Eagle Scout Plants Sensory Garden at Mtn. View School

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By Cheryl Conway  

After 14 years serving as an elected member of the Mt. Olive Twp. School District Board of Education,  Liz Ouimet has a lot more to say than “goodbye” and “thank-you.” 

She was the last BOE member to speak at the August 28 BOE meeting, intentionally, as she prepared an emotional, well-thought-out farewell letter. An elected BOE member since 2009, Quimet was involved in a lot of decisions on the board and it one of the champions for growth and change. 

Budd Lake residents since 1995, she and her family are moving out of state after living in Mt. Olive for the past 28 years. Last elected in 2021 to a three-year term to the BOE that expires in 2024, the BOE is in the process of filling her vacant seat to finish out her remaining year. 

The district will be accepting applications for the vacant position through Friday, September 29. The BOE will interview applicants at the October 9 board meeting with the expectation that an appointment will be made that evening. The newly appointed board member’s term will expire on Dec. 31, 2024. 

Farewell Letter 

“Thank you Antoine for allowing me to go last tonight as it will be my last board meeting as I am tendering my resignation,” Ouimet recites.  

“I wanted to impart some words.  

Confidential misogyny  

For new board members. Remember it’s not about you, your agenda, your kids, your friends’ kids but what is best for all students. Don’t be looking for special favors because “you’re a board member.” Don’t be like a past board member who was always looking for special favors for their kids or their kids’ friends while they now still continue to trash the board with his sour grapes attitude because of not getting elected twice by the voters and another time by his peers. And ethics matters. You know why I say that. Those keyboard warriors are always so brave behind their screens. To all people: Look into the truth before commenting. Don’t listen to someone who pretends to know everything and knows nothing except his own agenda which is not for anyone but his narcissistic self. We should have HIBs harassment intimidation and bullying for these keyboard warriors because they don’t realize the harm and hurtfulness, they cause people’s families. Yes, we are elected officials, but our families should not be hurt by this. Thank you, Betty Hahn, for always pointing out the truth and supporting the board. Don’t listen to someone who says the truth shall set you free while spewing hate and lies. Who CLAIMS they advocate for the students when they actually want to stand on their soapbox because of their own narcissism. Ask the board how much money was spent on their frivolous claims and lawsuits. There was $10,000 alone for his frivolous ethics case that was dismissed. Don’t be a board member who follows the edict of one who wants to be elected because they go by the adage of groups who say they should be someone who thinks like me. You don’t want people who think like me, but you should be the person who cares about all the students. Be a board member to advocate for ALL students. To provide the best education for all.  

Thank you to past board members who were great mentors to me: Marc Warner and especially Bill Robinson. Bill, who’s guidance friendship and knowledge was always so precious to me. Other board members: Tony whose calm guidance was always such comfort and encouragement to me. Louisa, who I have come to know recently, you have already made great strides to be a model board member. Anthony, we may not always have agreed on things, but we always tried to do the best for the students. Chris, remember your time on the board as one where you always tried to do the best you could for our students. Sometimes sacrificing time with your family. Jen, thank you for your wit resolve and vision that will propel you to continue to do great things on this board as well as your friendship. Lynn, thank you for all you have done for this district as well as your guidance and friendship. Thank you to Dr. Reynolds whose guidance and direction propelled Mt. Olive to be the great district we became and will continue to be. Dr Bangia, thank you for leading us on through everything. Remember we are Mt. Olive. We lead we DO NOT follow. Kevin Stansberry. You are Mr. Mt. Olive. Mt. Olive is fortunate for educators such as yourself and all you have done to make this a great district. That greatness would not have been possible without the stellar teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, support staff, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria personnel, central office and all staff. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You were responsible for me being able to say I’m proud to live in Mt. Olive. Students, past, present and future, thank you for all your hard work and effort. As you have and will continue to see how it enhances your lives because of the great education you received in Mt. Olive. Antoine, what can I say. It has been an honor to know you as well as serve on this board with you. You were always my sounding board as we have weathered some wild storms. Your intelligence, calm resolve, and leadership to this board is invaluable to this district. Most of all thank you for your friendship which I hold as priceless in my heart.  

