MORRIS COUNTY — The three candidates running to represent the 11th Congressional District held a candidates forum on Tuesday, October 25, moderated by the League of Women Voters of New Jersey at Drew University in Madison.

MORRIS COUNTY — Allison Larena, President & CEO of Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown, was honored Friday night, October 14, by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners for her 20 years at the helm of the arts organization.

Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus presented Larena with a framed “Resolution of Honor” inside MPAC’s Starlight Room just prior to the performance of “Croce Plays Croce” at the theater on South Street.

“I am grateful for the recognition by the Morris County Board of Commissioners in honor of my 20th anniversary at MPAC. MPAC is fortunate to be located in a county that recognizes the value of our cultural institutions and how they contribute to the quality of life for our residents. The Commissioners’ support of our education programs this past year has been a vital lifeline to helping these programs return to enrich the lives of thousands of children every year,” said Larena.

The resolution notes that Larena has been instrumental in transforming the Morristown-based theater into a world-class performing arts center and for growing its annual operating budget from $1.5 million to more than $13 million. Under her tutelage, MPAC operations grew from about 50 events annually to over 250 events, welcoming more than 240,000 patrons each year and generating over $9 million in ticket sales, while simultaneously having an estimated impact of $15 million dollars on the local economy.

“On behalf of the Morris County Commissioners, We are pleased to present you with this resolution recognizing your 20 years of leadership of Mayo Performing Arts Center. MPAC is a crown jewel for Morris County,” said Deputy Director Krickus.

“Morris County was proud to provide MPAC with $600,000 of funding for education programs as part of the recovery from COVID, and also recently approved $24,000 of historic grant funding for the plans to renovate the historic facade to the theater,” he added.

MPAC, which operates out of a 1937 theater designed by Thomas Lamb, has served more than 40,000 children through education and outreach programs, and Larena is credited with launching innovative programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the arts accessible.

Among the programs were the first outdoor drive-in concerts, the first limited-capacity concerts, and the first live streams in New Jersey as she kept the theatre active and relevant while creating a safe environment for people to enjoy an indoor art experience.

To learn more about MPAC and upcoming events click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll joined other government officials from federal, state, county, and municipal levels at the municipal hall of Madison Borough, during a news conference to support federal legislation that would assist law enforcement in combatting vehicle theft on Monday, October 17.

Area police chiefs and county sheriffs from the region were also in attendance as a show of support.

The bipartisan legislation, introduced to the United States Congress by Representatives Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey and Don Bacon from Nebraska would provide $150 million in grants over a five-year period to state and local law enforcement, to address and mitigate the number of vehicle thefts, and provide resources for stolen vehicle trafficking throughout the United States. The legislation provides that 70% of the funding will go to the county and local law enforcement with 30% to states being heavily impacted by vehicle thefts and especially the related escalated violence. If passed in Congress, the bill would provide $30 million each year for hiring, equipment, technology, and other resources to target the crime of vehicle theft.

In addition to the federal bill, the recently introduced bi-partisan legislation from Senators Codey and Bucco also received the unanimous support of law enforcement as it addresses the issues of repeat offenders as well as those criminals who recruit juveniles into criminal theft organizations in order to insulate themselves from serious criminal charges. A separate state bill from the Senators also addresses the frightening issue of home invasions and substantially increases the potential criminal penalties for such serious criminal conduct.

During the news conference and following the initial presentation speech delivered by Rep. Sherrill, multiple officials spoke including NJ State Senators Anthony Bucco and Richard Codey, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, and Passaic County Undersheriff Kevin Dickson all spoke in support of the initiative.

Prosecutor Carroll stated that law enforcement sincerely appreciates the legislative efforts to help stem the increasing crime and reiterates the need for community and citizen assistance in stopping these criminal theft organizations. The Prosecutor stated:

“Year to date, 89% of the vehicle thefts in Morris County involve keys/key fobs being left in a vehicle; 61% of these thefts were from residential properties and another 23% from commercial locations. Morris County Law enforcement again reiterates that it is vitally important that our citizens help in stopping these thefts by securing their keys and fobs, and not making themselves and their families easy targets for these opportunistic, and now too often armed criminals.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio issued a “Proclamation” at Sunday’s “Making Strides Parsippany” event held in the Century Office Campus. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz.

At the time this article was published the Making Strides Parsippany raised $315,406. You can still make a donation by clicking here.

