MORRIS COUNTY — On August 2, Denville Police were alerted by a business located at 282 Route 46 about a man who had allegedly exposed himself in front of the establishment.

Upon arrival, officers were informed that the same individual had also urinated on the property before exposing himself. An investigation ensued, during which officers obtained surveillance footage of the incident. The footage enabled them to identify the suspect as Michael A. Young Jr., 30, of Union.

Police contacted Young and instructed him to report to Denville Police Headquarters. Upon his arrival, he was arrested and issued a summons for lewdness and public urination. Young was subsequently released pending a court appearance.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

MORRIS COUNTY — Are you getting ready to buy or sell a home? Exciting times are ahead! This year, a new law emerged, transforming the real estate market and enhancing transparency for buyers and sellers.

First, you’ll need to sign an agreement before working with a licensed real estate professional. While it might seem overwhelming, this agreement is designed to protect you as a client. It outlines the level of service your agent will provide and details how and by whom your agent will be compensated, ensuring clarity.

Second, if you’re selling a home, you must complete and present a seller’s property condition disclosure form to potential buyers before they commit to the purchase. This form, which has been around since 2001 but is now mandatory, provides essential information about the property’s history. This requirement ensures buyers have all the necessary details to make an informed decision.

This new law aims to enhance transparency and clarity in real estate transactions. However, buying or selling a home remains a complex process. That’s where your professional New Jersey Realtor® comes in. New Jersey Realtors® adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and possess extensive knowledge of the state’s real estate market. They are neighborhood experts who can help you understand the nuances of any deal, ensuring you make informed decisions and navigate any potential challenges smoothly.

Buying or selling a home should be an exciting adventure, not a stressful ordeal. With this new law providing transparency and a New Jersey Realtor® by your side offering expert guidance, you’ll have the best of both worlds. Enjoy the security and clarity the law offers, and let your Realtor® help you find your dream home.

MORRIS COUNTY — Friends, colleagues, and associates gathered at the County College of Morris (CCM) last week to celebrate Denise M. Bell, the Executive Administrative Assistant to the President and Recording Secretary to the Board of Trustees, who is retiring after more than thirty years of exemplary service.

Commissioners Deborah Smith and John Krickus, liaisons to CCM, presented Bell with a framed Resolution of Honor on behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners during festivities held in the college’s Learning Resource Center in Randolph.

“Denise has been an integral part of the success, growth, and daily functioning of CCM. Her dedication and kindness have profoundly impacted the college and the greater Morris County community,” said Commissioner Smith, reflecting on Bell’s remarkable career.

View Photos from the Retirement Celebration

“Denise pours 110 percent into anything that she does. Our hearts plummeted when she told us a year ago what her plans were. But true to who she is, everything is planned and organized. She has helped us prepare for this day, and we will miss her enormously,” said CCM President Anthony Iacono. “We are going to miss how she leads this office and the friend she is, but we are equally happy for her as well.”

Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, Kellie Doucette on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and the College Board of Trustees also honored Denise in her retirement.

“Smiles are contagious. When you walk anywhere at County College and Denise is there, everybody has a smile on their face. She is truly going to be missed. When I am on campus, I will miss being greeted by her smile and the warm, welcoming personality that she has,” said Senator Anthony Bucco, who presented Bell with a joint Assembly citation.

Among her long responsibilities, Bell liaised with the president and the board of state and federal agencies. She developed presentations for elected officials and industry leaders and planned significant college events, including press conferences, employee engagements, and commencement ceremonies. She also prepared and managed the executive budget and coordinated travel plans for the president and the board of trustees.

The celebration concluded with the CCM Chamber Choir singing “The Journey,” a moving tribute to Bell, who thanked everyone and offered some closing words of wisdom.

“I encourage you all to laugh a lot and be kind. Smile as much as you want and as much as you can. I’ve made so many friends here, and you’re all wonderful to me. Life is made up of losses and gains. Being here was a gain. Thank you all so much,” said Denise Bell.

Upon her official retirement at the end of August, she and her husband, David, plan to relocate to the South Shore of Massachusetts to be closer to their son and daughter-in-law.

