Welcome readers to the 109th issue of Mt. Olive Online!

By Cheryl Conway 

For those struggling with financial burdens brought on by a family member battling cancer, know there is a grass roots organization out there providing some extra support.

Tara Mensonides, 23-year resident of Mt. Olive, established “Make It Work,” in 2011 to provide support to community members facing financial strain. No stranger to the struggle, Mensonides’ parents both died from cancer and are the catalyst behind her mission.

“My dad was the most positive person I know and always said ‘We will make it work,” says Mensonides, founder of Make it Work. “I founded this organization after my dad passed of cancer. I saw the financial strains it put on our family and realized there are many others dealing with the same. My mom then passed of cancer in 2012 making this even more a passion of mine.” 

The mission of Make It Work is simple but profound: To ease the financial burdens of cancer for families in need. The organization provides direct support, ensuring that 100% of proceeds go straight to helping with costs like travel expenses, meals, and other challenges that cancer creates.

It is “To help people struggling with the financial burdens of cancer and cancer created issues,” she explains. 

“We are a grassroots organization supporting the local community directly,” she adds. “We also support meals and costs of travel.” 

When she first began the organization 14 years ago, Mensonides started with 11 people in need of support. That number has grown to 46 this year.

“All funds go directly to the families in need,” she says.

In addition to her own efforts, “we also use local companies to support for our needs and swag,” she adds. 

As a professional— she works as a global risk and compliance manager at Johnson & Johnson— and a mom, Mensonides knows when the going gets rough the tough get going. But sometimes, others need that extra hand for support. Mensonides will use both her hands to “Make it Work!”

“I’ve always been community driven,” says Mensonides, former long-time Girl Scout leader for both her girls and former volunteer at their schools and outside activities.

To support Make It Work, donations can be sent via Venmo or check, to Tara Mensonides @MakeItWork-20 with every contribution going directly to families in need.

Feel free to join her and together, contributors will “Make It Work!”

Her new website is also in the works so look for its launch this February.  

Visit www.makeitworknj.org 

By Cheryl Conway

Warmer weather will be here before you know it, and for those who like to venture out and hit the trails in Mt. Olive, new entrance signs are in place for easier navigation.

Thanks to 15-year-old Lillyana DiPietro, a Girl Scout with BSA Troop 1150 (now called Scouting America), hikers can plan more accurate routes and navigate their destination. DiPetro planned, supervised and built 11 new entrance signs for the Mt. Olive Open Space trails as part of her Eagle Scout project.

“This project is to help hikers plan routes more accurately, navigate to their destination easier and have a smoother hike,” explains DiPetro, a freshman at Mt. Olive High School. “It provides safety in knowing where they are, how far they have traveled and the name of their destination.”

A member of BSA Troop 1150 for almost five years under Scoutmaster Katherine Smith— after being a Cub Scout in Pack 156 of Flanders—DiPetro wanted to complete an Eagle Scout project that mattered to her.

“The Eagle project is a capstone of Scouts BSA,” she explains. “It calls upon the scout to use all of the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program to act as a leader and carry out a project to benefit the community from conception to completion. It is a huge milestone on the way to achieving the highest rank of Eagle. It is one of the most time consuming and generally one of the last steps taken on the journey to Eagle.”

Social media is always a great source for ideas.

“I saw a post on Facebook that the Mount Olive Open Space was looking for someone to redesign the signs,” explains DiPetro. “I love hiking, and thought it would be nice to have easy navigation through the trails in our town. Dad did something similar for his Eagle project decades ago and I enjoyed when he took us to look at it. From then I knew I wanted to create something that I could share with my future family and thought this would be the perfect fit!”

She started researching and planning this project late April 2024, and completed the bulk of the project by the end of summer 2024.  

“My project was designing, building and installing 11 signs around the Mt. Olive trail system,” she describes. “The signs were created for areas on the trails that either didn’t have one or the sign was too beaten up to read.  I added mile markers to known distances to help when planning hikes.”DiPetro worked closely with Mount Olive Space to label 11 of the trail heads throughout town. There were also 19 scouts and volunteers ranging from age 12 to adult that helped out with the project, she adds.

“There were various phases to the project from concept to design, to crafting and installing,” she explains. “In all, my Eagle Project took a combined 117 total volunteer hours from start to finish.”     

DiPetro is appreciative to everyone who helped her along her path.

