Hot Cocoa Sale Profits Sisters’ Love for Reading

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Project Self-Sufficiency’s mobile services vehicle, PSS Journey, has added Hackettstown to the roster of municipalities it visits on a rotating basis.  Although visits have already begun, a festive grand opening celebration will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 10 a.m. – noon.  The Trinity United Methodist Church, 213 Main Street, Hackettstown, serves as the hosting site for the RV. 

 PSS Journey is a retrofitted recreational vehicle with internet access, computer workstations, and counseling and classroom space which allows Project Self-Sufficiency services to be brought to locations where residents may not have easy access to personal vehicles or public transportation.  In addition to Hackettstown, the schedule includes stops in Franklin, Hopatcong, Netcong and Vernon.

The RV, and its smaller companion, the refrigerated Food Project van, is stocked with food, diapers, and limited personal care products for those in need.

PSS Journey, launched nearly five years ago, was the brainchild of longtime Project Self-Sufficiency staff member Patrice Green who identified a need for mobile services in northern New Jersey.

Individuals and families are encouraged to check the Project Self-Sufficiency website, or their own municipal websites, for the itinerary.  PSS Journey also has its own Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PSSJourney. 

 “Project Self-Sufficiency has been serving individuals and families in northwestern New Jersey for 35 years,” commented Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “However, not everyone has the ability to travel to our Newton campus, so we are delighted to be able to bring these essential programs to other regions like Hackettstown. Since its debut five years ago, PSS Journey has offered food, resources, and support to thousands of residents in our area. We are grateful to the municipalities which have embraced our vision for mobile community outreach, and we are looking forward to making new friends in the Hackettstown area.” 

To create PSS Journey, funding from Impact 100 Garden State, a New Jersey women’s philanthropic organization, was used to purchase and retrofit a used recreational vehicle with internet access, computer workstations, and counseling and classroom space.

Funding for Journey in Hackettstown is provided by the County of Warren through the Department of Human Services Division of Administration. 

The 25th anniversary of northwestern New Jersey’s premier culinary fundraising event, A Taste of Talent, will be held at Perona Farms in Andover on behalf of local non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency on Monday, May 1, at 6 p.m.  Patrons are invited to mingle with chefs from approximately 50 celebrated area restaurants while feasting on appetizers, entrees, and desserts.  The epicurean event raises funds for the non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in Sussex, Morris, Hunterdon and Warren.  Sponsorships for A Taste of Talent range from $500 - $25,000.  The event will take place indoors and outside at the venue.  Volunteer musicians will entertain guests by performing throughout the facility.  

“For 25 years, A Taste of Talent has been our signature fundraising event and the cornerstone of our annual campaign,” noted Deborah Berry-Toon, executive director of Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Funds raised by A Taste of Talent make it possible for Project Self-Sufficiency to provide the programs and services necessary for families in northwestern New Jersey to attain economic self-sufficiency.  We continue to be humbled by the support we are receiving from the restaurateurs in our area, and we are looking forward to a delightful event.”  

 Select donation categories are available for A Taste of Talent, ranging from $500 - $25,000.  A limited number of tickets for individual donations are available at a cost of $250.  To make a contribution to Project Self-Sufficiency, to obtain tickets to A Taste of Talent, or to find out more information about the programs and services available at the agency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.   

Project Self-Sufficiency is a community-based non-profit organization which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey.  Programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency include family literacy education, computer training and job placement services, assistance with parenting skills, childcare, counseling and advocacy, referrals, and help with emergency basic needs.    

All you can eat, bring a friend or 2!!!Musconetcong Lodge #42 in Budd Lake is hosting its January breakfast this Sunday to help defray the Lodge building overhead

Sunday February 19

8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Menu includes: 

Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes, Texas French Toast, Home Fries, Belgian Waffles with Homemade Strawberry sauce and whipped cream, Bacon, Sausage & Pork Roll 

Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Chocolate Milk, Coffee, Tea

$10 per person, $9 senior (+62), $5 (children age 4-10), under 4 free

All you can eat, bring a friend or 2!!!

