TRENTON, N.J. – A Mercer County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for tax evasion and filing false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Gordian A. Ndubizu, 67, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, is charged in an eight-count indictment unsealed today with four counts of tax evasion and four counts of filing false tax returns in tax years 2014 through 2017. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni.
According to documents filed in this case:
During tax years 2014 through 2017, Ndubizu was a professor of accounting at a university in Pennsylvania as well as the co-owner of Healthcare Pharmacy in Trenton. The pharmacy was organized as an S corporation, the income of which flowed through to Ndubizu and his wife and was to be reported on their personal income tax returns. Ndubizu prepared fraudulent books and records for Healthcare Pharmacy inflating the pharmacy’s costs of goods sold to reduce and underreport the pharmacy’s actual profits flowing through to Ndubizu and his wife. Ndubizu identified certain wire transfers as payments to purchase goods sold by the pharmacy when these wire transfers were in fact made to personal bank accounts under Ndubizu’s control and to bank accounts in Nigeria associated with an automotive company under Ndubizu’s control. Each of Ndubizu’s tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017 falsely underreported his income and falsely reported that he had no financial interest in or signature authority over any foreign bank accounts. Ndubizu failed to report approximately $3.3 million in income from the pharmacy, resulting in the evasion of approximately $1.3 million in tax due and owing.
Each count of tax evasion carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Each count of filing a false tax return carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest. He also thanked diversion investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration, officers of the Trenton Police Department, and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Ndubizu’s wife, Florence Ndubizu, the co-owner of Healthcare Pharmacy, was also was arrested arrested today on federal controlled substance offenses charged in a separate indictment. She is not charged in the tax fraud case.
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor’s Detective Marlon Webb and his K-9 partner, Sunny, were honored recently by Grice Middle School with the 2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.
Detective Webb and Sunny, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office multidiscipline therapy canine, have been spending time in area schools building a connection between law enforcement and students. Grice’s Diversity Committee chose the canine team in recognition of their outstanding work supporting their students. They were honored at the school’s Black History Month celebration this week.
September 19, 2021 — 10:55 a.m. update see USCG press release below. Also see updated information from the New Jersey State Police below the USCG press release.
BEACH HAVEN, N.J. – The Coast Guard, and the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department rescued six boaters after their 30-foot white pleasure craft struck a fixed aid to navigation in the vicinity of Ham Island, Sunday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call from a good Samaritan at 12:18 a.m., stating he overheard a large crash and several calls for help in the vicinity of Ham Island.
A 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Beach Haven was launched to the scene at approximately 12:20 a.m., along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Atlantic City, and a jet ski crew from Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department. Beach Haven Police Department shore crews were also launched.
Once on scene at approximately 12:32 a.m, the Station Beach Haven boatcrew, and the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department jet ski crews were able to successfully rescue all six boaters from the water. They had all sustained several injuries from the crash.
The boaters were safely taken back to shore where local emergency medical services personnel transported them to various local hospitals.
Sector Delaware Bay issued a safety marine information broadcast to mariners to be aware of potential debris in the area from the crash.
Coast Guard crews will be actively working to fix the aid to navigation.
Updated information from the New Jersey State Police:
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The crash occurred last evening at approximately 11:58 p.m. in the Little Egg Harbor in Long Beach Township, Ocean County. Preliminary information indicates that a 25-foot Bertram Vessel struck Intercoastal Waterway marker 92. The vessel sustained disabling damage and all six occupants were ejected into the harbor. Two occupants were airlifted to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center and the remaining four occupants were transported by ambulance to Southern Ocean Medical Center. One occupant is in critical but stable condition, and the other five occupants are in stable condition. The crash remains under investigation.
The Coast Guard, and the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department rescued six boaters after their 30-foot white pleasure craft struck a fixed aid to navigation in the vicinity of Ham Island, Sept. 19, 2021. The boaters were safely recovered and taken back to shore where local emergency medical services personnel transported them to various local hospitals. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released)
USCG photo
Early morning Breaking News report here:
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–MidJersey.News is following reports of a serious boat crash that happened around 12:30 a.m. off of Hideaway Drive in Long Beach Township. Numerous fire and EMS departments were sent to the scene.
