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Sherrill Announces Appointments to U.S. Service Academies

By
Frank Cahill
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Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced that 23 New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District students were appointed to the U.S. Service Academies and attended the Service Academy Preparatory Schools. These students will begin their education and service careers this year at the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and their associated Preparatory Schools. Rep. Sherrill hosted an event to recognize the students yesterday in Bloomfield.

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of the NJ-11 students who will be attending our nation’s military academies and academy preparatory schools. From my experience at the Naval Academy, I remember that the course of study was intense – both academically and physically – but taught me the true value of teamwork, leadership, and service. I thank all of our students for choosing to put our country over themselves and wish them well as they begin their military careers as the future leaders of our men and women in uniform,” said Rep. Sherrill.

The 18 NJ-11 students attending U.S. Service Academies:

  • Cora Webber, Morris Plains – U.S. Military Academy 
  • Karthikean Juttumahadevan, Morris Plains – U.S. Military Academy 
  • Amelia Benjamin, Maplewood – U.S. Naval Academy
  • Emma Bradley, Florham Park – U.S. Naval Academy
  • Charlene Giessen, Montclair – U.S. Naval Academy
  • Ryan Trafford, West Caldwell – U.S. Naval Academy 
  • Avinash Uppuluri, Short Hills – U.S. Naval Academy
  • Andrew Daly, Wayne – U.S. Naval Academy
  • Oliver Acuna-Casey, Morristown – U.S. Military Academy
  • Cassidy Ball, Jefferson – U.S. Military Academy 
  • John Bigham, Chatham – U.S. Military Academy
  • Gabriel Epstein, Montclair – U.S. Military Academy 
  • Matias Feoli, Short Hills – U.S. Military Academy
  • Joshua Hobaugh, Denville – U.S. Military Academy 
  • Michael Zuercher, Lincoln Park – U.S. Military Academy 
  • Diego Pla-Silsby, Montclair – U.S. Air Force Academy 
  • Juliet Trouse, Riverdale – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
  • Connor Wysocki, Randolph – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

The following five NJ-11 students will attend Service Academy Preparatory Schools in the coming year. Students attending a Preparatory School do not require a Congressional Nomination:

  • Leila Galarza, Parsippany – U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School
  • Margaret Hedberg, Montclair – U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School
  • Noah Rega, Madison – U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School
  • Connor Ross, Morris Plains – U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School
  • Alexandra Richard, Bloomfield – U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School

The Merchant Marine Academy allows Representatives to nominate candidates anywhere in New Jersey. In addition to the appointees above, Rep. Sherrill nominated the following student who received an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy:

  • William Dozier, Southampton – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Rep. Sherrill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 and served as a Sea King helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer in the U.S. Navy for almost ten years.

Annual Peach Festival 2024

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — The Annual Peach Festival will be held on the historic grounds of Community Presbyterian Church, 220 Main Street, Chester, on Saturday, August 3rd. Admission is free, and the event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The event is held rain or shine. There will be peach pies, homemade peach ice cream, other desserts, and fresh, locally grown peaches for sale.

At the huge White Elephant Tent, big bargains include toys, books, sporting goods, household items, and more. Call (908) 879-5091 for more information, or click here for details.

Sherrill Takes the Fight for Affordability to America’s Grocery

By
Frank Cahill
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Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill

MORRIS COUNTY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) stood up for New Jersey consumers by supporting the Shrinkflation Prevention Act, legislation preventing corporations from deceptively selling less of a product without lowering the price accordingly. Sherrill’s support is part of her ongoing work to lower everyday costs for New Jersey families.

“We’ve all felt the disappointment of opening a bag of chips and finding out that it’s mostly full of air – and that’s not an accident. Large corporations have gotten away with charging more and selling less for too long while New Jerseyans foot the bill. Tackling this issue of shrinkflation is a big step in stopping inflation at the supermarket. That’s why I am proud to support the Shrinkflation Prevention Act to lower prices at the grocery store, hold large corporations accountable, and make sure Garden State families get a fair shake,” said Rep. Sherrill.

The Shrinkflation Prevention Act is led by Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) in the House, and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) in the Senate. The legislation would:

  • Direct the Federal Trade Commission to develop regulations establishing shrinkflation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice prohibiting manufacturers from engaging in it.
  • Authorize the FTC and state governments to pursue legal actions against corporations who unlawfully engage in shrinkflation.

Since taking office, Sherrill has fought to lower prices and make the Garden State more affordable for families. She helped to successfully pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowered the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and expanded access to clean energy tax credits. She voted to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act through the House, which would boost support for American farmers, expand competition in the meat industry, and make new investments in biofuels. 

