35th Annual New Providence Fishing Derby Brings Community Together

By NICHOLAS PAPADIMAS

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – On Saturday morning, town officials and families filled the parking lots and surrounded the pond at Oakwood Park for the 35th annual New Providence Fishing Derby sponsored by New Providence PBA Local #132.

The event was geared towards children 15 years and younger and took place from 8:00-11:00 a.m. The PBA donated a pair of Beats headphones, tackle boxes, and five $25 gift cards for Bass Pro Shops for those who caught one of the six 16-inch lunkers (large fish) swimming in the pond.

Miguel Sauceda obtained a pair of Beats headphones after catching the first lunker in the pond. He was satisfied about winning the derby’s best prize.

“[I’m] happy and very excited,” said Sauceda, “I’m trying to catch another one later.”

New Providence Mayor Al Morgan was pleased with the turnout for the derby.

“This event has been going on for 35 years, it’s really a tradition in town,” Morgan said, “I actually remember taking my son down here every year so I know now he’s taking his son down here. So, it’s a part of New Providence life.”

“It just shows the interest people have in doing things and participating in town events,” Morgan said, “This is what New Providence is all about – community and family life.  Any time when the community gets together, it’s always a good thing.”

New Providence Councilman Gary Kapner said, “It’s a great event.  Look at all of the people out here casting lines, fishing, having a great time this morning, winning prizes, helping the police department, and helping the community. It’s fantastic.”

New Providence police officer Dennis Carovillamo said the derby is, “…about making a great, fun day for all of the kids to come out to teach them a little bit about fishing.  But more importantly, it’s about spending time with family and having a good time.”

The New Providence PBA thanks Starbucks in New Providence for donating coffee for the event.

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A Location for Local News:TAPinto Has Saved Money and Improved Communications

– By Mayor Al Morgan

NJ Municipalities – Official Publication of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities April 2015

The advent of hyperlocal news is changing how news is reported and how local government news is covered. Hyperlocal news is timely and targeted to consumers within well defined geographical areas. TAPinto, which began in New Providence, is NJ’s leader in the hyperlocal news evolution. Read Article Page 54

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New Providence Lions Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Benefits Drive for Autism

By MARINA KENNEDY

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Members of the New Providence Lions Club were flipping flapjacks at their third annual Pancake Breakfast at the William Paca Club on Sunday morning. All proceeds benefited the local charity, Drive for Autism Foundation.

The event had the support of many community residents who enjoyed the meal with their family and friends. The cost was $10 per person, and $25 per family. Funds were also raised with  sponsors who donated $100 and benefactors who donated $250.

New Providence Mayor Al Morgan, a past Lion’s Club president, said, “Everything we do is for the community and all the money we raise goes to the directly to the organizations we sponsor.”  He also pointed out that the organization’s last two pancake breakfasts raised nearly $10,000 for worthy causes.

Bob Kallaur, club secretary, said, “We want give a special thank you to our benefactors and sponsors.”

New Providence Councilman Gary Kapner and Current Lions Club President Brian Geoffroy were among the club member welcoming guests and serving food. Kapner said, “It’s great to be able to support the Drive for Autism Foundation.”

Thomas Trezza of New Providence is a former Lions Club member and the head of the Drive for Autism Foundation.  He was enjoying breakfast with with his family.  Trezza said that he was very pleased that the Lions decided to select the Foundation for their fundraiser.

The Joyce, Nagie and Cowan families were there to have a pre-game breakfast before the Morris versus Berkshire Girls Rugby match.  The girls, who were looking forward to their game, agreed that the pancakes were “great.”

The Drive for Autism Foundation is a private charitable foundation that was established to raise funds and distribute them to schools and non-profit organization committed to the education and treatment of persons with diagnosis’ under the Autism spectrum. For more information on the Foundation visit their web site at http://www.driveforautism.org/index.html.

Since 1917, local Lions Clubs have offered people the opportunity to give back something to their community.  Today, with over 1.4 million men and women in more than 180 countries, Lions have expanded their focus to meet the ever-increasing needs of society.  The Lions Club donates 100% of every dollar they collect. The New Providence Lions Club is always looking for new members.  You can become aware of the needs of the community and effectively make a difference.  For more information, visit their web site at http://www.nplions.org/index.php.

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January 2015 Mayor’s Annual Address

Our Pioneer Spirit

I am very honored, and extremely excited, to be seated in this center seat, especially with such a hard-working, dedicated council whose sole purpose is to help move New Providence forward with prosperity in our pioneer spirit of teamwork and cooperation. Our future is bright with many additions to our community. I have witnessed through my tenure as mayor that teamwork, tenacity, and communication, are the recipe for success.