“Adults and kids from my troop, friends, family, and anyone who was willing to donate their money, time and efforts into helping me complete this project were a huge help,” she says.  “This project was made possible by generous donations from friends and family and a supply donation from Home Depot of Hackettstown.”

Looking at her signs, DiPetro is pleased with the completed project.

“I'm very proud of how this project turned out; it gave me a unique life experience many kids don’t get to have,” she shares. “I learned about budgeting, time and talent management, goal setting and fundraising.  It challenged my problem-solving skills and taught me how to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances. I know that this is bringing me one step closer to Eagle rank. I'm so grateful for everybody who helped out.

“Feel free to check out the signs, take a little hike and enjoy the scenery,” she concludes.

DiPetro’s signs are located along the white, orange and blue trails throughout Mt. Olive.

“Lillyana is to be commended for planning, supervising and building 11 entrance signs for our Mount Olive Open Space trails,” says David Ethan Alexander of the Mount Olive Open Space Committee. “Her leadership and volunteerism set a fine example and her pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout is greatly admired. We look forward to her achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the near future.”

Check out our Map at https://natureintoaction.com/2021/03/10/mount-olive-trails-interactive-map/

To inquire about scout and conservation stewardship themed service projects within Mount Olive Open Space, contact DavidEthanAlexander@gmail.com.

By Cheryl Conway

After testing the waters on New Year’s Day, lifelong Budd Lake resident Alan Fulton would like to organize a local polar bear plunge.

Held during the winter, a polar bear plunge is an event where participants enter a body of water despite the low temperature. In the United States, polar bear plunges are usually held to raise money for a charitable organization.

Fulton had tried to organize one through Facebook this year, and while he attracted some verbal support on the social media site, actions spoke larger than words.

He jumped in solo on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2025, at noon, in Budd Lake, “or as it affectionately known as ‘The baptismal waters of the hill people,’” says Fulton.  

“It started originally as a post on a local Facebook group, trying to gauge its popularity,” shares Fulton. “It did have a lot of comments and “likes”.  So, on New Year’s Day, when a large percentage of the planet was trying to sleep off a hangover, we went and jumped in the lake.”

Not a newbie when it comes to jumping in freezing water, Fulton says “in the past, we have done similar things at Sandy Hook.”

Why did Fulton jump in the freezing water?

“For fun,” says Fulton, who is very active with the Mt. Olive Environmental Commission and Open Space Committee along with his wife Courtney.

His attire during the plunge?  

“I wore a hat,” he shares. “It was a cold day, with the temperature hovering below freezing and the water seemed absolutely frigid, but it was not frozen over.”

How long were you in the water?

“An eternity, but in reality, probably only a minute or two,” he says.

Without any assistance, Fulton completed his self-challenge and now recommends others join him next time.  

When asked if he would do it again, he comments, “Absolutely, it was very invigorating and refreshing.”

If there is interest, he says he may take the plunge sooner than later.

“Why wait until next year, there is still plenty of time to do it again this year,” says Fulton. “I would be open to do this again but with our community being involved and hopefully have it as a fundraiser.  There are many people, causes and tragedies in our community that could really use our support, and I think that this would be a great fundraising event.

“I think this would be a fun yearly event for our community,” he concludes.
According to studies, there are numerous potential benefits to cold exposure therapy, including: Depression, brain health and muscle soreness. Similar to when athletes take an ice bath, why not just jump in a freezing lake?

Cold exposure also can help with mood, improve attention and memory.

It is advised to limit the time of cold water contact to less than five minutes. Do not immerse the head under the freezing water, and as soon as the plunge is done, dry off completely and change into warm dry clothes.

Cold plunging is safe for those who are physically fit; those who have a history of arrhythmia, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not participate in cold plunging, doctors advise.

