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Ogdensburg, New Jersey, United States--The Sterling Hill Mine, now known as the Sterling Hill Mine Tour & Museum of Fluorescence, a former iron and zinc mine in Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States, has 1,800 square feet of display space, with more than two dozen exhibits—some of which you can touch and experience on your own; more than 700 objects are on display in the museum, which sets the world record for the World’s Largest Collection of Fluorescent Rocks (World's largest publicly displayed collection of fluorescent rocks), according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Roadside America reports.

"Plan at least two hours for the tour. The mineral collecting section isn't that great, but they have a fantastic gift shop with tons of great specimens. The fluorescent rock selection was great. There was nothing about Zoolander on our tour. Very limited hours - tours are only at 10 and 1. You cannot go to the museum without the tour. Since the tour is 2 hours, it means you will not have time for mineral collecting after if you do the 1 pm."

Rock & Gem reports.

"The Sterling Hill Mine was once an internationally renowned zinc mine with one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits. Over the 136-year period, the Sterling Mine was in operation, it mined 11 million tons of ore, twenty percent of which was zinc. The zinc from this area was unparalleled in its richness and purity. Zinc is essential in many industries including cars (carburetors, door handles, and fuel pumps, all die-cast parts made of zinc, and tires), ceramics and footwear.

"Overall, the Sterling Hill Mine has 35 miles of tunnels with limited public access. Visitors can get a glimpse into the mine and view the historic mining machinery and equipment. There is a demonstration of drilling and blasting. The "Rainbow Room” is a photographer's delight where visitors can see fluorescent minerals in the underground mine walls."

"The museum was started by brothers Richard and Robert Hauck in 1990 in the shuttered Sterling Hill zinc mine, which had closed three years earlier. The mine was one of the oldest in the United States and began operation around 1739, and over its lifespan, it produced more than 11 million tons of zinc ore. When it closed, it was the last operating mine in the state of New Jersey," the Atlas Obscura reports.

"Today the mine welcomes thousands of visitors into its depth each year to witness, among other things, its striking collection of more than 700 fluorescent objects. These objects—all able to glow under ultraviolet light, X-rays, or electron beams—illustrate a phenomenon that should be pretty familiar to anyone who’s had a black-light poster. The displays feature minerals, fossils, crystals, glass, fabric, and concrete, among others, all lit by ultraviolet light to show their glowing qualities.

"The museum created a special wing known as the Thomas S. Warren Museum of Fluorescence to house its glowing collection. It is named in honor of Thomas S. Warren, an ultraviolet researcher, and designer of the mineralight, a portable black-light lamp. The mine was placed on both the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1991."

"The Sterling Hill Mine, now known as the Sterling Hill Mine Tour & Museum of Fluorescence, is a former iron and zinc mine in Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States. It was the last working underground mine in New Jersey when it closed in 1986, and it became a museum in 1989. Along with the nearby Franklin Mine, it is known for its variety of minerals, especially the fluorescent varieties. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

"There are 35 miles (56 km) of tunnels in the mine, going down to 2,065 feet (629 m) below the surface on the main shaft and 2,675 feet (815 m) on the lower shaft. As of 2017, other than the very top level of the mine (<100 ft), the entire lower section has been flooded due to underground water table and hence no longer accessible. The mine remains at 56 °F (13 °C) constantly.

"The tour spends about 30 minutes inside the Exhibit hall which contains a wide variety of mining memorabilia, mineralogical samples, fossils, and meteorites. It then leads into the mine for a 1,300 feet (400 m) walk on level ground through the underground mine. The walk goes through a new 240 feet (73 m) section called the Rainbow tunnel which they blasted in 1990 using 49 blasts and at a cost of $2 a foot. In the Rainbow room, short wave UV lights are turned on to demonstrate the entire tunnel and various samples glowing with fluorescence." (Wikipedia)

"The Sterling Hill Mining Museum is known to have the world’s largest publicly displayed collection of fluorescent rocks—ones that beam bright neon colors under certain types of light. The museum is an old zinc mine—one of the oldest in the country, having opened in 1739 and in operation until 1986, during which time it was an important site for hauling out zinc, as well as iron and manganese. The abandoned mine was purchased in 1989 and converted to a museum in 1990, and now welcomes about 40,000 people every year. The museum itself includes both outdoor and indoor mining exhibits, rock and fossil discovery centers, an observatory, an underground mine tour and the Thomas S. Warren Museum of Fluorescence, devoted to the glowing minerals," the Smithsonian Magazine reports.

