Pictured: Seated, center: Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Founder and President of Jersey 1st Rosemary Becchi, and (left) Northeast Regional Director at Americans for Prosperity Ross Connolly and (right) Jersey 1st Internship Coordinator and Advocacy Director Zachery Dora. Second row, left to right: interns Brielle Jani, Arianna Salazar and Kiara Christmas; and Cossette Gonzalez, Megan Whitman, Sara Farris and Tvisha Shah. Back row, left to right: team leader Logan Robinson and interns Andrew Frederick, Caleb M. Pamphil, Hunter Wilson, Alexandra Peraza, Joshua Freiheiter, Brynn Kearns, Madeline Kruszczynski and Olivia Manga.
MORRIS COUNTY — On Wednesday,Student interns had the opportunity to discuss addiction in New Jersey, family unification, and legislative solutions to the state’s affordability crisis at a roundtable hosted by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn at her office in Chester
“New Jersey needs a fresh perspective, which is exactly what these dynamic and engaging young people delivered. They deserve to have their voices heard, and I am honored to provide that forum,” Dunn (R-Morris) said.
Dunn invited her legislative interns and young people with Jersey 1st, a grassroots conservative advocacy group, to present policy proposals and ideas aimed at keeping young people in the state, as well as addressing addiction and its impact on families.
“Engaging in meaningful dialogue with the next generation can help lawmakers develop policies that resonate with other young people. This is a worthwhile exercise for every elected official and students interested in civics,” Dunn added. “I’m encouraged there are so many talented students who are stepping up to the plate to address the issues of today and preparing to play a larger role in the future of New Jersey.”
Student participants researched Gen Z’s ability to pay for college and buy a home in New Jersey. They looked at ways to make living more affordable for their generation by cutting certain taxes, creating long-term employment opportunities, and improving transportation. They also discovered that more than half the state’s children removed from their homes because of substance use disorder are under the age of 1, and examined policies that support family unification.
“I am committed to lifting up this next generation. I’ve also gained a better understanding of how to do that, thanks to their insights. I hope they step away from this with a greater appreciation for public service and a deeper sense of purpose,” Dunn said.
MORRIS COUNTY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) applauded federal investments coming to County College of Morris (CCM) to bolster innovative job training and advanced technology programs. The college is receiving $200,000 from the Department of Energy (DOE) and $650,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help it continue to build world-class apprenticeship and education programs that will be accessible to New Jerseyans across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
“I continue to be so impressed by County College of Morris’s commitment to breaking technology and innovation barriers, building tomorrow’s skilled workforce, and making high-quality education and job training programs accessible to all. I am excited to see CCM awarded nearly one million dollars in federal funding to continue building first-rate job training programs. With these grants, we’re investing our federal tax dollars back into our state to make New Jersey a place where our students, workforce, and businesses can thrive,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Thank you to President Iacono and the entire team at CCM for their advocacy and I look forward to continuing to work together to bring federal dollars back to CCM.”
“CCM is incredibly appreciative of Congresswoman Sherrill’s significant support since taking office. These grants allow the college to launch new programs while expanding others to prepare community members for careers that offer family-sustaining salaries while meeting the needs of employers throughout the region. Advocacy, collaboration with a wide network of employers and support organizations, vision, and hard work are allowing New Jerseyans to live their best lives,” said Anthony J. Iacono, Ph.D., President of County College of Morris.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has worked closely with the County College of Morris to bring back federal funding to help the College provide access to education and job training programs for New Jersey’s 11th District. This year, she secured $1 million in federal Community Project funding to support a new CCM Workforce Development Center in Dover.
BOONTON — The Town of Boonton Police Department is looking for professional, qualified, and energetic applicants who embody the core values of integrity, duty, honor, and trust for the role of Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III (SLEO III).
This position focuses on school safety and security in the Boonton School District.
The Town of Boonton Police Department is seeking professional, qualified, and energetic applicants who possess the department’s core values of Integrity, Duty, Honor, and Trust for the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III (SLEO III). This SLEOIII position will be responsible for school safety and security duties within the Town of Boonton School District.
