PARSIPPANY — St. Andrew Lutheran Church and St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will host their annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m.

The event will take place on the front grounds of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, located at 335 Reynolds Avenue. Community members are invited to bring their pets of all shapes and sizes to receive a special blessing.

“All animals are welcome—whether furry, feathered, or scaled,” organizers shared. The Blessing of the Animals tradition celebrates the bond between people and their pets while honoring St. Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint of animals.

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with St. Andrew Lutheran Church at (973) 887-6713 / [email protected] or St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church at (973) 887-5879 / [email protected]

New York City welcomes tens of millions of visitors yearly, but accidents can happen during your stay. Your dream vacation might turn stressful after a taxicab accident, a trip on a broken sidewalk, or a slip and fall at your hotel.

Legal rights protect you when accidents occur while exploring the city’s bustling streets or cultural landmarks. You can file a lawsuit against the responsible party even if you live outside the city or country. This protection extends to tourists injured anywhere from the Hudson Valley to New York’s popular attractions.

What to Do Immediately After Getting Injured in NYC

Quick action is vital if you get into an accident during your NYC trip. Seek medical attention right away – your injuries might seem minor at first glance. Some health issues like concussions or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms immediately. The nearest emergency room or urgent care facility should check you out properly. Keep in mind that NYC hospitals provide emergency care whatever your immigration status or knowing how to pay.

After getting medical help, make sure to report the incident to the right authorities. Traffic accidents need a police report – just call 911. Let the manager or property owner know right away if you get hurt at a hotel, store, or restaurant. The MTA or relevant city agency needs to know about any accidents that happen on public transit.

On top of that, you need to document everything really well. Get clear photos and videos that show the accident scene, dangerous conditions, and your visible injuries. Get contact details from anyone who saw what happened. Your medical paperwork matters most – keep all bills, prescriptions, and treatment records.

Your chances of getting compensation get better if you act fast after getting hurt while visiting New York. Leaving town without reporting injuries or getting medical care can hurt your chances by a lot to receive compensation for damages from your trip.

How to Document Your Injury and the Scene

Good documentation is vital evidence when you need to file a claim after getting injured in New York. Get medical help first, then focus on gathering a complete record of the whole ordeal.

Photograph everything. Take multiple photos of the accident scene with your smartphone from different angles. Get wide shots to show context and close-ups for details. Take pictures of any dangerous conditions like cracked sidewalks, wet floors, or poor lighting that led to your injury. Document your visible injuries and take photos as they change over time.

Collect witness information right away. Ask people who saw what happened for their names and contact details. Their independent accounts can prove your version of events. Their testimonies often provide viewpoints you might have missed.

Preserve all documentation about your injury. Save every medical record, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans. Keep track of all your expenses – medical bills, medications, transportation costs, and any changes to your travel plans because of the injury.

Note that evidence doesn’t last long. Skid marks disappear, hazards get fixed, and witnesses move on. Quick action to document everything creates a strong foundation for your potential claim. This is especially important since New York has a three-year statute of limitations for most injury claims.

Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Tourist

New York law protects every visitor’s rights after an injury, whatever you call home. Non-residents hurt while visiting New York have similar legal rights to seek compensation as local residents.

Time limits matter when taking legal action. You have 3 years from your accident date to file a personal injury claim. Claims with government entities like the MTA or injuries on public property need special attention. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and submit a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days.

New York’s pure comparative negligence rule means you can get compensation even if you were in part responsible for your accident. Your compensation will be reduced based on your share of responsibility.

Good news for tourists – you don’t need to come back to New York to pursue your case[131]. A skilled NYC attorney can handle most of the work remotely. This includes paperwork, interviews, and court hearings.

Your compensation could cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. International visitors have the same rights – your immigration status won’t affect your ability to seek damages.

A local attorney’s early guidance will help you meet vital deadlines while evidence stays fresh.

Conclusion

Getting injured during your NYC trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re away from home. The legal protections for tourists are strong and available. Quick action after an accident substantially strengthens your case. Getting immediate medical care protects your health and creates an official record of your injuries.

Proper documentation is a vital part of your case. Photos, witness statements, and medical records create a complete picture of the incident and its impact on you. This evidence becomes especially valuable as memories start to fade over time.

Note that being far from New York won’t stop you from seeking justice. You can handle most personal injury claims without coming back to the city. However, you need to watch out for key deadlines – particularly the strict 90-day window for claims against government entities.

You deserve fair compensation if you got hurt from a broken sidewalk, had an accident in a taxi, or suffered an injury at a tourist spot. An injury might disrupt your vacation plans, but taking the right steps in the first 24 hours protects your rights and helps you recover – both physically and financially. A skilled NYC attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and getting back home safely.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) is featuring a retrospective exhibition honoring long-time CCM Professor Keith Smith, an acclaimed educator, artist, author and poet. The exhibit is on view now through Tuesday, November 4, in the CCM Gallery, located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center. As Smith celebrates 30 years of teaching at CCM, the community is invited to experience his expansive body of work, which includes ink, paint, collage, photography, video, poetry and electrostatic media. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with wine and light refreshments served. 

