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After 39 Years of Kidney Disease, New Jersey Woman Seeks Lifesaving Donor

By
Frank Cahill
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Karen Zabriskie, 56, has battled Polycystic Kidney Disease for 39 years and is now seeking a living kidney donor.

MORRIS COUNTY — For nearly four decades, Karen Zabriskie has lived with a disease that has quietly shaped every aspect of her life. At the age of 17, Karen was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a hereditary condition that causes cysts to grow on the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. Now 56 years old, she has spent 39 years battling chronic kidney disease with remarkable strength, resilience, and hope.

Today, Karen faces the fight of her life. She is in need of a living kidney donor.

Karen is currently listed for a kidney transplant through the Renewal Program and at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. While she remains hopeful, the reality is that thousands of patients are waiting for a kidney, and the wait for a deceased donor organ can take years. A living donor could give Karen the second chance she desperately needs.

Helping spread Karen’s story is kidney advocate Donna Tissot, who has dedicated countless hours to raising awareness for transplant recipients in need of lifesaving donors.

“Karen has spent most of her life courageously fighting this disease,” said Tissot. “She is not asking for sympathy…she is asking for a chance to live. Somewhere out there is a person who could save her life, and we simply need to help them find each other.”

Many people are unaware that living kidney donation is often possible even if they are not a direct blood-type match. Through paired exchange programs, a willing donor can help Karen receive a compatible kidney while helping another recipient as well. There is no cost to the donor for evaluation or surgery, and many support programs are available to help donors throughout the process.

For Karen, a transplant would mean far more than improved health. It would mean freedom from the daily uncertainty of kidney disease. It would mean more time with family, more opportunities to create memories, and the chance to enjoy the simple moments in life that so many take for granted.

Those interested in learning more about becoming a living donor for Karen can complete a confidential questionnaire through the Renewal Program at renewal.org/R26816. Potential donors may also contact the Living Donor Program at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center by visiting cbmclivingdonor.org or calling Alyson at (973) 322-5028.

Even if you are unable to donate, sharing Karen’s story could help it reach the one person who can.

After 39 years of fighting kidney disease, Karen continues to hold onto hope that her lifesaving donor is out there. Perhaps this story will help bring them together.

Jefferson Township Ambulance Purchase Draws Criticism Over Cost

By
Frank Cahill
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Milton First Aid

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Questions are being raised regarding the cost of a new ambulance and related equipment approved by the Jefferson Township Council earlier this month.

The volunteer ambulance squad provides a critical service to the community, responding to more than 1,500 calls annually in its coverage area, in addition to numerous standby assignments. The squad operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time to help others in emergencies. A single ambulance transport to a hospital can cost approximately $2,000, highlighting the value of the service they provide at no direct cost to residents. The squad’s coverage area extends from Taylor Road to Route 23, ensuring emergency medical assistance is available throughout a large portion of the community.

A document circulating online criticizes the township’s recent approval of a Ford F550 ambulance purchase totaling $409,734, along with a separate purchase of a Stryker Power-Pro 2 ambulance cot and accessories for $90,992.06. The combined expenditure exceeds $500,000.

The criticism follows the June 10 Township Council meeting, during which council members unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the purchases. According to township documents, the cot and accessories were purchased through the New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Alliance contract with Stryker Sales LLC in an amount not to exceed $90,992.06.

The online commentary alleges the purchases represent excessive spending and questions whether taxpayers are receiving value for the investment. The author compares the approved costs to what is described as a “fully equipped ready for service” ambulance costing approximately $325,000, although no documentation supporting that figure was provided.

The council resolution authorizing the cot purchase states that the equipment is needed by the township and was procured through an approved cooperative purchasing contract, a process commonly used by municipalities to streamline purchasing and potentially reduce costs through pre-negotiated pricing.

Modern ambulances have become increasingly expensive in recent years due to rising vehicle costs, advanced medical equipment requirements, safety features, supply chain challenges and customization needed to meet emergency medical service standards. Depending on specifications and equipment levels, ambulance prices can vary significantly among manufacturers and municipalities.

