Mt. Olive Online Publication December 28 2020
Daisies Color Poppies To Honor & Cheer Veterans
By Cheryl Conway
The pandemic paused most facets of society since March, but a group of young Daisies muddle through the storm, growing in both character and giving.
Seven girls of Daisy Troop 98129 for Netcong, Byram & Stanhope recently colored pictures and wrote poems to show their appreciation to men and women who have served in the armed forces. Their work is being displayed at the All Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake in recognition of Veterans Day.
Like a flower, the more it rains, the taller these girls stand when it comes to helping others in their community. Aged five and six years old, these kindergarteners have planted in their garden a seed for volunteerism that can only mature in years to come.
“Our goal for our troop is to normalize volunteer work early on for these girls,” says Troop Leader Erika Lucero of Netcong, formerly of Flanders. “Rather than pause completely until this pandemic is over, we have decided to delve into helping others as much as we can. COVID has come with plenty of uncertainties but we are determined to find the silver lining.”
The Daisy’s idea for the poppy poem project stems from a Seasons of Service project the girls did recently, “where we sent letters and pictures of gratitude to Servicemen & Women overseas,” explains Lucero. “Operation Gratitude’s mission is to “boost the morale of deployed troops and bridge the divide.
“The Seasons of Service project got our wheels turning,” says Lucero. “With Veterans Day around the corner and speaking to my father who remembers receiving letters from Girls Scouts while deployed in Vietnam in 1970 we knew we wanted to do something more for our veterans here.”
Operation Poppies & Poems Grow
“I had been looking for an outlet where we could do something to put smiles on some veterans’ faces and to also teach the girls about Veterans Day and what it means,” explains Troop Leader Alyssa White of Stanhope.
“My husband’s company, Meier Stone, was heavily involved with working with Charlie [Uhrmann, founder of the AVM] when they were building the AVM so I reached out to her to see if she had any ideas,” says White. “I explained to her our main goal and she came up with the idea of having our pictures displayed around the walking path at the AVM.”
The seven girls completed 17 pictures with a poem, and readied them for display on Tuesday, Nov. 10, the day before Veteran’s Day, says White. They aligned them at the memorial site so all those who visit there during the week can take time to read the poppies.
“They are pictures with a poem – Each girl colored a poppy which we mounted on black paper with a short poem,” she explains.
With rainy days in the forecast, the Daisy troop covered all bases.
“We put them in plexiglass stands in anticipation of the rain so hopefully they survived,” says White. “We'll probably go back up there on Sunday to go get them.”
The AVM is the ideal location for these girls to show their appreciation to veterans.
"A lot of veterans go up there to walk around, sit and pray,” reasons White as to why the AVM was the prime spot for the girl’s poppy/poem display.
"The AVM is an absolutely beautiful tribute to those we have lost,” says Lucero.
“Having the Daisies display their poppies there was a perfect way for us to show them the memorial and do something special. With the ongoing pandemic we have many restrictions and safety rules to follow. Although we would have loved to have the girls more active in meeting some veterans in person this was a perfect and safe way to still pay tribute.”
Adds White, “We are very limited as to what we can do. Membership as a whole with the Girl Scouts is way down this year due to the effects of COVID.”
AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann is happy that she could offer the memorial’s soil to the Daisies, so they could sow their seeds of volunteerism.
"It is so inspiring to see the patriotism in Mt. Olive’s youth,” says Uhrmann. “Moreover, it is extremely rewarding to be able to provide a place and opportunity to the Boys and Girl Scouts during this very challenging time.”
Like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies, the Daisies also get achievement awards for their volunteerism.
For their poppies and poems, the girls will be earning a Veterans Day Badge, the leaders say.
With more upcoming holidays in the forecast, Daisy Group 98129 is ready for a downpour of community projects.
"We are currently in the midst of a Thanksgiving food drive that will be put together in baskets with Turkeys, etc. for local families,” says White. “The response we have received from our community with donations has been very heart warming. The girls are making festive lantern centerpieces that will accompany the meals that are distributed. In December we will be making blankets for the local animal shelter as well as doing an Angel Tree where we help sponsor a family/child.”
Local Boy Scout Refurbishes Benches At AVM
By Cheryl Conway
The rain may have washed away a visit to the All Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake on Wednesday, Nov. 11, but a seat at the site- particularly ones recently refurbished- will always be open to all who visit.
Just in time for Veterans Day this year, one local Boy Scout spent four days restriping and repainting four benches at the AVM for visitors to relax and gather during ceremonial events and any occasions spent there. Daniel Franz, 16, of Budd Lake took the reins on this task for his Eagle Scout Project.
