Mt. Olive Online Publication March 21, 2023

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Bernstein Brings New Eyes, New Ideas to Council

By Cheryl Conway

In his first run for public office, Jordan Bernstein of Flanders plans to use his management skills to listen to residents’ concerns and work hard to foster innovation and growth.

The 39-year old ITAM professional, husband and father of three is running for a four-year term on the Mt. Olive Twp. Council. Bernstein, one of four Democrats vying to fill four seats, faces four Republican incumbents whose terms expire at the end of this year.   

The countdown is here to cast votes for leaders to represent the council as well as the Mt. Olive Board of Education. The 2021 General Election is this Tuesday, Nov. 2, and with both races quite competitive with numerous candidates running, readers should learn about each candidate so they can choose wisely when they go to the polls.

Mt. Olive Online has spent the past four weeks featuring new candidates so without further ado: Meet Jordan Bernstein this week!

A Leader Hears His Call For Duty

After five years of living in Mt. Olive, Bernstein hears his calling to run for an office.

“I have not volunteered or served on any board or committee,” he says. “This is my first foray into public service.

“I only recently joined the Mt. Olive Democrats after the 2020 election,” he says. “Once I was able to stop thinking about national issues I wanted to start focusing on local ones.”

He says when he joined the Mt. Olive Democrats, it was “before agreeing to run for Town Council.

“I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw a post by the Mt. Olive Democrats looking for people interested in running for Town Council,” explains Bernstein. “I thought that if I wanted to make a change beyond signing petitions, starting with my own neighborhood was a great place to start.”

One must act to help make change, he says.

“If you want to make a change you need to be in the room where it happens,” says Bernstein. “I want to give a voice to those who feel that they are not being heard or represented in our current Town Council. I believe in leaving the world better than how you found it and I feel this is an opportunity to do that.”

Background

As a resident of Flanders since 2016, Bernstein was born and raised in Brooklyn for his first dozen years. New Jersey’s rural landscape and great schools have grown on him over the years.

“When I moved to N.J., I was enamored with all the greenery,” says Bernstein. “Being up here in Mt. Olive with all the parks, trees, wildlife, etc. it’s just so refreshing. The school system is great; I spend a lot of time in the library with my wife and daughters but the thing that keeps getting me is just how beautiful and peaceful it is here.”

Bernstein and his wife, Lauren Mariano, have three young daughters: Olivia, 8; Alexa, 5; and Eliza, 2. Their two eldest attend Mountain View Elementary School.

His wife is a registered nurse for Atlantic Corporate Health and also works as a substitute school nurse for the Mt. Olive School District and Mt. Olive Public Health Department.

Bernstein received a bachelor’s in English from Rutgers University in 2004, and has worked in IT Asset Management, also known as ITAM, Department at SHI International Corp.

“My official title is ITAM Named Accounts Manager and I’m responsible for a team of individuals dedicated to providing our ITAM services to our larger customers,” explains Bernstein. He has been employed at SHI for 15 years and as a manager in the ITAM department since 2012.

Bernstein hopes to utilize those skills if elected to council.

“I’ve been a leader and a manager at my company for over nine years,” says Bernstein. “My primary focus has been to ensure that my people are in the best position to succeed so they may deliver world class service to our customers. Successful managers must be reliable, provide support and listen to their employees. I believe these qualities translate to the functions of someone looking to represent their friends and neighbors in public office.”  

Why do you want to serve on the Mt. Olive Council?  

“I’d love to make local government more accessible to everyone, to proactively educate citizens, encourage citizen involvement and make it easier to be involved,” says Bernstein. “Regular town forums would encourage citizen involvement, and ensuring that council meetings are always available via Zoom even after Town Hall is open to the public, would help make citizen involvement even easier.”

What are your criticisms, if any, of the current Mt. Olive Council? 

“I believe that the current Town Council has become complacent,” says Bernstein. “Mt. Olive has had the same leadership in place for many years now. Town Council races have been rote, with those up for re-election going through the motions under the understanding that they’re going to be re-elected. With no fear of losing their position, the current council just goes through the motions keeping things primarily the way they are with no innovation or growth.

Bernstein brings new eyes and new ideas to the council.

