Acupuncture in Randolph, NJ

Delbarton had won 10-straight games over Randolph dating back to 2014.

Delbarton had outscored Randolph 68-17 in those 10 games. Tuesday, however, Delbarton played a different Randolph team. The 2023 Rams, ranked No. 19 in the state by NJ.com, were unshaken by blowing a five-run lead. Instead, it scored four runs in its final two at-bats and scored a 12-10 victory over the No. 19 Wave in Randolph.

Complete Box Score »

“This team feels like they belong (on the field with Delbarton),” said Randolph head coach Mark Rizzi. “Any other year we’d have been jumping around like we won the World Series. Not this group. They respect Delbarton, but they feel like they belong.

“This team is patient when it needs to be and aggressive when it needs to be. They stay within themselves. They know a game is seven innings and they played hard for seven innings. A win like this wouldn’t have happened in another season. This team is confident.”

As difficult as it may be to believe, Randolph now has a two-game lead in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference American Division. Randolph, 6-1 overall and 5-0 in the division, has a two-game lead over both Pope John (6-2, 3-2) and Delbarton (6-3, 3-2).

”I wouldn’t have believed they would score 10 on us, but how did we score 12 on them?” Rizzi said. “It was an unusual game.”

Randolph collected 10 hits. Delbarton finished with nine. Delbarton chased Randolph’s junior starter James Kleiven after 3 1/3 innings. However, right-hander Tommy Martin, a junior, was strong in relief. In 3 1/3 innings, Martin struck out five, walked one and allowed one hit. The one hit, however, was a two-run homer by Jack Harley in the sixth. Harley’s bomb, his first, pulled Delbarton to within 11-10.

Martin, approaching his 150-pitch limit for the week, got two outs in the seventh before making a required exit. Brendan Bruun, who missed the last five games with an injury, threw one pitch and retired the final Delbarton hitter on an outfield fly.

”Tommy has pitched a lot of innings for us,” Rizzi said. “My worry was him getting into a long at-bat and not getting deep in the seventh inning.”

Rizzi was also beyond pleased with Randolph’s “tack-on” performance. The Rams have scored 51 runs on 65 hits and have a .330 batting average as a team.After the seven-run second, Randolph added a run in the third, three in the fifth and one in the sixth.

”Even when we were up 7-3, I knew it wasn’t over, not against Delbarton,” RIzzi said. “I knew it would be a one- or two-run game. We did a great job of getting runs in the fifth and sixth.”

During the three-run fifth inning, junior Connor Stokoe led off with a single. He was sacrificed to second. Jacob Corsaro, another junior, singled. Another hit, this one by Ethan Gorman, scored Stokoe. Two walks brought in the other two runs. In the sixth, Corsaro drew a two-out walk. He stole second and scored on a pinch-hit single by Carter Kielbania.

”This team is resilient,” Rizzi said. “Our pitchers today saw they don’t have to be perfect for us to win.”

Gorman was 2-for-3 with two RBI. Rocco Albano was 2-for-3 with a double, three RBI. Stokoe had three hits and scored two runs.

”I know we’re two up on Delbarton (in the standings), Rizzi said. “But we have to go another round with everyone in the division. The win today is a big positive for the future.”

The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now and be among the first to get all the boys and girls sports you care about, straight to your inbox each weekday. To add your name, click here.

RANDOLPH, NJ- The Township of Randolph received a $30,000 grant from the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (Highlands Council) on November 30 to support environmental and economic sustainability in Randolph.

The award is contingent on the completion of work necessary for the development of the Randolph Environmental Action Plan (“REAP”) that will serve as a guidance document for the township with respect to environmentally conscious planning and decision making. The REAP will be the first plan of its type developed for the township and represents a unique opportunity to take action on priority issues of local concern and municipal responsibility. By following the action plan, the township will lead by example through its commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Randolph Township is one of the 88 municipalities that are part of the defined New Jersey Highlands Region in the northwest part of New Jersey. Over half of New Jersey’s drinking water comes from the Highland region and therefore, it needs to be protected by prudent planning. I commend our Township Manager Greg Poff for applying for, and securing, this award on behalf of Randolph Township,” said Mayor Marie Potter.

Sign Up for FREE Randolph Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The State Legislature of New Jersey passed the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (Highlands Act) in 2004, to protect both the natural resources and the economic viability of communities within the region. The Highlands Act established the Highlands Council as a regional planning agency and charged it with the creation and adoption of a regional master plan to protect and enhance the natural resources within the New Jersey Highlands. The Highlands Council works in partnership with municipalities and counties in the region to encourage a comprehensive regional planning approach to implementation of the Highlands Act.

