Mayor James Lynch joins community members and supporters at the ribbon cutting for Upperroom Commons, now open at 304 Wootton Street in Boonton, offering breakfast and lunch to local residents.
BOONTON — Upperroom Commons officially celebrated its ceremonial ribbon cutting, welcoming the community to its newest dining destination at 304 Wootton Street in Boonton.
Mayor James Lynch joined owners, supporters, and local residents for the special occasion, marking the successful launch of the business and its addition to the local community.
Upperroom Commons is now open for business, having welcomed its first customers on Tuesday, March 24. The establishment offers a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options, providing a welcoming space for residents to gather, dine, and connect.
The ribbon cutting ceremony highlighted the excitement surrounding the new venture, with attendees expressing enthusiasm for the fresh menu offerings and inviting atmosphere.
Residents are encouraged to stop by Upperroom Commons and enjoy its breakfast and lunch selections while supporting a growing local business.
TRENTON — Local leaders and students from Jefferson Township made their voices heard during a recent Assembly Budget Committee hearing, calling attention to the urgent need for Highlands Impact Aid and reforms to the state’s school funding formula.
Among those participating were Mayor Eric Wilsusen, Superintendent Gene Howe, Business Administrator Rita Giacchi, and Tom Fasano, along with a group of student representatives who delivered compelling testimony.
Speakers emphasized that the current S2 school funding formula continues to shortchange Highlands communities, placing added financial pressure on local school districts while limiting available resources for students.
The hearing, held at the New Jersey State House, was largely dominated by concerns over school funding across the state, with Highlands municipalities highlighting the unique challenges they face due to development restrictions and reduced ratables.
In recognition of their advocacy, students were given an impromptu tour of the State House, offering them a firsthand look at how government operates and how their voices can influence decision-making.
Officials and advocates concluded with a clear message: now is the time for state leaders to act and provide meaningful support through Highlands Impact Aid.
Jersey Battered Women’s Service celebrates 50 years of impact, highlighting decades of support, advocacy, and life-saving services for survivors of domestic violence.
MORRIS COUNTY — Jersey Battered Women’s Service is celebrating a significant milestone—50 years of providing safety, support, and solutions for abuse survivors across the region.
Founded on March 26, 1976, JBWS was established during a time when there were limited resources available for victims of domestic violence, and abuse was not widely recognized or addressed under the law. In its earliest days, volunteers opened their own homes to provide safe shelter for victims and their children.
Over the past five decades, JBWS has grown into a comprehensive organization offering a wide range of services to those in need. Its impact is reflected in the numbers: • 250,000 teens educated about dating abuse • 219,000 nights of shelter provided to victims fleeing abuse • 171,000 calls answered through its 24-hour helpline • 32,000 individuals receiving critical legal advocacy • 10,000 individuals who caused harm participating in intervention programs
The organization continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community, guided by its mission to support survivors and break the cycle of abuse.
During a recent recognition, Anthony M. Bucco congratulated JBWS on the milestone, noting the importance of celebrating its legacy while preparing for the future.
As JBWS reflects on 50 years of service, its commitment remains steadfast—to ensure safety, provide support, and create lasting change for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
Pam Bennett-Santoro, vice chair of the Morris County HSAC Subcommittee on Women and Commissioner
Director Stephen Shaw.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners declared March 2026 Women’s History Month during its public meeting in Morristown this evening, presenting an official proclamation and recognizing the contributions women have made to the nation over 250 years, as part of the county’s celebrates of America’s 250th anniversary.
The meeting also included the presentation of the Morris County “2026 Seeds of Change Award” by the Morris County Human Services Advisory Council’s (HSAC) Subcommittee on Women.
“As we celebrate Women’s History Month during the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we are reminded that women have always been central to America’s story — from supporting the cause for independence here in Morris County to shaping the communities we know today,” said Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. “Their leadership, resilience and commitment to service continue to strengthen our county and our nation.”
Pam Bennett-Santoro, vice chair of the Morris County HSAC Subcommittee on Women; (Far
right) Morris County’s 2026 Seeds of Change honoree Theresa Markila, co-founder of Mutual Morris.
