Freeholders’ Seek Public’s Help to Create a New County Government Strategic Plan

Frank L. Cahill
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Freeholders’ Seek Public’s Help to Create a New County Government Strategic Plan

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders is creating a new Morris County Strategic Plan to identify key priorities and guiding principles for county government over the next decade, and we want your help in determining priorities.

County leaders want to know about the issues that are important to residents in all 39 Morris County towns and are offering two ways for you to contribute to the discussion:

  • COME OUT: Attend a public forum on Wednesday, November 29 at the Morris County Public Library located at 30 East Hanover Avenue in the Whippany section of Hanover Township any time between 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • SPEAK OUT: Fill out an online survey and share this link with your family, neighbors, and friends so that they can do the same. Click here to go to survey.
Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers

“Morris County has long been one of the best places in America to live, work and raise a family. It would be easy to become a bit complacent and assume that our good fortune will just continue,’’ said Freeholder Christine Myers, who is spearheading the Strategic Master Plan effort.

“Just as you have to prepare for a changing future at home and in your business lives, we in county government also have to plan for a changing future and then execute a new plan,’’ Freeholder Myers added.

The Strategic Plan process will thoroughly review all aspects of county government and its connections to our residents, local governments, nonprofits, and the education and business communities.

After all of the data has been analyzed, thoroughly reviewed and discussed, the steering committee and freeholders will create a priority list of strategic initiatives that will be implemented in the coming years.

Douglas R. Cabana, Freeholder Director

The goal is to ensure a bright future for Morris County, to maintain our high quality of life, strengthen the county’s economic backbone, and provides our residents with services they most prefer and need.The committee also is engaging key stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, educational institutions, municipal leaders, business owners, and health care providers, to understand their needs and tap their knowledge. As a result, the Board of Freeholders has created a steering committee, comprised of private sector leaders and county, municipal and subject matter experts to help create a Strategic Plan. As a first step, the committee is reaching out to our county residents through a survey to capture your concerns, get your advice, and understand your priorities.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work together with our residents, towns, and stakeholders to shape the future that we want to pass on to the next generations,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We look forward to hearing from our residents, so please fill out the survey and attend the November 29 meeting.’’

Morris County government sealResults of the survey and key information on the Strategic Plan process will be available on the Morris County government website, at www.morriscountynj.gov, and it will be distributed through the media and other public outlets.

The Board of Freeholders in 2016 approved a strategic planning process that would develop consensus and codify those values considered most important to Morris County and its residents.

This resulted in development of a vision, mission and guiding principles document for the county, which was adopted by the freeholders:

  • Morris County will continue to be the premier place in which to live, work, and raise a family.
  • Our county will continue to build our vibrant and sustainable economy and preserve our natural resources and history.
  • We will honor our unique quality of life, assure a safe, well-maintained infrastructure and offer cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
  • We will continue to offer compassionate support to those in need and maintain our tradition as a caring community.

The Freeholder Board wants to know if you agree with this vision, and, if so, how to attain it. So please participate.

Liquid Church to pack one million holiday meals for families devastated by Hurricane Maria

Frank L. Cahill
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Liquid Church to pack one million holiday meals for families devastated by Hurricane Maria

PARSIPPANY — In an effort to serve the hungry and hurting in Hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, Liquid Church, one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches, has announced it will pack and ship a record-breaking one million holiday meals in a single weekend during the largest Christmas Outreach in its history.

“Months after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, thousands of people are still without food, water, power, and adequate shelter. The scope of the disaster is heartbreaking for families on the island, as well as their loved ones right here in New Jersey – many of whom are a part of Liquid Church,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “The damage left in the wake of this storm broke our hearts and fueled us to come alongside our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, and that’s why we set such an ambitious goal for our 2017 Christmas Outreach.”

On Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9, 4,000 volunteers will gather across seven locations, working to meet the goal of one million meals. Designed as a family event, children and parents will serve alongside each other at the Christmas Outreach, working in an “assembly line fashion” in order to pack thousands of meals in short order.

Liquid Church’s provision of one million meals will double the meal-packing achievement from last year, when 500,000 meals were packed in one day.

