May 6, 2009

TOWNSHIP OF ROCKAWAY

Memorial Day & Weekend Events Briefing Sheet

 Sunday, May 24^th

      12:15pm  Service at the Christian Fellowship Church of God – Marcella

   *12:45pm  Honor Roll / Rifle Firing and wreath placement at the War Memorial at

                     Green Pond & Upper Hibernia Road 

Monday, May 25^th  

     6:00am  Sunrise service and rifle firing at the White Meadow Lake Firehouse

 *10:45am  Staging for Memorial Day Parade – Fleetwood and Edith Drive.  All vehicles

                   and related equipment are asked to stage on Edith Drive (Rt. 80 side) and will

                   be asked to line up via Queens Road.  All individuals and marching units will

                   be asked to stage on Edith Drive (opposite side from vehicles)

  11:00am   Memorial Day Parade will begin on Fleetwood Drive, proceed toward Mt.

                   Hope Road, making a right and ending at the Gazebo at Park Lake, where

                   Services will be held. 

Refreshments will be available at the American Legion Post 344 at the conclusion of the program.

 * Police Dept. to provide traffic assistance.

 In case of inclement weather on Memorial Day, May 28^th, the Parade will be cancelled, however, the services will be held at the American Legion Post 344 at 11:00am

 Questions can be directed to the Township Dept. of Parks and Recreation at 983-2841.

April  16, 2009

“Prayer, America’s Hope” is the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer, which is observed in communities throughout the United States.  Area residents are invited to join local religious leaders, civic leaders, school children and members of the public at the 14^th annual Rockaway Township National Day of Prayer observance, scheduled for Noon on Thursday, May 7st at the Rotary Memorial Gazebo, located on Park Lakes. 

            The tradition of national and civic prayers dates back to the First Continental Congress in 1775.  In 1988, both houses of Congress unanimously passed legislation setting aside the first Thursday of May as National Day of Prayer; in 1994, the New Jersey legislation designated the first Thursday of May as Day of Prayer in that state.  It offers the opportunity for people to join in united prayer to give thanks for blessings received, to request healing for wounds endured, and to ask for guidance for all our leaders.

            In the event of rain, the observance will be held in the Municipal Building, 65 Mt. Hope Road.  Sign interpreters may be present.  For additional information, please contact the Rockaway Township Municipal Building at 973-983-2807/2800.

February 13, 2009

FREE RABIES CLINIC FOR DOGS & CATS 

A condition known as “White Nose Syndrome”(WNS) has been identified in the bats hibernating within Rockaway Township.  This syndrome, which has not been shown to affect humans or other animals, causes hibernating bats to leave their caves in search of food.  These bats are being found in a weakened state or dying in areas that are accessible to our pets, both inside and outside of residents’ homes.  An up-to-date rabies vaccine is essential to protecting you pets from rabies infection. 

Therefore, the Health Department recommends that dog and cat owners check the expiration date of their pets’ rabies vaccination.  To assist residents in addressing this important issue the Rockaway Township Health Department has scheduled a FREE RABIES CLINIC on Saturday, February 28, 2009. The clinic will take place at the Township Municipal Garage located a 540 Green Pond Road (next to Katherine D. Malone School) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All animals must be restrained. 

As a reminder, all dog and cat licenses were required to be renewed by January 31, 2009.

In order to renew your pets’ license(s) the rabies vaccination must be valid through November 1, 2009.  If you have already acquired your pet’s 2009 license we have already confirmed that the rabies vaccination is valid. 

Should you have any questions, please contact the Health Department at 973-983-2848/2849.

January 8, 2009

Curbside pickup of Christmas trees will take place the week of January 12^th.

Trees must be placed curbside by Sunday evening, January 11^th.  Residents must remove tree bags.  Trees in plastic bags or buried under snow will not be collected.  If there is inclement weather, please be patient; uncover the tree and leave it at the curb.  Residents may also bring trees to the McVeigh Recycling Drop Off site adjacent to the Municipal Building.  For more information, contact the Rockaway Township Health Department at

(973)983-2848/2849.