To maintain consistent operations for the office of the President and Board of Trustees, Joanne Hugues will be appointed as the Executive Administrative Assistant and Trustee Recording Secretary. Mary Earl will be appointed to the position currently held by Ms. Hugues, Executive Administrative Assistant and Community Relations Coordinator.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents interested in serving on the County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees are invited to send their resumes to a special trustee search committee of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

The search committee must receive resumes by September 3, 2024. The committee will review all applications and then submit recommendations to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, which will make the appointments. 

Morris County is seeking to fill three four-year terms. Terms begin on November 1, 2024, and end on October 31, 2028.

To qualify for consideration by the search committee, a candidate must have lived in Morris County for at least four years and may not hold a current elected office or be an employee of Morris County government or the County College of Morris.       

The three sitting trustees must reapply by the September 3rd deadline if they wish to be considered for reappointment.

Applicants must demonstrate independent judgment, distinction in their profession, knowledge of higher education, involvement in their community, and a firm commitment to serving the college. To be considered for appointment, a candidate must be willing to commit at least 20-30 hours a month to his or her duties as a college trustee.

The duties of trustees include appointing, supporting, and evaluating the college president; clarifying and, if necessary, revising the college’s mission statement; ratifying long-term plans; approving the college’s educational program; ensuring fiscal viability; and maintaining the college’s physical plant.

Required: The CCM Trustee Search Committee requests a resume and a background statement from each applicant outlining why he or she wishes to serve as a trustee and what specific skills the applicant would bring to the board.

Applicants must send one copy of their resume and a brief background statement to [email protected] at the Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris, by 4:00 p.m. September 3, 2024.

The County College of Morris Board of Trustees is composed of eleven Morris County residents from business, education, law, and other professional fields. They volunteer their services for four-year terms. 

By statute, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners appoints eight members, and the Governor appoints two. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a member of the Board by statute. Each year’s graduating class elects one non-voting CCM graduate member for one year. In addition, the CCM President serves as an ex-officio member.

The Board of Trustees sets policy and has final authority over budgets and expenditures. The President is responsible for internal administrative operations.

For more information on CCM, click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, in collaboration with Norwescap, hosted the 2024 Annual Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Art Show Awards Ceremony and Reception earlier this week at the Morris County Library.

View More Photos on Morris County’s Flickr Account

The 17th annual event featured various creative works across five art categories: Acrylic Painting, Photography, Mixed Media, Watercolor, and Drawing. The contributions of each participant were acknowledged with a certificate of recognition, and first-place winners will have their artwork featured in the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show in October.

The Morris County Commissioners annually approve approximately $5,000 through grants in aid to fund the art program, which celebrates the artistic skills and talents of Morris County’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“The Commissioners are proud to support this program each year. This is just one of the many wonderful programs Morris County and Norwescap work together to offer our seniors and residents with special needs,” said Commissioner Tayfun Selen.

Commissioner Selen, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, presented a Certificate of Honor to Norwescap CEO Mark Valli and staff, as well as Christine Hellyer and Shawnna Bailey of the Morris County Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, for their involvement in coordinating the annual event.

“Art can bridge gaps, create connections, and bring joy to our lives. Today, we celebrate not just the art but the incredible artists who have shared their talents with us,” said Norwescap CEO Mark Valli, reminding everyone of Pablo Picasso’s quote: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

In addition to supporting seniors, Norwescap’s services include early childhood programs, employment services, nutrition and food security initiatives, housing and community development, and volunteer and civic engagement programs, such as the Norwescap RSVP program.

The annual art show was put on hold during the pandemic but officially relaunched in October 2023. The program was held in July this year to allow artists the opportunity for their work to be showcased at the statewide event.

The first-place winners, now qualified to compete at the state level, are:

• Watercolors: “Escape” by Roseann Testa
• Oil: “The Hunt” by Joan Wulff
• Acrylic: “Desert Dream at Sunset” by Pat Anderson
• Mixed Media: “Spring” by Eugene Newman
• Drawing: “Carl Perkins” by Ruth Gimbel
• Photography: “Stairway in B&W” by Tom Cassidy
• Pastel: “Waterlilies” by Leina’ala Schwartz

Morris County congratulates all the participants and thanks the dedicated team from Norwescap, who helps make the program happen each year.

The Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming, located at 340 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township, is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For assistance and information on local services, please contact (973) 285-6848 or 1-800-564-4656.