Sunday, September 6, 2026
Home Blog Page 12

Surrogate Heather Darling Joins Panel of Business Leaders at CIANJ Women in Commerce Awards

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Heather Darling, Esq.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling served as a panelist Wednesday morning at the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey’s Annual Women in Commerce Awards breakfast, held at Glen Ridge Country Club before the event’s largest crowd to date.

The breakfast honored an accomplished group of women recognized for their leadership and impact across New Jersey’s business community. Jennifer Velez, attorney and chief executive officer of the Public Service Enterprise Group, delivered the keynote address, and the panel discussion was moderated by Jen Mannino, assistant vice president of marketing at LAN Associates.

Darling joined six fellow panelists — including leaders from HC Constructors, Santander Bank, Mikula Contracting, Valley Health System, Simply Sherri and SKC and Co. CPAs — for a wide-ranging discussion covering career journeys, defining moments, professional challenges, leadership philosophy and advice for women pursuing advancement in their careers.

Speaking on career advancement and leadership, Darling encouraged women in the audience not to shy away from pursuing what they want professionally.

“Women should never accept less than what they, with all their heart, truly believe they were meant to be,” Darling said.

Darling congratulated the accomplished and inspiring group of honorees, saying their achievements reflect the strength of New Jersey’s business community.

Darling continues to represent Morris County in civic and professional forums throughout the region, drawing on nearly three decades of experience across law, finance and public service.

The Morris County Surrogate’s Court oversees the probate of wills, administration of estates and guardianship matters for Morris County residents. Darling has served as Morris County Surrogate since January 2020. For more information, visit morrissurrogate.com.

Green Team Launches Quiet Summer Initiative 

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File photo

MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains Green Team encourages residents to refrain from using gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer months. Voluntary participation by residents and lawn services will help reduce noise and air pollution in the Borough and improve quality of life. You can substitute brooms, rakes, or electric blowers for yard clean-ups, and grass clippings can remain on the lawn to add nutrients to the soil.

For more information, visit the Green Team web page, where a suggested bi-lingual English/Spanish note for landscapers is available.

Third Annual Veterans Appreciation Day Held in Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Vietnam Veteran Emerson Crooks; Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus, a U.S. Marine Corps. veteran; and Morris County Veterans Services Officer Donald Gallante.

MORRIS PLAINS — Veterans, families and service providers gathered at VFW Post 3401 on Thursday for the third annual Veterans Appreciation Day, where men and women who served in the United States military were honored and treated to lunch prepared and served by student volunteers from Morristown High School.

The event was hosted by Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, Catholic Charities, NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders, VFW Post 3401 and American Legion Post 59, Morristown.

Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr; Assemblywoman Aura Dunn; David Pearson, Assistant Director of Veterans Services at Catholic Charities and co-founder of NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group; U.S. Rep. Analilia Mejia; AJ Luna, co-founder of the NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group and a U.S. Army veteran; Sen. Anthony Bucco; Commissioner Christine Myers; Val DiGiacinto, president of Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey; Emerson Crooks; Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus; Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney; Morris County Human Services Director Kasey Errico and Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw.

Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Deputy Director John Krickus and Commissioners Christine Myers and Tayfun Selen attended the event, where Shaw delivered remarks to the group.

“Recognizing our veterans is something we can never do often enough, and Morris County remains committed to supporting our veterans throughout the year,” Shaw said. “The men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform have made sacrifices to protect the freedoms we cherish, and we are grateful for their service.”

Shaw noted that this year’s event followed National Purple Heart Day, observed August 7 during the nation’s 250th anniversary year. The Purple Heart, established by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, is the nation’s oldest military decoration and honors service members who were wounded or killed in service to their country.

Among the other officials who attended and addressed the gathering were United States Representative Analilia Mejia, State Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney and Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr. Morris County Human Services Director Kasey Errico and Christine Hellyer, director of the county’s Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming Office, also attended.

A.J. Luna, co-founder of the NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group and a United States Army veteran who served from 2000 to 2006, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, told attendees about the upcoming Remembering Our Fallen Moving Wall memorial at County College of Morris.

The national traveling memorial will be displayed at the college in Randolph from September 25 through September 27 as part of the 25th anniversary commemoration of the Global War on Terrorism. The memorial honors American service members who died during the conflict. Veterans, military families and members of the public are encouraged to attend.

