JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen won the Republican nomination for another term as Jefferson Township Mayor, defeating former Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco in Tuesday’s primary election.

According to unofficial results released by the Morris County Clerk’s Office, Wilsusen received 1,609 votes, while Barranco received 1,138 votes. There was one write-in vote.

The primary also decided the Republican nominees for two seats on the Jefferson Township Council. Melissa Senatore led the field with 1,557 votes, followed by Thomas G. Galfo with 1,540 votes. Sheila J. Brown received 1,015 votes, and Dorothy “Dottie” Santasieri received 947 votes. There was one write-in vote.

Wilsusen, Senatore, and Galfo ran on the Morris County Republican Party line, while Barranco, Brown, and Santasieri ran under the “Save Jefferson, Conservative Republicans” slogan.

The campaign centered on competing messages about Jefferson Township’s future. Wilsusen, who has served as mayor since 2019, pointed to his administration’s record, experience, and steady leadership. Barranco’s campaign focused on fiscal discipline, transparency, and concerns over municipal spending and property taxes.

No Democratic candidates filed petitions for mayor or the two Township Council seats, meaning the winners of the Republican primary are positioned to move forward without Democratic opposition in the November general election.

Voter turnout in Jefferson Township was strong for a primary election. The township had 16,202 registered voters, including 7,018 Republicans, 3,751 Democrats, and 5,433 unaffiliated voters. A total of 3,857 ballots were cast, including 2,777 Republican ballots and 1,080 Democratic ballots.

The results remain unofficial until certified by election officials.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Due to popular demand, the Junior Woman’s Club of Jefferson Township and Kathleen O’Neill Hanek will host “A Spring Evening With Spirit,” featuring renowned psychic medium Catherine McCall, at American Legion Post 423, located at 28 Legion Road, Oak Ridge.

The event will offer attendees an opportunity to experience a gallery-style reading with McCall, who is known for connecting audience members with loved ones who have passed on. The evening is expected to draw guests from throughout the region seeking an uplifting and memorable experience.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with readings beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will run approximately three and a half hours.

Tickets are $45.00 per person, or $320.00 for a reserved table of eight, providing a discounted rate of $40.00 per ticket. Seating is limited, and organizers encourage interested attendees to purchase tickets in advance.

Light refreshments will be served during the evening.

Organizers note that attendance does not guarantee a personal reading, as messages are delivered through a gallery-style format and selected by the medium during the event.

For tickets and additional information, contact Kathleen O’Neill Hanek at (973) 204-3068 or by email at [email protected].

American Legion Post 423, located at 28 Legion Road in the Oak Ridge section of Jefferson Township, serves as a community gathering place for a variety of local events and programs throughout the year.

Photo Caption: Catherine McCall, a psychic medium known for her gallery-style readings, will appear at “A Spring Evening With Spirit” at American Legion Post 423, 28 Legion Road, Oak Ridge, hosted by the Junior Woman’s Club of Jefferson Township and Kathleen O’Neill Hanek.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Sometimes all it takes is a single ticket.

That was certainly the case for Michele, the lucky winner of Nick’s Hope’s annual 50/50 raffle, who walked away with a $2,500 prize after purchasing just one ticket.

When organizers asked Michele how many tickets she had purchased, her response surprised everyone.

“Just one,” she said.

Out of all the tickets sold, Michele’s was the winning ticket selected. While the odds may have seemed long, her story serves as a reminder that every ticket purchased makes a difference—not only for the chance to win, but for the impact it has on the community.

Even more meaningful was Michele’s reaction upon receiving the prize. She shared that the money arrived at exactly the right time in her life, making the win especially significant.

“We truly couldn’t have picked a more deserving winner,” organizers said.

The raffle was conducted by Nick’s Hope, a Jefferson Township-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families facing financial hardship. Founded in memory of Nick, the organization has become a vital resource for individuals and families throughout Morris County and surrounding communities.

Nick’s Hope operates a free clothing closet that provides clothing, shoes, coats, and essential items to hundreds of families each month. The organization works to ensure that those experiencing difficult circumstances have access to necessities with dignity and compassion. Through community donations and fundraising efforts, Nick’s Hope has become a lifeline for many residents struggling to make ends meet.

The annual 50/50 raffle serves as one of the organization’s fundraising initiatives, helping support its ongoing mission while also giving participants the opportunity to win a cash prize.

Nick’s Hope expressed gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the fundraiser.

“Your participation not only gave someone the chance to win $2,500, but it also helps us continue providing free clothing to hundreds of families in need each month,” organizers said.

While Michele was the raffle winner, the true beneficiaries of the fundraiser are the countless families who rely on Nick’s Hope for assistance throughout the year.

As the organization continues its mission of helping neighbors in need, stories like Michele’s serve as a reminder that acts of generosity often come full circle—bringing hope not only to those receiving assistance but also to those fortunate enough to experience an unexpected blessing.

For more information about Nick’s Hope, including donation opportunities and volunteer information, residents can visit the organization’s social media pages and community outreach events.

Congratulations to Michele on her $2,500 win, and thank you to everyone who continues to support the important work of Nick’s Hope.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Adults seeking a gentle and effective way to improve flexibility, balance, and overall wellness are invited to attend “Chair Yoga for Adults with Kristine” at the Jefferson Township Public Library on Saturday, June 6, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The program offers a modified form of yoga that utilizes a chair for support, making it accessible to individuals of all fitness levels and mobility abilities. Participants will be guided through a series of gentle stretches, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques designed to promote physical and mental well-being.

Chair yoga is especially beneficial for older adults, individuals recovering from injuries, or anyone looking for a low-impact form of exercise. Regular participation can help improve posture, increase flexibility, enhance balance, and reduce stress.

The session will be led by Kristine, who will provide instruction in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring water.

The program will take place at the Jefferson Township Public Library, located at 1031 Weldon Road in Oak Ridge. Registration is recommended through the library’s event calendar.

Click here to register for the event.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Save Jefferson Team is proud to announce an endorsement from members of the Jefferson Township PBA Local 190 Retirees Club — a group of retired law enforcement officers who collectively gave decades of service protecting Jefferson Township and its residents. These retired officers are backing Christian Barranco for Mayor and Sheila Brown and Dottie Santasieri for Township Council in the June 2 Republican primary.

These are men who spent their careers answering Jefferson’s calls for help, walking its neighborhoods, and looking out for its families. Now, as retired members of the community they once served and protected, they are lending their names and their reputations to a team they believe in. Their endorsement reflects a shared belief in leadership that is accountable, transparent, and committed to putting residents first — the same values they carried with them every day on the job.

The endorsing retired members are Lieutenant Sean Krater, Sergeant Tommy Fedo, Sergeant Justin Gjelsvik, and Corporal Eric Sudak. Together they represent generations of dedication to the safety and well-being of this community.

The Save Jefferson Team is honored to have the trust and support of these respected former officers, and is asking residents to make their voices heard in the Republican primary on June 2. To learn more about the team and its vision for Jefferson Township, visit savejefferson.org.