12 Flagler St. The soccer clinic is on the high school field, at 50 Early St.

For more information, call the Nabe at 973-538-1229 x 40 or 973-538-1229 x 31 or send an email.

Morristown, NJ (May 21, 2013) –  Morristown Neighborhood House is delighted to partner with Morristown-based law firm Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP, with the New York Red Bulls to host a youth Soccer Clinic, on Memorial Day at the Morristown High School.

Red Bulls Player Connor Lade, a Morristown High School graduate and member of the 2012 U.S. Men’s National Team, will appear at the clinic along with other Red Bulls personnel.

There will be up to 75 (8-10) year olds associated with Neighborhood House and from the surrounding area who are expected to participate in the clinic, which will take place at 3:00 pm on the high school field. The children will learn basic soccer skills through skill-building activities and games, familiarizing each child with the structure of a game setting, while including lots of positive reinforcement.

Morristown Neighborhood House was founded in 1898 as a settlement house that assisted new immigrants. Through programs in five cities and seven locations, on an average day over 1,500 children youth and their families receive services from Neighborhood House.  Our three preschools and six after-school programmatic sites are our largest programs.  Our basketball, soccer, boxing and fitness programs are essential to our holistic approach to helping children to become self sufficient adults.  I encourage you to visit our website, www.neighborhood-house.org, to learn more about our programs.

To learn more about this program, please contact Elizabeth Alfaro at alfaroe@neighborhood-house.org 973-538-1229 ext 40 or Lashone Murphy murphyl@neighborhood-house.org 973-538-1229 ext 31

The 29 targeted bars and restaurants from across the state have seven days to fork over sales and invoice records about the 20 brands being scrutinized—along with details about who was working earlier this year when undercover samples were taken, plus retail prices for the brands spanning the last nine months.

Liquor licenses can be suspended if  “Operation  Swill,” as the year-long state probe is dubbed, finds that customers were ripped off.

Sona Thirteen in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“This alleged scheme is a dishonest ruse to increase profits, and it is a slap in the face to the consumer,” state Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa said in a statement.

“Consumers should have the peace of mind of knowing that they will get what they spent their hard-earned money on every single time – no exceptions.”

Some 1,000 bottles of liquor were seized Wednesday in a sweep by the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The 29 bars and restaurants  were targeted based on information from confidential informants, consumer complaints and testing of samples by the ABC and the manufacturers of the brands, according to the attorney general.

ABC investigators took 150 samples from 63 establishments–some chosen randomly– in January and February. Undercover agents bought “neat” drinks–no ice or mixer.

The samples were tested with a new device called the True Spirit Authenticator, which gives a quick analysis. The samples also were sent to laboratories of the brands for more tests. “Of the 150 samples, 30 were not the brand they purported to be,” according to the state.

On Wednesday, investigators seized all opened bottles of these brands:

Vodka: Finlandia, Smirnoff, Absolut, Grey Goose, Ketel One
Gin: Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Gordon’s
Rum: Bacardi Light, Bacardi Dark, Captain Morgan Spiced
Scotch: Johnny Walker Black, Dewar’s
Whiskey: Jack Daniel’s Black Label, Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark
Tequila: Jose Cuervo Silver, Jose Cuervo Gold, Patron Silver

“These cases can be difficult to prosecute because of the fleeting nature of the offense, and evidence of the offense is nearly impossible to collect after the fact,” state ABC Director Michael Halfacre said in a statement. “The ABC made the determination that the best way to address and eradicate this problem was with a coordinated effort like ‘Operation Swill.’”

Billy Walsh, a partner in Sona Thirteen, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Here is the full statement from authorities.

FROM THE STATE DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL:

TRENTON – Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa and Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Director Michael Halfacre today announced the details of “Operation Swill,” a raid executed the previous day by more than 100 ABC and Division of Criminal Justice investigators that targeted 29 establishments that were allegedly substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with “well brand spirits,” i.e., non-premium brands.

Specifically, the ABC investigation indicates that these 29 establishments were allegedly engaging in a practice of filling premium brand bottles with non-premium brands in an effort to deceive the customer and increase their profits. The customer paid for the premium brand, but was instead, unbeknownst to the customer, poured the non-premium brand.

“This alleged scheme is a dishonest ruse to increase profits, and it is a slap in the face to the consumer,” said Attorney General Chiesa. “Consumers should have the peace of mind of knowing that they will get what they spent their hard-earned money on every single time – no exceptions.”

“I believe Operation Swill will go a long way towards restoring that peace of mind and will also serve as a warning to anyone currently engaging in, or thinking about engaging in, this fraudulent practice,” added Chiesa.