"The fluorescence museum occupies the mine’s old mill, a structure dating to 1916. There’s about 1,800 square feet of space, with more than two dozen exhibits—some of which you can touch and experience on your own. Even the entrance is impressive; more than 100 huge fluorescent mineral specimens cover an entire wall that’s lit up by different types of ultraviolet light, displaying the glowing capabilities of each mineral type. For kids, there’s a “cave,” complete with a fluorescent volcano, a castle and some glowing wildlife. And there’s an exhibit comprised solely of fluorescent rocks and minerals from Greenland. All told, more than 700 objects are on display in the museum

"About 15 percent of minerals fluoresce under blacklight, and they generally don’t glow in the daytime. Essentially, ultraviolet light shining on these minerals is absorbed into the rock, where it reacts with chemicals in the material and excites the electrons in the mineral, thus emitting that energy as an outwardly glow. Different types of ultraviolet light—longwave and shortwave—can produce different colors from the same rock, and some rocks that have other materials inside them (called activators) may glow multiple colors."

Testimonials from TripAdvisor

"We did the mine and museum tour, which was a very interesting and unique experience. The fluorescent rock displays were very cool - something the kids will like too. Tour guides were very informative. The museum had a lot of great stuff in it too."

"This is an incredibly interesting and amazing place to see and learn about mining and the fascinating ore body right here in Ogdensburg, NJ."

"Had a great time on my 65th birthday weekend collecting minerals and taking the informative 2 hour mine and museum tour. Great gift shop, too."

"The history and presentation of this long defunct mine is fascinating and very well done! Really cool gift shop and small snack bar too. It is alot of walking, so wear old shoes and a hat. It drips in the mine! You can also don headgear and safety glasses and go hunt for stones. Then, "pan" for gems at the sluice. Also, the fluorescent stones under a black light in the museum are just amazing! Nominal fee for entry. Really enjoyed The Sterlinghill Mine Museum!"

World’s Largest Fluorescent Rock: Ogdensburg, New Jersey

Address: 30 Plant St., Ogdensburg, NJ

GPS: 41.0828, -74.6044

Facebook: The Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Directions: Sterling Hill Mining Museum. Just south of the Franklin Mineral Museum. Proceed west on Hwy 80 past Denville to exit 34B (Hwy 15 N.). Take Hwy 15 to the second Sparta exit (Franklin-Sparta) for Hwy 517 N. Follow Hwy 517 for 2.5 miles to Ogdensburg. In Ogdensburg, at Brooks Flat Rd, is a brown sign for the Sterling Hill Mining Museum on the left (west) side of the road; turn left here. Proceed down the hill for a half-mile and turn right on Plant St. Follow Plant St. one mile to the stop sign and turn left, then immediately left again into the Sterling Hill Mining Museum entrance.

Phone: 973-209-7212

website: https://www.sterlinghillminingmuseum.org/

Admission: Adults $13, Kids $10, Addtl fee for Mine Collecting, Rock Discovery Center

RANDOLPH, NJ: At its November business meeting, the Randolph Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Michelle Telischak as the Fernbrook Elementary School principal.

Telischak, who is currently vice principal at Center Grove and Ironia elementary schools, will succeed Danielle Soldivieri, who was recently named the district’s new Director of Elementary Education. Soldivieri and Telischak will assume their new posts early next year.

An enthusiastic Telischak thanked the Board of Education and administration for their support. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be the next principal at Fernbrook Elementary School,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with all of the teachers, students, families and community members at Fernbrook to foster a love of learning for each and every child. Together we will continue to enhance the programs and initiatives at Fernbrook to empower our students to reach their highest potential.”

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Superintendent Jennifer A. Fano congratulated Telischak at the meeting. “There was a talented and diverse applicant pool for this position and I was excited to recommend Dr. Michelle Telischak as principal. Dr. Telischak has the passion and vision to continue to lead Fernbrook Elementary School’s dedicated staff and extraordinary students.”

Telischak, who has worked as the district vice principal since 2015, was the Supervisor of Instruction in the Ogdensburg Schools from 2014-15 and also worked as an elementary school teacher in grades 3-4 in the Sparta School District from 2007-14.

Telischak has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University, an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Seton Hall University, a master’s degree in elementary education with a specialization in reading and literacy from Walden University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from Rowan University.

Telischak has many highlighted accomplishments including a dissertation focusing on The Influence of Instructional Time on Student Achievement in Grades 3-5 on NJ ASK in Language Arts and Mathematics. She also helped develop school family nights to increase the connection between home and school. In addition, Telischak was named Teacher of the Year in 2012, implemented professional learning communities, and organized and coached Girls on the Run programs in Randolph, Sparta and Ogdensburg. She has also worked as a volunteer for six years with Literacy Volunteers of Sussex County where she provides support to an adult English language learner.

