TRT - Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Johnsonburg, NJ

Saed Hindash/The Star-Ledger

When Betsy Guarducci heard her post office was one of thousands across the country slated to be closed, it put her daily walk to the Clinton Street branch in a whole new light.

What will she do if the government takes away a service she has depended upon for years?

"It’s just so easy to walk down here and have them put a postage on it," Guarducci, executive director of Greater Essex Counseling Services, said Tuesday at the Newark midtown branch. "Everything that I mail, I mail here."

She was far from alone in her reaction Tuesday to the U.S. Postal Service’s announcement that it’s considering closing nearly 3,700 of its approximately 32,000 stations and branches across the U.S. — including 50 in New Jersey — to cut costs. The list has not been finalized, but closings are expected to begin by January, officials said, and at this point all 50 states and Washington, D.C., are affected.

In addition, some 4,500 postal workers could lose their jobs. The number of workers who could be laid off in New Jersey was not available.

While postal officials said the majority of closings would affect rural branches across the country, New Jersey would be hit hardest in its northern urban and suburban municipalities. Only a handful of the proposed 50 closures are in southern New Jersey or on the Shore.

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Newark’s main post office would stay open, but the city could lose four of its branches. Hoboken and Union City each have three locations tagged for potential closure.

In 2009, the Postal Service announced a restructuring of northern New Jersey’s mail-distribution system and closed a Whippany center in January, laying off 45 workers.

The Postal Service has been hemorrhaging millions of dollars a year and now faces a $20 billion gap that officials aim to close by 2015. Proposals to reduce services to five days a week also are being considered.

Assemblyman Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) said Tuesday’s move reflects "an economic reality" but insisted people should still have "reasonable access" to postal services. Seven post offices may be closed in his district alone, which includes parts of Essex and Union counties.

Coutinho said he’s worried that shutting down post offices would create "extraordinarily long wait times" at neighboring branches.

"If someone is inconvenienced and has to go an extra six or seven blocks," they should not have to wait in long lines, he said.

In Hillside, Mayor Joseph Menza said shuttering the township’s two post offices means residents, plus folks on the Irvington and Newark border who use the Hillside Avenue branch, will all be out of luck.

"It’ll be affecting three communities, and that’s horrible," Menza said. He added elderly residents who rely mainly on so-called snail mail will get hit hardest.

"They’re resistant to use computers," Menza said. "They don’t have the mobility to get around either."

Closing Roselle’s sole post office would force residents to go to the next nearest location in Roselle Park, Mayor Garrett Smith said. But unfortunately, that one’s on the chopping block, too.

By: Abram Brown and Eunice Lee/The Star-Ledger

Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the 200-acre South Cape May Meadows Preserve is a haven for native and migratory birds, and a globally renowned paradise for birders. The varied landscape boasts dunes, fields, freshwater wetlands and a full mile of undeveloped, protected beach—a rarity on the heavily developed New Jersey shoreline—and wildlife viewing opportunities abound.

Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve is a 700+ acre preserve that protects a spectacular limestone forest and the glacier-formed Mud Pond, a scenic limestone wetland that supports rare plants, waterfowl and iconic mammals like black bear, fox and state-endangered bobcats. Four miles of trails wind through the pristine habitats, with constantly changing angles and views.

Inn at Millrace Pond 313 Hope-Johnsonburg Road Hope, New Jersey (908) 459-4884

By The Artful Diner August 4, 2010

Inn at Millrace Pond

was the worst meal it has ever been my displeasure to ingest... but it was damn close. In point of fact, it was right up there -- most assuredly in the top five of gastronomic gaffes I'd like to forget.

And this is an incredible tragedy, as the setting is a study in bucolic bliss. Set on a hillside in the picturesque Village of Hope, the Inn incorporates three buildings with seventeen distinctive guest accommodations and charmingly rustic dining facilities.

The main focus of attention is the former gristmill, a landmark limestone building constructed between 1769 and 1770, where a massive stone wall and exposed posts & beams bask in the flickering candlelight of the formal dining room. Directly below is the more casual "Tavern" boasting an enormous walk-in fireplace, grain chute, and assorted memorabilia spanning the structure's almost 200-year history as a working mill.