Anyone who has visited the AVM would agree that the memorial site is meticulously designed with care and distinctive creation, from the landscape to the individual monuments. Thanks to Franz and members of Boy Scout Troop 236 in Long Valley, guests can be rest assured that the benches adjacent to this remarkable venue are no longer in disrepair.
“This was an important project because it complemented the AVM which is a beautifully built memorial to those who have served and are serving for the United States Armed Forces,” says Franz, an 11th grader at Mt. Olive High School. “Further, these benches are and will be used during military ceremonies and by anyone in Mt. Olive, so it’s important that they are in the best condition possible.”
As a member of Troop 236 for the past six years, Franz came up with his project:
All Veterans Memorial Picnic Table Refurbishment, around May 2020.
“I thought of the project idea, but finalized the idea with help of family, my scout troop, the AVM, and the MO Township,” he explains.
He began his project on Oct. 10 and completed it on Nov. 5.
“My project was to refurbish four benches and the area around the benches at the All Veterans Memorial located in Turkey Brook Park in Mt. Olive,” says Franz who has lived in Budd Lake for 14 years.
“The project consisted of stripping off the old paint of the benches and repainting the benches,” he says. “Further, the pavers under the benches were lifted, and the area below the pavers was leveled using sand. The pavers were then laid back down. Finally, the pavers were kept in place by 4x4 pieces of lumber.”
There were four benches in total that were repaired.
Reparations included “stripping old paint, priming the benches, repainting the benches, reinforcing sinking pavers, reinforcing pavers with 4x4,” he explains.
Materials used included: Paint, lumber, edging, sand, lag bolts and washers and pavers.
Franz says most of his materials were donated from various sources including Mt. Olive Twp., AVM, Meier Stone and Benjamin Moore Paint.
He is thankful for those donations as well as the tremendous help from his troop members.
“I was helped by about 25 other Boy Scouts and Boy Scout Leaders,” says Franz, adding that it took them around four full days to complete.
Being organized and reaching out to others who have engaged in similar projects helped in his success.
“I found time by planning ahead the project dates and having dates in case we needed to go back to finish the project,” says Franz, a soccer player on the MOHS soccer team and STA Soccer Club. “I knew what I was doing by asking others who had experience with projects such as this one, such as my family, Scout leaders, other adults, and by doing research.”
Looking at the completed project sits well Franz.
“I was very happy with how they [the benches] turned out and I think it shows the hard work and dedication that those who volunteered to help with the project put in,” says Franz.
AVM Founder Charlie Uhrmann is equally pleased with the newly refurbished benches providing comfortable seating to all those who visit the memorial.
“Daniel refurbished the picnic tables so that our visitors, which are typically veterans could have a place to gather and relax with their family,” says Uhrmann. “It was a much-needed endeavor- and Daniel stepped up to the challenge and did an amazing job!
“It is so inspiring to see the patriotism in Mt. Olive’s youth,” she concludes. “Moreover, it is extremely rewarding to be able to provide a place and opportunity to the Boys and Girl Scouts during this very challenging time.”
More Schools Shut Down In Mt. Olive
By Cheryl Conway
Positive cases of COVID 19 are on the rise throughout the country again, and the Mt. Olive community and its schools, unfortunately are passengers in this second wave.
Mt. Olive Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Zywicki addressed the school community via Facebook live earlier this morning to inform listeners about the uptick in cases in the Mt. Olive School District and the closing of its third elementary school. Sandshore Elementary School in Budd Lake will return to all remote learning starting tomorrow and will remain virtual for the next two weeks.
Both Chester M. Stephens and Tinc Rd. elementary schools have been closed with students learning remotely during the past two weeks.
Zywicki was transparent in his message Sunday morning. As many sipped their hot coffee in their toasty houses, the school leader stood outside in the wind and frigid temperatures to deliver the grim reality that “The second wave is here!”
He says, “Whenever I’m coming to you on a cold morning in my backyard and I’m still wearing a sweatshirt from exercising and a hat, you know it’s important news. There’s been a spike in COVID cases in our community and this community spread is landing in the schools.”
Zywicki says, “We’ve had two elementary schools shut down because of this.” CMS and Tinc has been remote learning, with students quarantining after being exposed to the virus.
There has been “an uptick in cases this week,” says Zywicki, and now “up to 50 staff members quarantined because of first-hand direct exposure to positive cases.” He says, “every day we saw cases throughout the district.”
