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Protect the Environment: Morris County’s Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Events Return in 2024

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) has scheduled four Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events in Morris County, New Jersey. The event dates are as follows:

  1. Saturday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, at 500 West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany.
  2. Saturday, June 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, at 500 West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany.
  3. Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy at 500 West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany.
  4. Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy at 500 West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany.

These events offer Morris County residents the opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous materials they no longer need. Please note that businesses are not permitted to participate in these disposal events.

It’s important to be aware that electronic devices (e-waste) will no longer be accepted at MCMUA’s one-day household hazardous waste events. Residents are encouraged to contact (973) 829-8006 for information and to explore alternative recycling options.

Acceptable materials for disposal include:

  • Aerosol cans
  • Asbestos
  • Automotive fluids
  • Driveway sealant and roofing tar
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel
  • Household cleaning products
  • Lead acid batteries
  • Button cell batteries
  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Mercury-containing bulbs and devices
  • Muriatic acid
  • Oil-based paints, stains, lacquers, and varnishes
  • Paint thinners
  • Paint removers and solvents
  • Pesticides
  • Herbicides
  • Fertilizers
  • Photo chemicals
  • Pool chemicals
  • Propane tanks weighing 20 pounds or less

Items that cannot be accepted include:

  • Alkaline and carbon zinc batteries
  • Business waste
  • Compressed gas cylinders
  • Containers larger than 5 gallons
  • Empty containers
  • Explosives
  • Hazardous waste generated outside of Morris County
  • Highly reactive and unstable materials
  • Medical waste
  • Radioactive materials
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Unknown or unlabeled materials
  • Used consumer electronics
  • Water-based paint and latex paint

For additional information or inquiries, please call (973) 829-8006 or visit the MCMUA website.

CCM President Anthony J. Iacono Named an Influencer in Higher Education

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Anthony Iacono

MORRIS COUNTY — Antony J. Iacono, President of County College of Morris (CCM), has consistently earned recognition as a prominent figure in higher education according to ROI-NJ, a business publication in the state. Iacono has been consistently featured on ROI-NJ’s Influencers: Power List 2024 – Higher Education for the past five years, standing alongside esteemed colleagues in higher education. This year, he was among only three community college presidents to earn this distinction. ROI-NJ’s ranking specifically lauded Iacono for his pivotal role in the recently announced plans for a $30 million, 70,000-square-foot center dedicated to healthcare education. This facility will enable CCM to expand its healthcare programs to address the increasing medical demands within Morris County.

ROI-NJ has previously acknowledged Iacono for his exceptional achievements, extending beyond his inclusion in the Influencers Power List – Higher Education. President Iacono has received recognition in various categories from the publication, including Higher Education Top 25 Most Influential Presidents (2022), Influencers: Manufacturing (2022), and Influencers Higher Education Community Colleges (2021).

Iacono expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a true honor to be recognized by ROI-NJ as a distinguished leader in higher education within the state. To be featured on a list alongside exceptionally talented and respected individuals, all of whom have made significant contributions to student success, is a humbling experience. At CCM, we take great pride in the community partnerships we continually cultivate, enabling us to fulfill our mission of empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations.”

Under Iacono’s leadership, CCM has garnered additional accolades, including being ranked as the Best Community College in New Jersey by Best Accredited Colleges. Intelligent Magazine has also included the college in its list of the Top 5 Best Community Colleges in the state, as well as the Best for Transfer Students in the state. Moreover, CCM received the Good Neighbor Award from New Jersey Business Magazine for its Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, solidifying its status as a leader in preparing students for successful careers.

CCM offers an array of programs, boasting more than 100 options, including associate degree programs and a wide selection of industry-recognized certificate and workforce development programs. The college’s Center for Workforce Development plays a crucial role in supplying a highly educated and skilled workforce for regional employment while providing customized training for individuals and local businesses. For additional information about the college, click here.

