Compiled by Nicholas Voltaggio
Happy Halloween, Morristown!
This Oct. 31st, one thing frightens me above all else. It’s a pesky number: 55. That’s the percent of eligible voters who cast a ballot in the 2016 presidential election.
This year, for what is widely considered the most significant election in a generation, we each have an obligation to boost that number. And there’s no excuse for New Jerseyans; the state mailed out a general election ballot to all registered voters.
Vote by mail or fill out your ballot and deposit it in a designated Drop Box. If your ballot is gathering dust on your bookshelf, get to work right now! If you have questions or didn’t receive a ballot, contact our local election officials.
In 2016, 45 percent of eligible Americans did not make their voices heard. This year, let’s resolve to do better. Send those who truly reflect the interests of an engaged public to Washington, and to Trenton, and to our local school boards.
Vote “down ballot” — keep in mind those state legislative races that determine who will have a say in congressional redistricting. Thanks to universal mail-in voting, we have a unique opportunity to shatter voter turnout records and effect change at all levels of government. I can’t think of anything scarier than wasting it.
Enjoy a safe holiday.
Scroll down for details about weekend activities in Greater Morristown. Check our handy calendar for even more activities–and add your own events, too.
THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 2020:
Get your virtual passes to the Dodge Poetry Festival, which runs through Nov. 1, 2020. More than 75 poets are giving readings, performances, panel discussions and more.
Join the Morristown and Morris Township Library at 7 pm for a Virtual Author Talk with Morristown’s own Michael Aaron Rockland, as he celebrates an updated edition of The George Washington Bridge: Poetry In Steel. The new edition includes information about the infamous “Bridgegate” scandal that rocked the political career of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. An author of fiction and nonfiction works, Rockland also will discuss how he balances these two genres. Email here for the free code to the Zoom event.
At 7 pm, Jersey Club Sports presents a Halloween-themed Trivia Night in the Mayo Performing Arts Center plaza. Admission: $40 per team. At 100 South St., 973-539-8008.
FRIDAY, OCT. 30:
CANCELED: SOGGY FORECAST! Start your day with yoga at 9:30 am. The session will be in-person and socially distanced, on the side lawn of the Morristown and Morris Township Library, weather permitting. Attendees should bring their own yoga mats. The library also offers yoga classes on Monday nights.
The Folk Project takes a break from its usual Friday Acoustic Stayaway for its annual Halloween Party. At 7 pm, the virtual stage welcomes anyone with a five-minute spooky poem, story, or song to share. Prizes will be awarded for the best mask, best makeup, and best background decorations. To sign up for a slot or send in a pre-recorded video, email here. Or just log in and sing!
Morristown’s Mayo Performing Arts Center presents a 45th anniversary screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (Rated R) at 8 pm. Admission: $20; includes goodie bag. At 100 South St., 973-539-8008.
SATURDAY, OCT. 31, HALLOWEEN
The Interfaith Food Pantry will collect food for Thanksgiving from 9 am to noon behind Morristown town hall, enter parking lot from Franklin Street. Drive in with bags of food; they will be unloaded to ensure social distancing. See poster below for needed items.
Grow It Green Morristown’s summer farm stand continues, from 10 am to 2 pm, at The Urban Farm, 31 Hazel St., Morristown.
Although we won’t get to enjoy the classic Downtown Morristown Trick-or-Treat, the Morristown Partnership and the Town of Morristown are offering The Great Morristown Pumpkin Hunt. Participants receive a list of clues, guiding them to landmarks and points of interests around Morristown, where they will find numbered pumpkins. Families who submit their participation form by Nov. 2nd will be entered in prize drawings. Call (973) 455-1133 or email here.
It’s your last day to run the Super Hero Halloween Virtual Half Marathon. Run 13.1 miles on the course of your choice, and upload results today. The event is costume-optional, so feel free to suit up for your run. Prizes will go to the top three male and female finishers.
The Morristown United Methodist Church presents a Halloween organ micro-concert at 7 pm. Come hear some spooky music, including Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, as Jennifer Yang pulls out all the stops on a three-manuel Austin organ, pumping the sound out onto The Green! The show only lasts about 10 minutes, so be sure to take a walk on the Green or pull up a chair on the sidewalk at 50 Park Place. Masks and social distancing required, of course.
Fresh off the release of her EP Classic, singer Brynn Stanley shares her silky stylings and girl-next-door charm from her living room, every week at 8 pm
DON’T FORGET TO “FALL BACK” WHEN YOU GO TO BED: Daylight Savings Time ends, so turn your clock back one hour.
SUNDAY, NOV 1.:
The Morristown Farmers’ Market continues its 30th season, from 8:30 am until 2 pm every Sunday until Nov. 22, behind the Morristown Post Office in Municipal Lot 10, between Morris Street and Dumont Place. Safety protocols will be maintained for everyone’s health.
The Folk Project presents Joe Guzzo’s Stayaway Sundays Show at 3 pm. Guzzo shares performances and interviews with Folk Project favorites.
