Michelle Espada chatting with some of the seniors at Dover’s Valentine’s Day Community Dance at Casa Puerto Rico, sharing smiles, laughter, and great conversation.
DOVER — Love and community spirit filled the air at Dover’s Valentine’s Day Community Dance, held at Casa Puerto Rico. Residents of all ages came together for a night of music, dancing, and celebration, making it a memorable event.
Volunteers from Uceda Dover with Mayor Dodd at Dover’s Valentine’s Day Community Dance at Casa Puerto Rico, coming together to celebrate and support the community.
A special thank you goes out to Dover’s Recreation Department, Uceda Dover volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the evening a success. Their dedication and hard work continue to strengthen the bonds within our community.
Events like these remind us that Dover thrives on unity, joy, and togetherness.
Councilwoman Veronica Velez, Mayor Dodd, Councilwoman Claudia Torres, and Councilmen Michael Scarneo and Arturo “A.B.” Santana joined the community at Casa Puerto Rico for Dover’s Valentine’s Day Community Dance. Their presence and support highlighted the importance of bringing residents together for a night of celebration, unity, and fun.
Salve Regina University is located at 100 Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, Rhode Island
DOVER — Julia Baranello was named to the Dean’s List during the Fall 2024 academic semester at Salve Regina University. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 for full-time students completing at least 12 graded credits, or a semester grade point average of 3.8 for part-time students completing at least six credits.
Salve Regina University is a Catholic, coeducational institution of higher education founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1947. For more than 75 years, Salve has offered rigorous, innovative academic programming in the liberal arts tradition that prepares students to be global citizens and lifelong learners. Over 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students worldwide are enrolled at Salve in 48 undergraduate majors, nine master’s degree programs, combined bachelor’s/master’s programs, and doctoral programs.
Every undergraduate student engages in Salve Compass, a four-year transformational program through which they develop the experience, skills, and wisdom required for a fulfilling career and to make a positive difference in the world. The University is also home to the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, a multi-disciplinary research center focused on the intersection of politics, policy, and ideas. For more information, visit salve.edu.
DOVER — Julia Baranello fue nombrada en la Lista del Decano durante el semestre académico de otoño de 2024 en la Universidad Salve Regina. Para calificar para la Lista del Decano, los estudiantes deben obtener un promedio de calificaciones semestral de 3.6 para los estudiantes de tiempo completo que completen al menos 12 créditos con calificación, o un promedio de 3.8 para los estudiantes de medio tiempo que completen al menos seis créditos.
La Universidad Salve Regina es una institución católica, mixta y de educación superior fundada por las Hermanas de la Misericordia en 1947. Durante más de 75 años, Salve ha ofrecido una educación académica rigurosa e innovadora en la tradición de las artes liberales, preparando a los estudiantes para ser ciudadanos globales y aprendices de por vida. Actualmente, más de 2,700 estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado de todo el mundo están inscritos en Salve en 48 programas de licenciatura, nueve programas de maestría, programas combinados de licenciatura/maestría y programas de doctorado.
Cada estudiante de pregrado participa en Salve Compass, un programa transformador de cuatro años a través del cual desarrollan la experiencia, las habilidades y la sabiduría necesarias para una carrera gratificante y para generar un impacto positivo en el mundo. La universidad también alberga el Centro Pell para Relaciones Internacionales y Política Pública, un centro de investigación multidisciplinario enfocado en la intersección de la política, las políticas públicas y las ideas.
Community spirit in action! Volunteers come together at The Hazel Project’s Organizing Party to sort, fold, and distribute clothing donations for those in need.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Hazel Project is asking community members to help out at its first Organizing Party of 2025, which will take place on Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Montville United Methodist Church, located at 29 Whitehall Road in Towaco.
The Hazel Project, a dedicated organization focused on supporting those in need, seeks adult and middle/high school student volunteers to assist in sorting, folding, and organizing clothing donations. These donations will help individuals and families in challenging situations. The event serves as a way to give back and fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within the community.
Neil Sullivan, a representative of The Hazel Project, emphasized the importance of volunteer participation: “Every pair of hands makes a difference. We rely on our community’s support to ensure these donations reach those who most need them. We would greatly appreciate it if you can spare a few hours.”
Volunteers who wish to participate are encouraged to confirm their availability by emailing [email protected].