“In much the same way that in school you’d have someone read over a paper you wrote before handing it in, a fresh set of eyes can see things others can’t,” says Bernstein. “I believe bringing new people on to the Town Council can reinvigorate things. New ideas and fresh perspective to move us towards the future.”

What are the most concerning issues and how would you address them?

“Safety for me is always first and foremost,” says Bernstein. “I live in the Clover Hill area of Flanders and I see the way cars fly down the road. We have a lot of kids in the neighborhood and all it takes is one swerve of a bike or a ball rolling into the street being chased after for a tragic accident to happen.

“Concerning issues for Mt. Olive residents change based on who you speak with,” continues Bernstein. “For those who live on Main Street they’re concerned that the town wants to turn their street into a Chester like hub and they’re not happy about proposed development. Those living in Clover Hill, like myself, are unhappy with the speeding they see. For those in apartment complexes they feel like they don’t matter and that they’re not being heard.” 

Being a good listener and having the desire to help is Bernstein’s plan with addressing community concerns.

“The most immediate way to improve the issues I listed would be to listen to the people,” says Bernstein. “It all comes down to listening to the concerns and worries of the people of Mt. Olive. I can’t pretend that I have all the answers or that every issue or concern can be alleviated but I can listen and I can do my best to help.”

Bernstein’s Platform:

  1. Revitalizing Mt. Olive: “We value a balanced budget and proactive economic development,” says Bernstein. “Vote Mt. Olive will put local business above commercialization and develop the town with people, not big companies, in mind.  We believe we can re-invigorate the township’s economy without taking on large amounts of debt.  We will get involved, working with landlords, business-owners, and townspeople to bring jobs and businesses to our township.  Through hard work, we will develop the township and breathe life back into Mt. Olive’s economy."
  2. Involving the Community: “Right now, decisions are made without sufficient public input or discussion which makes what they’re working on difficult to understand,” says Bernstein. “When developing our town, the residents need to be involved. We believe that there should be mandatory releases of information on all big development projects plus straightforward ways for townspeople to give input. We will get involved in the community, putting the people of Mt. Olive front and center in the political process.”
  3. Equity & Inclusion: "We value compromise and understanding,” says Bernstein. “All of our neighbor’s voices matter.  Vote Mt. Olive will listen to every resident, no matter their race, ability, political affiliation, religion, gender, sexuality, or economic status to find solutions the whole town can be proud of.   Vote Mt. Olive knows that we can only be united when we respect and celebrate what makes each of us unique.”
  4. An Ethical Town Council: "As your Town Council candidates, we’ve taken a pledge not only to abide by the town’s Pay to Play laws but to make it even easier to find the financial disclosures of your representatives,” says Bernstein. “Residents should always know whose money their government is accepting, and it is not acceptable that up until now it has been a difficult and time-consuming process to look into the Town Government’s disclosures.  Ethics starts with accountability!”

Words He Lives By

“There are two quotes for me that I’ve adopted as my own personal mantras,” says Bernstein.
The first is by James Baldwin: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

The second is from Frozen II, “Just do the next right thing.”

Party Majority Wont Steer Bernstein Away

“I would do nothing different if I was the only Democrat or if I was in a Town Council surrounded by other Democrats,” says Bernstein. “I would work to ensure we always did the right thing for all the residents of Mt. Olive. If I happened to be the lone Democrat I probably would be required to be a bit more vocal and try to find any possible areas to find a way to compromise with those who may not align with me on all issues.”

Why Vote For Bernstein?

“I’m running to give a voice for those who feel like they do not have one in local government,” says Bernstein. “I’m running because I believe we need people in local government that have the health, safety, and best interests of Mt. Olive residents at heart. I cannot promise you that I will always be able to fix an issue you may have, but I will always work hard for you.”

Concludes Bernstein: “This whole experience has been very new and exciting for me. I’ve enjoyed getting to meet so many of my neighbors as I’ve walked around Mt. Olive canvassing and sitting at Mt. Olive Democrat booths at various town functions. I would love to be able to represent you all as a member of the Town Council. Win or lose I will continue to try and “just do the next right thing.”


This is a paid advertisement by Mt. Olive Democrats.

Welcome readers to the 76th issue of Mt. Olive Online.

Giant Solar Field Breathes Cleaner Energy & $$ Into MO

By Cheryl Conway

By next July, Mt. Olive Twp. will be recognized as having one of the largest landfill solar projects in the Eastern United States.

