Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jamie Connors
The 8 Best Parks in Brentwood
3. Brentwood City Park Location: 790 2nd Street. Hours: Open 24 hours. Amenities:Children’s playground, gazebo, fountain area. Downtown Brentwood is home to one of the most community-friendly parks in the city, Brentwood City Park. Even though the park is considerably small, it happens to be one of the most crowded in the city, with people coming here for fun, relaxation, and community events.
CWK Plans to Connect With Community Post-COVID
Assisting at Acorn Academy, coloring in children’s books and making makeshift paper pumpkins are just a few perks of becoming a member of Drew University’s Connect with Kids (CWK). This student organization is “a club at Drew focused on creating a positive impact on kids in the local Madison area and around the world,” according to the page on The Path.
‘As It Was’ Makes Me Want to Wait On the Doorstep of ‘Harry’s House’
After an almost three year hiatus, Harry Styles made his comeback at Love on Tour, his global concert tour following the 2019 release of his second studio album, “Fine Line.” Tour tickets aren’t the only things fans have to worry about paying for, however, since Styles announced the release of his third studio album, “Harry’s House,” due to come out May 20.
Waldo Says: RHA Campus-Wide Scavenger Hunt
Ominous clues were posted daily on Instagram, flyers somehow made it to every spot on campus and Ranger Bear ran rampant from April 4 to April 15 as part of a campus-wide scavenger hunt, organized by the Residence Hall Association (RHA). RHA first posted about the scavenger hunt on their Instagram, announcing that each day there would be a series of hints on Instagram and Drew Today to find the day’s prizes scattered throughout campus.
Volunteer Without Borders Hosts First Trip Since the Pandemic
Instead of the typical beach vacation most college students embark on for spring break, Volunteer Without Borders (VWB) had a much different vacation. VWB typically organizes three service trips a year, pairing each trip with a unique focus, such as homelessness, rebuilding and environmental causes, amongst others. This time, the focus was to educate students on the effects of coal mining in the United States.
Where To Go Cherry-Picking in Brentwood, CA
The cherry-picking season is around the corner and you know what that means—it’s time to plan a road trip to Brentwood. Starting mid-May and lasting for about a month, the cherry-picking season in Brentwood signifies a time of togetherness and bounty. Make time in your social calendar to visit the best farmlands and gardens in Brentwood and enjoy eating the literal fruits of your labor for weeks to come. Want to know which cherry farms to add to your itinerary?
Pub Becomes Speakeasy for Harlem Renaissance Night
The EC transformed from a modern student-hangout to an open-mic showcase in a 1920’s art gallery, complete with the pub as a hidden speakeasy, on Friday Feb. 18. Student Program Coordinator Hope Sanders (‘22) said, “The inspiration behind the night was to create a safe place where students felt comfortable to be as vulnerable and as creative as they wanted to be.” Crawford Hall was decorated for Harlem Renaissance Night with art, beads, handmade feather-filled centerpieces and lights.
Spring Semester Club Fair Goes Virtual
In the past, Drew’s club fairs typically featured dozens of tables filled with flyers, email lists and overeager club leaders. But, this semester’s club fair kicked off with different Instagram story posts highlighting a small handful of clubs. All Drew University organizations were invited to participate in the Spring ‘22 Club Fair from Feb. 14 to Feb. 18.
RHA Reps Announce Spring Semester Plans
To debunk a common misconception, Resident Assistants (RAs) and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) are not the same. The latter is a student-based organization that seeks to “improve the quality of life on campus,” according to their page on The Path. The organization is divided into two categories: advocacy and programming. President Rouguie Camara (‘23) handles the advocacy side, which focuses on students’ concerns.
Carnival Games and Cotton Candy in Crawford Hall
Tattoos, balloon-sword duels and heated competitions for raffle tickets filled the EC last Friday as part of Drew Night Life’s weekly events. Inspired by a winter carnival, Progressive Snack Night featured a series of carnival games, such as ring toss, toss-across –– a tic tac toe variation played with bean bags –– pling plong, axe throwing, duck matching, Twister and jumbo bowling. The event was also home to an airbrush tattooist and balloon artist.