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of an artist whose work has been featured at leading institutions, including The Museum of Modern Art (NYC), The Smithsonian Institute (Washington, D.C.), The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. His art is represented in major collections nationwide and has been featured in numerous publications and media, including Choices in Healing (MIT Press), Creative Healing (Harper), Animals As Teachers and Healers (New Sage Press), Arts Alive (PBS) and New Morning (Hallmark Channel). 

“Art is the language I use to understand the world, to question it, and to reflect the human experience,” said Smith. “This exhibition is not just a look back—it’s a map of the journey.” 

At CCM, Smith has shaped generations of students, having served as professor of Art, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and chairperson of the Art and Design Department. He also played a key role in designing the CCM Gallery, a non-profit exhibition space on campus serving a vast group of established and emerging artists. 

Smith holds BFA and MFA degrees from the California College of the Arts. He is the author of “Mourning Sickness: The Art of Grieving” and recipient of numerous awards, including a Ford Foundation Fellowship, Gold Medals in Painting and Drawing at the California State Exposition and a National Merit Award in Experimental Media from the American Film Institute and Sony Corporation. 

The CCM Gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on the college’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

To explore CCM’s associate degree programs in the creative arts, click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM), named the #1 community college in New Jersey by SmartAsset’s 2025 study of the Best Community Colleges in the U.S., is enrolling students for its Fall 2025 Late 7-week session, with classes beginning Thursday, October 23. This affordable, accelerated session allows students to earn college credits in just seven weeks, compared to the traditional 15-week semester. It is an ideal opportunity for first-time students looking to start college this fall, for those who missed the traditional semester start date, or anyone interested in exploring a new subject area quickly and efficiently. 

With nearly 100 courses offered in the Late 7-week session, students can choose from a wide range of subjects. Over 50% will be accessible online through CCM’s Virtual Campus, providing flexibility for today’s students who are often balancing academics with work or personal commitments. Additionally, many CCM courses are transferable to four-year colleges and universities, making CCM an ideal option for students seeking to fast-track their education while minimizing a financial burden. 

CCM offers one of the best ROIs among community colleges and continues to be a leader in affordable, high-quality education. The Fall Late 7-week session provides a great opportunity for students to learn a new skill or stay on track for timely graduation, while earning credits quickly. With CCM’s wide range of offerings that meet industry demand, students can earn big while saving big, ensuring a pathway to success without the financial strain. 

Emerge Confident in 2026

By enrolling at CCM now, students will be well prepared to continue learning this Winterim 2026 Semester. Winterim courses begin on December 22 and are offered online in a condensed four-week format, providing a great way to lighten a future semester’s course load. Registration for Winterim opens on Monday, November 3.  

CCM currently offers more than 100 academic programs, including associate degrees, industry-recognized certificates, and professional development opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.ccm.edu/get-started/. To apply for admission, contact CCM’s Admissions Office at 973-328-5100 or visit www.ccm.edu/admissions/. 

PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold its first meeting of the new club year on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The gathering will take place at the Parsippany Library, located at 449 Halsey Road.

The September general meeting invites members and prospective members to come together to connect, inspire, and grow as the club launches another year of community service and fellowship. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about upcoming initiatives and projects while building friendships and partnerships that strengthen the Parsippany community.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, part of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, has a long tradition of service, supporting both local and statewide causes through fundraising, volunteer work, and community engagement.

Residents interested in learning more about the club or becoming involved are encouraged to attend the meeting.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany United Methodist Church will hold its annual “Blessing of the Animals” service on Sunday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place at the church, located at 903 South Beverwyck Road.

Community members are invited to bring their pets—whether furry, feathered, or scaly—for a special blessing. The tradition celebrates the bond between people and their animals, recognizing the joy and companionship pets bring to families.

All are welcome to attend this family-friendly service, which has become a cherished tradition for pet owners across the township.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey homeowners and renters under the age of 65 are being reminded that applications for the 2025 ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program are now available. For those who did not receive a mailed application, the filing deadline is October 31, 2025.

Under the program, homeowners who earned up to $150,000 in 2024 are eligible for a benefit of $1,750, while those with income between $150,001 and $250,000 can qualify for $1,250. Renters age 64 and younger who earned less than $150,000 are eligible for $450 in relief. Renters 65 and older may qualify for a $700 benefit.

Payments will begin on a rolling basis starting September 15, with funds typically arriving within 90 days of filing. Applicants filing online may choose between direct deposit or paper checks, while paper applications will result in a mailed check only.

For more information, application forms, and filing instructions, visit the NJ Division of Taxation’s ANCHOR webpage by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio and the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, in partnership with Morris County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), will host a Presentation on Medicare Open Enrollment on Wednesday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m. at the Parsippany Senior Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha (Boonton if using GPS).