Lastly, I want to thank my family, husband Joe, daughters Nicole Michelle, Sara Alyssa, son in laws Mikel Jeff and Chris. Thanks for allowing me to serve on this great board and taking away so much time from you. People don’t realize the sacrifices we make as board members and volunteers. and how it affects our families. Thanks for supporting me, I love you all. 

In ending, one of my sons-in-law would always mimic me because I always said to my youngest Alyssa as she was growing up, lead by example and I hope I have always tried to do the same by doing my best for this district and especially the students of Mt. Olive. 

“I always said I don't have four children but close to 5,000. Thank you.” 

Several school leaders commented on Ouimet’s departure and wish her well.  

Dr. Anthony Giordano says, “I have had the pleasure to serve on the Mt. Olive BOE with Ms. Ouimet for 15 years. It was no coincidence that Mt. Olive saw its greatest growth and transformation during the time Liz served on the BOE.   Liz's decisions have always been in the best interests for our students!  Her background in the science field allowed her to focus and help the district grow in developing our STEAM programs, as well as, opening doors/opportunities for female students in the Science Field!  Although Liz and I did not always agree on every issue, I respected her and her opinions.  She will be missed!” 

Adds BOE member Jen Aquino, “Liz has dedicated her time and energy to our school district for many years. Her contributions, ideas and enthusiasm toward making our district the best it can be was boundless. She has been a mentor and friend and I wish her all the best in her next chapter.”  

MOSD Superintendent of Schools says, “Mrs. Liz Ouimet was a long-standing member of the Mt. Olive School Board. Her unwavering service in shaping our educational community is greatly appreciated.” 

Concludes BOE President Dr.  Antoine Gayles: “I have worked alongside Mrs. Ouimet for the nine years I have been a board member.   During our time together on the board, Mrs. Ouimet was a mentor and friend, who modeled exemplary leadership.  I have observed first-hand Mrs. Ouimet's passion for public service and her commitment to create a board environment that was inclusive of different viewpoints, and supportive of the administration and our students.  She tirelessly attended many school events and even served as a judge during robotics competitions. As a visionary, Mrs. Ouimet championed the implementation of technological innovation in our schools.  Thanks in part to her advocacy, Mt. Olive students engage in hands-on, minds-on experiential learning via school and district science fairs, Real World Connections at NJIT and MOHS students have access to dual enrollment opportunities at local colleges. 

“She is a calm voice of reason, a cheerleader for student success and a consummate leader,” adds Gayles. “I am thankful to have been a partner with her in service to the Mt. Olive community.” 

By Cheryl Conway  

For those keeping score of the status of the Mt. Olive High School Scoreboard, the project is still in the works although the players are trying to work as teammates rather than opponents. 

The Mt. Olive Education Foundation has a signed contract since the summer of 2021 with the Mt. Olive Board of Education to raise funds to finance the scoreboard that has been purchased by the Mt. Olive School District. This contract, however, has been under scrutiny by some BOE and community members. 

At the August 28 BOE meeting, BOE President Dr. Antoine Gayles asked the board to consider ending the scoreboard partnership with the Ed Foundation as no monies have yet to be presented to the BOE as projected. 

“I wanted to find out if the board wanted to vote on a motion to cease and desist with the contract that we have with the Ed Foundation and if so, would someone want to make a motion,” says Gayles.  

“In addition to having no funding for the scoreboard, there's not been one 

fundraiser, one tricky tray, one 50/ 50,” he says. “There's been nothing to support the students according to the expectations of the Ed Foundation. 