By Cheryl Conway

Township officials are exploring whether recycling is a waste of time. But no matter what they resolve from the issue that was raised at the Jan. 7 Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting, recycling is a mandated law in the state of New Jersey and residents should be separating their garbage from recyclable materials such as plastics, cardboard, paper, bottles and cans. Whether it is a resident, office building, business, school, restaurant, shopping center, medical facility, government building, recreation facility or construction site, certain items get separated from the garbage mainstream in order to reduce, reuse and recycle.The issue of recycling was recently raised at the Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting held Jan. 7 by Council President Alex Roman.   “After seeing numerous articles about how recycling is a “scam” I felt the need to speak up, especially because it’s costing the taxpayers,” says Roman, who brought up the issue at the recent council meeting.“Recycling is important if it’s actually getting done and we’re not just using the third world as our dumping ground,” he says adding that he does recycle regularly “because it’s currently the law.”Concerned with the notion that recycling ends up in the landfill, Roman wants to know “if we really need to recycle? Is our recycling benefiting the environment? Is recycling being recycled or is it eventually ending up in the ocean?”According to Roman, the township is paying $10K a month for its current recycling program.“If it’s serving us no actual good, I think we should look into it,” says Roman. “Don’t like being wasting taxpayer’s time and money for something that is not accomplishing it’s intended purpose.“At best recycling is performative, at worst it’s dumping our waste with the third world and into the ocean,” he says. “It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money.”Councilman Charles Aaron followed up by questioning “How do we get our recycling recycled? What does the process look like? Where does it go?”Councilwoman Colleen Labow shares her thoughts: “My opinion is to recycle things we know—glass and paper—to make sense of it.” She says she finds it “too difficult” to check the symbol on an item to know how to separate it in the recycling process.Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko agreed to look into the issue to give officials more information.  According to Tatarenko, over the last five years, the average cost to dispose of the town’s recycling is approximately $120K per year.“This is only the cost our vendor charges to dispose of the material,” he explains. “In addition to this cost is labor and capital for equipment.”Prior to 2019, the township was profiting and was able to sell the recycling material but that all changed in 2019 when the recycling market took a drastic change, explains Tatarenko.On average, the township recycles 2,300 tons a year, adds Tatarenko. The cost per ton to recycle the material fluctuates on a monthly basis depending on the market.The township also pays a fee for its garbage tonnage.On average, Mt. Olive collects 8,000 tons of garbage per year. In 2025, this will cost $105.50 per ton to dispose, totaling $844K, shares Tatarenko.  This does not include the cost of township labor and capital, he adds. The township pays 13 full time employees to handle solid waste and has about 10 various trucks assigned for pickup. Recycling does reduce the amount of tonnage of garbage.“If everyone threw their recycling in the garbage, the net increase to dispose the material based on increase in tonnage would be approximately $125K,” calculates Tatarenko. Both recycling and sanitation is paid for by the Solid Waste Collection District budget, shares Tatarenko.“Every resident pays into the budget and is a separate tax on their tax bill,” he says.  In 2024, the Solid Waste Collection District Budget was $3,620,437.  The average homeowner pays $322 a year to have their garbage and recycling picked up. Recycling is mandated by the state and those townships who do an exemplary job can benefit.“Our efforts are recognized through annual grants such as Clean Community Grants and the Recycling Tonnage grant which last year generated $123K,” shares Tatarenko. Budd Lake resident Irene Sergonis shares her knowledge and suggestions when it comes to recycling.  “This quote from the NJDEP says it all- "Recycling, the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products, is a key aspect of our state’s solid waste management strategy and benefits the environment in many ways,” shares Sergonis. “Recycling is not only significant because it keeps millions of tons of materials out of landfills and other disposal facilities, but also because it conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces emissions of water and air pollutants, including greenhouse gas emissions.  Recycling is also an easy and important way for people to express their commitment to the environment." Sergonis— a member on the Mt. Olive Environmental Commission and the Open Space Committee, is active with the Sierra Club, Citizens Climate Lobby and Green Amendments for the Generations, and attends seminars and conferences organized by the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions to learn and network—offers her expertise. “How we spend our time and money reflects our values,” says Sergonis. “We need to leave future generations a planet with clean air, pure water and a stable climate.  We can do more to educate and motivate our residents so that less waste is going into landfills. Setting goals and measuring is the way to success. I would like to see the tons collected each month published.”Suggests Sergonis at the council meeting, “When you go shopping try not to buy plastic.” Choose glass instead for items such as dressing, ketchup, sauce.   “I focus reducing and reusing when shopping,” she shares. “I use Grove and Blue Land for cleaning and laundry products. I shop at refillable stores - https://www.sbnzerowaste.com/; I am a member of the Let it Go, MO FB group where we swap items within our community. “The Mt. Olive NJ Community Fridge is a great place to gift unexpired perishable items before tossing in the trash,” adds Sergonis. “Garage sales and thrift stores are also a good way to reduce what goes in a landfill.  I also make my own yogurt which saves money and plastic each week. I am happy to see the sustainable packaging at Nature's Food Market's on Route 46 and Naughright Road.”Increased education will also help, suggests Sergonis.“I would like to work with our student liaisons on the Environmental Commission to set up educational displays at the library and community events and will ask commission for approval at our next meeting,” says Sergonis.   She offers some techniques residents can do to improve the issues regarding recycling.  