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. The session will review Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans, offering guidance to residents as they prepare to make decisions for their 2026 Medicare Health Insurance coverage.

The program will also provide details on NJ SAVE, an initiative designed to help eligible individuals reduce the cost of premiums, prescription drugs, and everyday living expenses.

Registration is required to attend. Interested residents can sign up in the Office on Aging or call (973) 263-7351 for more information.

This event is made possible through the support of NORWESCAP and AmeriCorps Seniors, both committed to serving the community.

PARSIPPANY — Residents will once again have the opportunity to securely dispose of personal and confidential documents during the upcoming Free Shred-It Event scheduled for Saturday, October 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Two shredding trucks will be on site, providing ample capacity for participants. There is no weight limit, making it easy for residents to safely discard sensitive papers, financial records, and other documents that should not be placed in household recycling.

The free community service is designed to help protect against identity theft while promoting environmentally responsible disposal. All shredded material will be properly recycled.

PARSIPPANY — Each year, the Township of Parsippany–Troy Hills recognizes an outstanding resident with the prestigious Senior Citizen of the Year award. This honor celebrates an individual who has gone above and beyond in giving back to the community through service, leadership, and example.

Nominations for the 2025 award are now officially open. Community members are encouraged to submit candidates who embody the spirit of volunteerism and have made a lasting impact in Parsippany.

“Parsippany is fortunate to have so many senior residents who dedicate their time and talents to making our township a better place,” said Mayor James Barberio. “This award allows us to shine a light on their efforts and thank them publicly for all they do.”

Applications can be completed online by clicking here. All nominations will be reviewed by the township’s selection committee, with the award to be presented at an upcoming Township Council meeting.

Residents are encouraged to act quickly and submit their nominations before the deadline to ensure their candidate is considered for this special honor.

Cancers such as breast, lung, prostate, or colorectal dominate headlines, receive the lion’s share of research funding, and are usually the focus of major awareness campaigns. Yet, behind the spotlight lies another group of diseases that are just as devastating: rare cancers.

As we move further into 2025, the conversation about cancer must expand to include these overlooked conditions. Rare cancers account for about one in every five cancer diagnoses, yet patients frequently face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and a lack of support resources because of their rarity. From a public health standpoint, it’s clear that rare cancers deserve far more attention than they currently receive. Let’s look further into this.

What Defines Rare Cancer?

33A rare cancer is generally defined as one that affects fewer than six people per 100,000 annually. While each rare cancer may only impact a small population, collectively they represent a significant burden. In fact, they make up nearly 25% of all cancer cases worldwide.

This category includes hundreds of different diseases, ranging from rare forms of leukemia to unusual solid tumors. Conditions like sarcomas, adrenal cancers, and certain brain tumors fall under this umbrella, too. One striking example is malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen. Due to its rarity and vague early symptoms, it is often diagnosed at advanced stages, making it more difficult to treat effectively.

The Challenges Patients Face

Patients diagnosed with rare cancers often describe their journey as lonely and frustrating. Unlike common cancers, there is limited medical literature and fewer clinical guidelines to follow. Doctors may only encounter one or two cases of a particular rare cancer in their entire career, which can contribute to misdiagnoses or delays in treatment.

In addition, there is not much research funding for rare cancers. Pharmaceuticals engage just as rarely because they’re less likely to invest in a drug that develops a condition in fewer than a few thousand patients. That’s why innovative treatments that could make a real difference are often slow to reach the people who need them most.

Why Awareness Matters

Awareness campaigns for common cancers, such as the pink ribbons for breast cancer or the “Movember” movement for prostate cancer, have proven how public engagement can drive real change. They’ve led to earlier screenings, stronger research investments, and more widespread education.

While rare cancers are detected way less, they still account for nearly a quarter of cases worldwide. Ignoring them means neglecting millions of patients. Many such conditions have vague symptoms like abdominal pain or fatigue. Patients with cancers such as Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs) may often be misdiagnosed for irritable bowel syndrome or stress because of the difficult-to-distinguish symptoms, such as diarrhea or unexplained weight loss. Greater awareness among both patients, healthcare providers, and researchers could result in early detection, shorten the time to diagnosis, and lead to better survival rates.

Funding Gap

There also persists a huge funding gap among different types of cancers. Breast cancer, globally acknowledged, received $2.7 billion in funding between 2016 and 2020. However, ovarian cancer had the highest percentage of active grants, with 18.7% of the total rare cancer-focused grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

However, this still represented a small portion of overall cancer funding. This is why education campaigns must go beyond just the public and include medical professionals. General practitioners, who are often the first point of contact, should be aware of red flags that might indicate rare cancers.

Endnote

The challenge is clear. Cancer cannot remain in the shadows, whether rare or common. Policymakers must allocate more resources to research, healthcare systems must ensure access to specialized care, and the public must rally behind awareness efforts: every story, every campaign, and every scientific breakthrough matters. With collective attention, the outlook for patients with rare cancers can improve.