SPRINGFIELD, NJ -- Township engineer Mike Disko provided the Springfield Township Committee with an outline of the upcoming resurfacing of the community pool.
The project to resurface the 13,000-square-foot pool will commence in early April, with the goal to have the pool ready for the start of the summer season on Memorial Day weekend.
Disko said that he and township administrator John Bussiculo had a meeting with the contractor at the beginning of this week.
"They've got a three-week process to complete the pool, from start to finish," Disko told the Township Committee on Tuesday night. "One week for all the demos, removals and preparation; a second week for the bond coating that's going to be there before the resurfacing material; and the third week, which is the actual resurfacing. When they do that resurfacing work, they're coming with 25 people to be working on that pool at the same time. This is a major pool contractor. Their goal is to get in and out. Their intent is to blitz it, and, weather permitting, it would be completed in three weeks."
Disko said that it has been 11 years since the pool has undergone work of this magnitude.
"Over time, you build up those paint coatings on the shell of the pool and they don't necessarily adhere as much as you would like them to," Disko said. "Based on the desire of the (Township Committee), the pool is being changed from a regular chlorinated rubber paint to an actual cement recoating material. That requires you to strip all of the paint surfaces off the concrete shell. This pool was built in the 1960s. It's a concrete pool, reinforced concrete traditional, which was the standard at that time."
The tile, targets in the dive tank and lane lines will all be replaced. The pool will be acid washed to remove any particles that are lingering on.
Disko said the goal of the comprehensive process is "to have the pool last a long time without the need to do remedial painting. The contractor indicated that ... it would be about a 15-year life before you have to do it (again)."
The pool will have a cover to protect it from geese and staining.
"It is a very complicated and tedious project," Bussiculo said. "It's not just slapping paint on."
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HILLSIDE, NJ - Hillside students have the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience on what it takes to be a DJ.
The Hillside Public Library is hosting a free DJ Workshop on Tuesday, April 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The event will be led by instructors from the Institute of Music for Children and is open to Hillside students in grades 4 through 12.
Participants will get hands-on experience with turntables and mixing devices. The goal of the program is to teach the art of blending beats, creating transitions, and crafting unique music.
Interested participants can register here.
]]>SPMERVILLE, NJ - The Downtown Somerville Alliance is excited to announce the return of their restaurant week occurring Sunday, April 21 to Saturday, April 27.
Downtown Somerville’s “Restaurant Experience” will feature prix-fixe menu items, dining deals, and shopping discounts from various Downtown Somerville restaurants and shops.
“Downtown Somerville is thrilled for the return of our restaurant experience,” said Natalie Pineiro, managing consultant for the DSA. “We take pride in being the hub of numerous delicious and authentic cuisines, so we are eager for the much-anticipated comeback of this event.”
Dining options will include: Savor Restaurant, Division Cafe, Village Brewing Company, Casa Luna, Turf Surf and Earth, Cafe Picasso, Origin French Thai, Mannion’s Pub, Alfonso’s Trattoria, Seoulville, Tapastre & Project PUB, Verve Restaurant and more.
Dessert options include: Blue Sheep Bake Shop, Carol’s Creative Chocolatez, Dulce Bakery and Epic Cookies.
Complete your visit by presenting your dining receipt at the following retail businesses to take advantage of exclusive Restaurant Week promotions: Soul Trip, Urban Chaos, Jade Salon, Beneath It All, Osprey Lane Boutique, Mainly Gadgets, and Somerville Provisions, Sticks Cigars and more. Revive Consignment is only accepting receipts from Casa Luna.
Visit our website for eligibility and specific requirements for each shop.
Fresh Restorations, in partnership with Lets Brie Friends, will be hosting a drag-cuterie event (charcuterie workshop and drag show) and the Good Donut Shop pop-up event at Turf Surf and Earth on Friday, April 26. Advance tickets are required for the drag-cuterie event.
The DSA encourages those that wish to take part in this event to make advance reservations at participating restaurants.
For more information about the Downtown Somerville Restaurant Experience including a complete list of participants and their promotions, please visit dinedowntownsomerville.com
For more information on the Downtown Somerville Alliance, visit www.downtownsomerville.org or follow them on social media @downtownsomervillealliance on Facebook or @downtownsomerville on Instagram.
About the Downtown Somerville Alliance
The Downtown Somerville Alliance is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. They are the District Management Corporation for Downtown Somerville, NJ - one of New Jersey's premiere downtowns. The district has become known for its colorful dining scene, flourishing retail, and up and coming arts and culture scene. They promote balanced and progressive economic development and leverage the art of creating experiences that continue to bring a new and diverse population to Somerville. The DSA oversees infrastructure and beautification projects and works with historians and environmentalists alike to maintain and promote the historic charm that is unique to the district.
The Downtown Somerville Alliance is a TAPinto marketing partner
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BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Gifted and Talented Honors Dance Department at Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS), will be celebrating National Dance Week April 19th-28th with a dance concert choreographed by seniors in the program.