If all goes according to plan, the Combe Fill North Superfund site at 149 Gold Mine Road in Flanders will be redeveloped into a giant solar field. The former landfill that dates back 55 years occupies about 65 acres of the 102.15 acre property.

The Mt. Olive Solar Field Project will be positive for many reasons as it will provide clean, sustainable energy, improve quality of life and benefit Mt. Olive residents.

“This is a great accomplishment for many reasons,” says Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko. “One, financially it puts a property back on the tax roll and pays back millions of dollars’ worth of taxes which can be used to benefit the residents.

“Two, it puts a property back to use which was previously abandoned and deemed an environmental superfund by the EPA,” says Tatarenko.

“Three, it’s good for the environment to provide solar energy and it further improves the quality of the land fill cap,” he says.

The Mt. Olive Solar Field Project is being constructed by CS Energy and developed by CEP Renewables. It will be located at block 4100, lot 10.

“Project started two weeks ago and it is projected to be operational in nine months,” says Tatarenko.

Background

The site dates back to 1966 when it was first operated as a municipal landfill, Tatarenko provides in the 2021 Innovations in Governance Awards Program write-up.

From 1969 until 1978, Morris County Landfill, Inc., operated the landfill, until it was sold to Combe Fill Corporation (CFC).  But ever since the CFC abandoned the site several years later, the site has been defined as a Contaminated Site and is known as the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Combe Fill North Superfund Site, as stated in the write-up.

“For many years, the township struggled with the property, as it caused environmental contamination in the surrounding vicinity and became a tax drain on the township,” as stated in the write-up.

In 1990, the township purchased the tax sale certificate as the property accumulated more than $2.3 million in unpaid taxes, Tatarenko confirms.

“After many years of starts and stops with past developers, the township was able to auction off the tax sale certificate to a great solar developer, CEP Renewables, to develop one of the largest landfill solar projects in the Eastern United States,” the write up states.

Mt. Olive took some innovative steps to make this solar field a reality.

In 2019, township officials created a Redevelopment Plan “with the intent of developing the site as a Solar Photovoltaic Energy Facility.”

It then took the necessary steps to auction the tax sale certificate to the highest bidder, enter into a purchase agreement with the developer and foreclose on the landfill property, take ownership and start the redevelopment process.

“The township went to public bid on the sale of the tax certificate and CEP Renewables was later assigned the tax certificate from the winning bidder,” says Tatarenko.

He explains that this landfill could not be used for any other purpose because of its environmental make-up.

“Due to the nature of a landfill cap the solar field is the best use since the cap is not being penetrated,” says Tatarenko.

CEP Renewables began construction earlier this month on a “25.6 megawatt solar project which will transform the former Combe Fill North Landfill Superfund Site into an income generating, clean energy producing asset.”

According to the write-up,  “The Mt. Olive Solar Field will provide clean power for over 4,000 homes, create new jobs, re-generate tax revenue moving forward of approximately $50,000 a year and pay back the existing $2.3 million tax lien which removes a 30 year tax burden, along with improving the quality of the environment of our local community.” 

Development of the solar field should not be too disruptive to residents.

Tatarenko anticipates a “Small impact when a trench needs to be dug across International Drive to connect to Flanders-Netcong Road,” he says.

Residents most likely do not have to connect to the solar field, but more information on this point awaits direction from CEP Renewables.

"I believe all the power is just going back into the grid system; I do not believe there will be any direct connections,” says Tatarenko. 

Financial Benefit

Good news is there is no cost to residents on the development of this solar field as this is a private project.

Instead of losing money, residents will benefit from this land sale.

"The $2.3M tax lien will be paid back once the transaction is finalized and the current property taxes will be paid moving forward,” says Tatarenko.

"The revenue will come in as all other tax revenue and be used to offset the operating budget.”

The Mt. Olive Solar Field Project is also expected to create many more jobs. Details on the kind of jobs will be forthcoming from CS Energy.

Other than the small solar field located at Tinc Rd. Elementary School in Flanders, this is one-of-a-kind.

"The township does not operate any solar field, nor will they operate this one,” says Tatarenko. “It is a private entity who purchased the land from the township via a tax sale.  The Board of Education has a small solar field at their Tinc School location. I can’t think of any other large-scale project in town.”

