FEMA Aid Applications are Due by October 31, 2011 (Hurricane Irene)

The Oct. 31 deadline is nearing for homeowners, renters and business owners to apply for federal aid to be used in recovering from physical damage caused by Hurricane Irene.

Small Business Administration spokesman Burl Kelton said $32,911,600 in aid to New Jersey businesses, homeowners and renters had been approved as of Monday. That sum reflects requests from 3,578 applicants, including 3,261 homeowners and renters and 317 businesses. The SBA has issued 61,820 applications to potential borrowers in the state but heard back so far from fewer than 4,000, Kelton said.

Small companies and most private, nonprofit organizations have until May 31 to apply to the SBA for aid with economic injury — help in meeting financial obligations that can’t be met as a direct result of the disaster that spanned Aug. 27 through Sept. 5. This aid is distinct from funds allotted for physical damage to property.

FEMA largely provides emergency, immediate assistance while the SBA provides long-term, low-interest loans to assist with recovery. But Kelton advised that anyone interested in financial assistance register first with FEMA before Oct. 31. In the event an application for SBA aid is turned down, a requester can be referred back to FEMA for possible help.

To register with FEMA, go to

www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362.

For more information about SBA disaster assistance, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applicants may apply online via SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Pathways - Morris County Parks Newsletter - Fall 2011

Fall 2011 Pathways

Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

October 29, 2011

On Saturday, October 29th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, celebrate Halloween at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts during the annual event, Tricks-N-Treats. Attend in costume, for a ghoulishly fun afternoon.

Have a hauntingly good time playing games, making crafts and nibbling on treats. Get your face painted and join one of the museum's Educators for some Halloween-themed story telling.

Guests are also encouraged to explore the new exhibit Whimsies: Ken Olsen & the American Folk Art Tradition.

Pre-registration is recommended.

For more information call 973-377-2982 x12 or visit www.metc.org

Events for Fall 2011 at Frelinghuysen Arboretum!

Fri Oct 14
10:00a - 11:30a or
7:00p - 8:30p

Herbal Vinegar Workshop

Capture the essence of summer's herb garden in a trio of herbal vinegars. You will make them in 10 oz. glass bottles with cork tops that can be used again and again. Herbal vinegars are incredibly flavorful and make great gifts for the upcoming holidays. This year, we're using balsamic, red and white vinegars, as well as unusual varieties of thyme, including 'Lime' and 'French Market.' We'll even provide raffia to tie at the bottle's neck and give it that authentic artisanal look. (Register by October 1)
Location: Haggerty Center.
$20.00 Members / $25.00 Non-members


Sat Oct 15
10:00a - 12:30p

New Perennials and Nonstop Gardens with the "Perennial Diva"

Writer and teacher Stephanie Cohen brings humor and more than 20 years of teaching experience to the prodigious topic of perennials. Her breadth of knowledge and practical experience will help you to create the garden of your dreams. (Register by October 1)

Location: Haggerty Center.
$15.00 Members / $20.00 Non-members


Sun Oct 16
1:00p - 3:00p

Cooking with Quinces Demonstration

Once considered a food of the gods, quince seems to have fallen out of favor as of late. All of our grandmothers knew how to prepare them and they were once readily available. Now, they are not so easy to find but there are still a few growers left in New Jersey. Let's revive this fantastic fruit by learning how to cook them with Chef and Master Gardener Cynthia Triolo. They are so worth it! This cooking demonstration is sponsored by Whole Foods Market in Madison.
Location: Haggerty Center.
$20.00 Members / $25.00 Non-members

Fri Oct 21
5:00p -9:00p
Sat Oct 22 10:00a - 6:00p
and Sun Oct 23 10:00a - 5:00p

Morristown Craft Market and Fall Plant Sale
"See You At the Show"

Location: Morristown Armory


This Autumn at the ARTboretum

ARTboretum continues this autumn at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum as the visual arts come out to play for Halloween. Nelson Hancock's exhibit of charmingly evil cucurbits (that's pumpkins of all shapes and sizes) on the slate patio just outside the Haggerty Education Center is both whimsical and fascinatingly scary. Mr. Hancock, who teaches Visual Anthropology and Photography at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, has deftly carved a plethora of pumpkin and related gourds to keep our thorny and sharp edged succulents and agaves company through Halloween.

