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Homeless Solutions Dreams Big with New CEO at 25th Annual Dream Builders’ Bash

By
Frank Cahill
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Knights of Columbus #359 members John O’Reilly, Edward Thorton, and Mike Wilkey; NJ State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn; HSI Chief Executive Officer Jaclyn Stoll; Knights of Columbus #359 Grand Knight William Kostyak; Boye Foundation representative Kathryn Mancini; NJ State Senator Anthony Bucco; Boye Foundation representatives Anastasia Ireland and Sarah Gregory; HSI Chief Development Officer Stephanie Cicale.

MORRIS COUNTY — Homeless Solutions recently celebrated its 25th Annual Dream Builders’ Bash on Friday, March 28th.

The Bash is the non-profit’s most significant yearly fundraiser. It supports the shelter programs and services it offers to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Morris County regain their independence.

This year’s event, “Dream Big, Build Bigger,” celebrated the power of community and honorees who’ve shown extraordinary dedication to HSI. The evening was filled with beautiful tributes and touching stories and was also an introduction of Homeless Solutions’ new CEO Jaclyn Stoll to the steadfast supporters in attendance.

The evening’s honorees included Bob and Nancy Boye of The Boye Foundation, who were given our Dream Builder Award for their decades of philanthropic support to HSI. The Knights of Columbus #359 George Washington Council were awarded the Mary E. Van Kirk Volunteer Spirit Award for their years of dedicated volunteerism to the organization.

An inspirational part of the night came from our guest speaker, PG, a graduate of our Transitional Housing Program who told her story as a single working mother who lost her home to rising Morris County rents. This narrative is becoming all too familiar as we see the waitlist for affordable housing increase exponentially in our community.

She praised HSI’s staff for supporting her, including helping her access much-needed resources that she initially didn’t even know were available. Our THP graduate should also be commended for the intense effort she put forth to secure stability for her family. She took advantage of every opportunity, workshop, and program that she could to help her in her journey back to independence. As she said, “The HSI programs work if you do your part and never give up.”

The Bash guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing, raffles, silent and live auctions at The Westin Governor Morris in Morristown. HSI CEO Jaclyn Stoll had the pleasure of being joined by local dignitaries such as Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Morris County Commissioner Christine Meyers, present and past HSI Board of Trustees, and 275 attendees who all came to support HSI’s critical mission of empowering those who are homeless or at risk to attain housing stability. Celebrating 25 years of support for the Dream Builders’ Bash was a beautiful evening, with over $5.3 million raised since its inception in 2000.

Homeless Solutions philosophy is “A Hand Up, not a Handout.” Homeless Solutions has been helping the homeless and at-risk in our community as a private, nonprofit organization since 1983. We are unique in what we do. It’s not just about providing a healthy meal and a place to sleep. They aim to give those we serve the tools and surroundings they need to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient. What sets our nonprofit apart from others is our continuum of housing options, including our main shelter, Transitional Housing Program (THP) for families, Warming Center for street homeless in the winter, Mt. Kemble Home for senior women, Women’s Campus for single women in shared housing, and the Affordable Rental Housing units we own and operate – in all 136 units of affordable homes for Morris County residents.

For more information on how you can support Homeless Solutions, click here.

Two East Hanover Students Inducted into Prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

By
Frank Cahill
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The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, founded in 1897, is the oldest, most selective, and most prestigious all-discipline honor society, recognizing and encouraging superior scholarship across all fields of study.

EAST HANOVER — Two standout students from East Hanover have been elected to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Emma Costa, a student at Florida State University, and Savvas Savvides, a student at Virginia Tech, were both recently inducted in recognition of their academic excellence.

Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation only and is extended to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and the top 7.5 percent of juniors. It is one of the most distinguished academic honors a student can receive. Approximately 20,000 students, faculty, and alumni across the country are initiated each year.

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi has chapters on more than 300 college campuses in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. The organization’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Boonton Township Recreation to Host Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 12

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Get ready for some springtime fun! Boonton Township Recreation will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12, beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. at the RVA Fields Playground. Please note, the event will not be held at Leonard Park.

Children are encouraged to bring their Easter baskets and come prepared to hunt for colorful eggs filled with treats and surprises. The event promises fun for the whole family and is a great way to celebrate the season.

In inclement weather, the Easter Egg Hunt will be rescheduled for Friday, April 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the same location.

Don’t miss this festive community tradition!

Golfers Unite to Build Forever Homes for Adults with Special Needs

By
Frank Cahill
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File photo

PARSIPPANY — Rose House, a nonprofit organization that creates forever homes for people with developmental disabilities throughout Morris County, is excited to announce its 9th annual “Day of Dreams” golf event.