December 4, 2008

TOWNSHIP OF ROCKAWAY

MAYOR LOUIS S. SCEUSI

AND

THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE TOWNSHIP’S ANNUAL MENORAH LIGHTING CELEBRATION ON

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2008 AT 7:00 PM

AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 65 MT. HOPE ROAD

MUSIC AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE

September 29, 2008

MORRIS COUNTY DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Office of the Mayor has been advised by the Morris County Park Commission of its 2008-2009 White-Tailed Deer Management Program Schedule for the Mount Hope Area in the Township. This program and its implementation are consistent with the regulations of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW). Notices of the Program’s dates will be posted on the Morris County Park Commissioner’s website at www.morrisparks.net.  The schedule for Mount Hope Historical Area in Rockaway is as follows:

Permit Bow:        November 3-28 (No Saturdays)

Winter Bow:       January 1-30 (No Saturdays)

Permit Shotgun:  December 17-19

September 15, 2008

The ninth annual Rockaway Township “New Resident Open House” will be held Monday, September 22, 2008 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building located in 65 Mt. Hope Road, Rockaway.  Residents that moved to the community during 2007 and thus far in 2008 are invited to attend.

             Residents will be afforded the opportunity to acquaint themselves with municipal services and to meet with department heads to answer any questions they may have regarding the Township.  The following municipal departments will be represented at the Open House meeting:  Administration; Clerk’s Office; Municipal Court; Engineering Department, including Construction, Zoning and Planning; Finance Department, including Assessor and Tax Collector; Fire Department; Health Department, including Animal Control and Recycling; Police Department; Public Works Department, including Roads and Water Utility; and Recreation, Parks and Senior Services, including Open Space.  Printed materials will be available for distribution. 

            For additional information regarding the Open House, please contact Administration at 973-983-2800.

August 23, 2008

Mayor Louis S. Sceusi wishes to announce that the annual Rockaway Township Senior Citizen Picnic will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the Craigmeur Recreational Complex, Green Pond Road, from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. 

            A tasty picnic lunch, music, door prizes and good fellowship will be offered to the Township’s senior residents.  Representatives from municipal departments, health agencies and area organizations will be present to meet with residents and to disseminate information regarding their services. 

            The annual picnic is open to all Rockaway Township senior residents.  Proof of residency may be required at the gate. 

For additional information, please contact the office of Mayor Louis S. Sceusi at 973-983-2800.

August 6, 2008

Message from the Mayor on Economic Stimulus Packages

August 6, 2008

DUE TO THE HIGH WATER USAGE BY ITS CUSTOMERS THE ROCKAWAY TWP
MUNICIPAL UTILITY HAS IMPLEMENTED LEVEL 1 WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
(DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS)

FOR ALL WATER CUSTOMERS.

THE TOWNSHIP WATER SYSTEM, ESPECIALLY ON THE WEEKENDS, IS EXPERIENCING
A SIGNIFICANT UPSURGE IN WATER USE FROM ITS CUSTOMERS, PLACING
CONSTRAINTSON THE ABILITY TO CONTINUALLY DELIVER WATER. 

THEREFORE, WE ARE REQUESTING ALL WATER CUSTOMERS TO FOLLOW
& ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING CONSERVATION MEASURES:

ROCKAWAY TWP RESIDENTS MAY ONLY UTILIZE OUTDOOR LAWN
SPRINKLERS AS FOLLOWS:

ODD NUMBER HOMES MAY WATER ON ODD NUMBERED DAYS

EVEN NUMBER HOMES MAY WATER ON EVEN NUMBERED DAYS

BOTH MAY ONLY WATER BETWEEN 6 AM TO 8AM  AND  5PM TO 7PM

ON THE ALLOWED DAY.

NO SPRINKLERS ALLOWED ON SUNDAYS, HOLIDAYS OR THE 31^st OF ANY MONTH.

WATERING NOT TO EXCEED 30 MINUTES ON ANY ONE AREA PER DAY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS MATTER.

IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL OUR OFFICE AT 973-983-2825.

 ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL UTILITY

July 22, 2008

ICE CREAM SOCIAL TO CELEBRATE MOUNT HOPE HISTORY

MORRISTOWN, NJ, July 18, 2008 ­ The Historical Society of the Rockaways, the Morris County Historical Society, and the Morris County Park Commission invite the public to an Ice Cream Social at the Mount Hope Miner¹s Church, Mt. Hope Road in Rockaway Township, on Saturday, August 23, from 1 to 5 p.m..

The event will celebrate the 140th anniversary of the original dedication of the church.  A formal rededication ceremony will be held at 2:30.  The public will have its first opportunity since 1984 to see the interior of this historic church prior to its restoration.

 On view on the church grounds will be excerpts from the Morris County Historical Society¹s exhibition ³Forging the Future: Morris County¹s Iron Industry.²  Period music will be sung by the Ford Faesch Carolers and friends.  Old-fashioned refreshments, including ice cream, lemonade, watermelon, strawberries, and ice water will be available for $1.00 each.

 Additional programs will be held across the street at the Ford-Faesch House..

There will be ongoing tours of this historic iron master¹s house, which is being restored by the Historical Society of the Rockaways.  Folklorist Elinor Levy will also be on site to interview anyone with memories of the Mt. Hope Mining community or the Mt. Hope Miner¹s Church for an oral history archive.

 The event is free of charge and parking is available. A free shuttle will be available between the Ice Cream Social and Wharton Canal Day. Directions to the site can be found at http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/mhdir.asp.

April 28, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Prayer, America’s Strength and Shield” is the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer, which is observed in communities throughout the United States.  Area residents are invited to join local religious leaders, civic leaders, school children and members of the public at the 14^th annual Rockaway Township National Day of Prayer observance, scheduled for Noon on Thursday, May 1st at the Rotary Memorial Gazebo, located on Park Lakes. 

            The tradition of national and civic prayers dates back to the First Continental Congress in 1775.  In 1988, both houses of Congress unanimously passed legislation setting aside the first Thursday of May as National Day of Prayer; in 1994, the New Jersey legislation designated the first Thursday of May as Day of Prayer in that state.  It offers the opportunity for people to join in united prayer to give thanks for blessings received, to request healing for wounds endured, and to ask for guidance for all our leaders.

            In the event of rain, the observance will be held in the Municipal Building, 65 Mt. Hope Road.  Sign interpreters may be present.  For additional information, please contact the Rockaway Township Municipal Building at 973-983-2807/2800.

March 10, 2008

December 10, 2007

LEAF COLLECTION

The Township prohibits discarding leaves, grass or other lawn waste onto the street. Please make sure that leaves are properly disposed.  Also alert your landscaping contractor (if you use a contractor for leaf clean up) to this prohibition.  The Township provides curbside leaf pick up for your convenience. If you have any questions please call 973-983-2848/49.

October 5, 2007

The Mayor and Council of Rockaway Township are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Business Administrator.  After serving as Health Officer since 1981 and Business Administrator since 1999, Steven C. Levinson retired on June 1, 2007. 

Mr. Gregory V. Poff II will be leaving his current position as Byram Township Manager where he has served since 2004 and will begin his new responsibilities in Rockaway on October 1, 2007.  He has served as the Chief Executive Officer in Byram responsible for the day to day operations as well as personnel, budgets, and purchasing.

The new Administrator is one of nine professional government managers in New Jersey recognized as a Credentialed Manager by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, Mr. Poff possesses significant experience as a senior local government executive, has earned a degree in public administration, and demonstrates a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong professional development.

Mr. Poff served over two years with Peace Corps Ghana, West Africa, as a Project Manager supervising the West Mamprusi District Water and Sanitation Program.

Mr. Poff holds a BA in policy and management studies from Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA and a MPA from Rutgers University.  He is a member of the New Jersey Municipal Management Association, the ICMA, the Pi Alpha Alpha National Public Administration Honor Society and the National Eagle Scout Association.

October 5, 2007

The Community Partnership For Persons With Disabilities of Rockaway Township is sponsoring it’s tenth annual parent workshop---Transition Planning –

Getting Started, on Saturday, October 20, 2007  from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm (lunch included) at the Rockaway Township Senior Citizens Center on Mt. Hope Road in Rockaway.