Bring your little trick or treater along in costume any day from Sunday, October 23 through Halloween for some great photo opps, inspiration with your own Jack-O- Lantern carving and a Halloween treat at our Front Desk!

Location: Haggerty Center.

Mon Oct 24
11:00a

Garden Sprouts - Fabulous Foliage

Look for six common tree leaves and learn why and how trees change color every fall.
Location: Haggerty Center.

Giralda 2011 - Music and Arts Festival

Giralda 2011 Enjoy a concert by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (with Opera NJ soloists) under the baton of Gerald Steichen on the gracious lawns of Giralda Farms in Madison, NJ. Gates open early for picnics and activities, including an art show/sale and children’s book readings and signings.

Gates open at 4pm for picnics, activities. Please also check the website!
Concert begins at 6pm.

Tickets are required:
Adults: $15
Children (ages 4-16): $5
Children under 4 are free

New iPod, iPad App - Morristown Walking Tour

Morris County Tourism Officials announced a new Walking Tour of Morristown. This can be downloaded as a FREE app onto your iPod or iPad. Here is the link to the Apple iTunes Store for the download.

Shredding for Safety - Morris Plains Library - April 23, 2011 (Sat.)

Prevent identity theft and have your personal documents shredded safely.

Morris Plains Library is located at 77 Glenbrook Road, Morris Plains (off of Speedwell Avenue.)

Come to the Library on April 23, 2011, from 9 a.m. until noon. Security Shredding, a fully bonded and insured company, will destroy personal documents while you watch, using state-of-the-art shredding equipment. A donation of $5 is requested for each box of documents measuring approximately 14" x 18" x 10"

Proceeds from the event will go toward a new copy machine for the library and the summer petting zoo.

Save yourself worry and anguish, shred your docs!

VFW Benefit Concert for Fisher House

VFW Benefit Concert for Fisher House

VFW Post 3401
45 Tabor Rd, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Phone: 973-583-3264
Saturday, March 26
7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Ticket Pricing: $8 at the Post; $10 at the door.

Benefit concert for Fisher House featuring Chas Ricci, songwriter, singer of country and humorous music and GivBac playing classic rock and blues. Door prizes. $8 at the Post; $10 at the door. Sponsored by Watnong VFW Post 3401.

Matilda’s Bunny Brunch and Ten Carrot Tea Party (Frelinghuysen Arboretum)

Matilda’s Bunny Brunch and Ten Carrot Tea Party
Saturday, March 19
1:30 p.m.
$30

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
353 E. Hanover Ave.
Morristown, NJ
To Register: 973.326.7603


"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were--Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter." These are the creation of Beatix Potter, who wrote her famous animal books, in 1902 when Matilda Frelinghuysen was a child. Although The Frelinghuysen Arboretum does have rabbits in its gardens, they are not of the Beatrix Potter variety. But on March 19 you can learn about these garden visitors at the 8th Annual Matilda’s Tea.

Rabbit Breeder, Susan Prisco from Triple Creek Rabbits will speak about rabbits both wild and domestic. Several of the rabbit breeds, including Rex and Holland Lop, will be attending the party. Tea takers can then share an elegant tea with their favorite young person. Afterwards, each young party guest will make a spring time garden craft at this annual event as everyone ushers in spring and chases the naughty outside rabbits away.

Recommended for age 6 and up. Snow date is March 20.

Coping with the Governor’s Education Cuts

Senator Buono is hosting an Education Forum which is being held this Thursday, January 20th at Edison High School from 6 - 8:30 pm. The premise of the forum is to get a real world view of the impact the Governor's $1 billion education cut has had on public education from parents, students, teachers and the public. The forum is open to the public anyone that wants to testify or just attend may do so. If you plan on testifying at the hearing you may contact us to leave your name or just arrive at the hearing and sign in.