This year’s outing will occur on Monday, July 14, at the Knoll Country Club West, 990 Greenbank Road, Boonton.

Funds from this event will support Rose House’s “Forever Home Project.” This capital campaign aims to develop a new affordable housing complex for adults with special needs. Once completed, it will provide safe housing for 12 individuals receiving around-the-clock care. The complex will be in Chester Township at the former Glenlora Nursing Home site.

“We’re thrilled to announce that this new development will be our seventh forever home and our first in the beautiful Chester Township,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell. “By playing golf, our community can make a significant difference in the lives of those with special needs.”

The Day of Dreams event will feature a golf tournament with contests and prizes, a cocktail hour, a luncheon with a silent auction, and raffles. The silent auction will also be held virtually, allowing anyone to participate. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., with the tournament starting at 8:00 a.m. The registration fee, which includes the luncheon, is $275 per golfer or $1,100 per foursome. The tournament is limited to 100 participants, and the registration deadline is July 7.

To register as a golfer, become a sponsor, or make a general donation, please visit Rose House’s official golf event by clicking here.

Please call (973) 984-0006, x121 or email [email protected] for more information about this event.

Rose House, a non-profit organization headquartered in Morris Plains, creates forever homes that make dreams come true for those with special needs throughout Morris County. It offers customized, self-directed programs to meet every need. The organization’s vision is a future inclusive community where everyone has a loving home. For more information, click here.

Former Nurse Sentenced in Connection with Death of Disabled Man

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and East Hanover Police Chief Christopher Cannizzo confirmed a former licensed nurse has been sentenced in connection with the death of a disabled man, who passed away on February 10, 2023 shortly after being transported on his school bus.

On February 25, 2025, Emilio J. Rivera, 30, of Carlstadt, pled guilty to one count of Endangering Another Person, a crime of the third degree, and one count of Neglect of a Disabled Person, a crime of the third degree, before Judge Ralph Amirata, J.S.C.

On April 4, 2025, Rivera was sentenced by Judge Amirata to 3 years’ probation conditioned upon 90 days in the Morris County Correctional Facility, with up to 45 days to be served in the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP). Defendant was ordered to have no contact with the victim’s family. Rivera also consented to the revocation of his nursing license.

The charges stem from a 9-1-1 call on February 10, 2023 in East Hanover. Police and emergency personnel were called to a residence on a report of an unconscious male. The man, Matthew Rossi, 19, who was wheelchair bound and non-verbal, had just arrived home on the bus from his school. EMS personnel and East Hanover Police officers attempted CPR and other life-saving intervention. The victim was subsequently pronounced deceased.

In keeping with policy, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and East Hanover Police Department conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the victim’s death. Subsequent investigation revealed the victim was accompanied on the bus by a licensed nurse, Rivera. Rivera was legally responsible for the care of Matthew, and neglected to perform certain acts necessary for the victim’s care which created a substantial risk of serious bodily injury.

Members of the East Hanover Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit participated in the investigation and prosecution.

Morris County Superior Court Judge Enters Order Restraining Local Gadfly and Former Police Officer Rico Gonzalez from Disparaging Town Officials

By
Frank Cahill
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Richard “Rico” Gonzalez, the former Dover police officer currently at the center of a legal dispute with the Town of Dover over alleged violations of a 2015 non-disparagement agreement.

DOVER — As previously reported, the Town of Dover has filed an action against Ricardo “Rico” Gonzalez – a local gadfly, former Dover police officer, and Mount Olive resident.  The Town had repeatedly warned Gonzalez that his repeated insulting and disparaging comments, which he has continuously posted online against Dover employees and elected officials, violated the terms of his 2015 settlement agreement with the Town in which he accepted $175,000 and other consideration in exchange for dismissal of his claims and a mutual non-disparagement agreement.  (Click here to read the previous article)

On Friday, April 4, 2025, after oral argument, Superior Court Judge Noah Franzblau, Esq. granted the Town emergency relief to enforce the non-disparagement clause. The ruling not only bars Gonzalez from making further public remarks deemed disparaging toward the Town and its officials, but it also signals a firm stance on the enforceability of settlement terms entered into by municipal employees.

The Town’s complaint and emergent relief action were filed by its labor attorney, Jonathan F. Cohen, Esq., of Plosia Cohen LLC in Parsippany.  Gonzalez is represented by Richard Flaum and the law firm of DiFrancisco Bateman – the same firm that negotiated the 2015 non-disparagement clause on Gonzalez’s behalf, which clause they now claim is overbroad and unenforceable.  In response to the Town’s Order to Show Cause, Gonzalez’s attorneys argued that enforcement of the 2015 agreement’s terms would violate Gonzalez’s rights to free speech and political expression. He cited recent case law and the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA), a statute designed to shield individuals from lawsuits intended to suppress protected speech. He sought attorney’s fees against the Town.