Matthew Lombardi of Dover High School Receives Prestigious Honor as Music Student of the Month for Outstanding Percussion Skills

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Front Row: Carly Albanese, Grade 12, Chatham High School; Ari Charm, Grade 7, Randolph Middle School; Stephen Padilla, Grade 12, Roxbury High School; Abhay Prajapati, Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany. Second Row: Matthew Lombardi, Grade 12, Dover High School; Rohan Largman, Grade 7, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham; Sean Lee Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School; Florham Park.

DOVER — Dover High School Senior Matthew Lombardi was honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s January 2024 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Percussionists — before the Thursday, January 18 performance by Drumline Live.

Other students from Chatham, Randolph, Kinnelon, Mendham, Florham Park, Morristown, Parsippany, and Roxbury, were also honored.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage before the concert. 

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

Matthew Lombardi a senior at Dover High School was nominated by Dan Vasquez.

Matty is an excellent student and dedicated percussionist. He has started writing his own percussion cadences and organized extra practices for the drummers to learn them. The Drumline this year created a new piece of music just to play for the pep rally. The section works harder than anyone else in the band and Matty is such a huge part of that. He inspires others around him to do better and I think he deserves to be acknowledged for his dedication and commitment.

Other students honored were

Carly Albanese, Grade 12, Chatham High School; Ari Charm, Grade 7, Randolph Middle School; Stephen Padilla, Grade 12, Roxbury High School; Abhay Prajapati, Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Rohan Largman, Grade 7, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham; Sean Lee; Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School; Florham Park; Aidan Orbeta, Grade 12, Morristown High School; Deric Yoon, Grade 11, Parsippany High School; Carly Albanese, Grade 12, Chatham High School; and Luca Anello-Fiorin, Grade 9, Kinnelon High School.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2023-2024 season is made possible, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

Video: Township of Hanover Committee Meeting – January 11, 2024

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Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, John L. Ferramosca, and Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER — The Township Committee of the Township of Hanover had a meeting for Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting included an in-person, open public conference and a closed executive session for legal and personnel matters. The gathering will take place in Conference Room “A” at the Township Municipal Building, situated at 1000 Route 10 West in Whippany.

At 8:00 p.m. on the same day, the governing body will convene its Regular, Open Public Meeting in the Main Public Meeting Room. During this session, formal actions will be taken. Members of the public are cordially invited to attend both the conference and the regular meeting.

  • Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Mayor
  • Michael A. Mihalko, Deputy Mayor
  • Brian J. Cahill, Committeeman
  • John L. Ferramosca, Committeeman
  • Ronald F. Francioli, Committeeman

Dover Resident Arrested for Child Pornography

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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Town of Dover Chief of Police Jonathan Delaney confirmed the arrest of Richard Ferrarie-Lofredo, 37, of the Town of Dover, in connection with possession of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM).

The defendant has been charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of CSAM), a third-degree crime in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(b)(iii).

The investigation began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) referencing media files, allegedly depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of minors. The media files were allegedly uploaded to Reddit, an internet-based social platform, by the defendant. It is further alleged that the defendant possessed additional items of CSAM on an electronic device.

Ferrarie-Lofredo was arrested on the above charges on January 12, 2024. Following his arrest, he was released according to the Criminal Justice Reform Act with pretrial release conditions that included monitoring and no internet usage.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Dover Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in this investigation.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Dover Board of Education Honors Previous Board Members

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Eudez Catano, JoAnn Dodd, Melissa Giraldo, Dahiana Grisales, Irene Hansen, Darrell Hooper, Lynn Laurie, Linda Mullin, Monica Palestis, Richard Riley, Benjamin Robles, Maria Rosario, Karol Ruiz, Michael Scarneo, Susan Shauer and Jaclyn Viveros were among the honorees.

DOVER — January is School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey. Since the first School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey in 2002, the State Board of Education, the state-level public body that regulates public education, has approved resolutions to honor the work done by local school board members. On Tuesday, January 23, the Dover Board of Education member, Mayor Dodd, Senator Bucco, and Assemblywoman Dunn presented the following previous Dover Board of Education members: Eudez Catano, JoAnn Dodd, Melissa Giraldo, Dahiana Grisales, Irene Hansen, Darrell Hooper, Lynn Laurie, Linda Mullin, Monica Palestis, Richard Riley, Benjamin Robles, Maria Rosario, Karol Ruiz, Michael Scarneo, Susan Shauer and Jaclyn Viveros.

New Jersey’s local boards of education play an essential role in our students’ lives. They oversee 580 school districts, which operate nearly 2,500 public schools and provide educational services to nearly 1.4 million children. They set the policies for our schools and make important decisions affecting curriculum, financing, and staffing.

New Jersey’s 5,000 local school board members devote countless hours – with no compensation – to overseeing and advancing our children’s education.

Florham Park Students Earn Prestigious Spot on Roger Williams University’s Dean’s List

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Roger Williams University is a private university in Bristol, Rhode Island.

FLORHAM PARK — We are pleased to congratulate two outstanding students John Jannicelli and Trevor Smith, from Florham Park for their inclusion on the Fall 2023 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.

To earn a spot on the Dean’s List for that semester, students must be enrolled full-time, complete 12 or more credits per semester, and maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Join us in celebrating the academic achievements of John Jannicelli and Trevor Smith.”

Exceptional Student Singers Honored at Mayo Performing Arts Center

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EAST HANOVER — Christopher LaRosa, a senior from Hanover Park High School was honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s December 2023 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Vocalists — before the Sunday, December 10 performance by Girl Named Tom. Also students from Parsippany, Rockaway, Morristown, Randolph, Mendham, Budd Lake, Chester, East, and Harding Township were honored.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage before the concert and met the band.

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

About the December Music Students of the Month

Christopher LaRosa — Grade 12, Hanover Park High School; East Hanover; Nominated by Helen Britez

Christopher has been a dependable member of the Choirs for 4 years. He currently serves as Bass Section Leader and takes a specialized course with me called Applied Vocal Music at Hanover Park HS. He loves all types of music, but can (and loves to) sing pop, jazz, Billy Joel, The Eagles, and more. He has recently discovered remarkable vocal and stylistic strength with jazz standards and Crooner songs. It has been a pleasure watching him grow into such a strong musician and revered member of our program.

Navya Ekkaladevi — Grade 7, Central Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Adam Aguanno

Since entering Central Middle School as a 6th grader, Navya light has shown bright as a talented singer. She was featured as Young Nala in Central Middle School’s production of Lion King. Additionally, she auditioned for the North Jersey Intermediate chorus as a young 6th grader and successfully made it and went on to perform in their 2023 performance. She plans to audition again in 2024. Her desire to continue to become a stronger and better singer is evident daily as she is a hard worker. This along with her kindness, passion, and dedication make her a deserving candidate for Outstanding Vocalist of the Month.

Tiffany Albornoz — Grade 12, Morris Hills High School; Rockaway; Nominated by Michelle Uhler

Tiffany Albornoz joined the choir department her sophomore year after I worked with her freshman year in the spring musical at Morris Hills. She is part of the GT (gifted and talented) program at Morris Hills and pursuing a GT in theater arts. She studies acting, how to pursue it, and studying different shows, approaches to acting, etc. She has been doing theater practically her entire life and after discovering her love for musical theatre, joined the choir program last year.  She is in my advanced concert choir and is a member of all three of my after-school choirs that meet for three hours on Monday nights.

Julia Cam — Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by Christine Scott

Julia is one of the most intuitive singers I have ever had the privilege of working with. When learning a piece, she researches and prepares like a pro – she listens to recordings and carefully works to duplicate the nuance of whatever technique/style is required for the piece. She learns quickly and takes constructive criticism gracefully. Her versatility as a singer is very impressive. She was an audience favorite in our 2021 production of Something Rotten as Nostradamus, and last year’s production of Cinderella as the fairy godmother, and has given award-winning performances as a vocal soloist with our jazz band, Spectrum, in last year’s Morristown ONStage competition. She is a treasured member of our MHS Treble Chorale and is currently in the process of auditioning for colleges to continue her music studies at a higher level.

