Last Thursday, I was thrilled to be walking around with a press pass in order to cover the roll out of Marlboro’s revolutionary and pioneering new ‘Shop Marlboro Property Tax Reward Program.’ Here’s the gist of  the program which has been in development for a year by Marlboro’s Economic Development Committee then I’ll throw some praise around, after all I’m a Marlboro resident. When Marlboro residents purchase goods (even gas) and services locally (here in Marlboro) from participating merchants, they receive credits against their residential tax bills. Obviously this incentivizes folks like me to frequent local businesses. I’ve got three letters that come to mind right now as I’m learning more. “Wow.”

In my headline, I alluded to the notion of Marlboro, New Jersey (population 40,000) being (probably) the very first place, town on Earth (therefore the United States as well) offering a reduction of (Marlboro) township property taxes based on a percentage of purchases during the year.

It’s not within the scope of this article to talk specifics, but certainly to applaud and praise Mayor Jonathan Hornik and the entire Township Council and their Economic Development Committee(David Faust) Jonathan Capp, Business Administrator and Investors Bank for visions and courage way beyond a central Jersey township’s limited reach and place in the universe; a refreshing and uplifting civic prideful thought for our 40,000 residents.

Speaking about refreshing: I love crisp lettuce. I’m enthused about dining in Marlboro so much more often now. You see, I’ve got this theory that lettuce is lettuce no matter where ever you go. I might as well eat lettuce close to home and pay less property taxes. It may be that simple.

Frank Holmgren will never forget the roar of the water when his Navy ship sank beneath him in the early days of World War II. He won’t forget the sharks circling around his raft as he waited nearly seven days for rescue either.

Holmgren, 79, was just a 19-year-old captain’s orderly, not quite eight months into active duty on the USS Juneau, when it was hit and sunk by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine in the Pacific Ocean 59 years ago this week.

He said the torpedo was fired at another ship in their group, the San Francisco, but slipped passed its bow. The San Francisco had all its communications knocked out in a battle both ships had been in with the Japanese earlier that morning, and could not message the Juneau that a torpedo was on a trajectory toward it. Holmgren was on deck on the fantail when the torpedo hit.

“We went down in a minute,” the resident of Byrnes Lane said.

“I went up in the air, and when I came down my hand hit a life jacket,” he said. He quickly put it on, he recalled. “I heard the roar of the water and I thought I was going to die. I did go down with the ship — I don’t know how far — but the next thing I knew, I came back up. That life jacket saved my life.”

Holmgren also kept his mouth closed when he went under and didn’t swallow much salt water, which he feels helped him survive. He also did not drink any salt water while drifting in his raft, relying instead on rain for sustenance.

“Once you drink that salt water, you are finished,” he said.

Holmgren is the last remaining survivor from the sinking of the Juneau, which is best known for having been the graveyard of the five Sullivan brothers of Iowa. He said there were 10 survivors from the crew of approximately 725, five of whom were from the life raft he called home for a week.

With the exception of his military service, Holmgren has lived his entire life in Eatontown, beginning on what is now Throckmorton Avenue, formerly Railroad Avenue. He went into the Navy in March 1942, after graduation from Long Branch High School.

Holmgren went through boot camp at Newport, R.I., and was assigned with his buddy from Eatontown, Charlie Hayes, to the Juneau, a fairly new ship.

Hayes survived the sinking of the Juneau but was not among those finally rescued, he said.

Holmgren said he and Hayes boarded the Juneau together in New York City after completing basic training, and initially worked the Atlantic Ocean side of the war, escorting ships to Africa.

Eventually, he said, they were called to the Pacific Theater of the war and went to Guadalcanal to supply the Marines there. While in the area, he saw the Wasp, an aircraft carrier, get hit by torpedoes and sink, and he became engaged in the battle of Santa Cruz, in which the Hornet, another aircraft carrier was hit.

His ship returned to Guadalcanal to take troops to land

SURVIVOR OF THE U.S.S. JUNEAU

When I received an email about the Salt Creek Grille‘s new menu that emphasized locally sourced produce, bread, pasta and more, I decided to pay a visit to their Princeton location. What I found, was not only an exciting new and healthy menu, but some really great people who are all part of the Salt Creek family.

When Curt Ciumei (Producer NJDiscover.com) and I first arrived early Saturday morning, we were greeted by a smiling Robert Strasser, the Assistant General Manager. Being my nosy self, I immediately started asking questions. How long has the Chef been with Salt Creek? Where is he from? (with a name like Fabian Quiros, I had to know.) How long have you, Robert, been with Salt Creek? etc, etc. To me, the food is just one part of the story of a restaurant. I also want to know about the people who help pull it all together.
What I discovered, was a really great story about a company who believes in its employees and in nuturing and empowering them to grow. Fabian came to America in 2000. He didn’t speak any English, but he did know how to speak “food.” His Mother owned a bakery in Costa Rica where he helped out and his Grandfather had been in the food business as well. His first job in the U.S. was as a dish washer at the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson. Fabian learned to not only speak English there, but to also cook exceptionally well. He met his wife along the way who was working her way through Physical Therapy school as a waitress. They recently (last month) welcomed to the world little Lucia Quiros.