BUONO, DIEGNAN AND BARNES TO HOLD EDISON PUBLIC HEARING ON IMPACT OF GOVERNOR’S CUTS TO PUBLIC EDUCATION

Senator Barbara Buono, Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan and Assemblyman Peter Barnes will hold a public hearing in Edison this Thursday, Jan. 20, to give students, parents, teachers and residents an opportunity to share how the Governor’s $1 billion cut to public education has impacted their lives and their schools.

“Governor Christie’s public school cuts have had a devastating effect on many educational and extra-curricular programs our students have enjoyed and benefited from for years,” said Senator Buono (D-Middlesex). “I’ve been hearing from parents and students alike about the impact of these cuts and feel their stories are vital in order to help gain a full appreciation of the consequences these cuts have had on education.”

As the author of New Jersey’s School Funding Reform Act of 2008, Buono expressed concern with what she described as the Governor’s “complete dismantling” of the funding formula that was recently upheld as constitutional by the New Jersey Supreme Court “As we begin to craft the budget for the next fiscal year, it is vital that we understand the impact that the Governor’s last budget has had on our schools,” said Buono. “All members of the public are invited to attend and share their stories for the public record.”

Who: Senator Barbara Buono, Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan, Assemblyman Peter Barnes

What: Public hearing, “Coping with the Governor’s Education Cuts”

When: Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 6PM – 8:30PM

Where:

Edison High School Auditorium
50 Boulevard of the Eagles
Edison, NJ 08817

Greystone Park Association - New Location

The GPA Thrift Store now has a NEW WEBSITE and a NEW LOCATION. Please check it out, www.gpathrift.org, for information, featured items for sale, and upcoming events.

Greystone Park Association (GPA)

Greystone Park Psychiatric Hosp
at Cottage 12
59 Koch Avenue
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
www.gpathrift.org

NJ Governor's Environmental Stance

From the New Jersey Environmental Federation.

Since elected, the governor has on multiple occasions publicly reaffirmed his environmental commitments to NJEF and the state including just saying:

No to:

Off-shore drilling
LNG facilities of any kind
The Delaware River Deepening, and
The Linden coal plant based on environmental justice and other concerns,

AND

Yes to:

Aggressive NJ-based development, both production and manufacturing, of clean renewables like wind [on and off shore] and solar,
Re-evaluating hundreds of miles of candidate Category 1 [c1] and other waters not previously approved to be upgraded to c1,
Additional pollution reductions including requiring clean diesel equipment at publicly funded construction sites,
Stopping the poisoning of Barnegat Bay from fertilizer and other pollutants,
Giving cumulative impact greater weight in DEP decision-making, and
Fixing cooling systems at both the Oyster Creek and Salem nuclear plants.
The Christie administration has also innovatively used various tools at its disposal at the state, regional and federal level to go after Exelon for radioactive tritium leaks at Oyster Creek, New York City garbage trucks on NJ streets, and a Pennsylvania coal plant.

The State Legislature and the Environment

In January, the Democratic-controlled "lame duck" legislature wrapped up an already very disappointing 2 year session with a double whammy. They passed 2 major anti-environmental bills at the last minute. One would severely delay and weaken one of Governor Corzine's few significant environmental achievements - updating the state's 2 decade old wastewater rules (6 other attempted updates over 20 years failed!). The other would extend the 2008 Permit Extension Act further undermining local decision-making and modern, science-based environmental and public health and safety protections.

After promising to support both and then neither, Governor Corzine in the end signed the permit extension bill, but vetoed the wastewater bill!

Kudos to Assembly Environment Chair McKeon and newly appointed EPA Region II Administrator Judith Enck for working hard to weaken both bills. Not to be deterred, the new legislature started to push the wastewater bill again in February. McKeon and Enck teamed up with the new NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Bob Martin to kill the bill.

Meanwhile, Assemblyman John Burzicelli, chair of the recently re-created Regulatory Oversight Committee, appears intent on weakening environmental protections despite assertions to the contrary. The bills he is pushing make it harder for New Jersey to go beyond weak federal standards, NJDEP to provide regulatory guidance without going through burdensome rule-making, and more.