• Check your recycling bin for contaminants before taking it to the curb each week.  Use the Recycling and Sanitation Guide on town website- https://www.mountolivetwpnj.org/media/19951 or download the Recycle Coach app- https://www.recyclecoach.com/   
• Reduce plastic consumption, especially single-use plastic water bottles.  Take this Pesky Plastics quiz and see what changes you can make- https://survey.thinkfieldpanel.com.au/wcfs/29402 )  
• Compost food waste since 22 percent of solid waste in NJ is food waste.   

Tatarenko shares a helpful link on the NJ Recycling program: NJDEP-Recycling InformationBut for now, no matter what information is discovered or shared: “Recycling is mandated by the state,” reiterates Tatarenko. “We will not be stopping and will continue to comply with state statute.”  

February is the perfect time to start working on those love handles! One Hour Fitness in Flanders surely has a handle on the best moves to get those bodies in shape. Since the groundhog saw that shadow, spring and summer will be here before anyone knows it! Check out https://www.onehourfitness.net/ 

We are a female only group and our classes are low impact. The routines are easy to follow. Come and try a few classes.

We have package pricing so you can sign up for just 4 classes a month, 6 classes a month, 8 classes a month or unlimited classes (which is usually 26 or 27 classes a month).

Email lmhars@gmail.com or call  
Hars at 973-903-0453.

Monday 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.- Zumba (Deanna)- a total dance/cardio workout to hip-hop or Latin music. Join the party and dance those pounds off. Some weight training is also added in the middle of the dance routine.

Tuesday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.-Step & Strike” (Lisa)– 25 minutes of Step, 20 minutes of cardio kickboxing and abs at the end. 

Wednesday 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.-(Cheryl)“Cardio Blast” - alternating cardio intervals including Step, kickboxing, aerobics with the ball and strength training.

 Thursday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Total Tone” (Lisa)-Cardio and Toning starting with shoulders, chest, biceps/triceps and back. Lower body moves like squat and lunges are also included. Weights, dyna-bands and medicine balls are used.

 
Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. -(Cheryl)- 10/10/10/10”- an interval cardio class alternating different cardio activities every 10 minutes. Intervals of kickbox, medicine ball aerobics, step and strength training with dyna bands are included. 

Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. - “Step & Sculpt” (Lisa) - toning segments added to a step class for all levels alternating using low level weights.  Some aerobics with ball, weights and band may be added.

Address for exercise program:

New Beginnings Bible Church

104 Bartley Flanders Rd, Flanders.

North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority Developing Long-Range Plan

Morris County is teaming up with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) to help shape the region’s transportation future through Connecting Communities, a comprehensive long-range plan, encouraging residents to participate by providing input on priorities and projects that will influence transportation investments and policies for the next 25 years.

“The NJTPA has been a critical partner in advancing key transportation initiatives throughout Morris County,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, Secretary of the NJTPA Board of Trustees. “From bridge improvements to safety enhancements and trail projects, these efforts have had a direct impact on our communities. Public feedback is essential to ensure this long-range plan addresses the region’s future needs.”

The NJTPA oversees transportation planning for 13 northern and central New Jersey counties that are home to more than 7 million residents, with population anticipated to grow to 7.8 million by 2050. To maintain eligibility for federal transportation funding, the NJTPA must adopt a long-range transportation plan every four years.

Public input is a vital component of Connecting Communities. The feedback the NJTPA gathers through an online survey and events will be considered and incorporated into the plan, which the NJTPA Board of Trustees is expected to adopt in September. Everyone who lives in the NJTPA region is encouraged to participate.

The survey was launched today and is available in six languages – English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Chinese and Korean. Virtual public outreach will begin later this month with a Let’s Talk Transportation event on January 28 at 11:30 a.m. focused on creating a safe biking and walking transportation network.

Residents can share their ideas, interests, and concerns about the future of transportation in northern and central New Jersey by completing NJTPA’s brief survey and sign up for virtual events at the Connecting Communities website: njtpa.org/connecting.

