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Garden Club Program on Essential Oils Set for October Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON — The Rockaway Valley Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Boonton Senior Center, located at 126 North Main Street.

The meeting will feature a special program titled “Essential Oils in Your Home and Garden,” presented by Suzanne VanOver, a licensed massage therapist and certified forest therapy guide. VanOver, who specializes in pure essential oils, will demonstrate how these oils can be used to enhance gardening practices, offering natural solutions for pest control, weed management, and more.

This free event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

For more information about Rockaway Valley Garden Club click here.

Founder of Rise to Shine Education Foundation Visits Florham Park Rotary

By
Frank Cahill
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Florham Park Rotarians George Gregor, left, and Peter Nicolas, right, welcome Kenyan Rotarian Emily Bakhitah to the Florham Park club’s meeting Friday, September 27. Photo courtesy of David Kramer

FLORHAM PARK — At its Friday, September 27 meeting, the Florham Park Rotary welcomed Kenyan Rotarian Emily Bakhitah, founder of the Rise to Shine Education Foundation, a private non-governmental organization focused on empowering young, needy students in Kenya. Bakhitah shared her personal story and the mission of her foundation, which aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing educational opportunities for vulnerable children.

Bakhitah started the foundation eight years ago with just 12 students—some orphaned, others from extremely poor backgrounds—all eager to succeed in school. Today, the Rise to Shine Education Foundation has helped about 500 students secure scholarships to complete their high school education and obtain secondary school certificates.

In her address, Bakhitah discussed the challenges facing young girls in Kenya, where many are married off as early as ages 8, 10, or 12, often ending their education prematurely. In many communities, girls are not encouraged to pursue education but are instead groomed for marriage and adulthood. She highlighted the stark contrast between this reality and the goals of her foundation, which strives to equip young students with the education and skills necessary to build better futures.

Bakhitah also reflected on her own upbringing, sharing the hardships she faced after her mother passed away, leaving her and her older sister to care for their younger siblings. Growing up in a community dependent on the Jaboya system—where women exchanged sexual favors for fish as a means of survival—Bakhitah and her family were fortunate to be sponsored by a local Catholic Church, which enabled her to attend a primary boarding school.

Through hard work and dedication, Bakhitah excelled in her studies, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from Strathmore University Business School in Kenya and a master’s degree in public policy and management. Her journey has inspired her to give back to her community and empower the next generation of Kenyan youth to break free from poverty through education.

Hanover Township to Host Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic for Local Pets

By
Frank Cahill
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Annual Rabies Immunization Clinic

HANOVER — On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Hanover Township Health Department will host a Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic for local pet owners at the Whippany Fire House, located at 10 Troy Hills Road, Whippany. The clinic will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and is open to all residents of New Jersey.

Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of both animals and humans. It is primarily spread through the bite of an infected animal, and vaccination is a crucial preventive measure. The Hanover Township Health Department has organized this clinic as part of an ongoing effort to protect pets and the wider community from this dangerous virus.

The clinic provides an important opportunity for pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date with their vaccinations at no cost. All dogs and cats must be leashed or contained and accompanied by an adult. The event is open to any New Jersey resident, regardless of where they live.

“Rabies prevention is essential to keeping both pets and people safe,” said a spokesperson from the Hanover Township Health Department. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this free service to make sure their pets are protected.”

New Jersey law mandates that all dogs over the age of six months be vaccinated against rabies, and while vaccinations for cats are not legally required, they are highly recommended. This event is an easy, no-cost way for pet owners to comply with the law and keep their pets healthy.

The State Health Department recommends that pets receive rabies vaccinations every two years, even though the vaccine offers protection for up to three years. Regular vaccination ensures that pets are not left vulnerable to this fatal disease and helps avoid lapses in protection.

The health department also advises pet owners to bring any questions they may have about their pets’ vaccination schedules to the clinic. Volunteers and veterinary staff will be on hand to offer guidance and information about rabies and other preventive care for pets.

Event Details:

  • What: Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic
  • When: Saturday, November 2, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Where: Whippany Fire House, 10 Troy Hills Road, Whippany, NJ 07981
  • Who Can Attend: All New Jersey residents with leashed or contained pets

Pet owners are reminded that this is a first-come, first-served event, and are encouraged to arrive early to avoid long wait times.

