Blairstown News

Careers and training opportunities in the growing fields of Technology and Hospitality will be highlighted at a special Technology & Hospitality Career & Employment Fair at Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursday, June 14th, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Area residents are invited to discuss job openings with local employers, and learn more about training opportunities at schools, colleges and other facilities. The Technology & Hospitality Career & Employment Fair is free and open to the public. Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. “The Technology & Hospitality Career & Employment Fair will introduce potential employees to new opportunities, and highlight educational paths for those who may be interested in pursuing additional degrees or certification,” remarked Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director at Project Self-Sufficiency. Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children through the achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including over 30,000 children. To register for the Technology & Hospitality Career & Employment Fair, or to find out more about the programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

A Newark man was arrested Saturday after he tried to use a stolen and forged prescription to obtain Oxycodone, according to Blairstown Township police and court records.

Nearly four decades ago, Jim Downing was peeling potatoes onto the New Jersey Herald newspaper when he glanced down to see a real estate advertisement.

Warren County Republican freeholder candidates Ed Smith and Everett Chamberlain will debate at 7 p.m. Thursday in Allamuchy Township .

The business and religious community in northern Warren County recently welcomed Project Self-Sufficiency to its Warren County Outreach location with a celebratory lunch hosted by First Hope Bank. The agency’s Warren County office at 35 Main Street in Blairstown will be housed in the Outreach Center for the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown. The Warren County Outreach center is the result of a unique partnership between the church and the non-profit agency; the space is provided by the First Presbyterian Church, while the services are courtesy of Project Self-Sufficiency. The office was scheduled to open last year, until the floods caused by Hurricane Irene damaged the first floor of the building. Since then, crews have been working steadily to rehabilitate the building; new walls, floors, carpeting, wiring and windows were put in place and the installation of the agency’s computer workstations is underway. The grand opening for the Warren County Outreach location will take place in June. First Hope Bank Board Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Norman E. Beatty, welcomed the guests to the celebratory event, noting, “Having been involved with Project Self Sufficiency for a number of years in Sussex County and knowing the positive effect the organization has brought on many peoples’ lives who momentarily are down on their luck, it was only proper when Project Self Sufficiency established an outreach in Northern Warren County located in Blairstown, that I would want to gather civic and religious leaders in Warren for them to learn more about this extraordinarily effective public spirited organization.” Project Self-Sufficiency’s Blairstown site will contain an Employment Lab where participants will be able to take advantage of all of the services offered at the agency’s Newton location, including computer and career training, assessment, and access to job search resources. In addition, the facility will be staffed with a Case Manager who will be able to conduct intake and assessment of interested participants, teach parenting classes and life skills seminars, and provide referrals to other services available throughout the agency.

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in June, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an advanced class in Microsoft Excel, an introductory course in Microsoft Word, and courses designed specifically for men. All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. The fee for each class is $10, with the exception of the free “Careering 101” and “Careering 102” courses. Students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants. A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 5th – 21st, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. This introductory course is designed for first-time computer users or people with limited computer experience. Students will learn computer basics, including the different components of the computer and the performance of simple procedures. Fundamental keyboarding skills and a brief overview of popular software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook will also be discussed. An introductory course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 4th – 20th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 5th – 21st, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Students will learn word-processing techniques, including the creation of professional-looking letters, faxes, newsletters and other documents, as well as the use of mail merge features used to print address labels and address letters to multiple recipients. Participation in the introductory level Microsoft Word course is required prior to registration in the advanced class.