More than 290,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the US today and more than $71 million invested in breast cancer research (as of August 2021).

Music provided by DJ Bonz will keep the party going on our stage, sponsored by The Snooki Shop. Performances by dance teams and fun warm-ups will get you excited before the walk starts and throughout the morning!

Since 1993, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) campaign has united communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. Over the past two decades, the 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, including caregivers, and families alike.

This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary and is taking place in more than 150 communities nationwide, including Parsippany.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events raise awareness and money to save lives from breast cancer. The money you raise and the donations made are helping the American Cancer Society fund innovative breast cancer research, 24/7 information and support, prevention and early detection initiatives, and so much more.

The top companies were Toyota Motor North America $13,950; Atlantic Health Systems $8,637; BASF Corporation $5,057; Siemens Healthineers $4,575; Connell Foley LLP $3,767; Bausch + Lomb $1,973; Wyndham Hotels and Resorts $1,882; Dollar Tree/Family Dollar $1,776; Select Medical $1,673; and Delta Dental of New Jersey $1,579

A personal message from Theresa MANCUSO regarding her Breast Cancer Experience:

Breast Cancer has been in my life since I was 7 years old and my grandmother, Teresa, was diagnosed. I watched her suffer through surgeries and treatments before Metastatic Breast Cancer took her from us in 1988. I was 16 years old. Just three years later, my mother, Rosemarie, was diagnosed at just 46 years old. Again, I saw one of my role models fight this disease with strength and humor. My mother was a successful business owner, a single mom, and a friend to many. She was the life of the party and everyone was always happy to see her. She was Volunteer of the Year for the local American Cancer Society. She visited many patients at their most vulnerable, right after diagnosis, through the Reach for Recovery program. She had a notebook full of patients that she would follow up with to make sure they were okay and share her experiences.

I remember my mom taking me for my first mammogram when I was 22 years old. Her cancer had returned but she never wanted anyone to worry about her. She actually signed us up for our first cancer walk in South Orange in 1995, though she was already feeling the effects of advanced cancer. After fighting for five years, Metastatic Breast Cancer took her at the age of 51. I had just turned 24 and couldn’t imagine life without her. Somedays I still can’t.

Though I walk in memory of my mom, I also selfishly walk for myself. In 2003, I was diagnosed with Stage I Breast Cancer at age 30. I was aggressive with surgeries and treatments but my cancer returned four years later at age 34. I was shellshocked that I was facing the same fate as the two most important women in my life. I’m now 15 years with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. I’ve done treatments, more surgeries, and a clinical trial. I remain on drugs that have cumulative side effects that don’t make my life super easy. But I am beyond blessed that I am still here and able to celebrate another walk with my wonderful friends and family! I’ve lost dozens of friends to this horrible disease. These are young women with children and should have had long lives ahead of them….we all should.

The funds I’m raising will sustain critical research and provide services for people trying to cope with their own breast cancer experiences. Believe me, every dollar really does count, so I’m asking you to please donate today. Together, we can make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer.

To raise funds directly for Theresa’s fundraiser, click here.

Top teams were Rising to the Challenge $21,005; The Fighting Champions $18,768; Hanna’s Bananas Powered by Toyota $13,950; The Pink Striders $12,740; Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso $7,026; Warriors 3.0 $6,548; Team Kamdar $6,429; Las Panas $5,324; BASF Florham Park $5,057; and BASF Flanders Green4Pink $4,575.

Top participants were Sylvia Samaniego $12,455; Fran Saliter $10,862; Lois Dornfeld $10,655; Susan Donaldson $7,348; Nancy Medford $5,888; Teresa Mancuso $4,575; Mary Rehus $3,559; Dayana Peck $3,338 and Sharon Spina $2,673.

Apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women. In fact, in 2019, 271,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed in women (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are also possible. It’s important to have any breast change checked by a healthcare provider.

For more information about the American Cancer Society and all of its programs, click here.

Envision a future where our children no longer live with the threat of breast cancer and where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive this disease. By supporting the Making Strides movement, you help ensure the American Cancer Society can continue fighting for that same vision. Together, we can help fund the future of breast cancer research and programs for our loved ones today – and for the next generation.

For more information on the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” click here. Cancer information, answers, and hope.  Available every minute of every day by calling 800-227-2345.