Two medical helicopters were called to the scene along with the U.S. Coast Guard. Initial reports are that one boat was involved and unconfirmed reports of six patients, and two were missing. A Ocean County Fire Coordinator was called and a command post was set up at the Beach Haven Park Yacht Club. Around 1:23 a.m. all persons were accounted for. The NJ State Police accident investigation team was notified.
Medivac from Hackensack Meridian Health AirMed landed at 1:38 a.m. at landing zone in Ship Bottom/Surf City at the park behind Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School
The park behind the Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School is one of the landing zones for medical helicopters on LBI. This file photo was taken earlier this month.
TRENTON (Mercer) – Flames destroyed one side of a duplex and badly damaged the other side this afternoon (March 14, 2024). The Trenton Fire Department was alerted to the blaze shortly before 3:10 p.m. When the first firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was pouring from 119 Trent Avenue, located on the right side of the 2.5-story duplex. Firefighters attempted to make an aggressive interior attack to locate, confine and extinguish the fire, however those efforts were greatly hampered by severe hoarding conditions inside 119 Trent Avenue. As a result, flames were able to spread to the left side of the duplex (117 Trent Avenue). Unable to safely operate on the interior, firefighters were forced to flow a half-dozen streams of water on the flames from the exterior. Further complicating firefighting efforts was the collapse of the roof of 119 Trent Avenue. Firefighters operated on scene for about an hour before the bulk of the fire was knocked down. There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Agency remains committed to being vigilant, agile, and innovative
January 18, 2022
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) closed 2021 demonstrating the agency’s commitment to the security of the nation’s transportation system, and the ability to drive innovation and address emerging threats.
“In many ways, 2021 was a year of resilience as the dedicated TSA workforce worked diligently to screen near pre-pandemic passenger volumes at the nation’s airports while facing three major waves of COVID-19 across the country,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Despite the challenges, we facilitated freedom of movement for passengers and goods, and we made great progress in security innovation in close coordination with our federal partners and industry stakeholders.”
During the year, TSA recorded the following 21 highlights and accomplishments:
#1 TSA’s 20th Anniversary – In November, TSA recognized the 20th anniversary of the agency’s establishment, which occurred in 2001 when President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA).
#2 Passenger Volume – In 2021, travel volume increased to near pre-pandemic levels last seen in 2019. TSA Officers screened 585.3 million travelers in 2021, averaging about 1.6 million passengers per day. On average, 97.6% of passengers waited less than 20 minutes at airport security checkpoints, while 96.2% of passengers in TSA PreCheck® lanes waited less than 5 minutes.
#3 Commitment to the Frontline Workforce – Transportation Security Officers serve in uniform on the frontline of transportation security and represent the backbone of the agency. In June, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced new efforts to support the TSA workforce and expressed the Department’s commitment to improving their compensation. In September, TSA reached an agreement with the Merit Systems Protection Board to handle adverse action appeals and better align TSA standards with other government agencies. Additionally, in 2021, Administrator Pekoske introduced new pay and compensation initiatives. These actions are important steps to more closely match the TSA workforce rights and compensation with that of other federal agencies.
#4 Customer Experience – The TSA Contact Center answered 1.7 million calls and email messages throughout 2021 and @AskTSA responded directly to 1.5 million traveler questions, typically within 2 minutes, over social media. TSA Cares, the agency’s helpline, provided assistance to 26,056 travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special conditions.
As part of TSA’s support of the Presidential Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Service, the agency made significant progress toward a live chat feature with travelers over the agency’s website. Foundational work completed in 2021 will enable the introduction of live chat in 2022.
#5 Transportation Security Officers Stopped Firearms – In early October, TSA officers prevented an all-time record number of firearms from being carried into airplane passenger cabins or the secure area of airports, topping the previous record set in 2019.
As of December 31, TSA officers stopped 5,972 firearms at our checkpoints, surpassing the previous record of 4,432 firearms caught at checkpoints in the full calendar year 2019. The majority of those firearms (86%) were loaded. Firearms at TSA checkpoints represent an unnecessary risk and an expensive mistake for passengers who do not follow requirements to declare firearms in advance and properly pack them in checked baggage.
#6 Addressing Unruly Passengers – Unruly passengers impact the entire aviation industry as a safety and security risk; incidents escalated in 2021. To address this issue, TSA resumed Crew Member Self-Defense (CMSD) training in early July to equip flight crew members with the skills to defend themselves against attack. In 2021, Federal Air Marshal instructors from across the country trained almost 1,500 flight crew members. Additionally, TSA partnered with the FAA to share information on unruly passengers and rescind TSA PreCheck® eligibility for passengers who receive FAA fines for being disruptive aboard flights.