The district is actively searching for a new vice principal to replace Telischak. Interested applicants should apply online on rtnj.org.

OGDENSBURG — Ogdensburg School superintendent and principal Dave Astor admitted that he is often uncomfortable talking about himself, especially when the topic of the conversation involves his achievements as an educator.

So when he learned last week that he was named the 2019-20 Sussex County Superintendent of the Year, his first instinct was to poke fun at himself in wondering why he was selected.

“I’d like to think that it was because of my good looks and personality, but I know that’s not the case,” he quipped.

Instead, the Sussex County Superintendents’ Roundtable Association honored Astor with the award in recognition of his two decades of public service in county education. Several association members surprised the Ogdensburg school chief at his office last week, where he was presented with the award.

Astor said he was “shocked” to be named the top superintendent, and true to form, he was quick to deflect credit from himself by praising the quality of his counterparts in the area.

“It goes without saying that we have some really excellent educators in Sussex County,” Astor said. “I wasn’t even considering that I was in the running for (the award).”

While Astor may not relish talking about himself, the rest of the Ogdensburg staff are more than happy to do so. A post on the district’s Facebook page saluted the superintendent’s efforts during the school year that was ultimately cut short due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Mr. Astor not only goes above and beyond for his ’cherubs’ and their families, but he takes care of his staff unconditionally,” the post read. “This award is extremely well deserved especially during this challenging year where he has had to make many difficult decisions and navigate an unprecedented time. We are so lucky that he is ours at Ogdensburg School.”

Astor joined the Ogdensburg staff in 2015 after seven years at Lafayette Township School, where he was the assistant principal for three years followed by a four-year stint as superintendent. His career in education began as a guidance counselor and teacher of psychology and sociology at Pope John XXIII Regional High School, where he served from 2000 to 2008.

In addition to his administrative roles, Astor, a resident of Ogdensburg for nearly three decades, was a member of the Borough Council from 2013 to 2019. He also served nine years on the Ogdensburg Board of Education before leaving in 2010 when he took the superintendent job in Lafayette.

Earlier this month, the Ogdensburg board rewarded Astor with a new contract that runs through the 2024-25 school year. With the new deal in place, the superintendent is thrilled to be staying in his hometown district — provided he does not continue to be the focus of the school’s success.

“Like all superintendents, we don’t do what we do for praise or accolades,” Astor said. “It’s all about the kids.”

Kyle Morel can also be contacted on Twitter: @KMorelNJH, on Facebook: Facebook.com/KMorelNJH, or by phone: 973-383-1292.

OGDENSBURG -- This Sussex County town was abuzz this week after three photos posted on Facebook were said to show a shark swimming in Ogdensburg's Heaters Pond.

Greg Galindo, who posted the photos Sunday night at the "We Grew Up in Ogdensburg, N.J." page, said he believed the pond had been closed on Saturday because of photos he sent to the mayor and council that included the shark "swimming around the kiddie area."

"Probably someone from the city put it there as they could not keep it or care for it anymore," Galindo said."Be careful letting your children swim at Heaters."

The photos drew a long string of comments and hundreds of shares on Facebook, along with coverage in the New Jersey Herald. Some initially wondered if it was true, while also questioning whether a shark would be found inland in a freshwater pond.

"Are you serious? I'm coming up there in a couple days," said Cindy DeBlock.

But it didn't take long for others to get in on the joke as some comments expressed a feigned sense of heightened alarm.

By 8:38 a.m. on Monday, Sheri L. Walsh Johnson was commenting, "I knew it....I saw that shark when it was a baby!...I saw it savagely attack a Canadian goose and have not swam there since. Mothers watch your children!"

Karen Thebold responded with a knowing "lol."

Peter Batty, referring to the shark-horror movie "Jaws," commented, "Better call Chief Brody, he's an expert in these matters."

Bethany Ficacci provided an explanation: "The lake was scheduled to be closed that Saturday for weeks due to the swim championships. And I'm pretty sure if there was a 'shark', it would be closed for more than just a Saturday. But thanks for the entertainment."

As news of the shark spread, there were apprently still some who gave it credibility.

Said Brenda Jean,"I am getting calls and text messages from people all over the place who are hearing about this nonsense asking me if it's really true. Seriously!! Great job on this post hahaha it's great."

Proof of the photo's origin came in a Tweet sent to the Herald on Wednesday morning from MA Shark, a Twitter account based in Massachusetts, the Herald reported.

The tweet included pictures taken by Massachusetts state officials in 2004 when a great white shark landed on Naushon Island, near Cape Cod.

Those pictures appeared identical to the ones purportedly taken at Heaters Pond, the Herald said.