Speakers will include Margaret Hefferle, BSN, Family Resource Specialist with SPAN (Statewide Parent Advocacy Network) and also parent of a child with special needs. Margaret will  discuss “Basic Stuff You Need To Know”. She will be followed by Shirley B. Whitenack, Esq., from the firm of Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP, located in Morristown.  Shirley will focus on legal issues such as guardianship, wills and special needs trusts.  After lunch there will be a panel of parents whose children are now young adults and who have completed the transition planning.   

Admission is free to anyone interested, but reservations are required.  Please call 973-983-8922 to reserve your seat.

August 6, 2007

Mayor Louis S. Sceusi wishes to announce that the annual Rockaway Township Senior Citizen Picnic will be held on Wednesday, September 5,2007 at the Craigmeur Recreational Complex, Green Pond Road, from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. \

A tasty picnic lunch, music, door prizes and good fellowship will be offered to the Township’s senior residents.  Representatives from municipal departments, health agencies and area organizations will be present to meet with residents and to disseminate information regarding their services.

The annual picnic is open to all Rockaway Township senior residents.  Proof of residency may be required at the gate. 

 For additional information, please contact the office of Mayor Louis S. Sceusi at 973-983-2800.

April 6, 2007

Mayor Louis S. Sceusi of Rockaway Township wishes to remind all residents to “Be a Good Neighbor – Be Bear Aware”.  With the arrival of spring, New Jersey’s black bears are emerging from their dens in search of food and mates, increasing the likelihood of encounters with citizens and nuisance complaints. 

          In order to educate the public, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is requesting that the Township remind all residents that feeding bears – intentionally or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or garbage – is not only dangerous, it is illegal.  Feeding black bears has serious consequences – bears that associate people with food are more likely to become a nuisance and pose a public-safety threat.  

          The NJDEP has prepared an informational flyer “Be a Good Neighbor – Be Bear Aware” for distribution to all residents.  To view the flyer, please visit the Press Release page on the Township’s website at www.rockawaytownship.org .  For more information on black bears, please  visit the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife’s webpage at www.njfishandwildlife.com.

April 5, 2007

The eighth annual Rockaway Township “New Resident Open House” will be held Monday, May 14, 2007 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building located in 65 Mt. Hope Road, Rockaway.  Residents that moved to the community during 2006 and thus far in 2007 are invited to attend.

Residents will be afforded the opportunity to acquaint themselves with municipal services and to meet with department heads to answer any questions they may have regarding the Township.  The following municipal departments will be represented at the Open House meeting:  Administration; Clerk’s Office; Engineering Department, including Construction, Zoning and Planning; Finance Department, including Assessor and Tax Collector; Fire Department; Health Department, including Animal Control and Recycling; Police Department; Public Works Department, including Roads and Water Utility; and Recreation, Parks and Senior Services, including Open Space.  Printed materials will be available for distribution.

For additional information regarding the Open House, please contact Administration at 973-983-2800.

February 28, 2007

Rockaway Township 319H Stormwater Quality Grant Recommended for Approval

Rockaway Township Mayor Louis S. Sceusi is happy to announce that the Township has been notified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Watershed Planning, that the $198,000 Stormwater Quality Grant Application for the Beaver Brook Watershed has been recommended for approval.  The Rockaway Township Administration has been working with the White Meadow Lake Property Owners Association to develop a plan that would reduce the amount of sedimentation and pollutant loading into White Meadow Lake and the Beaver Brook Watershed.  The White Meadow Lake Property Owners Association has developed an extensive data base through years of water quality testing which Steven Levinson, Rockaway Township’s Business Administrator and Public Health Officer, believes was instrumental in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection favorable determination.

The $198,000 three year grant provides funding for the installation of stormwater quality structures and the evaluation of structure efficiency.  “I am pleased that Mayor Louis  Sceusi and his administration continue to demonstrate their concern and commitment to all sectors of our vast municipality,” said Councilman Dr. Alexander Gellman, who helped in the project.  Mayor Sceusi stated, “I look forward to working with the NJDEP and to the implementation of this project and I hope that this will provide a model for our other lake communities.