Mt. Olive will now be on the map for having one of the largest solar fields and for being innovative in transforming abandoned property into useful land for the greater good.

The project models how a “landfill solar project can scale and transform contaminated properties to productive lands that deliver sustainable clean energy and improve the quality of life for those living nearby,” as noted in the write-up. 

MO Schools Shine for Digital Learning & Sustainability

By Cheryl Conway

 

The Mt. Olive schools are being recognized as leaders in the state when it comes to digital learning practices and commitment to sustainability.

Each of the six schools in the district were recognized at the Mt. Olive Twp. School Board meeting held Monday, Oct. 25. They were called up one by one and awarded a bronze certificate from Sustainable Jersey and a Digital School Star.

The accomplishment shines a bright light on the district and its faculty for earning such recognition.

“This is two sets of awards,” explains Mt. Olive School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki. This is “what sets Mt. Olive schools apart. “It’s our amazing faculty and staff,” he says, stressing that it is not driven by administration. “The teachers have to do this,” and supply evidence of the tasks at hand.

Sustainable Jersey, an organization that helps schools become environmentally friendly buildings, foster positive school environments, and prepare students for the challenges they will face in the future, as stated on the MOSD website.

Mt. Olive School District is one of just a handful of districts in the state to have all of its schools earn a Digital School Star, it states.

“Mt. Olive has been an instructional technology leader for some time; however, over the past three years, that commitment has strengthened and has truly been transformational,” Zywicki says on the website. “It’s part of who we are now.”

Each school focused on a different area to earn the recognition.

Sandshore Elementary School earned the bronze from Sustainable NJ for its Trex Recycling project.

“Wonderful team; such hard workers,” commented Sandshore Principal Jennifer Curry, at the BOE meeting.

Mountain View Elementary received a spotlight award for its work with the WIN program.

Chester M. Stephens Elementary was recognized for its student community outreach with LEAD and MOPD.

Tinc Elementary was recognized for its sustainable program with trout in the classroom.

Mt. Olive Middle School was noted for its digital learning tools and content.

Mt. Olive High School was recognized for its integration of social emotional learning with sustainability.  

According to Zywicki, teacher and student familiarity with digital learning applications and computer devices was an asset during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when schools closed and transitioned to remote instruction, as noted on the website. 

“Our prowess with technology and various digital learning tools helped make our remote instruction efforts easier than many other districts,” said Zywicki on the MOSD website. “It certainly had its challenges, nevertheless. But without the strong tech foundation that we had developed, it would have been so much more difficult, especially considering the size of the district.”

The Digital Schools program is offered in partnership with the N.J. Department of Education and the N.J. School Boards Association.

To earn a Digital School Star, each school submitted a comprehensive application detailing its efforts in many action areas: Application of digital learning tools and content; teaching of digital citizenship; data safety and security; infrastructure; equitable access to digital learning.

Some highlights cited were the district’s advanced wireless network; 1:1 Chromebook deployment to students; extensive use of the Google educational suite of applications and resources; development of a personalized success plan for each student; hybrid learning practices; and various digital communication methods such as school newsletters, social media, superintendent’s weekly blog and video messaging.

To earn the sustainability certification, a more extensive application was completed in areas such as: Energy efficiency for school facilities; healthy food choices; promotion of locally grown foods; green cleaning policy & plan; classroom cleanup practices; school culture and climate needs assessment; social emotional learning; education for sustainability; programs to promote physical activity; indoor air quality review.

According to a press release from Randy Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey, “schools that earn this certification are considered by their peers, professional associations, experts, and civic organizations in N.J. to be among the leading schools in the state. And the Digital Schools Star recognizes your district and schools as leaders in implementing successful digital learning practices.

"Your district should be very proud of these accomplishments,” concludes Solomon. 


Lodge Honors Those Who Go Above & Beyond

By Cheryl Conway

 

Several members of the Mt. Olive community were recognized earlier this month by the Musconetcong Lodge #42 F. & A.M.

The lodge held a dinner and awards ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

It “was enjoyed by 100 people for the purpose of recognizing and honoring those in our community who went above and beyond in the year 2021,” explains Tim O’Connor, member of Musonectong Lodge #42 and one of the event organizers. 