Investigators yesterday visited the establishments, inspected the bar areas and seized all opened bottles of the following brands:

Vodka: Finlandia, Smirnoff, Absolut, Grey Goose, Ketel One
Gin: Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Gordon’s
Rum: Bacardi Light, Bacardi Dark, Captain Morgan Spiced
Scotch: Johnny Walker Black, Dewar’s
Whiskey: Jack Daniel’s Black Label, Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark
Tequila: Jose Cuervo Silver, Jose Cuervo Gold, Patron Silver

The ABC seized approximately 1,000 bottles yesterday, and that inventory is being securely stored with the ABC Investigations Bureau. The alcohol will go through more rounds of testing by the ABC and the manufacturers.

The operation focused on the 29 establishments because of information from confidential informants, consumer complaints and testing of samples conducted by both the ABC and the manufacturers of the brands.

The samples were taken in January and February when ABC investigators visited 63 licensed establishments across the state and covertly took 150 samples. The undercover ABC detectives visited these establishments and secured samples of premium brand spirits by paying for drinks ordered “neat” – that is with no ice or mixer. Some of the locations visited had previous complaints against them, and some were chosen at random.

ABC Director Halfacre said the Division receives numerous consumer complaints about this practice every year.

“These cases can be difficult to prosecute because of the fleeting nature of the offense, and evidence of the offense is nearly impossible to collect after the fact,” Halfacre said.

“The ABC made the determination that the best way to address and eradicate this problem was with a coordinated effort like ‘Operation Swill’.”

Following the sample collection in January and February, the ABC tested the 150 samples using a new testing technology, a device called the True Spirit Authenticator. This machine provides a preliminary analysis of samples in a short span of time.

In addition, the samples were sent to the laboratories of the brand manufacturers where additional testing of the samples was conducted. It was found that of the 150 samples, 30 were not the brand they purported to be.

The International Federation of Spirits Producers, which represents those manufacturers, cooperated in this process and indicated to the ABC that drink substitution was a challenge for their business.

“The establishments raided yesterday by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control were targeted because we are taking this type of fraudulent business practice seriously,” Halfacre said. “This practice affects the entire alcoholic beverage regulatory system. Manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers are all victims of this scam.”

At the time of the seizure, investigators took statements from employees and also served demands for sales records. The establishments will have seven days to provide sales and invoice records that include information about the 20 brands of interest. They will also have to provide to the ABC information about the employees that were working the day samples were taken and the retail prices from the last nine months of the targeted brands.

Penalties for serving a drink other than ordered range from a 5-day suspension for the first offense to a 15-day suspension for the third offense. If further testing proves any of the seized bottles did not contain the correct labeled alcohol, that bottle could have multiple violations based on the potential drinks that could have been poured. ABC regulations could also allow for a 30-day suspension for any illegal activity on the licensed premise and those locations could also face a 30-day suspension for not cooperating in the investigation.

The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control has a toll-free hotline for citizens to report illegal activity to ABC’s Investigative Unit. Anyone with information on illegal activity is encouraged to call 1-866-713-8392. All information received via the ABC hotline will remain confidential.

The following establishments were targeted in Operation Swill:

Railroad Café, East Rutherford
The Brick House, Wycoff
Sunset Tavern, Burlington
Graziano’s Ristorante, Chesilhurst
Villari’s Lakeside, Gloucester Township
Yesterdays, Marmora
TGI Fridays, West Orange
Italian Affair, Glassboro
Bells Tavern, Lambertville
TGI Fridays, East Windsor
Brunswick Grove, East Brunswick
TGI Fridays, Old Bridge
TGI Fridays, North Brunswick
TGI Fridays, Piscataway
TGI Fridays, Freehold
TGI Fridays, Marlboro
TGI Fridays, Hazlet
Murray’s, Dover
TGI Fridays, East Hanover
Sona Thirteen, Morristown
Blackthorn Restaurant, Parsippany
Ruby Tuesday, Bridgewater
TGI Fridays, Linden
Café 34, Matawan
Applebee’s, Kearny
Cucina Calandara, Fairfield
TGI Fridays, Hamilton
TGI Fridays, Springfield
TGI Fridays, Clifton

Don’t race guys from the local bike shop.

Eric Noonan from Marty’s Reliable Cycle cruised to victory in Thursday’s third annual Alternative Commuter Challenge from Madison to Morristown, on a Surly mount with a BionX electric motor for hills.

His boss, Marty Epstein, and Marty’s Gran Fondo NJ partner, Bill Ruddick, were next. (We’re checking the photo finish for the order.) 

