AVM Leader Lauds MO Cadets For Impressive Volunteerism 

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By Dawn M. Chiossi

New Jersey Cares recently placed as a finalist in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program for their Healthy Food Delivery Program.

This initiative tackles the issue of food insecurity and aims to help. For 10 years, empowering communities and building stronger neighborhoods together,  the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program has teamed up with hundreds of non-profit organizations to make a difference in the communities they serve.

The top 40 causes that receive the most votes will be announced at 9 a.m. on Sept. 29 at www.neighborhoodassist.com. Anyone older than18 who has a valid email address was invited to vote, starting Wednesday, August 18 until midnight, Friday, August 27.

“We are currently counting votes to determine which 40 causes will each win a $25,000 grant from State Farm Neighborhood Assist,” as it states on the website. A $25,000 grant will be awarded to each of the nonprofits.

If awarded the money, Jersey Cares plans to use it for its Healthy Food Delivery Program to deliver 500 healthy food boxes to families in Newark.

This is the first year that Jersey Cares has entered the State Farm Program and its first year as a finalist. Simply by voting, the public has a chance to help decide which 40 causes receive $25,000 to continue in their work of making a difference in the lives of others.

One of the most troubling issues in today’s society is food insecurity. It can affect anyone and everyone: families, seniors, and the young. For school-age children, their school meal might be their only meal they eat that day. Jersey Cares Healthy Food Delivery Program helps feed those who need it.

Evan Lewis, director of Corporate & Foundation Relations for Jersey Cares,, explains, “Jersey Cares’ Healthy Food Delivery Program partners with a values-based food distributor connecting sustainable family farms to communities that do not otherwise have access to healthy, fresh foods. These “food deserts” are low-income communities that do not have access within a one-mile radius to healthy, fresh foods.”

So this is where Jersey Cares Healthy Delivery Program steps in. Each healthy food box contains eight to nine fruits or vegetables, one quart of yogurt, one loaf of bread, and one dozen eggs. Deliveries are made to shelters, food pantries, schools, and other organizations that are in need.   “This program model has two distinct benefits,” Lewis claims. “First, it delivers healthy, fresh food to families living in food deserts. Second, it enables small family farmers in other parts of the state to continue critical food production efforts.”

Lewis, who has been with Jersey Cares for almost seven years, and calls himself “a Jersey guy, through and through,” says that the Healthy Food Delivery Program was an easy choice for submission in the State Farm Neighborhood Program.

“We chose the Healthy Food Delivery Program because there are still thousands of families in New Jersey struggling to financially recover from the pandemic,” he remarks. “Health and nutrition are also major issues in communities like Newark. Access to healthy, fresh food is critical to supporting a child's mental and physical development. In “food deserts,” the incidence of negative physical and mental health outcomes is much greater.” And he has the numbers to back up his findings. “Recent studies confirm that nearly 40% of Newark residents have high blood pressure compared to 30% of the rest of the nation. The rate of coronary heart disease is 25% higher than the rest of the United States. The percentage of Newark residents with diabetes is two-thirds higher than in the United States. In 2013, nearly one in three children in Newark between the ages of 10 and 17 were overweight, and the state had one of the highest obesity rates in the nation for children ages 2-5 years. Clearly, the negative outcomes of being denied access to healthy, fresh food have a lasting long-term impact on children and the community in which they live.”

Ideally, Jersey Cares strives to deliver healthy food boxes once a week, but it all depends on the funding they receive.

The Jersey Cares Healthy Food Delivery Program holds a special place in Lewis’s heart because of its timing. “This program is inspirational because of its launch during the pandemic,” he relates. “As food insecurity was on the rise in 2020, Jersey Cares jumped into action to provide as much support as possible to our community members. Leveraging our connections with communities around New Jersey as well as resources from corporate partners, Jersey Cares was in a perfect position to help food-insecure families in 2020-2021.

“Something that specifically stands out to me was the first food delivery Jersey Cares conducted in early 2020,” Lewis shares. “While schools were being forced to shut down in-person learning, students were struggling to receive their free daily meals from school. Seeing the first families pick up their boxes of healthy food after spending weeks at home was something that gave hope to Jersey Cares. Things were going to get better.”

While the Healthy Food Delivery Program itself is incredibly impactful, the success of programs like it is dependent on continued funding. This is why voting in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program is so vital to New Jersey Cares.

The Hackettstown Rotary Club has recognized Centenary University Professor Dr. Linda Poisseroux 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. The award, which was announced last year, was recently presented in person.

Poisseroux of Mt. Olive was inducted into the Hackettstown Rotary Club several 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. Poisseroux earned a master’s degree from Montclair State University and a doctoral degree from Capella University.               

As parents start to plan for a new school year, Table of Hope helped make things a bit easier with a free backpack distribution event at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph.

The Backpack Giveaway took place Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., in Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s campus. 

