Local Couple Collects Pajamas To Donate

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By Cheryl Conway

Penny Vanemon-Chatteron of Budd Lake has received a new pair of pajamas every Christmas for as long as she can remember.  

A family custom she grew up with, traditions are meant to be passed on, and this is one she has not passed up. Since 2017, Chatterton and her husband, Justin, have been collecting and donating new pajamas for children and adults through their initiative- Operation Pajama Elf.  

“Every year, on Christmas Eve, the Pajama Elf would leave a new pair of pjs on my bed,” explains Chatteron. “As a child, it was magical and exciting, and as I grew older that new pair of pjs brought comfort and happiness, much like receiving a warm hug. It’s a tradition that I carried on with my own family, and now my children are doing the same with their families. To be able to share this experience with so many children is a gift to us.”  

It was five years ago, when Chatteron learned about the need for pajamas.   

“Sometimes you seek opportunities to give back, and sometimes the opportunities find you,” explains Chatteron who works as a realtor. “While working with a colleague on a project to provide much needed items for the homeless, Justin became aware of a large number of veteran's families who were without homes and were temporarily living at the YMCA in Newark. Being a veteran himself, this dire situation immediately touched him. He learned that the YMCA was seeking pajamas to give to the children for Christmas, and he immediately committed to help. We’ve been doing it every year since.”  

She says, “The primary focus of Operation Pajama Elf has been the children temporarily living at the Newark YMCA” and their greatest need— pajamas.  “When this opportunity came to us, in 2017, there was a specific need for pajamas for the children whose families were calling the Newark YMCA home.” 

If an influx of donations come in, Chatteron is open to expanding to other organizations. 

“Our hope is that we will exceed our goal and be able to serve children in our local community as well.”  

Mt. Olive residents for 25 years, raising four children and now blessed with three grandchildren, the Chatterons have collected and donated hundreds of pajamas over the years. 

“Our first year was our biggest year, we had a list of 140 children in need,” she says. “Then the week before Christmas, we learned that another organization was not able to fulfill their commitment, and we took on another 70 children. There was no way we were going let those children down. So, we reached out to our community, for the second time that year, and they responded with incredible generosity. Since then, we’ve averaged 100+ children each year.”    

The Chatterons are collecting new, with tags, pajamas for children aged newborn to 18. The biggest area of need, right now, is for big kids and teenagers. 

They also need pajamas, for both boys and girls, in sizes 8-18 and adult S-XL. Cash donations and store cash/coupons, for those who would like the Chatterons to do the shopping, are also being accepted. 

She says this year their goal is to collect 104 pairs of pajamas. 

“When I counted, on Wednesday of this week, we were at the halfway point,” she says.   

While they are grateful for donations any time of the year, they need to receive the pajamas by December 18 in time for this Christmas.  

“The children receive their new pajamas on Christmas Eve,” she says. “We want to share this magical experience with as many children as possible. Who knows, perhaps when they are grown, they will include this in their own family traditions. 

“We love sharing the Pajama Elf tradition with others,” she says. One of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative is the reactions.   

“It’s amazing,” says Chatteron. “It makes us smile just thinking about it. The families of the children are always very grateful, but it’s the reactions of the children…that’s what it’s all about. There’s so much energy and excitement. So many wide eyes and smiles. They jump up and down. They proudly show their new pjs to their family and friends. It’s incredible really, to know that something like a new pair of pajamas can bring such joy.” 

Chatteron is appreciative of all the support.  

“We liase with the organizations servicing those in need and lead the solicitation and coordination of donors,” she explains. “The drive is ultimately only successful though, because of the generosity of the members of our community who donate the pajamas.  

“We are grateful,” she says. “We couldn’t do this without the support of everyone who donates. Of course, this also makes us very happy, because we know the joy that the children have when they get their pjs. It is also humbling and sobering because there are so many people who are in need. We’re not solving problems with this initiative, but we are making people smile, and that makes it all worthwhile!” 

For those who do give, the feeling is mutual.    

“People make donations to Operation Pajama Elf, because making a child’s Christmas special is important to them,” she says. “We ask that people give if they can and give what they can. As a result, we receive donations of single pairs of pjs up to dozens of pairs of pjs. We receive cash donations, store cash and coupons. We couldn’t do it without all of this…without the support of our community, and we are so grateful for everything that we receive.” 

Pajamas can be shipped to or dropped off at 10 Oakland Rd., in Budd Lake. Cash donations can be made via Venmo @Penny-Chatterton. For additional information or to send store cash and coupons, call or text Penny Chatteron at 908-672-0781.   

By Cheryl Conway 

Whoever said being left out in the cold is a bad thing got it completely wrong, especially when looking inside the new community initiative called Freedge. 