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown brings Irish step dancers, Bollywood theatrics, Hamilton’s original Aaron Burr and cats – lots of cats to the stage in March! 

Tickets for all events are available at www.MayoArts.Org or by calling the box office at 973-539-8008. 

Please note that MPAC’s schedule is subject to change.  

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis  

Friday, March 3 at 8 p.m. 

Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis leads the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, 15 of today’s finest jazz soloists and ensemble players, who perform the music of the great jazz composers as well as original works that foster an appreciation for this American music genre.  Limited tickets are $59-$99.  

The Cat in the Hat 

Sunday, March 5, at 1:30 pm and 4:30 p.m. 

A boring, rainy afternoon turns into an amazing, mischievous, and hilarious adventure when The Cat in the Hat comes calling. Ages 3-8. Cost is $12-$15. 

Cats 

Friday, March 10 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 11 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 12 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Rediscover CATS—the beloved musical with breathtaking music—including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, "Memory.” Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation — experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again! Tickets are  

$69-$109. 

Dublin Irish Dance presents “Wings” 

Thursday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. 

Featuring world champion dancers, Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos, and original music and choreography, this Celtic celebration thrills audiences with its transformative emotional and imaginative energy as it showcases Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Tickets are $29-$59. 

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation
Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. 

Disney's iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl (oh… and don't forget Tigger too!) are featured in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation. Featuring the Sherman Brothers' classic Grammy-award winning music with further songs by A.A. Milne, this beautiful stage adaptation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters we all know and love, in a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood. Ages 3-12. Tickets are $19-$79. 

The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert 

Saturday, March 25 at 8 p.m. 

Relive rock’s greatest hits with The Hit Men – five fantastic musicians who have shared the stage with legendary artists including Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Wings, Alan Parsons, Billy Joel, Sting, Elton John, Journey, The Who and Cream.  The Hit Men share their first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history, and perform classic hits you know and love, such as “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Eye in the Sky” and many more, just the way you remember them. Limited tickets are $39-$59. Ages 4+. 

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band: Trouble Is 25th Anniversary Tour 

Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m.  

Kenny Wayne Shepherd has established himself as an immensely popular recording artist, a consistently in-demand live act and an influential force in a worldwide resurgence of the blues. The Louisiana-born axeman shines a light on the rich blues of the past and while forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound.  Shepherd will perform his album Trouble Is as well as other fan favorites. Tickets are $49-$99. 

An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. 

Friday, March 31, at 8 p.m. 

Leslie Odom, Jr., best known for his Tony-winning role as “Aaron Burr” in Hamilton, performs a mix of jazz-influenced soul, pop, standards and more with his band. Tickets are $69-$129. 

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2022-2023 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. 

John Krickus presents State of the Union Address.   

The Morris County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) celebrated its 102nd Anniversary by hosting its annual luncheon on Feb. 2, drawing a crowd of more than 400 attendees to the Hanover Marriot Hotel in Whippany to celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses from throughout the county. 

Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus delivered some remarks on the 2023 State of Morris County, touting one of the lowest crime rates in the state, low property taxes, low unemployment, the largest county park system in New Jersey. 

“Morris County and towns are recognized as the safest, healthiest and quietist,” he said, noting the latter ranking of quietest was a recent designation bestowed on his hometown of Washington Township. 

He also proudly pointed out that Morris County has maintained a AAA bond rating for 47 years – a higher bond rating than the United States as a whole – and that the 2023 Morris County budget will include no tax increase for the fourth year in a row. 

“In contrast, county taxes are 70 percent higher in neighboring counties to the east,” said Krickus. “This is a value proposition everyone can stand behind.” 

Meghan Hunscher, president and CEO of the MCCC and Economic Development Committee (EDC) delivered her State of the Chamber address, acknowledging many of the local business and community leaders making an impact in Morris County.  

