Budd Lake Family Grows Pumpkin Patch Surprise

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Fluffing is a tiny 12 month old spayed female who loves attention and spending time with other cats. She's curious and affectionate and does not have a mean bone in her body. She came from a farm where she lived with a lot of siblings, and would love to go to a home where she'll have at least one cat friend. Fluffing is up to date on vaccines, negative for FIV and FeLV, and microchipped. To inquire about meeting her, please fill out an adoption application at mtolivetnr.org or contact mtolivetnr@gmail.com or (973) 804-6273.  

Blue Looking To Converse With You 

Bluebell loves a good chat. She's a talkative 3-year-old girl who can be shy with new people, but once she warms up she's affectionate, playful, and has a lot to say. Her fosterer thinks she may be part Siamese. Blue is spayed, vaccinated, negative for FIV/FeLV, and microchipped. For information about meeting her, contact Mt. Olive TNR Project at mtolivetnr@gmail.com or (973) 804-6273 or fill out an application at www.mtolivetnr.org. 

 Morris County Launches “Accumulating Wrongs: The War of 1812”   

On August 24, 1814, British troops invaded an undefended Washington, D.C., setting fire to the White House (then known as the Presidential Mansion), as well as the Library of Congress and other government buildings. 

The raid unfolded 209 years ago today, and it was the first and only time since the American Revolution that a foreign power had captured and occupied a capital of the United States. 

In observance of the anniversary of the “Burning of Washington,” the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation has announced its latest addition to the online Morris County Veterans Compendium, a compilation of the Morris County soldiers who fought in America’s past conflicts. “Accumulating Wrongs: The War of 1812” has been created to commemorate local residents who fought in one of our nation’s earliest armed conflicts. 

The War of 1812 was set against the backdrop of social and economic hardship as the United States was still recovering from the American Revolution, the country’s first military test as a new nation. Continental money was worthless, and many homes, industries and businesses had been destroyed. America was struggling to rebuild. 

England remained antagonistic and continued to test American resolve following the Revolution by enacting embargos. Worse yet, American sailors were being kidnapped and forced to serve in the Royal Navy in a practice known as “impressment.” 

“Free Trade and Sailors' Rights” was fast becoming the angry rallying cry throughout the land. 

Historians have suggested that 1812 was a more perilous time for United States than 1776. 

Additionally, although the nation had won its independence, an American identity had not yet formed among its citizens. People functioned within their individual colonies, rather than as a unified people defined by one nation. 

On August 24, 1814, that changed. 

The “accumulating wrongs” as phrased by President Madison in his letter to Congress, and the burning of the White House on August 24, 1814, forged an esprit de corps in the American heart. 

Many Morris County men, some of whom had served in the Revolution, took up arms against the fresh tyranny. For others, family tradition of military service began. 

Isaac Pierson served in the American Revolution as a Private in Suffolk County. His son Maltby Sr., of Morris Township, would serve in the War of 1812 and his son, Maltby, Jr. served in the Civil War. 

Other citizens’ military service in 1812 may not be as prominently denoted relative to their experiences in civilian life. 

For example, “Uncle Byram” Pruden served in the War of 1812, but is more likely to be remembered as the first captain on the Morris Canal, at the helm of a boat named “The Dover.” He died at age 96 in 1888 and is buried in the Orchard Street Cemetery in Dover. 

Our county’s citizens rallied as well. 

An article published on September 10, 1814, by the New York Gazette, titled “Exalted and Distinguished Patriotism,” states: 

"We have the satisfaction again to notice the distinguished and practical patriotism of our sister State New Jersey.  Between four and five hundred men from Morris County, some from a distance of nearly fifty miles, headed by their revered pastors, were at work yesterday on the fortifications of Harlem. 

Such exalted and distinguished patriotism deserves to be and will be held in grateful remembrance by the citizens of New York, and recorded in the pages of history, to the immortal honor of the people of that State.” 

Accumulating Wrongs: The War of 1812 is a collection of names, service narratives, historical information and photographs compiled by the county Office of Planning and Preservation and remains a work-in-progress. This list is the latest chapter in the series of online projects known as the Morris County Veterans Compendium being led by the Office of Planning and Preservation to document the military service of Morris County residents throughout history. 

For Independence Day 2023, the Office of Planning and Preservation was also proud to launch “Morris County in the American Revolution,” an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap© complete with an introductory video, photos, background and geographic data on the local soldiers, civilians and places involved in winning our nation’s independence. 

If you notice errors, omissions or have additional information for these historical projects, contact Jan Williams at jwilliams@co.morris.nj.us]jwilliams@co.morris.nj.us. 