A new community fridge has opened in Mt. Olive and anyone in need of food is invited to help his or herself. Three local women started the initiative the day after Thanksgiving and shelves are filling up. 

Located on the porch of one of the organizers in Clover Hill, the fridge is open to anyone hungry or thirsty, and everyone willing to donate.    

“We call it a Freedge and there is a movement for them all over the world,” says Dawn Masino of Budd Lake. “Freedge is spelled that way because items are free to anyone who needs them and/or would use them. If you refer to it as a Community Fridge, it’s just that, a fridge that the entire community can help fill and also avail themselves of.”
Masino, and her two friends —Nicole Spaldo and Kelly Turner — “thought something could be done to supplement the food pantry in our community.  I spoke to Nicole about it once and she must’ve spoken to Kelly about it at some point before or after. Next thing I know, we are all in a group text trying to figure out when to go pick up our donated refrigerator.” 
The freedge is at 11 Brewster Place in Flanders. “It’s currently on Nicole’s front porch because she’s a rock star and always tries to make things happen!” says Masino. “It’s plugged into an outlet on Nicole’s porch.
“It was donated to us specifically for this project,” she adds. “It is a white run of the mill side by side Frigidaire. It has the fridge to the right, freezer on the left. we have a pouch with post-its and markers so we can label items and a dry erase board to list what you’ve added to the freedge.”  

Like a food pantry, the community fridge provides a helping hand to anyone who may be faced with challenging times.  
“Often our food pantries offer the underserved in our community the shelf stable items that can be of great help to those who need them, but they generally lack fresh produce and perishable items, which are tremendously important to any diet,” says Masino. “When a family is worried about heating their home, sometimes a bag of apples or a dozen eggs can feel like a big splurge. Our goal is to try to ease that burden for those folks.” 

The initiative is give and take. For those who can donate, the wish list is an open door. For those who need a hand, the handle is never locked.  

“If you have some leftovers your family won’t eat or if you purchased an item that your family didn’t care for, bring it to the freedge!” says Masino. “Write what the item is and the date you’re putting it in the freedge and you’re all set, it won’t go to waste. The other option is to grab some of these extra perishable items when you’re in the store and drop them off, unopened. 

“I always try to see what is on sale,” she says. “Yogurt is 5 for $1? I’ll grab 10 for the fridge.  Meat has been reduced for sale but is still good, I’ll grab it and put it in the freezer or the freedge right away. Things like that. We are hoping this freedge is a bridge to those who might be able to do a little extra and those who could use the help.  We are also hoping the initiative helps us with food waste, which is a serious concern across the country.”  
When Masino recently checked inside the fridge, she says there were about 10 items such as eggs, yogurt, milk, Gatorade, some creamers, some well labeled leftovers from Thanksgiving, meat and bagels in the freezer and “Someone even dropped off some freshly baked peanut butter cookies,” she says.

“Anyone can donate,” she says.  “Folks with leftovers. Folks who picked up more milk than their family can go through. Folks who thought they’d like that new oatmeal cookie flavored creamer better than they do. Folks who have $20 to spend at the grocery to help out some neighbors who might be in a tight spot.” 

For even greater support, Masino plans to connect with local business owners. 

“I am hoping to head up a small group of volunteers to contact some of the businesses in our area,” she says. “I know a lot of them have perishable items at the end of their day that they can’t use the next day but are still perfectly good for consumption. I would love to organize some of us to pick up those items, label them and put them in the freedge.  It will reduce waste heading to the landfill, it will help feed our community and it’s an overall win/win for community building between the businesses who make a living here and the folks who support them.”

Similar to a food pantry, the community fridge is open to all patrons, there just may be fewer restrictions to get inside. Anyone can take food. “There are no requirements. No sign-in. No one keeping tabs.  We are on the honor system, as are all other community fridges.”   
Unlike the food pantry, there are no set hours, but common courtesy is requested. 

“We did ask that people are mindful that this is Nicole’s home and that they use best neighbor practices when dropping off or picking up items,” says Masino. “We want to be courteous to her privacy and her property. We’ve asked folks not to leave any trash around, place items neatly in fridge and just treat Nicole’s property as they’d want theirs treated.”  

Volunteers have been stepping up to the porch to help the fridge initiative, and more are welcome to help. 

“We have amazing volunteers who check in on the fridge weekly,” she says. “They check the dates, remove any donated leftovers that don’t have a date or anything past the date it should be there.  They wipe down shelves if necessary and make sure everything looks good. We are going to put out a formal call for volunteers to sign up so it’s not always the same folks and we will rotate through so everyone has a chance to be involved.”  

The plan is to keep the fridge running on an ongoing basis. “As far as we are concerned there is no end date,” she says. “We’d love to see it expand in our town and maybe even give other towns the inspiration to start their own community fridge.”  

