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.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Lions Club, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a community blood drive on Saturday, December 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany.

With blood needed every two seconds in the United States, each donation has the potential to save up to three lives. Organizers emphasize the critical message: blood cannot be manufactured — it can only be donated.

The event is by appointment only. Donors can register at bit.ly/DonateBlood2025 or by scanning the QR code provided. Once registered, participants can select a convenient time slot.

“This blood drive is about more than just giving — it’s about saving lives,” said representatives from the Parsippany Lions Club. “Your kindness could be the reason someone gets a second chance.”

The Parsippany Lions Club has partnered with the Parsippany Library, Parsippany Leo Club, Kiwanis, and I3 Innovation Intelligence Impact to bring this vital event to the community.

Residents are encouraged to sign up early, mark their calendars, and take part in a simple yet life-changing act of service.