There is some good news on the legislative front. The new Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono, one of the few environmental champs in the Legislature, has been critical of Burzicelli's efforts. McKeon joined by Assemblyman Chivukula (chair of the Assembly Utilities Committee) and Senator Bob Smith (chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee) are working together on a package of solar, wind and energy efficiency bills, as well as a measure to stop the pollution runoff entering Barnegat Bay.

Unfortunately, even these relatively modest efforts are far from a done deal, especially given the state's budget deficit and economic downturn. Even if the "millionaire's tax" is restored, as in our view it should be, it would only generate $650 million to $1 billion of the $10 billion budget shortfall, 1/3 of the state budget. It is not enough to reinstate the clean energy funds, school aid, and safety net programs for seniors.

Yet, there is much the state can do that will clean up the environment, create green jobs for an emerging economy, and save taxpayer dollars. The state house should work to attract green businesses, as well as have the power to "just say no" to backward thinking projects - such as new coal plants, sprawling McMansions, and garbage incinerator expansions. Regrettably, much needed environmental advances aren't even on the table while major attacks are.

NJ Libraries Eliminated From State Budget

NJ Libraries Eliminated From State Budget

Gov. Christie's budget calls for a 74% decrease in funding for statewide library services. This cut includes the elimination of all statewide library programs and services. This will affect all types of libraries in New Jersey. Once state funding is eliminated, NJ will lose $4.5 million in federal funding. What does this mean to NJ residents? Once state and federal funding are lost the impact will be felt by all residents:

Access to electronic databases such as RefUSA and EBSCO will cease
Statewide interlibrary loan and delivery of library materials will cease
Put back one dollar for each NJ citizen and the 74% cuts to libraries would be restored!
Libraries will lose 50% of state aid at a time when demand for services is increasing dramatically
More than half of public libraries will lose access to the Internet
Many libraries will lose email service
Many libraries will lose their websites or access to them
The Talking Book and Braille Center (known as the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) will close
Group contracts which bring down the cost of other electronic resources purchased by libraries will cease
At the same time the state is eliminating funding for library programs. Assemblyman John DiMaio has introduced A2555 which eliminates the minimum local funding requirement for municipal public libraries.

This assault on libraries must be stopped! Here is what you need to know:

160,242 people enter a NJ library every day

The $10 million in library programs cut from the Governor's budget represent little more than $1 per capita in state funds.

Library programs have been flat funded for 20 years so it is hard to believe these small programs have caused the state's current fiscal crisis.

Local library funding targeted in A2555 typically represents less than 3% of local property taxes.

What can you do?

Become a Library Champion. Join the Facebook group Save NJ Libraries and check for updates on our efforts.

Call or send a message to the Governor (609) 292-6000, your State Senator and Assembly representatives opposing the elimination of funding for library programs and A2555.

Assembly and Governor contacts: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/

When you become a Library Champion we promise that we will only use your email address to contact you on issues affecting library service. Please join us in preserving library service in New Jersey.

New Jersey Libraries - Busier Than Ever

According to the latest data your public library is a very busy place.

48,531,094 annual visits to public library
59,800,386 items checked out- up 4 million from last year
8,405,278 questions asked
3,686,779 programs attended
144,105 NJ children read 1,992,427 books during summer reading last year.
68% of the American Public have a library card
83% of New Jersey residents say funding public libraries is a good investment (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion Survey)
71% of New Jersey residents believe a public library is an essential service for the community- not a cultural amenity. (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion survey)

New Jersey Transit Rate Hike Hearings - Morristown

Take Action!

Where are the hearings? Morristown will be at:

MORRISTOWN
Morristown Town Hall - Senior Community Center (3rd Fl.)
200 South Street, Morristown, NJ
on March 26, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

March 25, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Paterson, Newark, Trenton, Manalapan

March 26, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Secaucus, Morristown, Camden, Long Branch, New York City

March 27, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Hackensack, Atlantic City, East Brunsick.

Attend a hearing: Get details on hearing times and places.

Speak out online: Comment on NJ Transit's plan (Use the Online Comment Form link).

