ECRWSS Local Postal Customer
My Life Publications PO Box 575 Flanders, NJ 07828
259 Easton, Md 21601
E a s t H a n o v e r / F l o r h a m Pa r k’s H o m e t o w n N e w s p a p e r
EAST HANOVER FLORHAM PARK Vo l . 1 9 • Is s u e 1 1 FREE - TAKE ONE
BY HENRY M. HOLDEN STAFF WRITER EAST HANOVER - The East Hanover Community Partnership (EHCP) is all about building healthy business relations. A group of local business owners oversee the township’s Special Improvement District (SID), providing a safe and attractive town to shop and live in. On Wednesday, June 14, 2017, the EHCP hosted their first Evening of Appreciation and Networking for small businesses in East Hanover. Local business owners from across the area came out to meet one another and receive the appreciation of the township for all they do. The township had noticed the business growth and expansion was slow. They decided to work to improve the community’s quality of business life. According to Artie Dorey, the president of the East Hanover Community Partnership, “The chapter started in 2007, but the Community Partnership began 10 years ago to help improve the quality of business life.” One way of doing so was with these appreciation and networking nights. Last May 31, the East Ha-
LIFE No v e m b e r 2 0 2 3
Member of Mid-Atlantic Community Papers • Association of Community Publishers AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL (CVC), ST. LOUIS, MO.
East Hanover Community Partnership – Building Connections nover Community Partnership hosted a networking reception to celebrate the East Hanover Business Community. In attendance were over 40 business owners and associates, town officials, and the EHCP Board of Directors. The event highlighted SID projects, new businesses, and businesses that have made an impact on the community in recent years. Three Beautification Awards were presented to the Coccia Real Estate Group, Vespucci’s Marketplace, and Centre Plaza, Appreciation Awards went to Caravella Demolition and Powerhouse Studios. The awards were presented to the recipient’s for “their constant support and dedication to our community.” Unlike other NJ Special Improvement Districts, East Hanover is unique in that every commercial property is included in the Partnership, where other districts are address specific. On July 25 through July 31, 2022, the EHCP sponsored their first “East Hanover Business Week” to drive business to the local establishments. According to Dorey, East Ha-
nover has “a wealth of businesses including Salons, Fitness Facilities, Home Services, Health Services, Professional Services, Automotive Services, Pet Services, and the vibrant Restaurants and Retail Shops.” Participating businesses offered their customers an incentive, something special over the course of the week such as a discount, complimentary item, or a free consultation. “When the Partnership sponsors an event that supports our businesses and provides a benefit to the customers at the same time, it’s a win for everyone.” said Dorey. “Every day the EHCP works to increase the economic, physical, social, and civic value of the township’s business by attracting people to shop and locate their business here,” said Dorey. “Some of the more recognizable improvements the EHCP has implemented are beautiful streetscapes along Ridgedale Avenue which feature seasonal décor such as floral baskets in the summer and holiday décor in the winter,” said Dorey. “The beautification of Eagle Rock Avenue’s office park and
retail section, and expansion of crosswalks and solar powered safety signage areas are some of the improvements.” The EHCP invests in many marketing tools such as a website, digital ads, extensive social media sharing in Face Book, Twitter, now called X, Instant gram and more. Last month, members of the EHCP invited business owners to a developmental seminar at Hanover Manor. Along with a cocktail reception, presenters included, Mathew Abraham, Program Manager; Community Development for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Robin Preisler, Director of Business Development, Mayor Joseph
“Stories from the May�lower: What Were They Thinking?”
Historical Society of Florham Park 2023-2024 Programs FLORHAM PARK - Historian, Author and “History Teachers Talking Podcast” host, Peter Zablocki presented his book “Bullets That Changed America”. He dove into the events of several of the 13 stories in his book when a single bullet served as the catalyst of acts that are etched in American history. Some of which were small mistakes or misjudgments while others were intentional acts.
FREE - TAKE ONE
Among the good-sized audience were special guests Marie Anzalone, who recently turned 107 years young, and good friend Marie White, both interested in continually learning. Last year, Mr. Zablocki gave a presentation about The 1788 Morristown Ghost Hoax: The Search for Lost Revolutionary War Treasure. This year, in addition to his Bullets That Changed America book,
Winners From October’s “Find Hank The Hornet Mascot” Contest
History - Peter Zablocki with Florham Park’s Marie Anzalone (picture by Peter Nicolas)
AREA - The winners from September’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” are Lauren Genoese; Florham Park, Diane Martynowicz; Florham Park, Rogan Marshie; East Hanover, and Gianni Barisciano; East Hanover.