The appreciation event also connected veterans with organizations offering services and support throughout Morris County and the region. County veterans services officers and staff from the Department of Human Services’ Navigating Hope mobile services unit were available to speak directly with veterans about available programs and assistance.

This year’s event was sponsored by Persistent Foundation of Parsippany. Other organizations present included Community Hope, Atlantic Behavioral Health, Employing Veterans and Military Spouses LLC, Catholic Charities’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, New Jersey Veterans Network, Loan Depot and the Veterans Crisis Line. Representatives were available to provide information about employment, behavioral health, housing and other support services.

For more information about Morris County veterans services, call (973) 285-6866.

Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw greets Bill Lee, a Korean War veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1954 until he was honorably discharged in 1956. Mr. Lee received a Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal at the county’s annual Memorial Day ceremony in 2024. His son, Gilbert (center), nominated him for the medal.

Gov. Sherrill and First Gentleman Complete Move to Drumthwacket

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Governor Mikie Sherrill

TRENTON — Governor Mikie Sherrill and First Gentleman Jason Hedberg issued a statement this week confirming their family has completed its move into Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence in Princeton.

“This week, our family completed our move to Drumthwacket, and we are thrilled to call it home,” the couple said in a joint statement.

“Drumthwacket is more than the Governor’s residence — it is ‘The People’s House,'” the statement continued. “We’re excited to bring it to life with our family, open its doors to New Jerseyans, and share the rich history and heritage that make this place so special.”

Sherrill, who has said she intends to serve as governor for all of New Jersey, said living at Drumthwacket puts the family closer to the State House and the work of the administration.

“Montclair and Essex County have been a beloved home for us and will always hold a special place in our hearts,” the statement said. “They are where we grew our family and raised our children for the past sixteen years, surrounded by a community we will miss deeply.”

The couple said they are grateful to the state employees and the Drumthwacket Foundation who helped make the transition possible.

Jefferson Township Council to Hold Special Meeting Monday to Fill Vacant Seat

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Jefferson Township Councilman Dan Schultz

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, August 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Municipal Building for the purpose of filling the council seat vacated by former Councilman Dan Schultz.

Schultz, a Republican, resigned July 23. He was serving a term set to expire December 31, 2028.

The council will consider three nominees put forward by the Jefferson Township Republican Committee: Bob Vander Ploeg, Sheila Brown, and Yvonne Ioffredo.

Denville Man Charged With DWI After Route 53 Stop

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MORRIS COUNTY — A 62-year-old Denville man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle stop on Route 53 South near Fox Hill Road, according to the Denville Police Department.

James Elsman was stopped by an officer at approximately 10:56 p.m. Saturday after failing to maintain his lane of travel, police said. During the course of the stop, officers determined that Elsman was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. He was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing.

Upon completion of processing, Elsman was issued the following motor vehicle summonses:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
  • Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
  • Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
  • Failure to Maintain Lane (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)

Elsman was released pending a future court appearance in Denville Municipal Court.

Editor’s Note: 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.

Mosquito Control Treatment Scheduled Thursday in East Hanover

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File photo

EAST HANOVER — The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control has scheduled mosquito control treatment in East Hanover for Thursday night, following an increase in adult mosquito populations.

Weather permitting, crews will conduct the treatment between 9:00 p.m. and midnight using truck-mounted sprayers. The county said crews will use either Anvil 2+2, which contains the active ingredient sumithrin, or Zenivex E4, which contains etofenprox.

The treatment area includes River Road, Birchwood Court, Dixon Lane, Fox Run Drive, Dartmoor Road, Sussex Lane, Andover Lane, Windsor Way, Heritage Drive, Raquel Court, Lincoln Street, Michael Lane, Fairway Drive, Bunker Road, Green Drive, Golf Lane, Charles Lane, Samuel Street, Mitchell Avenue, Herman Street, Hugenot Street, Preston Avenue, Rohn Street, Terhune Street, Surrey Lane, Robert Drive, Lee Place, Knollwood Drive, Canfield Road, Emanuel Street, Reinmann Drive, Maureen Road, Lucianna Road, Natalie Court, Morgan Way, Merry Lane, Caitlin Court, Dalia Court, Georgian Court, Castle Ridge Drive, Queensbridge Drive, Kingsbridge Drive, Old Hanover Airport, Ridgedale Avenue, Edgemount Road, Phyldan Road, Pollis Drive, Brookline Avenue, Dara Drive, Dorian Terrace, Chic Jon Lane, Jaclyn Drive, Troy Place, East Harvest Avenue, Harvest Avenue, Wallace Street, Maple Avenue, East Orchard Place, Wildwood Avenue, Balsam Avenue, Klinger Road, Stimis Lane, Cottage Place, Peach Tree Avenue, Kimble Place, Lent Street, Callahan Street, Grove Avenue, Barnida Drive, Goldblatt Terrace, Gail Drive, Petry Drive, Ronald Drive, Weaver Place, Ward Place, Walter Avenue, Valley Road, Evelyn Place, Florence Avenue, Troy Road, Kahl Road, Schoener Road, Lorie Drive, Highland Road, Highview Road, Groah Road, Louis Street, John Street, Jackson Street, Daniel Drive, Norwood Road and Ridgewood Drive.