The issue with the scoreboard is something that many of us said from the beginning- we were going to be stuck with the cost of the scoreboard at the end of the day and here we are and so since we're stuck with the cost of the scoreboard why do we want  to hang on to an agreement and a partnership that's not producing 

as they said they would for whatever reason because of the issues we were dealing with last year because whatever the reason is, there's always a reason why the Ed Foundation can't do what it says it was going to do so if the board wants to continue to hang on to this partnership it's the board's decision. I'm simply asking does anyone want to make a motion to rescind participation in the contract?” 

In his defense, Ed Foundation President Howie Weiss attended the last BOE meeting on Sept. 18, and explained what has transpired. 

Weiss and the Ed Foundation had acquired private donations through several premium sponsors to cover the cost of the local school district’s new 28x50 foot $300K state of the art single screen LED digital scoreboard by Daktronics. Each sponsor is committed to donate $50,000 over the next five years. 

The project and the Ed Foundation was supported by the previous MOSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Zywicki, and when relations turned sour, Weiss claims that a private investigator was hired by the BOE to determine if these sponsors were legit. 

“I had three donors who were so annoyed, they pulled out,” says Weiss during a telephone interview with Mt. Olive Online. 

The sponsors were also questioning the logistics as to how their advertisements were going to be displayed on the scoreboard. 

“How was I going to take an Ad and put it up on the scoreboard?” asks Weiss. “The BOE was supposed to hire a faculty member, they were going to pay them, and plan a curriculum. How do I go to any vendor and ask for $10K and they don’t know how to do it? How am I supposed to collect money from anybody if I can’t put their message on the board? I will pick up a check the second you make it happen.” 

Weiss says the MOHS administration “failed to communicate with Daktronics and me” about the logistics.   

“The failure is on the BOE,” says Weiss. "I inherited this giant scoreboard and no one knows how to use it. Number one, there are no funds to hire a faculty member. They’re trying to make it look like the Ed Foundation failed. 

“We sprinted at a time we should’ve been crawling,” continues Weiss. “There’s a lot of potential, but no one knows how to use it. The BOE needs to hire a faculty member to figure out how to run the scoreboard. It’s a failure on the BOE to not hire administrative support to make it happen.  

“I didn’t breech any contract,” continues Weiss. “I’m supposed to give a financial summary at the end of August every year. No money has been collected. How do I take their money? I’m left holding the bag. Obstacle after obstacle, complete failure upon failure by the administration and Board of Education. Every one of them failed!”    

In his last remarks at the Sept. 18 BOE meeting, Weiss says, “we are dedicated to continue to raise funds to pay for this scoreboard. We have proven that we have great ability to raise money, so you need to stop with the obstacles, work with us and stop your negative campaign because I've had enough.” 

The Mt. Olive Education Foundation is a local IRS approved charity organization whose mission is to support the school district via student scholarships, teacher professional development, and student academic programs.   

According to Weiss, the Ed Foundation has raised $30K during the past three years, with $7K last year alone, with all monies given to support students. 

“We’ve been raising money and giving it back to the kids,” says Weiss. 

In response to Weiss’ comments, Gayles and MOSD Superintendent Dr. Sumit Bangia issued this statement: 

“The Mt. Olive Township Board of Education looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Mt. Olive Educational Foundation this year and in the years to come.  We are optimistic that the Foundation will honor its commitment to the board to generate sponsorships and revenue for the scoreboard so the board can recoup its cost.  Of course, the board will not be relying exclusively on the foundation to do so and the administration plans to meet in the coming weeks to discuss how we can maximize the scoreboard’s revenue and other potential uses.”  

After the last BOE meeting, board members met in closed session to discuss its next course of action pertaining to the scoreboard. Some BOE members support the continued contract with the Ed Foundation, and others would like to cancel the contract.  

BOE member Anthony Strillacci says, “The best thing to do, because it still is a great advantage to us, is to get this going. I believe in getting together with people and I think this board should get together with the board of the Education Foundation and sit down and find out how we can improve and go forward because there's a tremendous possibility there on this scoreboard. We don't want to throw it away, but I'm so tired of everybody blaming everyone else we just don't get any place that way. We have to work together folks. We're all here for the same thing so let's get together with the Education Foundation and say okay where are we going from here?” 