Director Shaw presented a framed proclamation on behalf of the board to the HSAC Subcommittee on Women, formally observing March 2026 as Women’s History Month and honoring the enduring contributions of women to Morris County, New Jersey and the United States. The board adopted the resolution at its March 11, 2026 public meeting.
The proclamation highlights the critical role women have played throughout American history — from before the American Revolution through generations of advocacy for education, opportunity and equality — while acknowledging many contributions have gone unrecognized.
That legacy is reflected in the region’s Revolutionary War history, which Morris County is commemorating during America’s 250th anniversary this year. While men served in the Continental Army, women maintained homes, farms and businesses. Morristown, which functioned as a supply depot, encampment, hospital and jail during the war, relied on both prominent figures such as Martha Washington and Eliza Schuyler as well as the largely unrecorded efforts of women known as “camp followers.” These women carried out essential daily tasks for troops such as cooking, cleaning, laundering clothing and caring for sick soldiers, tasks now encoded as official military specialties.
Though rarely named, their labor was vital to sustaining the Continental Army through four harsh winter encampments.
During the winter of 1779-1780, when supply lines were cut off by deep snow, residents from Mendham, Chatham and Hanover mobilized to support troops. Rhonda Farrand helped lead an effort to knit 133 pairs of stockings in just days, aiding soldiers through one of the war’s most difficult periods.
These contributions extended beyond the battlefield, as women continued caring for wounded soldiers and supported their families long after American independence was won.
Following Director Shaw’s presentation of the proclamation, Pam Bennett-Santoro, vice chair of the HSAC Subcommittee on Women, presented the 2026 “Seeds of Change Award” to Theresa Markila of Jefferson Township. The annual award honors Morris County women whose work on the grassroots level has motivated other women to become active in their communities.
Markila, co-founder of Mutual Morris, was honored for building a countywide mutual aid network that has assisted more than 3,000 families since February 2020. Under her leadership, the organization has mobilized up to 100 volunteers at a time to provide groceries, clothing, toiletries, housing-related assistance and other essential support to residents facing hardship.
“The ‘Seeds of Change Award’ is especially fitting because Theresa has planted something that is lasting,” said Bennett-Santoro. “She has helped create a culture of mutual aid, compassion and local responsibility that continues to support vulnerable residents across Morris County.”
Markila’s efforts have been especially impactful for residents facing poverty or the threat of becoming homeless. Through outreach and public fundraising, Mutual Morris has helped stabilize households before crises escalate.
The “Seeds of Change Award,” inspired by the legacy of the late state Sen. Leanna Brown, recognizes women who empower others through leadership and volunteerism. In 1972, Brown became the first woman elected to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and later the first Republican woman elected to the New Jersey State Senate. She was a driving force behind the creation of the Morris County HSAC Subcommittee on Women.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Township Council is set to hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, with a full agenda that includes ordinances, budget discussions, and several key resolutions.
The meeting will begin with a formal call to order, salute to the flag, and an oath of office for Marcello Rizzo of Fire Company #2. Residents will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment portion early in the meeting.
Council members will hold public hearings and vote on ordinances, including one establishing standards for the use of shipping containers within the Township and another addressing obstructions in roadways, including seasonal restrictions on basketball hoops.
A major highlight of the evening will be the introduction of the 2026 municipal and solid waste budgets. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 22, giving residents an opportunity to review and comment on the Township’s financial plan.
The Council will also discuss potential updates to property maintenance regulations, a proposed public recreational bathing ordinance, and adjustments to the Qualified Purchasing Agent threshold.
Several resolutions are scheduled for consideration, including authorizing payment of bills, issuing a new plenary retail distribution liquor license with a minimum bid of $425,000, and supporting the allocation of funds from cannabis revenue and liquor license proceeds toward improvements at Camp Jefferson.
Additional items include a grant application for historic preservation planning at Camp Jefferson, a resolution supporting a cannabis cultivation and manufacturing application, and multiple contracts for township services, including vehicle parts, computer equipment, and road improvements.
The meeting will conclude with council reports, consent agenda approvals, a second public comment period, and adjournment. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion of issues impacting the community.
EDISON — New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation President Emily Scharf and her daughter have announced the inaugural recipient of the Scharf Family Scholarship, awarding the honor to Susana Inkoom, a Health Science major at Atlantic Cape Community College and a rising leader in New Jersey Circle K International (CKI).