The MW Grand Master of Masons Robert V. Monacelli and RW William J. VonDerHeide District Deputy Grand Master were part of the presenting committee. Each of the recipients had been nominated from the head of their respective organization.



The 2021 awards recipients from Mt. Olive included: Policeman of the year- Mt. Olive Police Officer, Kevin Barrier; Fire Fighter of the year-Flanders Fire Chief, Tyler Wargo; Fire Fighter of the year-Budd Lake Fireman, Ryan Wood; Educator of the year-Mt. Olive Middle School Music Teacher, Gerald D’Albis; Volunteer Coach of the year- Mt. Olive Soccer Club, John Ferrante.

"I was awarded a Citizens Award for Volunteer Soccer Coach Of The Year with the Mt. Olive Soccer Club,” confirms Ferrante, councilmember who is running for reelection on Nov. 2. 

"The award ceremony was given to honor those in the community who have gone above and beyond to help our community stay a safe and welcoming place over the past year,” he says. 

"I have volunteered as a Mt. Olive Soccer Coach for all three of my children for over 10 years,” says Ferrante. “Have supported the club as a board member for several years, volunteered each year for the Annual Halloween Tournament, and supported various club wide fundraisers for the Mt. Olive Food Pantry.”

“Mt. Olive Online” congratulates all recipients.
 


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Local and County News

Freshman Perfect Football at MOHS

Table of Hope to Distribute Thanksgiving Food at CCM

Table of Hope to Distribute Thanksgiving Food at CCM

Mt. Olive High School Freshman Football Team ends their season with a perfect 9-0 undefeated record. Go Marauders! 

Table of Hope to Distribute Thanksgiving Food at CCM

Table of Hope to Distribute Thanksgiving Food at CCM

Table of Hope to Distribute Thanksgiving Food at CCM

Helping to make Thanksgiving a meal to remember, Table of Hope will be holding a holiday food distribution event – including turkeys and the fixings – at County College of Morris in Randolph on Friday, Nov. 19, from 1 p.m.– 2:30 p.m. 

The food distribution, open to Morris County residents, takes place in Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road. 

This is the second year that CCM is hosting a Thanksgiving distribution with Table of Hope. Along with turkeys, fresh produce, canned goods and dairy products will be provided for a complete holiday meal. The distribution will operate as a no-questions asked, contactless drive-through event with cars stopping at different food stations categorized by food type. Visitors only need to open the trunk of their car to have boxes of food placed there by volunteers.   

The partnership between Table of Hope, part of the Spring Street Community Development Corporation, and CCM has benefitted the community throughout the ongoing pandemic. CCM has hosted four previous events with Table of Hope to assist those in need. 

Sponsoring the Thanksgiving distribution are Alstede Farms, Bethel Church of Morristown, the Community Food Bank of NJ, Angelo Dattolo, Esq., Liz Harper from Keller Williams Metropolitan, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey Natural Gas, Anna Pullano from Family First Funding and Valley National Bank. 

Shortly after the pandemic struck New Jersey, Table of Hope began operating monthly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany and Dover, along with other grocery supply events in Morris County communities. 

To volunteer for the Thanksgiving distribution or to make a donation, visit www.springstreetcdc.org and click “Volunteer” or email volunteer@springstreetcdc.org. 

Church To Host Free Dinner

Table of Hope to Distribute Thanksgiving Food at CCM

Grab a Slot For a Shot To Fight Against Cancer

First Presbyterian Church Of Hackettstown plans to host a free community dinner on Saturday, Nov. 13,  for baked ziti and a garden salad. Dinner will be held at its Chapel – 291 Main Street, Hackettstown. All are welcome to come and enjoy a free meal and fellowship with friends from the community! For more information, go to  www.fpchackettstown.org
 

Grab a Slot For a Shot To Fight Against Cancer

Arc of Warren County Announces Awards Celebration

Grab a Slot For a Shot To Fight Against Cancer

Take a shot in the fight against cancer through this annual basketball tournament.
Layups 4 Life invites residents to gather up your friends, family and co-workers to build a team “and take the courts for a great cause.” The tournament is set for Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center in Parsippany.

Since 2014, Layups 4 Life has raised more than $120K for cancer research and clinical trials supporting one of the leaders in cancer research and innovation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, according to the Layups For Life flyer. Layups 4 Life has grown to be one the largest annual 3v3 charity basketball tournaments in New Jersey. It is led by cancer survivor Dan Exter and his wife, Dana Levine Exter.

