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First Night Morris County Returns for 33rd Year on December 31

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style as First Night Morris County returns for its 33rd year on Tuesday, December 31. The annual alcohol-free event offers a spectacular lineup of 70 performances spanning theatre, music, visual arts, and children’s programs across 23 venues throughout Morristown. Festivities kick off at 4:30 p.m. and promise an unforgettable evening for all ages.

Exciting Programming Highlights
This year’s event features a variety of engaging activities, including:

  • Historical Performances: Tour the Schuyler-Hamilton House at 5 Olyphant Place and interact with famous historical figures from the Revolutionary War era.
  • Children’s Fun Festival: From 4:45 to 9:00 p.m., enjoy activities designed for families at Morristown High School.
  • Film Festival: Starting at 6:00 p.m., enjoy screenings of films for all tastes.

Fireworks and Midnight Countdown
The evening wouldn’t be complete without a dazzling fireworks show at 9:15 p.m., followed by a lively countdown to midnight to ring in 2025.

Ticket Information
Tickets are available at the following prices:

  • $25.00 per person or $90.00 for a four-pack if purchased by Saturday, December 21.
  • $30.00 per person and $95.00 for a four-pack from Sunday, December 22, to December 31.

Tickets include access to live-stream performances and select on-demand programs through the First Night Morris mobile app.

Accessibility and Parking
Complimentary parking will be available at all Morristown parking garages starting at 4:00 p.m. All venues are within walking distance, ensuring easy accessibility for attendees.

For a full schedule of programming and more information, visit firstnightmorris.org.

Don’t miss this incredible celebration of arts, culture, and community as we welcome 2025 in a safe, festive, and family-friendly way!

Charming Residence at 131 Madison Street in Dover: A Timeless Treasure

By
Frank Cahill
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Situated in a prime location, the home offers easy access to downtown Dover and its array of shops, dining establishments, and cultural attractions.

DOVER — Located in the heart of Dover, 131 Madison Street stands as a testament to mid-century charm and modern convenience. Built-in 1955, this five-bedroom property offers a rare combination of space, comfort, and prime location. Nestled on a 7,405 square-foot lot, this home is perfect for families or anyone seeking a welcoming retreat in a thriving community.

Details of the Home
This five-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasts generous living spaces designed to accommodate modern lifestyles. The layout features a spacious living room with large windows that flood the area with natural light, a formal dining room for special gatherings, and a thoughtfully updated kitchen with ample storage. The outdoor space includes a beautifully maintained yard, ideal for entertaining or quiet relaxation.

Mid-Century Charm Meets Modern Appeal at 131 Madison Street

A Successful Sale
The property was listed at $525,000 by Lynette Delisa with Realty Executives Exceptional and generated significant interest. Thanks to the high demand for homes in this desirable area, 131 Madison Street sold on October 18, 2024, for $535,000, achieving 2% above the list price—a testament to its outstanding appeal.

The kitchen at 131 Madison Street is a standout feature of this charming home, blending functionality with timeless appeal. Designed with the busy family or avid home chef in mind, it offers ample counter space for meal preparation and plentiful cabinetry for storage.

Other Dover Home Sales:

AddressPrice
8 Spruce Street$602,000.00
2 Sickle Street$370,000.00
14 Hinchman Avenue$485,000.00
70B East Blackwell Street$340,000.00
82C East Blackwell Street$325,000.00
41 South Salem Street$530,000.00
131 Madison Street$535,000.00
27 Kearney Street$375,000.00

Friday Nights at Mennen Arena: A Family-Friendly Winter Tradition

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — The Mayors Wellness Campaign is excited to announce the return of Friday Nights at Mennen Arena, a 10-week series of fun-filled, family-friendly events designed to create a safe and engaging environment for residents of all ages. This exciting initiative runs every Friday from January 10, 2025, to March 7, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., at Mennen Arena, located at 161 Hanover Avenue, Morristown.

For just $10.00 per person (discounted from the regular $15.00), attendees can enjoy an evening of music, themed activities, and community bonding. Hosted by the NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices in partnership with Mennen Arena, this event series offers a safe, drug-free environment that brings people together.

Each week features a unique theme, ensuring there’s something for everyone:

  • Law Enforcement Night: Meet local heroes and explore their equipment.
  • Firefighter Night: Learn about fire safety and connect with firefighters.
  • Martial Arts & Fitness Night: Participate in interactive fitness and self-defense demonstrations.
  • Dance Night: Get moving with music and dance activities for all ages.

A snack bar will be open for the event (snacks not included), adding to the festive atmosphere. Children attending will also have the opportunity to receive free photo IDs, provided by the Morris County Sheriff’s Department.

Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, a key organizer of the event, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the community together in such a meaningful way. “This program provides families with a wonderful way to connect, stay active, and enjoy a safe space during the winter months,” Gallagher said.