The SLEO III position is a yearly appointment, and this position will begin with the 2024-2025 school year. The position may be renewed each subsequent year with the approval of all parties. The salary is $38.00 per hour, with an average work week of 37.5 hours during the school year. The SLEO III only works when school is in session, except for any specific in-service training that may be required. Hiring preference may be given to applicants who previously served as a School Resource Officer or are D.A.R.E or L.E.A.D. certified instructors. No health, dental, or prescription benefits are offered with this position. However, the employee will be eligible to receive paid time off.
More information and the application can be found here.
Roger Williams University is a private university in Bristol, Rhode Island.
MORRIS COUNTY — The following students received their degrees in May as part of the Class of 2024.
Ilaria Coen of Madison graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology in May as part of the Class of 2024.
Abby Grove of Mountain Lakes graduated with a B.A. in Marine Biology and a B.A. in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science in May as part of the Class of 2024.
Brady Rose of Mountain Lakes graduated with a B.S. in Marketing in May as part of the Class of 2024.
About RWU: At Roger Williams University, students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions.
RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study, including Rhode Island’s only law school, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I. With small classrooms and a focus on undergraduate and graduate research and community engagement, a Roger Williams education blends the strength of liberal arts and professional studies, providing all students with the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge necessary to succeed in our interconnected, global world.
RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and apply the practical skills that today’s employers demand.
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is excited to announce the expansion of its swim lesson program from the traditional 7-week format to a more comprehensive 13-week session.
MORRIS COUNTY — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is excited to announce the expansion of its swim lesson program from the traditional 7-week format to a more comprehensive 13-week session. This change reflects our dedication to providing the best possible swimming education, ensuring the highest levels of skill development, confidence, and safety for all participants.
Registration Details
Registration for Fall Swim Lessons begins for Y members on Tuesday, August 13, at 10:00 a.m. Non-member registration opens on Thursday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m.
Skill Development and Retention
Longer Practice Period: The extended 13-week session offers swimmers ample time to practice and reinforce their skills, aiding in better muscle memory and effective skill retention.
Progression: Swimmers can progress through various skill levels more thoroughly, mastering each skill before moving on to the next, ensuring comprehensive development.
Consistency and Routine
Building Habit: Regular, longer-term lessons help establish a routine, which is crucial for developing comfort with water and swimming, especially for younger swimmers.
Reduced Learning Gaps: Fewer breaks between lessons mean swimmers have fewer chances to forget what they have learned, ensuring continuous improvement.
Confidence Building
Confidence: Spending more time in the pool helps swimmers become more comfortable and confident in their abilities, which is essential for both safety and enjoyment in the water.
Gradual Challenges: In a more extended session, instructors can introduce challenges gradually, allowing swimmers to gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Instructor-Student Relationship
Stronger Bond: Over 13 weeks, swimmers can develop a stronger relationship with their instructors, fostering trust and a better understanding of individual needs.
Personalized Feedback: Instructors have more time to observe and provide personalized feedback, helping each swimmer improve effectively.
Overall, the 13-week swim lessons offer a more in-depth, consistent, and effective learning experience, leading to better outcomes in skill development, confidence, and overall enjoyment of swimming.
“We are excited to implement this change and believe it will significantly benefit our swimmers,” said Alex Martinez, Chief Executive Officer at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. “Our goal is to offer a high-quality swimming program that teaches skills and builds lifelong confidence and a love for swimming.”
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our programs and services are designed to promote overall well-being and support individuals and families in achieving their fullest potential. No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.
All Seasons Golf is state-of-the-art indoor golf facility, designed to entertain and train golfers of all levels.
MORRIS COUNTY — All Seasons Golf is excited to announce the grand opening of its state-of-the-art indoor golf facility, designed to entertain and train golfers of all levels. Nestled in the heart of Morris County, All Seasons offers an unparalleled golfing experience, regardless of the weather outside.
With the most advanced Golfzon simulators on the market, All Seasons provides cutting-edge technology for swing analysis and data tracking, ensuring our members receive the best instruction and entertainment possible!
