Al in the News…
Borough Council Approves National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Program
By MARIANNE IVERS in TAP into NewProvidence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Borough Council approved the New Providence Diversity Committee’s request to host and support events in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month at its Tuesday, Aug. 16 meeting.
Members of the Diversity Committee and organizers of the Hispanic Heritage Month attended the meeting to present the activities and events scheduled during the Heritage Month which runs from Sep. 15 through Oct. 15. The month-long celebrations highlight the history, heritage and contributions of the ancestors of American citizens who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean and South and Central America. The celebrations will incorporate the theme “Unidos (United): Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation” and they will include the following programs: student poster contest, speakers, Hispanic heritage artifact display, zumba/dance demonstrations, movie “ENCANTO”, bilingual music class, Spanish story time, parade of traditional dresses, Daria’s World of Music, folklore and Latin dance, arts and crafts activities, as well as Mariachi music.
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Police Chief Daniel Henn Sworn-in; Three New Police Officers Appointed
By MARIANNE IVERS in TAPinto New Providence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Daniel Henn was sworn in as Police Chief at the Tuesday, Aug. 16 Council meeting. The council also appointed three new officers: Carly Bouman and Marcos Martinez as Probationary Police Officers and Robert Moran as a Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer.
The packed council room of family and friends of Henn and the new officers witnessed the swearing-in ceremony officiated by Mayor Al Morgan. Among the attendees were Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis, Former Council Presidents Michael Gennaro and Robert Robinson, as well as former New Providence Police Chief and Borough Administrator Douglas Marvin.
Continue readingNew Providence Community Pool Celebrates 60th Anniversary
By TAPINTO NEW PROVIDENCE STAFF
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – In celebration of the New Providence Pool’s 60th anniversary, the New Providence Memorial Library hosted pool co-founders and local author, Bert Abbazia, who shared his experiences on the founding of the New Providence Community Pool, and talked about his book “The Creation of the New Providence Community Pool” to a packed room of attendees.
Mayor Al Morgan said, “Bert has shared his time and talents over his many years in the New Providence area and has been a part of the growth of the community. He continues to be active with the New Providence Senior Citizens Club, and is a Life Member of our New Providence Historical Society. We thank Bert for his many years of good service to our community and congratulate and thank all our past and present pool board members for 60th great years of swimming and summer fun.”
New Providence Welcomes New Jersey Veterans Network
- By Mayor Al Morgan in the TAPinto New Providence
The New Providence Borough Council and Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis warmly welcome the New Jersey Veterans Network to New Providence on Memorial Day at the American Legion Post 433.
Mayor Al in the News…
Borough Council Recognizes June 3rd as Gun Violence Awareness Day
By MARIANNE IVERS in TAPintoNewProvidence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – With a sad coincidence the Borough Council issued a proclamation to recognize National Gun Violence Day at its Tuesday, May 24 meeting just as news of yet another school shooting spread across the nation. Mayor Al Morgan led a moment of silence to honor the victims of both the Texas school shooting and the May 14 Buffalo supermarket shooting.
Morgan noted that the proclamation is not about the Second Amendment of the Constitution, but about the dangers of illegal guns in the hands of mentally ill or dangerous people. The council fully supports the nation’s constitution, he said.
“Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed by gun violence, alongside more than 200 who are shot and wounded, and on average there are nearly 16,000 gun-homicides every year. Americans are 26 times more likely to die by gun homicide than people in other high-income countries,” Morgan read. There are approximately 439 gun-deaths in New Jersey every year. A majority of gun homicides and assaults are concentrated in cities. New Providence is working to end senseless violence with evidence-based solutions to protect public safety.
Continue readingNew Providence Second Historical Marker Placed
–By Hayden LARocque Green in TAPintoNewProvidence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The New Providence Historical Society placed the second historic marker in town. This marker has been installed in front of the former Academy School building and Borough Hall, and is currently leased by Peapack Private Wealth Management. Placed on April 30th by the Department of Works (DPW), it is the first in the town to include photos on both sides of the marker.
On one side, the former 1870 Academy School is pictured. The other shows Old Borough Hall. A description of each building is next to each image, bringing historical context to this marker.