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Michael Geraghty, acting deputy director the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, as well as chief information security officer for the State of NJ and Director of NJ Cybersecurity & Communications Integration. 

His remarks, entitled “Navigating the Year Ahead - What Business Leaders Need to Know to Prepare,” focused on the changing landscape of terrorism in the United States, in a shift towards what he referred to as “homegrown terrorism” brought about by the pandemic and tendency for society to be online. As the world becomes more connected technologically, cybersecurity becomes harder to control due to the threat environment increasing, said Geraghty. 

Hacking usually isn’t a technology issue itself, he warned, but instead human vulnerability. 

“With ransomware, everyone is a target,” said Geraghty. “It’s not necessarily how valuable you are, but how vulnerable you are.” 

The most vulnerable target for a ransomware attack by a wide margin: School systems. One of the biggest challenges for combatting these attacks has been the lack of reporting. He compared the effort to neighborhood watch: If someone is breaking into a neighbor’s house and it’s reported, it’s more likely the criminal will be caught. 

Likewise, if incidents of cyber-attacks are reported, it limits the number of attacks as the cybercriminals hacking one system are usually repeat offenders. As the convergence of everything physical into a cyber world continues and we have “smart cities,” everything will be connected but not necessarily secured. 

To combat this growing problem, government alone will not be enough; a collective defense amongst citizens is needed. He encouraged everyone to report suspicious cyber activities to the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to support their effort to identify cybercriminals. 

The event began with a flag salute led by the Picatinny Arsenal Color Guard as the Morris County Academy for Performing Arts Choir sang the national anthem. 

The Saint Clare's Health William P. Huber Award for Outstanding Community Leadership was presented to Marc Adee, chair and CEO of Crum & Forster (C&F). Under Adee’s leadership, C&F employees are given the ability to participate in company-wide giving via a number of programs, donations and local events. In addition to monetary donations, employees contributed more than 200 volunteer hours to organizations in the Morris County area in 2022. 

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

Are you Willing to Fail?

If you are living life, you have had failures, made mistakes and had setbacks.

To fail means you have tried.

You have stepped out of your comfort zone, felt overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, embraced those feelings and moved forward anyway.

To fail means you put the effort and hard work into something that was important to you.

You realized just doing the work and trying no matter what the final outcome was is enough to give you feelings of accomplishment and pride.

By taking a risk you were open to being criticized, judged and/or rejected but you did it anyway.

Even if you failed, you found out that you were courageous and resilient.

After it's over, no matter the outcome you have grown, learned something about yourself and the situation.

The failure became a teachable/learnable moment. That sounds like a huge win in the game of taking risks.

Are you willing to fail?

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

Centenary University in Hackettstown  will mark Black History Month with a series of historical displays, events, and film screenings designed to celebrate Black history and culture, as well as to encourage dialogue about important societal issues including racism and colorism.  

The month began on Feb. 2 with an evening of soul food, music, and games to highlight the culinary traditions of West Africa, Western Europe, and the Americas. Students learned that the cuisine originated in the deep south, but the comfort of soul food and the delicious recipes traveled with millions of African Americans as they moved to the North, Midwest, and West during the Great Migration. 

Upcoming Black History Month activities include:

Dialogues & Deeds: Colorism, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m., Board Room, David and Carol Lackland Center. Colorism is prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on skin tone, often among people of the same ethnic or racial group. Colorism is racism and its effects in our society are felt by those in our community and should be recognized. Dialogues & Deeds creates a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to participate in civil discussions about topics that are important and relevant to students.   

Cent Cinema: Till—Thursday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m., The Little Theater, Edward W. Seay Administration Building. Screening of the 2022 film, which focuses on the 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. The movie shares the true story of Mamie Till Mobley's pursuit of justice. As Mamie turns her grief into action, the audience witnesses a mother's ability to change the world. 