Active Minds Club Calls for Collaboration and Compassion
Active Minds is a recently-created campus organization that hosts monthly events focused on educating students about mental health and stress relief. Co-Presidents Katie Cashin (‘23) and Brittany Boetticher (‘23) created the club in Jan. 2021 after their hit collaborative Civic Scholars project, which focused on educating the local community on suicide prevention. “After Katie and I ran the event, students expressed interest in having a mental health program on campus,” Boetticher said.
New Notes from November (Taylor’s Version)
In case you’re looking for some new tunes to listen to while turning in those last minute assignments and preparing for finals, tune into Spotify or Apple Music. With a number of new releases raked in from November, streaming services have turned into a hub of chart toppers, featuring Adele, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and more.
Witches, Wizards and Muggles Welcomed at Wandmaking
The classroom located on the second floor of Drew University’s Methodist Archives transformed into the restricted section of the Hogwarts library on Wednesday, Oct. 27. Classic ‘Harry Potter’ ambiance, novelties and tools for making wands filled the classroom, with several Drewids sporting Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw gear.
New Young Alumni Association Advocates for Alumni Connection
Almost four years ago, Jonathan Van Dongen (‘17) received his diploma in front of his entire college class, which had spent the last few years pulling all-nighters, grinding out exams, eating in the Commons and exercising in the Simon Forum together. After spending a little less than half-a-decade pursuing his degree, Van Dongen found himself out in the real world, about to take on a job and move into the workforce.
These Lucky Dogs are landing at Morristown Airport on St. Patricks Day
Hibiscus is looking for a new home...maybe yours? By Jamie Lynn Connors In the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day, charity organizations are sending more than 100 rescue pets to Morristown Airport on Wednesday on the “Lucky Dog Rescue Flight.” Some passengers will include Eeyore, Everest, Flip Flop and Hibiscus, a three-legged pup. A plane-load of dogs and cats will arrive from Louisiana on March 17, 2021, thanks to iHeartDogs and Greater Good Charities.
The Perfect Pairing: New Mentorship Program Matches Alumni and Students
What can recent Drew University alumni offer current members of the student body? This is a question that members of the Drew Young Alumni Association (DYAA) asked themselves before coming up with an answer: mentorship. As of Feb. 2021, the DYAA has begun launching the pilot of its mentorship program, with current Drew CLA and graduate students and alumni. It is currently in its first wave.
Surviving Spring 2021: Zooming your way to an A
Without snow days or an official spring break this semester, it’s normal to feel disconnected as a student on Zoom. Work is piling up and procrastination seems more appealing than ever, but it is important to stay engaged and focused during online synchronous classes. Here are some tips and tricks to combat the quarantine-inspired work aversion. Turn your phone off.
Campus Community Unites at Circle of Hope
Drew University staff and students gathered virtually at an online “Circle of Hope” ceremony on Feb. 3. The event was made to encourage community strength and support for their missing peer, Nepalese International Student Ajay Sah (C’22). It featured a candle lighting ceremony, meditations and music. At one point during the ceremony, an uninvited “zoom-bomber” hijacked the virtual event. The anonymous individual interrupted the ceremony for five minutes, sharing explicit messages and music.
Drew holds somber vigil for missing international student
MISSING: Drew University junior Ajay Sah. Screenshot by Jamie Lynn Connors By Jamie Lynn Connors With candles and meditations, music and poems, Drew University students and staff held out hope Wednesday for Ajay Sah, a junior from Nepal who was reported missing nearly two weeks ago. “We are not alone, and Ajay is not alone,” Chaplain Tanya Linn Bennett said during the virtual “Circle of Hope” ceremony.
Mehta concedes state Senate race to Bucco, says she broke glass ceiling
By Jamie Lynn Connors Conceding the 25th District race on Sunday, Rupande Mehta thanked those who backed her campaign as the first South Asian woman to run for state Senate, and pledged her support for victor Anthony M. Bucco during the pandemic. “The COVID-19 crisis has shone a light on all of the cracks in our system and we stepped up to fight for sensible leadership,” Mehta, 40, said in a statement. State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-25th Dist.) “Congratulations Sen. Bucco on your re-election.
As counting continues, Bucco claims victory in 25th District Senate race
From left, Morris Sheriff James Gannon, state Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-25th Dist.) at 2020 Veterans Day ceremony in Morris Township. Photo by Tyler Barth By Jamie Lynn Connors Thousands of votes remain to be counted, but state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco thinks he’s seen enough. The Republican from Mountain Lakes is claiming victory over Democratic challenger Rupande Mehta of Denville in the 25th District Senate race.