The online criticism also references recent property tax reassessment notices mailed to township residents and suggests residents should scrutinize municipal spending decisions. No evidence was presented in the document to support allegations of corruption or wrongdoing related to the purchases.

Township officials have not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the online commentary.

The ambulance and cot purchases remain approved by the Township Council and are expected to be acquired through the authorized contracts.

Morris County Resident Found Dead in Chester Township Home; Death Ruled Homicide

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — EMS and Chester Township Police officers responded to a 911 call on the afternoon of June 6 at a residence on Pottersville Road, where a 35-year-old resident was found dead.

The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be multiple sharp force injuries, and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The case remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Chester Township Police Department, and Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI. No further information will be released at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit via the Morris County Communications Center at (973) 285-2900, Chester Police at (908) 879-5100, or Crimestoppers at (973) 267-2255.

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Debra Weisberg Honored as New Jersey Professional Lawyer of the Year

By
Frank Cahill
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Debra Weisberg, founding partner of Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn, was honored as the Professional Lawyer of the Year by the New Jersey State Bar Association at the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law's annual Professionalism Awards Luncheon.

MORRIS COUNTY — Debra Weisberg, a founding partner of Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn, has been recognized as the Professional Lawyer of the Year by the New Jersey State Bar Association at the annual Professionalism Awards Luncheon hosted by the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law.

The prestigious award recognizes attorneys who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, integrity, and dedication to the legal profession.

Weisberg, a highly respected family law attorney, has spent more than three decades serving clients throughout New Jersey. Known for her legal expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach, she has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for families navigating complex legal matters.

Colleagues at Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn praised Weisberg’s commitment to her clients and the legal profession, noting that she consistently demonstrates the values of professionalism and excellence that the award represents.

“We are incredibly proud to announce that our partner, Debra Weisberg, was honored as the Professional Lawyer of the Year,” the firm stated. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to Debra’s unwavering dedication, exceptional legal acumen, and the deep compassion she brings to her family law practice every single day.”

As a founding partner of the firm, Weisberg has played a significant role in shaping its reputation for excellence while mentoring attorneys and contributing to the broader legal community.

The Professional Lawyer of the Year Award is among the highest recognitions bestowed upon attorneys in New Jersey, celebrating those whose careers reflect outstanding professional conduct and service.

Related

Jefferson Township Schools Honor 20 Retirees With More Than 400 Years of Service

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township Public Schools recognized its 2025-2026 retirees, a group of 20 educators, administrators and support staff members whose combined service totals more than 400 years.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township Public Schools is recognizing 20 staff members retiring during the 2025-2026 academic year, honoring a group that represents more than 400 combined years of service to students, families and the community.

The district announced the retirements June 19, thanking the educators, administrators and support staff members for their years of dedication and impact on Jefferson Township schools.  

The retirees recognized by the district are:

  • Louis Migliacci, computer science and robotics teacher — 38 years
  • Susan Sincavage, security and cafeteria aide — 29 years
  • Amy Connors, kindergarten teacher — 28 years
  • Ginny Paccioretti, special education aide — 27 years
  • Judith Jahn, secretary — 25 years
  • Kathleen Tobia, assistant principal — 24 years
  • Mary Cantwell, special education aide — 23 years
  • Ernest Fisher, mathematics teacher — 23 years
  • Donna Nimmo, secretary — 23 years
  • Jeanne Howe, superintendent — 22 years
  • Maria Clarizio, English teacher — 21 years
  • Dominick Pisciotto, business teacher — 20 years
  • Adrian Zaimaj, custodian — 20 years
  • Michael Valenti, principal — 20 years
  • Dawn Bublitz, secretary — 17 years
  • Laura Ryan, special education aide — 16 years
  • Karen Slusark, secretary — 15 years
  • Linda Albertson, preschool aide — 9 years
  • Donna Nadratowski, Spanish teacher — 5 years
  • Jodi Reinstein, supervisor — 4 years

Topgolf to Open New Parsippany Location on July 3

By
Frank Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Topgolf will open its newest New Jersey location in Parsippany on July 3, bringing the sports and entertainment company’s latest venue design to Morris County just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Located at 1269 Route 46 near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 287, the three-level facility will be Topgolf’s third New Jersey location, joining existing venues in Edison and Mount Laurel. The Parsippany site will also be the company’s 102nd venue nationwide.