The treatment is dependent on weather conditions.

Residents with questions about the mosquito control program or scheduled treatments can contact the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at (973) 285-6450. Additional information, including pesticide product labels, is available on the division’s website.

Morris Plains Seniors to Meet Monday, Hear Advance Directives Talk

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains Seniors will meet Monday, August 10, at 12:00 noon at the Community Center, 51 Jim Fear Drive.

Lunch will include pizza, salad, zucchini sticks, water, soft drinks and ice cream sundaes for dessert.

The featured speaker will be Kristen, daughter of Joan Sambrowski, who will continue her presentation on advance directives and related topics.

The Morris Plains Senior Citizen Group is open to all senior citizens in Morris Plains and offers social interaction, education and recreation opportunities. The group meets on the second Monday of the month, except July. Members pay dues of $15.00 per year, and the Borough Council provides a subsidy for group activities. Those interested in joining can contact Peter Dombrowski, president, at [email protected] or (973) 605-2826.

For more information, contact the Morris Plains Community Center at 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, at (973) 538-2224.

Hanover Township Celebrates Longtime Municipal Employees at Service Awards Breakfast

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Steven Kasiski and Lisa Markey celebrate with their families during Hanover Township’s Service Awards Celebration Breakfast. Photo courtesy of Hanover Township Administration.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township recently celebrated longtime, dedicated employees who reached service milestones with the township. Between Hanover Township and the Hanover Sewerage Authority, thirteen employees were recognized for their outstanding and long-enduring service to the community.

10 Years of Service

  • Richard Wolowicz, Engineering Department

15 Years of Service

  • John DeZao, Police Department

25 Years of Service

  • Maria D’Amore, Hanover Sewerage Authority
  • Sean Donlon, Building Department
  • Chief Michael Loock, Police Department
  • Jeffrey Keating, Department of Public Works
  • Lisa Markey, Building Department

35 Years of Service

  • Robert Stumpf, Department of Public Works

40 Years of Service

  • Steven Kasiski, Department of Public Works
  • Captain Anthony Vitanza, Police Department

Retirements

  • Blais Brancheau, Township Planner, 36 years
  • Rae Ann Wallace, Police Department, 27 years
  • Michael Wynn, Hanover Sewerage Authority, 39 years

The township thanked the employees for their service and wished them well as they continue their work.

Man Charged With Terroristic Threats, Resisting Arrest After Incident at Morris County Hotel

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — A 68-year-old Randolph man is facing multiple charges following a disturbance at a hotel in Hanover Township, according to police.

Hanover Township police responded to the Extended Stay America on Saturday, July 25, after receiving a report of a man acting irate and out of control. Officers arrived to find the man, identified as Mark Kwiatkoski, at the front desk pointing and yelling at an employee, police said.

Officers attempted to calm Kwiatkoski but were unsuccessful and escorted him outside, according to police. Authorities said he then directed his anger toward officers and refused to provide his identity.

When police informed Kwiatkoski he was under arrest, he allegedly began pulling away from officers, according to police. He was taken to the ground and handcuffed while continuing to resist, police said.

Kwiatkoski sustained minor abrasions to his face and knee during the incident and was taken by ambulance to a hospital for evaluation, accompanied by an officer, according to police.

He was charged with the following:

  • Disorderly conduct
  • Terroristic threats
  • Obstruction
  • Hindering
  • Resisting arrest

After being cleared at the emergency room, Kwiatkoski was lodged in the Morris County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Editor’s Note: 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.

1...111213...708Page 12 of 708

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

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.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »