Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Home Blog Page 120

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Launches Spring Match Campaign to Help Homeless Pets

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at 194 Route 10, East Hanover

EAST HANOVER — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter (MPAS) has launched its annual Spring Match Campaign, offering the community an opportunity to make twice the impact in the lives of homeless pets. Now through April 30, every donation will be doubled up to $70,000, helping provide food, medical care, shelter, and the chance for a new beginning to animals in need.

“For over 53 years, we’ve been giving animals a voice, a future, and the love they may never have known,” said JoAnn Bartoli, Director of Development at MPAS. “Last year alone, we rescued 1,056 animals. With this matching campaign, we can help even more pets find their forever homes.”

Through this initiative, donations are matched dollar for dollar:

  • A $25 gift becomes $50, providing meals for hungry pets.
  • A $50 gift becomes $100, supporting critical medical care.
  • A $100 gift becomes $200, giving a homeless pet a second chance.

The shelter partners with other organizations across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters and those facing euthanasia. These pets receive the compassionate care they need—whether it’s emergency medical treatment, behavioral support, or temporary placement in foster homes—before being placed for adoption.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter uses Zeffy, a fee-free donation platform that ensures 100% of each contribution goes directly to animal care. “So far, we’ve saved over $2,000 in processing fees—money that helps save more lives,” Bartoli noted.

The shelter’s services include:

  • Emergency and routine medical care
  • Daily feeding and enrichment
  • Socialization and behavioral training
  • Foster care coordination
  • Adoption services and lifelong support

In addition to the Spring Match Campaign, supporters are encouraged to participate in the Rosebud Golf Outing, a fundraiser to benefit the shelter. Registration is available at www.therosebudgolf.com.

To contribute to the Spring Match Campaign, visit the Zeffy Donation Link. For more about Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter and its mission, visit www.njshelter.org.

Boonton Main Street Hosts Earth Day Cleanup

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

BOONTON — In celebration of Earth Day, Boonton Main Street will host a Main Street Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 19, starting at 9:00 a.m. Community members are invited to roll up their sleeves and help beautify downtown Boonton in partnership with the town-wide cleanup initiative.

Volunteers will gather in front of the Boonton Holmes Public Library before spreading out to clean along Main Street. This effort is part of Boonton Main Street’s ongoing commitment to preserving the charm and cleanliness of the local business district.

  • Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.
  • Meeting Location: Boonton Holmes Public Library

Bags and gloves will be provided. All ages are welcome to participate.

For more information, visit BoontonMainStreet.org.

Saint Carlo Acutis International Exhibit: Miracles of the Eucharist Across the World

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Visitors view panels from the “Miracles of the Eucharist Across the World” exhibit at Saint Catherine of Siena Church, honoring the legacy of Saint Carlo Acutis.

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Saint Catherine of Siena Church, located at 10 North Pocono Road, will host the internationally acclaimed exhibition, “Miracles of the Eucharist Across the World,” on the weekend of April 26–27, coinciding with the canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis—the first millennial saint.​

This compelling photographic exhibition, developed by Carlo Acutis himself before his passing at the age of 15, features a series of panels documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the globe. Originally from Milan, Italy, Acutis was beatified on October 20, 2020, and will be officially canonized on Sunday, April 27, 2025.​

A 1st Class Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis will accompany the exhibit, offering visitors a rare and meaningful opportunity to venerate the young saint who used his technological talents to share his deep devotion to the Eucharist.​

The exhibit will be open to the public on:​

  • Saturday, April 26, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.​
  • Sunday, April 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.​

All are welcome to attend this special event.

Dover Board of Education to Hold Public Budget Hearing

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Dover Board of Education, 21 Belmont Avenue

DOVER — The Dover Board of Education will hold its annual Budget Hearing and Public Meeting on Thursday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dover High School Cafeteria.

During the meeting, district officials will present the proposed 2025–2026 school budget, outlining key financial priorities that support the district’s schools, staff, and students. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn more about the budget plan, and ask questions during the public session.

The budget presentation will offer insight into how the district plans to allocate resources for academic programs, staff development, facility maintenance, and student services in the coming school year.

Meeting Details:

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Dover High School Cafeteria

Residents are invited to attend and take an active role in shaping the future of education in the Dover School District.