The hiring from within story is a common one at the Salt Creek. The oh-so-capable-and-professional Assistant General Manager, Robert, started as a server at the Rumson location eight years ago. As he balanced his time cheerfully between babysitting us and making sure his crew was putting the pieces together for the lunch time crowd and a private party, it was very obvious that he loves his job and the company he works for.

Our visit culminated with a tasting of some of the new menu items like the Spaghetti Squash Ravioli locally sourced from Lucy’s Ravioli in Princeton with slivered almonds, snow peas, cherry tomatoes, capers, kale and tomato marmalade and the Chicken Suckatash which Quiros prepares in the video below. Above you see the Ahi Tuna Stack and the Smoked Ahi Salad. All were delicious, fresh, and packed with a wide variety of tastes and textures. To check out the complete dinner menu, follow this link SCG – Fresh Reinvented Dinner. At the end when I asked Chef Quiros my final question, “Why did you come to America?” he said with a big smile, “For the American dream.” I can say that I for one am sure happy he made the journey and heartened to see him fulfilling his mission.
Princeton Forrestal Village, One Rockingham Row
(along U.S. Route 1 next to the Westin Princeton)
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: (609) 419-4200 Fax: (609) 419-4280

Deborah Smith , Founder and Executive Editor of JerseyBites.com. Launched in 2007 as a home for her growing collection of recipes, Jersey Bites soon grew into a hub for all things edible in the Garden State. Deborah is also the owner of 3SquareDeals.com a Deals program that benefits Hunger Relief organizations in New Jersey. In her spare time, (Ha) she works as a Social Media consultant and speaker. You can learn more about her services and marketing through social media on her blog www.DeborahLSmith.com

NJ Discover at Prom for ROBIN (Recreation Old Bridge In Need). American Hotel, Freehold. May 18, 2012

NJ Discover at Prom for ROBIN (Recreation Old Bridge In Need). American Hotel, Freehold. May 18, 2012By

Calvin Schwartz

A few weeks ago Barbara Anderson contacted me and asked about the feasibility of NJ Discover TV covering a very special event; a Prom for special needs young adults;  part of Old Bridge Township’s amazing program, ROBIN. Barbara has been involved in the program since 1986 which shares and provides much joy, care and love. The prom, greatly anticipated, has been going on for eight years; this was the first time in Freehold. A few seconds elapsed before I knew NJ Discover would be there.

The ROBIN program has grown into a comprehensive system, offering both therapeutic and diverse recreational activities. The goal of year round programming is to provide a basic introduction to recreation opportunities and lifetime skill development. The adult program has been expanded to provide opportunities to participate in some of the township’s most popular recreation programs such as fitness and yoga, cooking, crafts, computer classes, and the ever popular Friday Night Fun Program.

We watched exuberant prom attendees alight the bus and head into the hotel. Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry personally greeted everyone with a prom favor. The mayor was thrilled and emotional; occasionally speechless over the great success of the program; the support and love the township residents provide.  Dr. James Anderson, township council and Barbara Anderson, who runs the non-profit ‘Special Projects for Special Children,’ welcomed us.  When the DJ started playing music, “Rockin Robin,” for a first dance, the dance floor filled with pure joy as did we at NJ Discover.

Contact Information:

Pete Pero, Camp ROBIN Coordinator

732-765-0968

http://www.oldbridge.com/content/137/187/2905.aspx

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

An intermittent rain added to the solemnity of the occasion and the history of the soil we were standing on. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck along with project Manager Farnaz Saghafi, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik, Congressman Frank Pallone and Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry assembled under a small white tent with mostly media present to announce the completion of a $50 million contaminated soil cleanup. This Superfund site at Imperial Oil in Morganville (Marlboro) was one of the most polluted in all of America. – On arriving, I did mention to several EPA officials that I attended the very first Earth Day on April 22nd 1970. So these events mean something personal. I wasn’t surprised to learn that New Jersey has the most Superfund sites in all of America.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wV_-A8Ue3EU

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

Submitted by Girl Scout Leader Sandy Buccine & Senior Troop 1795

“This was our 3rd year working with Jeff Weiss and the Shade Tree Committee, and we feel each year it gets Bigger and Better!

“It all started when we asked our retired GS leader Pat Ondar, part of the Shade Tree Committee, if we could sit in on a meeting to fulfill a requirement in the “Breathe Journey”. Our girls became inspired and asked if we could assist, as well as Participate in Arbor Day.”

“We make the activity booklet, posters, and assist with the set up and planting of trees. Everyone on the committee is so appreciative and kind, we feel blessed that they welcome us back year after year!”

“If you look closely, you can see that our tree was made completely out of recycled materials. The trunk is an old brown paper bag, and the leaves were cut out of colorful old magazines. The grass consists of last year’s activity booklets. Troop 1795 wanted to send the message that … Recycling is a good thing, and when we recycle, we help save trees.”

“Thank you Mr. Jeff Weiss, the entire Shade Tree Committee, and Mayor John Hornik for making this special day possible, and making Marlboro a Peaceful and Beautiful town I’m Proud to live in!”

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.

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.