Since the pandemic and recession, the need to help others has never been greater. 

Food insecurity, food waste and feeding my community is my love language,” says Masino. She says 40% to 60% of all food produced in this country is wasted. That includes waste from businesses, over production on farms and homes. 

According to her research, in 2021, 10.2% of American households struggled with food insecurity, not knowing where their next meal might come from; with 3.8%, or 5.1 million households, struggling with very low food security. 

In New Jersey, 16.1 households were food insecure in 2020. 

“It seems difficult for people to believe but this happens everywhere, even in counties like Morris County, which are often thought of as being relatively well off or even affluent,” says Masino. “As we all know, the most common causes of food insecurity are poverty, unemployment and low income.  In a post pandemic N.J., families who never thought they’d be worried about stocking their fridge, are now worried and those families might even be your neighbors.”   

Both corners of town are now offering free food for those who are struggling. With the Mt. Olive Food Pantry in Budd Lake, and now the community fridge in Flanders, no one has to drive too far.  

“The food pantry provides items like peanut butter, beans, coffee, canned goods,” Masino compares. “However, their hours are quite limited; I believe you have to sign up.  Some food pantries supply you with an already stocked box or bag of goods which may or may not have items you like. 

“In the freedge, you can choose what you know you’ll use,” she says. 

“We are not in competition with our food pantry, for sure, and many of us donate there as well, when we can. This is simply tackling the same issue from a different angle.”  

With the community fridge, there is no judgment. 

“We like everyone to be mindful that we don’t know anyone’s personal and  unique circumstances,” says Masino. “We are there to help, to support and to lift each other up, not guess who might not actually need to grab that dozen eggs.”  

Those wishing to donate, can drop items at the fridge or give a monetary donation to Masino, Spaldo or Turner “and we will ensure it is used to buy items to stock the freedge.  

“If folks have some extra turkey or ham or ravioli (if you’re Italian like my family) on Christmas Day, I would love to encourage them to wrap it well, date it and donate it to the freedge.”  

She concludes, “I’m super excited to watch this freedge fill up with the bounty of the Garden State come spring.  It will be a brilliant way for our local home gardeners to donate their surplus fruits and veggies. If your bean plants are out of control or you have more tomatoes than you know what to do with, now we know what to do with them —bring them to Mt. Olive’s first community fridge where they will be much appreciated!”

By Cheryl Conway 

It is surely not the time to plant a flower garden, but some say the seeds best germinate during winter weather to break seed dormancy. 

Charlie Uhrmann, founder of the All-Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake, is planting the seeds for a flower garden, her next element at the memorial. The garden will feature five variations of flowers in honor of the children and should be in bloom this spring.  

The formal name of this upcoming element is “We, The Children.” The idea grew out of a suggestion by Peg Shultz of Andover, chapter regent of the Morristown Daughters of the American Revolution. Shultz shared her idea with Uhrmann at the Musconetcong Lodge #42 F.& A.M. event in October which recognized the AVM founder as Patriot of the Year. 

“After the ceremony, Peg shared her personal story with me, adding the significance of the dandelion and military children," she says. "Peg then asked if I would consider adding one very important element to the AVM — a sculpture of a dandelion.” 

Explains Shultz, “She didn’t realize there was a flower associated with military brats, or that April 30 is National Military Brat Day in the U.S. We chatted about where and how the term BRAT came about and the history of its first known usage and she was intrigued.  BRAT is a term of endearment and one that military kids wear with pride.” 

Involved with the AVM for at least five years, Schultz provides even deeper background.  

“The dandelion was chosen as the official flower for the military brat because the plant can take root and flourish practically anywhere the wind blows its seeds,” she explains. “The hardest question for most military brats to answer, including myself, is ‘where are you from?’”    

Intrigued, Uhrmann spread the idea the next day, contacting board members to bring the idea to life. 

Originally, Uhrmann thought the AVM was complete with the final element, the Prayer Garden. 

“I have always believed that the ‘Prayer Garden’ would be the final phase, preordained by God,” says Uhrmann. “However, as Peg passionately shared her story and made the request, I responded like I have always responded in the past and promised to think about it and discuss it with our board members.  As I was driving back to the hotel, I realized the obvious void and accepted that I have one more challenge to complete.” 

The garden will include five variations of flowers:  Three different stages of the dandelion, a poppy and a daisy.  The dandelion will represent the resilient life stages of the military child.  A red poppy will represent “the life of our fallen warriors; the memory of children, all children, our children during war.”  And the daisy symbolizes the innocence and purity and new beginnings for children, “all children,” says Uhrmann, caught up in life’s many battles. 

The monument will be made of steel, just under 10 feet and its location is still being considered.   

