MORRIS COUNTY — Senators Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and Bob Singer (R-30) released the following statements regarding the latest string of violence at the Jersey Shore this past Memorial Day Weekend and blasted Trenton Democrats for failing to advance legislation that would strengthen laws and help prevent similar violent outbreaks.
“What happened at the Shore over Memorial Day weekend was exactly what we warned about a year ago when we introduced legislation to address this kind of lawlessness,” said Sen. Pennacchio. “This wasn’t partying, it was violence, chaos, and a total breakdown of order. We gave Trenton a roadmap to prevent this, and they ignored it. Now families are frightened, businesses are on edge, and our law enforcement is stretched thin. The consequences of inaction are playing out in real time. It’s not enough to talk tough after the fact; we need real action, and we needed it yesterday.”
“We’ve been sounding the alarm for over a year, but Trenton Democrats refused to listen. Now, here we are,” said Sen. Singer. “Our Shore economy is too valuable to gamble with, and the kind of violence we saw this past weekend is exactly what drives families away. We introduced a bill to give local governments and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent this kind of disruption, and it sat untouched. Tourism is a billion-dollar industry in New Jersey, and if we lose visitors’ trust, we lose the summer. We must seriously protect our coastal communities before it’s too late.”
Sens. Pennacchio and Singer are sponsors of S-399, which would expand the categories of a riot, enhance penalties for certain crimes committed during a riot, create new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication, and establish that a municipality must permit law enforcement to respond appropriately.
They introduced the legislation (S-3992) during the 2020-2021 legislative session.
Pennacchio, Singer Blast Dems for Inaction on Bill to Deter Shore Violence
Employment Horizons to Host 19th Annual Golf Classic
MORRIS COUNTY — Employment Horizons is gearing up for its 19th Annual Golf Classic. This premier fundraising event brings together community members, corporate supporters, and golf enthusiasts to support individuals with disabilities. This year’s outing on June 16th, will again occur at the prestigious Rockaway River Country Club in Denville, offering participants a day filled with giveaways, contest prizes, and a silent auction.
Verizon returns as the Title Sponsor, with strong support from Associate Sponsors Avison Young, Paul Miller Auto Group, and Summit Financial. The Golf Classic is not only a day of fun and friendly competition—it plays a vital role in sustaining Employment Horizons’ mission to provide job training and placement services across Morris, Sussex, and Passaic counties.
Proceeds from the event directly benefit various innovative programs, including on-site vocational rehabilitation, community-based job placements, two Culinary Arts training programs, and a specialized job readiness course for high school students preparing to enter the workforce.
There’s still time to get involved. To support this meaningful event, contact [email protected].
Since 1957, Employment Horizons has been a leading nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment achieve their vocational goals and self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.ehorizons.org.
Dover High School Students Beautify Bridge in Civic Pride Project
DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd and the Dover Town Council extended their gratitude to the Dover College Promise program and a group of hardworking Dover High School students for a recent beautification project that brought color and vibrancy to the heart of town.
Led by Dover College Promise Program Director Ed Lopez, the students designed and installed bright flower boxes along the bridge by Town Hall. The project, which combined creativity and teamwork, serves as a shining example of civic engagement by the next generation of community leaders.
“The energy and pride these students brought to this project is inspiring,” said Mayor Dodd. “They’ve made a real impact, and it’s a reminder of what can be achieved when young people invest in their community.”
The initiative was made possible through generous support and collaboration with the County College of Morris, Alexander’s Landscaping & Tree Care, Cutters Tree Service Inc., and the Dover Department of Public Works.
“This was truly a team effort,” said Lopez. “Our students gained hands-on experience in planning and beautification, while also giving something lasting to the community.”
The flower boxes now greet residents and visitors with a splash of color, reinforcing the message that when the community comes together, lasting change can bloom.