“Maker Day” at The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, a nationally recognized historic site in Parsippany, served as the backdrop for a remarkable ceremony

PARSIPPANY — The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms invites the public to roll up their sleeves and dive into creativity during its upcoming “Maker Day” on Saturday, May 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will occur at the historic early 20th-century home of Gustav Stickley, a central figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement.

This special afternoon will feature hands-on workshops led by three local professional artists, allowing participants to explore various crafts and creative techniques. With the purchase of a ticket, attendees will enjoy:

  • Stab Bound Book Making and Letterpress Printed Covers with Artist Kath Yarkosky
  • Pysanky Egg Dying with Artist Wendy Hallstrom
  • Ornamental Cement Sculpture with Artist Katie Truk

In the recently restored Log House Kitchen, visitors can attend “How It Was Made” Spotlight Talks to explore the artistry and craftsmanship behind items in the museum’s collection. These talks highlight the work of early 20th-century artists and provide insights into the era’s creative processes.

Guests will also receive a Makers’ Discount at The Craftsman Shop, which opened in 2024 and offers handmade items, including jewelry, pottery, prints, and lamps.

Please note: Maker Day is not an open house event. Access to the full Log House requires a guided tour, which will be offered at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. during the event.

Admission Pricing:

  • Members: $35 (or two tickets for $60)
  • Non-members: $55
  • New Member Special: $100 – Includes a one-year Individual Membership ($50 value) and two tickets ($110 value)

Admission includes all materials, activities, and spotlight talks.

To learn more about Maker Day or to purchase tickets, visit www.stickleymuseum.org or follow the museum on social media.

Hanover Rotary Club to Host 33rd Annual Duck Race on May 31

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
A sea of bright yellow ducks waits at the starting line, ready to race for a cause at the Hanover Rotary Club’s 33rd Annual Duck Race.

HANOVER—The Hanover Rotary Club will host its 33rd Annual Duck Race on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Malapardis Park in Cedar Knolls. This popular community tradition promises an afternoon of fun, food, and exciting prizes—all for a good cause.

Festivities will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the highly anticipated duck race scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy hot dogs, ice cream, and a festive atmosphere for the whole family.

Each duck entry is $10.00, with all proceeds benefiting Rotary and its supported charities. Participants can win incredible prizes, including a $2,000 American Express gift card, tickets to the New York Jets, Mets, and Yankees, and a pair of Apple AirPods.

The event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local businesses. Sponsors include Air Group, B. Brueche Jr. and Sons Dumpster Service, Dosch King Co., STAR-LO Electric Inc., A Party Pleasing Rental, and JMF Properties.

Malapardis Park is located in the heart of Cedar Knolls, making it ideal for families and community members to come together and support a worthy cause. The Hanover Rotary Club invites everyone to adopt a duck and enjoy the fun.

Contact a Hanover Rotary Club member for more information or to purchase a duck.

Attorney General Charges 39 in Major Racketeering and Illegal Gambling

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

TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, announced charges against 39 individuals, including alleged members and associates of the Lucchese Crime Family, for their involvement in a large-scale racketeering and illegal gambling enterprise operating throughout North Jersey.

Among those charged is Anand Shah, a 42-year-old Prospect Park Councilman, who is accused of managing illegal poker games and an online sportsbook connected to the crime family. The investigation, which spanned over two years, culminated in executing search warrants at 12 locations on April 9, including poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park—some concealed behind operating restaurants.

Authorities uncovered more than $3 million in suspected criminal proceeds and the use of shell corporations and legitimate businesses to launder the funds. The operation included poker clubs, gambling machines, and an online sportsbook managed by agents and sub-agents who allegedly funneled proceeds to upper management within the Lucchese Crime Family.

High-ranking members charged include:

  • George J. Zappola, 65, of Red Bank – identified as part of the Lucchese ruling panel
  • Joseph R. “Big Joe” Perna, 56, of Belleville – Lucchese captain
  • John G. Perna, 47, of Little Falls – Lucchese soldier
  • Wayne D. Cross, 75, of Spring Lake – Lucchese soldier

Local defendants include:

  • Ralph Gibilisco, 65, and Linda Gibilisco, 60, both of East Hanover – Poker club manager and employee
  • Frank Gallipoli III, 57, and Robert M. Filippini, 54, both of Wayne – Club manager and sub-agent
  • Joseph J. Gossweiler, 41, of Florham Park – Poker club manager and sportsbook sub-agent
  • Joan E. Santana-Suarez, 42, of Dover – Sportsbook sub-agent and poker host
  • Steven M. Romano, 43, of Lincoln Park – Sportsbook sub-agent

In addition to gambling and racketeering charges, two individuals – Frank Gallipoli III and Ali Radwan, 53, of Woodland Park – are charged with third-degree theft for allegedly shoplifting $22,000 in merchandise from Home Depot to renovate properties used to launder criminal proceeds.

