MORRIS COUNTY — For the tenth year, CCM has been selected to receive a College Readiness Now (CRN) X grant of just over $50,000 to increase the number of ” college-ready ” high school graduates.”

Awarded by the State of New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) the college plans to use the grant in the 2023-2024 fiscal year to continue its current programming in providing learning opportunities for needy students.

Due to the college’s incredibly successful partnerships with high schools in Morris County, participating twelfth-grade students may take a year-long equivalency course in mathematics taught by the district. Alternatively, those who are identified as not college-ready in mathematics may participate in an intense, five-week summer bridge program.

Successfully completing this on campus before enrolling as a first-year student at CCM has benefits. For example, being exempt from the college’s math placement exam and ready to take college-level math courses can save time and money.

As a top-ranked community college in New Jersey, CCM is proud to be a key participant in increasing the number of high school graduates to be “college-ready.” The college has close ties with area high schools and looks forward to further strengthening and expanding its relationships.

“We have been working with several school districts in Morris County to implement the year-long program,” says Marva Cole-Friday, Associate Director and Dual Enrollment & College Readiness Now Coordinator at CCM. “Our goal is to increase the percentage of college-ready students at CCM.”

CCM is working towards implementing a similar English as a Second Language program in hopes of increasing student success rates.

This non-competitive grant is funded by the State of New Jersey and administered by the Center for Student Success through the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, with oversight by OSHE. All community colleges in New Jersey were invited to participate, but participation was not mandatory.

For more information, contact Marva Cole-Friday, Associate Director and Dual Enrollment & College Readiness Now Coordinator at CCM, at [email protected], or call (973) 328-5105.

MORRIS COUNTY — The 2024 Golf Tournament of Hope marks the second annual event in New Jersey, continuing its tradition as a vital fundraiser for Lily’s Hope Foundation, which has supported preemies and their families since 2014. The event will occur on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Knoll Country Club West in Parsippany.

The 2024 Golf Tournament of Hope will kick off with registration and breakfast at 7:00 a.m., followed by an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start for the golfers. After a morning on the course, participants will gather from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a catered lunch, including an hour of open bar.

Golfers of all skill levels are invited to this fun-filled day, which includes breakfast, lunch, raffles, contests, and more. Early registration is encouraged, and prices will increase on September 1, 2024.

For more information and registration details, visit the Lily’s Hope Foundation website.

The event promises a day of camaraderie, competition, and support for Lily’s Hope Foundation’s mission to assist families with premature babies.

MORRIS COUNTY — He’s finished. August 20 marks the end of Sen. Bob Menendez’s decades-long political career. Forced to resign from the seat he held for 18 years after losing his party’s backing, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn says he should also lose his state pension.

“Bob Menendez used his position as a Senator to line his pockets, apparently quite literally, while doling out political favors,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “His actions are a disgrace to the esteemed offices he occupied, and he should not receive one more tax dollar from the constituents whose trust he has finally and completely shattered.

Elected or appointed officials convicted of crimes involving their government office would forfeit their pension under Dunn’s bill (A4430). Menendez, who served as mayor of Union City and as a state assemblyman before ascending to Congress in 1993, currently draws a $1,066-per-month state pension, which he has done since 2019, on top of his $139,200 annual salary as Senator.

In July, a jury convicted Menendez on 16 federal charges ranging from bribery, fraud, obstruction, and acting as a foreign agent. Federal prosecutors accused him of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of bribes—including cash, a Mercedes-Benz, and gold—for political favors. His wife, Nadine, was also charged, but the judge indefinitely delayed her case.

In response, Democrats, including fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Gov. Phil Murphy, called for Menendez’s resignation immediately following his conviction on July 16. However, he refused and instead declared his intent to run as an “independent Democrat” when Congressman Andy Kim secured the Democratic nomination for his seat in the June primaries.

The beleaguered Senator abandoned his reelection bid by mid-August and was replaced by Murphy’s former chief of staff, George Helmy. Under the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007—a bill he voted for—Menendez will lose his federal pension.

“In his pursuit of corrupt power and wealth, he forfeited it all, including his legacy,” Dunn said. “No one who abuses his or her office in such a way should ever expect to receive benefits for a service marred by criminal acts.”

Menendez will be sentenced on October 29.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Montville Township High School Key Club is a student-led organization dedicated to community service and leadership development. Through various initiatives, the club provides students opportunities to give back to their community while developing essential skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and civic engagement. The Community Garden project is one of their many efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents. The garden teaches students about sustainable agriculture and reinforces the importance of community service by providing fresh produce to those in need.

Danielle Mangione-Vasser, Secretary of Montville Kiwanis, said, “We sincerely thank the Key Club Advisors, Montville Kiwanis, and the Food Pantry Committee and Volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Their support enables the Key Club to make a meaningful impact in our community by providing fresh, nutritious food to those who rely on the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry.”

The Montville Kiwanis Club, a local chapter of the global Kiwanis International organization, is pivotal in supporting youth leadership and community service initiatives in the Montville Township area. By partnering with the Montville High School Key Club, the Kiwanis Club helps to mentor young leaders and provide the resources needed to carry out impactful projects like the Community Garden. The club’s commitment to serving the community is evident in its ongoing support of various charitable endeavors, including educational scholarships, service projects, and local outreach programs.

The Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry is a vital resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Operated by volunteers and supported by donations from the community, the pantry provides essential groceries, fresh produce, and other necessities to those in need. The Food Pantry, the Key Club, and the Kiwanis Club partnership highlight the collaborative spirit that drives community service in Montville. Together, these organizations ensure that vulnerable residents have access to nutritious food, reinforcing the importance of community solidarity and support.

For more information on joining the Montville Kiwanis Club, click here.