Now, “due to COVID positivity at Sandshore to over 30 plus contacts that need to be contact-traced, Sandshore will be remote this week and next week.”
In a plea to the community, Zywicki says “I really need your cooperation. If we want to keep our schools open and we want to keep our programs going and we want to keep our sports going, I need everyone to cooperate.
“It’s really important, this is the time to rethink things like pizza parties, sleepovers, some of the social functions we desperately want to have,” says Zywicki, “because we’re becoming fatigued by the pandemic. Those type of events are causing spread and that spread is coming into the schools and we are left with no choice.”
Decisions on whether to close the schools locally have been coming from the Mt. Olive Department of Health, explains Zywicki. With multiple positive cases in the schools, Zywicki says the school nurses and Mt. Olive Dept. of Health have been working long hours and into the evenings to alert close contacts and help prevent the spread.
“We need your help,” says Zywicki. “Please rethink some of those social interactions that are causing spread. We need to go back to social distancing. We need to mask up.”
While other school districts have shut down after one case, Zywicki says Mt. Olive is not pulling its alarm just yet.
With separate cases in the schools, unrelated and some students who have tested positive but remain virtual, he explains “there’s a lot of complexity. We’re not just firing, setting off the alarm the second there is a positivity.
“We have cases now in every single one of our schools,” says Zywicki. “This is something we need to take seriously. This is the third school now; one half the district has to be shut down in the past three weeks. The second wave is here.”
Cases Inclining/More Restrictions Ahead
Zywicki reports that on Friday, statewide positive cases reached 4,400. “One in every 378 Americans has tested positive in the past five days.”
Morris County reported on 489 cases in Mt. Olive as of today, Nov. 15; that’s an increase of 39 positive cases in just five days.
N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy signed two executive orders earlier this week announcing new mitigation measures in N.J.
On Friday, Nov. 13, Executive Order No. 194 went into effect, restricting seating and hours for restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges; and prohibition of interstate indoor K-12 and youth sports.
“As cases of COVID-19 increase across the country and in our state, we must take all measures necessary to stop the spread,” says Murphy in a press release. “In the interest of public health, we are requiring modifications in operations for businesses that serve food and drinks, and temporarily prohibiting interstate games and tournaments for indoor K-12 sports. We must come together as a state to once again beat back this deadly virus and to save lives.”
Under the measures, restaurants, bars, clubs, lounges, and other businesses that serve food or drinks will not be able to operate their indoor premises between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Outdoor dining can continue after 10 p.m., as can takeout and delivery services.
Casinos will not be able to serve food or drinks between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with the exception of room service delivered to guest rooms and takeout. Seating at bars in the indoor areas of bars and restaurants will be prohibited during all operating hours.
Regarding sports, all interstate games and tournaments involving indoor sports, up to and including the high school level, will be prohibited. Collegiate and professional sports will be unaffected.
Restrictions May Follow in Mt. Olive
In another mandate this week, Murphy signed Executive Order No. 195, permitting municipalities and counties to impose additional restrictions on the hours of operation of non-essential retail businesses, food and beverage establishments, and recreation and entertainment businesses after 8 p.m. “I’ve been clear that our approach to the second wave is to act surgically within hotspot areas,” says Murphy in a press release.
“Today’s action maintains overall consistency across the state while also empowering local elected officials with the discretion to address situations where restricting the operating hours of certain businesses in the evening will help stop the spread of COVID-19,” says Murphy.
While the MOSD is closing its schools on a needed basis, the township has not made any additional restrictions at this time, but that may change.
Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Rob Greenbaum says “We continue to discuss all options.” He says he is “likely to have an announcement on Monday,” tomorrow Nov. 16.
"We are a strong community,” concludes Zywicki. “We’re going to get through this together. We got to take it more seriously than ever before!”
For updates on COVID 19 cases, visit https://health.morriscountynj.gov/coronavirus/
Cheer Senior Veterans With Holiday Blessing Boxes
By Cheryl Conway
Help bring some holiday cheer to veterans who live alone in facilities by donating money or items to fill Blessing Boxes.
The mandates and restrictions placed on Americans since COVID 19 has prohibited loved ones from visiting veterans who live in facilities. While the mandates serve the purpose of reducing the spread of the virus, it has had adverse effects on individuals who live alone.
To spread love and caring to the nation’s veterans, an initiative is underway to deliver Blessing Boxes to despondent veterans who live in state veterans’ homes. This effort is being driven by the All Veterans Memorial, All Veterans Alliance, the Morris County American Legion and several American Legion Posts.