“The proposed 5’ wide x 9’ high monument would present well at the grassy area near the entrance of the AVM parking lot or across from the “On Behalf of A Grateful Nation” monument before entering onto the NorthStar Seating Area and/or the walkway into the Pray Garden,” describes Uhrmann.  

It will be built on a large mound of stones— “which should be beautiful with the Steward Mansion behind it.”  

Peg Shultz, chapter regent of the Morristown Daughters of the American Revolution, on left, and Patricia Sanftner, DAR NJ State Historian, at the AVM.

The sculpture will be done by Tim Sheldon of Wicked Workz. 

“Tim crafted and installed the AVM lettering at the Liberty Wall and the Ascension Bell Tower,” says Uhrmann. “He is an outstanding metal craftsman.  Tim has provided a quote and hopes to begin work on the sculpture in January 2023.”  Uhrmann estimates the element will cost about $8,000. With the seeds planted now, she hopes to raise some funds so the garden can bloom in spring.   

“While we hope to seek funding from the community — schools, churches and community organizations — we plan to also find a corporate donor to help offset the cost,” says Uhrmann. “It would be amazing if we could get $1 from each Mt. Olive household, as the AVM was created, funded and built with private donations. 

“We will be kicking off a fundraising campaign January 1, 2023,” she adds. “We are selling dandelion necklaces for $20. I will be asking the community to help spread the word.”  

Uhrmann plans to unveil her garden in May. 

“Monument and Memorial Day will be connected,” she says. She has picked the keynote speaker and theme, Military Life. 

“I feel it is important for us to learn about the life of how our fallen warriors lived and the reasons behind their service,” says Uhrmann. “Annually we gather together as a nation in May to honor those who lost their lives in battle. I feel we should know more about their lives and service. This year we will learn about what it is like to serve and why some make the decision to put themselves in the line of fire.”  

As the daughter of a career Air Force Veteran, and former Air Force wife, Shultz has some roots into the military and looks forward to watching the garden flourish.   

“I think this element is important so the children of our active-duty military and the grown children of our veterans know that they matter; that all the moving, changing schools, leaving friends, making new friends and taking on extra chores at home mattered,” she says. “That we, as a community and as a nation recognize they performed a service to our country by supporting their military parent(s).” According to an article published by American Psychological Association on military children and families, approximately two million children in the U.S. have or have had a parent serve in the military over the past decade. These children have had to deal with parental absences, threat of potential harm to their parents as well as aftermath of wartime deployment including parental physical and mental injury or death.    

Considering the children, and all they endure, Uhrmann says “I do not believe there is enough attention or support or understanding regarding the many challenges military children face.     

“We were all once children,” she says. “Raising our children is one of the most important and challenging jobs we will ever face.  As time goes on, that challenge becomes more and more difficult.  We are supposed to be the stewards of nation and our children’s future; yet I find myself worrying about the stability of our nation.  I sincerely pray we can come together as a community, if not for any other common reason than to demonstrate love, support and solidarity for our children and their children’s future.” 

The great thing about dandelions is that, even though they are considered a “weed,” they do not take nutrients from their surroundings. Dandelions do not dare to be the submissive plant, nor the dominant plant. They live as equals in their surroundings. Look at the grass around the dandelion. Is it not just as green as it was before? The grass and the dandelion live side by side. When a dandelion is plucked and a wish is made as the seeds are tenderly blown, the seeds float on the wind, finding a new home. There, the seeds find a new home and flourish, living side by side with their new neighbors. Only a dandelion can understand another dandelion and the journey the dandelion has been on. That is the Military Brat. And it is why we adopted the dandelion as the official flower of Brats.  Military Brats know what other Brats endure and feel. Only Brats understand. No matter how many degrees a civilian holds, the Military Brat life is one that one MUST live…MUST experience to fully understand. Brats will, like we were trained, help other Brats…unnoticed and unheralded. After all, it is our “job”. — Rae Shue Blalack  

By Cheryl Conway 

After a highly contested Mt. Olive Board of Education race, the results are final and the BOE welcomes three returning members and one new candidate. 

Long-time BOE Member Dr. Anthony Giordano has been reelected to a one-year term. BOE Members Lisa Fenton and Lisa Narcisse have been reelected to a three-year term; and Louisa Meléndez-Cañedo won her first seat to serve a three-year term.       

The newly elected members will be sworn in at the 2023 reorganization meeting set to take place on Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Mt. Olive School District Administration Building in Flanders.  

Giordano of Budd Lake, who has been on the BOE for the past 15 years, won his seat with 2,825 votes. He ran against Annette Mendez, who trailed slightly behind with 2,748 votes; and Marc Orzillo with 1,562 votes. He is excited to serve this one-year term. 