Cost per person is $40; Team of three is $120; Team of four is $160. Participants must be 18 years of age and over.

Co-ed teams are invited and are guaranteed to compete in five games. All participants receive a free T-shirt 

Deadline to register is Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 11:59 p.m. Tickets are non-refundable and act as a donation to Layups 4 Life's fundraising efforts.

For more information and to register, go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/layups4life/588378

Arc of Warren County Announces Awards Celebration

Arc of Warren County Announces Awards Celebration

Arc of Warren County Announces Awards Celebration

Save the date of March 3, 2022! The Arc of Warren County plans to hold The Arc of Warren County Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. at Bello Giorno Estate in Belvidere.

This event will be designed to honor individuals and companies that have made a significant impact to the betterment of The Arc of Warren County in recent years especially during the pandemic.  In addition, it will also recognize individuals who have made a positive impact in the community by supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“There are so many people and organizations that have supported The Arc of Warren County in a multitude of ways especially during recent years,” says CEO of The Arc of Warren County John Whitehead. “This is an opportunity to thank them and to encourage community involvement, as well as honor individuals who make a positive impact by serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in general.”

At this time, the agency is forming a committee for this initiative.  If interested in being considered to serve in this capacity, email Annamaria Lalevee at alalevee@arcwarren.org  or call (908) 223-0884. Include some information regarding background and experience in the human services industry.

More information will be forthcoming regarding sponsorship opportunities and the cost to participate. To be included on the invitation list, email alalevee@arcwarren.org, as well.

The Arc is a national organization that serves individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their family members since 1950.  The Arc of Warren County is one of 700 chapters of The Arc and serves more than 1,100 people annually for the past 67 years.  Programs include residential group homes and supervised apartments, day services, community-based supports, advocacy services, recreation and summer camp, Special Olympics training, early intervention and a wide variety of additional social services.

College & Other News

Set Sail with CCM’s Fall Production of “Anything Goes”

CCM Presents Second Annual Heroes & Healers Celebration

CCM Presents Second Annual Heroes & Healers Celebration

Sing along with Cole Porter’s classic musical “Anything Goes” as the Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph presents a revival filled with student talent. 

The comedic show, which first premiered on Broadway in 1934, has been reimagined several times, toured the U.S. and the United Kingdom, and was made into two films. It remains a favorite among school and community performing groups. 

Set aboard an ocean liner bound for London from New York, “Anything Goes” tells the story of provocative nightclub singer Reno Sweeney who is secretively in love with Billy Crocker, a stowaway who has his sights set on a wealthy heiress. Hope Harcourt is, regrettably, engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, and Crocker enlists the help of the ship’s performers and fellow passengers to win her over. 

The show’s Director Marielaine Mammon, chair of the Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies, is eager to show off the cast and crew of 38 people from around northern New Jersey.  Jaclyn Lenox, of Bridgewater, stars as Reno Sweeney. John De Luca, of Netcong, who portrays Billy Crocker, shines alongside the glamorous Lydia Girardy, of Long Valley, who plays Hope Harcourt. Other supporting characters include Dover’s Jacob Wood as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh; Jon Wade, of Flanders, as Moonface Martin; and Roxbury’s Eric Tayler as Elisha Whitney. 

Mammon says they choose the 2018 revival version of the script, because the original version did not have the contemporary sensitivities of newer interpretations. 

“It’s important for the students to understand the context and the lyricism of Cole Porter and why we are still singing these songs,” she says. 

The story is full of life and humor, something Mammon says audiences are craving, and the cast of “Anything Goes” is delivering. “The tap numbers are exquisite – the entire company participates in a few numbers,” she says. “The world needs a little shot of energy and that’s what tapping does.” 

Performances of “Anything Goes” will be held Nov. 17 – 20, 7:30 p.m. in the Dragonetti Auditorium in the Student Community Center on CCM’s campus,  Randolph. General Admission is $15. Tickets for CCM students, alumni, children under 12, and seniors 62 and over are $10. For more info. or to purchase online visit  https://bookstore.ccm.edu/current-shows/. 

Masks are required for everyone who comes to campus and social distancing guidelines are in place. 

To learn more about the Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies at CCM, go to https://bit.ly/CCM_Performing_Arts/.