In previous years, the AVA and MCAL have delivered thousands of severe weather backpacks, coats and blankets to homeless veterans. This year, that effort has been rechanneled to bring some comfort to veterans living in state veteran facilities.
“As we prepare for another cold winter, these past several months have caused us to reevaluate the added complications and concerns that is associated with the safety of our volunteers and the COVID 19 mandates,” writes Charlie Uhrmann of Hackettstown, founder of the AVM and AVA, in a letter to veteran supporters.
“As a result – we have decided to switch our focus from the homeless, for now, to the despondent veterans currently in VA nursing facilities,” she says.
“We have heard of story after story about families not being able to see their loved ones during this pandemic and the inconceivable depression it has caused those who are living in these facilities,” explains Uhrmann.
“Since mid-March, outsiders, including family members, have been restricted from visiting veterans at VA community living centers,” she says. “The COVID 19 lock-down restrictions have caused an exponential rise in despondency and depression among our elderly veterans. Two years ago, the AVM and MCAL delivered 170 ‘Blessing Boxes’ to our homeless veterans on Christmas Eve; the Blessing Boxes were graciously received as a symbol of our nation’s love and appreciation. This year, we plan to deliver Holiday Blessing Boxes to senior veterans in care facilities, sending a clear message that we continue to be a Grateful Nation.
“We believe the Blessing Boxes are a remarkable way to highlight the holiday and raise the spirits of so many that will not be able to share the holidays with loved ones,” she adds.
Donations Requested
To help in this effort, Uhrmann is asking for financial donations as well as supporters to provide the items to complete each Blessing Box, either partially or in full.
“We are currently seeking sponsors and donors to support this effort,” she writes. “In an effort to maintain continuality, we are hoping that each organization could either collect or financially sponsor one of the listed items; we are open to adding additional items we have missed.
“We encourage those who want to sponsor a blessing box to enclose their own special message with their $20 donation,” she writes. “We can assure our supporters that their message will be placed into a box once reviewed by our staff for appropriateness.”
Uhrmann is also calling on volunteers to help assemble the boxes “on either a Saturday or Sunday at one of their American Legion Halls,” she says. “We are asking each sponsor to send one or more representatives participate in the assembly process. Each sponsor will be provided their own distribution station, which should include information about who you are and the items you are sponsoring. We already have acquired several organizations that have offered to assemble and distribute the Holiday Blessing Boxes.”
The Holiday Blessing Boxes will each contain: a book “Yorkie Doodle Dandy;” movie, “Angel in the Fox Hole;” handwritten holiday messages being written by Mt. Olive Middle School Gifted & Talented; face masks sponsored by the AVA; socks; lap blankets; deck of cards; toothbrush; toothpaste; hand sanitizer; small frames; crossword puzzles; stationary with pre-stamped envelopes; and pens.
“Sponsorship can be in full or in part or individual donation,” concludes Uhrmann. “Suggestions for additional items are welcome.” All donations are tax-deductible.
Visit www.allveteransmemorial.org for more information.
Local and County News
Hackettstown Rotary Club To Hold Virtual Talent Contest
MO Man Honored For Protecting The Nation
The Morris County Freeholders and the Mt. Olive Township Council presented the Morris County Distinguished David Military Service Medal today to David F. Marciano of Flanders, a long-time paramedic and EMS worker whose lengthy service in the New Jersey Army National Guard included protecting the nation from further assaults following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Marciano, who joined the National Guard in 1989, was activated under Operation Noble Eagle after terrorists crashed hijacked-passenger planes into the twin towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a Somerset County, PA. field. He was presented the medal during a brief ceremony at the American Legion Post 342 in Chester Township, where officials noted that his service included guarding port facilities, power plants and infrastructure before he was honorably discharged in 2004.
“Your mission, which included performing security at military installations, airports, nuclear plants and port facilities, underscored the very definition of the domestic responsibility of the National Guard – to protect the homeland,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “Your professional career has also involved a dedication to public service as you have spent 21 years as a paramedic and 25 years as an EMS. For your dedication to duty, Mr. David Marciano, we thank you.”
Marciano has worked as a paramedic with St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson since November 1999 and as a paramedic per diem with University Hospital in Newark since July 2012.
Mt. Olive Council Vice President Alex Roman and Councilman Greg Stewart also honored Marciano at the small event, which was deliberately conducted with a minimal number of dignitaries because of pandemic protocols. Also participating were Michael Williams of the Morris County Veteran Services Office, who presented a brief history of the medal being established by the Freeholders in 1999, and Chester Township Councilman Mike Inganamort.