“It’s part of our DNA at Liquid Church to serve others here at home and around the world. We feel called to put our faith into action, and our Christmas Outreach is an incredible opportunity to show Christ’s compassion to the hungry and hurting,” added Lucas. “We’re inviting everyone in the community to join us to help us reach our big, hairy, audacious goal of one million meals and serve our neighbors-in-need in Puerto Rico!”

Liquid Church’s seven Christmas Outreach locations include Parsippany in Morris County, Nutley in Essex County, Jersey City in Hudson County, Edison in Middlesex County, Somerset in Somerset County, and Garwood and Mountainside in Union County.

The Christmas Outreach is a family-friendly event and volunteers of all ages are welcome to serve. Attendance at Liquid Church is not required. Details and volunteer registration forms are available online by clicking here.

Liquid Church is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches. Officially launched in 2007 by Lead Pastor Tim Lucas, the church’s vision and mission is to “Saturate the State with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” with six campuses in Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties. Each week, more than 3,500 people experience Liquid Church’s worship services in New Jersey and around the globe through Church Online. As part of its global outreach, Liquid provides clean drinking water to the poorest of the poor, with dozens of completed wells in several countries including El Salvador and Nicaragua – and most recently, Rwanda! Liquid Church’s innovative approaches to outreach and ministry have been spotlighted by CNN and The New York Times. For more information

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Parsippany Police Explorers Tour Metlife Stadium

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Police Explorers Tour Metlife Stadium

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Explorers were very fortunate to see what it is like to provide security for very large special events at Metlife Stadium.

The crew was greeted at the gate by Retired Chief of Detectives Morris County Prosecutor Office Joseph Devine and New Jersey State Police, Meadowlands Station Commander, Lieutenant Peter Velez.

After a very informative security briefing by Lt. Velez the Explorers they off to see the “good stuff” and explored behind the scenes of Metlife Stadium.

When you take a look at our pictures, you’ll see it’s quite evident we have more Giants fans. Sorry to the Jets and they definitely checked out their operation also. They finished the tour with a full-out charge onto the field. Enjoy the pics and if anyone wants to stop by and see the operation they will be having a holiday party and meeting on December 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at Parsippany Police Headquarters.

To be a member of the Post you have to be between 14 and 20 years old, pass a background check, and agree to strict paramilitary rules and regulations.

Members of Parsippany Police Explorers

For more information click here or email Lt. Keith Lefferts at klefferts@parpolice.com.

Exploring is a nationally recognized career education program chartered through Learning for Life and the Boy Scouts for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old. The purpose of the Parsippany Police Explorer Program is to provide information and experiences to young men and women who are interested in a possible law enforcement career. To accomplish this, PTHPD Explorer Post #131 utilizes a hands on training approach while providing curriculum and experiences that help young people mature and learn lifelong leadership skills, while establishing an awareness of the challenges of law enforcement. Post meetings are held twice per month, where Explorers practice military drill, learn about law enforcement topics, develop teamwork through problem solving, and regularly participate in community service details. Membership within the program is contingent upon the Explorer adhering to the rules and regulations found within the Parsippany Police Explorer Manual and the paramilitary organizational style approach.

Explorers Learn About:

  • Police Ethics
  • Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS)
  • MV Stops / MV Crash Diagrams
  • Domestic Violence
  • Gangs
  • K-9
  • Crimes against the person
  • Crimes against property
  • White-collar and computer crime
  • Firearms Safety / Self Defense
  • Counter Terrorism
  • Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
  • Title 39 Motor Vehicle Law
  • Radio Procedures
  • Search and Rescue
  • Fire Departments
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Office of Emergency Management

Keith J. Hawkins, Jr. honored at Eagle Court of Honor

Frank L. Cahill
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Keith J. Hawkins, Jr. honored at Eagle Court of Honor

PARSIPPANY — Today is another proud day in Parsippany as Keith J. Hawkins, Jr., received Eagle Scout during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at Celebrate the Children’s School in Denville.