As The Hazel Project continues to expand its outreach, events like this play a crucial role in making a meaningful impact. Whether you are a student looking to fulfill service hours or an adult wanting to contribute to a good cause, this is a great opportunity to step up and make a difference.
For more information, visit The Hazel Project’s Facebook page by clicking here.
EAST HANOVER — Lissa Joseph was named to the Fall 2024 Presidential Honor List at the New York Institute of Technology. Joseph achieved an impressive GPA during the fall 2024 semester to qualify for this academic achievement.
About New York Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology’s six schools and colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and other professional degree programs in in-demand disciplines, including computer science, data science, and cybersecurity; biology, health professions, and medicine; architecture and design; engineering; IT and digital technologies; management; and energy and sustainability.
A nonprofit, independent, private, and nonsectarian institute of higher education founded in 1955, it welcomes nearly 8,000 students worldwide. The university has campuses in New York City and Long Island, New York; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as programs worldwide. More than 116,000 alumni are part of an engaged network of physicians, architects, scientists, engineers, business leaders, digital artists, and healthcare professionals.
Together, the university’s community of doers, makers, healers, and innovators empowers graduates to change the world, solve 21st-century challenges, and reinvent the future. For more information, visit nyit.edu.
Dover High School to Host a Spectacular Talent Showcase!
DOVER — The stage is set, the lights are ready, and the talented students of Dover High School are gearing up to showcase their skills at the highly anticipated Dover Talent Show. Hosted by the Dover Educational Foundation, the event will take place on Friday, February 21st, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dover High School Auditorium at 100 Grace Street.
This exciting evening will feature diverse performances, including singers, dancers, musicians, rappers, poets, and more. Whether students showcase their musical talents, teachers surprise the audience with hidden skills, or dancers wow the crowd with energetic routines, the Dover Talent Show promises to be an unforgettable night of entertainment.
The event aims to foster community spirit and encourage artistic expression among students and faculty. A $5.00 suggested donation will support local educational initiatives, making this a celebration of talent and a way to give back to the community.
“We are thrilled to bring this event to Dover and provide a platform for our students and teachers to shine,” said a representative from the Dover Educational Foundation. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, cheer for their peers, and enjoy a night of creativity.”
With a lineup packed with incredible performances and a supportive crowd ready to applaud, the Dover Talent Show is shaping up to be an electrifying evening. Don’t miss the chance to witness the amazing talent that Dover has to offer!
MORRIS COUNTY — On Tuesday, February 11, we received reports that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers had made an arrest in Morristown outside of a local business, an action that was not communicated to our Morristown Police Department or our local government. We are still seeking information about the incident, which was captured on video and posted on social media. The Morristown Police Department, like all other local and state law enforcement agencies, adheres to the directives established by the New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office regarding immigration matters, which means that we do not assist ICE or participate in any immigration enforcement activities.
I want to be clear to Morristown residents that we value and respect our local immigrant community and will do everything in our power to ensure their rights are respected and treated with dignity and humanity during this uncertain time. Immigration is a sensitive and politically charged matter. While I believe we can all agree that violent criminals do not belong in our community regardless of their immigration status, we must also stand together to ensure that law-abiding immigrants who are contributing to our society are treated fairly. We will closely monitor this situation and work with our Hispanic community leaders, church congregations, nonprofits, and other organizations to support our immigrant community.
Respectfully,
Mayor Timothy Dougherty and the Town of Morristown.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
DOVER — On Saturday, January 18, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Dover Police Department responded to a report of a driver asleep at a stop sign at the intersection of East Dickerson Street and South Morris Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a silver 2015 Honda Accord with the driver, later identified as Oscar Gonzalez, 49, Dover, asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle was still in drive, and the doors were locked.
Officers were unsuccessful after multiple attempts to wake him by knocking on the window and shaking the vehicle. For safety reasons, an officer used a window punch to break the window, allowing them to place the vehicle in park and turn it off.
Once Gonzalez exited the vehicle, officers detected bloodshot, watery eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol. Gonzalez stated he was at a local establishment and had consumed five bottles of beer.
Field Sobriety & Breath Test Results
Gonzalez was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which resulted in the following:
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test – Lacked smooth pursuit, showed distinct Nystagmus at maximum deviation, and exhibited onset Nystagmus before 45 degrees.