“I’m honored that you come from Mt. Olive Township,” said Roman. “You are a shining example of the kind of residents we have not only in Morris County, but in Mt. Olive. Thank you once again for your service.”
Marciano is the adjutant at the American Legion Post 342. Post representatives who attended the ceremony included Finance Officer Larry Oppel and Sergeant-at-Arms Hal Saks.
Marciano was a sergeant when he was honorably discharged from the New Jersey Army National Guard after serving 15 years at various bases in Florida, New Jersey and elsewhere.
He also has volunteered his time with the Boy Scouts of America. He and his wife, Diane, have two sons: David F. Jr., a Mt. Olive High School Senior attending the welding technology program at the Morris County Vocational School, and Landon, a 5th grader.
Hackettstown Rotary Club To Hold Virtual Talent Contest
A young volunteer places a backpack filled with school supplies at the Table of Hope food distribution event held at County College of Morris in August.
Table of Hope To Give Thanksgiving Meals At CCM
Table of Hope, with the support of local officials, businesses, agencies and volunteers, will be holding a Thanksgiving food distribution, including turkeys, fresh produce, can goods and dairy for a holiday meal, at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph on Saturday, Nov. 21.
The food distribution, open to Morris County residents, takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Parking Lot 1 on the CCM campus. Visitors are asked to use CCM’s Center Grove Road entrance. 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. Also to be distributed are hats and gloves for the colder months.
This is the third food distribution event Table of Hope is holding at CCM in partnership with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Supporting organizations include Alstede Farm and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. Serving as volunteers will be about 60 CCM faculty, staff and students, along with college administrators.
Those who would like to make a contribution to meet the goal of providing 600 turkeys for distribution can mail a check to Alstede Farms, LLC, Post Office Box 278, Chester, New Jersey 07930 and write “TOH Turkey” in the Memo field.
A holiday toy drive also is being held in conjunction with the Thanksgiving food distribution. New, unopened toys can be brought to CCM’s Department of Public Safety near Parking Lot 10 on the college campus. Toy donations are being accepted through November 20.
The previous Table of Hope event at CCM, held in August, provided backpacks with school supplies for children to help them start their school year strong, along with food. The first event, held in June, had New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, and Freeholders John Krickus and Steve Shaw serving as volunteers.
Shortly after COVID-19 struck, Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams, pastor of Bethel Church of Morristown, converted the Table of Hope bus that was used to pick up food for its pantry and soup kitchen so it could be utilized for mobile food distribution. Williams is the founder of the Spring Street Community Development Corporation that operates Table of Hope and other programs to improve the lives of individuals and families in Morris County.
“We are delighted to partner once again with CCM so families throughout Morris County can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Williams.
“We’re delighted to host this event to help those in need during a very difficult and challenging time so they can have a true Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “We’re proud to partner once again with Table of Hope and Morris County’s Freeholders, Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff’s Office, Alstede Farms and others to ensure people can put food on their tables. It makes us proud to be part of a community that truly cares for its own.”
In March, Table of Hope began operating weekly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany and Dover, along with additional grocery supply events in other Morris County communities. Prior to COVID-19, its pantry in Morristown served about 65 people weekly. The number now being served each week at each mobile distribution event averages 1,000 to 1,500 individuals, reports Teresa Williams, executive director of the Spring Street Community Development Center. To date, more than 18,500 individuals and families have been helped and more than 899,300 pounds of food has been distributed.
The Table of Hope soup kitchen has continued to provide dinners but as a take-out service during the pandemic. Table of Hope receives food from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, local farms and food service companies. To volunteer or make a donation, visit the Spring Street CDC website at https://springstreetcdc.org/.
Along with Table of Hope, numerous other services are available to assist residents in Morris County's 39 municipalities who are in need of food. A list of available food services, including food pantries, volunteer shopper organizations, meal delivery services and take-out meal services, can be found at https://hs.morriscountynj.gov/food-services/.
Hackettstown Rotary Club To Hold Virtual Talent Contest
Hackettstown Rotary Club To Hold Virtual Talent Contest
Hackettstown Rotary Club To Hold Virtual Talent Contest
Hackettstown Rotary Club plans to host a Virtually Amazing Talent Competition Jr. Edition at 7:30 p.m. on December 1. This is the second Virtually Amazing Talent Competition that Hackettstown Rotary Club has held in recent months. The last opportunity was scheduled in July and focused on featuring adult talent. Both events are replacing Rotary’s most financially impactful fundraiser of the year, Memorial Madness Car Show, which was cancelled due to the current pandemic.
