Morristown EcoCenter project at crossroads; partners banking on special builder for Bank Street

Partners in the proposed EcoCenter project are banking on a nonprofit developer to make their dreams come true on Bank Street. But time may be running out at that Morristown location.

The owner of the former car dealership at 55 Bank St. has enlisted a realtor to start showing his 20,000-square-foot facility to other prospective tenants

For the record, Jack McDonald says he still likes the EcoCenter concept and would prefer renting to the partners, who approached him a year ago about transforming his place into a sustainability showcase to include an organic restaurant, commercial kitchen, food hub, business incubator and performance space, capped by a rooftop garden.

“I’m hoping their horse comes in first,” Jack said.

But he feels it’s important to have a Plan B. Taxes, maintenance, insurance and utilities are an ongoing responsibility at the property, which has been vacant since a Mini Cooper dealership left about two years ago.

The EcoCenter partners, who say the economy has hindered their efforts to secure financing, are hoping to craft a deal with Build With Purpose, a nonprofit development and consulting group in Metuchen that builds charter schools and mixed-use projects.

“They have the resources, the credibility and the track record to pull this together,” said Jonathan Cloud, managing partner of the Tipping Point LLC, the group behind the EcoCenter plans.

‘WE NEED TO FERRET IT OUT’

Jonathan cited the “worst recession since the Great Depression” as an obstacle. Even in flush times, however, he concedes it might be a challenge finding lenders to underwrite $2.5 million of EcoCenter renovations to a leased building.

“We all engaged in a lot more wishful thinking than, in retrospect, we should have done” at the outset, said Jonathan, who came to the project from the Sustainable Business Incubator that he helped start at Fairleigh Dickinson University. His offshoot has been renamed the Sustainable Business Accelerator.

Build With Purpose knows how to finance projects involving leased facilities, he said, because New Jersey charter schools must rent their facilities.

The development group is recommending a narrower focus for the EcoCenter, said Keith Timko, CEO of Build With Purpose. Forget the rooftop garden for now. Recruit one anchor tenant– a restaurant, preferably. Maybe rent some commercial kitchen- and office space, too.

“It’s more about being practical,” said Keith, who described his firm succinctly: “We do real estate for social change.”

Instead of creating a testament to green building, he said, the EcoCenter partners could “demonstrate what’s possible on a limited budget.”

He thinks the EcoCenter could become a magnet for sustainability-minded people by cobbling together elements from ventures like Hesperides Organica, a Warwick, NY, operation that includes a food co-op and rental kitchens and bakeries; and the Reading Terminal (Philadelphia) and New Amsterdam (New York) food markets.

But is there a demand for this in Morristown?

“We still need to ferret it out,” Keith acknowledged.

An application has been made to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, he said, to fund a marketing study. The Food Trust, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that promotes universal access to healthy food, and the federal Economic Development Administration would be important resources for such a study, he said.

In the meantime, Keith is urging the EcoCenter team to launch a grassroots fund drive on Kickstarter.com.

“If 1,000 people gave $5 to this thing, that resonates with investors,” Keith said. “That’s the kind of statement that can be powerful. You can go to restaurants [that are prospective tenants] and say, ‘The community’s really behind this thing.’”

‘THEY HAVE BROUGHT TOGETHER TREMENDOUS IDEAS’

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty said he still supports the EcoCenter concept.

“I hope they continue to try to raise the money,” the Mayor said. “Ultimately, it would be a very good thing for the town. But they’re running into the same thing that a lot of people are facing in this economic downturn….We’re in a deep recession.”

Jonathan Cloud said he likes the Kickstarter idea. With funding so scarce from traditional sources, organizations are clamoring for “crowd-sourcing” mechanisms to solicit smaller donations from larger numbers of people, said Paul Miller, Morristown’s sustainability coordinator and liaison to the project. Legislation winding through Congress would ease Depression-era federal regulations that limit grassroots fundraising, Paul said.

The partners have had conversations with the Terra Momo Restaurant Group, which owns four restaurants in the Princeton area, about opening another one at the EcoCenter, Paul said. Representatives of Terra Momo could not be reached for comment.