When I first reviewed this restaurant -- nearly a decade ago -- it had just settled down after engaging in a spirited (and detrimental) version of "Musical Chefs." Victor Dias, who had risen up through the ranks, was the power behind the stove and had the traditional Continental/American fare well in hand.

However, about three years ago, Bill Kirkhuff and his partner, innkeeper Jonathan Teed, acquired the property; and chef Darin Deacon took over the reins in the kitchen. I'm not quite sure what transpired... But while the welcome is warm, even warmer than under the previous administration, and the service helpful and competent -- our waitress was extraordinarily pleasant -- the food sampled was very nearly beneath contempt.

Let's begin with the "Drunken Mussels." The broth, spiked with bourbon and butter, was a good deal beyond funky in countenance. In addition, it was a sea of broken shells, so every mouthful was something of an adventure. As for the bivalves themselves... Well, my wife, who freely confesses that she could live on mussels, declared them considerably less than desirable; and I agreed -- in spades.

Then, of course, there was the retro wedge, a chunk of iceberg lettuce with bleu cheese dressing and crumbled Maytag bleu cheese. The problem I've often found with similar presentations is that restaurants are often rather skimpy on the dressing. Not so here... The wedge was smothered -- and I do mean smothered -- in dressing and cheese. So much so that I couldn't take more than a few bites before my taste buds gave up the ghost. Too much richness... Too much creaminess... Too much of too much. And when I finally made my way through to the greenery, it was definitely on the tired side.

But what was a turnoff for the taster proved to be an eyesore as well. Every variation of the retro wedge that I've encountered has included diced tomatoes and crumbled bacon... not only to provide an infusion of contrasting flavors and textures but also a much needed splash of color. The Inn's version, however, treated the diner to no such luxuries. The presentation was an unmitigated, unappetizing "whiteout," a free-floating miniature iceberg (if you'll pardon the pun) with absolutely no appeal to the eye... and even less to the palate.

Entrées demonstrated little or no improvement over their predecessors. The Mediterranean ravioli, one of the restaurant's so-called "Specialties," really wasn't very special at all... downright generic, at best. And its filling -- spinach, mushrooms, and Romano cheese -- tasted as if it owed its genesis to the local supermarket's frozen food case.

The real culprit, though, was the chicken piccata, a relatively simple dish but one that is always a good test of the kitchen's mettle (as numerous things may easily go awry)... and this kitchen failed miserably.

The chicken breast was slightly overcooked but still acceptable... No, it was the sauce (a combo of white wine, butter, lemon juice, and capers) that provided the kiss of death. It was inordinately viscous -- name your favorite thickener -- and horrendously salty. The capers (perhaps not adequately rinsed) may have contributed slightly to this state of affairs; but it was obvious that the chef or one of his gofers had run amuck with the salt shaker... The accompanying snow peas were crisp & crunchy, just as they should have been -- but incredibly oily; and the dollop of gloppy mashed potatoes added absolutely nothing to the occasion. Certainly not the kitchen's finest hour.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were committed to return to the Inn for lunch the following day. My wife had made arrangements to meet an old friend, and it was too late to change the venue at the last minute. I was hoping against hope that the lunch menu's simple, straightforward fare would prove more palatable... unfortunately, this was not the case.

My wife's chopped salad -- greens gussied up with cranberries, walnuts, cheddar, onions, raisins, and apples -- had too much going on for its own good; and the yogurt dressing was too liberally applied and off-puttingly acidic. My grilled chicken "burger" wasn't a burger at all but a dry, overcooked chicken breast sequestered beneath an overdose of bacon and cheddar. The only redeeming feature: a mini side of first-rate potato salad.

The highlight of two meals proved to be the warm berry cobbler. It exhibited just the proper amount of sweet/tart fruit, just the proper texture, and generous dollops of vanilla ice cream provided just the proper embellishment. If only other items had measured up to its wholesome simplicity.

