Morris County Appoints New Director of Communications

AREA - The Morris County Board of County Commissioners have announced the appointment of Vincent Vitale as the county’s new Director of Communications.

Mr. Vitale, who started Jan. 17, is filling a vacancy created earlier this month when former Director Brian T. Murray was officially appointed Assistant County Administrator. Mr. Murray filled a post vacated by Deena Leary, who formally took the helm as Morris County Administrator earlier this month after being name by the Commissioners this past summer as the successor to retiring Administrator John Bonanni.

Before joining Morris County, Mr. Vitale was Communications Officer for Randolph Township, where he facilitated township communications by working closely with the Randolph Township Council, township departments and committees to promote local news and events. He also was Supervisor of Broadcasting and Communications for Sussex County Community College, leading coordination for the Communications program and managing the college’s radio and TV stations.

A resolution to hire Mr. Vitale was unanimously approved by the Morris County Board of Commissioners after the administration advertised the post and then interviewed and evaluated many applicants this past fall.

Mr. Vitale earned a Master of Business Administration degree from William Paterson University in 2011. He holds under- dentials of more than 90 candidates, seeking the one that would best match the criteria that the members of the church felt were most important. The committee unanimously agreed that Pastor Cliff Acklam was that One! graduate degrees from Rutgers College in Communication and Psychology. He resides in Andover Township with his wife and two sons.

Pastor Cliff Acklam was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He attended the University of St. Andrews for a Bachelor’s in Divinity and Edinburgh for his Master of Theology. Originally ordained in the Church of Scotland, he served in the British Army as a Chaplain and several churches in Scotland.

Media outlets who need information about Morris County programs or event may contact Mr. Vitale at: vvitale@co.morris.nj.us or by calling 973-2856015.

Grow It Green’s Annual Spring Fundraiser

AREA - Did you know that Morristown is home to an urban farm that has donated up to 30,000 pounds of annual fresh produce to those in need, educated thousands of local students and new farmers, and offers fresh produce throughout the year with a Winter Market and seasonal farm stand?

Grow It Green Morristown now in its 14th year, continues to promote health and strengthen our diverse community through urban agriculture, extensive education offerings, and equitable food access. Each year, the organization holds one major fundraiser to support its programs. This year’s Spring into Action fundraiser will be on Monday, May 1 at 5:30 pm at Glenbrook Brewery in Morristown.

Tickets are $85. Guests will enjoy a casual evening with light fare, including tastes from the Urban Farm and a custom ice cream flavor donated by Beenie’s; seasoned petite maize popcorn from Madison Park Foods, an exclusive Glenbrook beer; and an eco-friendly wine tasting, courtesy of Cambridge Wines. Also included - a swag bag, music from the team at DJ Chelli, and a collection of tricky tray baskets. The event will also include a virtual Silent Auction with fantastic getaways, golf outings, Mansion in May tickets, and more. You can even bid to name one of the famous Urban Farm chickens! Sponsorships and ads are also available to help support our programs - email kathy@ growitgreenmorristown.org

“Growing and distributing sustainable, fresh food to thousands of local residents is a super power, one made possible by events like our Spring into Action fundraiser. With the state of our world today, there’s never been a more important time to collectively join together in this mission,” said Lisa Alexander, Executive Director.

For ticket sales: growitgreenmorristown.org. Can’t make the event? Register for free to visit the Silent Auction and provide some support.

Pastor Cliff moved to the U.S. in 2018 and had been serving a church in New York state until recently. He transferred to the Presbytery of the Highlands of New Jersey in early January.

Pastor Cliff is married to Maxine, and they have one daughter in college and three small children the aged 3, 5 and 6. After a few short weeks at UPC, Pastor Cliff is enjoying his new calling as he gets to know congregation members and seeks to become involved in the community. His passion for scripture enables him to make it relatable to today’s world and the day-to-day life we lead. His sense of humor and outgoing, warm, caring personality are receiving praise from the welcoming and friendly, multi-generational congregation.

If you are looking for a church family, please consider coming to meet Pastor Cliff and the rest of the congregation. Join us at worship at 10 AM then join us for coffee hour afterwards. You can also find us on Facebook, where the service is livestreamed every Sunday.

BY RICHARD MABEY JR.

AREA - There are moments in our life, which leave a deep mark upon your heart, mind and soul, that they are simply not to be forgotten. Such a sacred moment came on a Saturday morning, in the middle of June of 1968. I was 14 years old and had just completed my freshman year at Boonton High School.

Dad and I were eating breakfast at the kitchen table at the old Mabey Homestead. Mom and my sister, Patti, had left earlier to visit Mom’s mother in Boonton. Dad and I sat at the kitchen table eating Wheaties cereal and