After passing the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen American supply chains and reduce the cost of cars and electronics, Sherrill also introduced her American Jobs and Competition Plan to address unfair economic practices by the Chinese Communist Party and level the playing field for New Jersey businesses. She has also led legislation to cap childcare costs at 7% of families’ income and to provide tax relief to New Jerseyans by repealing the SALT deduction cap.

Senator Pennacchio Advocates for Fair Reapportionment of U.S. Representatives

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Joe Pennacchio

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) introduced a resolution to express support for the federal “Equal Representation Act,” which would modify the apportionment of United States Representatives and electoral college votes based on the population of United States citizens.

“Appropriating representatives to the United States Congress based on citizenship is the only formula that allows for accurate representation in our federal government,” said Pennacchio. “It is imperative that the right of each American citizen to receive equal representation in government is protected from dilution.”

More than 10 million people have illegally entered the United States under the tenure of President Biden, which, according to current estimates, has increased the total population of illegal immigrants in the United States to more than 20 million people and the total population of noncitizens to more than 30 million, Pennacchio said.

“The noncitizen population is so large that if they were all located in one state, it would be apportioned 40 congressional districts and 42 electoral votes in presidential elections. In no world does that echo the sentiment of equal representation,” Pennacchio said.

The United States House of Representatives introduced H.R. 7109, known as the “Equal Representation Act,” on January 29, 2024, and passed the bill on May 8, 2024. Enactment of the bill would ensure that the allocation of congressional seats and electoral votes among the states would be apportioned based on the United States citizen population and would not be diluted by the country’s noncitizen population, said Pennacchio.

Additionally, Senator Pennacchio has introduced companion legislation that would protect the process of redistricting New Jersey’s legislative seats by only counting New Jersey citizens during that process.

Mountain Lakes Resident Earns Award for Outstanding Volunteer Efforts

By
Frank Cahill
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Rachel Schott of AbbVie, Inc., Cathy Cerbo of Mountain Lakes, Diane Borman of Summit, Rudy DiGilio of Washington, NJ, Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway, Lakisha Bray of Plainfield, Lavarra M. Hines, Jr. (LJ) of West Orange, and Valerie Phillips of AbbVie, Inc. Award recipients not pictured are Richard Hayes of Monroe Township and Sam Prince of North Caldwell. (PHOTO CREDIT – Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

MORRIS COUNTY — NJ Sharing Network (NJSN), the non-profit organization responsible for recovering donated organs and tissue in the Garden State, recently presented Volunteer Recognition Awards to residents for their outstanding efforts in supporting its lifesaving mission. The awards were presented during NJ Sharing Network’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Reception at its headquarters in New Providence.

“Volunteers are the heart of our mission. They help strengthen our public education efforts, encouraging more people to say ‘YES’ to save lives by registering as organ and tissue donors,” said Alyssa D’Addio, Vice President of Hospital and Community Services, NJSN.

Donate Life Group Leader Award presented to Cathy Cerbo of Mountain Lakes.
NJSN’s Donate Life Groups (DLG) bring together local advocates and volunteers to take action and educate their communities about organ and tissue donation. The Donate Life Group Leader Award recognizes a DLG member who has energized grassroots efforts to support NJSN’s lifesaving mission.

• Cathy Cerbo of Mountain Lakes took an active lead in the Morris County DLG in 2016. Her father, Nick Cerbo, started the group after receiving a lifesaving heart transplant. Cathy kept the group active and energized throughout the pandemic and is continually developing creative ways to attract new DLG members.

Community Hero Awards were presented to Lakisha Bray of Plainfield and Rudy DiGilio of Washington.
Volunteers are key in NJSN’s community outreach and public education efforts. The Community Hero Awards are presented to individuals who have gone the extra mile in sharing our lifesaving mission.
• Lakisha Bray of Plainfield is a powerful and resilient woman who is spreading the importance of organ donation through her story of losing her daughter and sister. Lakisha’s daughter, Talea, was born with cerebral palsy and passed away just before her 21st birthday. Talea was able to save three lives with her donations. Just six months later, Lakisha’s sister Tabitha died while waiting for an intestinal transplant. Lakisha has become a powerful advocate for NJSN’s mission to honor their memories.
Are key. Rudy DiGilio of Washington, NJ, was inspired to support NJSN after donating one of his kidneys to his brother. Since becoming a volunteer in 2018, he has represented NJSN at countless community events. He has also conducted speaking presentations at local high schools, businesses, and the Liberty Science Center.