“Instead of throwing in the towel, we’ve put our heads together, asking what’s realistic, and what can we do to move the project forward,” said Chris Kogler, CEO for the EcoCenter.

Pieces of the project could work at different locations around Morristown, rather than under one roof, he suggested.

Jack McDonald considered becoming a partner in the EcoCenter, but changed his mind over the summer. The prospect of being a landlord and a tenant in the same project was too thorny, he said.

The partners expressed gratitude for Jack’s patience. For his part, Jack still marvels at the community brainstorming sessions (“charrettes”) and events at 55 Bank St. that explored the possibilities earlier this year.

(Disclosure: MorristownGreen.com co-hosted six events there this spring to test the EcoCenter concept.)

“They have brought together tremendous ideas,” Jack said of the partners. “It’s been captivating and rewarding to watch the community consider something that’s good for the community, [something] that’s politically risky.”

In any case, Jack said, he remains intent on finding a tenant who will be good for the town as well as for himself.

“It’s hard to find anything that measures up to the EcoCenter,” he said. “But some [prospective tenants] are still good for the McDonald family and the community.”

 READ MORE ABOUT THE ECO-CENTER

A video love letter to Morristown…and some Wordplay

Here is a video thank you to everyone who came out to Morristown Green’s recent events at the Morristown EcoCenter: MG Video 101, MG Songwriting 101, MG Cartooning 101, MG Wordplay: Fun With Words, Festival Earth music day, and the MG Kids Art Show.

These events were held between April 25-May 25; thanks again to all who made these gatherings so much fun.

The video soundtrack is courtesy of Morris Plains recording artist Bill Griese, who shared his secrets at Songwriting. He will perform his new album, Too Long Coming, at Morristown’s Dark Horse Lounge on June 18.

We also are pleased to present, in its entirety, MG Wordplay: Fun With Words:

VIDEO: ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS,’ FIRST HALF

VIDEO: ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS,’ SECOND HALF

This May 17 show is full of wonderful surprises from area poets, orators, storytellers, hip hop artists and the Morristown High School improv troupe, Tomfoolery. Wordplay performers range from age 8 to 96…you are in for a treat!

More from ‘MG at the EcoCenter’

Video: ‘MG Wordplay, Fun With Words,’ first half, from the Morristown EcoCenter

MorristownGreen.com is proud to present this video of a very special evening, MG Wordplay, Fun With Words.

It features poetry, hip hop, monologues and improv from some gifted friends and neighbors, who performed on May 17, 2011, at the proposed Morristown EcoCenter.

Here is video of the first half, in its entirety. It starts with an amazing eight-year-old, Ariya Blow, and winds down with an equally impressive 96-year-old, Nellie Morris.

Everyone in between is entertaining, too. Pour yourself a tall glass of your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy.

And then… START MAKING YOUR VIDEOS for the FOURTH ANNUAL MORRISTOWNGREEN.COM FILM FESTIVAL. Theme: Sustainability, five minutes or less, family friendly, entries by Aug. 1, Festival on Aug. 27. Great prizes! Sponsorship opportunities!!

MG WordPlay, Fun With Words, First Half:

5:19 Ariya Blow, age 8, oration, “Of Thee I Sing, A Letter to My Daughters,” by Barack Obama.

14:03 Bimpe Fageyinbo, memoir, “So Maybe That’s the Bee’s Weakness”

16:28 Jane Rawlings, poetry, “Wait,” “Driving Home,” “The Lamp”

21:55 Sharon Sheridan, poetry, “Monday Morning Airport,” “Snow Day,” “March Stream,” “Breakfast at Penn Station,” “Ash Wednesday”

30:38 Darren Rabinowitz announcement, Tomfoolery

31:48 Melissa Hall, poetry, “Writer’s Cramp,” “Southern Exposure,” “Witness”

37:47 Margaret Noonan, reciting John Noonan poetry, “The Mighty Hudson,” “The Sirens Play Bass”

42:18 Paul Rabinowitz announcement, ARTS! By the People

43:55 Diego Ortiz, poetry, “On My Way Home,” “The Deported,” “Life”