“I am very honored to once again serve the community of Mt. Olive,” says Giordano. 

His main concerns are space throughout the district, educational and extra-curricular. 

He plans to rectify current issues “As I always have, through leadership and consensus building,” he says. “I look forward to continuing to move our district forward, not for just this year, but future years! 

“I love being on the board of education and I look forward to working with my fellow BOE members, district administration and the community to continue to provide our students with the best education possible,” says Giordano. 

For the three-year seat, Fenton received the most votes with 3,769; Meléndez-Cañedo trailed behind with 3,595; and Narcisse received the next highest with 3,410 votes. Their contenders were long-time BOE Member William Robinson with 3,246 votes; Joe Sacco with 3,203; and Karen Fiumara with 2,567. 

The three women look forward to their next three years on the MOTSD BOE.    

“It is very humbling to win a seat,” says Fenton. “I take that very seriously.” 

Better communication, more jobs and post pandemic affects are her main concerns. “Communication is key,” says Fenton. 

“I would really like to work on employment, especially when it comes to aides as I feel they are equally important in our school district,” she adds. “Also COVID has definitely produced social and emotional learning delays that I feel we need to address.” 

Dealing with conflicts and issues in the district will take time, she says, but she is optimistic. 

“Conflicts are a delicate process that need many hours of time,” says Fenton. “It is important to stay focused on implementing the proper procedures when a conflict occurs. 

“I feel we are on the right track to a productive year for all staff and students,” says Fenton. “I am happy with the conversations happening to make small improvements in all areas.  That will become a big win if we are successful.”  

Honored and humbled to being reelected, Narcise says her most immediate concern “is bringing unity and healing to the district. Long term I have concerns over the rapid growth the district is seeing in enrollment and meeting the facility and classroom needs for all of our students. I forecast seeing a need to expand our facility spaces as our student population is rapidly growing.” 

To remedy current conflicts, Narcisse says “I look to continue to focus on student centered learning, in a positive environment.”  

Surprised by her win, Meléndez-Cañedo is super excited for her fresh start.  

“When the election results were official and I receive proper notification from the County Clerk Office, it was a pleasant surprise, because it means my message coincides with the interests and needs of our Mt Olive residents,” she says.
“Some issues that concern me the most and captured my attention were adequate physical classrooms for all students, fiscal responsibility, school district expenses and bus drivers to mention a few,” she says. 
Meléndez-Cañedo looks forward to working as a team.
“Current conflicts/issues are not to be resolved by only one person, but one person can bring a positive perspective and can be a driving force for a team to work together; reconcile differences, and in some cases to respect differences while working for the best interest of our Mt. Olive School District.”
Learning on her end is expected.
“As an elected school board member for a three-year term, the first few months would be observing, reconnaissance, keep doing a lot of reading, and probably asking many questions to grasp a deep understanding of all present issues and school governance,” says Meléndez-Cañedo. “I will also help to keep open the channels of communication.”
She is grateful to all who voted for her.
“I would like to thank the residents of Mt. Olive that entrusted me with their vote for a better future for our Mt. Olive school district,” she says. “I cannot properly express the immense gratitude I feel towards all those that issued their vote of confidence for me to serve our community. Thank you so much for your support! I am committed to work for ALL students. Starting in January 2023, I am ready to serve the Mt. Olive students and this community! And I am ready to dive in and work for All, always Students First!”

Anthony Moscatello plans to wrestle at Princeton University.
 

Four Mt. Olive High School student athletes are taking their game to the next level. MOHS held a celebration on Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, at the MOHS Performing Arts Center to celebrate their achievement.  

Caitlyn Marone has decided to attend Belmont Abbey for women’s lacrosse.  

Congratulations seniors and best of luck in all of your future endeavors!  

Jack Bastarrika intends to wrestle at Virginia Tech. 
 

Tehya Schueten plans to attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick for women’s soccer. 

The 2022 Annual Mt. Olive Business Community Area Food Drive was a great success thanks to all of the firms in the community who were able to support this year’s efforts. 

This community effort resulted in gifts to the Mt. Olive Food Pantry including monetary donations as well as 1,000+ pounds of non-perishable food donations! 

Volunteer team members were from the Mt. Olive Area Chamber of Commerce,  Nisivoccia, Mt. Olive Food Pantry, Mt. Olive EDC  and the Kiwanis Club of Mt Olive. Collections were from Siemens, Veolia NA, Givaudan, Robertet USA, the business community in the ITC, with various drop-off sites.

Special thanks to ITC Partners and Yaritza Miranda and her team at CBRE-Property Management, who once again provided secure space for the staging of the donations and for the Mt. Olive Food Pantry to store and sort the collected goods for our community members in need. 