We hope that you can join us at the hearings! State decision makers need to hear that this unfair plan will cause financial pain and make it harder to get around the state. We understand that taking time out from your day to speak at a hearing is a big commitment. Transit officials and politicians recognize this too, which is why attending hearings can make a big difference. Just ask New Yorkers-their transit agency just canceled a slew of planned service cuts after thousands of people spoke out.

Especially heinous are the cuts that will eradicate almost all NJ Transit Morris County buses. These buses provide the only transportation that some people are able to afford to get to college, work, social service agencies, food banks, abused women's shelters, the Morristown Hospital and their doctors. Please protest these service cuts.

If you can't make it, you can comment on NJ Transit's website until Monday, March 29.

Please help us send a message by attending a hearing or by speaking out online!

Thank you!

Frelinghuysen Arboretum - Garden Art Swap and Lecture

Program: Garden Art Swap and Lecture
Date: Sunday, April 25
Time: Noon – 4 pm
Location: Haggerty Education Center
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $3.00

Garden Art Swap and Lecture

Everyone has some kind of unwanted decorative garden object and the Garden Art Swap is the place for them. Objects can include decorative containers, pottery, garden signs, statues, etc. And yes, pink flamingoes but nothing over 40 pounds, please! Swap items will be accepted from Noon - 1 pm at which time you will be given Trading Points.

At 1 pm, Pegi Ballister-Howells, author and radio host, will give a talk on “Four Seasons of Color”. From 2 pm - 4 pm you can exchange your Trading Points for others’ gently used treasures.

To learn about other events at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, please visit their web site at www.arboretumfriends.org.
Horticulture Education Programs or http://www.MorrisParks.Net

Morris County Local buses Discontinued!

The following Morris County Local buses operated by private carriers will be discontinued as of May 1, 2010:

-- MCM 1: Morristown to the Willowbrook Mall

-- MCM 2: Morristown to County College of Morris

-- MCM 3: Morristown, Morris Township to the Livingston, Short Hills malls

-- MCM 4: Dover to Honeywell campus, Morris Twp.

-- MCM 5: Morristown to Rockaway Townsquare mall

-- MCM 7: Milton to K-mart Plaza on Route 10, Victory Gardens

Three Morris/Warren Minibuses — 966, 973, 967 — will also be discontinued.

This is absolutely unfair to seniors and workers in the Morristown area. I am wondering if this is blowback from NJ Transit to Christie for the NJ Transit cuts. As usual, seniors and the working poor suffer. Here is the bus schedule and areas covered for these buses.

Morris Habitat plans to send shelter kits to Haiti

The Morris Habitat ReStore is leading a campaign to collect at least $2,500 from local residents to pay for 10 emergency shelter kits for the people in Haiti affected by the devastating earthquake that struck on January 12. You can contribute now by clicking the “Pay Now” button to send a secure online credit card donation via PayPal.

March Concerts at the Morris County Library

Concerts take place at the Morris County Library Saturday, March 6th and 13th:

Serenata Trio (flute, guitar and violin), Saturday, Mar. 6th, 3PM, play a program of Italian composers, Fera Italia

Sospiro Winds, string ensemble, peform March 13th, Saturday, 3PM.

Free Morris County Libary Movies - February and March

Friday Films, 2PM
films are free and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis [public meeting room]

February: Black History Month
Amistad 1998, R, 2hrs, 35m
Lady Sings the Blues 1972, R, 2hrs, 24m
Cry the Beloved Country 1995, PG-13, 1hr 51m
Ali, 2001, R, 2hr 37m

March: Irish Films
The Boxer 1997, R, 1hr, 54m
Veronica Guerin 1972, R, 1hr, 38m
Far and Away 1995, PG-13, 2hrs 20m
Good Will Hunting, 2001, R, 2hrs 2m

Morris County Library - Walk and Talk

Greystone Then and Now
Tuesday January 26 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
presented by Preserve Greystone

Geri Silk facilitator

Interactive Gallery tour based on the photography on display in the library's second floor gallery, followed by audience participatory discussion.