MORRIS COUNTY — The “Love in Action” volunteers are preparing to assemble single-serve Thanksgiving meals, marking a new partnership with the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry. For the first time, this inspiring collaboration will provide 250 free single-serve meals to patrons, bringing hope and a hearty holiday meal to those in need.

About Love in Action: Love in Action, a volunteer initiative organized by Mitchell Morrison, is dedicated to donating, assembling, and delivering Thanksgiving meals to local individuals and families facing hardship. Over the years, the initiative has distributed “thousands of free, deliciously prepared, single-serve Thanksgiving meals,” according to Morrison. Generous sponsors supporting the cause include Andre’s, Cafe Pierrot, and Sparta Diner in Sparta; Arbor/SCCC in Newton; Barnyard in Branchville; and Fossil Farms in Boonton. Their collective efforts are helping to brighten Thanksgiving for many.

Get Involved: Those interested in volunteer opportunities with the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry or learning how to join Montville Kiwanis are encouraged to connect. The organization welcomes new members eager to help provide hope and support to those in need, not only during the holiday season but throughout the year.

The Montville Kiwanis Club meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at The Columbia Inn in Montville, beginning at 6:30 p.m. New members are always welcome!

Click here to learn more.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Academy for Biotechnology, located at the Morris County School of Technology in Denville, within the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD), is at the forefront of science and technology education. 

The Academy for Biotechnology is committed to preparing students to be the next leaders in science, technology, and engineering. Through hands-on, collaborative projects, students in the Academy not only gain a robust understanding of biotechnology but are also actively involved in national and international challenges.

In partnership with the Academy for Computer and Information Sciences, biotechnology students are participating in the NASA TechRise Student Challenge, where teams are developing high-altitude balloon mission concepts. These projects allow students to combine their knowledge in climate research, physics, biology, and remote sensing to design proposals with real-world applications for space exploration.

Additionally this year, students will participate in the ExoLab-11 mission, in partnership with Magnitude.io and the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, scheduled for launch with SpaceX on November 4, allows students to participate in a real-time, controlled experiment alongside astronauts, studying the legume Medicago truncatula. Students will track and measure key environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, light levels, and carbon dioxide concentration within the school’s own Exolab. This unique experience will allow students to engage in live astrobiology research, exploring how space affects biological processes and the future of agriculture. 

At the Academy for Biotechnology, there’s always something exciting on the horizon! To learn about this unique high school experience combining comprehensive academics with career and technical education (CTE), the Morris County School of Technology will hold an information session on November 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gymnasium. 

Applications are now open, and 8th-grade students with a passion for science and technology are invited to apply at www.mcvts.org/apply. 

The Academy for Biotechnology is a rigorous Career & Technical Education (CTE) program that prepares students for success in post-secondary programs and careers related to the biotechnology field. Students in the Academy will develop research and laboratory skills through learning in a hands-on, project-based model guided by real-world applications.

An academy program of the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) provides students in grades nine through twelve with in-depth instruction in a specific career pathway. Students attend the academy program instead of their local high school unless the academy program is housed in their local high school. Students take their academy class each year along with the NJ State Department of Education’s academic requirements. All academy students receive a high school diploma from the Morris County Vocational School District, regardless of their academy location. Each academy has a unique academy course sequence and opportunities for internships and earning college credit. 

Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) offers a wide range of career and technical education programs that inspire and prepare students to succeed in today’s world and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities. Programs range from auto service and construction trades to healthcare sciences, global commerce, performing arts, and cybersecurity. The high school offers full-time academies and share-time programs on its Denville campus. In addition, through collaboration with local school districts and the County College of Morris, MCVSD offers full-time academies and share-time programs established at off-site satellite locations. For more information visit  www.mcvts.org.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Ballet (NJB), the Resident Ballet Company of the Mayo Performing Arts Center, will open its 2024/2025 season on Friday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m. with Creative Forces, a dynamic program showcasing the artistry of celebrated choreographers Jerome Robbins, Justin Peck and Lauren Lovette.“Our season opener celebrates the incredible range and depth of ballet,” says Artistic Director Maria Kowroski. “From the elegance of Jerome Robbins’ In the Night to the dynamic innovation of Justin Peck’s Murder Ballades and Lauren Lovette’s Not Our Fate, we are excited to showcase how ballet can express the intricacies of human experiences with both grace and power.” Kowroski, a former principal dancer at New York City Ballet (NYCB), performed many of Robbins’ works, including In the Night, giving her a unique insight into bringing this masterpiece to audiences in New Jersey.