 Morris County to Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony     

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is inviting residents of Morris County and beyond to join them on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. to observe the 22nd Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 

The annual remembrance ceremony is set to be held at the Morris County 9/11 Memorial on West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills, with the keynote address to be provided by Nick De Gregorio, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He was 16 years old and sitting in school when the terrorist attacks unfolded 12 miles away from his New Jersey classroom. 

The events inspired De Gregorio to enlist after high school, and he was deployed four times into combat during his nine years of service. 

The Morris County 9/11 Memorial on West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills was constructed to pay tribute to all of the people killed in the attacks, nearly 3,000, with an emphasis on the 64 Morris County residents lost that day. 

The names of all who died are engraved in ruby-colored paving stones set in the walkway surrounding the memorial, and the names of each of the 64 Morris County residents killed are additionally listed on individual, brass plates affixed atop of the memorial’s inner wall. 

Circular in design, the memorial features three elevated pieces of steel from the World Trade Center, and a portion of the steel is within hand’s reach. The memorial also incorporates remnants of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pa., and soil from the Pentagon, the site of the crash of hijacked American Flight 77. 

Nick De Gregorio

A pool of water encircles the memorial along with a walkway with benches for visitors to sit and reflect.  The walkway also has four bridges leading across the water and toward the cemented, circle that encloses the steel. 

As a plaque at the memorial explains, “The concrete blocks at the base of the steel represent the foundations of our lives: family, relationships and community. The recurring, circular forms on the site signify the continuance of life. The water surrounding the memorial symbolizes healing and rebirth. The island on which the steel beams stand and the connecting bridges suggest the blending of ethnic, cultural and spiritual differences. The flowers beneath the concrete blocks represent life and hope, reminding us that with the passing of time comes healing, peace and resolve.” 

Seating at the memorial is limited, so the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the outdoor observance. Parking will be available at the Morris County Department of Human Services building at 340 West Hanover Ave., on the Morris Township side of the street. Shuttle buses will be available to transport anyone needing assistance in reaching the short distance to the memorial. 

Police, fire departments and rescue squads from across the county are invited to participate by sending one apparatus per department and assembling at 4:30 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, 500 West Hanover Ave., in Parsippany-Troy Hills. 

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

When we are happy, we are healthier. There is a huge connection between our physical and emotional health. Research states happiness is closely tied to being happy with your job, your closest relationships and taking care of yourself physically and emotionally.

Happiness lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, lowers your blood pressure, enables better sleep, improves your diet, allows you to maintain a normal body weight through regular exercise, and reduces stress. 

Happy employees are 12% more productive. Companies with happy employees outperform other companies by 20%.

While each person has a genetic set point for happiness (like we do for weight), a big chunk of how you feel is under your control, meaning the way you spend your time and the thoughts you allow to linger can really impact your mood and your long-term happiness.

1. Always be open- when we are open, we can view situations as opportunities and possibilities. Even mistakes/failures become teachable/learnable moments.
2. You can't give what you don't have – don't try to be everything for everybody. It's impossible and sets you up for failure. Make yourself a priority – How can you be there for others if you are burnt out emotionally, physically, mentally, and/or spiritually? Making yourself a priority allows you the wellbeing to be there for others.
3. Clear your emotional clutter – become aware of your thoughts. If our thoughts are negative, judgmental, and self-critical, we will stay in a state of negativity. Moods/ emotions are contagious. Is this what you want to pass down to your kids, friends, co-workers, etc.? 
4. What am I doing to make this world a better place? You should be living the legacy you want to leave. Ask the question daily: How can I make this world a better place? Your acts of kindness can change the world.
5. Never hold on to anger, blame or resentment; it only hurts you. When we hold on to anger, it affects every choice/decision we make. We don't want to make decisions based on anger or fear. Forgiveness is a process done for you. It doesn't justify or excuse anyone's behavior, and it allows you to have the power to move forward. Forgiveness is the best gift you can give yourself, whether you're angry at yourself, others or both.
6. Are your decisions/choices based on fear or love? When we make decisions based on fear, we allow our decisions to be based on anger, desperation or impulsivity. These decisions usually turn out to be the wrong ones and can cause us more pain. Instead, make your decisions/choices from a place of love and clarity. 

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

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph is excited to continue a creative and fruitful partnership with the New Jersey Art Association (NJAA), a nonprofit, volunteer group, by hosting a Fall 2023 Member Show at the college’s Art Gallery, starting Thursday, September 7 through Thursday, October 12.  

“The NJAA has been an inclusive and innovative force in the northern New Jersey art world for many years,” according to Brian Sahotsky, CCM Art Gallery director and professor, Art & Design. “This will be the first live showing of works on campus since the pandemic period, and we are thrilled to see what the membership has been working on.”  

Formerly known as the Millburn-Short Hills Art Center, one of the oldest art associations in northern and central New Jersey, the NJAA was formed in 1940 as a nonprofit organization with simple purposes.   