Sherrill cruises to congressional victory for second term in District 11
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.) thanks voters via Zoom for giving her a second term, Nov. 3, 2020. Screenshot by Jamie Lynn Connors. By Jamie Lynn Connors Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s 2018 midterm victory was no fluke. On Tuesday, the Democrat handily won a second term representing an 11th District that previously belonged to Republicans for more than three decades. “We’ve kept faith and the values that define us as a country,” Sherrill told supporters via Facebook.
‘Get Covered’: NJ opens enrollment for Affordable Care marketplace
'Get Covered' virtual briefing: Top, L-R: University Hospital President Shereef Elnahal; Commissioner Marline Caride, Department of Banking and Insurance); Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-7th Dist.). Bottom, L-R: Gov. Phil Murphy; Maura Collingsru, NJ Citizen Action Health Care Program Director. Screenshot by Jamie Lynn Connors. By Jamie Lynn Connors This is an important week in New Jersey–and not just because of the presidential election.
Bucco, Mehta talk COVID, women’s healthcare at virtual debate for District 25 state Senate
Democrat Rupande Mehta, top right, and GOP state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-25th Dist.) and moderator Michelle Bobrow, at virtual debate hosted by the League of Women Voters and the NAACP, Oct. 23, 2020. Screenshot by Jamie Lynn Connors By Jamie Lynn Connors State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-25th Dist) and Democratic challenger Rupande Mehta differed over women’s healthcare and the government’s handling of COVID-19 in a virtual debate on Friday.
Sherrill vs. Becchi: Woman-to-woman combat in District 11 congressional race
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.), left, and GOP challenger Rosemary Becchi. By Jamie Lynn Connors A woman should occupy New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District seat. That’s pretty much where the agreements end between Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and GOP challenger Rosemary Becchi. They have pulled no punches in a contest that marks only the fifth time in New Jersey history that congressional candidates from both major parties have been women.
Becchi, Sherrill spar over COVID, Trump in 11th District debate
Eleventh District Congressional debate, hosted by David Wildstein, left, with GOP candidate Rosemary Becchi, right, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.), Oct. 11, 2020. Screen shot by Jamie Lynn Connors By Jamie Lynn Connors Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.) and GOP challenger Rosemary Becchi clashed over COVID-19, Donald Trump, gun reforms and law enforcement Sunday in their first virtual debate.
Sherrill and Becchi spar over healthcare, lobbying in second virtual debate
Moderator Fred Snowflack hosts NJInsider debate between Republican Rosemary Becchi, right, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ). Screenshot by Jamie Lynn Connors. By Jamie Lynn Connors Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.) and GOP Challenger Rosemary Becchi argued over the Affordable Care Act and lobbying Tuesday in their second virtual debate.
Sherrill, Becchi spar over COVID, Trump in 11th District debate
Eleventh District Congressional debate, hosted by David Wildstein, left, with GOP candidate Rosemary Becchi, right, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.), Oct. 11, 2020. Screen shot by Jamie Lynn Connors By Jamie Lynn Connors Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.) and GOP challenger Rosemary Becchi clashed over COVID, Donald Trump, gun reforms and abortion Sunday in their first virtual debate.
Dodging COVID, fighting cancer: Morristown waitress gets boost from friends
Jessica Hutchings with her kids, Gianna, 11, and Jesse, 2. By Jamie Lynn Connors Waitress Jessica Hutchings couldn’t wait to return to work at the Morristown Diner when pandemic restrictions were eased. Over the last dozen years, patrons there have become her second family. But in early August, Hutchings was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of cancer where tumors grow rapidly. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 is hard.
A downtown for Morris Township? ‘Morris Marketplace’ due for vote, Sept. 16
Developer's conception of the Morris Marketplace in Morris Township. By Jamie Lynn Connors When Morris Township residents are looking for fun, they often head to Morristown.