WINNERS ALL: Cory Baum of the Hyatt greets finishers in the 'Alternative Commute Challenge.' From left: Eric Noonan, Marty Epstein, Bill Ruddick, Itinerant Blogger, Laura Lannin and Matt Vance. Photo by Don Watt for MorristownGreen.com

Don Watt of TransOptions followed them, in the comfort of his Altima. Then came attorney Matt Vance, the 2011 champ, who combined a train ride with a bike sprint on his Dahon folding commuter bicycle. Laura Lannin of Homeless Solutions Inc. and Yours Truly rounded out the field.

Marty’s idea was to promote innovative, environmentally friendly ways to make short commutes. And if a few bikes get sold along the way, that’s good, too.

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“We’re proud that alternative commuting, no matter what kind of weather, is a viable means of transportation,” Marty said at the finish line, where the Hyatt Morristown greeted the competitors with coffee and fruit.

“There are many sustainable alternatives, and you can adapt any one of them, and it won’t cost you that much time for short commutes,” added Don. TransOptions is a clearinghouse for commuter information.

We blamed a kickstand for our sub-par performance last year. (Never mind that our borrowed steed had a four-speed electric motor.) This year’s excuse is broken toe straps on our conventional pedal-powered beast. And of course, we had to dodge those pesky chipmunks along the Traction Line.

Never short on ideas, Marty is looking several years down the road. The Gran Fondo–a daylong cycling extravaganza that marks year three on Sept. 8, 2013–has panned out quite nicely. His next dream is a Bike Share system linking Madison and Morristown. A credit card would enable you to rent and drop off bikes at strategic stations, similar to Zipcars for motorists.

More imminently, Marty and Bill are steeling themselves for The Longest Day, a grueling 16 hours in the saddle from High Point to Cape May on June 15.

Think we might seek an alternate mode for that commute!

Who knew that it really was all about how long two guys can paddle a cardboard box in a swimming pool?

That was the scene Wednesday at Morristown High School, where six teams tried to prove a point:

Namely, that if you want to visit England, you have a better chance if you climb inside your shipping carton and spring for some stamps.

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Still, you have to credit engineering teacher Jack Rizzo and his students for ingenuity.  Each two-man team was given one roll of duct tape, one tube of construction adhesive, and one slab of cardboard. The challenge was to see who could make the fastest round-trip under two minutes in the pool…without landing under water.

“We learned about water displacement,” said student Peter Bacas. “It was kind of accurate.”

Which is a polite way of saying… he and David Murray finished last. But their soggy vessel, christened the U.S.S. Bev, in honor of MHS security guard and ’83 alum Bev Bell, did not sink.  Pretty remarkable, actually. We’re talking cardboard here.

Jack said this was Year 10 of the boat competition, in which students apply lessons learned in his engineering- and computer-aided-design classes.  It marked the first time that the event was part of the MHS Art Show.

The show also featured battling muralists,  a contest refereed by Arts By the People. Everything concludes tonight, May 23, 2013, with the school’s first film festival. It starts at 7 pm. If it’s anything like the boat races, we’re expecting to see hand-made screens and projectors!

ROGUE WAVE? Peter Bacas and David Murray capsize after cardboard boat contest at Morristown High School. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

This is a weekend for counting our blessings–blessings of freedom secured by servicemen and women who gave their lives.

Remember them Friday at a lunchtime service outside the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown.

And you won’t want to miss the 27th annual Memorial Day Parade in Morris Plains on Saturday.  The Community of Caring always presents a spirited morning. More than 100 groups–including MorristownGreen.com–are scheduled to participate this year.

Look for themes of freedom at Morristown High School’s first film festival.

Then, unwind with an elementary school teacher’s band.

If you feel the itch to travel this weekend, start with a wild and woolly Alternative Commuter Challenge. Then throw your  guitar in the Prius and head to the hills for the annual Folk Project Spring Festival.

And the kids can kick off summer properly–with a Red Bulls player who is giving a clinic on Monday.

P.S. Don’t forget to check our handy calendar for even more options. We wish you a safe and meaningful holiday.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013:

The third annual 'Alternative Commuter Challenge' takes to the streets on May 23, 2013. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Marty Epstein of Marty’s Reliable Cycle has invited any and all brave commuters to the third annual Alternative Commuter Challenge, a race from Madison to Morristown. Any type of vehicle is welcome this year: Bikes, trains, hybrids, the list goes on… Participants should gather at 8 am at Drip Coffee, at 34 Main St. in Madison, for an 8:40 am start. Transit riders should catch the 8:49 am train in Madison. The finish line is at the Hyatt Morristown on Speedwell Avenue. Please note that all safety and traffic laws must be followed. Contact Marty’s shop at (973) 584-7773 with any questions; or call TransOption Vice President Don Watt at (973) 267-7600.