 “NJAA members are visual artists — amateurs and professionals and whatever is in between — who share those goals and a love of art,” says Sahotsky.   

In addition to mounting their own exhibitions and demonstrations, the group members join together several times a year to show their work virtually and live in venues like the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown and libraries, hospitals, community centers and corporate offices.  

“The NJAA has always displayed multiple media types, a variety of subject matter and stylistic influences, and an enthusiastic participation in growing the world of art production in the state,” explains Sahotsky. “Please join us for a celebration of all things art in New Jersey!”  

An opening reception, free and open to the public, with light refreshments, will be held for the NJAA Fall 2023 Member Show on Thursday, September 14, from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.   

The CCM Art Gallery is located inside the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on CCM’s campus. Gallery hours are Mondays through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  

NJAA is a nonprofit volunteer group that is always seeking new members – artists of all skill levels working in all media types. There are opportunities to participate in many ways. For more information visit https://www.njartassoc.org  

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. 

Starting to consider what college to attend? Interested in knowing what academic offerings are available to build a rewarding future? Representatives from County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph and more than 125 colleges and universities plan to take part in a Regional College Fair on Sunday, September 10, from noon to 3 p.m. 

The fair provides a convenient opportunity to learn about a wide range of higher education options, including those provided by CCM. The event takes place in both the Student Community Center and the Health and Physical Education building on CCM’s campus. Visitors can park in Lots 5 – 9. 

The Regional College Fair is sponsored by CCM, the Morris County Association of School Counseling Directors and The New Jersey Association of College Admissions Counseling. 

Students searching for a top-tier education at a great value are encouraged to visit CCM’s information tables at the fair. Dedicated to a seamless transition to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree, CCM is an excellent choice for students who want to want to graduate with little to no debt by starting at a nationally ranked college. Along with extensive degree offerings, CCM offers numerous certificate and certification programs – some that can be completed in as little as six weeks – to start building a career quickly. 

For a list of institutions that have already signed up to participate in the College Fair, visit https://bit.ly/CollegeFairCCM. For additional information, contact CCM’s Admissions Office at 973-328-5100 or admiss@ccm.edu. To learn more about all CCM has to offer, visit www.ccm.edu/. 

Opportunities to become a healthcare professional have never been better. At County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, qualified candidates can gain entrance into the field through a grant-funded pharmacy technician apprenticeship program that covers the cost of tuition. 

For qualified candidates, grant funding is available for the Registered Apprenticeship Pharmacy Technician Program. Apprentices in the pharmacy technician program complete 150 to 220 hours of technical training and then take part in 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Apprenticeship candidates must commit to a one-year agreement with a partner employer. CCM partners closely with local Morris County employers to secure job placement for apprentices in various healthcare settings, jumpstarting participants' careers. 

The program, part of the New Jersey HealthWorks Scaling Apprenticeship network, is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration grant. This is the fifth and final year of funding for this program. Those interested in participating in this fall’s session should start the registration process no later than September 17. 

Candidates must be considered under/unemployed to take advantage of the funding. They also need to schedule and pass tests in math and English provided by the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems. Other requirements for this program include being at least 18 years of age, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a background check and drug screening. This program prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. 

Why Be an Apprentice? 

An apprenticeship is a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and their apprentices. Pharmacy Technician apprentices gain expertise in an innovative program that provides them with a quality education as well as a direct connection to a healthcare employer. The program is ideal for high school students who may not yet have a plan for when they graduate, adults who would like to work while earning a college degree, and those interested in bridging the gap to a career in healthcare. 

Employers: Develop Your Pharmacy Technician Pipeline 

Employer partners are critical components of apprenticeship programs. The Center for Workforce Development at CCM is looking to partner with local pharmacies and healthcare facilities to host apprentices. Collaborating with CCM as an employer partner is an opportunity to gain access to dedicated funding to cover the cost of the training. 

Students or employers interested in learning more, please wfd@ccm.edu. To register for the screening stage of the program, go to www.ccm.edu/workforce/pharmacy-tech/. 

New Jersey HealthWorks Scaling Apprenticeship is sponsored by a $12 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (Federal Award ID. No. (FAIN): HG-33026-19-60-A-34). The US DOL grant includes additional match funds amounting to over $500,000 to support OJT and other employer assistance from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development GAINS Project. 

CCM student, Barry Ellenwood, working in the college’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center. 

County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph  is continuing its collaboration with CareerAdvance USA for individuals looking to forge a new, well-paying career in advanced manufacturing. With an emphasis on learning while earning, the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program offers aspiring professionals the chance to gain paid, on-the-job training, positioning them for success in a high-demand industry. In addition, applicants may be eligible for scholarships to help fund the cost of this rewarding program.  