Youth Volunteer Awards were presented to Lavarra M. Hines, Jr. (LJ) of West Orange and Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway.
NJSN’s youth volunteers add energy and creative ideas to our outreach projects and activities. The Youth Volunteers of the Year Awards are presented to local high school students who go the extra mile to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in his/her school and local community.
• Lavarra M. Hines, Jr. (LJ) of West Orange has been a youth volunteer for over ten years. LJ was inspired to get involved with NJSN after his godfather passed away, and he became an organ donor. LJ created an NJSN 5K Celebration of Life team in memory of his godfather. As a student at Newark Academy, LJ has helped coordinate NJSN presentations in the school’s driver’s education courses for the past two years.
• Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway has been volunteering for NJSN since middle school. She is now a key Piscataway High School’s Donate Life Club member and will serve as the club’s president in the 2024/2025 academic year. Dhivyasree has helped grow the DLC’s student membership and has been instrumental in community awareness events throughout the year.

Jim Rhatican Legacy Award presented to Richard Hayes of Monroe Township.
The Jim Rhatican Legacy Award is named in memory of longtime NJSN volunteer Jim Rhatican, a liver transplant recipient who shared his story of hope with students, teachers, and parents as part of NJSN’s High School Heroes Program. The award recognizes a volunteer who has made a powerful commitment to educating local students about the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor.
• Richard Hayes of Monroe Township has been a key volunteer for NJ Sharing Network since 2011. As a liver transplant recipient, Richard has made powerful presentations to over 5,000 students about registering as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives.

Wrapped In Love Volunteer Award was presented to Diane Borman of Summit
NJSN’s Wrapped in Love program provides beautiful handmade shawls and blankets to families who have said ‘YES’ to organ and tissue donation as a tangible expression of comfort and compassion. The Wrapped In Love Volunteer of the Year recognizes an individual who has dedicated his/her time and talent to crochet or knit creations that express love and support for our donor families.
• Diane Borman of Summit has been a Wrapped in Love volunteer since 2010. She has expressed her caring spirit and creativity by making hundreds of beautiful blankets for organ donor families. She has also shared her knowledge with other volunteers to help them create blankets and shawls.

NJSN National Impact Award presented to Sam Prince of North Caldwell
NJSN’s powerful lifesaving message travels far beyond the borders of New Jersey. The NJSN National Impact Award recognizes an individual who has delivered our lifesaving message to nationwide audiences.
• Sam Prince of North Caldwell was born with multiple congenital heart defects. For the first seven years of his life, Prince thrived as best as he could, undergoing numerous surgeries and surviving on medication. Finally, he received a lifesaving heart transplant when he was 8 years old. For more than a decade, Sam has been a powerful and well-recognized advocate for NJSN. He became internationally recognized as the New York Giants “superfan” who stole the show during the 2022 NFL Draft. Thanks to Make-A-Wish America, Sam joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage in Las Vegas while presenting the Giants’ No. 5 overall pick, Kayon Thibodeaux. Prince won over fans worldwide with his animated personality and now viral interaction with Thibodeaux.

Community Partner Award presented to AbbVie, Inc.
Partnerships matter! NJSN’s Community Partner Award honors the invaluable contributions of a local organization or corporation that has helped produce amazing results within NJSN’s public education efforts.
• AbbVie, Inc. played an important part in NJSN’s Back-to-School Supplies Drive to benefit students in need in Camden and Paterson. AbbVie employees saw an opportunity to rally together and make a difference in the lives of local children by ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in their educational journey. Their generous contributions included notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, calculators, and more. Rachel Schott and Valerie Phillips of AbbVie, Inc. accepted the award.

NJ Sharing Network, headquartered in New Providence, is a federally designated non-profit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives by recovering donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. NJ Sharing Network partners with an extensive network of 54 local hospitals to provide hope for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and it is part of the national recovery system for the over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. For five consecutive years, NJ Sharing Network has reported organ donation records and 3.8 million New Jerseyans are registered as organ and tissue donors, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). Among the top-performing OPOs in the nation, NJ Sharing Network has been recognized by NJBIZ for six consecutive years as one of the state’s ‘Best Places to Work.’

Click here to learn more, get involved, and become an organ and tissue donor in the National Donate Life Registry.

Boonton to Display Banners Honoring Veterans Who Sacrificed Their Lives

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Support Boonton’s Initiative to Honor Fallen Veterans with Banners

BOONTON — The Town of Boonton announced Phase 1 of the Veteran’s Banner Program. This initiative will honor the 71 men from our town who attended Boonton High School and sacrificed their lives in four major wars. Commemorative banners will be displayed on phone poles and light poles throughout Boonton, serving as a tribute to these heroes.

Phase 1 will continue through Memorial Day 2025.

Community members and supporters are encouraged to contribute to this meaningful project. Every donation, regardless of size, will directly support the purchase and installation of these banners. Such generosity plays a vital role in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

To support this project, please send a check made out to “Town of Boonton” along with the attached form to:

Town of Boonton
100 Washington Street
Boonton, NJ 07005
ATTENTION: Veteran’s Banner Program

Click here to learn more. Thank you for being so supportive in honoring our veterans.