Walk and Turn Test – He could not maintain balance, and the test was terminated for his safety.
One Leg Stand Test – Swayed in a circular motion, placed his foot down multiple times, and the test was again terminated for his safety.
Based on his performance, Gonzalez was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
He was transported to police headquarters, provided with the Standard Statement form in Spanish and agreed to a breath test. Due to Dover’s Alcotest machine being out of order, he was taken to the Randolph Police Department for testing.
The breathalyzer test resulted in a BAC of .14%, which exceeds the legal limit of 0.08%.
Gonzalez was issued the following summonses:
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50) – BAC of .14%, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%.
Obstructing Passage of Other Vehicles (N.J.S.A. 39:4-67) – The vehicle stopped at an intersection while the driver was asleep.
Careless Driving: Likely to Endanger Person or Property (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) – Creating a roadway hazard by remaining at a stop sign in an unresponsive state.
Gonzalez is scheduled to appear in court on the charges. He could face fines, license suspension, and possible jail time if convicted.
Gonzalez was later released into the custody of a friend who signed the responsible party form. His vehicle was towed under John’s Law.
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.
DOVER – A local man was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) after a traffic stop in the early hours of New Year’s Day, according to the Dover Police Department.
At approximately 4:17 a.m. on January 1, 2025, Dover Township Police Officer German Liranzo, stationed at a traffic light at Mount Hope Avenue and US Route 46 intersection, observed a blue Nissan Sentra making an improper left turn. The vehicle, later found to be operated by Carlos A. Molina, 25, Ledgewood, reportedly had a loud muffler and was tailgating another vehicle. As the driver continued, officers noted erratic behavior, including revving the engine and inconsistent braking.
After following the vehicle, police initiated a traffic stop at Maple Avenue and Oak Street. Upon being asked for his documents, Molina allegedly struggled to locate his insurance information, initially opening a Capital One Bank app instead of his State Farm insurance app.
During the interaction, officers detected bloodshot and watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol from within the vehicle. When asked to step out of the car, Molina sprayed cologne on himself, prompting further suspicion. He admitted to having two shots of tequila at a family event earlier in the night.
Failed Sobriety Tests Lead to Arrest
Molina was asked to perform a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) on a level surface. According to the report:
During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, Molina lacked smooth pursuit and moved his head rather than following the officer’s pen with just his eyes.
During the Walk and Turn test, he failed to maintain balance, took an incorrect number of steps, and stepped off the line.
During the One Leg Stand test, he failed to follow instructions, put his foot down multiple times, and stopped before being instructed to do so.
Following these tests, Molina was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was handcuffed, advised of his Miranda rights in Spanish, and transported to Dover Police Headquarters for processing.
Breath Test Confirms Intoxication
At headquarters, Molina was provided with the Standard Statement form in Spanish and agreed to provide breath samples. Due to an equipment issue at the Dover Police Department, he was transported to the Randolph Police Department, where he submitted two breath samples into an Alcotest machine.
The results revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15%, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey.
Molina was issued the following summons: •Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 •Following too Close – N.J.S.A. 39:4-89
Molina was later released into the custody of a friend who signed a responsible party form. Molina was issued multiple summonses and is scheduled to appear in court on January 27, 2025.
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.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — The Boonton Township PBA Local 392 is inviting the community to its highly anticipated Annual Wine & Spirit Tasting event on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This premier event provides an opportunity for guests to indulge in a variety of fine wines and premium spirits while supporting the dedicated members of the Boonton Township Police Benevolent Association. Attendees can look forward to an afternoon of delicious tastings, great company, and community camaraderie in a sophisticated setting.
The $75 per person admission includes an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and gourmet bites. It is the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon while giving back to the officers who serve and protect the community. The event will take place at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, an elegant venue at 90 Route 46, Mountain Lakes.
“This event is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and we’re excited to bring the community together for a fun and meaningful cause,” said a representative from PBA Local 392. “All proceeds will support our officers, community initiatives, and charitable efforts.”
For those interested in attending or sponsoring the event, tickets and additional information can be obtained by contacting Mike at (973) 800-0932.
Don’t miss this chance to eat, sip, and support your local police officers while enjoying a fantastic selection of wines and spirits!