#7 Innovation – In 2021, TSA leveraged co-creation and crowdsourcing initiatives to broaden innovation and build a pipeline of new security solutions for the agency. Through the Power of the Passengers Challenge, TSA and TechConnect Ventures awarded $215,000 to 11 technology institutions for their innovative ideas. The competition resulted in 125 new concepts geared toward enhancing security throughout the transportation system, several of which are now being tested. A similar effort, called Hacking for Homeland Security, engaged Carnegie Mellon University graduate students on solving complex issues in transportation security and generated 5 graduate presentations, each with commercialization potential.
#8 Technology – Throughout 2021, TSA deployed 1,520 Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units and added to its 320 Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners at airport checkpoints, significantly reducing physical contact, while improving security effectiveness. The agency also awarded a $198 million contract to procure additional CT scanners. At many airports, passengers can scan their own IDs in CAT units at the travel document checker podium, which further reduces physical contact.
#9 Mobile Driver’s Licenses – In September, Apple announced a collaboration with TSA on the development of a mobile driver’s license in Apple Wallet. TSA’s efforts in 2021 laid the groundwork for mobile driver’s license applications and readers that will enable future travelers to transfer license data using their iPhones at equipped checkpoints for ID verification.
#10 Facial Recognition –TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched a new voluntary digital identity program in cooperation with Delta Air Lines at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The technology, which is available to TSA PreCheck and Delta SkyMiles® members who opt-in, compares the passenger’s live photo to a pre-staged gallery of photos previously provided to the government, such as that found on a passport.
#11 Strengthening Pipeline Cybersecurity – When a cybersecurity ransomware attack shuttered a major petroleum pipeline company in 2021, it reinforced the importance of TSA’s mission within the surface transportation sector. Following five private sector engagements and the adjudication of over 360 comments from pipeline industry stakeholders, TSA issued two security directives to help build critical infrastructure resilience against future cybersecurity threats for the most critical pipelines in our country.
#12 Rail and Aviation Cybersecurity – As part of Secretary Mayorkas’s Transportation Cybersecurity Sprint, TSA announced new cybersecurity requirements for higher-risk freight railroads, passenger rail, and rail transit operators to strengthen critical infrastructure and enhance resilience against cyberattacks. In separate guidance, TSA recommended that all lower-risk surface transportation owners and operators voluntarily implement the same measures and updated aviation security programs to require that airport and airline operators designate a cybersecurity coordinator and report cybersecurity incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within 24 hours.
#13 TSA PreCheck Growth – Last year, seven new airlines joined the TSA PreCheck program and over 1.8 million individuals enrolled in the expedited screening program, bringing the total number of Known Traveler Number holders to over 11 million. The agency also reduced the cost to renew online.
#14 Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion – TSA launched a Spanish-language virtual assistant for @AskTSA in September enabling the agency to respond to Spanish speaking travelers’ social media inquiries. During the annual Disability and Multicultural Coalition Conference, TSA honored the Hearing Loss Association of America and the Minority Humanitarian Foundation for their engagement with TSA and their commitment to providing their community members with tips and information to support a positive checkpoint screening experience. In December, TSA published its Inclusion Action Committee report, which represents a 16-month internal review and forges a path to improve diversity, equity and inclusion for TSA employees.
#15 Air Cargo – TSA published the Air Cargo Security Roadmap to provide a 5-year vision and strategic plan for modernizing, streamlining, and securing air cargo transportation operations.
#16 Unmanned Aircraft Systems – TSA selected Miami International Airport for its initial test of technologies that will detect, track, and identify drones entering restricted airspace. Drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), pose a threat to aviation security when flown in restricted airspaces and such tests help TSA assess technological effectiveness in a live airport environment. A similar test was announced at Los Angeles International Airport.
#17 Hiring Surge – In February 2021, TSA launched a recruiting and hiring campaign to support passenger volumes projected throughout the year. TSA continues these efforts nationwide and has introduced unprecedented recruitment, readiness, and retention incentives to remain competitive in the nationwide labor market. For more information and videos about this mission-critical work, visit The Face of TSA.