Dover Town Council Takes Action After Offensive Behavior Disrupts Meetings
DOVER – In response to escalating safety concerns and increasingly disruptive behavior during recent in-person Town Council meetings, the Mayor and Town Council of Dover have announced that all future meetings will be held virtually. This decision, made in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.), is intended to preserve public access while restoring safety, order, and decorum in local governance.
“Over the past several weeks, our meetings have been marred by behavior that has no place in public service,” said Mayor James P. Dodd. “We have witnessed individuals wearing full facial coverings, altering their voices, and delivering crude, vulgar remarks—including sexually explicit references and disturbing comments. These actions have turned our council chambers into a spectacle that undermines the dignity of public discourse.”
One particularly offensive incident involved a man disguised as a Muslim woman, who went as far as to speak in a woman’s voice while making derogatory comments about the Muslim faith—including a disturbing reference to being “stoned” if the burka he was inappropriately wearing were removed. This deliberate impersonation caused significant distress to a resident of Iranian descent who practices Islam and was left in tears after witnessing such a blatant mockery of her faith and culture.
“When a respected local pastor felt compelled to leave a meeting for his own safety, and a Muslim resident was moved to tears by a display of religious mockery, it was clear we had to act,” said Mayor Dodd. “We are committed to providing a space where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.”
The shift to a virtual meeting format is a proactive measure that aligns with N.J.S.A. 10:4-9(b), which permits electronic meetings as long as the public retains full access and the opportunity to provide comment. “This move is not a retreat from public input—it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to protecting it,” Mayor Dodd emphasized. “Our virtual meetings will allow all voices to be heard in a civil, secure environment—without the circus.”
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and attend upcoming virtual council meetings. Instructions for accessing and participating in the meetings will be made available on the Town website at www.dover.nj.us.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly,” said Mayor Dodd. “But we cannot allow a small group to hijack the democratic process and create a toxic atmosphere that discourages community participation. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and—above all—civility in government.”
Jefferson Fireworks Rescheduled
JEFFERSON — Due to the weather forecast, the fireworks originally scheduled for Saturday night, May 31, have been canceled. The event has been rescheduled for the rain date: Sunday, June 1, at 9:30 p.m.
The field will open at 6:00 p.m., and attendees will enjoy a DJ and a selection of food trucks before the show.
For updates and additional details, please follow the official social media pages of Jefferson Township, Jefferson Police, and Jefferson Fire Companies 1 and 2.
Morris County Leaders Celebrate Opening of The Forum at Madison
MADISON — Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Deputy Director Stephen Shaw joined Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, and other local, state, and federal officials on Wednesday, October 4, to celebrate the official grand opening of The Forum at Madison. This 44-unit affordable housing development is setting a new benchmark for sustainable living in New Jersey.
The development, designed with Passive House certification and Net Zero energy standards, combines affordability with cutting-edge environmental design.
“This development is groundbreaking not just for its Passive House certification and Net Zero design, but for fulfilling a fundamental human need: shelter,” said Commissioner Director Selen, who serves as the Morris County liaison to the Housing Authority. “What makes this development truly exceptional is that, beyond providing much-needed housing, it meets an entirely new set of scientific standards for being energy efficient, providing those who will live here not just a place of comfort, but an environment that is both healthy for them as well as our environment.”
Morris County contributed $425,000 in federal HOME funds through the Office of Community Development toward the project. These funds help ensure the affordability of the units for at least the next 30 years.
The Forum at Madison represents a collaborative effort to address housing insecurity and climate impact. It offers residents a high-quality, energy-efficient place to live while advancing long-term sustainability goals across the region.
Dover Officials Welcome Mexican Consulate Leadership to Town Hall
DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd, Councilman Marcos Tapia, Police Captain Bill Newton, local business owner Francisco Rizo, and members of the municipal staff welcomed Mariana Díaz Nagore, Principal Consul of the Mexican Consulate of New Jersey, to the Town of Dover. Deputy Consul Alan Hubbard and Political Affairs Aide Xuna Cruz accompanied her.
