JCP&L Upgrading Emergency Communications

Utility installing components at operations center in Morristown.

JCP&L is taking steps to improve its ability to communicate with first responders during a large-scale emergency. The utility will install components of the New Jersey Preparedness Emergency Communication Network at its regional dispatching operations in Morristown and Red Bank, spokesman Ron Morano said Thursday. The facilities manage the daily work on the company's electrical system and provide coordination when repair crews are dispatched during widespread power outages. “Participating in this system will enhance our ability to share real-time critical information with our customers, communities and first responders during emergency situations,” JCP&L President Don Lynch said in a release. “Joining this system is one of the many things …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Brouhaha for Big Brew Beer Fest in Morristown

Crowds wait to get into beer, food, music festival at National Guard Armory.

Alleged Attacker Near Hospital Surrenders After Standoff

Authorities are searching for man in area around Morristown Medical Center.

Drip Coffee Expanding to Morristown

Madison cafe opening second location in space formerly occupied by Greenberry's.

The owner of Drip Coffee, an independent cafe that opened in Madison in 2008, plans to open a second location this spring in Morristown. Rupert Jones, owner and operator of the Main Street cafe, confirmed he and business partner Sandy Mathews have purchased the building formerly occupied by Greenberry's Coffee and Tea on the Green and are opening a second Drip Coffee location sometime in March. "We kept it under wraps for awhile," said Jones, who had previously lived in Morristown for 20 years and was eager to expand the Drip Coffee brand into the town. "I have a great deal of affection for the town." The sale for an undisclosed amount was finalized at the end of December.  The location Jones said is ideal considering its former tenant. …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

First Night Morris 2013 Features New, Familiar Faces

Over 40 performances set for 21st-annual New Year's Eve event in Morristown.

If it's New Year's Eve, you know where Rio Clemente's going to be. Morristown's native son and pianist extraordinaire, "The Bishop of Jazz" has performed at First Night Morris, Morris County's annual alcohol-free end of the year celebration in Morristown since its second year. "That's a pretty long run," the Randolph resident said. So long, in fact, it's hard to remember just how many years that has been. "Even last year, I was trying to figure it out, then the Arts Council (organizers for the event) told me," Clemente said with a laugh. He is not the only one to return to this event's 21st year, on Dec. 31. Over 40 acts are booked throughout town—some returning, others celebrating a new year in Morristown for the first time. One of those …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (9)

Salvation Army in Need of Donations

Officials for Morristown branch of international charity say continued economic issues as well as natural disasters resulted in decreased giving in 2012.

With day care center and youth programs in "dire jeopardy," Salvation Army’s "Morristown Corps.," located on Spring Street, is turning to neighbors for help. "As our nation continues to endure deep economic impacts, more and more families are seeking extraordinary assistance," said Morristown Corp. spokesperson Jasmin Sacarello in a press release. The Salvation Army has a responsibility, she said, to continue providing resources which include childcare programs (for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children); on-site food pantries; emergency homeless shelters, for women and children; shelters for men; and shelters for families. Major Walter L. Droz noted in the press release, "that with the advent of natural disasters and the …

•  40 Comments
• Photos (1)

Comedian to Bring 'Wright Stuff' to Morristown

Steven Wright will be performing at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Nov. 29.

There are a few things you might like to know about comedian Steven Wright.   He calls himself a "peripheral visionary." He has "a decaffeinated coffee table." His "life is not based on a true story." He thinks that "if heat rises, heaven might actually be hotter than hell." And he hates it when writers do stories on him that use the same puns over and over, for instance, articles that are headlined, "the Wright Stuff." On Thursday, Nov. 29, Wright will bring his off-center brand of humor to Morristown when he performs at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.   There are many, many standup comedians out there, but Wright's deadpan absurdist wit is well-recognized as his own. Ever since his first gig—three minutes in 1979 at an open mike in …

• Photos (2)

Mayo Hosting Community Soup Kitchen Food Drive

Drop off requested items between Nov. 15 and Dec. 24.

Want your theater with a side of helping a good local cause? The Mayo Performing Arts Center will be hosting a food drive with all donations going toward the Community Soup Kitchen, based in Morristown. Food will be collected from Nov. 15 through Dec. 24. "The Mayo Center is proud to work with Community Soup Kitchen to help provide necessary food and supplies to those individuals in need," said Allison Larena, president and CEO of MPAC. "We encourage our patrons to help us in this effort to make the holiday season a joyous time for everyone." Since 1984, the Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center has served a hot noon-time meal, 365 days a year, never missing a day. It serves as many as 300 men, women, and children a day—among them are…

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)

Help Family Service of Morris County Win a Car

Morristown-based organization participating in Toyota's '100 Cars for Good' contest.

If the Community Soup Kitchen can win a car, why can't Family Service of Morris County? FSMC, based on Elm Street in Morristown, is hoping enough people will vote for the nearly-200-year-old organization on Sunday, Aug. 19 as part of Toyota's "100 Cars for Good" program. CSK, which operates at Church of the Redeemer on South Street, won a Toyota Sienna minivan from the contest last year. "We spoke with them and decided we would apply, which we did," said Janet Horowitz, director of development with FSMC. "It's almost like submitting for a grant." "FSMC strengthens the community by empowering individuals and families to overcome life's challenges," reads FSMC's profile on the contest's information page. "FSMC offers 20 programs that provide…

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

Salvation Army 'Dangerously Close' to Eliminating Programs

Increased need, decreased donations have impacted Morristown-based charity.

If you have it to spare, The Salvation Army could use your help. That is the message coming from the Morristown-based wing of the national charity, which said increased usage of services and a drop in donations has put the organization in the position of possibly having to eliminate some services.  "For the first time in the last decade, The Salvation Army finds itself struggling to assist the less fortunate," wrote Yesmy Molina, development and public relations coordinator in a press release. "A drop in the economy means that families and individuals are now using The Salvation Army services they once supported. Without additional funds, the organization is almost unable to meet the needs of those coming to its door seeking help and hope…

•  4 Comments
• Photos (1)

jerry stevenson

2:56 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012

Go up on the Internet and research Salvation Army Kroc Centers. It will give you a detailed listing of the 19 centers that have been opened nationwide and the plans for an additional 7 including Camden. Ihe initial center in San Diego cost $87M in 1998.   more ›