Dialogue & Deeds: Urban Trauma, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 8:30 p.m., Student Activities Center, Edward W. Seay Administration Building. Maysa Akbar coined the phrase “urban trauma” in 2017 with her book, Urban Trauma: A Legacy of Racism. Poverty, overcrowded housing, poor physical health, poor mental health, violence, and drugs perpetuate trauma in urban areas. The effects of that trauma must be carried throughout life. While some people are able to break the cycle, others are not. Sharing experiences and discussing urban trauma is a way to recognize the trauma and help break the ongoing cycle. 

Harlem Nights – Thursday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Front Parlors, Edward W. Seay Administration Building. An elegant evening that pays homage to African American history and culture, including a cocktail hour, formal dinner, and entertainment.  

Cent Cinema: Emancipation—Tuesday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m., The Little Theater, Edward W. Seay Administration Building. Released in 2022, Emancipation tells the story of Gordon, a Black slave who runs away and journeys through Louisiana swamps to live a life with honor and dignity. He risks his life to join the Union Army and fight to free his brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters.   

Friday Film Club—Fridays in February & March, 2 p.m. in The Multicultural Room, Edward W. Seay Administration Building. Art is one of the most powerful tools to influence social change and popular culture. Films, as an art form, are current and easily accessible for students. The Friday Film Club allows the campus to participate in powerful conversations that help to build community: 

Friday, Feb. 10—Two Distant Strangers 

Friday, Feb. 17—Monster 

Friday, Feb. 24—Just Mercy  

Friday, March 3—Hidden Figures  

Black History Book Display, month of February, Taylor Memorial Library. Display of Black history book collection at Centenary University’s Taylor Memorial Library. Open to the public. 

Centenary University in Hackettstown has announced a new scholarship that will be offered to the winners of the fashion design event at the FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) New Jersey spring conference. 

The university will provide the winner of the prestigious competition with a $3,000 scholarship, while the second and third place winners will receive scholarships of $2,000 and $1,000. All three scholarships will be renewable for four years. To qualify, high school seniors must place in the top three at the FCCLA’s competition in March and choose to study fashion at Centenary University. 

“The criteria for the FCCLA event is very stringent,” explained Meghan Reeves, assistant professor of costume design at Centenary, who is the university’s liaison with the organization. “Students who are enrolled in high school fashion programs work for most of the school year on a design portfolio, as well as their presentation skills. At the competition, they must present their portfolio to a panel of judges. It really prepares students for the rigors of a college fashion program.” 

Centenary University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion is the only degree-granting program in New Jersey and is one of only a few programs with a strong liberal arts component. The degree features concentrations in design and merchandising and emphasizes hands-on training. Centenary fashion students have access to job shadowing experiences with industry professionals, as well as internships in the New York metropolitan area and other regions of the United States, as well as Europe and Asia. 

The university is a member of the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association composed of a diverse community with thousands of leading retailers and industry professionals. 

Adopted from Mariupol, Ukraine, Vika Christian has overcome physical and emotional challenges to claim top honor from international equestrian organization. 

By Rose Duger

When Vika Christian was 5, she and her mother were watching a horse show on television. The winner was introduced as “the greatest equestrian in the world,” prompting Vika to burst into tears. “But I’m the greatest equestrian!” declared the youngster, who had started therapeutic riding lessons to address physical and emotional challenges after her recent adoption from Mariupol, Ukraine. 

A decade later, Vika’s proclamation has come true: PATH Intl. recently named her its Youth Equestrian of the Year. The international organization leads the advancement of professional equine-assisted services to support more than 53,000 special needs individuals, including nearly 6,000 veterans, through a variety of equine-assisted services. 

The teen from Budd Lake rides with Centenary University’s TRAC (Therapeutic Riding At Centenary) program at the University’s Equestrian Center in Washington Twp. Centenary’s accredited adaptive riding program has provided children and adults with equestrian experiences that can result in physical, social-emotional, and cognitive benefits, while enhancing goals such as balance, strength, and sensory integration. Centenary is a higher education member of PATH Intl. 

