Women's History Month, Changemaker Honored

The Morris County Board of Commissioners continued to recognize Women’s History Month on Wednesday by publicly honoring this year’s “Seeds of Change Award” winner Alice Cutler and bestowing a proclamation to the Morris County Advisory Committee on Women. Committee Vice Chair Joanne Bjornson accepted the proclamation from Commissioner Director John Krickus.

2023 Morris County Budget Adopted

The Morris County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2023 Budget this week with no increase in the tax rate. Key highlights include investments in public safety, infrastructure and economic development, including human services, education and training. This year’s fund balance also grew by $2.8 million, bringing it to $60.7 million, to safeguard against unforeseeable economic changes and help ensure Morris County maintains the AAA Bond rating it has held for 47 years..

Grant to Fund Road Safety Work

Morris County will receive $3 million in federal funds for recommended safety improvements which will include design considerations for a roundabout, a pedestrian-activated rapid flashing beacon and high-visibility crosswalks at five intersections within Mendham Township, Mendham Borough and Dover. The grant is being provided by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, and public input will be elicited as the projects proceed.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 29 is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity as March 29, 1973 was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and also the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war. Learn more about Morris County's ongoing tribute to Vietnam War veterans.

Morris County Public Meetings:

April 6

— MAPS Citizen Advisory Committee

— Advisory Council on Aging Disabilities & Veterans

April 13

— Commissioners Work Session (5 p.m.)

— Commissioners Public Meeting

— Mental Health Addictions Services Advisory Board

— Housing Authority

— County Agriculture Development Board

Check municipal websites for town meetings.

Plan Ahead for Passports

If you plan to travel internationally this summer, now is a great time to make an appointment for your passport at Morris County Clerk’s Office. Plan ahead to avoid the $60 expedited fee. Get your photo taken at the office for a fee. Read the details: Some walk-in and evening appointments are available, and only cash, check or money orders are accepted.

State Grants to Fund Start Ups, Partnerships, Historic Rehabs

The Business.nj.gov Facebook page lists grants for tech startups, fleet upgrades to zero-emission vehicles, financing, and other assistance and incentives.

— Tax Credits for Historic Rehab, due 4/3

— Faith and Community-Based Org. funding, due 4/20

— Innovation economy start ups, due 5/15

— Free E-marketing for qualified restaurants, retail, personal care businesses

— Morris County Partners in Economic Development Awards, 4/14

— Morris Chamber events calendar

Update Paperwork to Keep NJFamilyCare/Medicaid Coverage

NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid wants everyone to keep your health insurance. If you get mail from NJFamilyCare or the Morris County Department of Human Service requesting information, respond right away to avoid a gap in health coverage. If you or someone you know has NJ FamilyCare coverage, help raise awareness about the "unwinding," which begins April 1. New rules require members to renew their coverage each year.

— Medicaid redetermination webinar for people with developmental disabilities, 3/25

Learn to Manage Your Money at the County Library's Free Classes

Morris County Library's Your Money Matters series teaches financial management:

— Spending, Saving and Budgeting, free, in person, 3/28. Identify financial goals, make a budget for spending, saving and borrowing.

— Five Money Questions for Women, free, in person, 4/25

— State Library Program Recap: Five Money Questions for Women

Get Help with Tax Prep

AARP's Morris County Tax-Aide program provides totally free tax preparation services. Have your taxes prepared for free by IRS certified volunteers at various locations in Morris County, NJ. The service is available to any age or income level.

— United Way of Northern New Jersey offers low- and moderate-income families and individuals three ways to file their state and federal tax returns for free.

Choose Child Care Options

Spots are still open for Morris County Parks Summer Camps, including ice skating, nature, adventure and swim camps, historic sites, the farm, gardening, art and golf.

— 4-H Day Camp at Rutgers Gardens

— 4-H Overnight Camp at L.G. Cook

— Child and Family Resources

— Head Start of Morris County

— Shakespeare Theatre of NJ camps

— METC plans summer creator camps

Check our list of museums and performing arts orgs for more opportunities for youth.

The Hit Men Meet Morristown

Relive rock’s greatest hits on March 25 with The Hit Men. These five musicians have shared the stage with Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Wings, Alan Parsons, Billy Joel, Sting, Elton John, Journey, The Who and Cream. 

— NJ Ballet presents "Once Upon A Time," 3/26

— Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, 3/30

— An Evening With Leslie Odom, Jr., 3/31

— View all upcoming shows.

Historic Trains For Youngsters; Aviation Program for Teens

All Aboard for the Easter Bunny Express! Get your tickets for the historic train ride in Whippany, from March 26-April 8.

— Morris County's Civil Air Patrol wing will hold an open house for teens interested in aviation and aeronautics on March 29. Military aspirations are not required.

— Lake Hopatcong student art contest, entries due on 5/1

High School Students: Make a Date for Free Prom Attire

Table of Hope, a Spring Street Community Development Corporation program, is throwing Prom Free-Tique (Fb), a free boutique offering prom attire for both ladies and men on March 25 in Morristown. Everything is free: Dresses, shoes and accessories for girls and formalwear for the guys. Many items are new with tags. All are welcome, but registration for an appointment is required. Guest speakers include program director Michele Oswald and a Cosmopolitan magazine rep.

Atrium Gallery Welcomes Juried Student Art Show on March 30

The Blackwell Street Juried Student Exhibit returns with four floors of artwork marking the talent of these young creators. Join the reception on March 30 at the Morris County Administration and Records Building. Don't miss the purple hippo.

— CCM Student Art Show, Morristown, opening reception 3/29

— 'Each One Teach One: Preserving Legacy in Perpetuity,' Morris Museum

— 'Color is Joyful,' Morris Arts Building, Morristown

— "Booked 17: Roots," Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison, thru 3/30

— Cuban-American artist Edel Rodriguez, CCM gallery, thru 4/6

— Fresh Perspectives juried high school show at Morris Museum, thru 5/14

— Shakespeare Theatre of NJ Book Club: “Power & Desire vs Truth & Honor,” 4/12

Fun for a Cause: Galas, Authors, Conversations and a Trip to the Zoo

— Employment Horizons, A Taste of Spring with Ninety Acres Culinary Center Chef, 4/12

— Interfaith Food Pantry, Sustaining Hope Gala, 4/21

— JWBS: Safety, Support, Solutions for Abuse, Grand Tastings Gala, 4/24

— Roots and Wings, Author talk with Emi Nietfeld on her book "Acceptance," 4/26

— The 200 Club of Morris County, Valor and Meritorious Award Winners dinner, 4/26

— Morris Arts' Great Conversations, book early for best selection of hosts, 4/26

Grow It Green, Spring into Action, 5/1

— NewBridge Services Legacy of Hope Gala, 5/11

— Center for Family Services, Golf at Laurel Creek Country Club, 6/5

— CASA, advocates for children in the court system due to neglect, Turtleback Zoo, 6/10

Visit a National Park in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to 11 National Parks either in whole or part, from the Appalachian Trail to the Lower Delaware River. Nearby, visit Morristown and Thomas Edison National Historical Parks, Ellis Island, Gateway National Recreation Area, Paterson Great Falls and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.