Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Lt. Susan Johnson
MORRIS COUNTY — After 26 years of service in law enforcement, Lieutenant Susan Johnson has announced her retirement. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Deputy Chief Robert McNally honored Lt. Johnson for her superlative service. They expressed the gratitude of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on her last day.
Deputy Chief Robert McNally, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Detective Matthew Magnone, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Lt. Susan Johnson.
>Johnson was hired by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in October 2002. She was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in February 2021, overseeing the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Over the last two decades with the MCPO, Lt. Johnson has been assigned to the Domestic Violence/Missing Persons Units, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, Megan’s Law Unit, General Investigations Unit, Pretrial Services Unit, and the Fraud and Professional Standards Units, and has supervised the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, Megan’s Law and Internet Crimes Against Children units, we well as the Pretrial Services and General Investigations units.
Lt. Johnson attended the FBI’s Forensic Facial Imaging Course and was a Composite Sketch Artist, which was something she aspired to do early on in her career.
Before joining the MCPO, Lt. Johnson began her career in law enforcement as a patrol officer for the Town of Boonton Police Department. There she was assigned to the patrol division and detective bureau and was involved in several community policing initiatives, including serving as a DARE instructor.
MORRIS COUNTY — While tobacco use has been declining for decades, 10.8% of New Jersey residents still smoke, and tobacco is the leading cause of death and disease in the state. Through the new “Tobacco-Free ‘23” campaign, the American Lung Association in New Jersey shares key reasons why 2023 is the year to quit tobacco and tips and resources.
“Each year, quitting smoking is listed as one of the top New Year’s resolutions. While quitting smoking is extremely difficult, it is possible. In fact, it typically takes a person 8-10 attempts to quit smoking for good, which is why we call it a journey,” said Deborah Brown, Chief Mission Officer for the American Lung Association. “It is important to have support during this process, including family, friends, and your doctor, to help keep you on the right path.”
Here are three important reasons why 2023 is the year to start your journey to becoming tobacco-free:
Your Health: Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in New Jersey, killing 11,780 people yearly. Currently, 16 million Americans live with a tobacco-related disease. While it’s best to quit as early as possible, quitting tobacco use at any age will enhance the length and quality of your life.
FDA is Preparing to End Sales of Menthol Cigarettes: Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of finalizing rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in the U.S. If you use one of these tobacco products, this is an optimal time to begin your quit journey. In fact, after Canada stopped selling menthol cigarettes in 2017, the country saw an increase in quit attempts and cessation among people who smoked menthol.
Be An Inspiration! Last year, the American Lung Association relaunched the “Super Stoppers Club” with award-winning journalist Bob Levey to celebrate people who have quit smoking for good and inspire those who are trying to quit.*Bonus:
If your New Year’s resolution is to save money, quitting smoking can save you between $2,230-$4,360 annually.
Here are some of the tips and resources the American Lung Association recommends to quit tobacco successfully:
Lung Helpline: Not sure where to start? Call the Lung Association’s free Lung Helpline and Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-LUNGUSA, which is staffed with licensed registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and certified tobacco treatment specialists.
Talk to your healthcare provider: Talking to a healthcare provider about your plan to quit smoking is an important step. With your doctor’s help, you can include cessation medication in your tobacco treatment plan, which can double your chances of quitting successfully. Seven FDA-approved medications are proven to help you quit.
Get help from a proven resource: The American Lung Association offers resources to help adults and teens to quit all tobacco products, including:
Freedom From Smoking® helps individuals create their own unique quit plan and tips and techniques to stay successful in the long run. Freedom From Smoking can be accessed online, in a group class, and through a self-guided workbook. Those looking to quit smoking are encouraged to use the best method for their learning style, schedule, and unique quit tobacco use plan.
Not-On-Tobacco® (N-O-T) is a smoking/chewing/vaping cessation program for teens who want to quit. The 10-session program provides the tools, information, and support for teens to end their addiction to tobacco. Teens can participate in NOT in-person, virtually, or online at NOTforMe.org.
