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Florham Park’s Celine Ramos-Rodriguez Named to Georgia Tech Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Celine Ramos-Rodriguez of Florham Park has been named to the spring 2026 Dean's List at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

FLORHAM PARK — Celine Ramos-Rodriguez of Florham Park has been named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at the Georgia Institute of Technology, an honor awarded to undergraduate students who earn a 3.0 grade point average or higher for the semester.

Ramos-Rodriguez was valedictorian of Hanover Park High School’s Class of 2024. She was recognized at a banquet hosted by the Morris County Association of School Administrators, along with that year’s salutatorian, Thomas Callanan.

Established as a leading public research university, Georgia Tech offers degrees in business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences, along with professional development and K-12 programs. The Institute enrolls more than 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing 54 U.S. states and territories and more than 146 countries, studying at its main Atlanta campus, at instructional sites worldwide, and through distance and online learning.

As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech conducts more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society, serving as an economic development engine for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation.

For more information, visit gatech.edu.

New Jersey Highlands Coalition Presents Solo Exhibition of Paintings by George Chiavelli

By
Frank Cahill
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George Chiavelli stands beside one of his paintings featured in "Reflections," his debut solo exhibition on view at the historic Maxfield Engine House in Boonton through August 1.

BOONTON — The New Jersey Highlands Coalition is presenting “Reflections,” a solo exhibition of paintings by Hopatcong resident George Chiavelli, at the historic Maxfield Engine House, 713 Main Street, through August 1.

The exhibit, Chiavelli’s debut solo show, traces seven years of his artistic development, moving away from a traditional retrospective format to reveal an evolving dialogue between the artist, his materials, and his process.

“The title carries more than one meaning,” Chiavelli said. “There is the act of looking back personally, watching ideas grow, shift, and sharpen over years of making. And there is the reflection that happens in the studio every day, the ongoing dialogue between paint, canvas, and self. Some works in the show take that idea further, becoming reflections of themselves, the process turning back on its own image.”

Chiavelli will host a free Artist Talk on Saturday, July 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., facilitated by local architect Eric Bieber, offering insight into his artistic process and the ideas behind the exhibition.

The exhibit is free and open to the public, with visiting hours posted at highlandsart.org. Exhibited works are for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the forests, water, and wildlife of the Highlands region for future generations. The organization says the region supplies clean drinking water to 6.2 million New Jersey residents.

A free closing reception will be held Saturday, August 1, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Michele Reilly Named Morris County’s New Clerk of the Board

By
Frank Cahill
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Michele Reilly

MORRIS COUNTY — Michele Reilly has joined Morris County as the new Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of longtime Clerk of the Board Debra Lynch.

Reilly officially joined Morris County on May 19 and assumed the role of clerk of the board on July 1.

She brings 18 years of municipal government experience, including nearly a decade as Jefferson Township clerk, where she served as secretary to the governing body and managed statutory responsibilities including maintaining official records, administering elections, overseeing public notices, processing Open Public Records Act requests, and handling municipal licensing.

Reilly is a Registered Municipal Clerk and Certified Municipal Registrar.

Developers Refinance The District at 15Fifteen with $188 Million Loan

By
Frank Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — The developers of The District at 15Fifteen, a large mixed-use development in Parsippany, have refinanced the project with a $188 million loan arranged by Cushman and Wakefield.

According to a news release, Affinius Capital provided the floating-rate financing for the property, which includes 498 residential units and 58,789 square feet of retail space spread across three buildings at 1515 Route 10. The refinancing follows completion of the project by a development team consisting of Claremont Development, Stanbery Development Group and PCCP LLC, which converted a former office campus into what brokers described as the largest mixed-use development in Morris County.

John Alascio, Chuck Kohaut and Meredith Donovan of Cushman and Wakefield’s debt and structured finance team arranged the financing on behalf of the borrowers, with additional support from capital markets specialists Niko Nicolaou and Ryan Dowd.

“The significant lender demand for this offering reflected the strength of the sponsorship, the unmatched quality of the asset and the leasing momentum achieved since delivery,” said Kohaut, an executive director at Cushman and Wakefield. “The District at 15Fifteen has established itself as the premier mixed-use destination in Morris County, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to represent the sponsorship again on this transformative project.”

The development includes a mix of market-rate, age-restricted and affordable housing units, along with a standalone retail pavilion set beside a landscaped pedestrian plaza designed to host community events and outdoor activities. Retail tenants at the property include restaurants, fitness operators and service-oriented businesses catering to both residents and the surrounding community. The site offers more than 1,000 parking spaces, along with amenities including resident lounges, fitness centers, coworking space, a pool and outdoor gathering areas.

Discover Strength, a strength training studio, recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its opening, becoming the first retail tenant to officially open its doors at the development, according to Frank Cahill, Chairman Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development.

Several additional tenants are preparing to open in the coming months. On the dining side, those include Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Burton’s Grill and Bar, Meximodo, Al-Basha, Haraz Coffee House, O’Bagel, Pure Green and Home Town Creamery. In the fitness and wellness category, Yoga Six, Jetset Pilates and The Yard Gym are also expected to open, along with Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar. According to Stanbery Development Group, the retail component of the development is now more than 65 percent leased, with one food and beverage space still available.

The 13-acre property has direct access to Interstate 287, Route 202 and Interstate 80, providing connections to Newark Liberty International Airport, Jersey City, Hoboken and Manhattan. The site is also surrounded by major corporate headquarters and a wide range of retail and dining establishments.

University of Tampa Names Blake Polito of Madison to Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Blake Polito

MADISON — A Madison student has been named to the University of Tampa’s dean’s list for the Spring 2026 semester.