‘Late coming home’ : NYC firefighter shares emotional 9/11 memories at Morris County observance
New York Firefighter Greg Manning recounts his 9/11 experience, at Freeholder Director Deborah Smith at Morris County 9/11 ceremony, Sept. 13, 2020. Screen shot by Jamie Lynn Connors. By Jamie Lynn Connors Greg Manning saw the televised images, heard the chaos unfolding over his fire department radio, and called his pregnant wife, at home with their 2-year-old daughter.
Governor: Indoor dining returns on Sept. 4…with reservations
Expanded outdoor dining returned to South + Pine at partial reopening of Morristown businesses, June 15, 2020. Limited indoor dining is set for Sept. 4. Photo by Kevin Coughlin By Jamie Lynn Connors Nearly six months after the state banned indoor dining, Morristown residents finally can go back to eating inside their favorite restaurants this Friday. During his daily COVID-19 briefing on Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the reopening of indoor dining across the state as of 6 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2020.
Family asks for trees to be planted in memory of worker killed in Morris Township during Isaias cleanup
Jody Terwilliger was remembered for his love of nature. By Jamie Lynn Connors Jody Terwilliger was so passionate about nature, he once cut down a tree just to save a family of baby squirrels. “Jody was the most caring, loving, warm and fuzzy guy you could ever meet,” posted his friends, Jill and Tom Treweeke. Terwilliger, a 58-year-old arborist and bucket operator for the Nelson Tree Co., was killed by a falling limb on Aug. 13, 2020, during the cleanup from Tropical Storm Isaias in Morris Township.
Kings supermarkets for sale as parent company files for bankruptcy
Nora Parker, outside Kings in Morristown, April 11, 2020. Photo by Kevin Coughlin By Jamie Lynn Connors Kings Food Markets, a chain with supermarkets in Morristown, Chatham and Bedminster, is being sold as part of bankruptcy proceedings launched by its parent company. KB US Holdings Inc. voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 this week to “facilitate an orderly sale” of Kings and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market, KB Holdings said in a statement.
Chatham Doctor: Beware ‘caution fatigue’ with COVID-19, re-open safely
Dr. Mikhail “Mike” Varshavski By Jamie Lynn Connors Over 100 days in quarantine have come and gone for New Jerseyans. Yet COVID-19 is rising among young people. Is this worth worrying over? “Stay alert, not anxious,” advised Dr. Mikhail “Mike” Varshavski of Chatham Family Medicine, in a virtual interview hosted Thursday by the Atlantic Health System, parent organization of Morristown Medical Center.
From farm to doorstep: New delivery service coming to Morristown
Danielle Schwab of Illuminate Food. By Jamie Lynn Connors Do you feel like your quarantine diet has been missing farm-grown blackberries and raspberries from New Jersey, eggplant and green kale from Pennsylvania, and tomatoes from Delaware? Danielle Schwab has felt that way, too. For the past three years, Schwab, 32, has been fascinated by agriculture and farming practices. After extensive reading, research and visits to farms across the country, she started her own small business.
Protests and poetry: Dodge takes it virtual
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tyehimba Jess speaks at 'Poetry & Protest,' June 30, 2020. Screenshot by Jamie Lynn Connors By Jamie Lynn Connors The venue may have shifted. But the participants still had plenty to say. Poetry lovers and activists gathered — virtually, of course — for an hour last week to reflect on personal and political issues in a program titled, I am Deliberate and Afraid/ of Nothing: Poetry & Protest.
Morristown gym owner runs from NJ to DC while awaiting green light from Gov. Murphy
Matt Scarfo, owner of a Morristown fitness studio, ran from NJ to DC during the pandemic. Image courtesy of Matt Scarfo By Jamie Lynn Connors Matt Scarfo never ran a marathon. That is, until last month. When he ran nine of them in a row. On March 16, 2020, Scarfo’s Morristown gym Full-Time Fitness closed its doors for the first time since its opening in late 2010, because of the pandemic.
Morristown native fights for justice, two singles at a time
Kevin Connor (MHS '17) of The Trust Fund Kids musical project wrote 'Endless Eye,' a song on an EP raising money for a racial justice organization. By Jamie Lynn Connors Making his first EP was difficult for Morristown High grad Kevin Connor. Instead of heading to the studio, he recorded all his songs in his dorm room. That is, after his roommate already had gone to class. Hunched over his laptop, he sang quietly enough so his neighbors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst wouldn’t overhear.