In 1981, a group of dance-related organizations realized there was a need to increase awareness of the cultural importance, impact, and benefits of dance. They founded National Dance Week as a way to bring attention to the art form and professional fields related to dance. Since then, the celebration has grown and there are currently over a thousand events held nationwide each year to commemorate the week.
One of those events is the Dance Concert at SCVTHS. The performance will feature multiple genres and styles of dance which have been choreographed by students who will be graduating from the program this year. The student choreographers are: Chayse Ankrah-Hardy of Basking Ridge; Jenna-Lee Butler of Hillsborough; Madison Corbett of Flemington; Emma Fisher of Lambertville; Marissa Lazovick of Branchburg; and Caroline Morrow of Bridgewater.
The choreographers are eager to share the performances they have created.
“Getting to share our passion for dance within all the different styles is really cool” said Lazovick, adding “I think dance is such an expressive art form.” Fisher is excited to “share the passion with others” and hopes that “people feel something when we dance.” Butler agreed, adding “I feel that my choreography lets me share the joy that I get from dance with everyone else.”
In addition to the creative aspects, the students also gained insight into the process of developing a dance, in particular, how much work goes into each performance. “I never knew exactly the process my dance teachers went through before I had to choreograph a piece by myself,” Morrow said.
Sheila Sullivan, SCVTHS Dance Department coordinator is proud to support National Dance Week, and is equally proud of the students in the program. “Dance is a challenging career, but I can think of no other career that brings the demands, the rewards and the joy that this field brings. Our dancers are some of the best in the area, and that takes commitment, perseverance, and a love for the art form.” Sullivan said, noting that the rigor of the Gifted and Talented Honors Dance curriculum has guided many students towards a career in dance during the 40 years that the SCVTHS program has been in existence.
The Dance Concert will have two performances at 7:30 p.m. on April 26th and April 27th in the SCVTHS school auditorium, located at 14 Vogt Drive. Admission is $15.
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NEW JERSEY – Winning tickets have been sold in New Jersey for the March 26 Mega Millions and March 25 Powerball lottery drawings.
A single winner was announced in the $1.13 billion Mega Million lottery. The ticket was sold in ShopRite Liquors on Route 66 in Neptune Township, Monmouth County according to New Jersey Lottery officials. The winner has not yet come forward they said.
The retailer who sold the winning ticket will receive a $30,000 bonus. Richard Saker, president of the family-owned company Saker ShopRites, Inc. that operates 40 ShopRites in New Jersey announced they will donate the proceeds to their “ShopRite Partners in Caring” program. This program supports more than 2500 charities including food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries fighting hunger.
Local Powerball Winning Tickets
In the March 23 Powerball drawing a ticket worth $50,000 was sold at Swartswood Deli at 911 Newton Swartswood Road in Newton.
In the same drawing a $50,000 ticket was sold at the Texs Liquor Store at 1157 Route 202 in Branchburg and a $50,000 ticket was sold at Shoprite Liquor at 220 West Passaic Street in Rochelle Park.
More about the lottery
According to New Jersey Lottery officials this is the first time both Mega Millions and Powerball prizes have been over $800 million at the same time. The $1.13 billion Mega Million jackpot was the fifth highest in the game’s history.
The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, March 29 with an estimated $20 million jackpot.
The Wednesday night Powerball jackpot moves to an estimated $865 million, the fifth highest in that game’s history.
]]>FLORHAM PARK, NJ - Caryn Lyn Elefante, age 45, passed away peacefully at her home in Florham Park on March 23, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family and dear friends.
Caryn's legacy of kindness, compassion, and resilience touched the lives of all who knew her. She is survived by her cherished 12-year-old daughter, Cate, her loving husband, Joe, her devoted parents, Dave and Carol Jones, her brother, Brian Jones, her sister, Kristin VanderMass, and numerous other beloved family members and friends.
A visitation will be held at the Leonardis Memorial Home (210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park) on Friday, March 29, from 4 to 7p.m. A celebration of Caryn's remarkable life will follow on Saturday, March 30, at 11am at Leonardis Memorial Home, with a repast to follow at The Godfather of East Hanover (200 Rt. 10 West, East Hanover) at 12:30 p.m.
Born on July 14, 1978, Caryn spent her childhood in Nutley, NJ. She embarked on a remarkable career in performing arts from a young age, gracing stages like the renowned Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. She showcased her talent both on screen and as a singer in numerous TV commercials, including memorable appearances in commercials for The Game of Life, Raisinets, and Go-Go My Walkin’ Pup, among others. Caryn lent her voice to recordings alongside music icons such as Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Canadian Brass, and Maureen McGovern. She also earned recognition as a finalist on Star Search.
