Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER — On September 15, 2024, Hanover Township Officer Jake Crane arrested 22-year-old Alex Rivera-Rodriguez of Dover, for driving while intoxicated.
At approximately 2:20 a.m. Hanover Township Police Officers Jake Crane, Ptl. Manney, and Ptl. Gallagher responded to a noise complaint in a parking lot near Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Legion Place. Upon arrival, they found a group of individuals loitering in the parking lot. The officers began advising people to leave the premises when they noticed a white Kia Forte attempting to exit the lot without headlights turned on.
The driver, identified as Alex Rivera-Rodriguez, only spoke Spanish and did not initially comply with Officer Crane’s instruction to turn on his vehicle’s lights. When prompted, Rodriguez appeared confused but eventually complied. However, a few moments later, Rodriguez drove onto the grass and struck a large rock while attempting to leave the parking lot.
Officer Crane then approached the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Upon engaging with Rodriguez, Officer Crane noted signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and the odor of alcohol on his breath. Rodriguez exhibited further difficulty standing and keeping his balance while interacting with officers, leading Officer Crane to initiate a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST). Due to the language barrier, Spanish-speaking officers were called to assist in administering the test.
However, Rodriguez was unable to complete the field sobriety tests due to his level of intoxication. Officer Macarico, who was present to assist, confirmed that Rodriguez was incapable of performing the tests. Consequently, Rodriguez was placed under arrest for driving under the influence. A search of the vehicle revealed no weapons or contraband. Rodriguez was transported to Morristown Medical Center for a blood alcohol test after vomiting multiple times during the transport.
Rodriguez was issued several summonses: *39:3-47A – Failure to use lighted lamps when required *39:4-58 – Delaying traffic *39:4-67 – Obstructing passage of other vehicles *39:4-38 – Traffic on marked lanes *39:4-95 – Reckless driving *39:4-97 – Careless driving *39:4-50 – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
His vehicle was impounded and was scheduled to appear in Hanover Township Municipal Court on September 30.
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.
HANOVER — On September 7, 2024, Hanover Township Police Sergeant Dominic Kaiser and Officer Shane Hine arrested 45-year-old Christopher Smith of Ringwood, for invasion of privacy and recording intimate parts of individuals without consent.
Smith was caught in a local business using his cell phone to secretly record under females’ skirts and dresses. He concealed the phone in a handbasket, placing it low to the ground to capture the footage.
The store’s loss prevention team assisted in identifying victims, who ranged in age from 13 to 57. Smith admitted to the acts and was charged with invasion of privacy before being released.
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.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER — On September 4, 2024, Hanover Township Police Officer Daniel Foesel arrested 47-year-old Eugenio Carmona, a resident of the Scottish Inn Hotel, 1245 Route 10, on multiple drug-related charges and hindering apprehension. Officer Foesel responded to a call at the hotel, where he discovered glassine baggies at Carmona’s feet, believed to have contained heroin.
Carmona initially provided false identification, leading to his arrest. A search following the arrest uncovered a bundle of suspected heroin.
Additionally, Carmona had several outstanding warrants and was subsequently lodged in the Morris County Jail.
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.
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.
MORRIS COUNTY — In August 2024, the Morris County Correctional Facility (MCCF) was subject to inspection by the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). The inspection, which is conducted annually, examines the facility’s physical structure and ensures policies are being applied to the high standard required by the NJDOC. Recently, Sheriff James M. Gannon and the MCCF Administration were informed that the audit determined there was a 100% compliance rating in all NJDOC standards.
Christel Jackson-Lee of the NJDOC was the auditor conducting the inspection. She praised the staff for their high level of professionalism, the courtesy that was displayed when interacting with her, and the job knowledge she witnessed while touring the facility. She was also extremely impressed by the cleanliness and overall management of the jail.
Sheriff Gannon stated, “A 100% compliance rating is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all facility staff members. I would like to thank each of them for their continued efforts in making the MCCF one of the best in the country and would like to congratulate them on a job well done, all while working the toughest beat in Morris County.” The 2024 average daily population in the MCCF is 325 inmates. Year to August inmate management has seen 1,752 individual admissions and 1,656 individual discharges.
Certified Technicians to Provide Free Car Seat Inspections in Dover
DOVER — Safe Kids Northern New Jersey, in partnership with Atlantic Health System and Morristown Medical Center, will be hosting a Car Seat Check event on Tuesday, October 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will occur at Headstart, 18 Thompson Avenue, Dover.
The Car Seat Check program is designed to help parents and caregivers ensure that their children’s car seats are properly installed, providing maximum safety in case of an accident. Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on-site to guide and assist attendees with car seat installation and answer any questions they may have.
This event is free of charge, and no prior registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring their vehicle, car seat, and child to the event to receive personalized assistance.
For more information, residents can follow Safe Kids Northern New Jersey on Facebook at @SafeKidsNorthernNewJersey or Instagram at @SafeKidsNorthNJ. Additional details can also be found on the organization’s website, www.preventionworks-nj.org, or by calling (973) 971-6477.
Ensure your child’s safety by attending this important event!
MORRIS COUNTY — All New Jersey school districts can now receive naloxone free through the state’s Department of Human Services’ Naloxone Direct program. The Department of Human Services partnered with the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy and its Medicaid division to craft and implement this unique program.
Naloxone, a life-saving medication, quickly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. By blocking opioid receptors in the brain, it can help prevent fatalities in overdose situations.
Schools can order naloxone in cases, each containing 12 nasal sprays, for a total of 24 doses. Additionally, naloxone is available at 28 authorized Harm Reduction Centers across New Jersey.
Residents can visit stopoverdoses.nj.gov to find nearly 700 participating pharmacies, where individuals aged 14 and older can anonymously access free naloxone kits.
BOONTON — The Boonton Police Department is inviting the community to a cup of coffee and casual conversation on Wednesday, October 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Java Smugglers Café, located at 922 Main Street, Boonton. The event, part of the national “Coffee with a Cop” initiative, aims to foster open dialogue and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.
“Coffee with a Cop” offers residents a unique opportunity to meet local police officers in a relaxed, informal setting. Attendees can ask questions, share concerns, and get to know the officers who serve their community. With no speeches or agenda, the event is focused on conversation and creating a safe space for open communication.
The Boonton Police Department is excited about the opportunity to connect with the community on a more personal level. “We want to hear from our residents, whether it’s about local issues or simply to chat. This is a great chance to continue building strong relationships with the people we serve,” said a spokesperson from the department.
Java Smugglers Café, known for its cozy atmosphere and locally sourced coffee, is an ideal spot for this event. The café will offer a welcoming environment where neighbors and officers can engage in meaningful dialogue over a cup of coffee. Building relationships, one cup at a time, is the central goal of this initiative.
Boonton residents are encouraged to attend, whether they have specific concerns or simply want to connect with local law enforcement. For those who can’t make it, the Boonton Police Department remains accessible and eager to listen to the community’s voice through other means.
This event reflects the ongoing commitment of the Boonton Police Department to enhance transparency, trust, and collaboration with the public. Join them on October 16th and help strengthen the bonds that keep Boonton safe and thriving.
For more information, visit the Boonton Police Department’s social media pages or contact them directly at (973) 402-9371.
Dick Deskovick cuts the ribbon to the restored Revolutionary War replica cannon. Photo credit: Steve Wagner, Wagner Photo-Grafx.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County launched its America250 celebrations yesterday with the rededication and ribbon cutting of the restored Revolutionary War replica cannon outside Acorn Hall in Morristown, home of the Morris County Historical Society.
The ceremony honored longtime philanthropist Richard “Dick” Deskovick, who played a pivotal role in installing the cannon in the early 2000s through the Greater Morristown Historic Foundation, which he and his late wife, Louise, founded. Their dedication to preserving history is evident across the area, with a similar cannon standing at Morris Township’s town hall and The Patriots’ Farewell Fountain gracing Morristown Green.
Commissioners Tayfun Selen and Thomas Mastrangelo presented a Resolution of Honor to Mr. Deskovick, recognizing his contributions to historic preservation and philanthropy in Morris County.
“As we kick off the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, this cannon is more than a monument. It’s a powerful symbol of where we have been and where we are going,” said Commissioner Selen. “On behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, we commend you, Dick Deskovick, for your service, generosity and leadership in keeping our county’s history alive and booming!”
“Thank you, Dick, and everyone who worked hard to restore this cannon, which is a symbol of the strength of our country, the strength of our freedom, and the strength of who we are as Americans,” said Commissioner Mastrangelo.