The visit highlights Dover’s ongoing commitment to serving its diverse population and fostering strong community partnerships. The Mexican Consulate, officially opened in August 2023 in New Brunswick, was established to assist better the estimated 230,000 Mexican nationals residing in New Jersey, many of whom previously had to seek consular services out of state.
With a team of 27 professionals, the Consulate offers essential services such as passports, birth certificates, official IDs, and a range of community support programs focusing on health, cultural affairs, civic engagement, and financial education.
As part of its community outreach efforts, the Consulate opens one Saturday a month for walk-in services and also provides mobile consular units, which Dover officials hope to welcome soon.
Appointments can be scheduled online or via WhatsApp, making access to services more convenient for residents. Dover leadership expressed enthusiasm about building a lasting partnership with the Consulate to ensure the community remains welcoming, informed, and well-supported.
MCVSD Opens Career Training Center on CCM Campus
MORRIS COUNTY — More than 100 people gathered this morning at the County College of Morris (CCM) to celebrate the official opening of the Morris County Career Training Center, a new facility of the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) on the college campus in Randolph.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a 46,350-square-foot, two-story building that will expand MCVSD’s capacity by hundreds of high school students, starting with about 150 in the fall 2025 semester. The center will offer share-time programs focused on career and college readiness in fields ranging from medical and dental assisting to artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and supply chain management.
“This is more than just a career center — it’s truly a life training center. Graduates from Votech are already entering the workforce, earning competitive salaries and entering fulfilling careers. Programs like this are essential to our evolving economy,” said Deputy Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, who shared a personal story about his father’s success through vocational education.
Commissioners Douglas Cabana, John Krickus, Thomas Mastrangelo, Christine Myers, and Deborah Smith, State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, Asw. Aura Dunn, Asm. Christian Barranco and Asm. Brian Bergen, along with members of the Randolph Township Council, the MCVSD Board of Education, and the CCM Board of Trustees, was also in attendance.
“It seems like just yesterday we were here with shovels breaking ground for this magnificent facility. It is amazing when you pull onto this campus and see what’s happening with education in Morris County. The students here give us a sense of hope for the future,” said Sen. Bucco, who presented a Joint Senate-Assembly Resolution alongside Assemblymembers Dunn, Bergen, and Barranco.
The $26.8 million project was funded through $18.6 million from the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act and $8.2 million in county support. The building is currently under construction adjacent to CCM’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center and the future Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science Center. Together, they will form a career and technical education hub in the county.
“When I became president of CCM in 2016, initial conversations began with Paul Licitra and Barbara Dawson. Around the same time, the Morris County Commissioners — Tom Mastrangelo, Doug Cabana, Christine Myers, Deborah Smith, and John Krickus — approached me about the potential to expand our excellent vocational school district. Many conversations and hard work led to the building we’re celebrating today — and it’s all for our students,” said CCM President Dr. Anthony J. Iacono.
At that point, he invited CCM’s culinary students who catered the event to join him.
“This kind of collaboration isn’t happening anywhere else in New Jersey — or the country — but here in Morris County,” Iacono added.
The center’s programs will provide students with hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and the opportunity to earn up to 18 college credits. The share-time model allows students to attend specialized technical training for half the school day as part of their junior and senior year high school programs.
“This building does not feel like a high school. It feels like a high-tech, innovative space, and I know students will love learning here. They will know they are in a special space,” said MCVSD Acting Superintendent Shari Castelli, who emceed the event.
“This event is not just about the opening of a new building. It’s about opening the doors to our students, where they can cultivate their dreams, hopes, and aspirations. They will have a safe and inspiring environment to explore the many possibilities and opportunities available to them to discover their talents,” said MCVSD Board of Education President Barbara Dawson.
“The Morris County Vocational School District Career Training Center results from a unique and innovative partnership. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved when educators, with the support of county and state leaders, come together with a shared mission to empower the next generation of young people, and ultimately strengthen our community,” said Paul Licitra, chair of the CCM Board of Trustees.