“When people are walking around, they can learn a lot of history, more than people realize,” said Mayor Al Morgan.
Continue reading23rd Annual Our House, Our Run Hits New Providence Streets
-By Bobbie Peer in TAPintoNew Providence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – After two years without a live run, the Our House, Our Run returned to the streets of New Providence for an in-person event. Saturday’s event marked the 23rd annual Our House, Our Run 4-mile run and 2-mile walk to raise money to support the adults with disabilities served by Our House.
As the morning fog was lifting, sounds of Katrina and the Waves “Walking on Sunshine” could be heard with motivators leading a group stretch. Even CBS News correspondent and personality John Elliott got into the act, as he was seen across New Providence promoting the #BetterTogether campaign.
“I have been volunteering and helping the event for years,” said Elliott. “CBS has a new campaign called ‘Better Together’ and they are encouraging us to participate, so I will be running with the residents.” The segment aired live Saturday morning on CBS News.
Volunteers helped with arts and crafts, handing out food and water, and spread awareness about Our House and the crucial services they provide to adults with disabilities.
Our House, Inc., founded in 1980, is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide healthy, stimulating, and inclusive environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community residences, employment services, innovative day programs, social opportunities and related support services designed to help them achieve their full potential for living meaningful and productive lives. Our House strives to provide these opportunities in a supportive, safe environment that stresses “abilities, not disabilities”.
To learn more about Our House, Inc., call the Our House Foundation at (908) 464-8008, ext. 172 or visit www.ourhousenj.org.
Mee Lane and Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridges Officially Open
Mee Lane Pedestrian Bridge and Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge are officially OPEN! A special ribbon cutting was held to commemorate the occasion. Mayor and Council are pushing hard to have the Commerce Street Bridge installed soon. The three pedestrian bridges were washed out and very badly damaged during Hurricane Ida and had to be replaced. Supply chain issues hampered installation causing many hardships and inconveniences for residents. The long awaited installations have been very warmly welcomed by the community, and have already been put to good use by walkers and bicyclists with the recent stretch of good weather.
Large Crowd Celebrates the Reopening of the DeCorso Center in New Providence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Mayor Al Morgan, Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis, New Providence elected officials, along with many community leaders were on site for the DeCorso Community Center’s “Grand Reopening” nearly a year since Tropical Storm Ida caused significant water damage to the facility.
Speaking in a room of over 100 attendees, Mayor Morgan exclaimed, “Welcome back,” and was quickly met with applause and cheers. “This senior center is such a big part of this community, you built this community, and we are happy to have you back,” he said.
“It looks terrific, I have seen the art room, and it looks beautiful,” said Linda Howe. Adding, “I live around the block I hope to be here often if they get exercise classes going again.”
Christine Maletano expressed joy, but also reflected on the path to the reopening, stating, “for us, this center has been closed since March 2020,“ due to the pandemic. “We lost a lot of members, it’s very bittersweet to be coming back here, but I am so glad.”
Allison Smith, Director of Community Activities, said the center suffered severe damage from floor to ceiling. “All the floors needed to be replaced, walls were cut four feet up and replaced all the way around; new paint, new ceiling, we had to replace everything,” she said.
During the time the center was under the repair, seniors temporarily resumed their activities in the municipal center. “Allison and the whole Recreational Department have been fabulous having us over, it’s been wonderful,” said Michelle Zack, Senior Center Coordinator.
Zack and Arthi Shri Selvaraj, Senior Center Program Coordinator, came up with a list of activities the seniors enjoyed most, and designed the new and improved space to accommodate the activities. Some changes include the flex room, which was previously a storage room and is now being used as a fitness room and possibly a rec room. The room directly adjacent to the great room, which was previously never used will be used as the treasurer’s office as well as a place for book club, knitting club, discussion, and small gatherings. The previous fitness space is now being used as the art room and is filled with art created by seniors.
The DeCorso Community Center is located at 15 East Fourth Street, New Providence. To reach the DeCorso Community Center, please call (908) 665-0046 or e-mail decorsocenter@newprov.us.