"The demand for skilled workers in the advanced manufacturing industry is constantly increasing, and our apprenticeship program bridges the gap between classroom education and real-world application," says Patrick Enright, senior vice president of Academic Affairs, Workforce Development & Student Success. "This earn-while-you-learn opportunity provides a solid foundation of practical experience and in-demand skills for individuals seeking a career in this thriving field."  

The first step is to attend an online Information Session, via Zoom, to learn more about the pre-apprenticeship boot camp that is offered during the day or in the evening and on weekends. For a minimum of 10 hours each week, as early as this September, students may begin acquiring the basic skills of machine learning and safety in the college’s state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC). Featuring the latest equipment in a high-tech environment, AMEC offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology that aligns with the latest innovations in the field of advanced manufacturing. The boot camp provides a hands-on experience as participants learn such skills as shop basics, blueprint reading, bench working, geometric dimensioning and tolerance, safety, 2-D and 3-D computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing. Students may also pursue OSHA-10 Safety certification, CPR certification, SolidWorks Associate certification and take a National Institute for Metalworking Skills certification prep class.  

There is a $3,750 fee, plus the cost of supplies, to take part in the boot camp. Currently, there are opportunities for scholarships, funding for those unemployed or underemployed, as well as structured payment options. All participants can gain college credit and eventually continue at CCM to pursue a college degree, if desired.    

Upon completion of the boot camp, students participate in on-campus interviews with local employers looking to hire someone who can participate in on-the-job training as an apprentice while receiving additional hands-on learning at AMEC.  

It is estimated that during the next decade, the field of advanced manufacturing will need to fill four million jobs with most of those positions being related to the pending retirement of baby boomers. Along with good job prospects and long-term employment stability, the field pays well with an average starting salary of $74,000 for technicians in New Jersey according to Salary.com.  

Remaining Information sessions take place, via Zoom, each Wednesday as follows:  

• September 20, 2 p.m.  
• October 4, 12 p.m.  
• October 18, 5 p.m.  
• November 1, 9 a.m.  
• November 15, 2 p.m.  
• November 29, 12 p.m.  
• December 13, 5 p.m. 
  
  In-person, tours of AMEC also are being offered on Thursday, September 14; Wednesday, October 11; Thursday, November 9; and Wednesday, December 6 at multiple times throughout the day.  

Register for an information session and receive the Zoom link, and/or register for a facility tour at www.ccm.edu/apprenticeships-careeradvanceusa/ or email CareerUSA@ccm.edu.  

A National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to address racial and ethnic disparities in medical research plans to come to coming to Centenary University’s campus in Hackettstown from Sept. 12-15. Called the All of Us Journey, this traveling exhibition will raise awareness of the importance of increasing participation in clinical studies among people of color. The effort will also provide opportunities for attendees to donate bio samples for a national database consulted by scientists conducting research. 

“Medical research has historically concentrated on white males of European ancestry,” said Dr. Craig Fuller, interim dean of the Centenary University School of Natural, Health, Social, & Behavioral Sciences and director of the University’s Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. “A study reported by the Mayo Clinic recently revealed that, while Blacks and Latinos make up 30% of the U.S. population, they account for just 6% of participants in federally funded clinical trials. This becomes critically important when making  critical decisions regarding treatments tailored to specific genetic makeup. Clinical trial participants must appropriately represent the populations that will be served, whether examining a chemotherapeutic drug, vaccine or new treatment strategy. In some situations, it can mean the difference between wellness and illness.” 

Fuller added that these disparities translate into aggravated and potentially fatal outcomes in under-represented populations affected by asthma, cancer, lung disease and other illnesses. Recognizing the importance of this situation, Centenary University Library Director Dr. Susan Van Alstyne and Kathleen Greco, who coordinates community engagement, diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives for the university, applied to the National Institutes of Health to bring the All of Us Journey to campus. The four-day event, which is open to the public, will feature interactive activities, videos, games, and quizzes to demonstrate the power of broader participation in health research. The University will also host a food truck festival and its annual campuswide Spirit Week at the same time.  

The event will feature opportunities for attendees to enroll in the NIH All of Us research program by answering surveys about their health, lifestyle, and family history, and providing physical measurements, as well as hair, blood, and urine samples to be included in a national database available to medical researchers for future studies. Sample collection will be conducted by All of Us representatives and any identifying information will be removed from the specimen to ensure the privacy of all participants. 

Greco plans to partner with the Hackettstown Business Improvement District and area schools to boost attendance at the four-day event: “What we really want to do is educate the population about the importance of this effort,” she says. “While we will be accepting bio samples, the real purpose of this event is to spread the word. The more input volunteers provide, the better the research and health outcomes for millions of people.”