How are older buildings “recycled” to maintain their life into the future?  it’s more than just turning them into museums. Historic Speedwell invites Morristown residents ages 6 and up to Recycling the Past, for fun hands-on activities. Come to 333 Speedwell Ave. from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. Call  973-285-6550 with questions.

Morris Township resident and longtime writer Christy Potter will read from her new book, The World Was My Oyster But I didn’t Know How to Cook, at Glassworks Studio, 151 South St. in Morristown, at 6 pm. All are welcome.

Scene from MHS Film Fest entry.

The North Jersey Civil War Roundtable meets for its 108th meeting at 7:14 pm at the Haggerty Education Center, at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 E. Hanover Ave., Morris Township (opposite the Morris County Library).  William R. Chemerka, Teacher of the Year, documentary producer, and author, will discuss The Gothic Saga of Paul Revere’s Grandson, Gen. Joseph Warren Revere.  Admission is $5. First time guests and students are free.

How do high school students see the world in 2013? Get a peek into the minds of young Morristown students at the MHS Film Festival. More than 40 short documentaries, ranging in topic from teen pregnancy to an homage to bacon, will be judged by three film aficionados. Screenings begin at 7 pm, at 50 Early St. Admission is free.

Brother Sun will perform at the Folk Project Spring Festival.

REGISTRATION CLOSES at midnight for the Folk Project Spring Festival, running Friday through Sunday in a lovely wooded area near Hackettstown.  It’s a weekend of concerts, workshops, jamming, and relaxing for musicians and non-musicians. Featuring Brother Sun, Tom Chapin, Cliff Eberhardt, Jacob Johnson, and more. Meals included with ticket price  Lodging available onsite. Attendance limited to 150, and by pre-registration only. No tickets sold at the door.  For further information, send email or call 201-207-8696.

FRIDAY, MAY 24:

Giant U.S. flag announced Memorial Day service in 2011 at the Morris County courthouse in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Morris County’s annual Memorial Day ceremony begins at noon on the Morris County Courthouse lawn in Morristown.  The keynote speaker will be Hjalmar Johansson of Montville, a WWII veteran of the Army Air Force, and a former prisoner of war.

Morristown teacher Brad Marullo and his SteppingSTONE band will perform at the Dublin Pub , where they will celebrate their new CD, I’ll be Coming Home. Brad’s day job is teaching instrumental music to 4th- and 5th graders at the Thomas Jefferson- and Sussex Avenue schools; parents can enjoy his other side at 9 pm. The Dublin Pub is on Pine Street.

Morristown teacher Brad Marullo, left, with his band, SteppingSTONE. The group will perform tracks from its new CD, 'I'll Be Coming Home,' at the Dublin Pub on May 24, 2013.

SATURDAY, MAY 25:

Kids of all ages dressed up in their patriotic finest for the 2012 Memorial Day parade in Morris Plains.

The 27th annual Morris Plains Memorial Day Service and Parade starts at 9 am, with a ceremony at Robert’s Garden at the corner of Glenbook Road and Mountain Way. Morris County’s largest Memorial Day parade–with more than 100 units and 15 bands, including the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni and for the first time, the Orange High School Marching Tornadoes–follows at 9:30 am, from the same intersection. The route then heads south, turns east on Rosedale Avenue, and then proceeds north on Speedwell Avenue to Littleton Road, ending at VFW Watnong Post 3401. A flyover by the International Acrobatic Club is expected at 10:40 am. Morris Plains Firefighter Don Geary is being honored as Grand Marshal in recognition of his volunteer work during and after Hurricane Sandy. Call Parade Chairman Steve Welsh at (973) 644-2746 for more information. And don’t forget to wave at MorristownGreen.com, by George!

The Memorial Day Weekend may seem like an odd time to discuss mutiny. But George Washington had to deal with one in 1780. Learn how he dealt with the mutineers, from a Park Ranger during a hike at Jockey Hollow.  Meet at 10 am at the visitors center.

Morristown is reopening the renovated Cauldwell Pool, and celebrating with refreshments from 11 am to 1 pm. The pool is at the Cauldwell Playground, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and Flagler Street.

George Washington is remembered as the father of our country and arguably the greatest American. Let a Park Ranger describe Washington’s formative years, and discover how our first president can to be loved and idealized. The Making of An American Icon is scheduled for 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum, 30 Washington Place, Morristown. Admission is $4 per adult. 