Dr. Anothony Giordano agrees with Strillacci, and says “Right now it's our scoreboard. It's the board of Ed's scoreboard, so we need to make sure we have people that are able to work it and run it. The curriculum component will come after.  I just think you keep the contract in place, stick to Dr Bangia’s plan and we go forward from there, and when it comes time, whether that's three, four, five months, then we sit down with that foundation and Daktronics and start doing that marketing plan and then say this is what we have done and let the Ed Foundation then go back so that people say they have it all set up now. I agree with you, it's time to move forward.” 

Gayles says, “It would be great to have a relationship with an Ed Foundation that's not confrontational. It's its own entity in and of itself designed to raise money, not be confrontational with the entity it's supposed to support. We're just asking questions because we read in the paper that there's money. That's what I read, you all read the same thing so if we're gonna move forward then it's going to require tremendous effort on the part of the Ed Foundation to work to amend the relationship.” 

BOE Member Christopher Zeier is not on board with the project. He claims that the district never investigated the vendors.  

“We're supposed to be talking about a partnership for two years the only thing we've gotten is I'm not providing, I'm not providing, yet in the papers we read about hundreds of thousands of dollars donated,” says Zeier.  

“I would say at this point in time is not that it's the breach of contract,” says Zeier. “I firmly believe that there is an ineffectiveness of an organization after two years not being able to raise a dime. Why would we not talk in December of 2021 um 2022 ‘I can't get this going; what are we doing, what you need to help us out here?’ It is supposed to be a partnership. 

“I do believe in the Ed Foundation,” continues Zeier. “I believe they should fully keep going with scholarships but I feel as an organization they are not providing the taxpayer or relieving the taxpayer for what I consider poor decision. I will tell you right now, I voted for it. I cannot apologize more, and you asked me why I voted for it. The truth of the matter is I believed in a man and I believed in what he said and what I was told was not true okay. I apologize, couldn't apologize more. It’s one of the things that as a board member I feel so bad about that's one of the reasons I'm not running again because I do feel like I failed this community. But we need to move forward and we need to move forward with effectiveness and I believe from the conversations we're having right here this relationship is extremely strained and is best to look at new avenues.” 

Mt. Olive School District to Hold Bond Referendum     

The Mt. Olive Township School District Board of Education will ask the community to vote on an anticipated December 12 bond referendum as a fiscally responsible strategy to fund infrastructure and facilities improvements and upgrades.  

Professional consultants worked with the board of education and community members to determine improvements to district facilities key to maintaining Mt. Olive’s high standards. That list of proposed improvements has been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) for review, approval of the proposed projects and to determine a specific type of state aid.   

The proposed projects must be approved by the DOE, before the board can finalize the ballot question and vote date. A voter-approved bond referendum is the only way to secure that specific type of state aid to fund a portion of the project costs.  

“An investment in our school facilities would support the strong academic environment we have worked with the community to create for our students,” said MOSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sumit Bangia. “When the state's review is complete, we will share further details about the proposed projects, state aid and tax impact with the community including via the recently launched referendum website, motsd.org/referendum, a video, public forums, local media, social media and community meetings.  

The Board of Education is focused on necessities like the health, safety and modern instructional needs of Mount Olive students, their families and staff. The proposed project list submitted to the state for review includes:  

Upgrades to infrastructure across the district – such as HVAC systems and roofing; renovations to key spaces that expand opportunities for students;   

additions to support growing enrollment; and expansions and modernization of outdated athletic and transportation facilities.   

“When we invest in our schools, we invest in our whole community – people move to our community for the great schools,” said BOE Member Tony Strillacci. “The bond referendum would ensure we provide our current and future students and residents with facilities and programs that continue Mt. Olive’s tradition of excellence.”  