“We thank you all, for your continued support for this annual community effort, and wish all a great Holiday Season,” says Greg Stewart, chair of the Mt. Olive Business Community Food Drive. 

Photo by Lisa Brett   

On Friday, December 9, Mt. Olive Township hosted its annual Tree Lighting Celebration.  Pastor Jones and Pastor Kody Vagile of Mountaintop Church once again partnered with the township to arrange for the celebration for all.   On hand was Mt. Olive first responders, as well as Building and Grounds/DPW with a special visit by Santa.  Songs, candles, and gratitude were celebrated by all.  Special thanks SINTS Christmas Lighting for donating his time to decorate the township tree. 

A Chanukah Message from Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman, director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Mt. Olive

The unique power of the Chanukah lights is linked to the nature of the miracle they commemorate. The miracle of Chanukah took place in a time of darkness, when the Greeks, who had conquered the Land of Israel, sought to impose their culture upon its inhabitants. The Maccabees were able to instill in the Jewish people a spirit of self-sacrifice and return to God. This inspired them to defeat them, and rededicate the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Since the Jewish victory involved the transformation of dark­ness into light, the Chanukah lights which commemorate it also have this power. 

And they teach us that when confronted with darkness, we must not resign ourselves to it. Nor may we remain con­tent with lighting up our own homes. Instead, we must reach out and spread light as far as we possibly can, until the public domain too is illuminated. 

Adding a new Chanukah candle every night teaches us that every day we must increase our endeavors to spread light throughout the world. Though we lit up our environment on the previous night, we cannot rest content. As our Sages explain, light­ing the Chanukah candles exemplifies the principle, “Always advance higher in holy matters.” 

Beginning with the second night of Chanukah (the first time we add a candle), we express this principle for an entire week, increasing the number of candles every night. A week is a complete time cycle which contains in potential form all the possible situations a person might encounter. 

Adding a new light on every night of Chanukah demonstrates — and reinforces — a commitment to progress continuously, come what may. 

The lessons we learn from the Chanukah lights should be applied in every aspect of our lives. Every day should lead us to further growth and create new opportunities for spreading light in our homes and in the world.  

Please visit our website at mychabadcenter.com for information regarding Public Menorah lightings in the area or call Rabbi Shusterman at 973-933-6011. 

Happy Chanukah! 
 

With the recent delivery of this new compact rescue boat, Budd Lake Fire will now be able to respond to a multitude of water and rescue emergencies with ease. This new boat is able to be towed via trailer or stowed on apparatus and inflated on scene making the unit extremely versatile and given the ability to be taken into tough and remote areas within town not accessible by vehicle. Budd Lake Fire would like to thank those who donated and also wanted to thank Fire & Ems Director Tyler Wargo for making this project happen. Special thanks to The Hunkele Group, Van Cleef Engineering and The Katharine E. Jensen Foundation for their generous donations as well.

The Morris County Library celebrated 100 years of service last month with music, crafts and a presentation of honors by state, county and local officials during a day-long event at the library’s main building in Whippany. 

State Sen. Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn offered congratulatory remarks with Morris County Board of Commissioners Director Tayfun Selen, Deputy Director John Krickus and Commissioner-Elect Christine Myers. They presented honors to the library, handing them to Director Darren O’Neill, library staff and members of the Morris County Library Foundation. 

“I’m proud to be here today, inside this treasured institution, praising a century of operations,” said Selen, noting that when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a statewide shutdown, the library was one of the county operations residents pushed to reopen quickly.  

“It was a tribute to how important the Morris County Library has become to people since the days Edith L. Smith – who became the county’s first librarian in July 1922 – first started loaning out books from the library’s original Morristown location,” Selen said. “People grew to appreciate and rely on what is offered here, from the days towns relied on book mobiles to bring our library resources into their communities, to today’s on-line databases providing library patrons remote access to our resources.” 

The Morris County Library Commission first met in 1922 and opened its headquarters in Morristown, two years after the New Jersey Legislature approved the establishment of county libraries and one year after Morris County voters approved creating a county library. On July 1, 1922, Edith L. Smith was hired as the first Morris County Library director and librarian, a post she held until 1956, and three rooms in the Morris County Courthouse were provided as the central office of the library. 

The library’s current operations on East Hanover Avenue in Whippany were built in 1968. 

Selen presented the library with a Resolution of Honor from the board, as Bucco and Dunn presented a Joint Resolution of the New Jersey Senate and Assembly recognizing the library’s centennial celebration. 

"I look forward to a bright future for the Morris County Library knowing that there is such strong support for its collection, staff, and services,” said Library Director Darren O’Neill. “Being able to serve as its director is the highlight of my career and an honor for which I am incredibly grateful,”  

The event was punctuated by music from a jazz quartet and a rare performance of Franz Schubert's String Quintet in C major, D. 956. 

