MORRIS COUNTY — As parents start to plan for a new school year and address all the details involved, Table of Hope once again is helping to make things a bit easier with a free backpack distribution event at County College of Morris (CCM).

The Backpack Giveaway at CCM takes place Friday, August 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Visitors are asked to use CCM’s Center Grove Road entrance.

CCM has hosted five previous events with Table of Hope to assist those in need. This latest distribution event will provide backpacks filled with school supplies – consisting of pencils, rulers, glue sticks, notebooks and more.

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic struck New Jersey, Table of Hope, a program run by the Spring Street Community Development Corporation, began operating weekly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany and Dover, along with other grocery supply events in Morris County communities. Its first event at CCM was held in June 2020. Serving as volunteers at that event were New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, County Commissioners John Krickus and Stephen Shaw and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

To volunteer for the Backpack Giveaway or to make a donation, click here or email volunteer@springstreetcdc.org.

MORRIS COUNTY — Today’s hottest profession is data analytics and at County College of Morris (CCM) students have multiple options to prepare for this in-demand, well-paying field in as little as six weeks or two semesters to gain immediate employment – regardless of their math ability.

“No prior experience in statistics or computer programming is needed in our programs, as our curriculum includes entry level courses in the most highly sought-after programming languages,” says Professor Kelly Fitzpatrick, who designed the college’s data analytics certificate offerings. “Our students are prepared for a wide range of career options, from data analysts and engineers, to data architects and statistical analysts, to report designers and business intelligent professionals, and more.”

The three options offered at the college are:
· A five-course, 16-credit Data Analytics Certificate, launched with a grant from the National Science Foundation in 2020, that can be earned in two semesters. Those credits can then be applied toward an associate degree. In this program, students learn R, Tableau, Python and SQL programing languages.
· A four-course, noncredit Data Visualization Certificate to prepare for the Tableau Specialist Desktop Exam, a highly recognized industry credential.
· A six-course, noncredit Data Analytics Certificate to learn R and Tableau programming, along with Business Analytics and Visual Basics in Excel.

The CCM programs have earned high recognition. Fitzpatrick was featured in Logical Operations’ Instructor Spotlight in May 2022 for her work on building the Data Visualization Certificate, which utilizes Logical Operations’ material. The college was selected as a community partner by the Educational Development Center and featured in its Mentoring New Data Pathways video, and its students have taken part in national conferences. Also, this past Spring Semester, several Data Analytics students crushed the American Statistical Association national Data Fest competition for community colleges, winning both Best in Show and Best Use of Statistical Analysis.

“Our collaborative, team-based learning environment allows students to work with others to analyze real-world data to solve problems and answer questions,” says Fitzpatrick. “All data science classes are taught using industry standard software in active learning environments, so students are prepared to pursue careers upon completion.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in data science will grow by approximately 28 percent by 2026, equating to nearly 11.5 million new jobs. Such jobs also come with significant salaries. ZipRecruiter reports that the average starting salary in New Jersey is about $68,000 and experienced professionals earn an average of more than $110,000.

To learn about the credit program at CCM, click here. For information on the noncredit certificates offered through the college’s Center for Workforce Development, click here.

Also save the date for the Data Science Day the college will be holding on October 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is inviting residents of Morris County and beyond to join them on Sunday, September 11, 6:00 p.m. to observe the 21th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The annual remembrance ceremony will 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 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Firefighter Carl F. Asaro, Jr.  He and three siblings joined the FDNY to honor their father, Carl Francis Asaro, Sr., one of 343 FDNY members killed while responding to the Twin Tower attacks.

Carl, Jr., was the first of his siblings to join the FDNY after his father died. Carl Jr., now 34, was followed by his brother, Matthew, 33, and then his younger sister and brother — Rebecca, 30, and Marc, 28.  Rebecca Asaro delivered the keynote address last year at Morris County’s 20th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

“All of us were there when Rebecca spoke, the whole family, and I made a commitment to be there this year. It’s an honor to be a part of it,” said Carl, Jr.

Their father’s firehouse in Midtown Manhattan was the hardest hit on Sept. 11, 2001. Fifteen firefighters on Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9 – an entire shift – died as they responded to the devastation as it was unfolding at the Twin Towers.

Carl Jr. was 13 years old when he and his four siblings and mother, Heloiza, lost their father and husband.

“This is a very important remembrance ceremony for Morris County. We lost 64 of our friends and neighbors 21 years ago in the cowardly terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.  The entire community came together to build our 9/11 memorial in Parsippany. It is a memorial we have continued to maintain and restore over the years, and every year we come together at that location to remind the world, we will never forget,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

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.