Fresh food is available at bargain prices through the new Good Faith Food Box program at Project Self-Sufficiency. A variety of ordering options are available; the price for a single box of food ranges from $19 - $35. A typical menu features a variety of meats, vegetables, and side dishes, including breakfast foods. There is no limit to the number of boxes an individual or family can purchase, and the menu changes each month. To place an order, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or order online with a credit card at www.goodfaithfoodbox.org. Payment is made when the order is placed. The next deadline for placing orders is Monday, June 4th; boxes will be delivered and available for pick up at Project Self-Sufficiency on Saturday, June 16th, at noon. Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. The new Good Faith Food Box program was initiated by the Treasure Valley Food Group, which has partnered with churches and non-profit organizations across the country to bring high quality food to families, seniors and individuals at a cost savings of up to 40% off of typical retail prices. The Treasure Valley Food Group has been providing food to more than 30,000 grocery stores across the United States for over 16 years. Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including over 30,000 children. To find out more about the monthly food deliveries by Good Faith Food Box or any of the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Project Self-Sufficiency offers open enrollment appointments for New Jersey Family Care, the health insurance plan offered by the state of New Jersey to eligible children and low-income parents, every Wednesday morning, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., and every Thursday evening, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. New Jersey Family Care is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides a wide range of services, including visits to a physician, eye glasses, hospitalization, lab work, x-rays, prescriptions, regular checkups, mental health, and dental coverage. Medical services are available at Health Maintenance Organizations in each county. Depending on family income, there may be restrictions on certain services. Coverage in the health care plan is available for children 18 years of age and younger, as well as parents who meet income eligibility requirements. Eligibility is based on family size, monthly income and other factors. Parents and guardians who have not resided in the United States as Legal Permanent Residents for at least five years are not eligible for NJ FamilyCare. However, any pregnant women, regardless of date of entry can apply and be determined eligible. NJ FamilyCare only accepts applications from parents and guardians with work income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. For example, parents and guardians in a family of four, making up to $2,444 per month, may be eligible. However, some parents and guardians in a family making up to $2,444 may not be eligible because income such as unemployment, child support and government benefits are counted differently.

The “Girls for a Change™ Summer Camp” will be held Monday, July 30th – Friday, August 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency. Middle school girls will work as a group to identify a need within the community, and then create a plan for addressing the situation and creating social change. Adult mentors will guide the group as they strive to make a difference in their community. Open to girls entering grades 6 – 8 in the fall of 2012; there is a $10 registration fee per camper. Space is limited and registration is required. Lunch will be provided each day. The camp will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Community Education Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to enroll.

Town will likely host a farmer's market beginning Saturday, June 2 through September, said Jim Sheldon, executive director of the Hackettstown BID.

A team from Project Self-Sufficiency spent a recent Sunday morning with more than 5,000 dedicated individuals at the Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure® a 5K Race/Walk at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. The event raised approximately $700,000 for breast cancer education and research; donations are still being accepted. According to Komen, 75% of net funds raised this year will provide critical education, screening and treatment services for uninsured and underinsured women. The remaining 25% will support research to find a cure. “Project Self-Sufficiency is proud to partner with the Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure® in the effort to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer, and to celebrate those individuals who have survived breast cancer,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency about the agency’s participation in the event. “This year, our team was able to raise more than $1,800, and we were proud to continue to support all of the women and men who are currently undergoing treatment or in recovery from breast cancer.” Since its inception in 1997, Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® North Jersey has awarded $12.2 million to local breast health organizations in northern New Jersey, with $5.5 million contributed to research projects on the national level. Project Self-Sufficiency is partnering with the Sussex County Breast Health Task Force to increase awareness of the necessity of mammograms in the prevention of breast cancer. The “Mammograms Save Lives” program is funded through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® North Jersey Affiliate, along with support from Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda and the New Jersey Herald. As part of its Breast Health Program, the agency also provides free mammograms to women over the age of 40 who are uninsured or underinsured. Free mammograms will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency on May 31, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Girls entering grades 6 - 8 in the fall are invited to attend the "Becoming You: Career Exploration Camp", Monday, July 23rd - Friday, July 27th, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Guest speakers will help guide middle school girls in their exploration of a variety of career paths. Group exercises, hands-on projects and other activities will round out the day. Girls will leave with a better grasp of the tasks and aptitudes required for success in a variety of professions. The "Becoming You: Career Exploration Camp" is open to girls entering grades 6 – 8 in the fall of 2012; there is a $10 registration fee per camper. Space is limited and registration is required. Lunch will be provided each day. The camp will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Community Education Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to enroll.

