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Morris County Government Reorganizes for 2023

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus takes the oath of office

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner John Krickus was sworn in on Friday, January 6, as the 2023 Director of the Board of County Commissioners after fellow board members Douglas Cabana, Thomas Mastrangelo, and Christine Myers were sworn into new, three-year terms and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon was sworn into another term. Commissioner Krickus was sworn in as Director of the Board by state Senator Steven Oroho as the Commissioner’s wife, Carolyn, held the bible.

“Morris County is the best-run county in New Jersey, by far,” said Director Krickus, noting multiple accomplishments achieved by the county. “Some of the safest towns in New Jersey; county property taxes are among the lowest in the state, and our Vocational School and County College are nationally recognized. Morris residents enjoy our leading park system, open space, farmland, and historic preservation. Is this heaven? No, it’s Morris County.”

Commissioner Christine Myers, who had previously served on the board from 2016 to 2018, was sworn into her new term in office by Morris County Counsel John Napolitano, as her husband, Stan, held the bible.
Commissioner Christine Myers was sworn in as Deputy Director of the Board by her nephew, attorney Robert Ferguson III.

Commissioner Christine Myers, who had previously served on the board from 2016 to 2018, was sworn into her new term in office by Morris County Counsel John Napolitano, as her husband, Stan, held the bible. She was sworn in as Deputy Director of the Board by her nephew, attorney Robert Ferguson III.

In 2017 Myers was appointed Regional Advocate, Office of Advocacy – U.S. Small Business Administration by the Trump Administration. During her tenure, she met with more than five thousand business owners to identify burdensome regulations and reform or remove them in accordance with Trump’s Executive Orders on regulatory reduction.

Sen. Anthony Bucco officiated the oath of office to Commissioner Doug Cabana, as the bible was held by Amy Bucco, the Commissioner’s sister and the Senator’s wife.
Amy Bucco, the Commissioner’s sister and the Senator’s wife, Doug Cabana and Senator Anthony Bucco

The meeting opened with the swearing-in of Commissioner Douglas R. “Doug” Cabana, now beginning his tenth term. Senator Anthony Bucco officiated as the bible was held by Amy Bucco, the Commissioner’s sister and the senator’s wife.

Cabana is the longest-serving member of the Board of County Commissioners, having joined the board in April 1997 when it was still known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo was sworn in by his daughter, Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor Brittney Mastrangelo, as the Commissioner’s wife, Debbie, held the bible. His son, Christoper, watched on.

Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo was sworn in by his daughter, Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor Brittney Mastrangelo, as the Commissioner’s wife, Debbie, held the bible.

Sheriff James Gannon was sworn in by Morris/Sussex Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz. The Bible was held by the Sheriff’s daughter, Kate, along with his son-in-law, Matt, his grandchildren, Luca and Ella, and his girlfriend, Lisa.

Sheriff James Gannon was sworn in by Morris/Sussex Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz. The Bible was held by the Sheriff’s daughter, Kate, along with his son-in-law, Matt, his grandchildren, Luca and Ella, and his girlfriend, Lisa.

The annual Morris County Reorganization Meeting was held in person in the Commissioners’ 5th Floor Public Meeting Room at the Morris County Administration & Records Building with full public attendance. It was the first time since 2020 and the onset of the pandemic that the reorganization meeting was not predominantly virtual.

Returning for the event was the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Joint Honor Guard, with Robert McNally, Deputy Chief of Investigations of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, playing the bagpipes. They were joined by a crowd of well-wishers, family, friends, and public officials packing into the meeting room.

The National Anthem was sung by Ella Conroy and Victoria Cooney, 10th-grade students at the Morris County Vocational School.  Ella is in the academy for design, and Victoria is in the Academy for Biotechnology.

Invocations were provided by Monsignor John Hart of The Assumption Parish in Morristown, and Father Stepan Bilyk of Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany provided a benediction.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will hold its next work session and meeting on January 11. The work session begins at 4:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will continue to be held publicly in the Administration & Records Building.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon with Former Freeholder and Morris Plains Mayor Frank Druetzler.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll




Kumon Math and Reading Center Held Re-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting

By
Frank Cahill
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Kumon Math and Reading Center held a Re-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, January 7

EAST HANOVER  — Kumon Math and Reading Center held a Re-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, January 7. The new location is located at 240 Route 10 West.

East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Councilman Brian Brokaw Sr., Councilwoman Carolyn Jandoli, Councilman Michael Martorelli, Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, and Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, will cut the ribbon with Kumon owner Hema Popat.

Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Hema Popat, Councilwoman Carolyn Jandoli, Councilman Michael Martorelli, Councilman Brian Brokaw Sr., and Frank Cahill, Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce

Kuman has been in East Hanover for ten years at the previous location on Ridgedale Avenue. Kumon’s individualized approach helps children progress by ability rather than age or grade. More than 290,000 preschools to high school-aged children across the United States are developing their math and reading skills independently and gaining confidence through the Kumon Method of Learning.  The Kumon Center of East Hanover joins the more than 1,500 U.S. Instructors committed to helping children excel through the self-learning program.

Hema Popat

Hema Popat is a proud Kumon parent of two teenage boys and has firsthand witnessed their growth through the Kumon program.  She started her Kumon journey in 2012 when she transitioned from a very chaotic full-time role in the financial industry, commuting daily to New York, to start her venture with Kumon within my local community.  Her goal is simple: to achieve a better work/life balance for my family and provide quality education to other children, just as she was doing for her two boys. She has seen my boys transition seamlessly from elementary school to middle school and then from middle school to high school and enjoy the journey whilst achieving success in the classroom. Kumon has been the steady backbone throughout their journey.

Hema has seen students succeed academically and develop their study skills such as independence, focus, self-motivation, tenacity, self-confidence, and perseverance and become well-rounded capable learners.  “It is so rewarding to see a student transform along this journey and strike the confidence levels to believe that the sky is their limit,” said Hema.

Hema Popat completed the comprehensive Kumon Instructor training and is a certified professional Instructor.

Hema Popat completed the comprehensive Kumon Instructor training and is a certified professional Instructor. She is a mentor who guides your children through their work while providing direction, support, and encouragement. She creates an at-home study plan in addition to monitoring classroom assignments and emphasizes the importance of accurately completing each assignment within a designated time frame. This has helped many of my students increase their self-confidence, thus becoming more self-reliant. Like all Kumon Instructors, I have a true passion for education and an earnest desire to help children succeed.

The desk in the Kumon Center

Hema Popat is a business professional and a Certified Management Accountant.  She has extensive experience in all aspects of Business Management in the financial industry and is also Six Sigma Green Belt certified. Amongst the many skills acquired whilst working in the financial industry, the main skill she continues to practice is customer service. She listens to all concerns and touches base frequently to guide the students throughout the program. Parent conferences are available all year round, and she makes herself accessible to all parents outside of class hours.

To reach Hema Popat, call 862-701-5858 or email her at hemapopat@ikumon.com. You can also click here to view their website.

The new Kumon location is located at 240 Route 10 West.




Home Sweet Home Holiday Window

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — In keeping tradition, the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce recognized several businesses festively decorating their storefront windows for the holidays. Businesses have presented a certificate from the Chamber.

“We appreciate the creativity and spirit that our businesses put into decorating their storefronts,” said Peter Daniele of Rose City Collision and Repair, 291 Main Street, and vice president of the Chamber. “Their efforts are enjoyed by all who visit downtown.”

The following businesses were recognized:
Adams Dental, One Kings Road; Avenue Travel, 62 Main Street; Cramers Carpet One Floor & Home, 73 Main Street; Gerlach Jewelers, 61 Main Street; Healthy Italia, 55 Main Street; Home Sweet Home, 27 Main St., J & M Home & Garden, 201 Main St.; Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main St.; Madison Pet Shop, 26 Main St.; Prima, 44 Main St.; Sugar Rush, 10 Waverly Pl., The Pink Pear, 42 Main St. and Waxing the City, 25 Main St.





Recreational Needs and Desires Focus Group Held

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

BOONTON — Town of Boonton Mayor Corcoran invited representatives from over 45 stakeholder groups throughout Boonton to discuss their needs, desires, and vision for the Town of Boonton’s recreation facilities and services.

Approximately 50 representatives of these community groups met at the Senior Center on January 4 to share their ideas about what they want future recreational facilities in Boonton to look like.

Chris Colley of Topology, the town’s planning consultant firm, led the discussions. Mr. Colley gave a presentation on a potential new area for a park, as outlined in the 2018 Master Plan.

This potential project would be made possible by a collaboration between the Town of Boonton and River Walk, LLC, the developer who has purchased and invested in the redevelopment of the property adjacent to the recycling center. If created, the park would span approximately 11 acres at the current site of the town’s recycling center. Attendees were asked to dream, vision, plan, and share what they would like to see in the new park. Several stations were set up to assist participants in the brainstorming process. At the draw-your-own park station, a scaled drawing of the site was provided as a blank canvas for residents to draw in all the features they would like to see. Another station asked residents to vote on options they would like to see in the open space, within an indoor facility, and what programming would be most enjoyed. Another station asked residents to provide feedback on specific topics, including what they feel is missing from Boonton’s current recreational facilities and offerings, which local park (within or near Boonton) is their favorite to visit, and why. Topology will compile all the feedback received during the evening, and once completed, the data will be shared with the public. Each resident will have an opportunity to provide individual feedback via a digital survey that will be available to Boonton residents in the coming months.