A total of 12 performers will be highlighted during the competition.
The acts will be judged by the following professionals in the entertainment and theatre industries: Justin Boccitto, Germaine Goodson and Gary Pate. Boccitto is a performer, director, choreographer and dance teacher. Goodson is a broadway performer and master tap teacher and Pate performs at the Metropolitan Opera and theatrical outlets. Audiences will also have the opportunity to see the judges perform during the event.
Radio personalities, Deirdre Bryant and Norman Worth, will be emceeing the event once again.
“The Virtually Amazing Talent Competition was so well received last summer that the Club decided that the community would enjoy a Junior Edition,” says Jill Zinckgraf, executive director of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County and Chair of the event. “It will be a lively and engaging evening once again. We are extremely fortunate to have Deirdre Bryant and Norman Worth emcee again, as well as have Justin Boccitto, Germaine Goodson and Gary Pate serve as judges. I am certain this event will be enjoyed by all involved.”
All featured talent will have the possibility to win a monetary prize of $500 for first place entry, $300 for second place and $100 for third place.
Those who would like to attend this event virtually can visit hackettstownrotary.org before the start time of 7:30 p.m. on December 1, to access the event link. Attendees are asked to make a donation to Hackettstown Rotary Club. This fundraiser will support the many local non-profits in Warren County.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $50 to $100. It is asked that members of the community and local businesses consider securing a sponsorship by contacting Laurie Rapisardi at (908) 455-0179 or by emailing laurier68@gmail.com.
About Hackettstown Rotary Club
The 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
Becoming a Rotarian connects people with a diverse group of professionals who share a drive to give back. The Hackettstown Rotary Club meets weekly and discusses ways and creates programs to better the community.
Hackettstown Rotary Club To Hold Virtual Talent Contest
Library Goes Virtual For Kids
Virtual Storytime: Do your kids miss Storytime and coming to the library? Tune in Monday through Friday to see all of the Children's Room Librarians reading stories on Facebook and Instagram.
Library Open For Curbside Pickup
The Mt. Olive Public Library is open for curbside pickup.
Requests can only be made via phone call or email.
There is a limit of six items for adults and eight for kids and young adults.
Patrons will be called once their items are available for pickup.
Bags will be placed outside of the library, marked with the last four digits of the patrons card number
Due to COVID-19, patrons may not enter library.
No books will be left outside the building after curbside hours.
Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Closed on Sunday.
For questions email: curbside@mopl.org; call 973-691-8686 ext.106.
College NEWS
CCM Presents Live Drama
CCM Exhibits Work By Fine Arts/Design Students
CCM Presents Live Drama
Carlos Angel, of Byram, plays Russell Henderson in County College of Morris’ production of “The Laramie Project.”
Photos by Michael Donahue
The Music, Performing Arts and Music Technologies Department at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph will be presenting the powerful drama, “The Laramie Project,” written by Moises Kaufman, on Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. in its Dragonetti auditorium.
Directed by Professor Michael Donahue, of Hopatcong, tickets for the college’s production are free with limited seating. Tickets can be ordered by visiting http://www3.ccm.edu/campuslife/Shows/EnterPassword.asp using the password: Laramie.
"The Laramie Project" is set in and around Laramie, Wyoming, in the aftermath of the murder of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, who was beaten, tied to a post and left to die in a field because he was gay. To create the stage version of "The Laramie Project," the New York-based Tectonic Theatre Project traveled to Laramie, Wyoming, recording hours of interviews with the town's citizens over a two-year period, using the actual words from the transcripts to create a portrait of a town forced to confront itself.
CCM Exhibits Work By Fine Arts/Design Students
CCM Presents Live Drama
The cast of the Music, Performing Arts and Music Technologies Department at County College of Morris’ production of “The Laramie Project.”
The CCM cast plays multiple characters in this production and includes Carlos Angel, of Byram; Emily Steele, of New Milford; Zachary Weiner, of Flanders; Christine Del Vecchio, of Dover; Alix Grossman, of Morris Plains; Nicole Rodgers of Pompton Plains; Jessica Sconfienza, of West Milford; Eric Tayler, of Succasunna; Jason Thompson, of Belvidere; Alyssa Hopkins, of Belvidere; Mark Carovale, of Wharton; and Viviana Wadleigh of Rockaway.Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this production of “The Laramie Production” has been condensed to one hour with no intermission. Masks must be worn at all times. Please park in Lot 6.