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer an 8-week training program for women, including lessons in computer skills, job search methods, and interview techniques, along with on-the-job training at a community work site on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., from July 10th – August 30th. Open Houses about the Summer Office Skills program will be offered from at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 11th, Tuesday, June 12th and Thursday, June 28th; as well as at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19th and Thursday, June 21st. All classes will take place at the agency’s campus which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Work sites will be located throughout the county and hours will be dependent upon the employer’s needs. The comprehensive Summer Office Skills program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions. In addition to 40 hours of computer skills training, participants will receive 20 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of work experience at a community employment site, which will further prepare participants for success in the job market. The time in the classroom is devoted to careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies. Over the years, Project Self Sufficiency has partnered with a variety of local businesses, non-profit organizations and government entities to provide participants with externship opportunities. Participants gain real-life work experience while honing the computer skills they have received as part of the agency’s training programs. The Summer Office Skills program is free and open to Project Self-Sufficiency participants. To become a participant, or to register for the free Summer Office Skills program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Children ages 5 - 10 are invited to participate in "Project Vacation: Exploring the Arts", Monday, July 16th - Friday, July 20th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Enjoy dance, music, arts and crafts, acting, fun fitness activities and more. $10 per child; space is limited and registration is required. All activities take place at Project Self-Sufficiency's Community Education Center, 127 Mill Street in Newton. Call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to register.

Blairstown artist Susan Marie David's incredible use of vintage stones caught the attention of the judges at the recent Warren County Arts Festival, which led to her receiving the top prize of $1,000 for first place.

Parents who are looking for affordable ways to entertain the kids this summer are invited to check out Family Fun Night and Family Story Time at Project Self-Sufficiency. Both programs are free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. The whole family is welcome to participate in weekly Family Fun Nights, scheduled for Friday evenings, July 13th – August 10th. Classic family films will be screened, and parents and children will be invited to play games, make crafts, and enjoy refreshments. Story Time at Little Sprouts will be offered for families with children of all ages on Thursday evenings, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., July 12th – August 9th. Separate readings will be offered to children ages 3 – 6 and ages 7 – 10. Children are invited to listen to a favorite story, create a craft and enjoy pizza with their family. The summer activities at Project Self-Sufficiency are offered through the agency’s Family Success Center, a program of support offered to area residents. Throughout the year, the Family Success Center offers information about health and nutrition, parenting skills training, economic self-sufficiency services, family activities, legal services, referrals, advocacy and more. Family Fun Night will take place at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Community Education Center; Family Story Time will be held at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center. Both facilities are located on Project Self-Sufficiency’s campus at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Registration is required for all events. To register, or to find out more about the summer activities offered at Project Self-Sufficiency, call the agency at 973-940-3500.

Children from infancy through the age of 6 are invited to participate in summer programs at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which is located on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Some of the activities planned for the summer months include caring for the sustainable flower and vegetable garden, participation in Project Self-Sufficiency’s Project Vacation and Back-to-School Fair, and a chaperoned trip to the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center features separate classrooms for each age group, from infants through those entering pre-school. A certified teacher is available in each classroom and the teacher-child ratio adheres to or exceeds state standards. In addition to the sparkling classrooms, there is an all-purpose room for active indoor play and parent presentations, as well as a sick room for those children who may fall ill during the day. The center is equipped with two separate playgrounds, one for younger tots and one for older children. Each room has new equipment, as well as learning centers for dramatic play, computers, science, housekeeping, sand and water play, reading, and music. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which has been named after Elizabeth Houskeeper Gordon and Benjamin Gordon, uses “Creative Curriculum” in all of its programs. “Creative Curriculum guides learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology while supporting children’s social and emotional development,” noted Claire Willetts, Program Director at Project Self-Sufficiency. Over the summer, children will learn all about nutrition, composting, recycling and more as they care for their sustainable flower and vegetable garden. Funding for the garden was provided by a generous donor; the garden will be maintained by friends of Project Self-Sufficiency.

On May 2 police received an anonymous tip that a wanted person, Gilbert Rodriguez, 39, of Mansfield Township, was seen in the Mansfield Village apartment complex.

On Thursday, May 31st, a mobile mammography van will be available at Project Self-Sufficiency to offer free mammograms to eligible women. To receive a free mammogram, women must be uninsured or underinsured and over the age of 40. Mammograms will be offered by appointment only, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 5:20 p.m. Call 973-940-3500 to schedule a mammogram.

Ann Pompelio, Esquire, will discuss grounds for divorce, court procedures, child support, parenting time, equitable distribution of assets and other topics related to divorce at a free Family Law seminar at Project Self-Sufficiency on Wednesday, May 16th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Free and open to the public; registration required. Call 973-940-3500 to register.