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

When we take time to reflect, we get a chance to pause. We get to take some time to regroup and think back on the year we just had and process it. We can recognize what we have learned and how it changed who we are. We can see what worked and what did not work. How strong and brave we have been. What risks we took and what we could have done differently.  

We can untangle our lives and give the situations and challenges we have been through meaning.  

 Ways to Reflect On 2022 

What did you learn about yourself? I think for most of us we can see how stressful this year was but if you are writing out your reflection then you know you survived and cultivated resiliency. What other things did you learn about yourself? 

What do you want your life to look like one year from now? After reflecting on 2022, you can see the things you do not want to deal with anymore. What didn't work and how can you prevent that from happening in 2023. 

Why didn’t your goals from 2022 go as intended? Did confusion and uncertainty take over? Did you get paralyzed by the fear? Do you need help? Do the goals need to be tweaked? 

What did you love to do in 2022? What cultivated happiness for you? Did you do those things often? If not, why? How could you change that for 2023?  

What habits and beliefs do you have that you need to stop - that are holding you back and keeping you stuck? What unhealthy habits did you do in 2022 that you want to change?  

How did you grow and change in 2022? We are always growing and changing, we need to take time to reflect and be self-aware. 

Do you have good routines? Do you have a good morning and evening routine? Routine, consistency and schedules are a must for balance and happiness.  

What am I bored of, that I need to let go off? Social media? Internet/googling? Binging on TV/Netflix? 

What did you find yourself jealous/envious of in 2022? Jealousy and envy are different. Jealousy is fear of losing someone. Envy is noticing the lack of something in your life. Jealousy and envy are both great teachers. Don't judge yourself for those feelings, observe and learn. 

What frustrations/challenges came up for you in 2022. Did you work through them?  

Has your definition of success and/or happiness change for you this year? If it did, write out your new definitions. 

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

Garden and landscape enthusiasts were inspired by a showcase of the newest advances and technology in horticulture and design at a public event produced by students enrolled at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph. 

Students in CCM’s Special Topics Landscape and Horticultural Technology course designed the “Horticulture Innovations Showcase,” that was held Thursday, December 8, as part of a semester project where they were tasked with developing an educational event featuring leaders in the field. The showcase, was free and open to the public, at the Landscape and Horticultural Technology Building. 

Speakers, highlighting modernizations in the industry, included Michael Deo from NatureScape Lighting, Ecological Landscape Specialist Richard McCoy, and Robert Molinet on nature-Inspired outdoor living.  Other topics included sustainable landscape design, medical cannabis and the inspiring use of natural stone.   

"This event highlights new, emerging and creative sectors of the Green Industry,” says Brian Oleksak, chair of Department of Landscape and Horticultural Technology (LHT) at CCM. “The students in the Special Topics course have curated some of the most innovative talent in the New Jersey horticultural industry to showcase the niches they have made for themselves as leaders in the industry."   

CCM’s LHT department offers three associate in applied science degrees, with specializations in either Turf and Turfgrass Management, Landscape Management and Design, or Agribusiness. 

“LHT students are creative, love the outdoors and are committed to preserving the environment,” notes Oleksak. “The program is founded on plant science, soils, plant identification, and design, providing students with a thorough education in ornamental horticulture.” 

For more information contact boleksak@ccm.edu or call 973-328-5363. To learn more about the LHT programs at CCM,

Having been the first community college in New Jersey to be designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity in 2017, County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph has now gained additional confirmation of its strength in this critically important field. The National Security Agency (NSA) has reissued that designation to the college effective through Academic Year 2027. 

In its announcement to the college, the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense noted, “Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure. A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.” 

The designation is presented every five years to institutions that can demonstrate they offer a cybersecurity curriculum aligned with national standards, contribute to providing a pipeline of professionals who can assist with protecting against cyber-attacks and serve as a resource for the community in the area of information security. 

“We’re delighted to have our cyber and information security programs and initiatives recognized once again with this prestigious designation,” said Professor Colleen Bamford, chair of the Department of Information Technologies. “Along with offering strong degree and certificate programs, our department provides hands-on training opportunities for high school students through adults. Our goal is to both provide people with pathways to rewarding and well-paying careers and to assist the public with staying cyber safe.” 

The department offers an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology to prepare individuals to begin working in the field immediately or to transfer to bachelor’s level programs, along with a certificate in Information/Cyber Security. Through a share-time program with the Morris County Vocational School District, the department also enrolls junior and senior high school students from across Morris County in the Cyber Security & Information Protection Program. Students in that program earn college credits and certifications to take advantage of high-demand career opportunities in information protection. 