The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout Award is Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons. Men who have earned it count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor. The award is more than a badge. It’s a state of being. The Eagle Scout may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, they do your best each day to make their training and example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in the troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. And to this they pledge their sacred honor.

Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Only 5% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.

Troop 72 was founded in 1954, and has been serving the boys of the Parsippany area ever since. They have scouts from all parts of Parsippany and beyond. They are sponsored by St. Peter the Apostle Church and All Saints Academy.

Ms. Brenda Sonzogni, Troop 72 Advancement Committee Chair, certified to the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America that Keith J. Hawkins, Jr., met the requirements for the rank of Eagle.

Keith earned 29 merit badges, 13 of these are required merit badges to earn Eagle. The required badges are:

  1. Camping
  2. Citizenship in the Community
  3. Citizenship in the Nation
  4. Citizenship in the World
  5. Communications
  6. Cooking
  7. Emergency Preparedness
  8. Environmental Science
  9. Family Life
  10. First Aid
  11. Personal Management
  12. Personal Fitness
  13. Swimming

Keith earned the following elective merit badges:

  1. Archery
  2. Chess
  3. Electricity
  4. Energy
  5. Fingerprinting
  6. Geology
  7. Home Repairs
  8. Indian Lore
  9. Leatherwork
  10. Metalwork
  11. Pioneering
  12. Railroading
  13. Rifle Shooting
  14. Robotics
  15. Shotgun Shooting
  16. Wood Carving

Keith also earned the following Recognitions or Trainings:
1. Den Chief Training
2. Den Chief Service Award
3. NRA Rifle Pro-Marksman
4. NRA Rifle Marksman
5. NRA Rifle Marksman First Class
6. NRA Rifle Sharpshooter
7. NRA Shotgun Pro-Marksman
8. NOA Camping Award
9. National Youth Leadership Training
10. Woodsman’s Thong

Keith had to serve actively in a troop position for a period of six months after becoming a Life Scout. He served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster after earning Life Scout.

Keith had to plan, develop and carry out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout. Keith took on the challenge of creating a Lego Therapy room for the Celebrate the Children School in Denville. The project started with painting the room and outside hallway arch. Keith organized a Lego collection effort by using communication skills learned as a scout, and by social media outreach. This led to donations by friends, neighbors and members of Troop 72. Keith also made a presentation of his project to Troop 8 in Chatham, garnering more donations. In conjunction with the sponsor, Keith helped design the room, and compiled a list of materials. These materials allowed for two large “building tables”, a set of portable tray “building tables”, and two large building areas on the wall. These are all covered with lego base plates. For storage, donated shelving was assembled, and storage cabinet refinished to a brighter color. While supervising the construction, Keith also provided direction to volunteers sorting, cleaning and drying the donated Legos. To make the room truly unique, Keith contacted an amateur artist to provide a Lego themed portrait on the back wall.

After completing this Eagle Scout Project he had to appear before a Board of Review of prominent persons and satisfy them that he had done his best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law, and in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.

Keith received special acknowledgements from Councilman Michael dePierro on behalf of the Township Council, Parsippany Rotary Club, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Assemblyman Jay Webber and Senator Joe Pennacchio; Frank Cahill, President and Karen DeChristopher, Vice President, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany; Richard Kunz on behalf of Parsippany VFW Post 10184, Marilyn Marion from Parsippany Women’s Club, Lauren Blaszak, Executive Directors of Celebrate the Children School and Executive Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Frank Cahill.

Keith is a 2017 alumni of Parsippany Hills High School and currently is attending Morris County Community College.

IN5PIRE Benefit Concert held at Parsippany High School

Frank L. Cahill
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IN5PIRE Benefit Concert held at Parsippany High School

PARSIPPANY — IN5PIRE Benefit Concert was held at Parsippany High School on Sunday, November 19. The evening was filled with music, dance and learning.

IN5PIRE is a collaborative effort lead by girls from multiple high schools to support five different organizations: Think Sharp, Surgeons of Hope, Operation Smile, StepUP and FIRMC (Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children). All proceeds were donated to the organizations.

Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Michael DePierro, Sunisha Busarajan and Shreenidhi Katikaneni and Council President Louis Valori
Sunisha Busarajan and Shreenidhi Katikaneni were representing FIMRC

FIMRC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of families in the developing world through the implementation of innovative and self-sustainable health improvement programs. Through its network of outpatient clinics and partnerships, FIMRC asserts a multidimensional strategy that includes clinical services, extensive community outreach efforts and health education programs.

FIMRC is a self-sustainable organization with project related funding provided from business operations – the Global Health Volunteer Program engages approximately 900 individuals annually who volunteer their time abroad and make a contribution in exchange for the experience FIMRC provides. Over 90% of FIMRC’s revenue is derived from our volunteer program, therefore funding our project sites across the globe.

FIMRC was founded in 2002, is incorporated in Washington, DC and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.  The FIMRC team includes over 3,000 dedicated staff and volunteers worldwide who provide the leadership and support necessary to achieve our mission of improving access to health care for children in underserved communities. For more information or to make a donation, click here.

Operation Smile was founded in 1982 when Dr. William (Bill) P. Magee, Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen (Kathy), a nurse and clinical social worker, traveled to the Philippines with a group of medical volunteers to repair children’s cleft lips and cleft palates.

What they found was overwhelming. “People pushed their babies at us.” recalls Kathy. “They tugged at our sleeves with tears in their eyes and begged us to help their children.” In Naga City, approximately 300 families arrived hoping their children would receive surgery, but the team could only treat 40 children. As they prepared to leave, the Magees made a promise they would return to help more children.

They began soliciting donations of surgical equipment and supplies from manufacturers, threw themselves into grassroots fundraising and assembled a volunteer team of 18 doctors, nurses and technicians for their own medical mission to the Philippines.  They helped approximately 100 more patients, but again, hundreds still waited. For more information or to make a donation, click here.

Thinksharp Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation started in 2011.

At Thinksharp Foundation, they believe that every child has a right for better education and that he/she should have opportunity to access what they deserve.

Thinksharp Foundation is running Project “StudyMall” – Read and Learn in various villages of Maharashtra.

Providing a progressive learning environment for the community fostering academic and non- academic talents in a dynamic competitive world.

Empower rural communities by providing infrastructure, resources and training to support and improve learning outcomes of students, professional development for teachers and school community and enhance the digital way of learning by establishing StudyMall in villages. For more information or to make a donation, click here.

The Surgeons of Hope Foundation (SoH), is a New York City, NY based nonprofit established in 2001. Our organization aims to provide every infant and child with a damaged heart an equal opportunity to receive life-saving surgery.

It is an unconscionable loss that a child dies anywhere in the world from a heart defect (congenital or acquired) due to lack of resources for proper care, when a child living in the most remote area of the U.S. or Europe with the same heart defect would be easily cured. Surgeons of Hope seeks to narrow that disparity by living up to its motto: ”It’s Not What We Bring. It’s What We Leave Behind”.

We approach the need on three key fronts by giving urgently needed care, cultivating skills in local medical teams, and constructing centers of care in developing countries. For more information or to make donations, click here.

Step Up propels girls living in or going to school in under-resourced communities to fulfill their potential by empowering them to become confident, college-bound, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of professional women. Step Up believes all girls should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Step Up is a special place where we all propel the fulfillment of potential. We take pride in our core values from which we develop our culture, our brand, and our impact strategies. For more information or to make a donation, click here.

 

 

Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting, (11/9/2017)

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Town Hall Council Regular Meeting, (11/9/2017)

This meeting was video taped in two parts. Here is part two.

Quick Police work catches shoplifter at Marshalls

Frank L. Cahill
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Quick Police work catches shoplifter at Marshalls

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Clarence DeLoatch was outside of Marshalls, 3101 Route 46, when he observed a male, identified as Gregory Calvo, 47, Union City, exit through the entrance of the store with a suitcase.

As Mr. Calvo exited the store, Officer DeLoatch observed what appeared to be an electronic security device attached to it, and also heard the audible alarm sounding inside the doorway of the store.