The venue is expected to employ approximately 350 to 400 people and will serve as the first location to showcase Topgolf’s newest prototype design, featuring enhanced entertainment options and personalized technology.

“We’re thrilled to debut the latest Topgolf sports and entertainment concept to Parsippany, expanding our presence in New Jersey,” said David McKillips, Topgolf CEO. “As the ultimate sports and entertainment leader, Topgolf is a gateway to golf for many first-time players, and we’ve now expanded our entertainment offering and technology personalization to welcome guests and players of all ages and skills.”

Among the new features is “My Bay, My Way,” a personalized experience available through the Topgolf mobile app. Guests will be able to customize their visit by ordering food directly to their bay, selecting television channels and saving game highlights.

The Parsippany venue will feature 102 climate-controlled hitting bays spread across three levels, along with lounge-style seating, a full-service restaurant and bar, private event spaces, a rooftop terrace and outdoor social areas.

Additional attractions include 20 arcade games, reimagined outfield targets and slopes, and more than 250 television screens throughout the facility.

The location will also include 24 dedicated game-day suites, significantly more than the typical number offered at other Topgolf venues. Each suite is designed to provide an immersive sports-viewing experience with multiple large-screen displays.

To celebrate the opening, Topgolf is offering several promotions. Guests who book and complete a one- or two-bay reservation between July 3 and July 17 will automatically be entered for a chance to win one year of free game play at the Parsippany location. In addition, the first 100 guests to visit on opening day will receive a $50 Topgolf gift card courtesy of Honda and Acura.

Topgolf officials said the new venue is designed to appeal to golfers of all skill levels, from first-time players to experienced golfers. The company’s Toptracer technology tracks each shot’s flight, distance and accuracy in real time, creating a competitive and interactive experience.

Reservations and additional information are available through the Topgolf website at topgolf.com/parsippany and the Topgolf mobile app.

New Jersey Senate Passes Bill Creating Crime of Political Violence

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Douglas J. Steinhardt

TRENTON — The New Jersey Senate has approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Doug Steinhardt and Sen. Brian Stack that would create a new criminal offense for acts of political violence and require specialized training for law enforcement officers.

The measure, Senate Bill 1090, would establish the crime of political violence when a person commits, attempts to commit or conspires to commit a violent crime against an individual, a family member or another victim with the intent to interfere with or retaliate against a person because of that individual’s political affiliation or political expression.

Supporters of the legislation said the bill is intended to address politically motivated violence and intimidation while protecting participation in the democratic process.

“This political violence bill protects everyone—Conservative, Liberal, and Independent,” said Sen. Steinhardt, R-Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren. “No person should fear hate-fueled political violence for expressing their opinion, and anyone who resorts to such violence to silence that opinion will suffer the full weight of the law. Hate-fueled political violence hurts everyone and erodes the very principles on which our Republic was built.”

Steinhardt and Stack, a Democrat representing Hudson County, introduced the legislation on a bipartisan basis.

“I’m proud to stand with Doug on this critical legislation and will do everything I can to help move it through the legislative process,” said Sen. Stack. “Politically motivated violence is an attack on the foundation of our democracy. No one in this country should live in fear for speaking their mind, and elected officials must be able to govern free from threats, harassment, or attempts to silence them for their beliefs. This bill protects people’s rights to participate in our democracy freely and without fear. By imposing tougher penalties, we are making it clear: if you use violence to punish, deter, or silence a victim from engaging in political expression or participation, there will be consequences. Enough is enough; this kind of behavior has no place in a free society.”

In addition to creating the offense, the bill would require law enforcement training related to identifying and investigating politically motivated acts of violence.

The legislation now advances for further consideration in the state Legislature.

Hathaway Questions Mejia’s “Capture Governing Power” Remarks, Contrasts Activist Politics with Results-Driven Leadership

By
Press Release
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Joe Hathaway

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey 11th District Republican nominee Joe Hathaway has released a new video responding to remarks made by Congresswoman Analilia Mejia in which she described her political playbook as “capturing governing power,” shaping narratives, identifying “villains,” and making demands.