After a raucous oral argument in which his attorney repeatedly challenged the judge, the Court issued a written decision in favor of the Town.  The decision granted restraints on Gonzalez’s disparaging comments. It opened the door for the Town to seek to recover the $175,000 in contractual payments it made to Gonzalez in future proceedings in the same case. 

The Superior Court ruling affirms the Town’s legal right to defend its reputation and protect its officials from reputational harm. Morris County Superior Court Judge Noah Franzblau, J.S.C., stated, “Dover demonstrated a “reasonable probability of success on the merits,” its elected officials and employees had suffered from Gonzalez’s social media remarks, including name-calling and corruption accusations.  The judge further found that the Legislature did not design UPEPA to prevent governmental employers from enforcing breach of contract claims.

An email to Richard Flaum and the law firm of DiFrancisco Bateman seeking comment went unanswered.

Town of Dover Mayor and Council Meeting Scheduled for April 8

By
Frank Cahill
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Town of Dover Mayor and Council

DOVER — The Town of Dover Mayor and Council will meet on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. at 37 North Sussex Street.

Click here to download the agenda.

This meeting is being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, N_.J.S.A. 10:4-6.” Notice of the meeting was sent to the Daily Record and Citizen on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and published in the Daily Record on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and the Citizen on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building. These notices were sent within 48 hours before this meeting, and insufficient time for the publications to publish them. A copy of said notice is on file with the Municipal Clerk. It should be noted that an interpreter is present if a resident should need one.

Mayor James Dodd
(December 31, 2027)

Claudia P. Toro
Council Member – First Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Sandra Wittner
Council Member – First Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Sergio Rodriguez
Council Member – Second Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Geovani Estacio
Council Member – Second Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Michael Scarneo
Council Member – Third Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Veronica Velez
Council Member – Third Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Marcos Tapia, Sr.
Council Member – Fourth Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Arturo “A.B.” Santana
Council Member – Fourth Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Governor Murphy Announces NJEDA Grant Program to Support Small Businesses Affected by the Route 80 Shutdown

By
Frank Cahill
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Traffic backs up along detour routes as westbound lanes of I-80 remain closed due to the discovery of a significant void under the left lane. NJDOT crews are working 24/7 to expedite repairs, with eastbound lanes expected to partially reopen in seven weeks and westbound lanes in approximately five weeks, pending progress. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes and check 511NJ.org for real-time updates.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) plans to create a $5 million grant program aimed at supporting small businesses in Morris County that have experienced a decline in revenue due to the lane closures on Route 80 caused by the ongoing sinkhole repairs. The Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide grants to for businesses and non-profits located near Route 80’s Exit 34. The grant program will go to the NJEDA Board next week for approval.

Additionally, the Governor announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), capped at $2 million, for Morris County and the contiguous counties of Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren. The EIDLs are working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met directly due to the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

It’s been a grueling several weeks for Morris County business owners located off the Route 80 corridor. Small businesses have had fewer customers from Wharton to Roxbury, resulting in declining sales and revenue. I’m happy to announce today that help is on the way,” said Governor Murphy. “The NJEDA’s planned grant program, paired with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, will inject much-needed capital into small businesses. We are committed to doing this as swiftly as possible to ease the burden on local businesses.”

“From natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy and tropical storms Henri and Ida, to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic like COVID-19, the NJEDA is committed to supporting small business owners during dire times,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA shares Governor Murphy’s sense of urgency as we work to get critical funds to businesses most impacted by the Route 80 detours. We look forward to launching the program, which will help relieve the financial burden on small businesses, allowing them to stay open and continue serving communities in Morris County.”

The Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide grants to small businesses and non-profits with up to 50 full-time employees. Applicants must certify a negative financial impact of at least $1,000 for the first quarter of 2025. Pending the NJEDA Board’s approval, the Authority is expected to open applications for the grant program by the end of the month. Additional program details and eligibility requirements will be available once the Board approves. Interested parties can check the NJEDA’s website and social media pages for updates.

“Small businesses along the Route 80 corridor are suffering the economic aftereffects of the sinkholes and traffic diversions caused by repair work,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “They need help and they need it as quickly as possible. These EDA grants will be a financial lifeline that will help small businesses and service organizations keep their doors open and continue to serve the residents of their communities.”