To facilitate the REAP project, Randolph Township contracted with Pinto Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm that provides services to government, businesses and landowners on issues of conservation, land preservation and strategic planning. The grant from the Highlands Council will cover the cost of their services. Pinto Consulting will work in tandem with an Advisory Group that consists of three Council members, two members of Randolph’s Landmarks and Environmental Committee, a representative from the Randolph Community Garden, the Township Planning Administrator, the Township Manager, and a representative from the Highlands Council.

“The Randolph Landmarks and Environmental Committee is appreciative of the Highlands Council support for the preparation of the Randolph Environmental Action Plan. Our committee is eager to help carry out the activities and plans ultimately developed in order to protect open space and natural resources within the township," stated Kelly Meola, Chair of the Landmarks and Environmental Committee.

In addition to supporting local projects, the Highlands Council advanced several initiatives that have region-wide impact. These include development of a Regional Economic Sustainability Plan and the eagerly anticipated Interactive Environmental Resource Inventory.

As a municipality that serves over 25,000 residents across twenty-one square miles, oversees private development activities and operates numerous facilities, Randolph Township’s decisions and actions affect the entire community and have a direct impact on the environment. The REAP is focused on actions that the municipality can take to protect and improve the environment within the township over the short and long term. The REAP will be developed by integrating feedback from residents and interested stakeholders. A number of reporting and monitoring options will be included in the action plan to assist in measuring progress.

In response to the efforts being made, Councilmember Joanne Veech stated, “I am so proud to be a part of this township. Pursuing environmental sustainability in Randolph is important and attainment of grants like this demonstrate the work being done by township administration and staff to support Randolph citizens.”

For future updates on the REAP, visit the township website (randolphnj.org) and follow the Township of Randolph on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter). To learn more about the Highlands Council, please visit nj.gov/njhighlands.

RANDOLPH, NJ- A new year marks the end of familiar traditions as we usher in the excitement of new beginnings. For the Randolph Township, it marks a few changes amongst the Township Council. New members were sworn in and appointments were made for boards and committees during the January 5, 2023 Reorganization Meeting.

For the new year in Randolph, Lou Nisivoccia has been selected to serve as Mayor and Christine Carey as Deputy Mayor, as former Mayor Marie Potter resumes duties as Councilmember after gracefully leading the Township throughout 2022.

During her reorganization speech, Deputy Mayor Carey stated: “First, I want to thank our outgoing mayor, Marie Potter. Over the past year, Marie has done a great job while serving as Mayor. She has been a strong, organized and compassionate leader. She led the Council through some complicated and tough issues, and we are grateful for her leadership. Next, I would like to congratulate our new mayor, Lou Nisivoccia. Lou is a ‘forever’ resident of Randolph who has a long history of serving our community and working to make Randolph a great place to live. We are fortunate to have him serve as Mayor in 2023.”

Sign Up for FREE Randolph Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

In 2023, Randolph Township also welcomes newest Councilmember, Helene Elbaum, while bidding farewell to longtime Councilmember Jim Loveys after 12 years of loyal service. During Mr. Loveys’ farewell ceremony, Senator Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn presented a resolution in acknowledgment of his dedication and municipal service. The veterans from VFW Post 7333 presented a “Certificate of Recognition for Exemplary Services to the Residents of Randolph” for all the support he has provided veterans and citizens throughout the years. Township Manager Greg Poff thanked Mr. Loveys and spoke to what an incredible job he has done for the Township.

In his closing remarks about Mr. Loveys, Mayor Nisivoccia stated: “It has been my absolute pleasure to serve with you. Thank you for your mentoring and your guidance. You never put anyone or anything down; rather, your approach to every situation sought to bring out the best of everyone around you. A person of unquestionable integrity -- you will be missed in these hallways. On behalf of Randolph Township, thank you for twelve years of dedicated service on the council, including two terms as mayor and two terms as deputy mayor.”

With Mr. Loveys’ departure from the Council, there surely will be a big void to fill. But where there is a vacancy, there is an opportunity; with newest Councilmembers Helene Elbaum and Joe Hathaway stepping in, and long serving Councilmembers Mark Forstenhausler, Marie Potter, Joanne Veech, Mayor Lou Nisivoccia and Deputy Mayor Chris Carey continuing to provide guidance and leadership, Randolph Township is positioned for an exciting year in 2023. This Council roster also marks the first time in township history that the Council is comprised of a female majority.

A concerned Randolph citizen alerted Sunlight Policy Center of New Jersey that full-time NJEA employee Amanda Adams was recently elected to Randolph's school board. As a full-time NJEA employee, Adams has a conflict of interest that is qualitatively different from that of a teacher and needs to be addressed.