Quit. Don’t Switch. E-cigarettes are tobacco products, and the FDA has not found any e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit. Switching to e-cigarettes does not mean quitting. Quitting means ending your addiction to nicotine.
For more information about quitting tobacco for “Tobacco-Free ’23,” visit the American Lung Association website by clicking here.
Dover Chief of Police Jonathan Delaney, Interim Town Administrator BettyLou DeCroce, Mayor Carolyn Blackman, Sgt. Wilkes and Sgt. Tamariz
DOVER — The Town of Dover promoted Sergeant Paul Wilkes and Sergeant Mario Tamariz.
Sergeant Paul Wilkes taking the oath of office
The Sergeant is the first-line supervisor responsible for the daily operations of the police department and the officers that carry out that work. They are leaders in one of the most difficult professions and carry great responsibility for their officers and community.
Sergeant Mario Tamariz, Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney and Mayor Carolyn Blackman
Sergeant Wilkes and Sergeant Tamariz embody what it means to be leaders and are a fine addition to the Dover Police Department’s supervisory chain of command. Good luck with your new appointments, gentlemen, and continue to lead from the front.
We would also like to thank Mayor Carolyn Blackman and Interim Town Administrator BettyLou DeCroce for making these promotions possible.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Jefferson Township Chief of Police Paul Castimore announce that John Formisano, 52, formerly of Jefferson Township, has been sentenced to 79 years in New Jersey State Prison.
On October 3, 2022, a Morris County jury returned a verdict finding John Formisano guilty of numerous charges following an eight-day trial. The defendant was found guilty of first-degree Murder, first-degree Attempted Murder, two counts of second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second-degree Official Misconduct, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and third-degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.
The charges arise from an incident that occurred on July 14, 2019, in Jefferson Township. At approximately 11:21 p.m., members of the Jefferson Township Police Department were dispatched to One Mirror Place for 9-1-1 calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responding officers located a deceased woman’s body lying on the front porch steps of Five Mirror Place.
The deceased woman was subsequently identified as Christie Formisano, 37, of Jefferson Township. A second victim, a male (T.S.), 40, was located with multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence of One Mirror Place. Two minor children were also located inside the residence.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the defendant was located in Livingston and was taken into custody by law enforcement. The firearm used by the defendant was recovered in the trunk of the car the defendant was driving. The defendant, an Acting Lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, was off-duty at the time of the incident.
On December 19, 2022, the Hon. Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C. imposed an aggregate sentence of 79 years in New Jersey State Prison. The first 65 years of the sentence are subject to the No Early Release Act, which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of 65 years (approximately 55 years, 3 months). Specifically, Judge Gaus imposed the following consecutive sentences: 50 years on the count of Murder; 15 years on the count of Attempted Murder; seven years on a count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and seven years on a count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The sentences imposed on the remaining charges were ordered to run concurrently with the aforementioned sentences. Judge Gaus also ordered the defendant to pay restitution to the New Jersey Victim of Crimes Compensation Office and for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by the victims. Judge Gaus ordered the defendant to have no contact with the adult male victim (T.S.). He directed the defendant to have no contact with the two minor children or their current guardian for a term of 180 days.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the successful guilty verdict, including the Jefferson Township Police Department, the Livingston Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The Prosecutor also credited the Trial Team: Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn and Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang, with their professional and dedicated service; and commended MCPO Major Crimes Unit Lt. Michael Gomez, as well as MCPO Sergeants Sasha Gould and Michael Puskas, Detective Supervisors Stephen Gangi and Luis Goncalves, Detectives Michael Bost, Mohammed Thomas, and Matthew Belcastro, and all others who contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution in this case.