The NJTPA will also be conducting pop-up outreach at events throughout the region this spring.

Through partnerships with local governments and state agencies, the NJTPA administers over $3 billion in transportation investments annually. Recent projects in Morris County include:

• Bridge Replacement Studies: NJTPA-funded studies recommended replacements for key bridges, including the East Main Street Bridge in Rockaway Borough, Martin Luther King Avenue Bridge in Morristown, and Valley Road Bridge in Long Hill Township. These projects have advanced through engineering, design, and construction phases. A study is currently underway in Denville to evaluate options for the Lenape Island Road Bridge.
• Safety Projects: The NJTPA has approved funding for safety projects in the county, including $2.9 million in improvements for the following intersections that are currently in design: Morris Street (CR 510) and Ridgedale Avenue in Morristown; East Main Street/Mendham Road (CR 510) from Heritage Manor Drive to Cold Hill Road in Mendham Borough & Mendham Township; and South Morris Street (CR 643) from Park Avenue to Millbrook Avenue in Dover.
• Freight and Rail Realignment: A study supported by the NJTPA recommended realigning the Dover and Rockaway Railroad to improve safety by eliminating ungated crossings.
• Trail Development: The NJTPA continues to fund expansions of the Morris Canal Greenway, enhancing recreational access while preserving local history. Federal funds secured through the NJTPA also helped to build the Pompton Valley Rail Trail, which will officially open this spring between Pequannock Township in Morris County and Wayne Township in Passaic County.

About the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. It establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects.

The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the 13 counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren), and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a Governor’s Representative, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Executive Director of NJ Transit, the Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a Citizen’s Representative appointed by the Governor.

Draft Maps Provide an Early Look at Updated Flood Hazard

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have released updated draft flood risk data for Morris County, providing residents and local officials with an early look at the latest flood hazard information.

The draft flood data is accessible through an online viewer.

While the viewer does not include a public comment feature, it allows users to preview updated flood risk details ahead of the preliminary maps, expected in spring 2025.

This data, part of the ongoing Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) project, reflects the latest engineering analysis of how water flows and accumulates during floods. FEMA and the NJDEP contend the updates are a critical step toward developing accurate flood maps that help communities make informed decisions to protect lives and property.

Municipalities will have additional opportunities to provide feedback before the maps are finalized by federal and state authorities. Input from the public and local officials ensures that the maps are as accurate as possible.

FEMA and NJDEP stress the importance of accurate and up-to-date flood risk data in helping communities prepare for and mitigate flooding. Both agencies encourage residents and local leaders to review the draft data and actively participate in the process to improve flood awareness and resilience.

Residents should direct their questions to FEMA, NJDEP, or their municipal offices.

For more information, visit FEMA’s Geoplatform or contact NJDEP at 877-927-6337 or FEMA Region 2 Office at 212-680-3600.

Centenary University will begin a new cohort on Feb. 11 of its Veteran Ventures Program (VVP), which provides free virtual training and coaching for veterans planning to start their own business. The nine-week course will run through April 8. Open to veterans and their family members, the VVP includes hybrid training sessions, hands-on clinics, a speaker series, and workshops with credentialed consultants. 

Seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders guide participants through the process of conducting a feasibility study for their idea, developing a business plan, and presenting their plan to potential investors and the public. In addition, participants will take part in a required presentation session and receive 10 months of free business review and coaching by industry leaders.

 “Centenary University is proud to offer this free program to veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Sakti Kunz, dean of the VVP. “This University has a long and proud history of providing the support that is so vital to veterans looking to further their education and career.” 

The VVP is a signature program offered through the Centenary University Veterans Institute, a Center of Excellence at the University that establishes Centenary as a national hub for innovative programs designed to engage and inspire college students and members of the broader community. In addition to the VVP, the University provides extensive support services for veterans, their dependents, active duty military, and reservists through the Office of Veteran Services. The office works one-on-one to connect veterans with federal benefits such as tuition reimbursement through programs including the GI Bill, and assists them in navigating internal and external systems, obtaining educational goals, and helping to facilitate a seamless transition to the academic arena and successful integration to the campus community.

For more information and to enroll in the Veteran Ventures Program, click here.

