MORRIS COUNTY — Nine communication students from County College of Morris (CCM) recently travelled to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia to take part in the Business of Sports Media and Marketing night, hosted by the Phillies and Temple University’s Fox School of Business.

The students’ participation in the event was part of CCM’s growing initiative to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, including networking and hands-on experiences, internships and apprenticeships.

The night began with a moderated question and answer session that featured executives from the Phillies, NBC Sports, NBC10 and Telemundo62. Phillies pitcher, David Robertson, also made an appearance to discuss his college and major league experience. The floor was then open to the audience, and two CCM students took the opportunity to ask questions.

After introducing himself, Christian Didea, of Chester, asked Robertson what his experience was like pitching for the Phillies after having played for the Yankees for six years. Didea was able to interview the pitcher in a professional setting, exercising the skills he has learned in class.

Lloyd Wilson, of East Orange, directed a question to the panel, asking for advice for aspiring sports commentators. After the session was over, Michael Harris, vice president of Marketing and New Media for the Phillies, talked with Wilson about Wilson’s CCM-sports talk show, “Lounging with Lloyd.” Harris then offered to watch the show and provide Wilson with some advice for future episodes.

“It was a huge honor to be a part of the Business of Sports Media and Marketing night,” Wilson said. “Being able to share my information with Mr. Harris was a moment I will never forget, and I plan on networking with the organization in the future.”

Seven of the students on the fieldtrip were part of CCM’s Sports Journalism course –anew communication class, taught by Professor John Soltes, that teaches students how to report, write and edit sports-centered journalism articles.

During the networking hour, students were also able to hold the Phillies 1980 and 2008 World Series trophies, take a picture with Gary “Sarge” Matthews – the 1983 National League Championship Series MVP and Phillies Ambassador – and meet with personnel from various departments such as those who spearhead the Phillies intern program. After the networking session was finished, the students were able to watch the Phillies play against the New York Mets.

The Sports Journalism course will be offered again during the 2019-2020 academic year. To learn more about the Communication Program at CCM by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY  — The Layups 4 Life organization will be hosting its’ 5th Annual 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament on Saturday, April 27, starting at 9:30 a.m., at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.  This is a fun event that helps raise funds for the fight against cancer.

It is open to teams of players ages 18 and up.

Since 2014 Layups 4 Life has raised over $76,000 for cancer research and clinical trials supporting one of the leaders in cancer research and innovation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Led by cancer survivor Dan Exter and his wife, Dana Levine Exter, Layups 4 Life organizes one of the largest annual 3v3 charity basketball tournaments in New Jersey.

For more information on the tournament or to register your team, Click Here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Retirees Education Association will hold its May meeting and luncheon on Wednesday, May 8 at The Birchwood Manor, 111 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.

The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. to be followed by the luncheon at noon.

The cost for members is $30.00 and guests is $35.00. The Association will also have elections for new officers at this meeting. Speaker will be Jamie Novak, author and humorist, to discuss downsizing.

Donations to the Interfaith Food Pantry, either food or monetary, will be collected at the meeting. For reservations call (973) 818-1353. For additional information click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County School of Technology’s Learning Center, located in Denville, has  openings for preschool children to register for the morning session for the Fall 2019.

The morning program runs Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. School is in session from the end of September to the middle of June.The Learning Center is an on-site preschool program taught by students in the Academy for Education and Learning and supervised by two certified teachers. Lesson plans are developed using the New Jersey Department of Education’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and address a plethora of topics, which infuse mathematics, literacy, language, social studies, and science concepts. Fine and gross motor skills are developed through a variety of daily activities.

Children must be three years old by October 1, 2019 and residents of Morris County. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Tuition for the year is $1,425, which is broken into four equal payments. The first payment is non-refundable and due at the time of enrollment to secure a spot.

For more information on how to enroll a child in The Learning Center please call (973) 627-4600 ext. 276 and leave a message or click here. You can also download an application by clicking here.

The Morris County Vocational School District is a countywide public school district that provides vocational and technical education to public high school students in Morris County. This school prepares high school students for future careers, through its academy programs, each focusing on a particular trade as well as an advanced college preparatory program. Students apply to one of the 13 different academies in a process that starts with an application in 8th grade. The highly competitive process begins with a general admissions test and is followed by group interviews on an academy basis. The school has an overall acceptance rate of 30%.

The four-year academies focus on health-care science; visual and performing arts; education and learning; computer science; digital design; culinary arts; construction arts; finance and international business; animal science; math, science and engineering; law and public safety; and sports medicine. Several academies are located within area high schools and also partner with County College of Morris.

The school district also offers high school juniors entrance into the share-time and technical education programs, which allow students to attend their own high school for a half day. Students apply in 10th grade. Those programs include allied health; auto body and collision repair; auto service technology; carpentry; cosmetology; culinary arts and hospitality; cyber security and information protection; electrical trades; engineering, design and advanced manufacturing, fundamentals of building and grounds maintenance; fundamentals of food service; horticulture and landscape design; machining and welding technologies; and plumbing and pipe fitting.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Sierra Club Loantaka Group will hold an information session on the N.J. Clean Energy Program from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 at Library of The Chathams, 214 Main Street, Chatham.

A representative will come and speak about clean energy, solar options and financial incentives available to state residents, businesses and local governments to create a greener New Jersey.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected].

Loantaka Group covers Morris and Union Counties except for Elizabeth and Hillside, plus Livingston, Millburn, Roseland, Bernardsville and Basking Ridge.