At All Seasons Golf, our passion is to deliver a realistic golfing environment where members and guests can play, practice, and enjoy themselves without worrying about tee times due to inclement weather. With access to courses worldwide, golfers can enhance their skills year-round in a climate-controlled setting.
In addition to our world-class golf facilities, All Seasons Golf features a full-service bar and restaurant. Guests can unwind with craft beers, fine wines, and signature cocktails paired with delicious food catering to every palate. Whether grabbing a quick bite after a round or enjoying a meal with friends, our restaurant perfectly complements your golfing experience.
All Seasons Golf is open to the public, with various membership options available to suit every golfer’s needs. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounted rates on simulator time, priority booking, and access to special events and training programs.
“We aim to be Morris County’s indoor golfing destination of choice,” said Bryce Whelan, General Manager. “With the most advanced Golfzon simulators on the market, we provide cutting-edge technology for swing analysis and data tracking, ensuring our members receive the best instruction and entertainment possible!”
All Season’s Mission: To become Morris County’s golfing destination of choice for all golfers.
Core Values:
Integrity
Dedicated Local Ownership
Stewardship
Committed Relationships
Join All Seasons Golf for its grand opening on Thursday, August 1, at 11:00 a.m., and experience the future of indoor golf. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, All Seasons Golf is here to elevate your game and provide a fun, engaging environment for everyone. All Seasons Golf is located at 235 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.
About All Seasons Golf: All Seasons Golf is dedicated to creating a premier indoor golf experience. It provides golfers access to professional instruction, the latest technology, and a vibrant bar and restaurant—all within a welcoming community atmosphere.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed the hiring of Dennis A. Subrizi and Richard E. Ornelas as Detectives for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
A swearing-in ceremony was held on July 29, 2024.
Detective Ornelas will be assigned to the Special Operations Division’s Special Enforcement Unit.
Detective Ornelas most recently served as a Patrol Sergeant with the Wharton Borough Police Department, where he was assigned to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office SERT as the Sniper Team Leader. He also served as a Sheriff’s Officer within the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the MCPO Special Enforcement Unit.
Detective Ornelas served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 through 2014 before being honorably discharged.
Detective Ornelas graduated from St. Elizabeth’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies. He also has had extensive training in SWAT School/Advanced Patrol Tactics, Advanced Narcotic Investigations, NJSP Interview and Interrogation, and other disciplines.
Detective Subrizi will be assigned to the Financial Crimes Unit within the Specialized Crimes Division.
Before joining the MCPO, Detective Subrizi served for nearly a decade in the Denville Police Department, where he held the ranks of Detective and Sergeant. While with the department, he supervised officers, developed event plans, fostered relationships with local civic organizations, and contributed to and led criminal investigations teams. He also held the position of a School Resource Officer.
Additionally, Detective Subrizi serves as an Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas Aquinas College and Sussex Community College.
Subrizi holds a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Master’s degree in Administrative Services from Fairleigh Dickinson, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Saint Thomas Aquinas College. He has also been recognized with awards by the Morris County Crimestoppers and MADD and has served terms in the PBA 142.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is pleased to have such experienced law enforcement professionals join our dedicated team of investigators.”
Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development was joined by Mayor James R Barberio and members of the community for the grand opening of Success on the Spectrum - an organization committed to providing therapy services to children with developmental delays. Welcome to Parsippany!
MORRIS PLAINS – A new franchise, “Success on the Spectrum,” has opened its doors at 2200 Route 10 West (Parsippany).
Success on the Spectrum (SOS), owned by Vick Kharba, is a facility with many amenities that provides ABA therapy, Speech therapy, and Occupational therapy for children with Autism and Caregiver training for parents. The franchise was founded in Houston, Texas, by Nichole Daher, the franchise owner, and in 2018 became the first Autism treatment franchise in the United States. Healthcare Business Review honorably awarded them as the Top ABA Service Provider in 2024.