The Mount Olive community is encouraged to visit the district’s newly launched website motsd.org/referendum often to learn more about the projects, voting information including voter registration, mail in ballots and polling locations and to vote in the referendum anticipated for December 12.   

Morris County Career Training Center is Breaking Ground  

The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) was set to hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27 for its new Career Training Center at the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, which will expand the vocational school operations by 30 percent. 

The new center has the potential of adding 500 students to the school district, exposing career-focused and college-bound high school students to the type of specialized skills that will lead them to successful futures. 

“This new initiative allows students to pursue career training while gaining an industry-valued credential and college credits simultaneously,” said Scott Moffitt, Superintendent of the Morris County Vocational School District. “It puts students on a path to be career and college ready, while completing high school graduation requirements in their local district.  

“Building upon successful programs already operating as a result of the long-standing partnership between CCM and MCVSD, high school students will now have more access to a variety of high-demand program offerings in areas such as artificial intelligence, mechatronics, renewable energy technology, certified nurse assistant and dental assistant to capture a wide range of interests and passion," Moffitt added. 

MCVSD released a list of the following in-demand technical skill programs that will be included at the Career Training Center: Medical coding & billing, certified medical assistant, dental assistant, emergency medical technician/pre-paramedic, artificial intelligence, networking administration, mechatronics/robotics/automation, renewable energy technology – Wind & Solar, entrepreneurship/small business management, supply chain management. 

The construction schedule is dependent on weather and constituency in the supply chain of materials. The two-story, 45,940 square-foot Center will cost $24.8 million, with $6.2 million coming from the county and $18.6 million from state under Securing Our Children’s Future (SOCF) Bond Act. Details on the project were presented to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, as the board introduced a bond ordinance to support construction at their January 26, 2022 public meeting. 

It will be built next to the Advanced Manufacturing Center at CCM, which also has plans for a new Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science Center on campus. A groundbreaking ceremony for this project is scheduled for November 2023. 

Both projects build on strong partnerships established with business and industry as well as existing programs designed to prepare high school students, college students and adults for rewarding careers in high demand industries. 

The MCVSD expansion will operate on a share-time model for high school juniors and seniors. It will focus on workforce development and offer students industry credentials, work-based and project-based learning opportunities and up to 18 college credits. The project expands on an existing partnership MCVSD has with CCM to provide high school students the opportunity to earn college credits, industry-valued credentials and access to an associate degree, either upon completion of high school or one year after graduation. 

Morris County Presents Updated Courthouse Exterior Design       

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recently reviewed and decided to move forward with an updated exterior design proposal for a new courthouse slated for a county-owned parcel on Schuyler Place in Morristown. 

The design was presented by AECOM, the architects contracted for the project, following a June 14 commissioner work session meeting at which some commissioners suggested changes to the existing design.  Roger Lichtman, Lisa Tsang and Francis Cooke of the Clifton-based AECOM presented the updated design proposal tonight after it was reviewed and cleared by a three-member Courthouse Committee of the Board of Commissioners. 

“This final design is the result collaboration and input from all the stakeholders on this project,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Chairman of the Courthouse Committee. “We value AECOM’s approach in working with the county to ensure we landed on an exterior design that is timeless in terms of function and aesthetics.”  

Commissioners Deborah Smith and Douglas Cabana also serve on the committee. 

Among those who attended the meeting tonight were Sheriff James Gannon, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz of the Morris/Sussex Court Vicinage, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Morristown Business Administrator Jillian Barrick. 

The design involves an approximately 119,000-square-foot project offering eight new courtrooms, a jury assembly room, meeting rooms, security areas and a secured, three-story glass entrance foyer. 

The overall project, pared down from one originally presented prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, will meet the modern safety, security and space needs required to properly support the county’s criminal Superior Court operations. The new building will include eight floors constructed on a county parking lot next to the existing Morris County Administration & Records Building. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND 

Providing adequate court facilities and securing those facilities are the sole responsibility of each respective county in New Jersey. To assess those needs, the county commissioned a Space Needs and Facilities Assessment in 2017. 