Visit the Red Planet and Explore Comets, Asteroids and More 

The Longo Planetarium at County College of Morris (CCM) is ready to launch visitors into a new, out-of-this-world experience to Mars now through April 26, 2025. With the power of Digistar 7, the world’s most advanced planetarium system now installed at CCM, the community is invited to explore the fascinating red planet Mars in the night sky in this 45-minute show. Discover the many challenges astronauts face on this voyage, the farthest ever made by humans, and how creativity, communication and collaboration are essential for deep space exploration. “Mars: The Ultimate Voyage” may be seen on select Fridays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and is best suited for adults and children ages 8 and up. 

Due to the immense popularity, the planetarium’s fall semester showings, “Edge of Darkness” and “One Sky,” will continue to be offered this winter. Narrated by Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter from the Marvel Cinematic Universe), “Edge of Darkness” explores comets, asteroids and Pluto. This 45-minute show is offered on select Saturdays at 5 p.m. and is recommended for adults and children ages 8 and up. “One Sky,” a great introduction to the night sky for young children ages 6 and up, is an international collaboration of short films. This 40-minute show is offered on select Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.   

The award-winning visual journey, “Mesmerica,” bringing music by Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood, continues to be shown for adults on select dates. 

For more information, including trailers plus ticketing information, visit the Longo Planetarium website at www.ccm.edu/meet-ccm/longo-planetarium/. Tickets for all shows are $10 per person. Online reservations are strongly encouraged, as limited tickets will be available for cash purchase at the door. For safety reasons, all shows start promptly at the time indicated. For inclement winter weather closings, call (973) 328-5580.  

The Longo Planetarium is located on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. The planetarium is located in Cohen Hall Room 207. The closest parking lot is lot 7. Follow the planetarium signs to Cohen Hall located at the center of campus.  

About Longo Planetarium 

Since 1973, the state-of-the-art Longo Planetarium at CCM has been inspiring curiosity and bringing the universe to northern New Jersey in an immersive theater experience. The newly upgraded Digistar 7 planetarium system is dedicated to displaying thousands of stars, the planets, the Moon and beyond onto a 33-foot diameter dome. Shows are available for the public to attend; school and scout groups can be scheduled in advance. Questions may be emailed to planetariuminfo@ccm.edu.  

Step into a creative and innovative dimension as County College of Morris in Randolph presents an inspiring exhibit showcasing the remarkable works of art created by its skilled adjunct faculty members from the Design & Media Studies and the Arts & Humanities departments. The showcase, on display through Thursday, April 3 in the college’s Gallery, offers a glimpse into the diverse range of expertise these educators bring to CCM’s classrooms. 

“The high quality of art and design work in the exhibition serves as both a showcase of our adjunct faculty’s talents and it also gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover the wide variety of courses these artists teach at CCM including Computer Graphics for Designers I, Three-Dimensional Design, Photographic Processes and  Introduction to Sewing and Textiles,” said Dr. Brian Sahotsky, CCM Gallery Director and Assistant Professor, Arts and Humanities Department. “Please join us in celebrating the hard work and contributions of our talented adjunct faculty members in art and design to County College of Morris.” 

The exhibition represents many disciplines and media types, including painting, sculpture, documentary film, animation reels, fashion design garments, photography, graphic design, collage art and illustration. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, February 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Gallery. The reception is free and open to the public, and light refreshments and beverages will be served.   

The CCM Gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on the college’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is available in Lot 6. For more information visit www.ccm.edu/ccm-gallery. 

To learn about the numerous creative pathways of learning available at CCM, visit www.ccm.edu/pathways/creative-arts-media. 

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit (ESU) and the Morris Township Fire Department endured below-freezing temperatures at Sunrise Lake in Lewis Morris County Park this week to conduct a critical ice rescue training drill, focused on enhancing emergency preparedness and ensuring first responders are ready to save lives when every second counts.

“Morris County residents deserve the highest level of protection, and that means training under real-world conditions,” said Sheriff James M. Gannon. “It’s zero degrees, and we’re out here testing our specialized equipment and honing our skills because emergencies don’t wait for ideal circumstances. Our mission is to save lives, and today’s collaboration with the Morris Township Fire Department strengthens that commitment.”

Participants, including volunteer firefighters and ESU members, donned specialized cold-water rescue suits to simulate real-life scenarios by submerging themselves in the icy lake. Using advanced equipment and coordinated techniques, the teams practiced rapid deployment and victim extraction.