In 2015, the department established the Center for Cyber Security to serve as a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, staff and the community in the area of cybersecurity. It also has held GenCyber summer camps for high school students and participates in the annual national Hour of Code where people of all ages can learn the basics of programming, along with offering other activities for the public. 

To learn more about the department’s offerings, visit http://bit.ly/ITatCCM. 

Looking for an opportunity to view creative works from the next generation of designers and artists? Visit the Art Gallery at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph to explore multiple works by students at the Fall 2022 Design and Visual Arts Portfolio Class Exhibition. 

The exhibition runs through December 15 in the Art Gallery located in the Sherman H. Master Learning Resource Center (LRC). The exhibition is a joint showing of pieces created by students in both the Visual Arts and Design programs at CCM. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

At CCM, Portfolio classes represent the summation of a student’s work from two years of creative studies at the college. 

“Portfolio classes at CCM help students to critique, improve and select their best work; create effective presentations; write documents for marketing their creative work; and develop portfolios to gain entrance to four-year colleges and universities should they wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree,” notes Todd L. W. Doney, CCM professor of visual arts. 

“I am consistently amazed and inspired by the work of our students,” adds Kelly Whalen, chair of the Art & Design department. “It’s such an honor to watch them as they grow and develop their skills and talent.” 

For information on CCM’s Art & Design programs, visit http://bit.ly/CCM_ArtandDesign.

When students moved into Centenary University’s residence halls to begin the fall semester, approximately 70 were current enrollees of Sussex County Community College—extending a partnership between the two educational institutions in northwestern New Jersey. Now in its second year, the agreement fills underutilized space in Centenary’s residence halls, while allowing the community college students to experience life on a four-year campus. 

The pact represents a broader trend in higher education among small colleges and universities forging partnerships, in everything from academics to student life, to enrich the college experience and create smoother pathways for associate degree recipients to enroll at four-year institutions to finish their bachelor’s degrees. For the partnering institutions, these unique agreements also make a positive impact through increased efficiencies, greater diversity and the potential to boost enrollment. 

Only 25 percent of community colleges across the nation offer student housing, according to a recent survey by the American Association of Community Colleges. Yet, community colleges today attract students from a much broader geographic area as they seek to introduce new academic and athletic offerings and increase diversity on campus. SCCC now offers several athletic programs, including football and soccer, and as a result, recruits student-athletes from outside the region. Many of those student-athletes chose to live on campus at Centenary during the 2021-22 academic year. 

The partnership between Centenary and SCCC began two years ago with a formal path to transfer agreement, which simplifies the process for the county college graduates to transfer to Centenary for a bachelor’s degree. The housing arrangement further strengthens the relationship between the two institutions, said Kerry Mullins, vice president for student life and dean of students at Centenary University. 

The residence life partnership is so distinctive that Centenary and SCCC officials were invited to deliver a presentation on its rollout at a recent conference sponsored by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

“Relationships like this are crucial to two- and four-year institutions with limited resources,” Mullins explained. “In looking at an institution's strategic plan, you need to be both intentional and innovative to form a mutually beneficial partnership. In this case, providing housing to SCCC students who are far from home, while at the same time maximizing the vacancies in Centenary’s residence halls, is a win-win.” 

In the first year of the agreement, more than 70 SCCC students lived on Centenary’s campus while attending classes at the county college in Newton, less than 17 miles north of Hackettstown. The students predominantly hailed from New Jersey, along with other states along the east coast and central portion of the United States. This fall, two international students from SCCC are also living on Centenary’s campus. 

Dr. Matthew Lavery, director of residence life and community standards at Centenary, noted that students from both institutions mingled well last year, with SCCC students attending extracurricular and sporting events at Centenary.  

“This has allowed Centenary University to become more diverse in the make-up of our student body,” Lavery said. “While there are benefits for the SCCC students to start a collegiate career and live on campus before they transfer, Centenary University students are learning from them, as well.” 

Concluded Mullins,  “Getting to know the students from Sussex County Community College helps us to truly understand their educational journey much better. Meeting them at the beginning of their college career, rather than waiting two years or more for them to transfer to Centenary, ensures that we can anticipate their needs and expectations for a traditional undergraduate college experience.”  

Centenary University in Hackettstown rang in the holiday season with the illumination of the Edward W. Seay Administration Building on Dec. 2. As part of Hackettstown’s Hometown Holiday celebration, the university invited members of the local community to campus for music, treats, crafts, and pictures with Santa. The highlight of the evening—the lighting of the Seay Building—was funded through a lead gift from the Somers Family of Hackettstown. 

The annual Hometown Holiday event is sponsored by the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by a host of area businesses and organizations, including Centenary. The University partners with the BID on initiatives throughout the year to build strong relations within the local community.