The restored cannon, prominently positioned between Morris and Lafayette avenues in Morristown, stands as a key historical marker in a county deeply tied to the Revolutionary War. Morris County’s Ford Mansion, Fort Nonsense, and Jockey Hollow are among the nationally recognized landmarks associated with two winter encampments by General George Washington and his troops.
Ryan Dawson, President of the Morristown Partnership, led the two-year restoration effort, working alongside the Morris County Historical Society and the Washington Association of New Jersey. The community-driven project raised more than $12,000 from 55 donors, ensuring the cannon’s continued role as a symbol of Morris County’s revolutionary heritage.
“When the historical society received calls about the cannon’s deteriorating condition, no one knew whose responsibility it was initially, but we all came together to restore it,” said Dawson. “Between community members and civic organizations, we managed to raise the necessary funds. This was a group effort, and I was confident Morris County residents would step up.”
“Today, we celebrate not only the community philanthropy that started two decades ago, but also the kickoff to the 250th celebration of our nation’s birth. The speed at which the funds were raised reflects the spirit of Morristown and Morris County. I’d like to thank the Deskovicks for their generosity in bringing this cannon here as a reminder of our Revolutionary history,” said Amy Curry, President of the Morris County Historical Society.
Mr. Deskovick (left) receives a framed resolution of honor from Commissioners Tayfun Selen (middle) and Thomas Mastrangelo (right). Photo credit: Steve Wagner, Wagner Photo-Grafx.
State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Assembly-woman Aura Dunn also attended the event and presented honors to Mr. Deskovick.
“We’re blessed with the rich history Morris County possesses as the ‘Crossroads of the Revolution,’ and we’re blessed with folks like Dick Deskovick who preserve this history to help remind us how important this history is,” said Senator Bucco. “I’m honored to be here today with Assemblywoman Dunn to present a certificate in recognition of this significant occasion and all those who helped make it possible.”
The rededication ceremony, held at 11 a.m. before the Morristown Festival on the Green, marked the start of a series of events leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has committed $100,000 to support these historic celebrations.
Anyone interested in participating or learning more about ways to get involved with Morris County’s America250 events should contact: [email protected].
Support Boonton’s Initiative to Honor Fallen Veterans with Banners
BOONTON — The Veteran’s Banner Committee is reaching out to the community for help in honoring local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. These brave men, many of whom attended Boonton High School, which included students from Boonton, Montville, Boonton Township, Parsippany, and Mountain Lakes, will soon be commemorated with banners throughout the town. However, before the banners can be finalized, the committee needs assistance in locating photos and branch of service information for the following men:
From World War I: Abraham W. Beddow, Raymond Bell, Joseph P. Bowden, George W. Buis, Thomas Byard, John B. Castmore, Carl E. Eckstrand, Harold D. Hildebrant, Herbert A. Hoagland, Stephen Krisanda, and Thomas Taylor.
From World War II: Jerome L. Arnov, Francis Bednar, Andrew H. Bladt, Roy C. Busse, Harold H. Daly, Herbert Darque, Arthur C. Davenport Jr., Robert J. Decker, Thomas DiCenzo, William Dodds, William Donos, Andrew J. Dziorny Jr., Richard B. English, Fred B. Estler, Donald Foley, David Healion, John Hoover, Joseph R. Hopkins, Louis Jacobus, Richard P. Kelly, Clarence H. McCain, Joseph L. McDermott, Gilbert A. Naughton, Chester Nycz, Charles P. Ofsonka, Joseph V. Pavliak, James Pazinich, Sol Petroff, Archie Piscitello, Wilbur A. Randolph, Frederick K. Rieve, Robeson Sherred, John E. Taylor, Wallace B. Thomas, Lowell Tuhle, Arumund R. Utne, Robert W. VanFleet, Joseph A. Zayac Jr., and Joseph J. Zibura.
If you have any information or leads, please contact Janine at [email protected] as soon as possible. These men, including two Medal of Honor recipients, were killed in action, and their memory deserves to be preserved with the utmost respect. Let’s work together to ensure their bravery and sacrifice are never forgotten. Thank you!
The Veterans Banner Program will be implemented in two phases. In phase I, which began May 2024, fundraising will take place for the 73 veterans named on the Town Hall Veteran’s Memorial monument; these are service members killed in action. Thanks to the generous donations received as of August 1, 2024, approximately half the funds needed for Phase I have been raised.