The comments came during a progressive forum in which Mejia outlined what she called “the assignment” for organizers. Hathaway said the remarks provide voters with a revealing glimpse into Mejia’s dangerous views on politics and governance.

“Most people enter public service because they want to solve problems, improve their communities, and make life better for the people they represent,” said Hathaway. “What voters heard from Analilia Mejia was something much more sinister and calculated. In her own words, politics is about capturing power, injecting theories of change, identifying villains, and making demands. Her vision of leadership is a dark path that will lead us towards a dystopian, anti-American future.”

Mejia’s comments closely resemble the power-based organizing model popularized by activist and communist sympathizer Saul Alinsky and embraced by many radical progressive political movements, where political success is measured not simply by winning elections, but by suppressing dissent, controlling narratives, and executing government takeover to advance an ideological agenda.

Hathaway argued that such an approach is increasingly disconnected from the everyday concerns of families and that now is the time for a responsible, steady leader to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

“Working families across New Jersey’s 11th District don’t want political extremism or ideological power struggles,” Hathaway continued. “They’re worried about rising costs, public safety, greater affordability, and building a better future for their children. As Mayor of Randolph, my focus was always on delivering results and bringing people together. Analilia Mejia talks about capturing power. I’m focused on fixing problems and returning our state to sanity. That’s the choice voters will have in November.”

The video is the latest in a series released by the Hathaway campaign highlighting what it describes as a growing contrast between Hathaway’s record of local leadership and Mejia’s increasingly activist-oriented approach to public office.

Joe Hathaway is the Republican nominee for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District. Hathaway has served on the Randolph Township Council since 2022, and is the immediate past Mayor. He lives in Randolph with his wife Whitney, and their three young children.

Boonton Army Veteran to Receive New Roof Through Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project

By
Frank Cahill
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0

BOONTON — U.S. Army veteran Christian Camacho of Boonton will receive a new roof on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, courtesy of Matute Roofing as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

Camacho was selected and approved as the recipient through a partnership with Rebuilding Together North Jersey. The Owens Corning Foundation is donating the roofing materials, while Matute Roofing, an Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor, is donating the labor. Work is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. at 609 Birch Street, Boonton.

The Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project is a nationwide initiative to honor veterans and the families who support them. Since the program launched in 2016, more than 300 military members have received new roofs across the country.

Matute Roofing is a family-owned and operated contractor based in New Jersey with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing. For more information, visit matuteroofing.com.

To learn more about the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project or how to get involved, visit www.owenscorning.com/roofdeployment.

Mountain Lakes Man Charged with DWI Following Traffic Stop in Parsippany

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

MOUNTAIN LAKES — A Mountain Lakes man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated following a late-night traffic stop on Route 46 West, according to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.

On April 8, 2026, at approximately 11:10 p.m., Ptl. Jesse Hughes observed a grey 2021 Audi Q7 make a left turn from Parsippany Boulevard onto Route 46 West while a red left turn arrow was illuminated, nearly striking another vehicle that had a green light. Hughes activated his emergency lights and conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 West, just prior to Waterview Boulevard. The vehicle took an unusually long time to pull over. Ptl. Ribaudo responded to assist.

Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Ronald S. Kramer, 66, of Mountain Lakes, Hughes noted signs of impairment. Kramer provided both a New Jersey and a New York driver’s license and fumbled while attempting to produce his registration and insurance card. Body worn camera footage was recorded throughout the stop.

Kramer was charged with the following:

  • Operating under the influence of liquor or drugs (39:4-50)
  • Consent to take samples of breath, record (39:4-50.2)
  • Refusal to submit to chemical test, penalties (39:4-50.4A)
  • Failure to observe a traffic control device (39:4-81)
  • Reckless driving (39:4-96)

The report was filed by Ptl. Jesse Hughes, Badge #479, and reviewed by Ptl. Gregory Bloete, Badge #476. The incident was assigned report number 26-019287.

Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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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.

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