Karen Brittle, assistant professor of equine studies and director of TRAC, said, “Anyone who has ever asked how therapeutic riding benefits participants needs to watch Vika interact with horses and ride. Her joy, skill, and sense of accomplishment radiate. The connection, focus, discipline, goal-setting, and physical strength gained by working on riding skills have transferred to support broader life goals.” 

Vika was born with septo-optic dysplasia, which has left her legally blind. She also copes daily with reactive attachment disorder, a common condition in children institutionalized at a young age that makes it difficult to trust others. Recalling her first day at the barn, Vika said, “I was very little and very scared of everything. I just came to America and didn’t know how to talk well and couldn’t see well. There were people I didn’t know, and the horses were big. When I get scared, I do things that people think are naughty, but they aren’t. I am just scared.  

“My teacher, Octavia Brown, put me on a horse named Lucy. I was loud and yelled and pulled on the reins and wasn’t gentle at all. Lucy kept me safe, even though I wasn’t being nice to her. When I noticed this, I trusted her and she became my first best friend. I could talk to her and she listened to me. Now, I am proud to win this award from PATH Intl., while people in Ukraine win the war.” 

Slowly, Vika learned to trust her TRAC instructors, opening the door for her to interact with other riders, attend camps and compete at horse shows. Eventually, she started to make friends at the barn and at school. When things became overwhelming, Vika would turn to her first friend, Lucy, pouring out her heart to the horse, who offered nonjudgmental support. 

Kayla Thau, a TRAC instructor and 2021 Centenary University graduate, noted how deeply Vika cares about the well-being of the horses, as well as her progress in the ring: “It has been inspiring to observe her growth as an equestrian and related increase in self-confidence. Every goal that Vika has not only influences her riding and horse skills, but also her life outside of the arena. It is an honor as an instructor to be able to help propel those goals into motion and watch the unbridled joy as she wins a blue ribbon in the show ring.”  

Vika has set many ambitious goals for the future, including someday attending Centenary University to pursue a career working with horses. Vika’s mother, Nancy Christian, said her daughter still faces emotional and academic challenges, but has an extremely competitive nature and is laser-focused on success: “Riding has been key to Vika’s success in everything she’s done. She has taken this recognition from PATH Intl. very seriously; with this award comes the responsibility that she is now a role model for others. I’m just completely overwhelmed with how far she’s come.” 

For Vika, the years of training, blue ribbons at horse shows, and now an international award have resulted in the recognition that success comes down to trusting both yourself and others. In her acceptance speech, she said, “I am proud to accept this award, but PATH Intl. has given me more than an award. It has taught me trust—how to trust my horse, people, and myself.”  

 Hrvoje Slovenc, of CCM, Still-life with Venus de Milo, Broken Plant, Modem and Bubbles, color negative pigmented ink print leaning on a sheet of metal  

Gain new insight into the stretching of boundaries in contemporary art and design as demonstrated by faculty from both County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph and East Stroudsburg University (ESU) at the first spring semester show at CCM’s Art Gallery. 

The East Stroudsburg University & County College of Morris Collaborative Faculty Exhibition now on display runs through Thursday, February 23.  

The exhibition features work from faculty members in the Art & Design department at CCM and the Art+Media+Design department at ESU. 

“This is truly a collaborative effort between two preeminent schools of art and design in the Northern New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania region,” says Brian Sahotsky, professor of Visual Arts and gallery director.

Darlene Farris-LaBar, of ESU, Shoal Spider Lily, from 3D Field Guides Series, 3D Modelled and Printed, 2021.  

“The aim of this exhibition is to showcase the quality work of each school’s faculty and to cultivate a reciprocal relationship between like-minded institutions. The creativity and uniqueness of the work is a testament to a pair of interdisciplinary faculties interested in testing the boundaries of contemporary art and design.” 

The exhibition showcases the works from inter-related disciplines and includes traditional wall-hung pieces, gaming displays, photographic installations, jewelry design, industrial design, virtual reality mock-ups, audio/performance pieces, 3D printed sculpture, graphic design logo boards, costume design and several multimedia pieces. 