The Rock Box: New Morristown business tries to heal COVID one crystal, and one mask, at a time
On its maiden voyage, The Rock Box in Morristown hit an iceberg: The coronavirus pandemic. Forced to shut her doors just weeks after opening, owner Kelly Christmas went virtual--and also helped fellow businesses with a mask drive. Photo by Jamie Lynn Connors By Jamie Lynn Connors Curbside pickups. FaceTimes. Phone calls. Morristown’s newest hidden gem, The Rock Box, has unearthed the three secrets to promoting a business during the pandemic.
Morristown hotel caters to medical professionals during pandemic
The Best Western in Morristown welcomed nurses from Morristown Medical Center during the height of the pandemic. By Jamie Lynn Connors While most are avoiding those connected to the coronavirus at all costs, the Best Western Plus Morristown Inn has welcomed them. For the last month, the hotel has offered rooms to nursing staff from Morristown Medical Center.
Morristown motel caters to medical professionals during pandemic
The Best Western in Morristown welcomed nurses from Morristown Medical Center during the height of the pandemic. By Jamie Lynn Connors While most are avoiding those connected to the coronavirus at all costs, the Best Western Plus Morristown Inn has welcomed them. For the last month, the motel has offered rooms to nursing staff from Morristown Medical Center.
Children of The (Virtual) Forest: Drew Class of ’20 graduates via Zoom
COMMENCEMENT, PANDEMIC-STYLE: Drew University's Class of 2020 is sent into the world via Zoom, May 9, 2020. Screenshot by Jamie Lynn Connors By Jamie Lynn Connors Families rushing to campus to secure parking spots, air horns interrupting speeches, and tearful last embraces gave way to mailed packages of confetti and pre-recorded speeches as the Drew University Class of ’20 graduated Saturday via Zoom. “You are children of The Forest.
Can the texts. Try the call button. A Drew expert’s ‘quarantivities’ for pandemic mental health
Psychologist James Mandala, of the Drew University Counseling Center. Photo: Drew University By Jamie Lynn Connors Can the texting. Forget Snapchat. Try your phone’s call button instead. Those are among psychologist James Mandala’s tips for staying mentally healthy while you try to dodge the coronavirus. Mandala, who works at the James A.
Easing pandemic panic: Dodge poetry offers solace, April 26-May 2
By Jamie Lynn Connors Have you run out of “quarantivities” to keep yourself busy? Looking for ways to relieve stress during this pandemic? For National Poetry Month, the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Program is offering Spring & Fountain Online. This free, week-long program is meant to “help you cultivate some calm and tend to your spirit during a difficult time,” the program explains.
Coronavirus and the economy: A Drew University expert takes out his crystal ball
Drew University economics professor Marc Tomljanovich By Jamie Lynn Connors The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on healthcare systems across the country. What is the prognosis for the nation’s economic health? These questions are addressed in Ask the Experts: Coronavirus and the Economy, a webinar hosted by Drew University economist Marc Tomljanovich . It’s one of a series of talks about the coronavirus and the economy by Drew faculty, presented as a public service by the school.
From Morristown Onstage to ‘Playing in the Grays’: Diana McNiff releases first album
Diana McNiff. Photo courtesy of the artist. By Jamie Lynn Connors Diana McNiff remembers standing alone at an open-mic night in New York’s East Village, back in 2003. No money to cover the two-drink minimum. No friends for support. All she had was a scrap of paper with the number 14. It represented both her lucky number, and her position in the lineup of performers.
New Editorial Company Gattie And Lopez Launches In NYC
Gattie and Lopez, a new editorial company, has opened its doors in a sun-filled penthouse in midtown Manhattan. Editors/Partners Chuck Willis and Jamie Connors are joined by Managing Partner Susan Willis in this new venture. The creative editorial shop will work across advertising, television and feature film projects. “I had to do something with Jamie,” remarked Chuck.
Gattie and Lopez launches in NYC
Editors and partners Chuck Willis and Jamie Connors, together with managing partner Susan Willis, have launched a new New York-based editorial company called Gattie and Lopez. “There is a great energy between us and I am thrilled to open a company with him,” said Connors. “Creating and building a new company with individuals I respect so much is the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.” Connors has spent nearly a decade working on post-production in NYC.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jamie
Contact Jamie, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack