DOVER—Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn (R-25) has announced that beginning February 7, she will host Mobile Office Hours on the first Friday of each month. The sessions will occur in the Conference Room at Dover Town Hall, 37 North Sussex Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to attend to share their thoughts, receive helpful resources, and seek assistance with state-related matters. The Assemblywoman’s office will be available to provide casework support on a range of topics, including:
Unemployment & Temporary Disability Assistance
Notary Applications & Approvals
ANCHOR & Senior Tax Relief
MVC Appointments & Troubleshooting
Milestone & Achievement Recognition
State Tax Refund Recovery
Opportunities to Share Views on Legislation
Assemblywoman Dunn and her staff aim to bring government services directly to the community, ensuring residents can conveniently access resources and assistance.
Residents can click here or contact her office directly for more information.
Her District Office is located at 60 Washington Street, Suite 303, Morristown, or call (973) 206-1876.
Irish American meal of corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes.
WHIPPANY – Get ready to wear your best green attire and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish spirit! The Knights of Columbus Council #6904 invites the community to their annual St. Patrick’s Party on Saturday, March 15th, at Our Lady of Mercy Gym at 90 Whippany Road, Whippany, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
This festive evening promises traditional Irish food, live music, and dancing. Guests will enjoy a delicious Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner with dessert while sipping on beer, soda, and water—all included in the ticket price. Attendees are encouraged to bring BYO drinks, wine, and appetizers to share with friends.
Live entertainment will keep the energy high as guests take to the dance floor for an unforgettable night of Irish fun. Table reservations are available, making it the perfect event for groups looking to celebrate together.
Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased in advance. To secure your spot, contact Ralph Cetrulo at [email protected] or purchase online at knightsofcolumbus6904.com.
Don’t miss out on this exciting tradition—gather your friends and family and join the Knights of Columbus for a night filled with Irish cheer!
MORRIS COUNTY — A wrong-way crash on Interstate 80 early Sunday morning resulted in one fatality and another person seriously injured, according to New Jersey State Police spokesperson Sergeant Charles Marchan.
The collision occurred at approximately 2:22 a.m. on I-80 westbound near milepost 36.2.
A preliminary investigation determined that a Mercedes SUV, driven by 45-year-old Victor Peters of Parsippany-Troy Hills, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes. At the same time, a Ford pickup truck, driven by 31-year-old Destinn McKnight of East Stroudsburg, PA, was heading west when the two vehicles collided head-on.
McKnight sustained fatal injuries in the crash, while Peters was seriously injured, authorities reported.
On January 29, 2025, American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was involved in a mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. The accident resulted in the tragic loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft.
Last week’s tragic collision between a Blackhawk helicopter and a civilian airliner has left many wondering how such an event could happen. As a former U.S. Army Apache pilot, I even found it complex to unpack.
To provide the most precise insight, I’ve combined key points from two experienced West Point classmates: an active Blackhawk pilot and a military and civilian pilot familiar with the exact flight pattern.
Their analysis is the most direct and unfiltered you will get from anywhere.
Blackhawk Pilot’s Perspective:
Unlike roadways with predictable opposing traffic, aircraft move in three-dimensional space at varying angles, altitudes, and speeds, making visual acquisition difficult.
Pilots must manage multiple factors, including airspace rules, radio communications, and environmental distractions such as the merging of ground, tower, and aircraft lighting. In critical moments, even with air traffic control (ATC) guidance, visually locating another aircraft can take several seconds—sometimes too long—to avoid a collision.
Congested airspace, complex procedures, and multiple radio frequencies can create communication gaps. UH-60 helicopters lack a collision avoidance system and rely only on visual identification.
Military and civilian pilots may have been on different radio frequency bands (UHF vs VHF), limiting coordination.
Nobody knows if the Army aviators’ night vision goggles were actively in use then. If so, they would have made it even harder to see other aircraft, particularly in an urban environment.
Helicopter operations are inherently risky, and this tragedy was not due to negligence but the challenging environment.
Airline Pilot’s Perspective:
Washington National Airport’s airspace is highly complex, with shifting wind conditions influencing runway selection and flight paths.
The jet’s traffic collision avoidance system may not have alerted the crew due to standard approach settings, ie: the normal alerts it gives are disabled below 1,200 feet when on approach to landing (to disable nuisance warnings that aircraft on the ground could generate – those waiting to depart, etc.)