With Creative Forces, NJB demonstrates its evolving repertoire by presenting contemporary works alongside classic ballets, positioning the company as a versatile and forward-thinking artistic force. The inclusion of Peck and Lovette, both contemporary choreographers with strong ties to NYCB, alongside Robbins, emphasizes NJB’s commitment to modern ballet storytelling. Creative Forces marks an exciting step forward for NJB by bringing works from Jerome Robbins, Justin Peck and Lauren Lovette to regional audiences – many of whom may be seeing these pieces for the first time – solidifying the company’s role in honoring ballet’s history while embracing its future.

Jerome Robbins, the legendary choreographer and director of both stage and screen, served as New York City Ballet’s associate artistic director for several decades and created numerous ballets for the company. In the Night, with live piano accompaniment by Barry Spatz, is a timeless exploration of romantic relationships, set to Chopin’s Nocturnes. Robbins’ influence is strongly evident in the works of both Peck and Lovette, who have continued his legacy by expanding the boundaries of ballet. 

Justin Peck, currently NYCB’s Resident Choreographer, is renowned for his vibrant, energetic works that blend classical ballet with modern flair. Murder Ballades, set to a score by Bryce Dessner, is a rhythmic, dramatic piece that pushes the boundaries of narrative ballet. Peck’s work provides audiences with a fresh perspective on how ballet can convey contemporary stories. Most recently, Peck conceived, directed, and choreographed the 2024 Tony Award-winning production of Illinoise.

Lauren Lovette, a former principal dancer at NYCB, choreographed Not Our Fate for NYCB’s 2017 Fashion Gala. Not Our Fate is an emotionally powerful ensemble work for ten dancers. The piece confronts traditional societal expectations and explores themes of individuality and identity through stirring choreography. Lovette’s approach, like Robbins’s, uses ballet to address modern social issues, reinforcing the art form’s relevance today.

This program exemplifies ballet’s ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions and narratives, offering an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, strength, and human complexity.

Tickets for Creative Forces on Friday, November 8, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (100 South St. Morristown) are available by calling (973) 539-8008 or click here.

Upcoming Performance: New Jersey Ballet will also be performing Creative Forces to Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank on Saturday, November 16, with a program featuring Jerome Robbins’ In the Night, Justin Peck’s Murder Ballades, and Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.. Tickets: (732) 345-1400 or click here.

Founded in 1958 by Carolyn Clark, New Jersey Ballet has grown into one of the most esteemed dance companies in the region. For over six decades, the Ballet has brought the joy and artistry of dance to diverse audiences across New Jersey. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in performance and education, New Jersey Ballet has developed a rich repertoire that spans classical ballets, contemporary works, and innovative new productions.
Established alongside the Company, New Jersey Ballet School has been a nurturing ground for young talent. The School provides rigorous training and offers comprehensive dance education to students of all ages and levels. Many of the School’s alumni have gone on to successful professional careers in dance, reflecting the high standard of instruction and dedication to fostering artistic growth.

New Jersey Ballet is grateful for the generous support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the State of New Jersey, The Shubert Foundation, The Kosloski Family Foundation, EJ Grassmann Trust, the Union Foundation, The Achelis & Bodman Foundation, The Hyde & Watson Foundation, The John & Barbara Vogelstein Foundation, PNC Foundation, Columbia Bank Foundation, The George A. Ohl Jr. Trust, The Wallerstein Foundation, DLA Piper and the numerous individuals and corporations that support New Jersey Ballet’s mission.

MORRIS COUNTY — In a community-centered effort to support those who give so much of themselves, the West Morris Area YMCA will host a special event, “Caring for the Caregiver,” on Wednesday, November 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This free presentation, led by caregiver resource expert Robin Ennis, is aimed at offering valuable resources, practical tips, and a sense of community for those providing essential care to family members, friends, or neighbors in need.

Held at the YMCA on Dover Chester Road in Randolph, the event invites anyone who finds themselves in the role of a caregiver—whether they’re helping an aging parent, supporting a loved one with disabilities, or simply running errands for a friend in need. The presentation will touch on the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges caregivers face daily, guiding on managing responsibilities while also caring for their well-being.

Ennis, a recognized Caregiver Resource & Information Specialist, will offer insights into navigating the demands of caregiving. Attendees will learn strategies for managing stress, balancing personal life with caregiving duties, and connecting with local resources to lighten their load. With so many community members quietly dedicating their lives to helping others, the event serves as a heartfelt reminder that caregivers, too, need support.

For those who may have difficulty finding time to attend, the YMCA has made registration simple by clicking here. Caregivers are encouraged to RSVP and reserve their spot as a way to take just one hour for themselves—a small but meaningful step in their journey.

The “Caring for the Caregiver” event is a chance for the community to come together, acknowledge the tireless work of caregivers, and ensure they feel as supported as the loved ones they care for.