The partnership between Table of Hope and CCM has benefitted the community throughout the ongoing pandemic. CCM has hosted three previous events with Table of Hope to assist those in need. This latest distribution event to provide backpacks filled with school supplies – consisting of pencils, rulers, glue sticks, notebooks and more – was sponsored by Alstede Farms, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Bethel Church of Morristown, Cable Communications, Fully Promoted, Hope One, Market Street Mission, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Parsippany Police Local PBA 131 and PCNY.

Shortly after the pandemic struck New Jersey, Table of Hope began operating monthly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany and Dover, along with other grocery supply events in Morris County communities. Its first event at CCM was held in June 2020. Serving as volunteers at that event were New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, and County Commissioners John Krickus and Steve Shaw.

To volunteer or make a donation, visit www.springstreetcdc.org and click “Volunteer” or email volunteer@springstreetcdc.org.

Enjoy a day out on the links with the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation and help support students with fulfilling their dreams for a rewarding and satisfying life.

This year’s Annual CCM Foundation Golf Classic is set to take place Monday, Sept. 27, at the Picatinny Golf Club in Dover and includes lunch and an extended cocktail hour. All participants will receive a special Golfer Gift and there will be a Hole in One Car and Prize Contest. Raffle prizes also will be given out during the evening program. The cost is $175 per player.

The outing raises funds for the college’s scholarship programs and this year is focusing on supporting student athletes and the college’s athletic programs.

Picatinny is an exclusive, membership-only facility that is considered to be the most respected, perfectly balanced course in New Jersey.

“We’re thrilled to offer golfers this opportunity to experience and play on this top-notch, picturesque course in northern New Jersey,” said Katie Olsen, executive director of the CCM Foundation. “Players will discover why this course is so well respected for its toughness, fairness and excellent greens.”

The day begins with registration at 10 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. The extended cocktail reception takes place from 5 p.m.– 7 p.m. Corporate foursomes, sponsorships and individual players are being sought. For more information and to register, call 973-328-5060 or visit www.ccm.edu/foundation/golf/
 

Families who lost loved-ones due to overdoses joined Morris County and state officials along with community organizations Tuesday, Aug. 31, in Parsippany to observe the 20th Anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day as drug related deaths continue to surge around the nation.

The annual event observed worldwide to focus on the lives lost to drug deaths was recognized in a ceremony on the lawn of the Morris County Addiction Center, where Morris County planted a weeping cherry tree last year to mark its first inaugural recognition of the event.

“We are survivors,” said Marisol Cruz Stahlberger of Morristown, who spoke at the gathering about a son, older brother and younger sister she lost to addiction. “We can all begin this wonderful journey of recovery together as addicts, as families and as a community. In the process, we grow stronger in love, stronger in strength, faith, hope. We can recover. We do recover. We exist.”

Overdose deaths spiked when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 and have remained elevated, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH).

More than 94,134 deaths have been reported nationwide for 2020, and the CDC estimates that number will settle at over 95,000 when all data is in. It is the largest one-year increase in overdose deaths since 1999 and a record high, according to the CDC.

“We continue to recognize the losses incurred, the damage done and the fact we will never rid this nation of our growing addiction problem without openly acknowledging that we have a problem,” said Stephen H. Shaw, director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

“We have a problem even in our beautiful suburban enclave of Morris County,” he said. “We have a problem, and we gather again today with our families, our neighbors, and our dedicated health-care providers, counselors and law enforcement members to commit ourselves again to face the insidious nature of addiction in our community.”

Shaw was joined at the ceremony by Deputy Director Deborah Smith, state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll. To the side of where they spoke, 60 empty chairs were placed on the lawn to symbolize the number of reported drug-related deaths in Morris County so far this year.

The NJDOH is reporting 1,626 drug-related deaths in the state as of the end of June, a trend that would make 2021 a record year to lives lost to addiction in New Jersey.

“This is a tough day of remembrance, but remember we must,” said Bucco. “Life will never be the same for those that are left behind, but the stories and the names are important for everyone to hear. For those that have been lucky enough to escape this disease, I hope today will be the day that you join us as we raise the voice of awareness.”

He introduced the legislation signed last year to recognize every Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day, and said yesterday the “crisis has evolved” with inexpensive, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl surpassing traditional drugs and resulting in poisoning deaths around the nation.

“It’s bittersweet today to look out and see a lot of friends, but see a lot of people in pain,” said Gannon during the ceremony.

He said law enforcement cannot arrest and prosecute the nation out of the addiction problem, but can focus on criminals distributing the synthetic opioids that have become the leading cause of addiction and death. Law enforcement raids are netting more of the synthetic opioids than traditional heroin because the synthetics are 20 times less costly to process and more affordable to addicts.

Families and friends of people who died of overdoses gathered at the Morris County event, many bringing photos of their lost love-ones to display during the ceremony. 

He introduced the legislation signed last year to recognize every Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day, and said yesterday the “crisis has evolved” with inexpensive, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl surpassing traditional drugs and resulting in poisoning deaths around the nation.