50:14 Anjali Blow, age 9, oration, “You Are Special” by Max Lucado

60:04 Gus Gauntlett, introduction of senior poets, ARTS! By the People

60:13 Lorraine Rabinowitz, poetry, “Galoshes,” “Over the Wall”

64:53 Nellie Morris, age 96, poetry, “I Remember,” “Ah Springtime,” “Cheap Thrills,” “Painting with Willie”

72:12 Lorraine Rabinowitz, poetry, “Love as a Rose”

74:22 Bea Freiheiter, poetry, “The World Around,” “I Am Not Alone,” “Untitled”

Coming up in the SECOND HALF VIDEO: Hip hop from J-Rock and J-Rage, a monologue from Kristin Ace, a short play-in-verse from Gustav Gauntlett, and improv from Morristown High School’s Tomfoolery troupe.

MORE ON ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS’:

VIDEO: MG Wordplay, Fun With Words, Second Half

MG Kids reporter enjoys an evening of Wordplay in Morristown

MG Wordplay: Thanks for an evening of Tomfoolery By the People at the Morristown EcoCenter

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ‘MG AT THE ECOCENTER’

A lesson in sustainable living from two bands at Morristown’s Festival Earth

Young artists brighten Morristown Ecocenter for first MG Kids Art Show

MG Wordplay: Thanks for an evening of Tomfoolery By the People in Morristown

Drawing on local talent: MG cartoonists discuss their art in Morristown

Musicians reveal the magic behind the music at MG Songwriters Night

Pros offer tips at ‘MG Video 101′ in Morristown

MG Kids reporter enjoys an evening of Wordplay in Morristown

Note: We have just posted video of last month’s show, MG: Wordplay, Fun With Words. Here is a report from that evening by MG Kids Correspondent Alyse Jefferson, with photos by MG Kids Photographer Ashley Jefferson.

By Alyse Jefferson, MG Kids correspondent

On May 17, we held an event called MG: Wordplay, Fun With Words. This event included 8- and 9-year-old orators, a series of poets, teen hip-hop artists, a one-women show and a teen improvisation group.

I got to talk with the young orators, Anjali Blow, 9, and Ariya Blow, 8, who enjoyed themselves at the event and thought they did a great job. Ariya recited a book by Barack Obama called Of thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters and Anjali spoke about Max Lucado’s I Am Special. These two did a remarkable job. I was amazed.

After the sisters performed, many poets went on stage after them. I got to talk with one of the poets, Diego Ortiz, and I wanted to know what inspired him to be a poet.

“The people who maybe haven’t been to school, who can’t read, who can’t write or can not speak English,” says Diego. “I am inspired to share their stories with everyone.”

To end off the evening, the Morristown High School teen improv group, Tomfoolery, came up and gave everyone a laugh. They had different improv games planned out, and the crowd had to come up with a scenario.  For example, an Internet blind date and they are eating at the gas station — this is one of the scenarios the crowd came up with.

I caught up with Vicki Birmingham and asked what inspired her to get into improv. Her reply was: “Sport season ended and I liked acting, so I tried out and it was fun.” This is Vicki’s third year being in the improv group. The group’s next performance is June 13 at Morristown High School at 7 p.m.

At the end I also met up with another poet, Bimpe Fageyinbo, who actually published a memoir called So Maybe That’s the Bee’s Weakness. (To purchase the book, leave a message on her website here or e-mail her at Bimpe@bimpefageyinbo.com.)

Do you like to write? MG Kids welcomes junior reporters for our staff. We also encourage kids of all ages to submit artwork, poetry and fiction for publication on our site. Click here for more information.

VIDEO: ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS,’ FIRST HALF

VIDEO: ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS,’ SECOND HALF

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ‘MG AT THE ECOCENTER’

A lesson in sustainable living from two bands at Morristown’s Festival Earth

Young artists brighten Morristown Ecocenter for first MG Kids Art Show

MG Wordplay: Thanks for an evening of Tomfoolery By the People in Morristown

Drawing on local talent: MG cartoonists discuss their art in Morristown

Musicians reveal the magic behind the music at MG Songwriters Night

Pros offer tips at ‘MG Video 101′ in Morristown

Video: ‘MG Wordplay, Fun With Words,’ second half, from the Morristown EcoCenter

MorristownGreen.com is proud to present the second half, in its entirety, of MG Wordplay, Fun With Words. We expected some surprises, and we got plenty–all of them pleasant.