In high-workload phases of flight—such as landing in gusty conditions on a short runway—airline pilots must focus intensely on descent parameters and aircraft handling, leaving little capacity to scan for unexpected traffic outside their immediate path.
It’s possible neither aircraft saw the other until it was too late.
I hope this helps you better understand what may have happened and gives you a broader appreciation for how and why an incident like this might have occurred.
I assure you that this incident will be fully investigated, and new safeguards will be implemented to prevent it from happening again. As always, aviation is the safest form of travel, so continue to fly with confidence.
Assemblyman Brian Bergen
Brian Bergen is a Republican New Jersey General Assembly member, representing the 26th legislative district since January 2024. Before this, he served the 25th district from January 2020 to January 2024. In January 2024, he was appointed as the Republican Whip.
Born July 8, 1979, Bergen graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. From 1997 to 2008, he served in the U.S. Army as an officer, company commander, and Apache helicopter pilot, earning a Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge for his service in Iraq.
After his military service, Bergen earned an MBA from Rutgers Business School and a master’s degree in administration of justice and security from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificate in business operations improvement from Villanova University. In his professional career, he has held various roles in finance, operations management, and executive leadership and is currently the owner of A&B Stainless Valve.
Pack, Donate, Support: Madison Rotary’s End Hunger Event Seeks Volunteers
MADISON — The Madison Rotary Club and the Mental Health Rotary Club are collaborating to host a food-packing event on Saturday, March 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 4 Madison Avenue. The goal is to assemble and package 40,000 meals for local food pantries, supporting community members facing food insecurity.
The event will commence with a team challenge at 9:00 a.m., where teams will compete to pack the most meals in one hour. Subsequent shifts are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., each accommodating up to 50 volunteers working across five assembly lines to package apple cinnamon oatmeal. All meals prepared during the event will be distributed to local pantries. Each team of 10 volunteers or their sponsor is encouraged to donate $1,000 to help cover meal costs.
Community members can register to participate or make donations to support the event and Rotary’s mission by visiting the Madison Rotary Club’s website. Since 2017, Madison Rotary has packaged and distributed over 700,000 meals locally, maintaining a strong focus on addressing food insecurity.
“This is a great team-building opportunity in addition to being fun,” said Joe Smith, one of the event’s organizers from Madison Rotary.
For more information or to get involved, please visit the Madison Rotary Club’s website by clicking here. You can also email Joe Smith by clicking here.
MADISON — The Madison Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will co-sponsor a panel discussion on the importance of adult literacy from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, in the Lundt Room at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main Street, Chatham.
The event, co-sponsored by the AAUW Summit College Club, will feature local panelists discussing their efforts to address the community’s adult literacy needs.
Panelists include:
Karol Ruiz, community organizer for Wind of the Spirit immigrant resource center in Madison
Barbara Bagger, program director for Literacy New Jersey in Middlesex and Union Counties
Rocio Morales, New Jersey program coordinator for displaced homemaker services at the Center for Economic and Workforce Development at Union College
AAUW has been transforming women’s lives for more than a century. The Summit College Club and Madison area branches support education with scholarships, grants, programs introducing teen girls to STEM, topical monthly programs, and member special interest groups. Join us to find purpose, community, and friendship at madisonareaaauw.org or summitcollegeclub.org.
Standing beside a street sign in Hialeah, Florida, honoring President Donald J. Trump, Belleville resident Joe Belnome hopes to bring the same recognition in New Jersey
BELLEVILLE – A proposal to rename Washington Avenue in honor of President Donald J. Trump was officially presented to the Belleville Town Council on January 28, 2025, by local resident Joe Belnome. The initiative aims to recognize the 45th and 47th President of the United States for his leadership, economic policies, and commitment to American values.
Belnome’s proposal is to rename Washington Avenue “President Donald J. Trump Avenue.” This key state-maintained roadway runs through the heart of Belleville, making it a highly visible and symbolic location to commemorate Trump’s legacy.
“President Trump’s ‘America First’ policies have strengthened communities like Belleville by promoting economic growth, supporting small businesses, and prioritizing national security,” Belnome said. “This renaming would honor his contributions and reflect the values held by many in our town.”
Rationale for the Name Change
According to the proposal, the renaming would:
Honor Leadership & Legacy: Recognizing President Trump’s impact on American prosperity and security.
Celebrate Community Patriotism: Many Belleville residents have expressed support for Trump’s policies, and renaming the road would reflect that sentiment.
Follow National Precedent: Cities like Hialeah, Florida, have successfully renamed streets after Trump, inspiring civic pride.
