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Dover Candidate Forums Set for September 20

By
Frank Cahill
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Former Mayor James Dodd Addresses Packed Supporters at One11 Bar

DOVER — The League of Women Voters Morristown Area and the NAACP Morristown Branch, in collaboration with the Daily Record, are set to co-host in-person candidate forums for the Dover mayor’s office and four aldermen seats.

This event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dover Moose Lodge, 21 Sammis Avenue.

The purpose of the forum is to hear candidates’ views, not the opinions of individual voters.

The aim, as articulated by representatives of the League of Women Voters, is to foster informed voting within a nonpartisan context.

Former Mayor James Dodd, who secured more than 50% of the vote in the June Democratic primary against Edward Correa and the incumbent Mayor Carolyn Blackman, is slated to participate in a debate with independent candidate Dennis Touhey. It’s noteworthy that there is no Republican candidate on the Dover ballot, given the town’s strong Democratic leanings.

The Board of Aldermen forum will feature both Democratic and Republican candidates in all four wards. Ward 1 will see a contest between Republican Gaile Rodriguez and Democrat Claudia Toro. In Ward 2, Republican Wendy Huron Carmona will face off against Democrat Sergio Rodriguez. Ward 3 presents a race between incumbent Democrat Michael J. Scarneo and Republican William Shuler, Jr. Lastly, in Ward 4, GOP candidate William Inglis will compete with incumbent Democrat Arturo Santana.

Members of the public have the opportunity to submit questions in advance, up until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 18 by clicking here.

The forum will be livestreamed on the LWV Morristown Area YouTube channel, by clicking here.

Translation will not be during live event, but can be seen on YouTube after the event.

Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, with the voter registration deadline for this year set for October 17. Click here to register to vote.





Barranco Advocates for Parents at BOE Session, Questions School Code Modifications

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — During the public comment period of the New Jersey State Board of Education’s monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon, Assemblyman Christian Barranco espoused the importance of parental rights as the board attempts to backpedal recent changes to the equity code.“The raising and educating of our children does not take a village, it takes parents. It always has taken parents, and it always will,” Barranco (R-Morris) said.

The public testimony portion of the meeting at 2:00 p.m. was not broadcast like the 10:00 a.m. session, but lawmakers and the public spoke on the educational topic of their choice on record. Barranco spoke on the board’s amendments to Chapter 7, rules that school districts must follow to ensure equal access to educational activities and services.

“Many of us who take objection to the changes that this board creates within public education know the cause of all this. This is quite simply the long, arrogant arm of a certain faction of academia that has for generations insisted on trying to convince all of us that human society in its present form is all wrong and that we need to conform to a society that they’ve designed for us,” Barranco said.

In August, the board narrowly adopted changes to its equity code that eliminated gender-specific language and mandated schools solely recognize a student’s gender identity when separating sex education classes. In light of the backlash the board has received since, Andrew Mulvihill, the board’s vice president, noted Wednesday they have contacted the Attorney General’s Office to discuss possibly reexamining the changes it made to the code.

“Thankfully, for us, there is another arm of academia that does have the courage to oppose the actions of this board, Barranco said of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons’ stance against gender-affirming care for minors, because of the lack of informed consent, and the unknown and irreversible consequences.”

“I’ll challenge this board and the administration to produce a paragraph in support of gender fluidity, in support of the elimination of the words male and female, in support of the expansion of sex education to include pornography in our schools and in support of keeping secrets from parents,” Barranco said. “Take that paragraph and put it on the ballot in November in the form of a referendum and let the voters of New Jersey tell you how they feel about what you’re doing.”





New Detective and Assistant Prosecutor Join Morris County Prosecutor’s Office

By
Frank Cahill
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Prosecutor Robert Carroll, AP Alyssa DiSturco, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed the hiring of Christopher M. Cannon as Detective, Alyssa J. DiSturco as Assistant Prosecutor, and Erin Wisloff as Legal Assistant for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

A swearing-in ceremony was held on September 11, 2023. Assistant Prosecutor DiSturco will be assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit within the Tactical Division. Assistant Prosecutor DiSturco previously served in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor from 2016 through 2018, where she was assigned to the Special Operations Division, Special Enforcement Unit, and General Investigations Unit.

She was later hired by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Special Victims Unit and ultimately promoted to the supervisory Senior Assistant Prosecutor position. Prior to joining the MCPO, AP DiSturco was an Associate with a private law firm in Kearny, a Law Clerk for the Honorable Joseph V. Isabella, J.S.C., a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Susan J. Steele, P.J.Cr., and a Legal Intern for the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant Prosecutor DiSturco earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers College and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. Detective Cannon will be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division.

Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Det. Christopher Cannon, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally

Detective Cannon previously served as a Police Officer with the Warren Township Police Department since 2016. Prior to joining Warren Township, he served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office from 2014 through 2015. Detective Cannon also worked as a Security Officer for a private security company in Cedar Knolls.