This night of poetry, hip hop, monologues and improv was recorded live at the proposed Morristown EcoCenter on May 17, 2011, in cooperation with Sustainable Morristown. Special thanks to Ben Cutler for manning the video camera.

Now don’t forget: START MAKING YOUR VIDEOS for the FOURTH ANNUAL MORRISTOWNGREEN.COM FILM FESTIVAL. Theme: Sustainability, five minutes or less, family friendly, entries by Aug. 1, Festival on Aug. 27. Great prizes! Sponsorship opportunities!

MG Wordplay, Fun With Words, Second Half:

1:38 J-Rock and J-Rage, hip hop, “God in My Shadow”

7:03 Kristin Ace, monologue, “You Can Get There From Here”

13:09 Gustav Gauntlett, poetry, playwriting, “The Path,” “Mother Nature, The Hip-Hop Musical”

16:41: Tomfoolery, improv, introduction

18:22: Tomfoolery President Kellie Savage,

19:18: Tomfoolery, “One Word Story,” Alice Feldman, Max Rifon, Cole Stukane, Stephen Ferm

21:41: Tomfoolery, “Should Have Said,” Vicki Birmingham, Miles Rodgers, Jordan Rabinowitz

25:09: Tomfoolery, “Should Have Said,” Alexis Bates, Kellie Savage

27:10: Tomfoolery, “Waiter/Waitress,” Aidan Keefer, Vicki Birmingham, Mike Maulbeck

31:51: Tomfoolery, “Lines From Your Pocket,” David Birmingham, Aidan Keefer

36:20: Tomfoolery, “Lines From Your Pocket,” Darren Rabinowitz, Vicki Birmingham

41:04: Kevin Coughlin, poetry, “Thanksgiving Wishes from Morristown Green”

Didn’t catch the FIRST HALF? You missed an eight-year-old orator, a 96-year-old poet, and many other talented people in between!

MORE ON ‘MG WORDPLAY, FUN WITH WORDS’:

VIDEO: MG Wordplay, Fun With Words, First Half

MG Kids reporter enjoys an evening of Wordplay in Morristown

MG Wordplay: Thanks for an evening of Tomfoolery By the People at the Morristown EcoCenter

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ‘MG AT THE ECOCENTER’

A lesson in sustainable living from two bands at Morristown’s Festival Earth

Young artists brighten Morristown Ecocenter for first MG Kids Art Show

MG Wordplay: Thanks for an evening of Tomfoolery By the People in Morristown

Drawing on local talent: MG cartoonists discuss their art in Morristown

Musicians reveal the magic behind the music at MG Songwriters Night

Pros offer tips at ‘MG Video 101′ in Morristown

Operation Bling is the thing in Morristown

By Marie Pfeifer

Bling-Bling used to describe flashy, expensive jewelry.

But Operation Bling gave new meaning to the term at its Morristown wine-tasting fundraiser last week.

Operation Bling presents sparkling cubic zirconium and eye-catching silver rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets to oncology patients of all ages.

The nonprofit foundation was established three years ago by Chris and Bill Ferdinand, owners of Ferdinand Jewelers in New Providence. They got the idea after bringing a gift of Bling in lieu of flowers (oncology patients are not allowed to have flowers or live plants) to their friend Barbara, who was hospitalized while undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.

When they saw how happy it made Barbara, they decided to do this for more in-patients and out-patients battling cancer.

Please click icon below for captions.

The June 3 event at the proposed Morristown EcoCenter raised $15,485. Attendees bought assorted Bling items for $45 apiece while tasting wines from 14 importers and distributors hosted by Morristown’s Midtown Wine Merchants and nibbling on various cheeses from Café Beethoven of Chatham.Guests were entertained by Flutatious, a quartet of flutes.

Chris Ferdinand was in awe of the response.

“Despite our tight economy there were 200 people in attendance,” she said. “This event was God-given and grace-driven.”