Success on the Spectrum is the ideal place for children aged 2 to 18 and on the autism spectrum to receive quality therapy through multiple forms. Owner Vic Khabra was excited to announce that they will waive their annual registration fee of $250 for a short period in honor of their grand opening. SOS is insurance-based and accepts all insurances, including Medicare, to reduce parents’ out-of-pocket costs.
Success On The Spectrum offers group social skills classes to promote growth in social connections and friendship skills.
Vick and his team at Success on the Spectrum are passionate about helping their community using the most influential science methods, a fun environment, community outings, safety, and high parent involvement to help their clients make the most progress possible. The handpicked staff, who are CPR and Safety-Care certified, use their skills to assist children in developing self-control, independence, and a positive self-concept. The 5000 sq ft+ facility includes a sensory room, mock classroom, art room, cafeteria, social room, and a unique sensory gym.
ABA therapy focuses on teaching social skills, language and communication, academic skills, emotional development, cognitive functioning, play/leisure, fine motor, and self-care skills. Mayor Jamie Barberio was in attendance along with Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Economic Development member Jigar Shah, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilman Justin Musella, and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso with Board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov. Baberio said, “I’m glad Success on the Spectrum decided to come to Parsippany. We have many children in need, and parents need to have the outreach this provides. I think this will be good for the township.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented owner Vick Kharba with a plaque welcoming Success on the Spectrum to Parsippany.
Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, said, “Parsippany celebrates the ribbon cutting of “Success on the Spectrum,” a center dedicated to empowering autistic individuals through personalized support, education, and community integration.
Some specialties include speech-language therapy, which addresses challenges with language and communication. This therapy can help children improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication skills. The overall goal is to enable them to communicate more practically and functionally.
Occupational therapy (OT) helps children become more independent and participate in a wide range of activities. It can also improve fine motor development, visual motor integration, sensory-motor integration, self-help, and organizational skills.
The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department enhanced the ceremony by attending in support of Success on the Spectrum’s mission and goals. Captain Matthew Roca, Tyler Foley, John Haas, Michael Scherer, and Jordan Santana attended. Captain Matthew Roca said, “We are happy to be here. We are happy to represent the town. This will be a great new business for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills as these children need help, and this program will assist. We happily help with their mission in any way.”
Success On The Spectrum offers group social skills classes to promote growth in social connections and friendship skills.
Lessons include conversational skills, appropriate use of humor and electronic communication, identifying sources of friends, entering and exiting conversations, and handling peer conflict and rejection. Success on the Spectrum looks forward to helping Parsippany with its needs. For information, visit their website by clicking here.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, August 2024. Click here to view the magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed the sentencing of a Union County man who was formerly the chief financial officer of a Morristown-based national law firm after he admitted embezzling over $1.5 million from the firm and evading payment of income taxes owed to the State.
John Dunlea, 61, Westfield, was sentenced on July 26 to five years in state prison by New Jersey Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Taylor, presiding at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown. He was also ordered to pay more than $1.5 million to McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, the firm where he was previously employed, and to pay over $20,000 to the State as restitution.
Dunlea had pleaded guilty on May 8 to an accusation charging him with two counts of second-degree theft by deception and five counts of third-degree failure to pay taxes.
In entering the plea, Dunlea admitted misappropriating $1,538,221 from the law firm by paying himself unauthorized excess compensation. Between January 2017 and December 2022, he paid himself unauthorized compensation for $1,182,965. He misled the firm into paying his personal credit card charges for international and domestic flights, hotels, and restaurant outings for himself and his family, totaling approximately $355,256.
Dunlea also admitted to evading the payment of income tax totaling $22,568 to the State for the tax years 2018 through 2022 for income derived from the credit card scheme.
“The defendant admitted to giving himself a staggering, unauthorized, and illegal seven-figure pay raise and treating himself and his family, at his employer’s expense, to travel, hotels, and meals,” Platkin said. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the Division of Criminal Justice’s firm commitment to holding individuals accountable who exploit positions of trust to commit financial fraud.”