February 28, 2007

$175,000 NJ Department of Transportation Grant Resurfacing and Installation of Curbing:  Fleetwood Drive Section Three

           Mayor Louis S. Sceusi is pleased to inform residents that Rockaway Township was successful in obtaining a $175,000 Grant from the NJDOT for resurfacing, installation of curbing and handicap ramps on Fleetwood Drive between Miller Avenue and Mount Hope Road.  “Lisa Ryden, Rockaway Township’s Municipal Engineer and the Engineering Department aggressively pursued the funding and are to be commended for their efforts.” said Mayor Sceusi.

Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the Ford-Faesch House in Rockaway Township

The Historical Society of the Rockaways invites you to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Annual Ford-Faesch Victorian Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 2 from 2-4 p.m., Mount Hope Road, Rockaway Township.

Come enjoy "The Night Before Christmas," live music and carolers, Victorian era exhibits and refreshments.  Be transported back to Victorian time with a self-guided tour of the Ford-Faesch House.  Built in 1768 by Jacob Ford, Jr., the stone manor home was the residence of John Jacob Faesch, who directed local iron mining operations providing ammunition to the Continental Army.  Admission is free. Donations gratefully accepted.

For more information and directions, call 973-366-6730.

August  23, 2006

Mayor Louis S. Sceusi wishes to announce that the annual Rockaway Township Senior Citizen Picnic will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at the Craigmeur Recreational Complex, Green Pond Road, from 12 Noon to 4 p.m.

             A tasty picnic lunch, music, door prizes and good fellowship will be offered to the Township’s senior residents.  Representatives from municipal departments, health agencies and area organizations will be present to meet with residents and to disseminate information regarding their services.

             The annual picnic is open to all Rockaway Township senior residents.  Proof of residency may be required at the gate.   

For additional information, please contact the office of Mayor Louis S. Sceusi at 973-983-2800.

April  26, 2006

The seventh annual Rockaway Township “New Resident Open House” will be held Monday, May 22, 2006 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building located in 65 Mt. Hope Road, Rockaway.  Residents that moved to the community during 2005 and thus far in 2006 are invited to attend.

            Residents will be afforded the opportunity to acquaint themselves with municipal services and to meet with department heads to answer any questions they may have regarding the Township.  The following municipal departments will be represented at the Open House meeting:  Administration; Clerk’s Office; Engineering Department, including Construction, Zoning and Planning; Finance Department, including Assessor and Tax Collector; Fire Department; Health Department, including Animal Control and Recycling; Police Department; Public Works Department, including Roads and Water Utility; and Recreation, Parks and Senior Services, including Open Space.  Printed materials will be available for distribution.

            For additional information regarding the Open House, please contact Administration at 973-983-2800.

April  26, 2006

ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP TOWN HALL

“COMMUNITY MEETING”

COPELAND MIDDLE SCHOOL

LAKESHORE DRIVE

ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2006 @ 7:30 P.M.

TOPICS:  TAXES & TAX ASSESSMENT/SPEEDING ISSUES

Here is your chance to speak out about two key issues that concern all residents in Rockaway Township.  Mayor Louis Sceusi; Councilman-At-Large William Schievella; Mark Burek, Tax Assessor; Police Chief Walter Kimble; Ward 3 Councilwoman Barbara Grimaldi will make short presentations and then take your questions and comments regarding:

-         The fundamentals of property taxation

-         Residential property vs. commercial property

-         Speeding and traffic concerns throughout the Township

April  19, 2006

January 31, 2006

Rockaway Township - Mayor Louis S. Sceusi and Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Kerry T. Skelton today signed documentation which will officially "Kick-Off" the 2006 Frog Falls Aquatic Park registrations.  Frog Falls Aquatic Park, located on Picatinny Arsenal is open exculsively to the residents of Rockaway Township, Jefferson Township, Wharton Borough, Rockaway Borough, the Towns of Dover and Denville Township as well as the military Soldiers, Active Duty & Retired, their families and Picatinny employees.  Rockaway Township residents have the first opportunity to register for the 700 available memberships.  Any unfilled membership opportunities will be offered to the partner municipalities on a first come first serve basis.