“When someone falls through the ice, hypothermia can set in within minutes. Staying calm and preserving energy is critical for survival. But more importantly, we want to ensure our teams are ready to respond effectively and get victims to safety and medical care as quickly as possible,” said Sheriff Gannon.

The training involved cutting a hole in the ice with an 18-inch chainsaw and deploying rescuers into the frigid water. Among those entering the water was Detective Sergeant James Rae, who leads the Sheriff’s ESU.

“People are drawn to ice for activities like hockey or fishing, but the first freeze is especially dangerous. This training ensures we can deploy quickly and efficiently when accidents happen, using the equipment and skills we practice here,” said Sgt. Rae.

Sgt. Rae highlighted the increased risk during freezing weather, emphasizing the importance of calling 911 immediately. He warned against venturing onto compromised ice, noting that maintaining visual contact with the victim is crucial until help arrives.

The training drill utilized resources provided by ESU-4, a specially equipped vehicle stocked with life-saving gear. The truck, acquired through a partnership with the New Jersey Transit Police Department, ensures the ESU can respond to emergencies with all necessary tools at the ready.

"Morris County is a wonderful place where approximately 515,000 people live, work, raise families, and have fun. We're committed to ensuring that residents can continue to have fun safely through training like this. I’m grateful to the county government for their support, and I also want to thank all the police departments, fire departments, and emergency squads participating in this training. We are ready 24/7 to provide vital services to the residents of Morris County,” said Sheriff Gannon.

“The Sheriff’s ESU is an incredible asset to our community, and working together strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies. We’re proud to partner with them in training and real-life situations,” said Chief Mike Nunn of the Morris Township Fire Department.

Participants who took part in the training included Corporal Ivan Bajceski of the Sheriff’s ESU and Detective Lieutenant Robert Kranz of the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, as well as firefighters from Morris Township: Melissa Alderton, Lieutenant Brendan McCloskey, Michael Wilson, and Ed Duffy.

The Sheriff’s ESU has been conducting a series of ice rescue training drills with local first responders under challenging conditions to further enhance preparedness.

Annual Event Provided Critical Resources and Outreach to Those in Need

Morris County hosted its annual Project Homeless Connect event today at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, bringing together more than 40 community-based organizations to provide essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing.

The event, organized by the Mental Health Association of Morris County (MHA) in partnership with the county, offered free healthcare screenings, vaccinations, haircuts, clothing, food, personal care items and housing assistance. Mobile service units, including the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance’s (OTA) Navigating Hope and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One, were also on-site to provide additional resources.

Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Sheriff James Gannon joined county and community leaders to emphasize the importance of working together to address homelessness.

"Rising costs continue to place financial strain on families, making events like Project Homeless Connect more important than ever," said Director Selen. "Morris County remains committed to finding real solutions, from expanding emergency assistance to increasing prevention efforts, because no one should have to face homelessness alone."

Morris County took significant steps in 2024 to address homelessness by allocating an additional $300,000 in the county budget, which included doubling emergency assistance funds to $300,000 and dedicating $150,000 to prevention programs. The county also directed $100,000 in federal funding to three agencies for homelessness prevention and secured $190,000 in state funding for Code Blue activation -- double the usual allocation -- by demonstrating both need and efficient fund distribution.

In addition, the county’s OTA services expanded, with staff now stationed at the Morris County Library every Wednesday to assist residents in need.

"Morris County’s network of services and partnerships, including the MHA and the county’s Human Services Department as critical partners, is truly remarkable. When I became Sheriff in 2017, we saw the urgent need to address homelessness, mental health and addiction. At that time, our community leaders and experts came together at CARES in Rockaway Borough and we recognized the importance of bringing services directly to those in need. That’s how Hope One was born, and eight years later, we remain committed to that mission," said Gannon.

"It’s wonderful to be at St. Peter’s Church this morning, where mercy and compassion prevail -- not just through the church, but through the community-based nonprofits, the individuals we serve and the support of Morris County and its elected officials. Together, we ensure mercy and compassion prevail," said Robert Davison, CEO of MHA.

The event coincided with the annual Point-in-Time Count, a federally mandated survey assessing homelessness in the county. Last year’s count identified 680 individuals experiencing homelessness in Morris County, a 32% increase from the previous year. While some of the increase may be due to improved data collection, it underscores the growing need for coordinated solutions.