That assessment, completed in 2018, identified a significant shortfall in criminal, family and civil court facilities, and detailed the outdated conditions in the existing courthouse complex, which includes the historic courthouse along Washington Street that was originally constructed in 1827. 

That building was augmented three times before 1900, according to Judge Minkowitz, noting other portions were added in the 1950s and 1970s. The complex, situated along Washington Street between Court Street and Western Avenue, will be preserved, but is not suitable to continue most court operations. 

The County Commissioners, then known as Freeholders, held public hearings prior to their unanimous vote to adopt two capital ordinances in late 2018 to fund the design phases of a new courthouse along Schuyler Place. Balancing the needs of the court system with the financial concerns of county taxpayers has continued throughout the process and involved the county government administration, Commissions, members of the judiciary and the Sheriff’s Office. 

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

September is healthy aging month. No matter what age you are currently it's never too early or late to take care of your health. 

Age is a funny thing. When we're young, we can't wait to get older and be adults. When we are adults, we fear getting older. The one thing we know for sure is that we can't change our age but instead of resisting or fighting our age and adding stress to our life, we can decide to embrace it. The truth is we create feelings about our age. Whatever your age is, accept it, embrace it. You get to define how you want it to look and feel like.  

Embracing your Age 

Be proud of your age. Be proud of all the years you went through, all the experiences and memories you collected, all the lessons you learned and how strong you have become.  

Be the best you can be today. Don't compare yourself to others, instead compare yourself to where you were at this time last year. Remember with age comes wisdom, confidence and the willingness to take risks. 

Know the truth about age- we are our happiest the older we get. When we hit 60, we are hitting our highest levels of happiness with more happiness ahead. Don't assume your best years are behind you! 

Be healthy means being active, looking at food and exercise as medicine, reducing your stress, drinking plenty of water and getting a good night's rest. Make sure your basic needs are met. 

Change your expectations of your age- we live much longer than ever before so middle age is not old and is not the decline of our life. What do you expect from your age? What dreams do you want to accomplish? Start setting up your bucket list for each age range to make sure you’re doing what you love and dream about. This keeps you moving forward. Action keeps us hopeful and happy. Acting your age is purely based on your assumptions and expectations of that age. Change your perspective of your age and your life shifts. 

Take risks - don't live in fear or expectations due to age instead take risks, be creative, add variety into your life. Ask yourself: How can I challenge myself today? Everyday step outside of your comfort zone. 

Spending time in our past - when we spend time listening to music, watching movies, reading books, etc. from our youth makes us feel happier and healthier. So, blast music from your past and enjoy! 

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

Centenary University’s Morgan Munz. Photo by Giana Terranova Photography 

Centenary University in Hackettstown will introduce a National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Division III equestrian team beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.  

The university will be the first in New Jersey to field an NCEA team, the highest level of competition offered for women riders through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The new team will complement the university’s existing co-ed Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) team. 

“This is exciting news for Centenary University’s equestrian program,” said Dr. Dale Caldwell, president of the University. “The success of the equestrian program is one of our highest priorities. We want students to excel, both in the classroom and in competition.” 

NCEA competition is growing at the DIII level, making it an attractive option for smaller schools like Centenary, explained Michael Dowling, assistant professor of equine studies, who will coach Centenary’s new team with Heather Clark, assistant professor of equine studies. 

“This positions Centenary to recruit a higher level of rider and enhance our existing program,” explained Dowling, who together with Clark also coaches Centenary’s IHSA team. “Parents understand NCAA sports and want that for their children. The top riders are all going to NCEA schools, yet we have academic opportunities not offered at larger DI and DII schools. In fact, Centenary will be the only NCEA school offering a degree program in equine studies.” 

