MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) is excited to host an exhibition of works chosen from the college’s own permanent collections. This display will be the first of its kind at CCM, as it will showcase several recent donations and additions to the institutional compendium of art and design work.

This special exhibition is a direct result of a recent donation of eight works by the seminal abstract artist Vincent Baldassano. The variety of work spans the entire career of the artist and includes acrylic paintings that broadly cover periods of figural and non-figural abstraction, surrealist and neo-humanist tendencies, plus other colors, shapes, and composition experiments. Baldassano has been featured in more than 50 solo and 100 group exhibitions over his six-decade career, covering ground from New York and Connecticut to Italy and Portugal. His work is also held in several public and private collections in the USA, Europe, and China, including several community college collections in New Jersey.

CCM is also proud to feature a limited-edition print donated by the Syrian-American artist and architect Mohamad Hafez, who delivered a Legacy Project lecture on campus in 2020 relating to his seminal series UNPACKED: Refugee Baggage. Also included will be printed works, paintings, and sculptures recently donated by clients represented by Mana Contemporary in Jersey City.

Foundation have steadily built a significant collection of art by seeking donations from influential and internationally respected artists,” says Dr. Brian Sahotsky, CCM Gallery Director and Assistant Professor, Art and Humanities Department, “We accept work from regional art collectives, directly commissioning work by local artists, and collect work from CCM alumni.”

An opening reception, free for the community, will be held on Thursday, October 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The exhibit runs through Thursday, November 9.

The Art Gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To learn about CCM’s Art and Design programs click here.

CHATHAM — Chatham Township is thrilled to introduce a community-favorite Trunk-or-Treat event this Halloween season. The family-friendly gathering is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The event will be hosted in the parking lot of the Municipal Building located at 58 Meyersville Road.

CHATHAM TOWNSHIP — Mayor Ashley Felice and Deputy Mayor Mark Hamilton are honored to receive an endorsement from Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon. This endorsement acknowledges their exceptional contributions to improving public safety in Chatham Township.

Under their leadership, Chatham Township has invested significantly in advanced technology aimed at bolstering road safety and reducing crime rates. These achievements include:

•Real-Time Crime Data Infrastructure: The township secured an impressive federal grant of over $800,000 to fund the installation of a fiber-optic network. This network will revolutionize crime data transmission, integrating public safety equipment in parks, streets, and other public spaces with technology in police headquarters. This improvement will result in quicker emergency response times and an overall safer community.
•Modernized Police Vehicles: Chatham Township’s police vehicles have been equipped with new mobile data terminals, enabling officers to access critical information in real time and respond more efficiently to incidents.
•Vehicle Replacement Program: A revamped vehicle replacement program has been put into place, replacing the once-aging police fleet with new and reliable vehicles, ensuring that officers have the tools they need to keep our community safe.
•ALPR Expansion Grant: Chatham Township was awarded an additional grant of $69,194 to expand the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology system. This expansion will play a crucial role in identifying, locating, and recovering stolen vehicles while also aiding in the fight against auto theft networks and violent crimes.
•Opioid Epidemic Response: In response to the opioid epidemic affecting New Jersey, the township took proactive steps to raise awareness and provide assistance. Every home received a Public Safety Announcement along with resources to support those in need. Residents can still request a free NARCAN kit through the Township website, contributing to the efforts to combat opioid-related incidents.

“We are deeply honored to have earned Sheriff Jim Gannon’s endorsement for our commitment to public safety,” said Mayor Ashley Felice. “These accomplishments reflect our dedication to the well-being of our community, and we are grateful for the support and collaboration of our law enforcement partners like Sheriff Gannon.”

Deputy Mayor Mark Hamilton added, “Chatham Township is committed to staying at the forefront of technology and community engagement to protect and serve our residents. We will continue working tirelessly to ensure our community remains safe and secure.”

Sheriff Jim Gannon praised the township’s leadership, stating, “Chatham Township’s investment in cutting-edge technology and proactive response to public safety challenges sets a commendable example for municipalities across Morris County. I wholeheartedly endorse Mayor Felice and Deputy Mayor Hamilton for their exceptional dedication to the safety and well-being of their constituents.”

Chatham Township remains steadfast in its mission to create a safer environment for all its residents, and the endorsement from Sheriff Gannon further validates the township’s commitment to public safety.

MORRIS COUNTY — The annual Coat Giveaway event hosted by the Market Street Mission is scheduled for Saturday, November 4. They will distribute free winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Coats for men, women, and children will be available, and anyone in need of winter clothing is welcome to attend.

If you have coats or winter accessories to donate, please consider bringing new or gently used items to the Mission’s Thrift Store at 25 George Street in Morristown. Donations are accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

For more information on the coat collection and giveaway event, please click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Join the Wellness Gala on Sunday, November 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, 199 Smith Road. Parsippany for “An Unprecedented Day of Insight.”

Experience a gathering of globally acclaimed Intuitives and healers ready to share their wisdom on a range of topics. The event will feature an interactive Q&A session, addressing questions on love, career, spirituality, and beyond.

Delve deeper with healing sessions, engaging mini-workshops, wine tastings, food, and exclusive vendor exhibits.

Support the Humane Society through the silent auction.

Don’t miss the keynote speaker, Mas Sajady, presenting “Change your Frequency, Change your Life”, followed by hands-on healing and meditation at 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy a VIP exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with panel members and our celebrity guest, Concetta Bertoldi; a renowned psychic medium and NYTimes best-selling author.

For tickets and more details, click here.

Also, catch ‘Balance Your Life’ TV show every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the NY metro area on Optimum channel 61 and Fios 530. Or watch anytime on YouTube: by clicking here.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Jeanne Hicks, 52, residing in Denville was taken into custody on Friday, October 6 at approximately 1:20 p.m.

Police were alerted to multiple outstanding warrants for her arrest, including two issued by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Warren County Jail, as well as a criminal warrant from the Newark Municipal Court. In addition to the warrants, Hicks was found in possession of drug paraphernalia during her arrest.

She has been transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting her upcoming court appearances.

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

MORRIS COUNTY — Senators Joe Pennacchio and Bob Singer condemned the terrorist attacks launched by Hamas into Israel over the weekend and called on New Jersey legislators to immediately return to Trenton to pass a resolution supporting Israel and the Jewish people.

“Israel is the home for all Jewish people throughout the world. It breaks my heart to see the senseless violence that has erupted in Israel after visiting the country just a few weeks ago. We must condemn the unjust violence against Israel and offer our unwavering support for our Jewish communities during this difficult time,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The atrocities being committed by Hamas Terrorists against innocent women and children are horrible. Everyone has a right to exist in peace. The Senate should return to Trenton immediately to pass a resolution to show that we stand in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People.”

Senator Pennacchio and Senator Singer announced that they would be drafting a resolution that shows support for Israel in the wake of ongoing terrorist attacks in the Middle Eastern nation.

“As the representative for the largest Jewish community in the State, I find the terrorist attacks in Israel to be incredibly abhorrent. The Jewish community deserves the Legislature’s unwavering support in the wake of this horrific violence,” said Singer (R-30). “My heart breaks for the families impacted by this global atrocity. It is necessary now, more than ever, for the Legislature to stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities. The Senate must reconvene in Trenton to pass our resolution and condemn Hamas for their violence against Israel.”