“The ongoing lane closures on Route 80 have severely impacted small businesses in Morris County, causing a sharp decline in revenue for many that depend on steady customer traffic,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco.“These businesses are not just the backbone of our local economy—they are owned and staffed by our families, friends, and neighbors. Now, through no fault of their own, they are struggling to stay afloat. Thank you Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for working with us, recognizing this hardship, and taking swift action by implementing the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program. This $5 million initiative will provide much-needed relief to affected businesses, helping them weather the financial challenges caused by these prolonged repairs. I look forward to the NJEDA Board’s approval next week and will continue fighting to ensure our small businesses receive the support they deserve.”

“For many business owners, a sudden lapse in revenue can mean the difference between keeping their doors open and closing for good, and the Route 80 closures have placed an undue burden on these surrounding communities,” said Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “Supporting our local businesses is how we keep our communities strong and our economy moving. I commend the Governor and the NJEDA for acting on this matter quickly and decisively.”

“Small businesses are the heart of our Morris County communities, and they have borne the brunt of the Route 80 shutdown. I am grateful to the NJEDA and Governor Murphy for responding to our calls for help and launching this grant program,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn. “This critical support will provide real relief to business owners and working families as they fight to stay afloat. I look forward to continuing our bipartisan work to get these dollars out the door swiftly.”

“We want to thank the Governor’s Office, Senator Bucco, Assemblywoman Dunn, Assemblyman Barranco, the County Commissioners, and the NJEDA for their responsiveness to the needs of our business owners,” said Wharton Mayor William Chegwidden. “These businesses have been severely impacted by the decline of revenues resulting from the closure of Rt. 80 and we appreciate their swift action in creating this program that offers them real relief. This is government at its best- State, County, and Local all working as a team.”

” I’m thrilled and grateful for our business community that grants are becoming available to support their loss of revenue during this unpredicted transportation emergency,” said Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

“This is a welcome and timely relief for our local businesses, who have been facing significant challenges since the closure of Route 80. The loss of customer traffic has taken a toll on our community’s small businesses, and this grant program will provide crucial support for businesses in the area,” said Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis.“I want to thank Governor Murphy and the Economic Development Authority for taking this action and their continued commitment to helping our small businesses stay afloat during these difficult times. I’m confident this initiative will make a real difference for our local economy and help businesses in Mount Arlington and beyond recover and thrive.”

Join the Movement: Hunger Walk & Run 2025 Set for April 27 at CCM

By
Frank Cahill
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5K Race

MORRIS COUNTY — nourish.NJ invites the community to lace up their sneakers and join the annual Hunger Walk & Run 2025, which is taking place on Sunday, April 27, at the County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph.

This inspiring event combines action, community, and fun — all for a meaningful cause: ending hunger and poverty in our local neighborhoods.

The day kicks off with a 5K race at 10:00 a.m. Runners are encouraged to arrive by 9:15 a.m. for check-in and a pre-race warm-up session led by Andy Cope of Cope Sports Performance and Personal Training. Early bird pricing is available until April 12, so participants are encouraged to register early to take advantage of discounted rates.

Following the run, the Hunger Walk begins at 12:00 p.m., drawing together families, schools, congregations, and caring neighbors for a powerful afternoon of togetherness and awareness.

Best of all? There’s no registration fee to walk! Participants are encouraged to create and share a personal fundraising page, spread the word, and celebrate the cause with the community.

The afternoon celebration promises to be fun-filled and family-friendly, featuring:

  • A food truck and ice cream truck
  • Face painting
  • Live music
  • An interactive educational activity focused on local hunger and poverty
  • And even community service hours for students

Whether you are running, walking, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, your involvement helps nourish.NJ provides vital support to neighbors in need.

Mark your calendar:
Sunday, April 27, 2025
• 5K Race: 10:00 a.m.
• Hunger Walk: 12:00 p.m.
• County College of Morris
214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, NJ 07869

• Register now by clicking here.

Take a step toward ending hunger — one mile, one dollar, one act of kindness at a time.

Dover to Host Annual Business Meet & Greet

By
Frank Cahill
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Mayor James Dodd

DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd and the Dover Town Council cordially invite local entrepreneurs and business owners to the annual Dover Business Meet & Greet, scheduled for Thursday, April 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The New El Patrón, located at 142 East Blackwell Street.

The event, which costs $35 per person, will highlight 2025 resources and business development updates. It offers a valuable opportunity to network, collaborate, and stay informed on key initiatives shaping the future of Dover’s business community.

Featured speakers include:

  • Ingrid Echevarria, Immigration Attorney
  • Michelle Osorio, NJ Economic Development
  • Ed Ramirez, CFO
  • Alex Dougherty, Town Planner

Mayor Dodd will also attend to welcome guests and speak on the town’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses.

To RSVP, please call the Dover Business Development Office at 973-366-2200 ext. 2116.

This annual gathering fosters stronger connections between municipal leadership and the business community while ensuring everyone has access to the tools needed to thrive in Dover.

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