During the event, two men shared their journeys of recovery and how Morris County’s services helped them rebuild their lives. Both, once homeless, now live in stable housing and continue to find hope through ongoing support from the providers who assisted them.

Since its launch in 2006, Project Homeless Connect has evolved into a year-round initiative, bringing essential services directly to local drop-in centers in Dover and Morristown.

"Homelessness is a challenge we must address together as a community," said  Selen. "Morris County will continue to work with our partners to provide resources, expand services and create opportunities for long-term stability."

For more information about available services, visit the Morris County OTA Homeless Services webpage.

Centenary University is offering a new scholarship program that locks in discounted tuition for recent community college graduates who transfer to the University to complete their bachelor’s degree. Called the Centenary University Community College Guarantee, the initiative promises that community college transfers can finish a bachelor’s degree at Centenary for $25,000. 

To qualify, students must have earned an associate degree from any community college in the United States within the last three years. In addition, they must finish their bachelor’s degree within two years of enrolling at Centenary University. 

“The Centenary University Community College Guarantee sets a tuition rate that is comparable—and even less expensive—than most of New Jersey’s public and private universities,” said Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., president of Centenary University. “In earning an associate degree, these community college graduates have already demonstrated that they can be successful in the classroom. Now, Centenary is providing them with the funding they need to finish their degree and be more successful in the workforce.”

To introduce the program, Caldwell has launched a series of meetings with community college presidents and information sessions for students to explain the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree. He is also visiting New Jersey high schools to inspire teenagers to begin considering the many opportunities available in the state to complete an undergraduate degree. “As president of Centenary University, I have learned three things that surprise me: The first is that most high school students are not aware of the benefits of attending college,” Caldwell said. “The second is that many students struggle paying tuition because they don’t understand the financial aid and scholarship process. And the third is that there are some strong anti-college voices on social media. I felt compelled to do something to address this situation.” 

Studies show that college graduates with bachelor’s degrees have 57 percent more employment opportunities, received 72.4 percent of all jobs offered since 2010, and earned an average salary of $84,000, compared to $49,000 for those without a degree, Caldwell noted. In addition to the Centenary University Community College Guarantee, the University has increased scholarship support for traditional day session students and has introduced new pathways to higher education—often with discounted tuition—for working adults and vocational students. 

The University is now accepting applications for the Centenary University Community College Guarantee. Community college graduates can fill out an application here or go to https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/admissions/apply-for-free

County College of Morris in Randolph   

proudly announces that 100 percent of its recent nursing program graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX®-RN) on their first attempt, providing a pipeline of talent for high-demand fields that are facing critical shortages.  

CCM President, Dr. Anthony J. Iacono  said, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the incredible nursing faculty, our dedicated students and the continuous, robust support we receive from our Board of Trustees, County Commissioners and our partners throughout the medical community.” 

The exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), measures nursing competency and is required for employment in the United States. CCM graduates consistently surpass the national NCLEX®-RN pass rate of 90 percent, with the May 2024 and December 2023 classes both achieving a 100 percent pass rate. This outstanding performance ranks CCM #1 in New Jersey, #1 for associate degree programs and #1 in the U.S., in comparison with other nursing programs, according to the NCSBN.*   

“With faculty support, our students achieved outstanding success on the NCLEX, reflective of their hard work and the quality of education they receive at CCM,” said Dr. Maria Isaza,  dean of the School of Health Professions & Natural Sciences. “We are immensely proud of this achievement!” 

CCM’s highly respected nursing program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for entry into the profession. Expert faculty with advanced degrees and clinical experience teach in state-of-the-art facilities, including the Paragano Family Foundation Healthcare Simulation Center which uses cutting-edge technology to provide realistic, hands-on training. The forthcoming 70,000-square-foot Center for Health Professions will further expand the innovative resources on campus and help support the healthcare industry in Morris County and the surrounding region. 

“Congratulations to our dedicated faculty for their unwavering commitment to guiding our nursing students toward success,” said Dr. Eleni Pellazgu, director of Nursing at CCM. “Their hard work and passion for teaching have played a crucial role in inspiring and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.” 

CCM's nursing program is recognized by College Factual as a Best Nursing Associate Degree School in the Nation and a Best Value Registered Nursing School in New Jersey for individuals earning between $75,000 and $110,000. For more information, visit  www.ccm.edu/departments/nursing, email the nursing department at nursingdepartment@ccm.edu or call (973) 328-5353.