Mayor Steve Ciasullo was out of town on vacation, but he told the Herald he found the situation funny.

"The timing was right for a light-hearted moment this summer," he said, adding that Aug. 1 could now become an annual celebration of "Willie Jaws, the Heaters Pond shark."

Alexa Batelli was one of the few who didn't find it humorous.

"This isn't funny considering I'm a lifeguard at Heaters Pond," she pointed out.

Galindo, who posted the prank, replied, "So sorry someone stole your sense of humor. This wasn't about you anyway. It was about O'Burg and the pond that we used to go to when you weren't even a thought. So chill, Honey."

News about the hoax has been posted on the Borough of Ogdensburg's Facebook page.

But even on Friday, Mayor Ciasullo reported, some people were still not convinced about what's present, and not present, in Heaters Pond.

"We're still getting people saying they've seen something in the lake in the last two weeks," Ciasullo said. "Someone said, 'It was the shark.' "

Galindo could not be reached for further comment.

Ben Horowitz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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OGDENSBURG — Mayor Steve Ciasullo announced on Aug. 14 that Ogdensburg will receive back $225,000 as a result of scoring well on the N.J. State “Best Practices” questionnaire. He added, once again, Ogdensburg will receive 100 percent of the designated funding. Councilman Peter Opilla said he is trying to track down the Beardslee Hill Dr. Loop repair easement. He said, he may need to talk directly to the resident about access to the property.Ciasullo said Elizabethtown Gas picked up surveys at borough hall; and they will wait to send another town mailer until after the Aug. 15 survey results are analyzed. After council discussion and agreement, Councilman George Hutnick will reserve Sugar Sweet Farms' baby animal petting zoo for Ogdensburg Day, Sept. 9, at no cost to the borough. Councilman David Astor asked about possible liability. Borough Attorney Richard Brigliardo suggested checking Sugar's current farm insurance. Hutnick also said he is looking for more music to play at Ogdensburg Day.Opilla said, a fishing contest will take place from 8:30–11:30 a.m. of Ogdensburg Day with prizes from 11:30 a.m. until noon. If residents wish to donate items, they should contact Opilla or Councilman Anthony Nasisi. After heavy rains, Nasisi said they will patch a small leak around the chimney of borough hall. He also mentioned intermittent leaking around the Yankee gutters, fixing the roof possibly in the future, getting rid of the costly Yankee gutters, and adding funds in next year's budget. Next, Nasisi said he ordered actual stone facing for the Heater's Pond “shack,” from Route 23 Patio, at around $1,000. He continued, he will organize a team of volunteers to complete the work.Council President Rachel Slater said the head lifeguards cleaned out the shack, and it looks much better. Also, the last lifeguard day is Tuesday, Sept. 5 at Heater's Pond. Nasisi said, the Heater's Pond Committee is planning two movies, Friday, October 13: “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Friday the 13th.” There will also be: bobbing for apples, painting pumpkins, and Ogdensburg Recreational Association provided snacks: nachos, popcorn, and candies. Residents are to bring their own refreshments. Nasisi discussed possibly placing a shed at the pond, near the starting dock. Ciasullo reminded, they need to get a permit, and it should look good.During public comment, Gary Whyte asked the council to adopt a resolution recognizing awareness for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). FOP is a rare disease where muscle, tendons, and ligaments are replaced by forming bone outside the skeleton. Whyte's friend's daughter had neck muscle turning into bone and growing all the way down to her hip. Other debilitating bones grew in her right arm and left leg. He said, at the age of 24, she is currently locked into a specially built wheelchair. For 16 years, Whyte has completed fundraisers and written to all 566 municipalities in N.J., asking for resolutions of continued awareness and FOP research. As of August, he received his 508th proclamation. In addition, the N.J. Assembly and N.J. Senate will vote on Assembly Joint Resolution 147 and Senate Joint Resolution designating April 23 as FOP Awareness Day. On April 23, 2016, researchers discovered the gene causing the disease, and currently, they are in Phase II of clinical trials for potential drug treatment to slow the progression of bone growth. Whyte said, seven people in N.J. have the disease. The council agreed to place the FOP resolution on the next meeting agenda. Whyte also showed two thick binders of his awareness initiative resolutions to be turned over to the N.J. Historical Society after he has received the 566th proclamation. Resident Jean Castimore asked how long it will take to fix the fire hydrant on Main St., across from Edison Ave. Officials will verify. Mike Nardini, also part of the Heater's Pond Committee, said he is working on lure donations and DEP questions regarding fish stocking for Heater's Pond. Also, in light of lowering the pond for the dam armoring, he was wondering about the effect on stocking.Officials referred him to the regional biologist.