Scharf, a longtime Kiwanian and former Circle K member, said the scholarship was inspired by her own experience as a student leader.
“When I was in Circle K as a student, NJCKI didn’t have nearly as many scholarships as it offers now,” Scharf said. “I was encouraged by our District Administrator at the time, Ron Weber, to apply for one of the few scholarships available. Applying had never even crossed my mind. My grades were decent, and I was active in CKI, but I always assumed scholarships were out of my reach.”
She said receiving that scholarship became a turning point in her life.
“I took Ron’s advice and applied — and to my surprise, I received my first-ever scholarship,” Scharf said. “From that moment on, everything shifted. I worked harder in CKI and in my academics. As Larry would say, I ‘faked it till I made it.’ Someone I didn’t even know believed I was worth supporting, and that changed the trajectory of my life.”
Now, Scharf said, she is grateful for the opportunity to help support the next generation of leaders.
“Because of continued hard work and the opportunities that followed, I’m now able to pay it forward,” she said. “It means so much to my family and me to invest in one of our future leaders. Circle K invested in me, and now it’s time to invest in a rising leader whose life has been forever changed by the Kiwanis family.”
The Scharf Family Scholarship, funded in partnership with the New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation and the Pfizer Pharmaceuticals CARES Program, will be awarded annually to a deserving CKI member who demonstrates leadership, service, and academic commitment.
The New Jersey District of Kiwanis International Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing youth leadership development, scholarships, and health and welfare programs across New Jersey. The Foundation supports Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs while funding initiatives that improve the lives of children and strengthen communities.
Circle K International is the world’s largest collegiate student-led service organization, with thousands of members on hundreds of campuses worldwide. As the collegiate branch of the Kiwanis family, CKI is dedicated to developing student leaders through service, leadership, and fellowship.
For more information about the New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation, visit the Foundation website or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram. More information about Circle K International is available through NJ Circle K’s website and social media channels.
Matt Abdinoor, a 2022 graduate of Jefferson Township High School, now serves as a manager for the St. John’s University men’s basketball team under Head Coach Rick Pitino, turning his lifelong passion for the game into a promising career path in sports management.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A Jefferson Township family is celebrating the continued success of their son, Matt Abdinoor, whose journey from local youth sports to collegiate athletics highlights the lasting impact of after-school programs in the community.
Matt, a 2022 graduate of Jefferson Township High School, discovered his passion for sports at a young age through local athletic programs. Like many young athletes in the district, he gravitated toward basketball, a sport that quickly became central to his life.
During his high school years, Matt’s interest in athletics evolved beyond playing the game. He developed a strong interest in sports management, recognizing the opportunities to build a career within the industry he loved. That passion ultimately led him to St. John’s University, where he is currently pursuing a dual focus in sports management and legal studies.
Today, Matt is gaining valuable hands-on experience as a manager for the St. John’s University men’s basketball team under Head Coach Rick Pitino. His role provides him with unique insight into the day-to-day operations of a Division I basketball program, further strengthening his foundation for a future career in sports.
His family credits his early involvement in Jefferson Township youth and school sports programs as a key factor in shaping both his passion and career path.
“His love of basketball stems from his early experiences with his teams and coaches throughout the years,” said his mom Michelle Abdinoor. “It definitely had an impact on his career thus far.”
As discussions continue locally regarding potential budget cuts that could affect school athletics, Matt’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of after-school sports programs.
“We sincerely hope that our school district does not do away with after-school sports,” his family added. “It would be a shame. Those programs impact our children more than you know.”
Matt’s journey reflects the broader value of youth athletics—not only in fostering teamwork and discipline, but in opening doors to future academic and professional opportunities.
The site is currently a vacant warehouse located at 1879 Route 46 within the Township of Roxbury
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that New Jersey and the Township of Roxbury are jointly suing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to halt their illegal plan to convert a vacant warehouse into a large-scale immigration detention facility. ICE plans to convert and operate a detention center without addressing serious State and local concerns about water, sewage, and public safety, accounting for the site’s sensitive environment, or considering if this warehouse is an appropriate place for detention.
The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act (ICA), and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). To remedy these violations, New Jersey and Roxbury are asking the U.S. District Court to stop the federal government from implementing the decision to create a mass detention facility.