Mental Health Association Director Madine Despeine, Mental Health Association Officer Chelsea Whiting, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Peer Recovery Specialist Jon-Erik Randazzo, Corporal Erica Valvano, Social Case Worker Jaimie Bingham and Mental Health Association Case Manager Karolyn Mora.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Hope One and associated organizations received the 5th Annual Light the World award from the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, December 4.
The Light the World award was created five years ago as part of an initiative to highlight tremendous community impact in Northern New Jersey, officials said, adding it is an initiative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to recognize love and service to others. Individuals or groups are nominated for the award as they exhibit community service and help to spread light and sheriff joy to others.
Sheriff Gannon partnered with non-profit organizations, law enforcement officers, mental health, addiction recovery experts, and spiritual advisers to develop the Hope One program, a mobile substance use, and mental health disorder outreach, officials said. The mobile unit stops in communities to provide free Narcan training and Naloxone kits and provides access to addiction recovery and mental health programs.
The Hope One mobile unit is sponsored by The Morris County Sheriff’s office in partnership with the Mental Health Association of Morris County, Morris County Prevention is Key, and its Center for Addiction Recovery, Education, and Success (CARES).
In 2017, Sheriff Gannon opened the “Hope Wing” at the Morris County Correctional Facility, which assists inmates with substance use disorders and helps them repair relationships, manage anger, spiritually grow, and access education.
The Light the World award was presented by William H. Ludlam, president of the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sheriff Gannon accepted the award and praised the staff members at Hope One, who said, “Are the ones who do the day-to-day life-saving work in the community.” He asked those present to stand and introduced them by name, including Mental Health Association Director Madine Despeine, Mental Health Association Officer Chelsea Whiting, Peer Recovery Specialist Jon Erik Randazzo, Corporal Erica Valvano, Social Case Worker Jaimie Bingham, and Mental Health Association Case Manager-Karolyn Mora.
In addition, singer-songwriter, Coco Santoni, performed two original songs at the event.
Aura Dunn
Speakers included Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris; Adeline Connor, Young Women’s organization member, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Robert A. Wilson, chief security officer, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, New Jersey; the Rev. Dr. David A. Hollowell, chair of Martin Luther King Observance Committee and outgoing president of Morris Area Clergy Council, and Mohammad Ali Chaudry, president of Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, and Blair Schleicher Wilson of Mountain Lakes, CEO, of Morris Habitat for Humanity, based in Randolph Township.
The building appears to have been constructed c. 1849 by Eliza Ann Scott initially served as a commercial property. It was converted into a residential property in 1856 by Mr. James Holmes. Upon Mr. Holmes’ death in 1870, the building was converted into the Boonton Holmes Public Library. It is individually listed on the National and New Jersey Registers and as a contributing resource to the Boonton Historic District.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund is now accepting grant applications for 2023 funding. The grant application deadline is Friday, March 31, by 4:30 p.m.
The Boonton Holmes Library appears to have been constructed c. 1849 by Eliza Ann Scott and initially served as a commercial property. It was converted into a residential property in 1856 by Mr. James Holmes. Upon Mr. Holmes’ death in 1870, the building was converted into the Boonton Holmes Public Library. It is individually listed on the National and New Jersey Registers and as a contributing resource to the Boonton Historic District. From 2009 to 2020, the Library received over $1 Million in grants. (Click here for details)
The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation will hold an Application Workshop to explain the application process from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, via WebEx by clicking here.
A Declaration of Intent is due for applicants by February 28 at Morris County. (Click here to download).
The program began in 2003 after voters overwhelmingly approved dedicating tax dollars to preserve Morris County’s rich history. As of 2022, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved nearly $46 Million to help preserve, restore, or protect 122 historic sites in 34 towns.
To be eligible for a matching grant, a historic resource must be listed or certified eligible for listing on the State Register or National Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants are municipalities, qualified non-profit organizations, and the county.
Details for obtaining and submitting applications may be found by clicking here.
Register to attend the January 25 workshop via e-mail to: rchang@co.morris.nj.us or phone at (973) 829-8138. It will be an opportunity to ask questions about the program and the suitability of projects such as:
• Is my project eligible?
• What kinds of projects were funded in the past?
• Can cemeteries apply?
• Are Construction Documents required for construction projects?
• What if my project is not currently listed on the National and New Jersey Registers?
Commissioner Stephen Shaw
“This has been an exceptionally successful and well-received program, with nearly $46 million being committed to assist in the preservation, protection, and restoration of 122 historic properties since the first grant was issued in 2003,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, the board liaison to the county Office of Planning and Preservation.
The Historic Preservation Program is again waiving the requirement for paper submission for the 2023 grant applications, except where Preservation Plans and/or drawings/specs have not been reviewed previously by the County Consultant. Sites that have not done so must prepare a 10-minute video as part of the application.
Contact Ray Chang, P.P., Historic Preservation Program Coordinator, Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation, P.O. Box 900, 30 Schuyler Place, 4th floor, Morristown, NJ 07963-0900. Email: rchang@co.morris.nj.us. Phone: (973) 829-8138.
Those projects for which Construction Documents were prepared without Program funding are welcome to submit their Construction Documents for a preliminary review prior to the Grant Application deadline of March 31, 2023. They may also submit completed Construction Documents with their Construction Grant Applications.
French Empire Gilt Ormolu Clock. Clockmaker, François Alibert, Paris, France, first half 19th century. Musical Movement, M. Bordier, Geneva, Switzerland, c. 1810. The Murtogh D. Guinness Collection, Morris Museum. 2003.18.28a-c.
MORRIS COUNTY — Visitors to the Morris Museum can learn about how clock makers incorporated music and animation into their artworks and added a wide range of music to their everyday lives with the exhibit “Musically Timed: Continental Clock Makers and their Markets.” Morris Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road.
The collection, which is on display until Sunday, March 26, traces the circulation of mechanical instruments from shop to store, home to auction, and collection to the museum.
This exhibition features a variety of musical clocks, animated tableaux vivants from Paris, musical picture clocks from Vienna, and 18th Century mechanical singing birds from Switzerland. Musically Timed was made possible by loans from gracious private collectors, augmented by pieces from the museum’s Guinness Viewable Storage vault.
Throughout the 18th and early 19th Centuries, keeping time and making music were increasingly paired attributes for a wide variety of exotic and even fantastic decorative artworks for the homes of the wealthy.
Towards the end of this period, musical picture clocks, animated tableaux, and Black Forest Trumpeter clocks were enjoyed by expanding markets fascinated by these examples of evolving and more affordable technology. These creations came from imaginative minds and the hands of numerous specialists, including mechanicians, sculptors, carvers, painters, gilders, taxidermists, miniaturists, and animators, who all came together to fabricate these masterful decorative artworks.
The animated action could unfold slowly as seemingly static paintings were set in motion. An entire village came to life at times with passing trains and boats rocking on rippling waters. Some would be manually started for personal enjoyment. In contrast, others would operate quietly by themselves for hours, waiting for visiting guests to notice on their own that the supposed static painting was actually moving.
Highlights of this exhibition are the French Empire Gilt Ormolu Clock and the captivating Singing Birds in Cage Automaton Clock. Musically Timed also includes several objects from the Museum’s Guinness Collection that are on view for the first time.
This exhibition is organized by Director of Exhibitions and Collections Anne Ricculli and Jere Ryder, conservator of the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata at the Morris Museum.
Will and Mary Leland provide leadership support for this exhibition.
Las Leyendas (Leyendas de Mexico) is located at 71 New Road, Parsippany.