“It is a truly special occasion when professional educators can come together to produce such an interesting and varied showcase of art and design,” notes Sahotsky. 

The Art Gallery is located in the Learning Resource Center on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

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

From left, Dr. Cindy Jebb, president of Ramapo College; Ramapo Professor of Mathematics Amanda Beecher; Thomas Ortega, data science student at Ramapo; CCM Professor of Mathematics Kelly Fitzpatrick; and Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM, at the signing of the Data Science Transfer Agreement.

Recognizing the significance of this dynamic industry, Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah and County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph have joined forces to create pathways for aspiring data scientists to earn a master’s in data science in as little as five years.  

The presidents of CCM and Ramapo on February 1 signed a Data Science Transfer Agreement, the first between a community college and a four-year institution in New Jersey. Known as a 2+2+1 agreement, the partnership will allow students to begin their education at CCM to earn their associate degree in computer science and then seamlessly transfer to Ramapo to earn their bachelor’s degree and then a master’s in data science if they wish.  

Thomas Ortega, of Randolph, a graduate from Morris Hills High School and CCM, is in his fourth year in the 2+2+1 program. Ortega, who also serves as the founder and President of the Ramapo College Data Science Club, shared, “My pathway between County College of Morris and Ramapo College has been a wonderful experience that has provided me with a great start to my data science career. With an engaging faculty, I always feel that I have the support I need to pursue hands-on data science projects.” 

By taking a number of graduate courses as an undergraduate at Ramapo, the master’s can be completed in one year. By starting at a community college and then earning a master’s in a year, students can enjoy significant savings on their higher education. Students are not required to earn a master’s and can opt instead to earn a bachelor’s only. 

“We’re pleased to be offering this opportunity for CCM students to seamlessly continue their data science higher education at Ramapo College so they can take advantage of a wide range of career opportunities,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “We’re proud to enhance our relationship with such a great institution that also builds upon our reputation as the best community college in the state for transfer students.” 

Among the first institutions in New Jersey to offer advanced degrees in data science, Ramapo's Master of Science in Data Science program is nationally ranked a Top 30 Master’s program by Fortune Magazine, making it the #1 graduate data science program in New Jersey. According to Fortune’s analysis, data science is one of the fastest growing fields due to the increasing volume of data generated every day, which is “creating a steep demand for workers that can harness, analyze and create value from the data available.”  

Dr. Cindy Jebb, president of Ramapo, said, “Ramapo looks forward to welcoming CCM graduates to our data science programs. Our Center of Data, Mathematical & Computational Sciences, which is home to our data science programs, is at the cutting edge of preparing undergraduate and graduate students to be highly skilled and ethical problem solvers by teaching them how to apply technical and interdisciplinary concepts to real-world challenges.”  

The strength of Ramapo combined with the strength of CCM, which is nationally rated the Best for Transfer Students in New Jersey by Intelligent, has created thoughtful, accessible and seamless pathways for students to pursue their studies in this high-demand growth industry. With the addition of this data science 2+2+1 agreement, CCM now has more than 170 transfer agreements to ease the process of earning an associate and then a bachelor’s degree. 

To learn more about the Computer Science Program at CCM, visit https://bit.ly/CCMComputerScience. To learn about the Data Science programs at Ramapo, visit https://www.ramapo.edu/dmc/. 

 Viktoriia Zolotarova in the hallway of the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey where she is learning English after being forced to leave her country.  

By Kathleen Brunet

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Khrystyna Sloan, 38, of Morris Plains, a student at County College of Morris (CCM), found herself frightened, horrified and depressed over what was happening to the people in her home country. Meanwhile in Ukraine, Viktoriia Zolotarova, 51, found her region the site of massive missile attacks that destroyed the area’s electrical, gas, water and communications systems, along with hospitals, schools, banks, bridges and her home. 

