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Celebrating Art and Community at the 16th Annual Morris County Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Art Show and Awards Ceremony

October 30, 2023 brought rays of joy and sunshine as we witnessed the return of Norwescap’s 16th Annual Morris County Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Art Show and Awards Ceremony. Following past year’s challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, it was heartwarming to see individuals coming together once again to celebrate the extraordinary talents of our artists. This year’s event, hosted at the Marion E. Sally Building on Clyde Potts Drive in Morristown, offered a vast representation of creativity from 21 different artists. This wonderful event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of The Morris County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and Norwescap. 

Behind the scenes, there was a dedicated team from Norwescap who worked tirelessly to make this event a reality. Led by Lanet Rivera MSW, the Program Director for Norwescap’s AmeriCorps Seniors Program, and her exceptional team, including Walter Zemlanicky, Cheryl Walters, Lisa Pino, and Pat Gold, with the newest addition of Rochelle Ostenfeld, they ensured that every detail was well-planned and executed to perfection. 

The art pieces showcased at the event were truly remarkable, a testament to the tremendous talent present in Morris County. The show featured five different categories for art submissions: Acrylic Painting, Photography, Mixed Media, Watercolor, and Drawing. In each category, winners were selected for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and they received not only a satin ribbon but also generous gift bundles of art supplies to fuel their creative endeavors. 

The judges for the event were Xavier Powell, owner of operations and curation for Gallery X in West Palm Beach, Florida; Dr. Edward Ramirez, Chief Program Officer of Norwescap; and Rochelle Ostenfeld, Norwescap’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Manager. These experts had the challenging task of choosing the winners, and their thoughtful deliberation resulted in deserving recognition for some truly outstanding artists.

  

The Awards Ceremony was the highlight of the event, featuring heartwarming speeches and acknowledgments. Mark Valli, CEO of Norwescap, took the stage to express his gratitude and appreciation. He recognized Lanet Rivera for her tireless efforts in planning the event and acknowledged esteemed guests including Deborah Smith, County Commissioner of Morris County, Vincent Vitale, Director of Communications of Morris County, and Mary Dougherty, the First Lady of Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty’s office. 

Pink It Out With Norwescap:  

Show your solidarity and commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer by participating in “Pink It Out With Norwescap” on October 24. Simply wear pink, decorate your space, or even dress up your family pet in pink. Be a visible advocate for cancer education and early detection, emphasizing that Norwescap provides these crucial services. All of our staff are putting out their best “Pink It Out” energies and Norwescap will be posting that on our social media channels, so be sure to connect with us and check it out this month here: INSERT ALL THE SOCIAL CHANNEL LINKS.  You are also invited to participate by posting your “Pink It Out With Norwescap” photos on social media. Be sure to tag Norwescap and use the hashtag: #onenorwescap!  

If you’re interested in purchasing your own PINK Norwescap gear, you can show your Norwescap pride and support by shopping here: INSERT MOXIE STORE LINK HERE. These limited-edition pink items are ONLY available this month! 

Understanding Breast Cancer:  

Breast cancer is a concerning health issue. Approximately 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Here are some additional steps to help reduce your risk of breast cancer: 

  1. Getting Regular Screenings: Annual mammograms for women over 40 can detect cancer at its earliest stages. 
  1. Self-Exams: Learn self-breast exams and report any changes to your healthcare provider. 
  1. Knowing Your Family History: Understand your family’s cancer history, as genetics can play a role. 

Norwescap’s Commitment to You:  

Know that Norwescap has a rich history working with Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED) programs. We’re here for you, ready to help and serve. Reach out to us if you need support or information related to cancer. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to support you on your journey to well-being. Together, let’s prioritize prevention and ensure a healthier future for our community. 

Cancer Education and Prevention:  

We’re committed to raising awareness about cancer education and prevention. Here are three science-based steps anyone can take to reduce their overall cancer risk: 

  1. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and manage a healthy weight to lower your cancer risk. 
  1. Regular Screenings: Annual check-ups, including mammograms, are essential for early cancer detection. 
  1. Tobacco and Alcohol: Limit or avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption, as they are linked to an increased cancer risk. 

by Dawn Hartfelder – updated 10/13/2023