MORRIS COUNTY — I can recollect a time when excellent authentic Mexican restaurants were far and few between, often requiring driving some distance to get to that one special place. Not anymore! Now in the Parsippany area alone, because of our diverse population, the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine, and its appealing taste, you can choose any of several outstanding Mexican restaurants close to home. Better yet, give them all a try! The fact is that Mexican food is currently one of the most popular ethnic cuisines in the United States. Which eatery you consider the best is obviously a personal preference. And no, I am not referring to one of those numerous chain restaurants that line our highways. An interesting fact is that in the U.S., most Mexican restaurants, 70 percent, are family or independently-owned restaurants, and the other 30 percent are classified as chain restaurants.
One of those local areas premieres Mexican restaurants, Leyendas de Mexico, is located in one of those easily accessible, multi-business strip malls at the intersection of New Road and Route 46 East in Parsippany.
The interior is lively and energetic environment featuring bold, vibrant, and playful color schemes throughout the interior, creating a truly festive vibe
Initially, Las Leyendas de Mexico appears lost among the row of small businesses in the nondescript strip mall. Still, on entry, you are immediately met with a lively and energetic environment featuring bold, vibrant, and playful color schemes throughout the interior, creating a truly festive vibe. The carefully thought-out, cohesive décor incorporates many elements of Mexican, Aztec, and Mayan heritage and culture, with engaging, large colorful murals featuring various historical and cultural themes, such as Mexican luminaries as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa. Assorted accent lighting and soft Mexican music help accentuate the tone and mood of the décor. A painted blue-sky ceiling, blended pink, cream, and yellow walls, red brick accents, orange-brown tile floors, Día de Muertos folk art, statuary, sombreros, wall and ceiling tapestries, multi-colored tables, and rustic wicker chairs, all come together to provide diners with a casual, comfortable and is warm setting.
The layout is small and simple, with approximately ten tables, which can seat 35 people, but still manages to feel spacious and cozy while not feeling overcrowded. Natural lighting illuminates the dining room, enhancing the visual effects and dining experience. There’s no doubt the inviting visual experience presented at Ley Leyendas de Mexico, despite its size, clearly sets a tone that enhances the dining experience. Notably, in a 2019 edition of Yelp, Leyendas de Mexico was listed as one of the twenty-four best Mexican restaurants in N.J.
After taking some time to peruse the artwork and enjoy the layout, my group was ready to sit down and enjoy some enticing, authentic Mexican cuisine. What makes food authentic is debatable, in my opinion. One source reminds one that the thing to remember is that the definition of “authentic” changes throughout history, so the food is eaten now is different from the food eaten a few hundred years ago. I guess this would apply to all the world’s cuisine. My research found that yellow cheese is the most common ingredient in Americanized (Tex-Mex) Mexican food. Yellow cheese isn’t Mexican. Often, in Mexico, they use “queso fresco,” which translates to “fresh cheese.” That is the primary difference between authentic Mexican and Americanized Mexican food. Just in case you were wondering.
First to arrive were several nicely sized servings of freshly made, zesty salsa accompanied by crunchy, crispy homemade chips.
We were seated immediately at a comfortable corner table as the very pleasant owner, Elvin Portillo Mazariegos, cordially welcomed us to the restaurant. I must admit our conversation was limited due to my unfortunate and limited ability to converse in Spanish. I was informed that Ley Leyendas de Mexico initially opened in 2016 and has been under the management of Mr. Mazariegos since 2020. Menus, water, and utensils quickly arrived as we discussed our dining selections. Ley Leyendas is a B.Y.O.B., so that I could share some Modelo beer with our host during our conversation.
Homemade Guacamole (fresh avocado, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and tomatoes, served with crispy tortilla chips).
The menu is surprisingly diverse, complete with a tantalizing selection of many of Mexico’s favorite dishes. Latin and Spanish selections are also available, as are what appear to be creative Tex-Mex dishes to round out the menu. Appetizers included popular selections such as Leyendas Nacho Supremos, Quesadillas, Chimichangas, Tostada de Pata, and many other favorites. Typical Mexican and Tex-Mex fare includes Enchiladas, Tostadas, Flautas, Chilaquiles, Carne Asada, and Molcajete, among the many options. Assorted seafood dishes, soups, cemitas, authentic Tacos, and burrito grande are all tempting. No doubt, pretty much anything Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Latin American you might be in the mood for! Not to forget their homemade desserts, including one of my favorites, Tres Leches Cake. It took some bantering back and forth among the group before settling our choices.