Many different issues continually face mayor and council; therefore it is imperative to have a dependable and reliable system, trustworthy networks, and accurate information that are received in a very timely manner. Communication is key. Over the years, I have established contacts throughout our federal, state, county, and municipal levels of government, as well as, the private sector and with our business community. This helps us to make educated and well-informed plans and decisions. Municipalities large and small often have similar problems. The Union County League of Municipalities was a venue for local officials to discuss problems, issues, and exchange ideas, programs, and resources. Many of our local mayors are very interested in re-engaging this venture, and I am proud to let you know that New Providence will be leading that charge. Additionally, two former popular programs that were also very successful will be reinstated: “Mayor’s Forum” and “Chat with the Mayor”. The “Mayor’s Forum” is a television program that will be broadcasted our local channels, and designed to showcase different borough departments, volunteer organizations, programs, community highlights, and businesses in our community. “Chat with the Mayor” is a program that will provide our residents an opportunity to informally discuss concerns, ask questions, and have informal conversations about New Providence. I look forward to working closely with all of you to help promote our great community.  Continue reading

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New Providence Business Community Hosts Annual Borough Holiday Party

NP2014HolidayPartyby Michael M. Shapiro, TAPintoNewProvidence

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Borough employees, volunteers and elected officials were treated to a festive holiday party complete with buffet dinner, drinks, ice cream sundae bar, and live music,hosted  by the New Providence business community on Thursday evening, Dec. 11.

Several years ago, in the throes of the recession, the Borough eliminated the Borough holiday party from the municipal budget to reduce taxpayer expenses.  The New Providence business community responded by not only funding the event, but organizing and running it, as well.  Today, the Borough Holiday Party, sponsored and hosted by the New Providence business community, has become an event that Borough employees and volunteers look forward to each year. Continue reading

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New Providence Downtown Trick-or-Treating

Al and RyanThank you, New Providence, for a great Halloween downtown trick-or-treating event! We had so much fun!!!

Sincerely,
Al and Ryan

New Providence Merchants Host Halloween Trick or Treat Event

by The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Hundreds of children flocked to downtown New Providence on Halloween for the annual trick or treat event hosted by the New Providence Business community. Continue reading

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Al Morgan: Re-Elect Lance for Congress

by Al Morgan, Letter to the Editor, The Alternative Press

2014 New Providence Street FairNew Providence has a great friend in our Congressman, Leonard Lance.  He is a fixture in our community and a leader who serves with great dignity and respect for all points of view.

Congressman Lance is a representative who listens and brings the experiences and ideas from his constituents to Washington to craft national policy.  I’ve worked with him in public office and can attest to his judgement, thoughtfulness and attention to the issues that make local, state, and federal government work.  He builds bridges and has successfully navigated a polarized national environment to see meaningful legislation signed into law.

Despite Union County being far from his native Hunterdon, Leonard Lance is consistently in attendance at our street fairs, town halls, recently at our New Providence Lions Club event, and at Eagle Scout ceremonies.

Leonard Lance has been effective in Washington and we need to keep him there.

Continue reading

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Forge New Providence Ahead in the Pioneer Spirit

by TheAlternativePress.com

This Tuesday, November 4th, I will be seeking election to the office of Mayor of New Providence, and would be so honored for your vote and your confidence.

New Providence is a very unique and special place. Preserving our small tight-knit, hometown community feel, and our quality of life is of paramount importance and my priority. I am a man of the people and believe with all my heart that my experience, commitment to our community, coupled with my vast resources and ability to work closely with our residents in a trusted forum will most beneficially forge New Providence ahead. Uniting, bringing people to the table, and my strong record of proven leadership is why I feel so compelled to run again. Together, we can broaden our business and economic growth, and tackle vital issues facing our community with integrity and honesty.

New Providence has always been my home. I was born here, educated through our schools here, started my business here, and am raising my family here. I am very well rooted, whole-heartedly invested, and completely committed to making New Providence the best it can be for all of us.

I care. I care deeply about you, about us, about New Providence, and about our future.  As your Mayor, I promise to promote an environment of unity, hometown pride and spirit, and work with all of you to forge New Providence ahead in the PIONEER SPIRIT of cooperation preserving our small hometown community and quality of life.

Please visit our website, almorganformayor.com.

Please join us on Election Day for an Election Night Party, Nov 4th, 8pm, at Creative Wallcoverings and Interiors at 560 Central Ave in New Providence.

Everyone is welcome to this fun and free celebration!

JOIN OUR HOMETOWN SPIRIT!

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2014 New Providence Downtown Street Fair

Another successful street fair, sponsored by the New Providence Business Community!

The annual fair was held Sunday, September 7th on Springfield between South Street and Livingston Avenue with the exciting and well-attended festivities starting at 10:00 am.

2014 New Providence Street FairThis family-oriented street festival offered attractions for everyone, young and old!

As in previous years, the event provided great arts and entertainment for the kids such as kiddie rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, balloons and a clown performer.  The attendees were also able to enjoy great fair food such as sausage and pepper sandwiches, hot dogs, shish-k-bobs, zeppoles, butterfly fries, kettle corn, ice cream and more.

2014 New Providence Street FairThe event also offered food from local establishments and NPBPA members. Street vendors presented many unique items at great prices and local non-profit organizations hosted contests and games for all attendees.

What a great day, a terrific turnout, and beautiful weather!

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