For more information about the event or to reach out with questions, contact Thomas “Ace” Gallagher at [email protected] or [email protected].

Don’t miss this opportunity to make memories, meet local heroes, and enjoy a season of fun and fitness at Friday Nights at Mennen Arena!

The 200 Club of Morris County Seeking Applicants for 2025 Scholarship Program

By
Frank Cahill
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2024 Scholarship Recipients

MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County is announcing its annual scholarship program that offers assistance to eligible high school seniors for their first year of higher education. Eligibility is limited to seniors who volunteer as a first aid squad/EMS department member in Morris County, or who volunteer as a firefighter in a fire department in Morris County, or whose parent/guardian is actively serving in or retired from the following agencies in or serving Morris County:

  • Morris County Police Departments 
  • Morris County Dire Departments 
  • Morris County First Aid squads
  • Office of Emergency Management in Morris County
  • New Jersey State Police
  • Federal Law Enforcement

The application deadline is February 28, 2025.  For more information or to apply, click here.

Morris County Honors Miriam Acevedo For 31 Years Of Exemplary Service

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Assistant Administrator Brian Murray and Human Services Director Kasey Errico honor Miriam Acevedo during their visit to the OTA Dover Outstation Office on Friday, recognizing her dedication and impactful work in the community.

DOVER — The Board of County Commissioners congratulates Miriam Acevedo on her well-earned retirement after more than 31 years of dedicated service with the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance (OTA).

Morris County Assistant Administrator Brian Murray and Human Services Director Kasey Errico visited the OTA Dover Outstation Office on Friday to present Miriam with a framed resolution of honor on behalf of the Commissioners. They were joined by OTA Director Gary Denamen and Deputy Director Maria Fodali, who also offered their congratulations.

Miriam began her career with OTA in 1993, advancing to a supervisor role she held for over 18 years. Her exemplary leadership and outstanding customer service earned her formal recognition as she oversaw Medicaid programs and played a pivotal role in managing critical services. In 2017, Miriam led the development of the Dover Outstation Office and guided its relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring essential resources remained accessible to the Dover community.

Miriam’s compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the people of Morris County have left a lasting impact on OTA and the countless individuals she supported throughout her career.

“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Board of County Commissioners of Morris County, New Jersey, commends Miriam Acevedo for her exceptional service to the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance and wishes her a fulfilling and joyful retirement.”

Morris County Unveils $35 Million 2025 Capital Plan

By
Frank Cahill
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Jigar Shah, Mayor James Barberio, Commissioner Deborah Smith and Douglas Cabana, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Stu Lasser, Commissioner John Krickus, Betty Cass-Schmidt, Sen. Joe Pennachio, Sen. Anthony Bucco, Casey Parikh, Dave Helmer (back), Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella and Matt Manzi of the Morris County Park Commission.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight presented a $35 million capital spending plan for 2025 to maintain the critical infrastructure supporting the education, public safety, and human services programs that enhance our residents’ quality of life.

The Capital Budget Committee, led by Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Deborah Smith and Stephen H. Shaw, chairman of the committee, outlined the proposal during a public meeting in Morristown. The total spending plan is $48,585,406 but will be offset by $13,183,294 in various grants.

The Capital Budget Committee: Commissioners Deborah Smith, Stephen Shaw and Tayfun Selen

The capital spending plan focuses on continued investments in facility upgrades, maintaining infrastructure from roads and bridges to dam safety and intersection improvements, and investing in our future, including support for the County College of Morris’s construction of a Center for Health Professions.

“Months ago, the Capital Budget Committee and our administrative staff began reviewing capital investment proposals from all county departments, constitutional officers and related county agencies. It is a long-standing practice that has enabled us to plan our capital expenditures early each year and, as we will in 2025, move forward on adopting a complete county budget so that our capital projects may be put out to bid early and get underway,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Shaw.

Morris County’s inventory of capital responsibility, which requires regular maintenance and upgrades, is extensive and diverse. It includes much more than the Morris County Administration & Records Building in Morristown and the Human Services and Law & Public Safety complexes in Morris Township and Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.

The Morris County infrastructure responsibility also includes, in part:

  • 287 miles of county roads in all 39 Morris County municipalities
  • 1,000 bridges and culverts throughout all Morris County municipalities
  • 3 Freight Railroads
  • 1,200 vehicles and or pieces of equipment used by various county agencies
  • 3.4 million square feet of buildings and structures
  • 20,450 acres of parkland & 38 recreational facilities

The County of Morris also is responsible for:

  • Maintaining all trees within county road rights-of-way
  • Facilities required by the judiciary, sheriff, law, and public safety
  • Mosquito Control services throughout all of Morris County

“Our 2025 capital spending plan allocates $8.58 million for bridge and culvert replacements, including heavily traveled spans in Montville, Mount Olive, and Jefferson Township, continuing Morris County’s leadership in bridge upgrades. We also anticipate resurfacing another 20.6 miles of county roads this coming year,” said Commissioner Selen.