SUNDAY, MAY 26:

Tell the family to take a hike: For 2 ½ miles, from the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center to the replica huts and back. Along the way, learn about life of 18th century soldiers. Hands-on activities include musket drills and marching, as well as 18th century camp games. This program is geared towards kids at the 5th grade level and above. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Hike begins at 1 pm at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, in the Morristown National Historical Park.

MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 27:

After wreaths are laid at local monuments and cemeteries, a Memorial Day service will be held at Morris Township’s municipal building on Woodland Avenue at 10 am. At 10:30, a parade proceeds to the Morristown Green for an 11 am service. All are invited.

Kids can get their kicks with New York Red Bulls player Connor Lade–a Morristown High School graduate and member of the 2012 U.S. Men’s National Team–at 3 pm at Morristown High School.  The 90-minute soccer clinic is geared for 8-10 year olds, and it’s presented by the Morristown Neighborhood House in partnership with the law firm Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP.  The organizers promise that “the children will learn basic soccer skills through skill-building activities and games, familiarizing each child with the structure of a game setting, while including lots of positive reinforcement.”  For more details, call the Nabe at 973-538-1229 x 40 or 973-538-1229 x 31.

Unless you’re ordering premium liquor at Morristown’s Sona Thirteen and 28 other New Jersey establishments, according to the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

More details about Operation Swill are expected on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at a press conference in Trenton.

Investigators seized records and inventories Wednesday as part of the year-long investigation. The ABC alleges that the targeted bars and restaurants duped customers and inflated profits by charging premium prices for cheaper alcohol.

Billy Walsh, a partner in Sona Thirteen, could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Sona Thirteen in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Customer complaints reportedly triggered the probe. Undercover detectives and special technologies were used by authorities.

Other Morris County establishments cited by the ABC are the Blackthorn Restaurant in Parsippany, TGI Fridays in East Hanover and Murray’s in Dover.

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty said Wednesday that he was awaiting further details from the state.

Generally speaking, he said, “it’s always disturbing, especially if the residents of Morristown, in any business, are being charged certain prices and not getting what they paid for.”

For Morristown High School senior Shannon Kikuchi, it’s a no-brainer.

Go with the seamstress.

Shannon Kikuchi, fashionista-in-chief of the Morristown High School Fashion Club, kicked off the fifth annual MHS Art Show with a runway exhibition of original designs. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“I’ve been sewing since I was 6 years old,” said Shannon, founder of the MHS Fashion Club and organizer of Tuesday’s second annual school Fashion Show.

The runway exhibition, featuring clothes designed by Shannon and members of her club and modeled by fellow students, helped kick off the fifth annual MHS Art Show.

About 1,500 student paintings, photos and sculptures fill the auxiliary gym, where an “art battle” of speed murals is scheduled for 7 o’clock tonight, May 22, with artist Brad Smith of Arts By the People refereeing.  That’s after some cardboard boat designs are put to the test in the MHS pool, at 6 pm.

The Art Show culminates at 7 pm on May 23 with a festival of student videos, curated by broadcasting teacher Mike Butler.

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“Could you imagine not seeing all this?” said photography teacher Brian Kievning, who hatched the Art Show five years ago.  Months of planning are involved each year; it takes about two days to mount everything, according to visual arts teacher Rachel Compton.

The Morris Educational Foundation, which runs the annual Morristown’s Got Talent fund-raising contest, supports the Art Show with grants for everything from portable exhibit walls to GoPro video cameras, Brian said.

Shannon Kikuchi’s fans include Jordan Pohle, a junior in the Fashion Club who designed and modeled a smart-looking red party dress. The material cost $50, about twice what she might pay for an off-the-shelf dress. But it’s worth it, Jordan said.

“I like creating something I can actually wear. And no one has it,” she said.

Meahgan Gibson, also a junior, sported a cute casual outfit designed by sophomore Nevi Shah. Customized clothes are the way to go, said Meaghan, whose petite size makes shopping a challenge. “This makes everything fit better,” she said.

FASHIONISTA-IN-CHIEF

Shannon’s talents are not limited to haute couture.  She serves as creative director for the school literary magazine, Tricorn. Last year, she co-produced a well received video tribute to Steve Wiley, founder of the Morris Educational Foundation.

“She’s a real take-charge person. Real impressive,” said art teacher Joanne Olivier.

Shannon also has appeared in videos with Arts By the People, and on stage in MHS drama productions. But she prefers to work her magic behind-the-scenes.