“Rockets, bombs from planes, including banned phosphorus bombs . . . all this rained down from the sky nonstop,” recalls Zolotarova, of Stanhope, communicating with the assistance of a translator. 

Hearing of such atrocities, Sloan, who had left Ukraine at age 22, made a decision. “I could either remain depressed or focus on positivity,” she says. Her answer was to serve as a volunteer at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ) in Whippany. There she has helped organize fundraisers and collections to send an ambulance, bus, clothes, toys, diapers and other essential items to the people of Ukraine, an ongoing effort. To help those who had fled the country as refugees, she became part of a group that approached CCM about providing free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at UACCNJ, so parents can learn while their children participate in other activities. 

Irena Kaler, director of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships at CCM, says they initially expected about 20 students would enroll for the classes – beginners and intermediate – that began in November. They ended up with more than double that amount, requiring opening another session of each class. 

Khrystyna Sloan in a room housing donation for the people of Ukraine collected by the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey.   

“The classes offered by CCM are a huge help for me and others,” says Zolotarova, who while in Ukraine was the director of Europe’s largest insurance group and is now a part-time cashier at Dollar General.  “This is a huge help to Ukrainian refugees who were left without a home and whose lives were shattered to pieces.” 

She adds, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to study for free because at the moment I earn no more than $700 a month and cannot pay for my studies, and I need English like air.” 

Helping to cover the cost of instructors and textbooks are the pastors and church members of the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey. 

“The people in our church pews are heartbroken by the extent of the tragedy our neighbors in Ukraine are experiencing,” shares Pastor Sarah Cairatti from the First Presbyterian Church of Whippany. “The generosity of the area Presbyterian churches to support the ESL classes offered by CCM is completely heartwarming, but not surprising. Their gifts and support are truly the arms and legs of their sincere and constant prayers.” 

So far more than $3,000 has been contributed to provide ESL classes at UACCNJ. Kaler notes, however, that as more Ukrainian refugees come into the area the demand will grow, and those in the beginner-level classes also will need to continue to advance. 

Zolotarova, who holds degrees in chemical engineering and banking from Ukraine, has no plans to return to her home country. Her hope now is to rebuild her life in the U.S. 

“My home and region are completely destroyed,” says Zolotarova. “Only ruins remain. Now I am building my life in the USA from scratch. My dream is to go to college to get a degree in order to build a career in the USA.” 

Donations to support the ESL classes at UACCNJ can be made via the CCM Foundation at https://bit.ly/CCMFoundation-Donate; note in the Other Designation field that the funds are to go to “UACCNJ ESL Classes.” To support the UACCNJ programs to assist the people of Ukraine, go to https://uaccnj.org/. 

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn has once again opened her Chester office to exhibit the work of six art students from County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, allowing the public to view and enjoy pastel landscapes created by these talented artists. This is the fourth time Dunn is hosting an art exhibition by CCM students. 

“Having this student exhibition at Assemblywoman Dunn’s office is a terrific way for the public to gain exposure to the work of CCM Fine Arts students,” says Fine Arts Professor Todd Doney. “Many people go in and out of the office daily and since the work is displayed in the waiting area the pieces can be easily viewed. We are all very happy to continue this partnership.”  

The students from Doney’s fall 2022 Drawing 2 class were asked to explore and portray the beauty of Morris County in their work. The exhibition features the work of the following students: 

· A Smile Worth Millions by Skylar M. Badia of Pine Brook 

· Calm Down by Stephanie Goebel of Mine Hill 

· Sunset Street by Christine R. Hamilton of Randolph 

· Lake Arrowhead by Caterina D. Leff of Denville 

· Untitled by Fabrizio J. Rufasto of Randolph 

· Horseshoe Sunset by Christopher J. Wright of Mt. Olive 

The exhibition will run through May at Dunn’s office at 191 Main Street, Suite D, in Chester. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

For more information about CCM’s Art and Design programs, visit http://bit.ly/CCMArtandDesign.