“It’s bittersweet today to look out and see a lot of friends, but see a lot of people in pain,” said Gannon during the ceremony. He said law enforcement cannot arrest and prosecute the nation out of the addiction problem, but can focus on criminals distributing the synthetic opioids that have become the leading cause of addiction and death. Law enforcement raids are netting more of the synthetic opioids than traditional heroin because the synthetics are 20 times less costly to process and more affordable to addicts. 

They also are more deadly.

“Some of the numbers that have struck me, that makes this problem a high priority --from January 2014 through August 26, 2021, Morris County lost 492 persons to fatal overdoses,” said Carroll. “That’s almost 500 people that are not here to walk among us. In regards to statewide NJ, the current estimate is that we have been losing eight people each day to overdose. This is an American and New Jersey tragedy.”

Matthew Albanese of the Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES) is a recovering addict who told the gathering that he lost an older brother, Mike, to an overdose.

“The numbers are too high; I can’t count anymore,” said Albanese, who is committed to helping others recover and works with Morris County’s Hope One mobile recovery access vehicle.

Other personal stories were shared by former Pompton Lakes resident Ruthann Gaspari, who lost her son to an overdose, and Tonia Ahern, who also lost a son. At the closing of the event, other people came forward with photographs of their loved ones lost to overdoses.

“We remember those who tried and did not make it,” said Rabbi Inna Serebro-Litvak of Temple Shalom in Roxbury during an invocation. “We pray for all of those still out there using today. God lead us and guide us in a way of healing and hope so that one day we will be free of this manmade plaque called overdose.”
 

The County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation brings the Flavor of Giving: Un Eento para recaudar fondos, a delightful virtual event with a selection of fine dining options to support Dover College Promise (DCP), an educational partnership between CCM and the Dover community. The mixologist from Sabor Latino, a highly regarded restaurant in Dover owned by Wilson and Maria Vasquez, will serve as guest speaker and offer recommendations for the fine art of making a signature sangria and margarita.

DCP is a grant funded collaborative project between CCM and The Educational Center (TEC) Inc. in Dover to provide low-income middle and high school students with college readiness training, mentoring and scholarships to attend CCM upon earning their diploma.

The Flavor of Giving, the second virtual dining event to be offered by the CCM Foundation, is set to take place Wednesday, Oct. 6, starting at 7:30 p.m. Dining package options consist of Churrasco: Sirloin Steak, Cazuela De Mariscos: Seafood Casserole, and Pechuga Al Ajillo: Garlic Chicken Breast. A vegetarian option is available. Included are starters and a dessert, and a carafe of Sabor Latino’s Signature Sangria. A demonstration of how to prepare the restaurant’s signature sangria and margarita also will be provided. Dining package pickup is from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. the afternoon of the event. Cost for an individual meal is $125, two meals is $175, three is $225 and four meals is $275. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To purchase a dining package, go to www.ccm.edu/foundation/flavor-of-giving. Virtual program access will be sent to you prior to the event. For questions, email foundation@ccm.edu.
 

Commissioner Deputy Director Deborah Smith congratulates the birthday honorees. 

Five women were honored by Morris County officials, friends, family and caregivers this week at the Morris View Healthcare Center, which hosted a birthday party to celebrate their reaching ages of 100 to 105 years old this year.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating these lively, lovely ladies as they reach these birthday milestones,” said Deborah Smith, deputy director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. “On behalf of myself and the board of county commissioners, I am here to say congratulations and to wish you a happy continuance in your long lives.”

She presented each of the women with an individualized, framed Morris County “Resolution of Honor” on behalf of the full board. Each resolution outlined their backgrounds, cited their longevity and wished them “many more fruitful years with family and friends.”

The honorees said they enjoyed the celebration, but one expressed surprise at the attention.

Madeline Allen, 104, watched as speakers congratulated her and the others who reached birthday milestones this year. 

“You’ve all done so much for this, so much work,” said resident Madeline Allen, who is turning 104 this year. “It’s very beautiful. I’d like to thank everyone.”

Celebrating milestones with her were Rose Amoruso, who turned 100 last month; Helen McNerney and Rita Gallo, both 102; and Madeleine Caselli, who will turn 105 years old. The women reside at the Morris View Healthcare Center in Morris Township, a county-owned facility operated and managed by Allaire Health Services, whose staff arranged the joint celebration in the facility's Dean Gallo Atrium on Tuesday afternoon, August 31, complete with music, entertainment, special guests, balloons, refreshments and decorations.

“Having the ability to celebrate such significant milestones in the lives of our residents is a unique privilege,” said Allaire CEO Ben Kurland, who joined the party. “It is something we have tremendous joy in -- celebrating with them, this moment, this occasion. In light of everything that's going on, in the backdrop of the pandemic, to be able to have something like this is very special and an honor.”

The women were presented with bouquets of flowers and multi-color crowns, and were cheered by a crowd of attendees who took turns congratulating them.