Mayor Richard Corcoran

Mayor Corcoran was diagnosed with the flu and could not attend the event. Still, he was pleased with the turnout and stated, “I’m looking forward to hearing what the community wants in new recreational facilities. All residents can provide their feedback digitally to share what is most important to them. Once we’ve had the opportunity to hear from the residents, our task will be to allow their feedback to guide the direction of the new facilities. This is the first step in the process, but it’s very exciting.” To see a list of all the stakeholder groups invited, click here.

A digital survey will be available to all Boonton residents in the coming weeks. Once available, it will be announced at a Town Council meeting, posted on the Town website, and shared on the town’s official social media.





Boonton Township Holds Annual Reorganization Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Committee Members William Klingener, Paul Allieri

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — The Boonton Township Annual Reorganization meeting was held on Wednesday, January 4.  Re-elected to the Township Committee, William Klingener and Paul Allieri were administered their Oaths of Office by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.  Other dignitaries present were Sheriff Jim Gannon, County Clerk Ann Grossi, and Commissioners Tayfun Selen and Stephen Shaw.

Mayor Brian Honan

Brian Honan was appointed Mayor, and Bill Klingener was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2023.  Mayor Honan was appointed to the Township Committee on December 10, 2018, to fill an unexpired term.  He and his wife Andrea and their family have been residents of Boonton Township for 20 years.

Township Attorney Fred Semrau administered the Boonton Township Fire Department Board of Chiefs their Oath of Office. Boonton Township Fire Department for the year 2023 are  William Neely, Chief; Michael Como, Deputy Chief; Christopher Glander, Captain; Don Covart, Captain; Steven Sharp, Lieutenant and Erik Rickert, Lieutenant.

 





Man Arrested in Theft of Monies From Mount Olive Marauder Football Association

By
Frank Cahill
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Mount Olive Township Junior Marauder Football Association

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Christopher K. Kimker, and Mount Olive Township Police Chief Stephen Beecher announce the arrest of Shawn J. Collins, 49, in connection with a theft of monies from the Mount Olive Township Junior Marauder Football Association.

During the month of October 2022, the Mount Olive Township Police Department began an investigation into the alleged theft of monies from the Mount Olive Township Junior Marauder Football Association by Shawn Collins, the former treasurer of the Booster Club.

The investigation determined that Collins made unauthorized withdrawals of money from the Booster Club bank account and failed to deposit monies collected from events and concession sales.

The total amount of monies stolen was found to be approximately $74,000.

As a result of the investigation, Defendant Shawn J. Collins was charged with Theft, Third Degree.  The Defendant was charged on a Summons Complaint, processed, and released pending a court appearance.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.





First Degree Drug Arrest By The Morris County Narcotics Task Force

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce a first-degree drug arrest in Morristown, on Friday, January 6, for the distribution of over five ounces of heroin mixed with fentanyl.

Taveras-Rodriguez, 26, Newark, was charged with the following:

  • Distribution of Heroin in a quantity of five ounces or more, in violation of 2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the first degree
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin in a quantity of five ounces or more, in violation of N.J.S 2C:5-2a(1)/2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the second degree
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in a quantity of five ounces or more, in violation of N.J.S 2C:5-2a(1)/2C:35-5a(1)b(1), a crime of the second degree
  • Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-10a(1), a crime of the 3rd degree.
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute Imitation CDS, in violation of NJS 2C:35-11a, a crime of the third degree
  • Distribution of Imitation CDS, in violation of NJS 2C:35-11a, a crime of the third degree

Taveras-Rodriguez was lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first appearance in Superior Court.

Prosecutor Carroll wishes to thank the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Task Force: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Town of Boonton Police Department, Dover Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Department of Law & Public Safety, Morristown Bureau of Police, Randolph Police Department, and the Roxbury Police Department.

The investigation and prosecution are being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 





Clarke Makes State Senate Run in the 25th District

By
Frank Cahill
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Christine Clarke

MORRIS COUNTY — Democrat Christine Clarke, a resident of Jefferson Township, has announced her candidacy for the New Jersey State Senate in District 25, which includes 19 towns in Morris and Passaic counties.

She is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Anthony Bucco. She ran unsuccessfully for the same seat in 2021. The state senate seats are for two-year terms.

Towns included in the district are Boonton Township, Butler, Dover, Harding, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Mine Hill, Morristown, Morris Township, Mount Arlington, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens, West Milford and Wharton.