After graduating at the top of her class from Nutley High School, Caryn pursued her passion for musical theater at New York University. Post-college, she dedicated 17 years to educating students in music, dance, and theater within the Madison, NJ public schools. Her impact extended beyond the classroom, fostering an inclusive environment where every student felt empowered to shine.
Caryn's memory will forever endure in the hearts of those she touched, leaving behind a legacy illuminated by love, kindness, and inspiration.
In a heartfelt reflection on Caryn's life, Joe graciously shared with TAPinto their cherished memories and profound insights into their remarkable journey together.
Rooted in a shared love for music, their story began when Joe became the accompanist for Caryn's middle school choir, recommended by their mutual acquaintance John Leister. "So I started accompanying her middle school choir, and I did that for a few years, around three or four. -- I would even write some arrangements for her choirs from time to time. And then I was also the orchestra director for a number of her school musicals," Joe reflected. Their shared passion for music laid the foundation for a lifelong connection that transcended the stage and blossomed into a beautiful relationship.
Admiring Caryn's role as an educator, Joe emphasized her skill in ensuring that every student felt included and valued, irrespective of their level of performance. When Joe became a teacher, he modeled his teaching style from her playbook. "She was my hero," said Joe, who is currently Program Supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts, Family & Consumer Science, and Health & Physical Education in the Rahway school district.
Their paths kept crossing, as Joe took on the role of music director for the musicals at Drew University. During a solemn moment following the passing of Joseph Patenaude's wife, a colleague of Joe's, they both participated in the memorial service. "The kids from the show ended up performing at a memorial concert, and Caryn was there as well performing because Joe's daughter was one of her students," Joe recounts. "She heard I was going to be there and asked if I wanted to accompany her. Of course, I agreed." -- "At some point, she said to me 'want to go get a drink?' I said sure. You know, the rest is history."
From a young age, Caryn's passion for performance was evident. However, upon graduating from NYU, she realized she didn't have the temperament for performing. Reflecting on Caryn's clarity of vision, Joe noted her early understanding of her priorities. By the age of 23, Caryn had come to terms with her aversion to the uncertainties of a performer's life—the constant auditions and financial instability. Choosing stability, she dedicated a year to substitute teaching in Glen Ridge before securing a position in the Madison School District, where she stayed until her retirement in 2018 to prioritize her role as a stay-at-home mom.
Despite her career shift, Caryn remained deeply invested in her daughter Cate's burgeoning acting career, frequently commuting to support her commitments, including Broadway performances in "Waitress" that began the day after Cate's fifth birthday. Cate's success continued with roles in the "Les Miserables" first national tour and the NBC production of "Annie Live" in 2021. Caryn's unwavering support for her daughter's endeavors remained evident, with Cate's latest project set to air on Peacock. "She just finished her third film. So we're pretty excited about that. That comes out next week," Joe remarked enthusiastically.
Caryn's selflessness and generosity knew no bounds. The bond between Caryn and Cate was undeniably strong. While on tour in 2019, doctors discovered that Caryn’s 2012 breast cancer had metastasized. Although she was always a fighter, Caryn’s physical and emotional challenges became even more difficult from that point. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, they seized every opportunity to create cherished memories together. From their unforgettable journey with the "Les Misérables" tour to the intense rehearsals for "Annie Live", they remained inseparable, spending countless hours together. Their bond, forged through shared experiences and unwavering love, was truly extraordinary.
As Joe reflects on Caryn's life, he finds solace in the overwhelming support from the community and the lasting legacy of her compassion and generosity. This enduring impact shines brightly as the "Les Misérables" tour honored Caryn's memory with a dedicated performance last Sunday. Additionally, the upcoming release of Cate's film next week will serve as a heartfelt tribute to Caryn's memory, ensuring her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched.
Caryn leaves an enduring legacy of kindness and acceptance. "I think if those two things could be her legacy -- her legacy will live on through her students and obviously through Cate," Joe expressed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or the Brooke Healey Foundation, both organizations close to Caryn's heart.
The information presented in this article was gathered from Caryn Lyn Elefante's obituary, available for reference [here], as well as from an interview TAPinto conducted with Joe Elefante.
]]>PARAMUS, NJ - Beginning April 1, residents can register for their pool badges. Proof of residency must be provided and is required each year of sign-up.
There are individual-member seasonal ($325) and monthly rates ($225). There are also discounts, including the early bird special: 10% off if you sign up by May 1.
Pre-season opening day is May 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. The pool is located at 530 Van Binsberger Boulevard.
The pool opens full-time Friday, June 21.
In December, the Borough Council discussed how the pool operated at a loss and discussed ways to fix the problem.
]]>VERONA, NJ -- Mayor Chris Tamburro and the Verona Township Council marked the start of construction on Verona's new fully inclusive playground at the Community Center on Monday evening.
Township officials each grabbed a ceremonial shovel to assist in breaking ground on the project.
The new playground space was designed to bring families of all abilities together for play and socialization.
Construction is expected to be completed by late this spring.
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