Boost Local Recognition & Tourism: The renaming could attract media attention and visitors, benefiting local businesses.
Steps Toward Approval
For the name change to take effect, the Belleville Town Council must first approve a formal resolution supporting the renaming. Since Washington Avenue is a state road, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) would also need to grant approval.
The proposal outlines key actions, including:
Resolution Adoption – The Town Council formally endorses the renaming.
State Coordination – Officials submit a request to NJDOT for review.
Signage Implementation – The installation of official street signs.
Dedication Ceremony – A public event featuring community leaders and residents to mark the renaming.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
While the proposal has drawn support from those who admire President Trump’s legacy, it is expected to generate discussions among residents and local officials.
Belnome remains optimistic that the initiative will move forward. “This is an opportunity for Belleville to be part of a national movement recognizing President Trump’s contributions. I hope the Council and NJDOT will take this step to honor his legacy.”
A sample street sign was presented during the meeting to give officials a visual representation of the proposed renaming. The Belleville Town Council is expected to discuss the proposal further in the coming weeks.
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Nicholas Voutsas escaped from a New Jersey Department of Health medical transport van that was en route to University Hospital in Newark, Essex County. As a result, the initial investigating agency, the New Jersey Human Services Police Department, charged Nicholas Voustas with escape.
He was last seen in the area of University Hospital, near South Orange Avenue and Bergen Street in Newark, Essex County. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a burgundy or maroon winter coat.
Voutsas is a Tier 2 registered sex offender. He is a 25-year-old Caucasian male, approximately 6’0” tall and weighing approximately 260 lbs.
Anyone with information that could assist in locating Nicholas Voutsas is urged to contact the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit Tipline at 1-800-437-7839 or email [email protected]. Anonymous tips are welcome.
HANOVER – The Harmonium Cabaret Troupe invites you to an unforgettable evening of Broadway favorites, fine dining, and exclusive prizes at Songs of Revelation on February 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The event will occur at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center, 60 N. Jefferson Rd., Whippany.
The evening features performances by semi-professional and professional singers and instrumentalists, delivering show-stopping Broadway hits. Guests will also enjoy a catered cocktail hour, a wine tasting, a high-end silent auction, and a high-stakes 50/50 raffle, where one lucky winner could take home up to $5,000.
Tickets are $75 and must be purchased online by February 3, 2025 at Harmonium.org/cabaret.
Don’t miss this spectacular night of music, fine wine, and exciting prizes—secure your tickets today!
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recently honored G. David “Dave” Scott, who retired on December 31, 2024, after 35 years as CEO and executive director of the Market Street Mission. The board recognized Scott’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of those in need. Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen presented Scott with a framed resolution of honor highlighting his tenure at the Mission, a community institution that has provided aid to the homeless, hungry, and struggling with addiction since 1889.
“David has dedicated his life to helping others find hope and recovery. His leadership and service has profoundly impacted Morris County,” said Director Selen. “Under his guidance, the Market Street Mission expanded its reach and transformed countless lives, providing hope, support and a path forward for those who needed it most.”
“Here in Morris County, we are particularly grateful for your partnership with our Human Services Department in meeting critical community needs, especially during the unprecedented pandemic challenges,” Selen added.
Director Tayfun Selen presents a plaque to G. David “Dave” Scott.
As CEO, Scott spearheaded significant growth in the Mission’s Emergency Assistance and Life Change Recovery Program, which now serves residential and non-residential clients. He doubled the size of the Morristown facility. He expanded the Mission’s reach to the Jersey Shore and Sussex County, enhancing programs that have served tens of thousands annually with meals, shelter, and support.
The Mission now provides more than 140,000 meals and 44,000 nights of shelter annually. In recognition of its impact, Newsweek named Market Street Mission one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for the past two years. In 2024, it celebrated the graduation of its 100th Life Change addiction recovery class.
Scott began his career as a chaplain’s assistant in the U.S. Army. Before joining the Market Street Mission, he was superintendent of the Goodwill Home and Rescue Mission in Newark, N.J., and directed the residential treatment program at the Yonkers Gospel Mission.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral science and a Master of Arts in Counseling from California State University. He is a certified clinical supervisor, a licensed certified alcohol and drug counselor, and a licensed professional counselor.
Scott’s contributions have been recognized nationally, including the dedication of the Mission’s Asbury Park building in his honor and the declaration of December 5, 2024 as “David Scott Day” in Morristown.