First, we must acknowledge that, to her credit, Adams was upfront about her full-time NJEA employment on her slate’s election campaign website (https://www.ballepsteinadams.com/post/conflicts-and-our-boe-njea). So Randolph voters elected Adams with full knowledge of the potential conflict of interest.

Still, as a full-time NJEA employee, Adams has a conflict of interest.

Sign Up for FREE Randolph Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Here’s the relevant law, NJSA 18A: 12-24(c) (https://www.state.nj.us/education/ethics/coi.shtml):

No school official shall act in his official capacity in any matter where he … has a direct or indirect financial involvement that might reasonably be expected to impair his objectivity or independence of judgment. No school official shall act in his official capacity in any matter where he … has a personal involvement that is or creates some benefit to the school official … [Emphasis added.]

In addressing her conflict of interest on the website, Adams likened her status as a NJEA employee to that of a teacher, but this is misleading.

As a full-time NJEA employee, Adams’ salary and pension are entirely controlled by the NJEA, and as a school board member, her allegiance to the NJEA — and to its members whose dues pay for them — could reasonably be seen to impair her objectivity and independence when negotiating with the Randolph Education Association (REA), all of whose teachers are NJEA members. In addition, salary increases for REA teachers make it easier for them to pay their highest-in-the-nation, $999 annual NJEA dues, which fund Adams’ compensation. This could be seen as a benefit to Adams.

On the other hand, a teacher’s salary and pension are controlled by the school district where she teaches and the state, respectively. Unless a teacher serves on the school board in the district where she teaches — in which case she would have to recuse herself from most union matters — her potential benefit is too attenuated to constitute a conflict.

On the website, Adams defends her position by stating that the School Ethics Commission has ruled: “it is NOT a conflict of interest for a board member to be part of the NJEA, so long as they do not participate directly in negotiations or be present in closed session when union matters are discussed.” [Emphasis added.] This elides over the distinction between a teacher and a full-time NJEA employee, but more importantly, it implies that Adams will recuse herself from union negotiations and closed sessions.

So Sunlight Policy Center asks directly: Will Adams commit to recusing herself from union negotiations and closed sessions?

If Adams commits to recusing herself, then she will negate any conflict of interest issues and should be praised for proactively dealing with the problem. All would be above-board.

If Adams does not commit to recuse herself, then there is a strong case that her status as a full-time NJEA employee violates the language of the law and would be a valid case to bring before the School Ethics Commission.

We urge a concerned Randolph citizen to ask her point blank at the next school board meeting.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are the writer's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer. Click here for TAPinto's Letters to the Editor policy.

Do you have an opinion on something happening in your town or about a story you read on TAPinto? Submit a letter to the editor here.

TOMS RIVER — Even Randolph coach Pete Torres shed a few tears after the 41-38 loss to Ewing in the NJSIAA Group 3 girls basketball final on Sunday night. Pete Torres and his wife, Kristen, had been leading the Rams program for 15 years.

Bringing home the Group trophy had been their goal all this time. Peter and Kristen Torres – who have collectively led Randolph to more than 200 victories – shared a hug after the game, so close to achieving that goal.

"It's an unbelievable, unbelievable run. It's a dream come true," Pete Torres said.

Pete Torres had told Randolph's then-athletic director Jeff DiLollo he'd take the program "to another level." He pledged to win something in four years, delivering a sectional title. The Rams (27-3) won their second on March 1, selling 1,100 tickets – the most for any athletic event in school history.

This was Randolph's first trip to the Group final. Ewing (30-3) had won Group 3 in 1999, and last played in the final in 2018.

Champion Crusaders:Morris Catholic girls basketball 'lives up to expectations' in Non-Public B final

Blue Devils junior guard Rhian Stokes led all scorers with 17 points, despite picking up her fourth foul three minutes into the third quarter. Senior guard Sydney Jenisch had 11 for Randolph, and her sister Madison Jenisch added 10.

The Group 3 final featured 11 lead changes and was tied nine times. Madison Jenisch seemed to snatch victory for the Rams with a 3-pointer in the right corner with 2:32 left, but Stokes responded with a runner off the glass.

Ewing junior guard Te'Yala Delfosse, who had scored her 1,000th career point earlier in the game, grabbed a rebound with nine seconds left and sank two free throws as time expired.

The Rams' three losses this winter came against Group champions: Ewing, Bayonne (Group 4) and Morris Catholic (Non-Public B).

"We had opportunities," Pete Torres said. "We made some mental mistakes. You don't know what's going to happen in those big moments."