“The safety and well-being of New Jerseyans will always be my top priority, and the Trump Administration’s plans for a detention facility in Roxbury will not make our residents safer. Instead, this facility will overburden local services and infrastructure,” said Governor Sherrill. “These types of facilities also have a long track record of abuse, mistreatment, and unsafe conditions. This is not a partisan issue – Republican leaders in the community are similarly against this facility. That is why we are joining with Roxbury to stop this facility to protect the community and our Constitution.”
“Today, we join efforts to enforce the law and protect the rights of all New Jerseyans,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Federal laws require—and our State and towns deserve—that DHS and ICE consult with the State and the Township on major projects in their backyard. Instead, DHS and ICE are ramming through a secretive purchase and rushed renovation. We will not allow these ill-considered plans to happen. We have partnered with the Township of Roxbury, relying on the Township’s crucial local knowledge and efficiently combining our resources for this important bipartisan fight.”
Today’s lawsuit results from the cooperative working relationship between the Township of Roxbury and the Office of the Attorney General. The partnership ensures comprehensive factual development, strong legal arguments, and wide stakeholder engagement. The Township has quickly marshalled powerful facts that show why Roxbury is an inappropriate site for an ICE detention center. The joint effort saves taxpayers money by avoiding duplicative litigation.
“The Council and I commend the Governor and the Attorney General for their swift and decisive action to help prevent the placement of an ICE detention center within our suburban community,” said Mayor Shawn Potillo. “We remain confident that, through this process, it will be clearly demonstrated that this location is not appropriate for a facility of this nature, given the significant impacts it would have on our residents, local resources, and the surrounding environment. This partnership is also important for Roxbury residents, as the Office of Attorney General can provide significant legal resources that protects Roxbury’s local property taxpayers from shouldering most of this cost alone.”
The State and Township first learned of DHS’s plans for the Roxbury warehouse in a newspaper article. DHS and ICE never told Roxbury Township about the planned purchase and conversion until after the purchase was complete, and repeatedly rebuffed outreach. DHS’s sole official document outlining plans for this project was a two-page letter dated January 14, 2026, to the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, asserting that no historic properties are affected by the planned conversion.
DHS’s decision to purchase, convert, and operate a detention facility in this warehouse is unlawful for several reasons. As alleged in the complaint:
The site is currently a vacant warehouse located at 1879 Route 46 within the Township of Roxbury. The building consists largely of a single large room with concrete floors and only four toilets.
The property lacks adequate water or sewage access to accommodate up to 1,500 detainees and 1,000 ICE staff.
Converting the warehouse into a detention center would multiply the gallons of wastewater per day by more than 15 times the current approved limit. The sewer conveyance infrastructure cannot accommodate that great of an increase. If ICE exceeds the capacity of the existing infrastructure, there is a serious risk of damage to the sewer system and sewage overflows into nearby streets, land, and waterways. These waterways include Lake Musconetcong, which is 1,000 feet away and downhill from the warehouse, and Lake Hopatcong, the largest freshwater lake in New Jersey.
The Highlands region provides drinking water for 70% of the State of New Jersey and is designated as a “landscape of special significance” by the New Jersey Legislature. If ICE and DHS attempt to draw water for the detention facility and thus further strain an already stressed water system, DHS and ICE threaten the system for the entire area. A large ongoing water withdrawal that was not previously anticipated poses a substantial risk of exceeding system capacity, which could in turn reduce water pressure and reliability for residents, impair flows needed for fighting fires, deplete groundwater, and diminish nearby wells.
The warehouse is located right off of the Highway 46 interchange with Interstate 80, an already dangerous section of road that has been the site of multiple traffic fatalities. The federal government has not provided any details regarding expected traffic impacts, but it is expected that about 1,000 staff will work at the warehouse following its conversion, adding hundreds of new vehicles to nearby roads during rush hour.
Additionally, the warehouse will financially harm the local economy. By placing burdens on public water and sewage conveyance capacity, displacing other housing development, clogging roads and highways, and diverting emergency response resources, the warehouse will deprive the local community of other economic opportunities and deprive the township of an estimated $1.8 million in annual tax revenue.