As assistant director of this spring’s musical, Smile, she also oversaw costume- and art design, and the lobby decorations.

“The process is the most fascinating part” of fashion design, Shannon said. “In the creative zone, that’s the most satisfying, when you really see your vision coming together.”

The clothes really do make the man–or the woman, she believes.

“Clothing is the impression that other people get from us. It’s everybody else’s impression of you, who you are, represented to the world.”

What becomes of the Fashion Club after its Fashionista-In-Chief heads to the Parsons School of Design this fall remains to be seen.

Shannon Kikuchi is a tough act to follow.

Some of those images are on display at Sandrian Camera on 72 South St.  Receptions are scheduled today, May 22,  2013, from noon to 2:30 pm and again from 6 pm to 8:30 pm at the shop. All are invited.

“A customer saw my postcards of Historic Morristown in Sandrian’s and bought large prints for a conference room,” Pam explained.

It triggered the idea for an exhibition. Prints by the women are for sale at prices ranging from $250 to $800, and will be displayed for the next few weeks.

Photo of the Wick House fence, by Pasm Hasegawa, from her exhibition at Sandrian Camera in Morristown.

Pam’s interest in photography began in the mid-1970s, when she became friends with a Morristown woman who was a photo researcher for a textbook company, Silver Burdett.

At the time, Pam’s children modeled for some textbook pictures. Pam became fascinated with the process, and started submitting her own shots.

“They told me how to tighten up the presentation, and what they looked for,” Pam said.

She also struck up a friendship with Judi, a graduate of the College of Saint Elizabeth in Madison who did photography for Morristown, The War Years 1775-1783, a book created in cooperation with the National Park Service.

Judi saw her first single lens reflex camera while working as a counselor at Camp Wono on Cape Cod, and was smitten. She delved deeper into photography while spending eight years in Germany and England as a teacher for the Defense Department.

In 1973, she spent two weeks at Yosemite studying with legendary nature photographer Ansel Adams, learning his famous zone system for precise control of exposures.

“He was fabulous. He had a good sense of humor, and was a good listener,” Judi said.

She and Pam went on to work for Taurus Photos, a stock photo agency.

Their pictures landed in UNICEF calendars and cards, among other places.  Pam vividly recalls a frosty January trip to photograph the Statue of Liberty for another client.

By the 1990s, consolidation in the photo industry and the rise of digital photography–which turned virtually everyone into a shooter–made it hard to continue making a living in the business, Pam said.

But she still mounts joint shows with painter Laurie Harden, who shares her artistic vision. “We paint and photograph life as it happens,” Pam said.

Photo by Judi Benvenuti, part of an exhibition at Sandrian Camera in Morristown.

And she keeps snapping photos for causes she supports.  Pam has advocated strongly for the rights of adopted children like herself to obtain the identities of their birth parents.

She also documents her periodic travels to Japan on behalf of the Asian Rural Institute, an organization that teaches sustainability and leadership skills to people from poor regions.

More recently, in response to the school massacre in Watertown, CT., Pam co-founded the Morris Area Committee to Reduce Gun Violence. Her Canon G-9 accompanies her to every event.

The Sandrian show includes pristine images by Judi and Pam of Acorn Hall, Burnham Pond, the Ford Mansion, Speedwell Lake and the Tempe Wick House, among other places with iconic status for local folks.

“If you grew up in Morris County, their work is like coming home,” said Kathy Sandrian of Sandrian Camera.

The show gives both artists a chance to revisit their photographic roots.

“I’m excited because for me, it’s a huge boost to my career as a photographer,” Pam said.

For Judi, it’s the power of the medium that enthralls her.

“It’s capturing something for life. It’s slices of life. It’s a legacy,” she said.

From left, photographers Judi Benvenuti and Pam Hasegawa with Cathy Sandrian. Prints by Judi and Pam are on exhibition at Sandrian Camera in Morristown. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Politics can get dirty in Morristown.

Need proof?

Check out our video from Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Speedwell Avenue redevelopment.

Councilman Stefan Armington and Mayor Tim Dougherty usually get along just fine. But on this day…

The comical moment came about 11 years after town officials first contemplated remaking the neighborhoods around Speedwell.  Phase One of the four-step project calls for 268 apartments on the town’s former public works site, between Early Street and Atno Avenue.

If all goes smoothly, the first tenants will move into the complex, dubbed “Latitude,” in late summer of 2014, said Rich Murphy, managing director of Mill Creek Residential Trust, the developer.

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“We believe very strongly in Morristown,” he said. “We love the atmosphere in Morristown. We love that our residents can walk on a Sunday morning for a cup of coffee. We love that they can come home and walk to a restaurant.