One of the top college equine programs in the country, Centenary has produced countless leaders in the sport, as well as numerous nationally ranked riders. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and in Equine Studies with concentrations in equestrian media and public relations, equine assisted services, equine business management, and equine training and instruction. Centenary students may also choose the Bachelor of Science in Animal Health (Pre-Veterinary Track), whose graduates have achieved an impressive track record for gaining acceptance to selective veterinary schools. 

Kelly Munz, who chairs the Equine Department, explained, “Larger DI and DII schools offer a host of academic programs, but few if any offer an equestrian education like ours. At Centenary, we also offer many academic programs—which include a strong equine and animal health academic curriculum—but because we are small, we can provide a strong hands-on approach. Students who want a small school with lots of experiential learning opportunities, but also want to compete competitively on a collegiate riding team, should consider Centenary.” 

A key to Centenary’s decision was the NCEA’s announcement several years ago that it would offer a single discipline championship, which supports teams with only a jumping seat emphasis. Centenary plans to compete in single discipline jumping seat and will spend the current academic year recruiting student-athletes for the 2024-25 season. While Dowling and Clark don’t plan on the team competing this year, Centenary has already been invited to participate in several scrimmages next spring.  

Dowling said, “Centenary is very well respected in the IHSA world, so we want to build on that reputation. This year will be our planning year, familiarizing ourselves with all the intricacies of the NCEA and recruiting our team. Our plan is to start out strong and be a contender in our first season.” 

Munz agreed: “We are at the top of our game with our IHSA team—Centenary is one of the strongest teams in the country. With the addition of this NCEA team, we will be looking to recruit top riders, while maintaining our strong IHSA team, which provides a place for all levels of riders, from beginners to advanced. The addition of an NCEA team will enhance Centenary’s reputation nationally.” 

Enjoy a day out on one of the area’s premier golf courses with the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation and help support students in fulfilling their dreams for a rewarding and satisfying life.   

This year’s Annual CCM Foundation Golf Classic is set for Monday, October 16, at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park and includes a BBQ lunch, a full day of golf, an open bar cocktail reception and a buffet dinner. The cost is $375 per player; the cost to attend only the cocktail reception, dinner and program is $150. Raffle prizes will be available for purchase throughout the day and given out during the evening program. All participating golfers will receive a special Golfer Gift as a thank you for supporting CCM students. The outing raises funds for the college’s scholarship programs and this year focuses on supporting student-athletes and the college’s athletic programs.    

The day begins with registration at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the awards program, starts at 5 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/.

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, ranked in the top 1.8 percent of the Best Community Colleges nationwide, is having two open houses in October — each packed with informative and engaging sessions to discover all that CCM has to offer.  

An in-person Open House on Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. has three convenient starting sessions at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Registration is required and may be found online at www.ccm.edu/admissions/visiting-us/.  

This on-campus opportunity enables high school students, their families, adult learners and veterans to explore first-hand how the highly ranked CCM education can meet educational and career goals to reach one’s destination.   

The community is invited to speak with professors and our Workforce Development team to learn about more than 100 associate degree, certificate and professional development programs, plus the support services designed to reach one’s destination and achieve success.  Participants can meet current students and tour the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, labs, studios and performing spaces.   

They also can learn about the admissions, registration and financial aid process, and the more than 50 co-curricular clubs and Div. II/III athletic programs CCM provides for a complete college experience. Free applications waivers will be offered and visitors to the Open House may also apply for admission on the spot and register for courses that day, plus be eligible to win a virtual reality headset. For details visit https://www.ccm.edu/open-house/.  

Veterans and their family can learn about funding opportunities, support services and a grant-funded program to prepare for careers in advanced manufacturing for no cost.   

As the expectations of students and workforce demands change, CCM responds by addressing the increasing demand for online learning. The CCM Virtual Campus, which offers a number of degree and certificate programs for students who prefer a fully online education, is holding a virtual Open House on Thursday, October 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required to receive a meeting link. Go to https://bit.ly/CCMVirtualOpenHouse.  