He then spoke to Mr. Calvo and after a brief investigation approximately $1466 worth of merchandise was found inside the suitcase. Mr. Calvo was placed under arrest and transported back to police headquarters. He was charged with one count of Third Degree Shoplifting.

He was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his initial court appearance.

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

Cluck-U employee arrested for credit card fraud

Frank L. Cahill
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Cluck-U employee arrested for credit card fraud

PARSIPPANY — The victim responded to police headquarters to speak to officers regarding credit card fraud.

After a brief investigation it was determined that the victim gave his full credit card information when he ordered from Cluck-U in Morristown.

Shortly after he became suspicious and observed a charge for $450.00 at the Parsippany Inn and Suites.

After a brief investigation by Patrol Officers James Seeger and Edward Elston, they made contact with Jose Alvarez, 31, Morristown, who is employed by Cluck-U, inside his room at the Parsippany Inn and Suites.

He was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with one count of Third Degree Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card; one count of Fourth Degree Credit Card Theft; one count of Fourth Degree Forgery; one count of Fourth Degree Identity Theft.

He was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first appearance.

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

 

Northvail Elementary announced 2017 PTA Reflections winners

Frank L. Cahill
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Northvail Elementary announced 2017 PTA Reflections winners

PARSIPPANY — Northvail Elementary announced their 2017 PTA Reflections winners whose submissions will be moving up to the County level for judging.

Reflections is a National PTA Reflections program developed in 1969 to encourage students in 12 to explore their talents and express themselves artistically based on a common theme. Each year, students in Grades Pre-K through 12 are recognized for bringing that theme to life through dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. This year the theme was “Within Reach”.

The winners of this program at the school level include the following: Mahima Bandi (Film Production), Vaibhavi Rai (Dance Choreography), Sahisnu Santhosh (Photography), Clay Fitzgerald (Music Composition), Prisha Suresh (Visual Arts), Allison Skupienski (Literature), Risha Dinesh (Visual Arts), Sejal Butala (Visual Arts), and Skylar Skupienski (Music Composition).”

Donate children’s socks, underwear and winter hats to children of domestic violence

Frank L. Cahill
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Donate children’s socks, underwear and winter hats to children of domestic violence

PARSIPPANY — Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director Young Children Priority One announced a fundraiser for Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS).

Between now and December 13 Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is seeking donations of children’s socks, underwear and winter hats for ages three to sixteen, both male and female.

IHOP, 792 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Center, and Boiling Springs Savings Bank, 66 North Beverwyck Road are drop-off locations or bring it to our breakfast meeting at 7:!5 a.m. on Thursdays, at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46.

Domestic violence or abuse is when one person controls or coerces the other in an intimate relationship. It is about power and control. Abusers choose to use physical violence or emotional battering to express anger and gain control. They are not provoked to use violence; they alone are responsible for their inappropriate and unacceptable behavior. Domestic violence is a crime and can result in the abuser being removed or restrained from the home and/or jailed.

Jersey Battered Women’s Service in Morris County is a full-service domestic violence and domestic abuse prevention agency with volunteer opportunities. The services include a 24-hour hotline; counseling; safe house; transitional living; children’s services; life skills education; vocational counseling; batterers’ intervention; legal assistance; teen dating violence services; and professional training, education and youth prevention programs.

In 1976, a small group of women in Morris County began a helpline to aid victims of domestic violence. When two of these callers were murdered by their husbands, the need for a confidential shelter became urgent.

From its grass-roots beginnings, Jersey Battered Women’s Service opened its shelter doors to the community in late December 1978. Now, JBWS is a full-service, private, nonprofit domestic violence agency.

The mission of JBWS is the prevention of domestic violence through the protection and empowerment of the victim, the rehabilitation of family members, the advocacy of social reform to prevent partner violence, and the education of the public about domestic violence and its consequences.

Their vision is to create a community-wide culture that refuses to tolerate the presence of any form of family or partner violence.

Jersey Battered Women’s Service Administrative number is (973) 267-7520 or contact their 24-Hour Helpline at (973) 267-4763.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany raises funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets Thursday mornings at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46.   We are always looking for new volunteers.  Join us for breakfast and find out about our organization. For more information, click here.

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