“When we’re done here, it’s going to be something special. I think it’s going to give a real shot in the arm to this neighborhood,” Rich said.

The moribund economy could not stop the project, a testament to Morristown’s desirability, said Mayor Dougherty.

“Morristown continues to lead the way for the rest of the state,” he said.

Latitude will include 26 deed-restricted affordable units. Plans also call for a game room, fitness center, rooftop deck and shuttle to the train station. The building will be designed for energy efficiency, and kitchens will have granite countertops and stainless steel, energy-saving appliances, according to the developer.

'WE'RE SAFE NOW, RIGHT?' Mayor Tim Dougherty, Councilwoman Alison Deeb and developer Rich Murphy pose for cameras. Another councilman who dug in with too much gusto showered the Mayor and developer with dirt. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Most of the apartments will have one- or two bedrooms. Previously, Rich estimated rents ranging from around $1,800 to $2,600 a month. Prospect Street is scheduled to be extended through the property next spring, linking to Early Street.

Mill Creek, formerly part of Trammell Crow, closed last Christmas Eve on the $3.5 million purchase of the municipal land. Demolition of existing structures started in January, and a cleanup of oily soil was completed recently. The town agreed to pay up to $500,000 for the remediation.

Over the next two months, paving will commence for a 357-space parking garage; framing for the structure should follow in August, Rich said.

The Mayor credited Jonathan Rose Companies, the planning firm he hired soon after taking office, with getting the long-awaited project moving.

But the happiest guy at Tuesday’s ceremony may have been architect Dean Marchetto, who scrutinized facades elsewhere in Morristown and hopes to replicate the same feel with brickwork in his Latitude design. A park will be centrally located, with building exteriors serving as walls framing the green space, he added.

“For architects, we dream of these things,” Dean said of the groundbreaking. “We draw on paper. But when it finally takes shape, it’s very special.”

About a year from now, Mill Creek expects to break ground on Phase Two of the project. Another 200 apartments will go up next to Phase One, on the site of the ambulance squad headquarters.

Presumably, the ceremonial shovels will be distributed much more selectively.

Rendering of 'Latitude' apartments, which is replacing Morristown's public works garage as part of Speedwell Avenue redevelopment.

Welcome to another episode of Joe Mahoney, from the pen of Morristown cartoonist Matt Keown. In between weekly installments, Mahoniacs can enjoy a daily dose of fun at JoeMahoneyComics.com

Please click to enlarge

By Matt Keown

Welcome to another episode from Morristown cartoonist Paul Laud.

This week: Scandal at the IRS

Paul Laud is the author of ‘Laughing Out Laud, Tripping Over Party Lines’!

And check out our podcast with Paul.

Please click to enlarge

By Paul Laud

In Morristown’s Democratic council primary, it depends which side you’re on, according to candidates who spoke Monday at a League of Women Voters forum.

The incumbents’ ticket painted a picture of three people rowing in the right direction with Mayor Tim Dougherty, heading for a vibrant, walkable town while holding the line on taxes.

Challengers insinuated council members are rubber-stamps for the mayor, and spoke of disenfranchised voters, traffic and high taxes.

Three at-large seats are up for grabs in the June 4 primary.

Morristown council candidates await questions at League of Women Voters forum. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Incumbents Michelle Dupree Harris and Toshiba Foster and running mate Michael Elms are being challenged by former Chief Housing Inspector Tommy Alexander, planning board member Michael Pooler and environmental commission member Jessica Williamson.

No Republicans filed for the primary; any noise from them in November would come from write-ins.

The Democrats fielded a half dozen written questions from the audience at the Thomas Jefferson School, in a forum hosted by the League’s Morristown-area chapter.

Monday’s format called for brief answers and even shorter rebuttals; candidates were not given the opportunity to grill each other.

Broad questions required few specific answers, and so the evening played out more like a series of candidate impressions than action plans.

Questions touched upon the town budget, and costs for police and firefighters; affordable housing; the downtown; property maintenance; programs for teens, and government transparency.

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‘NO ONE’S PUPPET’

Borrowing a page from President Obama’s first campaign, Mayor Dougherty has made “open and transparent” government a theme of his administration.

“I think a better word would be opaque. A little cloudy, don’t really know what’s going on. Deals made here, deals made there,” said Jessica Williamson, who is making her second council bid.

“I will be no one’s puppet, I will not be intimidated, and I will not be told how to vote,” she said.

Tommy Alexander asserted residents feel “disenfranchised, because they’re not listened to when they come to town hall, or treated with any respect. And that my dear friends, must stop.”