Included among its many distinctions, CCM continues to maintain its #1 position in the state in PayScale’s “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential,” a distinction it has held for five years in a row.    

Sussex County Community College in Newton is one of four New Jersey community colleges to receive a $40,000 award from The New Jersey Council for the Humanities and Journalism + Design at The New School to train faculty members and fund tuition-free, noncredit certificates in community journalism at their institutions. 

These certificate programs, which will be unique to each college, will be developed by the selected colleges through training and support from NJCH/J+D and other local news experts. Each college will also facilitate partnerships with local media and community organizations to provide pathways for participants of the certificate programs to get involved in local news production. The program aspires to establish and promote community colleges as trusted hubs for news and information, particularly in communities that lack reliable local sources. 

The other community college awardees include Atlantic Cape Community College, Mays Landing; Mercer County Community College, West Windsor; and Middlesex College, Edison. 

“As institutions that broaden educational access and serve diverse populations, New Jersey’s community colleges are well-positioned to fuel greater engagement with local news and information,” said Dr. Valerie Popp, director of strategic initiatives at NJCH. “

The selected colleges have proposed community journalism programs that tap into their existing strengths in areas such as media and communications pedagogy, student publications, civic education, and more. We’re especially excited to bring together colleges that represent different communities across the state, from rural Sussex County to the Atlantic coast.” 

"Each of these colleges bring rich expertise and ideas for growing community journalism programs that will help catalyze greater participation in local news production and distribution," said Cole Goins, managing director of the Journalism + Design lab. "We're eager to learn from and build with the program teams at each institution to nurture thriving news and information networks in their communities." 

Beginning in July 2023, representatives from each college will take part in intensive workshops that will explore how to create, facilitate, and sustain certificate programs that incorporate local voices and community needs. Colleges also will have the opportunity to build sustainable connections with local media partners and nonprofit organizations in their regions through a Spring 2024 community journalism/community college convening, as well as through seed grants for the colleges’ community partners, supported by NJCH and J+D. 

Community members are invited to celebrate Latinx – Latino/a Heritage Month with multiple events taking place at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph through October 15.  

An exhibition of local Latino artists began Friday, Sept. 15, with a reception, including live music, food and drink, free and open to the public at 7 p.m. in The Art Gallery.   

Festivities continue on Saturday, September 30, with ¡AQUÍ ESTAMOS! – WE ARE HERE! starting with a vendor showcase of the arts at 6 p.m. in the Student Community Center, and a live-stage performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Dragonetti Auditorium. This cultural event features a wide array of musical performances from mariachi, jazz, opera, rock en Español and salsa, to poetry readings, plus theater and dance commemorating the talent of the Latinx community.   

Tickets are $20 for the community, $10 for CCM students, staff and faculty, and proceeds from this event support the ongoing advancement of CCM’s Dover College Promise program, which provides college readiness programs to middle and high school students in that community. To secure a spot, go to https://bit.ly/3S1JzT7. The celebration is presented by the college’s Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Department of Music, Performing Arts and Music Technologies, Foundation, and IDEA Cultural. For more information call 201-400-6587.  

On Tuesday, October 3, mental health professionals share their personal journeys, strategies for success and current mental health trends, with a particular focus on young adults, at a live, in-person and free event on campus at 12:30 p.m. in Sheffield Hall Room 100.  

The college presents a free screening of the film "Frida," featuring Salma Hayek, on Friday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dragonetti Auditorium, followed by a discussion about Frida Kahlo’s significant artistic contributions.  

Every Tuesday throughout Latinx – Latino/a Heritage Month, through October 10, the CCM Virtual Campus plans to celebrate the richness of Latinx – Latino/a culture online. Follow @ccm_vclearning at noon each week to be part of the engaging conversation and to learn some new fun facts.  

CCM is committed to excellence in teaching and lifelong learning through the delivery of exceptional programs and services to its students and to the larger community that reflect a dedication to inclusiveness and diversity, educational advancement, cultural enrichment and workforce development.