Morris County Bids Farewell to Maria Rosario After 25 Years of Public Service
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners honored Maria Rosario with a heartfelt tribute during their meeting in Morristown, celebrating her well-earned retirement after an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to the county. Maria’s extensive career in public service saw her take on crucial roles in multiple county departments, including the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. Her unwavering commitment to the residents of Morris County, particularly in the Town of Dover, has left a lasting impact on the community.
Tony Rosario, Maria Rosario, and Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen at the Morris County Board of County Commissioners meeting, where Maria was honored for her 25 years of dedicated service to the county.
Beyond her official responsibilities, Maria was a passionate advocate for local businesses and was pivotal in securing critical financial support for Dover entrepreneurs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked tirelessly to connect small business owners with Morris County’s emergency grant programs, ensuring they had access to much-needed relief during unprecedented challenges. Due to her efforts, nearly 10% of all small business grants distributed by the county were awarded to businesses in Dover, helping them sustain operations and recover from financial hardship.
Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen expressed the Board’s deep appreciation for Maria’s outstanding contributions, recognizing her for her years of dedication and the tangible difference she made in the community. “Maria’s dedication and commitment to Morris County have made a lasting impact. Her hard work and advocacy, particularly for the Dover business community, will not be forgotten. We thank her for her years of service and wish her the best in retirement,” he said before presenting her with a beautifully framed resolution of honor.
Maria, accompanied by her son Tony—who serves as a lieutenant in the Dover Fire Department and as an EMT—was visibly moved by the recognition. She expressed her deep gratitude to the Commissioners and reflected on her meaningful experiences throughout her career. She also shared her excitement for the future, emphasizing that although she is retiring from her official role, she has no plans to stop serving the community she loves. Maria looks forward to continuing to support local initiatives and remain actively involved in making a difference in Morris County.
CONDADO DE MORRIS – La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Morris honró a María Rosario con un emotivo homenaje durante su reunión en Morristown, celebrando su merecida jubilación tras 25 años de excepcional servicio al condado. A lo largo de su extensa carrera en el servicio público, María desempeñó roles clave en varios departamentos del condado, incluyendo la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Morris y la Oficina de Envejecimiento, Discapacidades y Programación Comunitaria. Su compromiso inquebrantable con los residentes del Condado de Morris, especialmente en la ciudad de Dover, ha dejado una huella duradera en la comunidad.
Más allá de sus responsabilidades oficiales, María fue una ferviente defensora de los negocios locales y desempeñó un papel fundamental en la obtención de apoyo financiero crucial para los empresarios de Dover. Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, trabajó incansablemente para conectar a los dueños de pequeños negocios con los programas de subvenciones de emergencia del Condado de Morris, asegurando que tuvieran acceso a la ayuda tan necesaria en tiempos de desafíos sin precedentes. Gracias a sus esfuerzos, casi el 10% de todas las subvenciones para pequeñas empresas distribuidas por el condado fueron otorgadas a negocios en Dover, ayudándolos a mantener sus operaciones y recuperarse de las dificultades económicas.
El Director de la Junta de Comisionados, Tayfun Selen, expresó el profundo agradecimiento de la Junta por las extraordinarias contribuciones de María, reconociendo sus años de dedicación y la diferencia tangible que ha hecho en la comunidad. “La dedicación y el compromiso de María con el Condado de Morris han dejado un impacto duradero. Su arduo trabajo y defensa, particularmente en apoyo a la comunidad empresarial de Dover, no serán olvidados. Le agradecemos por sus años de servicio y le deseamos lo mejor en su jubilación”, afirmó antes de entregarle una hermosa resolución de honor enmarcada.
María, acompañada por su hijo Tony—quien se desempeña como teniente en el Departamento de Bomberos de Dover y como técnico en emergencias médicas (EMT)—se mostró visiblemente conmovida por el reconocimiento. Expresó su profundo agradecimiento a los comisionados y reflexionó sobre las experiencias significativas que ha vivido a lo largo de su carrera. También compartió su entusiasmo por el futuro, enfatizando que, aunque se retira de su función oficial, no tiene intención de dejar de servir a la comunidad que tanto ama. María espera continuar apoyando iniciativas locales y seguir participando activamente para marcar la diferencia en el Condado de Morris.