He also accused unnamed officials of “inefficient meddling” in municipal operations. A veteran of 35 years as a town employee, Tommy stepped down after being convicted last year of neglecting his dog. An appeal of that conviction was postponed on Monday in Superior Court.

Council President Michelle Dupree Harris offered a different view of town hall.

“When I think of transparency, I think about honesty, I think about providing facts,  having no hidden agendas. And I think our administration has been doing that over the course of X number of years,” said Michelle, a teacher seeking her fifth council term.

While Tommy and Jessica claimed residents are fed up with “outrageous” taxes, Michelle said it’s just not so.

“We’ve had a decrease in taxes in the past three years. So when it comes to property taxes, I think that you should be elated,” she said, adding that council members are easily accessible, from email to the grocery store to open council meetings.

“Don’t take my word for it,” Michelle told the audience. “You need to attend a meeting. You need to learn how your government works, and learn for yourself. Don’t just take it second hand.”

STRIKING A BALANCE

Toshiba Foster and Michael Elms said they like the downtown, though they agreed it doesn’t need any more bars.

“We obviously need to strike as balance with the homeowners and the quality of life and with the bars and nightlife in town,”  said Michael Elms, a realtor, who contended that the town has made progress in the last three years.

He envisions a walkable, pedestrian-friendly, “vibrant center where people come to eat, and shop, and laugh and have fun, and spend money, and make this town a successful place for commerce.”

Michael Elms replaced Councilman Kevin Gsell on the ticket last month after the incumbent quit the race just after the deadline for ballot changes. The challengers lost a court bid to block the switch.

Affordable housing also stirred passions.

“I’m a product of affordable housing, so I believe affordable housing should be for everyone,” Michael Pooler said. “But also it should not just be in one part of town. Our diversity is our strength.”

Toshiba Foster, co-founder of the nonprofit Our Youth Their Future, voiced gratitude for her subsidized housing, and pledged to push for more affordable units.

Morristown has  “dire need” of them, said Tommy, whose daughter and small child cannot afford the town’s “exorbitant rents.”

Jessica, who described herself as a fourth-generation Morristown resident, said she plans to raise her two daughters in town and buy a house. “If it’s not affordable, how am I going to do it?” she said.

Working with nonprofits, the town has rehabilitated houses on Abbett Avenue, Madison Street and elsewhere for affordable housing, said Michelle. She also cited interests in creating  a town teen center and housing for children like her daughter, who have intellectual disabilities.

Michael Pooler, who proposed greater use of social media and shared computing services with neighboring towns, said Morristown must limit building heights to protect the character of the town Green.

“We’re struggling with whether we want to be historical, or trying to be like Hoboken,” he said. “This is historical Morristown. That’s what our master plan says. So moving forward, that’s a very important issue that needs discussion.”

‘The East’ is moving north…from Morristown to Parsippany for a May 22, 2013, screening.

Clearview had said the cineplex lease was expiring and it would close on May 19, 2013.

A spokesman for the prospective suitor, Bow Tie Cinemas, said on Monday that the Headquarters Plaza landlord had broken off talks:

“Bow Tie’s negotiations with the landlord have terminated at the landlord’s request.  We do not know what will happen to the theater,” Christopher Beattie said in a statement.

Representatives of the Fisher Organization–the landlord–and Clearview did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.

Because of the uncertainty, the New York Film Critics series has moved its May 22 screening from Morristown to the Clearview Parsippany 12 on Route 46.

Actress Patricia Clarkson is scheduled to field questions about her new spy thriller, The East.

Morristown High School teachers John Madden, Danielle Firavanti and Marina Bragina have been awarded Saul S. Swanger fellowship grants for 2013.

The $2,000 awards, honoring a man who taught math for four decades at MHS, is meant to “encourage effective teachers and counselors to pursue a professional passion through a course of study or other activities that would not be otherwise possible,” according to an announcement on Monday.

John and Danielle, who teach English, plan to use their shared grant to continue their Sol-Lewitt Inspired Freshman Experience, a three-week project in which incoming freshman create an 8-by-40-foot mural that requires collaboration, communication, research and problem-solving. Launched last fall, the program taps ideas of the late artist Sol Lewitt and emphasizes the process as much as the end product.

Marina, a math teacher, will use her $2,000 award to explore ways to integrate technology into math classes. She will study at the Anya S. Greer Conference in Mathematics, Science and Technology at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.

Danielle Firavanti, John Madden and Marina Bragina have won Saul S. Swanger teaching fellowships ar Morristown High School. Photo courtesy of Marcia Heiden