ICE and DHS failed to adequately consider each of these important impacts on the state and local area as they were required to do under the APA, NEPA, the ICA, the INA, and other applicable law. As a result, the decision to arrange for mass detention of immigrants at the manifestly inappropriate location of the Roxbury warehouse – without taking a hard look at the environmental consequences, and without any consultation with State and local officials – violates federal law several times over.
Arrests Made in Ongoing Investigation of Dover Kidnapping
DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney confirmed two defendants have been charged in connection with an alleged kidnapping which occurred in Dover on March 19.
The victim’s Apple iWatch was located on the street approximately a mile away from the residence
On the morning of March 19, 2026, an Apple iWatch belonging to a Dover resident sent an emergency SOS notification to Dover Police Dispatch. Dover Police officers conducted a welfare check at their residence and they were not there, but their vehicle was present. The victim’s Apple iWatch was located on the street approximately a mile away from the residence, and it appeared to have been damaged as if it was forcefully removed from their person.
A subsequent investigation identified a suspect vehicle, which was traced to Elizabeth. Police officers located the suspect vehicle. Following a motor vehicle stop, the two suspects – Siquaya F. Smith and Louis G. Cadet – were taken into custody.
The victim was located in the back seat and transported to an area hospital for treatment. The victim sustained a head laceration, broken ribs, and other injuries and was later released.
Siquaya F. Smith, 37, of Northfield, and Louis G. Cadet, 40, of Northfield, were charged and subsequently transported to Morris County Correctional Facility, pending future court proceedings.
Further investigation determined that Smith and Cadet drove to the victim’s residence, and while the victim was on their way to work, forced them into their vehicle. The victim was placed in the back of the vehicle, driven to an unidentified location, and allegedly threatened by the defendants to contact their financial institutions to transfer $25,000 to the defendants.
Investigators believe this was a targeted attack. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
As of March 20, Smith and Cadet were both charged with first degree Kidnapping, second degree Robbery, second degree Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, third degree Aggravated Assault, third degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and two counts of fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “These arrests were the result of the combined and swift efforts of several law enforcement agencies – Dover Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division and MCPO Major Crimes and Missing Persons units. Thanks to rapid response by law enforcement aided by new technology in Morris and Union counties, we were able to locate the victim and bring an end to this dangerous situation in a matter of hours.”
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
MORRIS COUNTY — From classrooms to careers, County College of Morris (CCM) is helping students turn their ambitions into real opportunities. Prospective students, families, adult learners and Veterans are invited to attend CCM’s Open House on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, to discover how their path from education to employment can begin at the college.
The campus-wide event, held at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph, will showcase how CCM prepares students for real-world success through more than 100 associate degree, certificate and workforce development programs designed to lead to in-demand careers or seamless transfer to four-year institutions. Attendees will also discover how CCM’s on-campus, hybrid and 100% online options provide flexibility for today’s learners, including new 18-month accelerated programs offered fully online starting this Fall Semester.
Guests can pre-register to attend a Welcome Session at 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. by clicking here.
During the event, visitors can explore CCM’s vibrant student life, including 50+ student clubs and Division II/III athletics. Guided campus tours will highlight the college’s scenic campus along with cutting-edge labs, studios and facilities where students gain practical, career-focused experience.
Representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Support Services, Veterans Resource Center and more will be available to answer questions and share information about the many resources designed to support student success.
Prospective students may apply on-the-spot, at no cost, with a free application waiver and meet with a student success specialist to plan their schedule and register for the summer and/or fall sessions. The college’s Center for Workforce Development will assist with immediate enrollment into non-credit, professional training courses—no application required!
Whether you are a high school student planning your next step, an adult learner seeking to change or advance your career, or a Veteran transitioning to civilian life, CCM provides the education, guidance and support needed to move confidently from classrooms to careers.
For a video preview of what to expect, visit CCM’s YouTube channel.
CCM has received numerous recognitions and distinctions in recent years, including being ranked as #1 Best Community College in New Jersey by Salary Potential and Top 5% of Community Colleges in the Nation by Payscale. SmartAsset named CCM a Best Community College in the state, Intelligent ranked the college Best for Transfer Students in the state, and according to Best Accredited Colleges, CCM is #1 Best Community College in New Jersey. Plus, numerous academic degree programs have been ranked nationally, in the mid-Atlantic and in New Jersey by College Factual.