Ground Beef Chimichanga (a small burrito stuffed with spicy ground beef, cream cheese & shredded cheese, topped with homemade chipotle mayo)
First to arrive were several nicely sized servings of freshly made, zesty salsa accompanied by crunchy, crispy homemade chips. The salsa and chips were the perfect preludes to our meal, and we were devoured quickly. Next, out came to our appetizers, which we all shared Homemade Guacamole (fresh avocado, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and tomatoes, served with crispy tortilla chips), Quesadillas (12” flour tortillas filled with melted tres queso, shredded lettuce, and a choice of spicy chicken, carnitas, Carne al pastor, chorizo or spicy ground beef). With its creamy texture, fresh avocado’s mildly sweet, nutty taste was delicious and refreshing and went perfectly with the homemade chips.
Quesadillas
The tender, crisp, crunchy, cheese flavored Quesadillas were also a treat; Ground Beef Chimichanga (a small burrito stuffed with spicy ground beef, cream cheese & shredded cheese, topped with homemade chipotle mayo), and Chorizo Con Queso (spicy Mexican chorizo mixed w/diced tomatoes & red onions, topped w/melted Oaxaca cheese, served with a side of corn or flour tortillas.) Every individual dish was oozing with fresh, amazing, delicious flavor.
The Mariscos Soup (spicy red sauce sautéed with shrimp, tilapia, mussels, calamari, and zucchini).
The Mariscos Soup (spicy red sauce sautéed with shrimp, tilapia, mussels, calamari, and zucchini) preceded our entrees. A very well-prepared seafood selection, tasty and perfectly seasoned.
Churrasco Steak (Skirt steak marinated with homemade chimichurri sauce, served over grilled veggies, rice, and beans)
As a group, we were not that diverse in our entrée selections on this date. A few of us, including myself, opted for Parrillada Mixta (Grilled chicken breast, steak, shrimp, and chorizo, served with cactus, rice, and beans). In contrast, the others opted for the Churrasco Steak (Skirt steak marinated with homemade chimichurri sauce, served over grilled veggies, rice, and beans). The mixed grill of meats and seafood in my Parrillada Mixta was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was a satisfying and delicious ending to a very pleasing dining experience. The group members who ordered the Churrasco Steak were equally pleased with their meal. Despite the appealing choice of desserts, we were all stuffed and unable to go any further, so my Tres Leches Cake will have to be put off until my next visit.
Parrillada Mixta
As you may be aware, there are two sister Ley Leyendas de Mexico restaurants in the general Parsippany area, one in Boonton and one in Morris Plains. This review is for the Parsippany location only. Visiting the other locations is certainly on my to-do list. As for Parsippany’s Ley Leyendas de Mexico, I recommend definitely giving it a try. I’m pretty sure you will put it on your restaurant rotation.
Buena comida, buenos amigos, buenos tiempos
Las Leyendas (Leyendas de Mexico) is located at 71 New Road, Parsippany.
(973) 287-7060 leyendasrestaurante.com
Closed Mondays – Dine In – In-Store Pickup – Catering Available
BYOB (Wine and Beer only) – Vegetarian Friendly – Off-Road Parking
Mexican, Latin, and Spanish Cuisine
MADISON — The Borough of Madison will hold its annual public reorganization meeting for 2023 on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, 50 Kings Road. Congresswoman Sherrill will conduct the Swearing in Ceremonies.
Rachel Ehrlich
Recently re-elected Council Member Rachel Ehrlich and newly elected Tom Haralampoudis will take the oath of office as Council Members for a three-year term. Ehrlich, who began her first term in office in 2020, will start her second term. Her running mate, Haralampoudis, has been involved with the Library Board of Trustees, Housing Authority, Board of Health, Environmental Commission, and Recreation Committee. He co-founded the Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee and will begin his first term in office.