The ads that “Hank the Hornet” were in: Angelina’s Trattoria, LongevityShed World, Kidz World, 200 Club, Leaf Filter, Junkin Irishman and American & Sons. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
Mr. Zablocki also previewed his new book coming out in mid October - New Jersey and the Medal of Honor: A History. The Medal of Honor is the recognition that commemorates those who have shaped our nation’s history and continue to inspire its future with their acts of valor, humanity, patriotism, and sacrifice. In it he points out
AREA - Check out our mascot...Hank the Hornet. Look for him in the ads in this issue and enter (no purchase nec-
essary) to win a $25.00 gift card (4 winners). It is easy to enter. Look through the paper and read the ads and look for
“Hank” in the ads. He will be located throughout the paper in 6 random ads. Then go to www.easthanoverflorham-
that New Jersey has been credited with ninety-three honors in the state’s military history. The Historical Society of Florham Park has invited Mr. Zablocki to return for a third time next year to share some of the harrowing stories of New Jersey’s most valorous PLEASE SEE MAYFLOWER, PAGE 2
Your Chance to Win a $25 Gift Card with the “Find Hank The Hornet Mascot” Contest parklife.com scroll down and fill out the form to be entered. Winners will be notified and printed in the next issue.
Pannullo and the EHCP director John Deep. “The purpose of this seminar was to offer our East Hanover Business owners an opportunity to enhance their outreach and exposure. The seminar offered a menu of creative and robust financial and training options to all size business owners that would benefit their overall growth,” Deep said, “Some of the topics covered included low
interest and fast track finance options, training initiatives and forums and an overall insight to the opportunities the New Jersey Economic Development Authority NJEDA offers to the New Jersey business community.” When you attend one of their events, it’s evident that the EHCP strives to be a major support to the East Hanover PLEASE SEE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP, PAGE 2
Ray Kroc Award For Outstanding Service at McDonald’s Goes to Florham Park Manager
BY JEFF GARRETT STAFF WRITER
FLORHAM PARK – Kudos and accolades in winning the prestigious Ray Kroc Award happened recently to Julie Incorvaia, a General Leader of the McDonald’s at 1776 Columbia Turnpike. She received the award late last summer. The award goes to McDonald’s managers worldwide which show the highest caliber of management and dedication to the fast food chain. The road has been long but rewarding for Incorvaia who started working at McDonald’s close to 30 years ago. In her time with McDonald’s, she strives to provide excellent customer service, putting together customer recovery systems and making sure she staff she oversees delivers exemplary service in all phases of the dining experience. Where she seemed to excel beyond day-to-day operations at the facility in Florham Park was in elevating business growth through recognizable sales and in drawing high customer satisfaction reviews. All this while forming partnerships strategically with local businesses and non-profit organizations. Local schools joining with Incorvaia’s McDonald’s for fundraisers have also helped the restaurant shine. Incorvaia was one of nearly 400 managers selected to receive the Ray Kroc Award, one created In memory of Kroc who purchased the fast food
company from the McDonald’s brothers in 1961 and became its CEO from 1961 until 1973. Kroc, a pioneer of sorts, made the restaurant chain the most successful corporation in the world in revenue. Incorvaia, who worked her way up from crew member to General Leader of the Florham Park store was surprised to receive the award which she received on Aug. 24, 2023. She told media sources then that it was a great honor to work along caring and committed co-workers and managers. McDonald’s Owner Chris Cottrell who presented Incorvaia with the award had nothing but respect and praise for her decades of service to the restaurant saying she elevated customer service and created a great atmosphere for the staff at the Florham Park facility. The award comes with perks as Incorvaia’s achievement even got her a trip abroad. The manager earned the chance to attend the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain as well as receiving trophy and cash. All of this, just for coming to work every day for 28 years and trying to improve a well-established restaurant name in the community. Another McDonald’s manager, Esmeralda Aquino, a General Manager of the restaurant at 600 Georges Road in North Brunswick won the 2023 Ray Kroc Award as well.
ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZA Family Serving Friends
184 Columbia Turnpike • Florham Park
973.520.8824 SEE OUR COUPONS ON PAGE 5
ORDER ONLINE