Your donation will help us meet our goal of funding all 73 banners of Boonton veterans killed in action during Phase I. Once Phase I is complete, Phase II will focus on honoring additional past and current veterans. More details about Phase II will be released as Phase I funding goals are met. To complete Phase I, we need your help.
Your generous donations help us honor and recognize the service of our local veterans. Contributions go towards the production, installation, and maintenance of the banners. Thank you for your support! Here are the ways you can donate:
1. By mail: via check. Make checks payable to The Town of Boonton, add your phone number in the memo line, and mail to:
100 Washington Street Boonton, NJ 07005 Attention: Veteran’s Banners Program
2.Online: Via electronic check or credit card by following the link to the Online Payment Portal.
The platform charges $1.95 for electronic check payments anda 2.5% convenience fee for credit card payments.
3. In-person: Via check or cash, during business hours (8:30-4:00 pm M-F) in person at Town Hall.
OMBRA Salumeria & Bar is located at 516 Main Street, Boonton
BOONTON — Imagine a charming, picturesque little salumeria and wine bar nestled in a quaint small town, where outside the streets are lined with artisanal shops, coffee houses, and a wide variety of diverse eateries. Now, imagine you’re sitting in that salumeria, or Bacari, in Venice, enjoying a perfectly made Negroni, or maybe a glass of vino, as you watch assorted house-made Salumi (meats), such as Prosciutto di Palma, Bresaola, Mortadella, Cacciatorini, and Formaggi (cheese), including fresh local Mozzarella, Casatica di Bufala, Sottocenere, and Pyrenees Brebis, and much more, being thinly sliced and artfully displayed upon assorted charcuterie boards, creating an aesthetically tantalizing and mouth-watering creation of Italian delicacies, all loaded with great flavor profiles that will keep your taste buds happy for days. Well, that’s pretty much the way they enjoy a night out socializing with friends, and family, or even a business meeting in Venice.
Jake, Ombra’s skilled mixologist, expertly crafted signature cocktails while I enjoyed a Bourbon Manhattan at their beautiful oak bar.
If a trip to Venice is not on your itinerary, no need to worry, you can now indulge in a taste of Venice right here in downtown Boonton at Ombra Salumeria & Bar. Ombra is located at 516 Main Street in one of the many storefronts in the heart of a truly picturesque American town. Boonton may not offer the canals, bridges, and gondolas of Venice, but does offer a lively, vibrant, and diverse street scene that surely suits this Venetian-inspired gem.
Everything was fresh and delectable, and everyone enjoyed every bite. The sharing and conversation about the food and wine greatly enhanced the dining experience, and everyone was fully satiated when we cleared those plates. The unrushed pacing of dishes also allowed my group full enjoyment of our time while we enjoyed each other’s company and the meal.
The exterior of Ombra features red brick walls, large inviting windows, and glass doors, with stylish, elegant calligraphy clearly announcing the restaurant’s name. Simple, but attractive, classy, and welcoming. On entering you are immediately greeted by a friendly and hospitable hostess. The warm ambiance is immediately captivating, with an interior design that somehow makes one feel welcomed. You can sense an energetic vibe of upscale elegance, yet at the same time also find yourself immersed in a casual, comfortable, and relaxed atmosphere.
Tagliere (cutting board) including multiple selections from Salumi (meats), Formaggi (cheese), and Accompaniments, such as Olives, Marinated Artichokes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Homemade Fig Cake, and Grilled Cipollinis.
I was early for my reservation and was offered a seat at their large oak bar, where I ordered a Bourbon Manhattan while I waited for my guests. I enjoyed watching as Jake, Ombra’s very professional and amiable mixologist, masterfully crafted some amazing signature and craft cocktails for the other patrons at the bar. The bar is fully stocked and offers an extensive selection of quality liquors and fine Italian wines, with a focus on those from Veneto. According to Ombra, their wine list would mimic a list that would be found in Venice.
An interesting note from Ombra’s website on how they chose the name: “The name Ombra means ‘shade’ or ‘shadow’ in Italian. It’s also Venetian slang for a small glass of wine, ‘un ombra de vin.’