The plan designates $11 million for resurfacing roadways in 11 municipalities next year, bringing the total to more than 230 miles of roads resurfaced since 2016.

The plan also includes a $4.46 million investment in the County College of Morris’s ongoing plan to construct an 80,000-square-foot Center for Health Professions on campus to support educational excellence and workforce development.

“We are dedicated to strengthening education, enhancing public safety, and supporting human services,” said Commissioner Smith. “These investments will provide vital training and equipment for public safety personnel, and ensure our park system, which is the largest county park system in New Jersey, remains safe and accessible.”

The 2025 Capital Spending Highlights

  • $2.56 million for intersection improvements, including:
  • Ridgedale Avenue and Garfield Avenue in East Hanover
  • Main Street Improvements in the Town of Boonton
  • Guide Rail upgrades and installations throughout the County
  • $11 million for roadway resurfacing in 11 municipalities, including:
  • 3.3 miles of Green Pond Road (CR 513) from Jacobs Road south to Upper Hibernia Road in Rockaway Township
  • 2.5 miles of Spring Valley Road (CR 601) from Village Road to Blackberry Lane in Harding Township
  • 2.5 miles of Sussex Turnpike (CR 617) from West Hanover Avenue to Dover Chester Road in Randolph Township
  • 2.5 miles of Berkshire Valley Road (CR 699) in Jefferson Township
  • $8.58 million for bridge and culvert projects, including:
  • Replacement of Bridge #433, Old Bloomfield Avenue in Montville Township
  • Bridge #1138 Pleasant Hill Road in Mount Olive
  • Bridge #927 Cozy Lake Road in Jefferson Township

Strategic Investments in Human Services and Public Safety

  • $1.5 million for the replacement of workstations to maximize usable space in the Office of Temporary Assistance in the Department of Human Services
  • $4.87 million for the replacement of Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Offices and Kennels

Muhlenberg Students Perform in Candlelight Carols Service

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Muhlenberg students took part in the college’s 67th annual Advent Candlelight Carols Service, December 7-8 – held in the Gideon F. Egner Memorial Chapel. Adapted from the Festival of Lessons and Carols of King’s College, Cambridge University in England, the event featured stories of promise, songs of hope and liberation, and a reminder of the power of presence and community. Local participants included:

Zachary Kleiman of Florham Park. A graduate of Hanover Park High School, Kleiman is studying Music at Muhlenberg and participated as a member of the Muhlenberg College Choir and Muhlenberg Chamber Choir. Kleiman also performed on percussion.

Sophia Morris of East Hanover. A graduate of Hanover Park High School, Morris is studying at Muhlenberg and participated as a member of the Muhlenberg Treble Choir.

Services were led by Chaplain Janelle Suzanne Neubauer, M.Div., and the concert was directed by music professors Katherine Kaiser and Victoria Pitre. Vincent Trovato accompanied on piano.

Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pa., with nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships, and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.

Parsippany Resident Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated Following Cedar Knolls Crash

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

HANOVER — On the evening of Tuesday, November 26, a routine drive home for Parsippany resident Colleen Lynch, 30, turned into a series of legal troubles after she was involved in a traffic accident at Ridgedale Avenue in Cedar Knolls. The incident began when Lynch, driving her 2004 Honda Accord, collided with another vehicle near the entrance to Walmart.

Hanover Township Police Officer Megan Prager arrived at the scene around 6:05 p.m. to find Lynch’s car with deployed airbags and visible signs of damage. Her vehicle had veered off the roadway and come to rest on the lawn of Extra Space Storage. While Lynch initially claimed she was struck while heading home, further questioning revealed inconsistencies. She admitted she was attempting to turn into the Walmart parking lot but missed her turn, leading to the crash.

Morris County EMS responded to the scene, but Lynch declined medical attention, appearing visibly shaken.

During the investigation, the Hanover Township Police Officers observed both full and empty beer cans scattered inside and outside Lynch’s vehicle. Lynch admitted to consuming “two or three drinks” earlier in the day but denied drinking while driving. Field sobriety tests revealed clear signs of impairment, including difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions. A breathalyzer test administered at Florham Park Police headquarters confirmed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15%, nearly double the legal limit in New Jersey.

Lynch faces numerous charges related to the incident, including:

•Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
•Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96)
•Failure to Yield Right of Way (N.J.S.A. 39:4-90)
•Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97)
•Obstructing Passage of Vehicles (N.J.S.A. 39:4-67)
•Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51A)
•Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51B)
•Operating Without Liability Insurance (N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2)
•Traffic on Marked Lanes (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)

Police also noted attempts to discard evidence of alcohol consumption, finding additional containers outside the vehicle.