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 those in need the short distance to the memorial.

MORRIS COuNTY — Assistant Morris County Administrator Deena Leary has been appointed Acting Administrator by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, placing her at the helm of county operations and ready to assume the post when long-time Administrator John Bonanni officially retires at year’s end.

Ms. Leary, who lives in Harding, began her career with Morris County as an intern in 1995 with the Division of Transportation Management.  She worked through the ranks to become Director of Planning & Development in 2011, and was promoted in 2013 to lead a new combined department of Planning & Public Works before being appointed Assistant Morris County Administrator in August 2017.

“I know I speak for the entire board when I say there is no one else more suitable than Deena Leary to step in as our administrator. She literally has worked her way to the top, understanding first-hand the inner workings of our county government for almost 30 years.  While John Bonanni will be sorely missed, Morris County could not be left in better hands when he leaves in the New Year,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

The appointment, recommended by Mr. Bonanni, was made at last week’s Board of Commissioners meeting, where Commissioner Deborah Smith noted Ms. Leary had served as acting administrator recently when Mr. Bonanni was on medical leave.

“She did a phenomenal job. The beat kept going, and it was a smooth transition,” said Commissioner Smith. “I just want to commend her on her excellent work ethic and I know she will be an excellent leader for the county — and I also point out, as a diversity factor, she is the first female administrator in Morris County. I think that is terrific also.”

Bonanni, who plans to retire after the New Year, commended the board for Ms. Leary’s appointment.

“I want to congratulate Deena, but equally important, I want to thank this governing body for not making positions around here political, but functional – and Deena is a perfect example of that. This governing body looks at the qualifications of people, and I thank you for that,” said Bonanni.

Commissioner Douglas Cabana, who joined the board in 1997 and remains the longest serving Commissioner still on the board, cited Ms. Leary’s many years in leadership roles within county government.

“I’ve known Deena for many years, and she has the respect of local officials everywhere. She is usually found working well past the time most others have gone home for the day trying to solve problems and get things done for the residents of Morris County. She has been a go-to person for many of our local officials and is always deeply involved in developing our biggest projects, most recently our COVID-19 response and our Small Business Grant Program. We are fortunate to have her with us and willing to step into this key position,” said Commissioner Cabana.

Ms. Leary earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University in 2018.  Her undergraduate degree from Susquehanna University is in Environmental Science and Economics.

She became certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2008 and has been a licensed Professional Planner in New Jersey since 2009.

Ms. Leary grew up and spent most of her life in Jefferson Township and became a Harding Township resident in 2018.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling presented the Morris County Surrogate’s 2021 Annual Report to the Morris County Commissioners recently.

The 2021 Annual report is the second of its kind ever for the Surrogate’s Office. “The year 2021, like 2020, was extraordinary with significant challenges; however, our team was able to accomplish our goals and exceed expectations as we introduced new services using technology to provide the people we serve with easy and convenient access to better serve their needs,” said Surrogate Darling.

This annual report highlights key accomplishments for the past year including new initiatives and financial results which defray County taxes. The Surrogate recognizes her team for their outstanding work in serving the residents of Morris County. Some highlights include the introduction of “The Personal Record” booklet for Morris County citizens, designed to help organize and record important personal information that may serve as a roadmap for family members in the event of an emergency, the service of taking credit cards as a form of payment and the ability to make an appointment on the Surrogate’s website. Surrogate Darling also serves as the Surrogate’s Section Chief and Secretary of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ).

The Surrogate also has continued her community outreach initiative, making herself available to talk with community organizations and businesses across Morris County. To book a speaking engagement or for a copy of the 2021 Annual Report contact the Morris County Surrogate at Surrogate@co.morris.nj.us.

The 2021 Annual Report is also available in downloadable format at the Surrogate’s website by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — After a two week jury trial, a Ismael Lorenzo, Jr., 36, was convicted Thursday on Possession of a Weapon While Committing Certain Drug Crimes, Money Laundering, Possession With Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, and in a bifurcated proceeding following the jury’s verdict on the first three counts, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, in a case brought by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan and Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Kelly represented the State at trial before the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor. 

The jury returned the guilty verdicts on July 28, after deliberating for approximately four hours. Lorenzo, Jr., remained in custody after the verdicts were announced and will be sentenced on August 25. 

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker thanked the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force, the New Jersey State Police, the Parsippany-Troy Hill Police Department, the Chatham Township Police Department, and the Rockaway Township Police Department for supplying personnel to the task force that participated in this investigation and prosecution. The Office also thanks the Morris County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Unit, the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, and the Crime Scene Investigations Unit, whose efforts contributed to this successful prosecution.