News briefs

| 24 Oct 2013 | 12:58

Council hires interim fire marshal

WEST MILFORD — The township council appointed Alfred Stewart as interim fire marshal Wednesday night after the resignation of Ron Svrchek. Stewart has worked with the township for a long time, according to township Administrator Nancy Gage. He is not interested in taking the position permanently, she added.


Handmade crochet, knitted items for sale

WEST MILFORD — West Milford Community Services and Recreation, Office of Older Adult Services seniors are selling hand made baby blankets, baby sweaters, hats, and booties among other items. These items are for sale at the Hillcrest Community Center, 1810 Macopin Road. Previously displayed at area banks, these are now displayed in a case at the main entrance of Hillcrest. If you are looking for a baby gift, stop by and see what the seniors have to offer. All proceeds benefit West Milford senior citizen programs. Call 973-728-2871 for more information.


Our Lady Queen of Peace having 40-hours devotion

HEWITT — Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Parish is planning a 40-hour Eucharistic adoration from Friday, Nov. 1, through Monday, Nov. 4, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 1911 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, NJ. (www.olqpnj.org) The devotion, a vigil of prayer, will occur over four days at these times: All Saints Day, Friday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then Friday evening, 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday morning; All Souls Day, Saturday, Nov. 2, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., then from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight; Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1 to 8 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. The adoration will conclude on Monday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. with a procession, evening prayer, and benediction, followed by a reception.

Those wishing to learn more should visit www.olqpnj.org or call 973-728-8162.


West Milford declares "Extra Mile Day"

WEST MILFORD — Mayors across the United States are recognizing a growing movement that is dedicated to encouraging individuals and organizations to "go the extra mile" in service and volunteerism.

Mayor Bettina Bieri joined the list and Wednesday night declared Friday, Nov. 1, "Extra Mile Day" in West Milford.

"At a time when many are demanding changes in service and opportunity, Extra Mile Day celebrates individuals and organizations that have chosen to create positive change in their communities by going the extra mile, according to a press release.

Created in 2009 with 23 cities making the inaugural declaration, Extra Mile Day has continued to build momentum each year since.

"We all talk about wanting change...happiness...more opportunity," said Extra Mile Day Founder Shawn Anderson. "However, relying on others to make that happen is only wishing for life to get better. Taking personal responsibility and going the extra mile personally is where true change is created."

"It's easy to complain about everything we see going on around us," Anderson continued. "The 'go the extra mile' message, though, gives people an alternative to just throwing their arms in the air and saying 'I give up.' Extra Mile Day is a small reminder of the power we each have to create positive change at any time on any day."

For more information about Extra Mile Day and its history, visit www.ExtraMileAmerica.org.


New Jersey universities and colleges join forces to support LGBTQA students

WAYNE — Students, educators, and community leaders from around the tri-state area will gather at the 12th annual LGBTQA College Leadership conference at William Paterson University in Wayne on Friday, Nov. 1 to discuss various issues impacting the LGBTQA community. The conference will be held from 11:30 a.m. through 9 p.m. in the University Commons on campus.

Writer and activist Janet Mock will be the conference keynote speaker. Mock stepped onto the national stage in 2011 with a groundbreaking profile about her journey to womanhood in Marie Claire magazine. As a trans woman, Mock speaks out about the struggles, triumphs and portrayals of girls and women like herself. Her address is scheduled for 12:45 to 2 p.m. in the University Commons Ballroom.

This year’s conference theme focuses on visibility within the LGBTQA community. Workshops and speakers will shed light on issues that are often forgotten, such as intimate partner violence and classism, as well as segments of the LGBTQA community that are almost completely unseen, such as transgender and homeless youth.

The conference is hosted by William Paterson University with the support of Montclair State University and Ramapo College.

For more information about the conference, contact Librada Sanchez, director of the Women’s Center at William Paterson University at 973-720-2586 or sanchezl193@wpunj.edu or visit the conference Web site at http://lgbtqaleadershipconference.com/.