Lynch is scheduled to appear in Hanover Township Municipal Court. Her friend signed her release under John’s Law, which requires a sober adult to assume responsibility for individuals charged with DWI offenses.

This incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and its potential consequences, both for the individual and the community. Hanover Township Police reminded residents to remain vigilant about safe driving practices during the holiday season.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Barbara Molony Elliott: From Mountain Lakes to a Life of Travel, Service, and Family

By
Frank Cahill
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Barbara Molony Elliott, 82

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Barbara Molony Elliott, 82 On Thursday, December 12, Barbara Molony Elliott, 82, of Duxbury, MA, formerly of Manchester-by-the Sea, MA, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Her devoted, loving husband, Bud, was by her side during her illness as well as during their 56 years of marriage.

In Barbara’s early years, she had an enriched life in New York City, studying piano under a concert pianist, frequenting the NYC Ballet, working as a child model, and spending time in Paris.

She always yearned for the country and her dream was fulfilled when the family moved to the idyllic community of Mountain Lakes, NJ. After graduating from Mountain Lakes High School, where she ourished, Barbara chose to go to Ohio for college, attending Wittenberg University. During those years she had the opportunity to spend a whole summer traveling throughout Europe. With a BA in Psychology Barbara was employed in Human Resources in NYC. While working full-time for Monsanto she pursued her MBA at night, stopping just short of her Master’s thesis. In NYC she had the good fortune to meet Bud Elliott and their wonderful relationship began. When their daughter Kim was born Barb put her career on hold. Bud’s career objectives took the couple to Rochester, NY, where their son, Chad was born, and to Fullerton, CA. There her inclination of volunteer service began. Barbara developed and directed a children’s after-school program in arts and sciences (CAP). It ourished and was recognized with the Disneyland Community Service Award.

When Bud acquired his family’s greeting card company, Kristin Elliott, Inc., in Beverly, MA., he persuaded Barbara to become his business partner and the team enjoyed working together for the ensuing 27 years. En route to MA the family had the unique experience of traversing the United States in a Vanagon camper. In their new home in Wenham, Barbara’s community service continued with the replication of the CAP Program, serving as Co-President of the Hamilton-Wenham League of Women Voters, being elected to the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee, and serving as President of the philanthropic Wenham Village Improvement Society which owns and runs the venerable Wenham Tea House.

The couple’s passion for sailing peaked when they moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea and joined the Manchester Yacht Club. There Barbara’s volunteer eorts were recognized with the coveted Henry Hall Award for service to the club.

Family meant everything to Barbara. Among her fondest memories are the myriad of family vacations and nearly 50 years of fun times on Longboat Key, FL. Weekends in New London, NH, large Elliott reunions, backyard family gatherings, and any time spent sailing were among favorite activities. She loved being “Baba’ and treasured each and every experience with her grandchildren. She was always grateful for her wonderful, fullled life.

Barbara is pre-deceased by her parents, Bea and Jack Molony of NYC and Longboat Key, FL and survived by her wonderful family; her beloved husband, Bud, her loving daughter, Kim Elliott and her husband, Rik Silverman, of Washington, DC, her loving son Chad Elliott and his wife, Robin of Duxbury, MA and six incredible grandchildren, Charlie, Nathan, Ben, Norah, James and Sebastian.

A Celebration of Life will be held this spring in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Hindi Conversation & Culture Kicks Off Monthly Series at Morris County Library

By
Frank Cahill
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Monthly Hindi Language and Culture Event Debuts at Morris County Library

MORRIS COUNTY — A new cultural initiative is set to captivate residents who have a passion for language and tradition. The Morris County Library will host “Hindi Conversation & Culture,” a free monthly event designed to immerse participants in conversational Hindi and the vibrant traditions of India.

The program will debut on Thursday, January 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Morris County Library’s Conference Room, located at 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany. It will then recur on the second Thursday of every month, with upcoming sessions scheduled for February 13, March 13, April 10, and May 8.

This event offers attendees the opportunity to practice conversational Hindi while exploring India’s rich culture, festivals, music, and traditions. Activities include:

  • Engaging in Hindi conversations
  • Discussing books, Bollywood, and current events
  • Celebrating Hindi-speaking communities

Participants of all ages are welcome, though a basic knowledge of Hindi is recommended. Organizers promise a fun and friendly atmosphere to foster learning and connection.

“There’s so much to explore and celebrate within the Hindi-speaking world,” said the event coordinator. “Our goal is to create a space where everyone can come together to learn, share, and grow.”

Contact Information:
Phone: 973-285-6384
Email: [email protected]

No registration is required, and interested individuals can join directly at the venue. Make sure to mark your calendars for this enriching experience!

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