In addition to the quality (or lack thereof) of the cuisine, there were other tip-offs that all was not as it should have been. First of all, we were the only patrons in the dining room for the majority of the evening. Not a good sign. In the immortal words of food critic Jim Quinn: "Never eat in an empty restaurant. Everybody who isn't there must know something you don't." Despite the absence of other diners, however, items took an inordinate amount of time to make their way from kitchen to table.

Secondly, the wine list, (sans vintages), which had been quite good at one time, is now a mere shadow of its former self. I ordered an Italian Pinot Grigio from Livio Felluga, which turned out to be a 2007... It was completely over the hill. I sent it back and then chose a Pouilly-Fuisse from Louis Jadot. Our server disappeared for an extended period of time. When she returned, she apologetically told us there were no chilled bottles of that particular wine... My third choice was a Pouilly-Fumé from Michel Redee, which, thankfully, managed to arrive without a hitch.

Taken together, all of the above faux pas are symptomatic of an establishment that simply doesn't have its act together. Under the previous proprietorship, the Inn at Millrace Pond was an excellent place to dine. The food was never cutting edge, but the quality was impeccable and it was carefully prepared & attractively presented. That, in my opinion, is not now the case.

I have no doubt that the Inn may very well be able to survive hosting corporate gigs, weddings, banquets, and other large party functions... However, if the current owners wish to continue the tradition of fine dining here, they must be prepared to make some immediate changes... beginning with the cuisine.

Cuisine: Dining Room: Traditional American/Continental; Tavern: Casual FareHours: Lunch: Daily, 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Dinner: Sun - Thurs, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.Credit Cards: All major Attire: Casual Reservations: Accepted Parking: Onsite Alcohol: License Price: Moderate/Expensive Handicapped Accessible: Yes Website: www.innatmillracepond.com

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Wesleyan students and staff traveled to Johnsonburg, N.J., March 18-22 to participate in the fourth annual Office of Religious and Spiritual Life Interfaith Service Trip. The group had representation from the Protestant, Catholic, and Muslim communities.

The student participants included Nacala Gadsden ’21, Joy Adedokun ’19, Fitzroy Pablo Wickham ’21, Brynn Assignon ’20, and Fatima Sepulveda ’21. The trip was led by University Chaplain Rev. Tracy Mehr-Muska and Sandy Durosier ’13, area coordinator for residential life.

“The purpose of the trip was to engage in community service and learn about other faiths,” Mehr-Muska said.

The group stayed at the faith-based Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center and volunteered their time at the Barnyard Sanctuary in Johnsonburg; Trinity Methodist Church Thrift Shop in Hackettstown, N.J.; and Manna House Soup Kitchen in Newton, N.J.

“Each of these incredible nonprofits happened to be run by women, and the students were able to see the complexity and rewarding nature of developing and sustaining important, life-giving community organizations,” Mehr-Muska said.

In the evenings, the group gathered to reflect on the day and discuss issues including self-care and learn new spiritual practices. The group also attended a special service at a Jewish temple for the holiday of Purim and had the opportunity to dialogue with the rabbi and community leaders about Judaism.

In addition to spiritual devotional time, the group participated in an array of social gatherings including walking a labyrinth, bowling, journaling, playing volleyball, making decoupage, zip-lining, watching a movie, and making a campfire.

Photos of the Interfaith Service Trip are below:

Two Wesleyan seniors will spend a year abroad working on purposeful international discoveries as 2019 Thomas J. Watson Fellows.

Momi Afelin ’19 and Justin Kim ’19 are among 41 students from 40 partner institutions across the country to receive the prestigious fellowship. The Watson Fellowship is a rare window after college and pre-career for students to engage their deepest interests on a global scale. Fellows conceive original projects, execute them outside of the United States, and gain personal insight, perspective, and confidence.

Afelin, a biology and neuroscience and behavior double major, will spend her fellowship year working on a project titled “Island Innovation: Embodiment through Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation.” She will embed herself in five island countries in the Pacific and Caribbean including Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago and observe how geographic isolation and unique social structures of island communities demand innovation for survival and success.

Her curiosity in island innovation comes from growing up in Molokai, Hawaii.

“To grow up on an island is to grow up a problem solver,” she said. “I would like to explore how other islanders like myself are harnessing their innovation through social entrepreneurship or social innovation endeavors that address community issues.”