#18 Strengthening Partnerships – TSA has always welcomed and actively pursued engagement and alignment with our many partners who are vital to ensuring our transportation network remains safe and secure. In 2021, TSA officials conducted over 700 meetings with industry stakeholders and coalition partners across all modes of transportation, in addition to its daily interactions on a variety of issues. These exchanges are essential to working towards our mutual objectives of keeping passengers, cargo and goods secure, while also ensuring a positive travel experience. In 2021, TSA announced the addition of Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee members with pipeline and cybersecurity experience. The agency also announced new members within its Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
#19 Federal Air Marshals – Throughout 2021, Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) deployed to assess, address and mitigate potential risks and threats to transportation and millions of travelers daily across the various transportation modes. As TSA’s primary law enforcement arm, FAMs comprise the agency’s Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams and provide inflight security aboard thousands of commercial aircraft to ensure the safety of passengers, flight crew members, and the aircraft. FAMs supported DHS law enforcement partners at special events and humanitarian efforts that included natural disasters and the operation to resettle Afghan refugees in U.S. communities.
#20 Working with Canines – In 2021, TSA trained and deployed more than 1,000 explosives detection canine teams at airports and mass-transit facilities. These teams supported Super Bowl LV, the 59th Presidential Inauguration, and enhanced security operations at airports nationwide. In November, TSA released its 2022 TSA Canine Calendar, featuring winners of the Cutest Canine Contest.
#21 Support for Operation Allies Welcome – Beginning in late August, the Department of Homeland Security led the Nation’s unified effort to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals who worked alongside the Nation’s Armed Forces during the last two decades. TSA deployed more than 560 employees in support of this mission to overseas transit locations in third countries and to military installations in the United States, also known as safe havens, where Afghans were provided temporary housing prior to resettlement. Other TSA employees provided dedicated support to the effort from their principal duty stations.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 21, 2024, John Marrone, 68, of Seaside Park, was charged with Causing Death or Injury While Driving with a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License, and Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death, both in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River Township on July 21, 2024.
On July 21, 2024, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Route 166 and Old Freehold Road for a report of a pedestrian having been struck by a motor vehicle. Responding Officers determined that Gonzalo Jimenez-Hernandez, 48, of Toms River, stepped into the roadway and was struck by a motor vehicle. The victim was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that a black Ford F-150 was traveling northbound on Route 166; Mr. Jimenez-Hernandez stepped into the roadway and was struck by the Ford F-150, which then fled the scene. The truck that struck the victim was later located unoccupied in a nearby apartment complex. Through investigation, Detectives determined that the Ford F-150 was registered to Marrone. A short time later, Officers located Marrone – on foot – in the vicinity of the truck, and he was taken into custody without incident. Marrone was thereafter transported to Community Medical Center, where a draw of his blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. The results of the blood draw remain pending. Marrone was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson announced that a Mercer County man was charged Wednesday with receiving stolen checks and for allegedly using a corporate bank account to receive the stolen funds.
Wayne Bessant, 40, of Hamilton, N.J., was indicted on second-degree receiving stolen property and second-degree misconduct by a corporate official. The indictment was handed up by a state grand jury on November 3, 2021.
Between August 9, 2019 and September 16, 2019, Bessant allegedly received twenty-three stolen checks. Bessant was also charged with second-degree misconduct by a corporate official for allegedly using the company, New Tech Restoration LLC, to receive more than $75,000 in stolen funds.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Deputy Attorney General Jennifer L. Menjivar presented the case to the State Grand Jury for the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor under the supervision of Bureau Chief DAG Cheryl Maccaroni, and Assistant Bureau Chief Crystal Callahan of the Private Insurance Fraud Bureau. Sergeant Wendy Berg and Detective Matthew Armstrong investigated the case under the Supervision of Lieutenant Kelly Howard.
Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Thompson noted that many cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the website at www.NJInsurancefraud.org. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to an arrest, prosecution, and conviction for insurance fraud.
Taylor Matyas, a former Freehold Township School District student, returns to teach in her community
April 1, 2022
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–In a surprise assembly earlier today, Taylor Matyas, an instructional coach at Laura Donovan Elementary School, received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for her excellence as a student-and-teacher mentor who models collaboration, data-driven teaching, and creatively using technology to make education more engaging for her students.
Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and New Jersey Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan surprised Matyas with the honor before cheering students, colleagues, state and local officials, and the media. Matyas is the first-ever recipient in Freehold and among more than 60 educators nationwide to receive the recognition during the 2021-2022 school year. She is one of only two recipients in New Jersey this year.
Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards celebrate, elevate and activate the American teaching profession and inspire young, capable people to join it.
“Each year, the Milken Educator Awards team searches the country for think-outside-the-box educators like Taylor,” said Dr. Foley, who herself is a 1994 Milken Educator from Indiana. “Her creativity in the classroom, collaboration with students and parents, and dedication to using data to bring best practices to life for her students are what make her our latest Milken Educator Award recipient. We are proud to celebrate her today!”
The Milken Educator Award is not a lifetime achievement honor. Recipients are heralded while early to mid-career for what they have achieved — and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities inherent in the Award.
“We commend Mrs. Matyas on this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Allen-McMillan, New Jersey Acting Commissioner of Education. “She immerses herself into the curricula, then identifies numerous access points for students to make meaning of the content prior to personalizing their learning so they have the confidence to succeed. Ms. Matyas is representative of all engaging and passionate educators who strive daily to improve student outcomes.”
Oprah, a longtime education advocate, shared her congratulations to this year’s winners in a video message shared earlier this year thanking “the most incredible educators around the country” and acknowledging her deep appreciation for the “tireless work” they do.
More about Taylor Matyas:
Models Mentoring: Matyas prioritizes connection and relationship-building in Freehold Township School District, with both the fourth graders she taught until this year and the teachers she now works with. Matyas mentors and supports Donovan’s teachers through modeling, coaching and professional development. Focused on improving and accelerating student achievement through quality curriculum and instruction, she observes in classrooms, collaborates with staff on collecting and analyzing data, researches best practices and contributes to curriculum.
Prioritizes Professional Development: A former student in the Freehold Township School district herself, Matyas hosted pre-certification teachers in her class and opened her doors to staff from Freehold Township and other districts. On the district curriculum team, Matyas has designed integrated ELA units and project-based learning cross-curricular units that push students to think critically, collect and analyze information, ask questions, and tackle real-world issues. When she taught at nearby Joseph J. Catena School, she served on the STEAM committee, planning design challenges and demonstrating robots, 3D printers and green screen technology. Matyas also serves on the district data team and technology vetting committee. As the district transitioned to standards-based reporting, Matyas designed standards-tracking protocols and parent communication tools, which are now used across Freehold Township. At district EdCamp days, Matyas facilitated professional development on blended learning, Freckle Math, personalized learning plans and student learning portfolios. In cooperation with High Point University, she delivered a webinar to North Carolina teachers on blended learning, using print and video examples from her classroom practices.
Uses Technology to Enhance Education: At Catena, remote learning during the pandemic brought challenges, but Matyas used technology to make both academic and social-emotional learning seamless and fun. She arranged virtual lunch tables, reading circles and writing discussion groups using Zoom breakout rooms. Family members, pets and beloved stuffed animals joined the class’s online morning meetings and weekly dance parties. Students “visited” a turtle hospital while studying animals and biomes during one of Matyas’ virtual field trips. Every Friday, Matyas asked students to submit Flipgrid videos reflecting on successes for the past week and setting goals for the days ahead. Matyas’ students trusted her and were eager to be their best selves in her class; it’s no surprise that they demonstrated consistent growth and top district and state assessment results in ELA and math.
Encourages Student-Led Learning: Matyas blends whole-group, small-group and individualized instruction across each day. In her classroom at Catena, students led their own learning using data from lessons and formative assessments, as well as digital content providers like Freckle, Achieve3000 and NoRedInk. Effective best practices, including mini-lessons, direct instruction, reading and writing workshops, guide reading and math, and cooperative groups helped ensure engagement. Matyas used various modes of instruction and learning experiences to meet students’ needs through targeted intervention and enrichment, including digital content providers, adaptive learning programs and project-based learning. During “Genius Hour,” students researched and pursued subjects that resonated and inspired them: ship design, fashion, video production, history. Pupils used this time to create prosthetic limbs, teach themselves to play musical instruments, and design skateboards.
Commitment Extends Beyond School: At Catena, Matyas led extracurricular programs before and after school, including study skills, Lego and computer clubs, and the school news broadcast, helping students plan scripts, take photos, and record and edit weekly programs. In her popular Elementary Entrepreneurs program, third, fourth and fifth graders designed products to sell at a holiday event, raising more than $2,300 for a local pediatric cancer organization, in memory of a Catena student who had passed away a few months earlier.