“The defendant misused his position of power and trust to take advantage of his employer and the taxpayers of New Jersey,” said Legal Chief Pablo Quiñones of the Office of Securities Fraud and Financial Crimes Prosecutions. “This sentence underscores our commitment to ensuring that those who turn to deception and cheating to enrich themselves improperly will be held accountable.”
Morris County Administrator Deena Leary, Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers and Meghan Hunscher, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce celebrated women in government today at its annual “Women in Government Luncheon,” held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers and Morris County Administrator Deena Leary were the distinguished guest speakers.
The Women in Government Luncheon is sponsored by the chamber’s Women in Business Program and Government Affairs Forum and is hosted annually as part of the chamber’s Women in Business networking program. The series of luncheons invites women and men of all professional backgrounds to explore the unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards women face in various business sectors. Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioners John Krickus and Thomas Mastrangelo attended the luncheon.
“More than half of the American population is female, yet women make up just 25 percent of the U.S. Senate, 28.5 percent of the U.S. House of Representatives, and 29.9 and 33.7 of state senates and assemblies, respectively, while just 12 of 50 states have women governors,” said Meghan Hunscher, chamber president. “Women continue to overcome the same unique challenges to excel in the government sector as they do in the business world. Here in Morris County, we are fortunate to have Director Myers and County Administrator Leary in leading government positions, and hearing the stories of their respective roads to success was very inspirational.”
Myers has enjoyed a successful career in business at both the corporate and small business levels and the nonprofit sector. Her political career began in 2016 when she was elected to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners (then “Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders”). In 2017, she was appointed by then-President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy before being re-elected as county commissioner in 2022. Among her accomplishments during her time on the board has been leading the adoption of the county Strategic Plan and debt reserve policy to ensure the long-term prosperity of Morris County.
Her fellow commissioners appointed Myers to serve as board director for 2024.
“When Kathy DeFillippo was retiring, it was an opportunity to return to the board. I was re-elected to my second term beginning 2023 and am grateful to have the opportunity to serve,” said Myers. “Growing up, my parents instilled in me that I needed to participate in my country or I couldn’t complain. ‘If things are bad, don’t look at others; look at yourself,’ my father would say.”
Leary, who lives in Harding, began her career with Morris County as an intern in 1995 with the Division of Transportation Management. She worked through the ranks to become Director of Planning & Development in 2011 and was promoted in 2013 to lead a new combined department of Planning & Public Works. In 2017, she was appointed Assistant Morris County Administrator.
She assumed the post of County Administrator in 2023 after being named Acting Administrator in 2022 upon long-time Administrator John Bonnani announcing his official retirement taking place at year-end. With her appointment, Leary became the first female county administrator in Morris County history, placing her among four current counties with women administrators out of the 21 counties in New Jersey.
“I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with John and learn all I did from him. I knew it wouldn’t be easy to follow in his footsteps. Still, the support of the Commissioners and amazing staff, department directors, and everyone involved with the county make the job much more manageable. The pandemic was certainly a unique learning experience, too,” said Leary. “In Morris County, we try to do what needs to be done and sort out resources along the way, and I hope our residents can appreciate and see how this helps our county function so well.”
Morris County is governed by a seven-member Board of County Commissioners, who serve three-year terms. The Commissioner Board sets policies for the operation of six super-departments, more than 30 divisions, authorities, commissions, boards, and study committees. The state legislature has granted the Board of County Commissioners broad powers to regulate county property, finances, and affairs.
The Commissioner Board’s duties include:
Preparing and adopting the county budget.
Authorizing expenditures and bonds.
Appointing county officials and members to boards, commissions, and authorities.
Passing on all claims against the county.
Supervising the administration of county government.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints the County Administrator to manage Morris County’s daily operations, which includes implementing policies and preparing the annual budget, and works cooperatively with the county’s constitutional officers and independent agencies. The county’s six departments (Employee Resources, Finance, Human Services, Law & Public Safety, IT, and Public Works) report directly to the administrator, supported by the Assistant County Administrator. The Administrator’s Office also oversees the Office of Communications and Digital Media, Planning and Preservation, and the County Library.