Since Afelin’s long-term goal is to work as a medical doctor with Pacific Island communities, she is specifically interested in enterprises that are creating change in island health care systems. Limited access to health care, specifically specialized health care, and economic mobility are both problems facing isolated communities, she explained. These problems are exacerbated in island communities by their geographical isolation.

“Islands are separated by large bodies of water, which create an entirely different challenge in receiving resources [and] isolated communities face socioeconomic burdens in different or more extreme ways than more populous areas,” Afelin wrote in her fellowship project proposal. “The Watson Fellowship will provide me with the opportunity to observe and engage with island communities and build on my own personal experiences and my Wesleyan education to see innovative island people in action grappling with their own community problems.”

Kim, an American studies and film studies double-major, will explore “Koreatowns” through his project titled “Identity, Erasure, and Belonging in Korean Diasporas.” He will investigate vanishing narratives within the Korean diasporic community in Argentina, Mexico, the Canary Islands, and Uzbekistan.

“Through interviews and participant observation, my goal is to get as close as possible to the community organizations and constituents of each town,” Kim said. “I will supplement these experiences by meeting with related stakeholders including government officials, artists, religious leaders, and other enclaves that inform these distinct communities.”

Kim’s project grew from his personal experience being a Korean American immigrant and a recent encounter with USCIS (U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services), which raised his awareness of several obscure and tragic turns in the Korean diaspora. He cites the 1930s forced deportation of Koreans from Russia to Central Asia as a result of the Communist Party’s ethnic cleansing programs as one such example.

“As such, this project is driven by a sense of imminent loss as the absence of documentation—pedagogic, cultural, and historical among others—of the different permutations of Korean exile and diaspora only continues to widen as older generations are lost to us,” Kim said. “I hope to address this absence by exercising ethnographic, oral historical, and recorded methods of documentation and exploration. I also hope to do some personal work and, perhaps, learn something about my own position within the Korean diaspora.”

The 2019 Watson Fellows hail from six countries and 18 states. Fellows will travel to 76 countries exploring topics ranging from artificial intelligence to music subcultures; from food insecurity to island innovation; from neonatal to end-of-life care.

“A record number of students initiated this year’s application process,” said Chris Kasabach, Watson Foundation executive director. “The new class is remarkable. They reflect the diversity, imagination, and cross-disciplinary nature of our next-generation leaders.”

WARREN COUNTY, NJ – The Warren County Office of Emergency Management has worked with the Emergency Management Coordinators in all twenty-two (22) municipalities to pre-identify warming and cooling shelters within Warren County.

Announced on the County website is a complete list of available warming and cooling shelters shared earlier today by County Commissioner James Kern III.

As we expect hot temperatures over the next few days, please see the cooling locations throughout Warren County below. These temperatures can be dangerous to your health. Please take proper precautions and be safe. https://t.co/veOwmZiKtB

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— James Kern III (@JamesRKernIII) July 26, 2023

Reach out to your Municipal Coordinator directly as hours may vary.

A list of Municipal Coordinators and their contact information can be found on the Municipal OEM Contact page or below.

ALLAMUCHY TOWNSHIP

ALPHA BOROUGH

BELVIDERE

BLAIRSTOWN TOWNSHIP

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

FRELINGHUYSEN TOWNSHIP

GREENWICH TOWNSHIP

HACKETTSTOWN

HARDWICK TOWNSHIP

HARMONY TOWNSHIP

HOPE TOWNSHIP

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP

KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP

MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP

OXFORD TOWNSHIP

PHILLIPSBURG

POHATCONG TOWNSHIP

WASHINGTON BOROUGH

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

WHITE TOWNSHIP

WARREN COUNTY

Dates and Times for all above locations:

OEM Information: Frank Wheatley: (908) 339-1188 or [email protected] and Michael Petruzzellis: (908) 339-1191 or [email protected]

Read more:

Stay Cool: Phillipsburg Recreation Department Unveils Cooling Centers, Senior Pool Access, and Heat-Beating Tips!

Warren County Residents: What you need to know for flood assistance