The program came to the attention of the American Cancer Society, which gave the foundation its Judy A. Morrow Humanitarian Award.

“It was awesome,” Bill Ferdinand said of the evening. “I met a lot of Bling recipients at the event. Chirs and I are on Cloud Nine. We feel truly blessed to have these people here.”

Brandy Johnson, an oncology social worker at St. Clare’s Hospital, Denville, identified herself as Bling 1, an angel who presents Bling from the foundation to oncology patients at the hospital.

“I really enjoy seeing the patients’ faces when I present them with their bauble,” she said.

There are Bling Angels at each of the 13 hospitals who deliver the gifts.

Each year the Ferdinands challenge themselves to increase the number of hospitals and the amount of gifts they distribute. This year their goal is to add two more hospitals – one in Pennsylvania and one in Virginia.

Operation Bling Foundation is in memory of Barbara and Chris’s mom, Ruth Brands McLuskey.

For further information, contact Christine Ferdinand at 1.877.BLING.3, email Chris at christineferdinand@operationbling.org or visit: www.OperationBlingFoundation.org

MG Kids correspondent reminisces about Morristown art show

MG Kids — kid central at MorristownGreen.com — recently hosted its first art show, featuring works in varied media by preschoolers through high schoolers, at the proposed Morristown EcoCenter on Bank Street.   

 

Participants hailed from Homeless Solutions, the Interfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County, the Lafayette Learning Center, Morristown High School, the Morristown Presbyterian Church, Peck School, Red Oaks School, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Sroka family and the Unity Charter School.     

Today, one of our young artists, and writers, gives his review of the event.    

 

By Carl Hausman, MG Kids Correspondent     

 

On May 25, I went to an art show. It had some things I had made in it, such as a rain stick with a dragon coiled around it and a picture of a foot walking across a board game titled “Walking Through a Kid’s Life.” We had to make one in art class because my school is doing a musical called “A Kid’s Life.” In the musical, there are various interesting things, such as an extraterrestrial massive electro-magnetic attack in outer space, board game Olympics and some jump-roping.     

At the art show there were many interesting paintings such as “The Old Lady” and “Roots.” There were also photographs and masks made from cardboard, feathers and papier-mache.     

 

They had weird names as well. For example, there was one to be worn at dances of a creature that flew and tusks that gave off a scent that attracted females. Weird, huh?     

We also got to paint pictures on the window. I did a picture of Gormungor, the Giant Snake, coiled all the way around the world. He has to bite his own tail to keep from falling off. (I accidentally spelled his name with a J on the window.)     

At 6 o’clock, there was a cooking demonstration from Chef Melody. She dealt in organic foods.     

 

There was homemade pizza on wheat bread, an absolutely amazing layered salad and quinoa. Quinoa is a sort of grain that is supposed to make you tall when you eat it. At least, that’s what my dad said.     

 

Later, I got some paper and started drawing: the artist in person! I sketched a more detailed picture of Gormungor, a diagram of the solar system and a picture of the Ghoul King and his minions in battle.     

All too soon, it was time to pack up my stuff and leave. But it’s hard to forget that art show.     

Carl's giant snake, circling the world. Sharon Sheridan photo

 

Carl Hausman is in fifth grade at the Mountain View School in Flanders and attends St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, where he often can be spotted drawing pictures.   

Do you like to write? MG Kids welcomes junior reporters for our staff. We also encourage kids of all ages to submit artwork, poetry and fiction for publication on our site. Click here for more information.     

June 3 wine-tasting at Morristown EcoCenter to benefit Operation Bling

By Marie Pfeifer

Operation Bling brings pleasure and joy to oncology patients of all ages who are undergoing cancer treatments as in-patients and outpatients.

Christine and Bill Ferdinand are hosting a wine-tasting fundraiser in Morristown on Friday, June 3, to raise funds to continue the foundation they began three years ago. In a telephone interview Bill explained how he and his wife Christine got the idea to provide Bling to oncology patients.

“Our friend and customer, Barbara, was hospitalized as a result of ovarian cancer. She told them how she really missed her bling but was afraid it would get lost or stolen in between treatments.”