Boonton Township Police Provide Free Car Seat and Booster Seat Inspections

By
Frank Cahill
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Certified Technicians Available for Car Seat Inspections

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Car seats and boosters provide vital protection for infants and children in a crash, yet car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. Selecting and using the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car is crucial. Ensure you follow all the steps to choose the appropriate seat, install it properly, and keep your child safe.

The Boonton Township Police Department offers free safety inspections of your child’s car or booster seat. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can schedule appointments with residents to inspect car or booster seats for proper and safe installation. These inspections include installation supervision, proper sizing determinations, and checks for consumer recalls. Our agency may also assist you if you cannot obtain the proper car seat for your child.

To schedule a car seat inspection appointment, please email [email protected] or call (973) 402-4020.

Heavy Front-End Damage and Airbag Deployment in DWI Crash on West Blackwell Street

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DOVER — On Monday, May 27, at 2:05 a.m., Ms. Gina Padilla-Diaz, 34, Budd Lake, was traveling west on West Blackwell Street when her vehicle, a 2021 Honda CRV ran off the roadway to the right and struck a utility pole and the rear boulder retaining wall of 3 Hillsdale Avenue.

The vehicle suffered from heavy front-end damage with airbag deployment.

Dover Police Officer Kristopher Martinez arrived at the scene and observed Padilla with bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, droopy eyelids, and slurred speech. Officer Martinez administered field sobriety tests, which Padilla failed.

The Officer then advised the driver she was under arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Officer Christopher Caraig searched the driver’s vehicle, which revealed negative results for intoxicants. Sergeant Wilkes remained with the car until Bunky’s Towing towed it from the scene for impound.

She was transported to the Wharton Police Department, where Officer Michael Flora administered the Alcotest to the driver. The driver provided two breath samples, and the Alcotest resulted in a 0.15% blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Ms. Gina Padilla-Diaz was issued the following summonses pending court on June 10, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at the Dover Municipal Court:

•Driving while intoxicated:
39:4-50 – Ticket Number: 1409 E24 002975
•Failure to observe traffic lanes:
39:4-88 – Ticket Number 1409 E24 002976
•Careless driving:
39:4-97 – Ticket Number: 1409 E24 002977

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Mayo Performing Arts Center Plans Significant Expansion in Morristown

By
Frank Cahill
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0
New Expansion Plans for MPAC: Adding 31,000 Square Feet and Parking

MORRIS COUNTY — The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown has received approval from the Morristown zoning board for a significant expansion project. The plan includes a five-story, 31,000-square-foot addition and a bi-level parking garage extending from South Street to King Place. This development aims to enhance MPAC’s facilities and accommodate growing community needs.

The New Jersey Historic Preservation Office has also approved the project, ensuring that it aligns with historical preservation standards. Construction, set to begin later this year, is expected to take two years to complete. During this time, MPAC staff will manage school pick-up and drop-off on Pine Street to minimize traffic disruptions.

This expansion is particularly timely given the predictions of an active hurricane season. MPAC plays a crucial role in the community, not just as a cultural hub but also as an emergency support venue.

High-Speed Chase in Hanover Township Leads to Arrest of Four Suspects in Stolen Vehicle

By
Frank Cahill
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Police Officers apprehend a suspect at gunpoint at an office complex in Cedar Knolls

HANOVER — A recent incident in Hanover Township led to the arrest of a 19-year-old and three juveniles following a pursuit in a stolen Mercedes Benz. On Wednesday, June 19, Officer Morrisroe was on patrol when he observed a Mercedes Benz driving at a high rate of speed with tinted front windows and an expired inspection sticker. Officer Morrisroe checked the vehicle’s license plate and was alerted that it was reported stolen out of Pennsylvania.

The driver accelerated when officers attempted to stop the vehicle, leading to a reckless chase that ended in a crash with another vehicle on Ridgedale Avenue by Wing Drive. The four occupants fled on foot, but police quickly apprehended one juvenile. The others were found with assistance from local law enforcement and various resources, including drones and a helicopter.

A loaded handgun was recovered from the vehicle. The juveniles from Newark and Irvington face multiple charges, including possession of a stolen car, firearm offenses, and resisting arrest. Additionally, one juvenile was charged with prescription drugs and theft.

On Wednesday afternoon, June 19, Officer Brian Morrisroe of the Hanover Police Department arrested Mr. Noel Kamara, a 19-year-old from Newark, along with three juveniles who are from Newark and Irvington, NJ, and charged them with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Noel Kamara, 19, of Newark, was charged with numerous offenses, including eluding, obstruction, receiving stolen property, firearm offenses, burglary, and multiple motor vehicle violations.

Kamara had an active no-bail warrant from Newark and is currently held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance. The juveniles were transported to the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center.

Additional officers from Hanover Township, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Parsippany, Florham Park, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety responded and established a perimeter.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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