Education: Matyas earned a bachelor’s in elementary and special education in 2013 from the University of Delaware.
More information about Matyas, plus links to photos and video from today’s assembly, can be found on the Milken Educator Awards website at: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/taylor-matyas.
More about the Milken Educator Awards: “The future belongs to the educated.”
Along with the financial prize, Milken Educator Award recipients join the national Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,800 top teachers, principals and specialists. The network serves as a rich resource for fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others dedicated to excellence in education.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Earlier today, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan joined Make-A-Wish of New Jersey President and CEO Tom Weatherall, former Make-A-Wish of America Board Chair John Crowley, and a contingent of more than 100 troopers and law enforcement officers from several states to make a dream come true for two amazing boys. Samaree and Dalton are 6-year-old boys battling serious illnesses who dream to become police officers.
The day began when troopers escorted the boys from their hometowns of Camden and Florence to Troop “C” Hamilton Station where they got a chance to don custom-made State Police uniforms and participate in training exercises with our T.E.A.M.S and K-9 Units. They were also given a tour of the station by Troop “C ” Hamilton Station detectives and had the opportunity to meet pilots from our Aviation Unit and members of our Marine Services Bureau.
After they were all trained up, they made their way to the Make-A-Wish Castle in Monroe Township where they were welcomed by Colonel Callahan and more than 100 police officers from various departments.
Colonel Callahan led a ceremony where he surprised the boys by officially making them Honorary State Troopers. He had an opportunity to speak about their strength and bravery and how he was inspired by their wish to become police officers.
After the ceremony, Samaree and Dalton solved their first crime when they located a suspect vehicle involved in the stolen wish crystal from the Make-A-Wish Castle. We think they did a great job solving a crime on their first day.
We would like to thank Blauer for providing official New Jersey State Police Uniforms, Troopers United Foundation and Route 22 Limousine for helping to make this day a success.
Make-A-Wish of New Jersey has granted nearly 11,000 life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses throughout the Garden State, and we commend them for their efforts.
Gusciora Administration Forming Advisory Committee to Evaluate Project Proposals
March 25, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today that following the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the City of Trenton will assemble a committee of city officials, policy experts, and community leaders to evaluate upcoming projects that will take advantage of $73.8 million in federal aid coming to Trenton over the next year.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve taken advantage of every funding source we could to provide free testing for Trenton residents, offer emergency loans to support local businesses, hire critical first responders, and launch new online platforms to ensure remote access to essential services,” said Mayor Gusciora. “Imagine what we can do with nearly $74 million in funds dedicated to helping communities like ours get back on our feet. We’re grateful for the Biden Administration and our congressional delegation in securing these funds for the Capital City. We want to make sure every penny brings the maximum possible benefit to our residents, and this added expertise will help us get started as soon as we receive the funds and more guidance from the U.S. Treasury.”
The Trenton American Rescue Plan Advisory Committee will include the following:
Chair: Brenda Ross-Dulan, President and CEO, Ross-Dulan Group
Brandon McKoy, President of N.J. Policy Perspective
Marge Caldwell-Wilson, City Council Vice President
Elvin Montero, Director of Communications, Chemistry Council of New Jersey
Jeannine LaRue, Senior Vice President of the Kaufman Zita Group
Kelly Ingram, I Am Trenton
Adam E. Cruz, Business Administrator
Dr. Adela M. Ames-Lopez, Director of Health and Human Services
Maria Richardson, Director of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture
Wahab A. Onitiri, Director of Public Works
Andre McNair, owner of Octobers Vintage in Trenton
Shereyl Snider, UrbanPromise Trenton
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan contains $360 billion in state and local aid to help employ essential workers, assist struggling families and small businesses, and make critical infrastructure investments. U.S. Treasury guidance outlining specific allowable expenditures is still pending.
The State of New Jersey will receive approximately $6.4 billion plus another $189 million to expand broadband internet across the state. Each of the 21 county governments will split $1.8 billion, with another $1.7 billion divided among all 565 cities and municipalities.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
The Coast Guard, and the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Department rescued six boaters after their 30-foot white pleasure craft struck a fixed aid to navigation in the vicinity of Ham Island, Sept. 19, 2021. The boaters were safely recovered and taken back to shore where local emergency medical services personnel transported them to various local hospitals. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released)