Priya Chopra — Grade 7, Mountainview Middle School; Mendham; Nominated by Justin Lordi

Priya is an extremely hard-working and attentive musician. She has a strong voice and is never afraid to sing out, even when she might be the only soprano 1 present in the choir for the day. Outside of being in Mountain View Singers, the top choir of the school, Priya plays one of the Les Filles girls in this year’s drama production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. In rehearsals, she is the role model of voice projection that other students always attempt to match. On top of all this, she never has a frown on her face and constantly displays a positive attitude wherever she goes.

Aidan Danner — Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Ann Kelly

Aidan Danner is an 8th grader from Randolph Middle School. He is an active participant and role model in the school choir, as well as the school band, select choir, and jazz band. He was a baritone Morris Area Honor Choir in 6th and 7th grade. He sang as a tenor in the regional choir in 7th grade as well and has recently been accepted into the All-Eastern Choir, a big achievement in the music community. Outside of school, Aidan is an athlete who loves to do all sorts of sports including, soccer, basketball, track, and more.  He also enjoys playing piano and traveling, and he truly finds happiness in the national parks. This love of the outdoors likely sprouts from his participation in Boy Scouts.

Amber Deegan — Grade 12, West Morris Mendham High School; Mendham; Nominated by Patricia Danner

Amber Deegan has been a member of the Mendham HS Choir for the past three years.  During that time, she has participated in every ensemble available to her, and her impact on the program has been vast.  Amber can sing almost any part, and in addition to our school program, she has been very successful with honor choirs.  She recently performed with the NJ All-State Mixed Choir.  Most importantly, Amber is a positive role model for her peers in the choir.  She can often be found helping younger students learn their parts, and her kind and welcoming personality makes other students feel comfortable in the group.  Amber is an enthusiastic, talented, and dedicated music student, and truly deserves the honor of Music Student of the Month!

Marisa Foster — Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School; Budd Lake; Nominated by Joanna Scarangello

Marisa is an exceptional singer and has emerged as a leader in our curricular and co-curricular ensembles. Marisa was recently accepted into the ACDA All-Eastern Junior High Honor Choir and has been a member of the New Jersey Youth Choir’s Sola Voce.  Marisa continues to challenge herself to grow as a musician through her many talents.

Sarah Hayes — Grade 8, Black River Middle School; Chester; Nominated by Kathleen Vespignani

Sarah has been a member of the chorus at Black River for three years, as well as a member of the Select Chorus since the sixth grade.  She is often a soloist in the choral groups.  After three years in both vocal ensembles, Sarah has blossomed into a magnificent musician and performer.  Sarah comes to rehearsal and performances with the utmost professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect for the art.  In class, Sarah is constantly singing while doing her work, making everyone around her smile!  Sarah continues her musical endeavors outside of school as well, singing in her church choir.  Additionally, Sarah participated in the Drama Club performance last year at the middle school.  Sarah truly exemplifies what a great musician is!  Her style is versatile and she learns quickly; she has a great vocal range and a warm quality to her voice.  She exhibits a rare potential to become a professional singer/performer.  She is an amazing young woman and musician.

Adaline Spence — Grade 8, Harding Township School; Harding; Nominated by Rachel Gareau

I have had the pleasure of teaching Addie music since 1st grade. She has had a leading role in every school musical since 4th grade. She has also had leading roles in community theater productions.  She has sung solos in concerts as well. She participates in her church music program and attended Frenchwoods camp for theater. Addie studies voice privately and takes it very seriously. She has a beautiful voice and would be honored to be acknowledged.

After Successful 50th Anniversary Concert, Morris Choral Society Calls for New Singers to Join its Ranks

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Their upcoming Spring Concert, slated for May in Morristown, promises an enchanting evening featuring compositions by renowned artists such as Verdi, Vaughan Williams, and the esteemed Founder and Director Emeritus, Wayne Walters.

MORRIS COUNTY — In the wake of their resounding success at the 50th Anniversary Concert held on Sunday, December 10, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, the Morris Choral Society (MCS) is extending a warm invitation to new singers to join their esteemed ensemble. The MCS welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds to audition and become part of their musical journey.