Since oncology patients cannot have flowers in their rooms, the Ferdinands over-nighted some cubic zirconium rings and delivered a ring to her.

Bill said, “When we saw how happy it made her feel we got the idea to do this for more patients.”

The foundation has become very successful in just three years. Yearly events raise money that provides bling for 13 hospitals in three states, and over 7,000 gifts. They plan to go nationwide in the near future.

The wine tasting runs from 6 to 9 pm at 55 Bank Street, in the former Mini Cooper dealership (one block south of the Green).

There will be more than 100 wines from Midtown Wine Merchant, Morristown. Appetizers are by Café Beethoven, Chatham, and there will be a performance by “Flutatious!,” a four-piece flute ensemble. Free door prizes will be awarded and “Bling Gifts” will be offered for sale.

All proceeds will go directly to the Operation Bling Foundation.

Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the door. They are available at:

• Ferdinand Jewelers, New Providence
• Midtown Wine Merchants, Morristown
• Café Beethoven, Chatham
• Online at www.operationbling.org

If you order online, tickets will be held at the door.

Scenes from the first Morristown Bike Fest, by Hal Crosthwaite

The first Morristown Bike Fest was a colorful affair, with live music, organic vegan food, hooping, chalk art and a display of machines ranging from John Tetz’s self-designed Velomobile to a high-wheeler that your great-great-grandfather might have ridden.

Cyclists converged on the Morristown EcoCenter after the monthly Critical Mass ride, on May 27.

Have a look:

Please click icon below for captions

READ MORE ABOUT THE MORRISTOWN ECOCENTER

READ ABOUT MARTY’S COMMUTER CHALLENGE

MORE PHOTOS BY HAL CROSTHWAITE

Young artists brighten up Morristown’s EcoCenter in first MG Kids art show

By Sharon Sheridan

MorristownGreen.com’s first MG Kids Art Show provided colorful proof that the visual arts are flourishing in the Morristown community and schools.

Preschoolers through high school students from public and private schools, churches and community organizations showcased everything from watercolors to photographs to sculptures at the new Morristown EcoCenter on Wednesday.

Throughout the afternoon and early evening, young artists came with their friends and families to view the exhibit, and joined Jody Marcus, executive director of the Community Children’s Museum in Dover, in decorating the center’s windows with sustainability themes.

To help feed the hungry artists and teach them a little about healthy foods, Chef Melody McGinley Whitelaw of The Main Event gave two demonstrations of “green” cooking for children.

Grownups and kids got to sample a colorful salad, quinoa and pizza on whole wheat pitas.

Contributing artists hailed from Homeless Solutions, the Interfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County, the Lafayette Learning Center, Morristown High School, the Morristown Presbyterian Church, Peck School, Red Oaks School, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Sroka family and the Unity Charter School.

MorristownGreen.com especially wishes to thank the EcoCenter for hosting the show; St. Peter’s for providing a collection point for the artwork; Paul Miller of Sustainable Morristown for helping install and take down the show; Jody Marcus for leading the children’s window-painting exercise, and for helping with the installation; Chef Melody for her delectable demos; Leslie Raff and Danielle Merzatta for serving as MG ambassadors; all the artists, schools and organizations that furnished art work; and most of all, everyone who came and supported Morristown’s future Picassos.

Keep watching MorristownGreen.com for more coverage of the art show and the work of these young artists.

Throughout the year, MG Kids invites kids to submit artwork, poetry and other writing, to be featured on MorristownGreen.com. We also welcome junior reporters and bloggers to join our team.

Please click icon below for captions

And if you think Wednesday was fun… get ready for our biggest arts event of the year:

THE FOURTH ANNUAL MORRISTOWNGREEN.COM FILM FESTIVAL!

Start making your video now, and maybe you will win the coveted Best Picture trophy under the stars on the historic Morristown Green on Aug. 27!

This year’s theme is Sustainability.

Think environmental, think community, think social issues.

Entries can be funny or serious, in just about any genre–as long as they run less than five minutes and are suitable for family viewing. More details are coming. Don’t wait–start making your movie!!!

READ MORE ABOUT THE MORRISTOWN ECOCENTER

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