According to a press release issued by her campaign, Clarke is an environmental activist, grassroots organizer, and mother-of-four running to build the clean energy economy, improve healthcare, protect clean air and water, and lead with empathy and common-sense fiscal responsibility. As a working-class mom, her work has focused on making New Jersey safer and more equitable for working families.

“The times we live in call for servant leaders who put the district’s needs before personal ambition,” said Clarke. “We need people in Trenton who do the correct thing because it is correct and who will consistently stand up publicly and behind the scenes as necessary to get good work done. Leaders who are more committed to doing the work of the people than being photographed. Leaders whose positions don’t cause harm to their constituents.”

Clarke said she has been working with broad coalitions to fight climate impacts, defend women’s rights, and make politics more accessible for working families for years. She brought together Democrat and Republican leaders in her town to create an annual bipartisan Pride event. She is a Climate Reality Leader, a steering committee member of the Jersey Renews coalition, and a member of the NJ NAACP Environment and Climate Justice team via Morristown Local 2092. She was on the 2018 steering committees for the NJ March for Science and the NJ People’s Climate Movement. She is the former Environmental Director at Action Together New Jersey and was an early organizer with NJ 11th For Change.

She is serving a second term as the elected municipal chair of the Jefferson Township Democratic Committee. She has lived in Jefferson for 18 years with her husband and four children.

New Jersey State Democratic Chair Leroy Jones, Morris County Democratic Chair Amalia Duarte, and Passaic County Democratic Committee Chair John Currie have endorsed Clarke.

“Christine Clarke is a strong advocate and grassroots organizer who, if elected to the Senate, will put our working families front and center and work towards a brighter and better future for all of New Jersey. I’m proud to support her candidacy in LD25,” said LeRoy Jones, Chair of the New Jersey State Democratic Committee.

“Christine is running for State Senate because she is deeply committed to improving the lives of residents in LD25. She is a fighter and a hard worker who won’t just show up for photo ops but will also show up to serve constituents. LD25 deserves leadership with a vision for the future, and that’s what Christine brings to this campaign,” said Amalia Duarte, Chair of the Morris County Democratic Committee.

“Christine Clarke is a hard worker and will be a great public servant,” said John Currie, Chair of the Passaic County Democratic Committee. “I am proud to endorse her candidacy.”

“In my years in politics, I have never met someone who cares so deeply about improving the lives of all in our community,” said Benjamin Weisman, campaign manager. “She is a team player willing to work with anyone who brings smart ideas or solutions to the table. That’s the type of person we need in Trenton, and I hope you’ll join me on Team Christine.”

For more information, click here.

To be a candidate to run for the New Jersey State Senate, a candidate must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Be 30 years of age or older.
  • Reside in the state for a minimum of four years before the general election.
  • Reside in the legislative district for two years before the general election.

State legislative salaries in 2022 are $49,000 per year.





Time to Renew Your Dog Licenses? Need a Rabies Vaccination?

By
Frank Cahill
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Annual Rabies Immunization Clinic

MORRIS COUNTY — It’s that time of year to renew your dog and cat licenses. Check your local town on the requirements for dog and cat licenses.

If your dog or cat needs an updated rabies vaccination, here is a list of available locations.

Morris County’s towns hold rabies clinics yearly to vaccinate dogs and cats.

Kinnelon 1/14/23 1:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m DPW Garage
118 Kinnelon Road		 973-838-8959
Washington Township 1/14/23 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. DPW
54 Rock Road, Long Valley		 908-876-3650
Riverdale 3/4/23 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Dalton Drive 973-838-8959
Denville 4/1/23 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. DPW 973-631-5484
Jefferson Township 5/3/23 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong 973-663-3241
Morristown 6/24/23 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 200 South Street, Morristown 973-292-6731
Denville 11/4/23 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. DPW 973-631-5484

Rabies vaccines are free and open to all New Jersey residents! There’s no paperwork to bring to rabies clinics – all you need to bring is your pet.

Alternatively, you can vaccinate your pet at a local pet store clinic or your veterinarian’s office for a fee.





Representative Sherrill Sworn-In to 118th Congress

By
Frank Cahill
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Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) was officially sworn in as United States Representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District on Saturday, January 7.

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) was officially sworn in as United States Representative for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District on Saturday, January 7.

“I am honored that the people of NJ-11 have entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in Congress,” said Representative Sherrill. “The path to forming our Congress has been rocky, and many of the challenges we face were laid bare, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to working every day on behalf of my constituents and fighting for the priorities of New Jersey communities in Washington. I look forward to working together to make life more affordable, protect our rights, grow our innovation economy, make our communities safer, and bring more of your hard-earned tax dollars back to NJ-11. I am ready to work with Republicans and Democrats to deliver real results for New Jersey families. Let’s get to work!”





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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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