CCM Presents Second Annual Heroes & Healers Celebration

CCM Presents Second Annual Heroes & Healers Celebration

CCM Presents Second Annual Heroes & Healers Celebration

Building on the impact of its first Heroes & Healers celebration last year, County College of Morris (CCM) has arranged for a Week of Honor in appreciation of veterans, active military personnel, first responders and healthcare workers for this year’s recognition program.

The Second Annual Heroes & Healers program takes place Monday, Nov. 8 to Sat., Nov. 13. As it did last year, the college will have a drive-through Hill of Honor with signs displaying photos and names of active military, veterans, and first responders and healthcare workers who have served others during the pandemic. That display, near Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s Randolph campus will open on Nov. 8 and be available for viewing through Nov. 13. On Thursday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m., a Candlelight Ceremony will be held at the Hill of Honor. Then on Nov. 13, the college will hold a recognition ceremony in the Dragonetti Auditorium in the Student Community Center, starting at 10 a.m., that will conclude with a procession to the Hill of Honor. The entire program is free and open to the public.

To reserve a sign with photo on the Hill of Honor, go to http://bookstore.ccm.edu/campus-life-events/.

Heroes & Healers is sponsored by the Student and Veterans Support Organization and CCM’s Departments of Student and Veterans Services, Campus Life, Foundation and Special Events.

The Power of Acceptance

Submitted by Diane Lang, positive living expert, life coach, speaker.


Accepting your life and situations at this moment is a choice but one you shouldn't take lightly. If you choose to accept, you can find peace, clarity, growth and happiness. When we don't accept we find ourselves caught up in a never ending circle of struggle and frustration. We can't get off the hamster wheel till we accept and let go of our struggle and just breathe. 

Yes, I think acceptance and breathing go hand in hand. For most of us when we can't get off the hamster wheel of anger and frustration, we find ourselves not relaxing or having any peace but with acceptance, I felt a weight has been lifted off my chest and I could finally breathe again. The choice is yours. Do you choose acceptance or struggle? 

9 Ways to Acceptance 

1. Stop comparing yourself to others. 

2. Don't aim for perfection, it's never going to happen. 

3. Acceptance doesn't mean stuck or not moving forward. Acceptance means this is where I am today and from here, I can make the decision where I want to go tomorrow. 

4. Acceptance means letting go of controlling everything but you and how you react. We can't control anything but ourselves and when we try to change others, we get frustrated and angry because we can't control others. 

**Control and perfection are personality traits that are learned and cause us to feel stressed out. 

5 True acceptance takes off the pressure we have put on ourselves by trying to be perfect, to be like others or trying to control everything. When we release the stress and anxiety, we can finally feel a sense of peace and clarity. 

6. True acceptance allows us to slow down, relax and have clarity. With that clarity, we can make decisions based on love, not fear. If we make decisions from a good place, a well thought out place, we can stop resentment and regret. Take the time to accept, slow down and see things clearly, we will make better choices. 

7. Acceptance can only come with forgiveness - forgiveness of others and ourselves. We can't be angry and in true acceptance at the same time. Acceptance means taking responsibility for everything in our lives including the arguments, disagreements and hurt. Forgiveness allows us to see the big picture. With all pain comes growth. With forgiveness comes the lesson and clarity. Forgiveness brings us a peace of mind; it allows us to move forward and grow. Hold onto pain and you will remain stuck in negativity.  

8. Acceptance of your life in the present moment means change is coming. We can accept our situations and where we are but with each new day comes new changes. No matter how much you try to avoid change, it's unavoidable. So accept where you are and your situation and know that acceptance is the beginning of your next chapter. 

9. When you feel stuck and stagnate- accept. Don't keep trying to problem solve and find an answer when your thought process is the same. We don't problem solve in a healthy manner when we are in the midst of a struggle and filled with anger and fear. Instead, try the acceptance route. Stop the struggle, let go of the fight and just accept. This means do nothing, don't take any action just accept. Be still and at peace with where you are at this very moment. Don't try to change it, fight it, ignore it, avoid it, etc. just truly accept. When we accept and let go and see things with a clear vision, new answers and solutions come up. Accept and wait for it, it will come. 

For more information visit www.dlcounseling.com or email Lang at  DLCounseling2014@gmail.com. 

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