Blake Polito, a member of the Class of 2028 majoring in Advertising and Public Relations BA, earned the recognition. To qualify for the dean’s list, University of Tampa students must maintain a grade point average of 3.75 or higher.

Polito is a 2024 graduate of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth and is an active member of the Delta Beta Chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority at the University of Tampa.

The University of Tampa is a private university located on 110 acres along the riverfront in downtown Tampa. The university offers about 200 programs of study and serves more than 11,400 students from 50 states and most of the world’s countries.

University of Tampa Names Madison Student to Spring 2026 Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Olivia McNamara

MADISON — A Madison student has been named to the University of Tampa’s dean’s list for the Spring 2026 semester.

Olivia McNamara, a member of the Class of 2029 majoring in Communication and Media Studies BA, earned the recognition. To qualify for the dean’s list, University of Tampa students must maintain a grade point average of 3.75 or higher.

The University of Tampa is a private university located on 110 acres along the riverfront in downtown Tampa. The university offers about 200 programs of study and serves more than 11,400 students from 50 states and most of the world’s countries.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Seeks Vendors, Sponsors for 6th Annual Pet Palooza & Food Truck Festival

By
Frank Cahill
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Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at 194 Route 10, East Hanover

LIVINGSTON — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, based in East Hanover, is inviting local businesses to take part as vendors or sponsors in its 6th Annual Pet Palooza & Food Truck Festival, set for Saturday, September 19, in Livingston.

The event brings together animal lovers, families, local businesses, food trucks and rescue supporters for a day celebrating pets while raising funds for homeless animals. Attendees can expect food, live entertainment, pet-friendly activities, vendors and adoptable animals, among other offerings.

The shelter is currently seeking vendors interested in showcasing their products or services to what organizers expect to be hundreds of attendees, as well as sponsors looking for a meaningful way to support animal welfare while gaining visibility uin the community.

Sponsors will receive recognition before, during and after the event through event signage, social media, email marketing and the shelter’s website.

Proceeds from the festival support Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter’s mission of rescuing, caring for and finding homes for more than 1,000 homeless animals each year.

Businesses interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor can reach the shelter at (973) 386-0590 for additional details and participation opportunities.

Hanover Township Mayor Gallagher Details Storm Response, Clarifies Cleanup Responsibilities

By
Frank Cahill
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Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Following recent severe storms, Hanover Township’s Department of Public Works, Office of Emergency Management, Police Department, Fire Departments, and emergency medical services have been working to clear roadways, restore safe conditions, and assist with storm cleanup, Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher said in a message to residents.

Gallagher outlined the responsibilities of Jersey Central Power & Light, or other pole utilities, the township, and property owners when trees are brought down during a storm.

When a downed tree is entangled with power lines, the township must wait until the utility has addressed the hazard before cleanup can begin. During that time, township professionals secure the area with barricades and restrict access until it is safe to proceed.

Jersey Central Power & Light, or other pole utilities, is responsible for removing tree limbs and sections necessary to safely restore electric service when trees interfere with power lines. After completing that work, the utility leaves the remaining logs and brush on the property from which the tree originated. Residents who see a downed power line should call 911 immediately, stay at least 30 feet away, and avoid touching or moving the line.

The township’s Department of Public Works removes trees and debris that have fallen within the public right-of-way, including roadways, to restore safe passage. Crews also clear walking paths in parks and remove trees originating from township-owned park property, including those that fall into adjacent residential backyards. As part of normal cleanup operations, Department of Public Works professionals will return to collect eligible brush placed at the curb.

Tree debris that remains on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner. Residents may place brush at the curb for township collection, provided the branches are no larger than four inches in diameter. Larger logs and tree trunks are the homeowner’s responsibility for removal or disposal.

“Our professionals have been working long hours under challenging conditions to clean up our community following the storm,” Gallagher said. “We appreciate their dedication and thank our residents for their continued patience and cooperation as cleanup efforts continue.”

Residents with questions regarding storm debris collection are encouraged to contact the Hanover Township Department of Public Works at (973) 428-2495. Additional contacts include Mayor Gallagher’s office at (973) 441-0114, the Office of Emergency Management at (973) 390-3650, non-emergency police at (973) 428-2511, and Jersey Central Power & Light at 1-888-544-4877 or firstenergycorp.com. In a true emergency, residents should call 911.

Sarah Cotreau Sworn In As Treasurer of Aktion Club Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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New Jersey District Governor Frank Cahill administers the oath of office to Aktion Club of Morris County member Sarah Cotreau on Wednesday, July 1, joined by Aktion Club Advisor Karen Cassidy.

MORRIS COUNTY — Sarah Cotreau was sworn in as treasurer of the Aktion Club of Morris County on Wednesday, July 1, with New Jersey District Governor Frank Cahill administering the oath of office.

Aktion Club Advisor Karen Cassidy joined in the celebration.

Aktion Club is a Kiwanis International service club program designed specifically for adults with disabilities, offering members the opportunity to develop leadership skills through community service projects. The program emphasizes independence and civic engagement, giving members a platform to give back to their communities while building confidence and social connections.

Rockaway Resident Graduates from University of Tampa

By
Frank Cahill
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0

DOVER — A Rockaway resident graduated from the University of Tampa during the school’s 162nd commencement ceremony on May 9.

Hayley Brookes earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, joining 1,992 degree-seeking candidates recognized during the ceremony.

The University of Tampa is a private university situated on 110 riverfront acres in downtown Tampa. The school offers about 200 programs of study and enrolls roughly 11,400 students from all 50 states and most countries around the world.

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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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