The project was made possible through collaboration among CCM and its Trustees, MCVSD and its Board of Education members, federal and state legislators, Morris County and the Board of County Commissioners, and the Township of Randolph and Councilmembers. During the event, the contributions of former MCVSD Superintendent Scott Moffitt were also recognized.
Audrey Pagan Tackles Stormwater Issues in Global Research Project at WPI
MORRIS PLAINS — Audrey Pagan, a member of the class of 2026 majoring in Environmental Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), was a member of a student team that recently completed a professional-level research-driven project titled “Stormwater Utility Creation and Maintenance.”
Known as the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), this project is a core part of the innovative undergraduate experience at WPI. Centered around project-based learning, this hands-on approach offers students opportunities to help develop thoughtful solutions to open-ended problems. These real-world problems affect the quality of life for people in the communities where students work, giving students a chance to make a difference in the world before graduation. All WPI undergraduates must complete an IQP, usually in their junior year, through which they apply science and technology to address a critical societal need or issue. About two-thirds of WPI students complete their IQP at one of the university’s 50+ off-campus project centers in more than 30 countries worldwide.
“The WPI project-based curriculum’s focus on global studies brings students out of the classroom and their comfort zones and into the global community to apply their knowledge and to solve problems,” said Professor Kent Rissmiller, professor of International & Global Studies and associate dean of The Global School. “Students are immersed in all aspects of a different culture-from the way people live and work to the values they hold to the foods they eat, all valuable perspectives for surviving and thriving in today’s global marketplace. They also learn the meaning and magic of teamwork; make a real and meaningful difference in their host community; and gain a competitive edge for any resume, or graduate or professional school application.”
About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
WPI is a top-tier STEM-focused research university and a recognized pioneer and global leader in project-based learning. Founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems, WPI’s continued mission is to transform lives, turn knowledge into action to confront global challenges, and revolutionize STEM through distinctive and inclusive education, projects, and research. WPI’s project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving significant scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers worldwide. Today, WPI offers more than 70 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 18 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. To help address ongoing challenges, improve lives, and help create a more sustainable world, WPI faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research in the life sciences, innovative technologies, materials and manufacturing, and global initiatives.
Dunn Named Legislator of the Year by The Arc of Morris
MORRIS COUNTY — The Arc of Morris named Assemblywoman Aura Dunn Legislator of the Year at Wednesday’s annual awards gala.
Dunn, cofounder and co-chair of the bipartisan New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus, has made it her mission to address challenges facing those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Since becoming Assemblywoman, one of her proudest achievements was signing her bill (S761/A2369) that requires an autism or communication disorder to be notated on driver’s licenses and state-issued ID cards. In addition, she has worked to address New Jersey’s special education teacher shortage (A3244) and create a centralized information hub of state resources for those with disabilities (A3779).
“There has been much done, and there remains so much more to do, on behalf of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families in New Jersey, to ensure they are afforded not only the resources, but the dignity and opportunities to thrive and succeed in the broader community,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “Working with The Arc to further these most noble causes has been my honor.”
Beyond her legislative work, Dunn participates every March in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, established by proclamation in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. The Arc of New Jersey hosts numerous community awareness campaigns, workshops and fundraisers during this month. The Morris chapter praised Dunn’s tireless advocacy for policies that promote inclusivity and independence for its clients each March and all year round.
“This is a mission I hold close, not just as a lawmaker, but as someone who has stood with loved ones navigating this system, an experience that deepens my resolve every single day,” Dunn said. “I have seen the cracks in the system—the long waitlists, the underfunded programs, the exhausting fight for basic support—and I refuse to give up.”
According to the state Division of Developmental Disabilities, in 2024, 1,622 people ranging in age from 10 to 99 received services in Morris County.
For over 70 years, the county chapter has advocated for people with intellectual or development disabilities for families in Morris County.