MORRIS COUNTY — In a fruitful partnership, the Morris County Nutrition Program and Ort Farms have joined forces for a third consecutive year to ensure fresh produce reaches the senior residents of Butler Senior Housing and Jefferson Chase this summer. This farm-to-table initiative gives seniors the choice to order prepackaged fresh fruits and vegetables from the Long Valley-based farm, subsequently delivered by the Nutrition Program staff.

The federally-funded Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) plays a key role in making this possible, providing vouchers to eligible seniors. These vouchers can be exchanged for fresh produce from participating farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture.

The Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming’s Nutrition Program manages the initiative in Morris County. Christine Hellyer, the division’s director, explained that while the SFMNP has been operational for many years, the farm-to-table initiative began in 2021 due to the pandemic limiting seniors’ mobility. The pilot program, in partnership with Ort Farms, was successful and continues with some enhancements introduced in 2023.

One of the improvements made in 2023 was digitizing the voucher system with QR codes on plastic cards attached to lanyards for seniors to wear at participating farmer’s markets. This change mitigates the risk of voucher loss. Moreover, the amount distributed to each individual in a household has increased from $30 to $50, which corresponds to two deliveries of produce worth $25 each.

This year, a total of 72 bags of produce will be delivered to seniors across two housing units. The first set of deliveries, which took place on July 18 and 19, were welcomed by seniors, who received an assortment of seasonal fruits and vegetables. A second delivery is planned for September.

To further encourage participation, each senior who registered for a produce bag also received an indoor sprout blossom kit. The kit, containing mixed herbs that can grow in sunlight and stick to windows and walls, came as a bonus with the produce.

Director Rhea Young, who personally delivers the bags with the help of a community service worker and two interns, stated, “We’ll keep delivering until the need is met.” For more details and income guidelines for the SFMNP, interested parties can visit the Official Website of Morris County.

Ort Farms, a family-run business now in its sixth generation, operates a 400-acre farm and offers produce throughout the year. The farm also provides recreational activities for visitors.

MORRIS COUNTY —Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Dover Police Department Chief Jonathan Delaney confirmed the arrest of Wilfredo Cabrera-Masariegos, 34, Dover, in connection with a death investigation in Dover.

At approximately 1:56 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, Dover Police officers responded to the railroad tracks near West Clinton Street in Dover on a report of a deceased person.

On arrival, they located a deceased male on the railroad tracks. An examination by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed blunt force injury to the victim’s head, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.

The victim has been identified as Rene Rivera Hernandez, 47, a homeless individual who frequented the Dover area.

Further investigation revealed that Cabrera-Masariegos and the victim were on the railroad tracks under a highway bridge in the late evening of July 25. Cabrera-Masariegos allegedly struck the victim in the head with a rock and fled the scene.

As a result of the investigation, Cabrera-Masariegos was charged with one count of second-degree Manslaughter, one count of third-degree Possession of a Weapon, and one count of fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Cabrera-Masariegos was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

Numerous law enforcement agencies have participated in the investigation, including members of the Dover Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200 or the Dover Police Department at (973) 366-2200.

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 COUNTY — The the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police, and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management worked collaboratively capture an alleged car burglary suspect, on Wednesday, July 26.

All units were requested to respond to the area of Noe Avenue neighborhood of the Borough of Madison after being alerted to an individual who was observed to be acting suspiciously. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office canine team of Det. Marc Adamsky and K-9 Tim was able to establish a track of the suspect and locate him in the Crestview Avenue area of Madison Borough. The suspect, identified as Thomas Rivera, a 20 year old male from Jersey City, was found in possession of keys to a vehicle which had been burglarized in Madison earlier this morning.

Sheriff James M. Gannon said, “This criminal activity is too prevalent in our communities. Potentially dangerous individuals are frequently attempting to victimize good people. I am so pleased to see our partnerships working together and succeeding; all with the resolve of keeping us safe.”

Madison Borough Police Chief John R. Miscia stated, “I would like to commend the law enforcement officers on scene for a job well done. The quick thinking and great investigative teamwork by both our officers of the Madison Police Department, and our partners at the Morris County Office of Emergency Management and Morris County Sheriff’s Office was evident following the arrest of Mr. Rivera. The fine police work is a testament to the strong partnership that we have between our Morris County.”

DOVER — At 1:56 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, Dover Police officers made a troubling discovery of a deceased male on the railroad tracks near West Clinton Street in Dover. According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, the victim’s identity has not been disclosed.

While the incident is under investigation, authorities have assured the public that there is no perceived threat to safety. However, any individuals with potentially relevant information are urged to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200 or the Dover Police Department at (973) 366-2200. Your cooperation could be vital in resolving this matter and bringing closure to the victim’s family and loved ones.