CCM Exhibits Work By Fine Arts/Design Students
CCM Exhibits Work By Fine Arts/Design Students
CCM Resets Virtual Opening Of Engineering Center
Photo: “Solaire and Swablue,” acrylic, by CCM student Jay Garcia, of Netcong
The Department of Art and Design at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph hopes to bring some normalcy back for Portfolio and Presentation students at the college and the public by holding an exhibit of their creative works in the college’s Art and Design Gallery.
The exhibit includes the work of both fine arts and design students at the college. A reception for the fine arts students will take place Thursday, December 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A reception for design students will be held Thursday, December 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both receptions, along with the exhibit, are free and open to the public. The exhibit runs through Thursday, December 17.
The Art and Design Gallery is located in the Learning Resource Center on CCM’s campus, Randolph. The gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Given current circumstances, the schedule for the exhibit and receptions are subject to change.
Visitors are asked to follow the signage on campus to have their temperature screened before entering the gallery. Everyone who comes to campus is required to wear a mask and the campus is adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention capacity guidelines.
“Portfolio and Presentation courses at CCM help students to critique, improve and select their best work; create effective presentations; write documents for marketing their creative work to galleries, museums and prospective clients; and develop portfolios to gain entrance to four-year colleges and universities,” notes Todd L. W. Doney, CCM professor of visual arts
For information on the degree programs offered through the Department of Art and Design at CCM, visit http://tinyurl.com/yc4pfzef/.
CCM Resets Virtual Opening Of Engineering Center
Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Centenary University Professor
CCM Resets Virtual Opening Of Engineering Center
County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph has rescheduled the virtual grand opening for its Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC) to celebrate the facility’s role in addressing the needs of industry.
The celebration now set to take place, Tuesday, December 8, at 11 a.m. as a YouTube streamed presentation at www.ccm.edu/amec/. The virtual grand opening needed to be rescheduled due to production scheduling changes.
Viewers of the virtual celebration will be able to obtain an inside view of the state-of-the-art facility constructed to address industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals and access to advanced training and conferencing abilities.
In addition to housing numerous labs with the latest equipment and machinery, AMEC includes a high-tech conference room where industry officials and their employees can meet virtually with their national and global partners. It also will allow CCM to develop new in-demand programs such as robotics. The $11 million 31,500-square foot facility was constructed with state, county and private funding.
The virtual grand opening will feature remarks from CCM President Anthony J. Iacono, Astronaut Clay Anderson and state, county, community and business leaders.
Along with offering education and training in a number of degree and certificate programs, AMEC will provide industry with opportunities to update the skills of their current employees. The building was constructed in response to several fact-finding sessions the college held with industry to determine how CCM could best meet its needs. The overriding request was for the provision of a pipeline of skilled and talented employees.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over the next decade advanced manufacturing will need to fill 3.4 million jobs with the majority of those positions being related to the pending retirement of baby boomers. Along with good job prospects, the field pays well with an average annual salary of $76,000.
Included among the students utilizing AMEC are the apprentices CCM is training as part of a $4 million CareerAdvance USA grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. CCM was awarded that grant to lead a consortium of New Jersey community colleges to create successful apprenticeship models in advanced manufacturing.
High school students taking part in the college’s Engineering Technology share time program with the Morris County Vocational School District also will train on equipment in the facility. While at CCM, those students also participate in the High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware program that allows them to produce parts for the International Space Station.
To learn more about CCM’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering programs, go to http://bit.ly/AMEatCCM/.
Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Centenary University Professor
Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Centenary University Professor
Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Centenary University Professor
The Hackettstown Rotary Club has recognized Centenary University Professor Dr. Linda Poisseroux of Mt. Olive as a Paul Harris Fellow, an honor reserved for members who have made significant progress in upholding the mission of the organization. The recognition is named for the Rotary founder, a Chicago attorney who envisioned a place where local professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, long-term friendships.
Poisseroux was inducted into the Hackettstown Rotary Club two years ago.
She said, “It is truly an honor to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow recipient. I feel extremely fortunate to work with such dedicated and amazing people. Our Hackettstown Rotary Club members genuinely care about the community, the people, and for each other. They willingly give so much and exceedingly commit themselves to Rotary’s principle of ‘service above self.’”
Poisseroux is an assistant professor of business and director of Enactus, Centenary University’s competitive business team. A social entrepreneurship organization, Enactus strives to increase the livelihoods and economic success of businesses, local communities and the world. Under her direction, the team has placed in regional, national and international competitions. At this year’s Enactus National Exposition, held virtually due to the pandemic, several members of the Centenary Enactus team earned national recognition. Poisseroux earned a master’s degree from Montclair State University and a doctoral degree from Capella University.
