Preparations are being finalized for the annual Chili Open Golf Classic fundraiser to be held on the grounds of the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 4 th , including the return of the popular 7-person rock ensemble, R.E.N.O. the Band . Proceeds from the nearly 20-year-old event will benefit Project Give Shelter, a new Project Self-Sufficiency initiative to help Sussex County residents who need emergency temporary shelter or stable housing. After playing on two of the four makeshift, nine-hole, par three courses created at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, golfers will be entertained by R.E.N.O. the Band while enjoying lunch, contests, raffles, and a 50/50. Band founder Tommy Gomez was the victor of the inaugural Chili Open. He has since returned to the event as both a golfer and as an entertainer. The band has performed at the Chili Open for about 12 years. “It’s one of the highlights of our year.” Gomez explains that the band’s unusual moniker
Project Self-Sufficiency will continue the workshop and discussion series, “Connections Matter”, designed to facilitate the conversation about issues surrounding Positive & Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs ), with virtual sessions in English, Thursday, February 9 th , 2:00 p.m. and in Spanish, Thursday, February 16 th , 2:00 p.m. Both workshops are free and open to the public; interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 for log-in details. P articipants will explore the Connections Matter curriculum, a program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey designed to engage providers, parents, and community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency. Discussion will focus on understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma and demonstrate how caring connections can serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma. The training is appropriate for parents a