Detective Cannon served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Senior Airman and a Specialist with the United States Army Reserve. He has earned the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, AF Basic Training Ribbon, Army Basic Training Ribbon, and an Armed Forces Reserves Medal with 1 “M” device for mobilization support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also earned professional certifications and commendations.

He earned credit hours at the Community College of the Air Force, Joint Services Training, and the Essex County College Police Academy. Legal Assistant Wisloff will be assigned to the Appellate Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Wisloff initially served as a Supervising Assistant Prosecutor with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office from 2007 through 2018 upon her retirement, supervising the Appellate Unit and Trial Team. Prior to being a Supervising Assistant Prosecutor, she was assigned to the Grand Jury Unit, Fraud Unit, and Trial Team from 1997-2007.

Prior to joining the MCPO, Wisloff was an Assistant Prosecutor for the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Donald G. Collester, J.S.C. She earned her juris doctorate from Widener University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina. Prosecutor Carroll said, “I welcome back AP DiSturco and Legal Assistant Wisloff, as their expertise will be an asset to our legal team. I also welcome Detective Cannon. We are pleased to have such a decorated officer joining our investigative staff.”





Support CCM Students at the Annual Golf Classic on October 16

By
Frank Cahill
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Brooklake Country Club

MORRIS COUNTY — Join the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation and champion students’ aspirations for a prosperous future. This year’s CCM Foundation Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, October 16, at Florham Park’s Brooklake Country Club.

Enjoy a BBQ lunch, golfing all day, a cocktail reception with an open bar, and a sumptuous buffet dinner. Golfing is priced at $375 per person.

If you’re only attending the reception, dinner, and program, it’s $150. Don’t miss out on raffle prizes available for purchase, and every golfer will be gifted a special token of appreciation. The event’s proceeds will bolster the college’s scholarship initiatives, particularly emphasizing support for student-athletes and athletic programs.

Activities kick off with an 11:00 a.m. registration, followed by lunch, and golfing commences at 12:30 p.m. Evening celebrations, inclusive of the cocktail reception and award ceremony, start at 5:00 p.m.

Corporate teams, sponsors, and individual players are eagerly invited. To learn more or register, dial (973) 328-5060 or click here.





Morris Habitat for Humanity Receives $30K grant from Wells Fargo

By
Frank Cahill
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A team from Wells Fargo presented Morris Habitat with a check for $30,000 at the company's volunteer Build Day event. Also pictured are Randolph Mayor Lou Nisivoccia (left) and Morris Habitat Interin CEO, Liz DeCoursey (right).

MORRIS COUNTY — The Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded a $30,000 grant to Morris Habitat for Humanity (Morris Habitat) to help build homes in Randolph. Morris Habitat is one of more than 230 Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded grant funding through the 2023 Wells Fargo Builds program to help make homes more affordable and accessible for everyone nationwide.

“We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with Wells Fargo,” said Liz DeCoursey, Morris Habitat for Humanity interim CEO.  “Their philanthropic interests in our mission to build homes, and communities and hope to make change happen and improve lives for everyone.  We also look forward to future projects and making an impact on families whenever we can work together.”
The grant announcement was made at the site of Morris Habitat’s largest project to date, where, at the end of construction, 25 low- to moderate-income families will move into their new homes. About 75% of the families are led by single mothers. Randolph Township Mayor Lou Nisivoccia also spoke at the brief press event about the need of affordable housing options for local residents.
“As the Bank of Doing, we’re committed to opening pathways to affordable homeownership for more individuals so they can pass that legacy on and grow generational wealth – especially here in the Garden State,” said Tomas Porturas, Vice President of Community Impact, Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to join Morris Habitat for Humanity once again to create more affordable homes in Northern New Jersey and help welcome home-deserving families.”
Today nearly 17 million U.S. households pay half or more of their income on a place to live. At least one in six New Jersey households spend over half of their income on housing and the number of Northern New Jersey families who are struggling to afford rent is on the rise.
The funding announcement to Habitat Morris coincided with a volunteer day as part of Wells Fargo’s “Welcome Home” initiative. Thousands of Wells Fargo employees across the country are working with local charities to make an impact in the company foundation’s funding priority, housing affordability. Throughout the month of September, Wells Fargo employees will participate in volunteer events like this one in Upper Ringwood.
This grant is part of a $7.5 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International through the Wells Fargo Builds program to build and repair more than 360 homes nationwide. For three decades, Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo have worked together to increase access to affordable homes and homeownership.
Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization committed to building homes, communities, and hope. The organization serves Morris, Middlesex, and portions of Somerset and Union counties. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds affordable new homes and provides home repair services to income-eligible families. Since 1985, Morris Habitat has served nearly 1,000 families by building 188 local homes, preserving 431 homes for low-income and senior residents, and helping 373 families with housing solutions worldwide. The organization has engaged more than 150,000 volunteers for various programs. Morris Habitat also operates a successful ReStore home improvement outlet which has kept 17,588 tons of reusable materials out of landfills and funded 36 homes. For more information, visit MorrisHabitat.org or call 973-891-1934.