Conducting the oath of office for Ehrlich and Haralampoudis will be Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. Expected to be joining Congresswoman Sherrill are Assemblyman John F. McKeon and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, as well as State Senator Richard J. Codey and elected officials from Morris County.
Congresswoman Miki Sherrill with Tom Haralampoudis
Mayor Conley, Council Members, and Borough Officials will honor the service of outgoing Council Member Maureen Byrne, who served two terms as a Council Member from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2022, and served as Council President in 2021.
The agenda will also include official action, including, but not limited to, appointments and reappointments of Boards and Committees for 2023, adoption of resolutions to facilitate Borough business, including awarding professional services contracts for 2023, and naming of Borough Officials.
BOONTON — Marilyn Ward, President of the Board, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Gateway Community Resource Center President, was proclaimed on Monday, December 19, by the Boonton Town Council as its 2022 Citizen of the Year. Council Member Marie Devenezian read the Proclamation presented by The Town of Boonton.
Council Member Marie Devenezian read the Proclamation presented by The Town of Boonton.Marilyn’s Grandson Ben Schaub gives her flowers and congratulates his grandmother.Proclamation presented by the Town of Boonton naming Marilyn Ward “Citizen of the Year 2022.”
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Assemblymen Jay Webber, Christian Barranco, and Brian Bergen issued a “Joint Legislative Resolution.”
We can think of no one better within our town of 9,000 who qualifies for such
acknowledgment at this moment.
A Boonton resident since 1964, Marilyn served as special education elementary teacher in
Boonton Schools for 30 years before retiring. During those years, she served as an officer of the NJEA union and represented Boonton’s public school teaching staff. Upon retirement, she took up a second career in retail with her late husband Jim to operate a flower shop in Blairstown for ten years.
Her second retirement was not the beginning of her voluntary leadership as Elder of Boonton’s First Presbyterian Church. For decades she was, and continues to be, a chief advocate for support of the mission beyond its doors. Community engagement is a gene inherited from her parents, with her mother the model of supporting public issues in the quest for justice. She recalls her mother going to any and all rallies or protests and sitting on her father’s shoulders at a coal miner union gathering to hear organizer John L. Lewis, Dad whispering praise of “a great man.” Within her lifetime of following in their footsteps of public service, it is Marilyn’s efforts of the past four years that have caused of
recent public acknowledgment and celebration.
At age 86, Marilyn has retained sufficient mental and physical strength for the past five years to provide the vision, inspiration, and vitality to offer current leadership for two new non-profit service organizations in Boonton. She provided inspirational leadership for officers and members of the First Presbyterian Church of Boonton to conduct two years of research and inquiry into the persisting and most urgent needs of local citizens for whom newly freed building space would be utilized.
The Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry was their first responsive venture in pursuit of that vision, subsequently joined by the Boonton United Methodist Church. 3.5 years into its mission, the LFCFP provides meals for an average of 110 households weekly, supported by some 100 community volunteers between the ages of 16 and 86.
Marilyn is Board President; click here for the website.
Not finished with capitalizing upon all the space made available by FPCB, Marilyn gathered a committee of 11 willing volunteers in 2021-22 (during which time she was widowed) to create and launch Gateway Community Resource Center as the second phase of response to local needs, providing an upgraded venue for hosting programs presented by established not-for-profit organizations at no cost to attendees. Opened in mid-September, many programs are now offered for help, education, and enrichment of persons needing affordable support services. Marilyn again serves as President of its volunteer Leadership Team. (Click here for more information)>
Though tiny in stature, her mind, and energy seem inexhaustible. She has the infectious gift of inspiring and persuading people of all ages to join her in these causes.
We can think of no one better within our town of 9,000 who qualifies for such