For those interested in becoming part of this harmonious community, rehearsals are scheduled every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 131 Mountain Way in Morris Plains. If you have any inquiries or wish to arrange an audition, please don’t hesitate to reach out at (973) 723-6424.

The MCS’s repertoire spans a wide spectrum of choral music, encompassing beloved classics like Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” vibrant Nigerian melodies like “Betelehemu,” and the ever-popular “Carmina Burana.” Their upcoming Spring Concert, slated for May in Morristown, promises an enchanting evening featuring compositions by renowned artists such as Verdi, Vaughan Williams, and the esteemed Founder and Director Emeritus, Wayne Walters.

The Morris Choral Society extends its gratitude to its supporters, with funding provided in part by Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as by the Masterwork Foundation. To commemorate their 50th Anniversary year and honor Wayne Walters, who dedicated 36 years to teaching in the Morris School District, MCS has established a GoFundMe page. This platform serves as an opportunity for current and former chorus members and students to express their heartfelt appreciation for Walters’ unwavering dedication to music and education.

Wayne Walters’ illustrious career in the field has earned him numerous accolades, and this GoFundMe initiative allows those whose lives he has touched to convey their gratitude in a meaningful way. Click here to view the GoFundMe.

Morris Choral Society mailing address is P.O. Box 1783, Morristown, NJ 07962-1783.

Collaborative Effort Aims to Revitalize Waterworks Park

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Students working in the Landscape and Horticulture Technology (LHT) learning lab at CCM.

DOVER — The college’s Department of Landscape and Horticulture Technology (LHT) enthusiastically teamed up with CCM’s Dover College Promise (DCP) program to design dynamic planting beds for Waterworks Park, a public area in Dover, undergoing a spectacular transformation with improvements in lush greenery, inviting trailways and cozy sitting areas.

Students working in the Landscape and Horticulture Technology (LHT) learning lab at CCM.

DCP is a grant-funded educational partnership between CCM and the Dover School District to offer motivated middle and high school students the opportunity to secure a college path. Approximately 96% of DCP students enroll in college upon graduation because of the successful mentorship program, tutoring, community projects and additional support offered to students. This is the fourth DCP community project at Waterworks Park and is part of a $50,000 T-Mobil Hometown Grant program to redevelop the park by incorporating trails, plantings, and sitting areas.

Ed Lopez, coordinator of DCP, and Professor Brian Oleksak, chair of the LHT department at CCM, are working together to help students effectively design enhancements for the community space. Dr. Anthony Spagnuolo and Professor Craig Tolley of CCM taught the students about invasive plants with pest and disease management, as well as how to enhance their designs, using computer software to create renderings. The group also worked on budgets to determine the cost feasibility of their greenery and ornamental selections.

One of the design renderings for Waterworks Park in Dover was created at CCM.

“We had County College of Morris LHT students and Dover High School students working together to design an area to benefit the local community,” said Dr. Anthony Spagnuolo. “This was awesome!”

Olesak added, “It was so inspiring to see young people take such an active role in improving their community.”

The students also met with Denise Lanza, Executive Director, of Morris County Park Commission, to learn about the organization that manages parks, facilities, and historic sites in Morris County.

“DCP students have built the Dover River Trail, participated in a river cleanup and recycling campaign, and recently created a Little Free Library at the park,” said Ed Lopez. “I am proud of their work and dedication to giving back to the community.”

CCM offers four certificates of achievement and three associate degrees for creative individuals who like the outdoors and are committed to preserving the environment. The Department of Landscape and Horticultural Technology program includes a foundation in plant science, soils, plant identification, and design giving students a well-rounded study of ornamental horticulture. Questions about the LHT program at CCM can be directed to Professor Brian Oleksak, [email protected] or Professor Craig Tolley, [email protected].  Questions about DCP can be directed to Eduardo Lopez, [email protected].

CCM is a renowned institution of higher learning known for its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. With a rich history of serving diverse student populations, the college has consistently strived to make education accessible and empowering to all. CCM is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that supports the growth and achievement of its students.

The college is currently accepting applications and registration for enrollment. For more information visit www.ccm.edu.

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