Mountain Lakes Calls for Nominations: 2023 Citizen of the Year and Janice D. Hunts Award

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Nominations are now being accepted for the Mountain Lakes Citizen of the Year Award and the Janice D. Hunts Lifelong Service Award.

The Citizen of the Year Award honors a Mountain Lakes resident who has shown themselves to be an asset to the Borough of Mountain Lakes for their volunteer efforts during the current calendar year.

The Janice D. Hunts Lifelong Service Award honors a Mountain Lakes resident who has shown themselves to be an asset to the Borough of Mountain Lakes for their volunteer efforts over the course of ten or more years.

Nominations are due by Friday, October 20. Please complete the Citizen of the Year Application Form or the Janice D. Hunts Application Form, Award recipients will be honored at the Borough’s Volunteer Recognition Event in December.





Boonton Township Man Arrested Following Assault on Motorist and Parsippany Crossing Guard

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Chief Richard Pantina confirmed the arrest of John R. Connelly, 36, of Boonton Township, in connection with an assault on a motorist and a Parsippany Police Department Crossing Guard.

On Thursday, September 14 at 3:10 p.m. the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received multiple 911 phone calls reporting a motor vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle at the intersection of Route 202 and Brooklawn Drive.

When officers arrived on scene, they were advised that the 58-year-old motorcycle driver was stopped on Route 202 so the on-duty Parsippany Police Department Crossing Guard could safely cross the children.

The defendant, John Connelly, allegedly stopped his pickup truck behind the motorcycle driver and got out of his vehicle.

At this time, it was reported that he began to physically assault the motorcycle driver. According to reports, the 76-year-old Crossing Guard attempted to intervene and was allegedly shoved to the ground by the defendant.

The defendant then continued to assault the motorcycle driver until other motorists intervened. The defendant allegedly then fled the scene in his truck.

As a result of the investigation, the Morris Plains Police Department was able to locate and stop the accused a short time later. He was placed under arrest and charged on a summons complaint with Aggravated Assault, a crime of the third degree, and Simple Assault, a disorderly persons offense. He was released on his own recognizance.

If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at (973) 263-4300.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.





Parsippany Resident Arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Hanover

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — An unexpected incident at the Walmart premises in Hanover Township led to an arrest on August 23. Hanover Township Police Officer Brandon Law was summoned to the rear of the Walmart store due to reports of a fire in the woods.

On reaching the location, Officer Law noticed Mr. Larry Southerland, 39, of Parsippany, in the process of extinguishing a flaming shopping cart.

After the fire was successfully put out, Officer Law proceeded to investigate the situation. This resulted in the discovery of drug paraphernalia in Mr. Southerland’s possession. Further checks also revealed an active warrant against him.

Consequently, Mr. Southerland was arrested and charged with possession of CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance) paraphernalia. He has since been released and awaits his forthcoming court appearance.

The Hanover Township Police Department encourages the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the community remains the department’s top priority.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.





Morris Plains Resident Arrested for DWI after Motorcycle Incident in Hanover Township

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

HANOVER — A routine response turned into an arrest for DWI when Hanover Township Police Officer Stephen Manney arrived at the scene of a reported accident at the intersection of Route 10 and North Jefferson Road on Sunday, August 20.

The officer was called in following reports of a motorcyclist who had apparently fallen off his bike. Upon reaching the location, Officer Manney found Mr. Jesse Smith, a 40-year-old resident of Morris Plains, standing beside his motorcycle.

While interacting with Mr. Smith, Officer Manney detected a strong odor of alcohol. After administering field sobriety tests, Mr. Smith was taken into custody and subsequently charged with DWI. In addition to the DWI charge, Smith was also issued motor vehicle summonses for both reckless and careless driving.

Mr. Smith has since been released and awaits his scheduled court appearance.

Hanover Township Police Department stresses the importance of responsible driving and reminds residents of the grave consequences that can arise from driving under the influence.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.





Join the Celebration: Whippany Fire Company Hosts Annual Open House

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Whippany Fire Department

HANOVER — The Whippany Fire Company members can’t wait to welcome you into their home away from home. Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 1, 2023, as they host their Annual Open House. This event also celebrates the beginning of Fire Prevention Month. They are located at 10 Troy Hills Road.

As their esteemed guest, you’ll be treated to an array of engaging activities. Ever wondered how professionals combat flames? You’ll witness captivating demonstrations showcasing the prowess of the team. Fancy a behind-the-scenes look at a firehouse? You can take a guided tour and uncover its secrets. And for the younger visitors, there’s a chance to climb aboard the fire trucks, feel the weight of the protective gear, and even slip into a firefighter’s boots!

But that’s not all. Throughout the day, they’ll be offering light refreshments to keep you energized. And if the idea of joining the valiant ranks of the Whippany Fire Department has ever crossed your mind, their dedicated membership team will be on hand, ready to entertain any queries you might harbor.

Oh, and keep an eye out for a special guest! Sparky, the friendly mascot, is eager to greet and interact with attendees. Hope to see you there, diving deep into the world of firefighting and perhaps even envisioning a future. Join and let’s make this day memorable together!





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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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