Charges range from first-degree racketeering to fourth-degree gambling offenses. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“This case demonstrates the continued threat organized crime poses to our communities,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This was not a victimless operation—it involved criminal profits, shell companies, and exploitation.”

The case is being prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice under Deputy Attorneys General Heather Hausleben and William Cooper-Daub.

For those struggling with gambling addiction, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER or by visiting the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s website for legal operators and support resources.

Boonton Township to Host Rockaway River Clean-Up

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Volunteers will gather to take part in Rockaway River Clean-Up, helping to preserve the local environment one bag at a time.

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — The Boonton Township Recreation Department invites residents and community members to roll up their sleeves and join the Rockaway River Clean-Up on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 31 Rockaway Drive, where they will begin walking along the river to collect trash and beautify the area. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves and bags.

The event is open to all, and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops are especially welcome to participate in this community effort. The clean-up initiative will focus on sections of the Rockaway River and surrounding areas throughout Boonton Township.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to get involved, give back to the environment, and work together as a community,” organizers said.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the Recreation Director at [email protected].

If you can’t attend, the township encourages residents to still do their part—pick up litter whenever you can and always remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Authorities Confirm Investigation into Route 10 Crash Involving Multiple Fatalities

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Emergency responders on the scene of a fatal multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 10 and Millbrook Avenue in Randolph on Thursday, April 10. The collision resulted in three adult fatalities and multiple injuries, including two children.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Randolph Police Chief Will Harzula confirm an active investigation into a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred the afternoon of Thursday, April 10, on Route 10 in Randolph.

At approximately 3:20 p.m., first responders were notified of a multi-vehicle crash on Route 10 at the intersection with Millbrook Avenue. The preliminary investigation revealed a four-vehicle crash. Among the involved vehicles was a school minivan occupied by students and employees.

At this time, it can be confirmed that there are three adult fatalities as a result of this crash. Two children injured in this crash have been transported to local hospitals for care. Two adults were treated at the scene.

The deceased are:

• Bertha Castaneda, 67, of Dover
• Diane Goetz, 71, of Randolph
• Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, of Wharton – Click here for the GoFundMe page.

Castaneda and Figueroa traveled in a school vehicle registered to Alyft Transport LLC, transporting students for P.G. Chambers in Cedar Knolls.

Dexsel Reyes Granados, a 4-year-old boy with special needs who was involved in a horrific crash yesterday in Randolph, has died, a family member said this afternoon.

Dexsel Reyes Granados, 4, Hackettstown, was in a vehicle that was hit by a car. He is now in critical condition at Morristown Hospital, fighting for his life. His injuries are severe, and the road to recovery—if even possible—will be long and uncertain. Click here for the GoFundMe page.

UPDATE: Two children were taken to local hospitals. One of them, Yexsel, attended P.G. Chambers and was rushed to Morristown Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead earlier today.

The Randolph Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit are conducting the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing, and no other information is available. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate juncture.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “While we cannot disclose many details on the circumstances of this crash at this time, I can say this is a horrible tragedy for the Morris County community and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives and with those whose lives will undoubtedly be impacted by their loss. We ask that residents exercise discretion with what they share online, as this incident may be deeply traumatic for those in the community.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call the Randolph Township Police Department at (973) 989-7000 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at (973) 285-6200.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Captain Graduates FBI National Academy

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Captain Joseph Costello of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office proudly graduates from the 293rd session of the FBI National Academy on March 13, 2025—joining an elite group of law enforcement leaders from across the globe.

MORRIS COUNTY — On March 13, 2025, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Captain Joseph Costello joined the 244 law enforcement officers graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

FBI Director Kash Patel delivered remarks at the ceremony for the 293rd session of the National Academy and presented graduates with their certificates. This session involved men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, 11 military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy consists of 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. The training is provided by instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees, and many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Academy participants with proven records as agency professionals are permitted to enroll. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience.

Captain Costello is only the eighth Morris County Prosecutor’s Office member to have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.

1...119120121...691Page 120 of 691

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 »