NJ Discover at 2^nd Annual Dog Day Afternoon. Marlboro NJ   by Calvin Schwartz

Saturday early afternoon was cool and overcast with rain threatening. Back in October, The 2nd Annual Dog Day Afternoon
was scheduled but a rainout and winter shifted the date. Canine and people support today was impressive; the event was held at Marlboro Township Recreation Center Dog Park and all for a wonderful cause: in honor of the late Mark Eric Levine who always wanted a dog. Donations received benefits the Ashley Lauren Foundation; ‘Hope and Help for Children with Cancer.’ For more information: http://ashleylaurenfoundation.org/events

Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik officially welcomed the assembled and then segues to the first event of the day, a dog trick contest. Several human booths were operated by animal related vendors. A representative of ‘Rose’s Fund’ illuminated us. “No one should ever have to choose between medical care and euthanizing their pet.” Rose’s Fund was created so this painful decision never has to be made. The fund reaches out to families of pets with medical problems that they can’t afford to pay for and provides funding. In their four years, they’ve helped 200 families.  Please check their website: www.rosesfund.org

We were able to get several photo-ops with the canine contingents who were mostly in motion or hanging out the water bar. It was a major fun event and no rain.

Calvin Schwartz  5-5-12

Industrial operations began in 1912 on this site, so I pointed out to the assembled this is the 100th anniversary. I can only wonder why, in the most densely populated state, they allowed an oil reclamation facility to operate from 1950 to 1969 removing metals and PCBs from waste oil. Another company operated on this site and made arsenic pesticides. The poor soil and underground water; an awful lot of it was excavated and disposed of in the cleanup beginning in 2004.

Superfund was established in 1980 to address the country’s most hazardous waste sites. The program was enacted in the wake of Love Canal and its toxic waste dumps back in the 1970’s. Tara-Jean Vitale and I represented NJ Discover TV. At the conclusion, as dignitaries sought car shelter from a hard rain, Farnaz Saghafi accompanied us on a tour of the grounds; the new top soil brought in, a myriad of varieties of newly planted grasses and trees, a pond fed by a nearby stream, sand pits where the newest residents of the site now live; turtles (not teenage nor mutant as the site is clean and constantly monitored by the EPA), a couple of geese surveying new digs and in the distance just beyond a fence, a new bike path( for humans) just beyond the “No Trespassing” sign. I asked Farnaz about the pond, pretending I was in the desert and it was the only water around. “Could I drink that water now?” “If you like muddy water, you can,” she answered scientifically, with an advanced degree in chemical engineering.

 Earlier I asked Mayor Hornik about his recollections of this toxic site. “I was 13 and here with my father who was mayor and this place really scared me.” He smiled broadly and proudly throughout the press conference. When I greeted Congressman Pallone, I reminded him about our past meetings at the environmental Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park the last few summers. Consistency is a desired quality for a Congressman; he is a great supporter of environmental causes. During his comments, he mentioned Superfund losing dollars to the causes of funding jobs for Americans during this recession. Eloquently he said, “Superfund cleanup actually provides a lot of jobs, so it’s a misconception.”

Finally it was announced that the land here is for sale. Part of the sale proceeds goes back to the federal government and Marlboro Township. I stared at the landscape and wondered if I could get a good deal on the property with all I know now.                                        -           Calvin Schwartz  May 2nd 2012

On April 22, 2012, in Marlboro, NJ, thousands of supporters attended the STOMP The Monster™ 5K Run & Festival.

Stomp the Monster, Founded by Seth Grumet, provides financial and daily needed support to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers when they need it most – during their fight with the  disease.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ElhXBIBf5Uo

Whipping winds and chilly rain could not prevent the thousands of dedicated and generous supporters from attending the annual event held at Marlboro’s Recreation Center. The official USATF Offical event run gave many the opportunity to show their support for the New Jersey Not-for-profit Corporation, STOMP The Monster™ , which is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.

Many arrived prepared to “Stomp” for their sister or their Father who is battling Cancer. Others came to “Stomp” for those loved ones who lost their battle. Still others came to celebrate their survival. Every one who attended can be sure their monies go directly toward helping the families of those who need it most.

With an committed volunteer staff and dedicated Board of Directors, Seth Grumet’s vision of helping, providing and supporting struggling cancer patients and their families has become a reality.

Congratulations to everyone who attended and who helped create such a poignant day!

The days events included:

On April 16, 2012 the USDA Rural Development awarded the Value Added Working Capital Grant in the amount of $259,625 to a new U.S. agribusiness, Peppadew Fresh LLC, which will grow Peppadew Goldew fruit on its 14 acre farm inMorganville,NJ.

 Peppadew Goldew fruit, part of the unique Peppadew family of pepper products, were discovered growing wild in South Africa about 15 years ago. Peppadew fruit are known across the globe for their special flavor – sweet and tangy, with just a touch of heat.

 Peppadew Fresh Farms located on Harbor Road is a family run business. Owners Pierre and Doris Crawley live in Marlboro.  Pierre Crawley, President of Peppadew Fresh LLC is presently growing the Peppadew Goldew fruit and will process them under the “Jersey Grown” program.

 Originally a flower farm, the Peppadew Fresh Farm will maintain a portion of the property for growing hydrangea and pussy willows for local markets in New Jersey. In addition, theCrawley’s are presently growing a wine vineyard and are designing a wine-tasting room in the spacious and authentic barn. The farm house is original and completely renovated, and will be the future space for cooking classes which will prepare recipes using the delicious Peppadew products.

 Attending the announcement was USDA Rural Development New Jersey State Director Howard Henderson and New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher and Marlboro’s Mayor Jonathan Hornik read a Proclamation stating April 16, 2012 is officially “Grant Award Day” for Peppadew Fresh, LLC in Marlboro. Also in attendance was Council President Jeff Cantor, Councilwoman Carol Mazzola and Councilwoman Randi Marder. NJ Discover covered the event for the NJ Discover TV Show airing in May.           Submitted by Tara-Jean Vitale, Producer & TV Host NJ Discover

Japan visits Marlboro, NJ

Malboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik and Mayor of Nanto City Japan Mikio Tanaka shared their enthusiasm and commitment to a tremendous program that has developed into a friendship and bond between 2 cities going back to the 1990′s.
The Marlboro-Nanto Youth Exchange Program gives Japanese and American students an opportunity to experience and appreciate their different cultures.

Students travel from Japan to spend time with host families living in Marlboro. For one week they enjoy typical daily activities in New Jersey and some sight-seeing in New York and Philadelphia.

 This non for profit organization is funded entirely by community donations. For more information go to www.marlboro-nanto.org.

MARLBORO TOWNSHIP REORGANIZATION MEETING 1/5/12

Earth Treasures has been offering jewelry of uncompromising quality, selection and value. This, coupled with our friendly, knowledgeable staff and our extensive services, has earned us the coveted Asbury Park Press Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Jeweler in Monmouth County, NJ year after year since 1998.

From our store in Eatontown, New Jersey to our online jewelry store, Earth Treasures is dedicated to not only the finest jewelry but fair prices and great service.

We are specialists in custom jewelry design and diamond remounts. Several renowned designer lines of fine jewelry are represented or one of our knowledgeable sales associates can help you create that unique and special jewelry piece. Most jewelry repairs are done on the premises by our highly qualified certified craftsmen and our watch technicians are here to assist you with watch repairs of all types.

Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital  Soon to be demolished! 

Marlboro Psychiatric Hospitalwas a hospital operated by the State of New Jersey.  It first opened in early 1931 on a campus of over 450 acres.   Although the hospital was expected to hold a capacity of up to 2000 residents the average in attendance barely reached 780 adults per day with a staff of 1,157 employees and a total budget of $55.5 million in 1995.

The hospital was composed of 17 cottage-style dormitories holding 55 patients each. In addition to the central building, there were more than 20 buildings used for a cafeteria, security station, firehouse and morgue. 

Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital had a history of problems ranging from food poisoning to missing patients. There were reports of deaths due to vitamin deficiencies, blood clots from retraints to choking to death on a peanut butter sandwich.^]

 The hospital closed in 1998 following a 1993 undercover investigation that uncovered patient abuse, wasteful spending and other illegal practices at the hospital.

In November 2011, NJ State officials announced that the Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital will be demolished to prepare for an open space community park for Monmouth County residents. The project is slated for completion in 2013.

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