Earn Extra Credit with CCM Online Winterim Courses
Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Centenary University Professor
Hackettstown Rotary Club Lauds Centenary University Professor
Registration is now open for the Winterim Semesters at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph.Winterim classes, which are offered online in a condensed format, are a convenient way to earn some extra credit and stay on course to graduate. Two Winterim sessions are offered at CCM, a four-week session that begins Wednesday, December 23, and a two-week session that begins Monday, January 4.At CCM, students are able to select from more than 100 educational, certificate and training programs taught by a faculty specifically focused on teaching. In addition, the college holds more than 150 transfer agreements to make it easy to apply CCM credits toward a bachelor’s degree.To get started, review the degree and certificate programs at CCM at www.ccm.edu/academics. Non-credit certificate programs also can be found at www.ccm.edu/workforce. To apply to the college, go to www.ccm.edu/admissions.
Ways To De-stress During Holidays
Submitted by Diane Lang, positive living expert, life coach, speaker.
Everyone knows that the holidays can be a stressful time of the year. There’s a lot of planning that goes on for family get-togethers, holiday parties, dinners and even traveling. The conflicts that are bound to arise bring up mixed feelings and can lead to stress and anxiety. However, the holidays can also be a time to reflect on all of the good things you have in your life and enjoy spending time with your close friends and loved ones. If you’re prone to holiday stress once November comes around, try following these eight tips.
Start Early:
One of the best ways to avoid holiday stress is to start planning early! This means making to-do lists, grocery lists, getting a head start on your gift shopping and more. When you wait until the last minute to do these things, that’s when the stress really gets to you. You can avoid all of that by just making a few lists early on and taking time to complete them a few tasks at a time instead of all at once.
Take Care Of You:
When you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by all of the tasks you have to do and by the idea that you will soon have to spend time entertaining your large, extended family, create some personal time to relax. Make time in your schedule to do whatever it is that makes you happy, whether it’s a day at the spa, snuggling under the covers and reading a good book, or enjoying a glass of wine before bed. Some solitary time is important and it’s good to indulge every once in a while.
Be Up Front Financially:
Money is another big factor in holiday stress since most people plan to buy presents for the family, cook dinner for a group, and even host parties. The holidays are always a tough time financially and you shouldn’t spend money that you don’t have and can’t afford to be spending. If money is tight, create a strict budget for yourself and make sure to stick to it. Consider buying presents only for the kids, doing a Secret Santa /Yankee Swap for the adults, or even use your creativity to make some homemade gifts.
Get Some Exercise:
Getting active and doing some form of exercise does wonders for relieving stress. Even going for a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day can be extremely beneficial. Grab a neighbor or a friend to accompany you so you can talk while you’re on the move and you won’t even realize that what you’re doing is exercising. If possible, get the whole family involved in a family walk so they can all benefit from lower levels of stress.
Ask For Help:
If you’re the person in the family who is doing all of the planning, all of the cooking, and all of the shopping, you really should consider asking for help. No one can be expected to do so many things at once so learn to delegate tasks to others. Ask family members to each bring a different dish to dinner to relieve some of your cooking duties. Everyone should be doing his or her part to help, even during clean up.
Gratitude:
The holidays are really about spending quality time with your friends and family. It’s not about the presents, or the food or the parties. We should feel grateful and happy for our health and for being surrounded by loved ones. These are lessons to pass on to your children and teach them to appreciate all of the little things in life that make us happy.
Watch The Signs:
Listen to your body. If you are noticing any of the following signs, then it’s time to make changes:
Change in sleeping habits
Change in eating habits
Feeling irritable, moody and unhappy
Exhaustion and fatigue
Panic attack symptoms like dizziness, heavy chest, heart racing, headache, feeling nauseous, hot and cold flashes
Physical signs such as headaches, stomachaches, joint pain and low immune system - catching frequent colds and illnesses.
These symptoms are all warning signs of too much stress and anxiety in our life. This is a sign to slow down and take a time out.
8. Pay It Forward:
For the holidays join a local charity and help with distributing dinners, dropping off presents and spreading cheer. Every time we do a random act of kindness, we help others while helping ourselves. Random acts of kindness give a boost of happiness that lasts 24-72 hours. Spread the joy!
For more information visit: www.dlcounseling.com or email Diane Lang at DLCounseling2014@gmail.com.
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