“Legend says that a wine vendor set up his wine cart daily beneath a bell tower in Venice. He’d move his cart to stay in the tower’s shadow as the sun moved. That’s how the expression ‘to meet someone in the shadow of the bell tower’ came to mean ‘meet for a glass of wine.’ Over time, a glass of wine in Venice became known as an ‘ombra.”
Cicchetti, which are typical Venetian small bites served in the local “bacari” or wine bars and served on toasted crostini (an Italian appetizer of small slices of toasted bread with toppings).
The restaurant is broken into a main dining area and a lower-level bar. The main floor boasts a mid-century modern vibe with that large oak bar that I mentioned. Walls are covered with exposed brick, seating is along with side wall in comfortable tufted brown leather banquettes, dark accents, and white wood beamed ceiling, ornate hanging lighting, rustic wood plank flooring, and a white marble open-kitchen area, reminiscent of a charming Italian villa. Meanwhile, the downstairs offers a smaller bar in a dimly lit intimate lounge with velvet couches and vintage cocktail tables. One had the sense of being in an old-time speakeasy. They also offer tasting events in their downstairs lounge, including wine tastings and cocktail classes. I had my reservations for downstairs, but when my guests arrived and enjoyed a cocktail, they were so comfortable enjoying themselves upstairs that we asked to switch to one of the upstairs tables, which worked out great.
Truffle Burrata
The menu was broken down into Cicchetti, which are typical Venetian small bites served in the local “bacari” or wine bars and served on toasted crostini (an Italian appetizer of small slices of toasted bread with toppings). You might think of them as Tapas. Some examples include Shrimp, Corn, and Lime Aioli, Quail Egg and Anchovies, Goat Cheese and Long hot Pepper Jelly, and Sicilian Tuna. Antipasti, which would include among others Truffle Burrata, Charcuterie Tartare, Shaved Carrots, and Panzanella. Insalata would include Italian BLT, Red Gem Lettuce, and Caesar Salads. Tagliere (cutting board) including multiple selections from Salumi (meats), Formaggi (cheese), and Accompaniments, such as Olives, Marinated Artichokes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Homemade Fig Cake, and Grilled Cipollinis.
We enlisted our knowledgeable server to help guide us through the menu, as well as the suggested wine to pair with our choices. We started with the cicchetti, choosing a mix of assorted toppings. For our antipasti we shared some Truffle Burrata, Shaved Carrots, and Panzanella. For our Tagliere we also shared a mixed selection of Salumi and Formaggi, with an accompaniment or two mixed in. Everything was fresh and delectable, and everyone enjoyed every bite. The sharing and conversation about the food and wine greatly enhanced the dining experience, and everyone was fully satiated when we cleared those plates. The unrushed pacing of dishes also allowed my group full enjoyment of our time while we enjoyed each other’s company and the meal.
Ice Cream Sandwich, which sounds simple, but was a complex and decadently delicious dessert.
Desserts were equally appealing. I was informed that all their desserts are homemade at one of their other restaurants, Sorellina in Hoboken. I tried their Ice Cream Sandwich, which sounds simple, but was a complex and decadently delicious dessert. Other desserts include such offerings as Rainbow Cookie Cake with Stracciatella Gelato and Peanut Butter Budino. As a side note, the owner, Gabi Lombardi, a certified Sommelier, currently has four restaurants, and I understand another one is on the way. Unfortunately, she was not in the house at the time of my visit.
Rainbow Cookie Cake
Let me end by saying that this Venetian-inspired salumeria and wine bar serves as a culinary destination and a wonderful gathering place for friends and families, creating memories over shared plates and laughter. When looking for a new and unique dining experience give it a try. I found it a memorable dining experience, I’m confident you will too.
Buon cibo, buoni amici, bei moment. Salute!
Private Cocktail Classes & Wine Tastings; Menus can accommodate Open Bar packages; Private parties can accommodate up to 30 guests. Downstairs Lounge is available for Cocktail Parties and Tasting Events. Street Parking. Reservations accepted.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, Open at 4:00 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, Open at 2:00 p.m.: Aperitivo Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Tuesday, All Night; Downstairs Lounge: Open Thursday to Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
OMBRA Salumeria & Bar is located at 516 Main Street, Boonton. Phone: (201) 367-1196. Website: www.ombraboonton.com
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, October 2024. Click here to view the complete magazine.