For additional information, residents can contact the Hanover Township Health Department at (973) 515-6667. The township urges pet owners to take full advantage of this opportunity to protect their pets and ensure the health and safety of the community.

Video: Dover Coffee with a Cop

By
Frank Cahill
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Dover Police Officer Louis P. Sperry connects with community members at a "Coffee With A Cop" event, promoting conversation and building relationships over coffee.

DOVER — The Dover Police Department, led by Chief Jonathan Delaney, recently hosted a successful “Coffee with a Cop” event on Wednesday, October 2, at the Dover Free Public Library. This national initiative is designed to foster open communication and strengthen relationships between police officers and the community.

During the event, Chief Delaney and other officers from the department engaged with residents in a relaxed and informal setting, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and get to know their local law enforcement on a personal level. The gathering aimed to break down barriers and create a space where residents could feel comfortable discussing community issues while enjoying coffee and light refreshments.

Chief Delaney emphasized the importance of these events, stating, “We aim to create an open dialogue with the residents of Dover. ‘Coffee with a Cop’ allows us to connect with the community in a casual setting, fostering trust and transparency.”

The Dover Police Department remains committed to building strong ties with the town’s diverse population, and events like this continue to serve as a cornerstone for fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Police Arrest 22-Year-Old Dover Man for Driving Under the Influence

By
Police Reports
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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

HANOVER — On September 15, 2024, Hanover Township Officer Jake Crane arrested 22-year-old Alex Rivera-Rodriguez of Dover, for driving while intoxicated.

At approximately 2:20 a.m. Hanover Township Police Officers Jake Crane, Ptl. Manney, and Ptl. Gallagher responded to a noise complaint in a parking lot near Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Legion Place. Upon arrival, they found a group of individuals loitering in the parking lot. The officers began advising people to leave the premises when they noticed a white Kia Forte attempting to exit the lot without headlights turned on.

The driver, identified as Alex Rivera-Rodriguez, only spoke Spanish and did not initially comply with Officer Crane’s instruction to turn on his vehicle’s lights. When prompted, Rodriguez appeared confused but eventually complied. However, a few moments later, Rodriguez drove onto the grass and struck a large rock while attempting to leave the parking lot.

Officer Crane then approached the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Upon engaging with Rodriguez, Officer Crane noted signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and the odor of alcohol on his breath. Rodriguez exhibited further difficulty standing and keeping his balance while interacting with officers, leading Officer Crane to initiate a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST). Due to the language barrier, Spanish-speaking officers were called to assist in administering the test.

However, Rodriguez was unable to complete the field sobriety tests due to his level of intoxication. Officer Macarico, who was present to assist, confirmed that Rodriguez was incapable of performing the tests. Consequently, Rodriguez was placed under arrest for driving under the influence. A search of the vehicle revealed no weapons or contraband. Rodriguez was transported to Morristown Medical Center for a blood alcohol test after vomiting multiple times during the transport.

Rodriguez was issued several summonses:
*39:3-47A – Failure to use lighted lamps when required
*39:4-58 – Delaying traffic
*39:4-67 – Obstructing passage of other vehicles
*39:4-38 – Traffic on marked lanes
*39:4-95 – Reckless driving
*39:4-97 – Careless driving
*39:4-50 – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

His vehicle was impounded and was scheduled to appear in Hanover Township Municipal Court on September 30.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Hanover Township Police Charge Man with Recording Women Without Consent

By
Frank Cahill
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Hanover
HANOVER — On September 7, 2024, Hanover Township Police Sergeant Dominic Kaiser and Officer Shane Hine arrested 45-year-old Christopher Smith of Ringwood, for invasion of privacy and recording intimate parts of individuals without consent.
Smith was caught in a local business using his cell phone to secretly record under females’ skirts and dresses. He concealed the phone in a handbasket, placing it low to the ground to capture the footage.
The store’s loss prevention team assisted in identifying victims, who ranged in age from 13 to 57. Smith admitted to the acts and was charged with invasion of privacy before being released.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Man Arrested with Suspected Heroin at Local Hotel, Faces Multiple Charges

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

HANOVER — On September 4, 2024, Hanover Township Police Officer Daniel Foesel arrested 47-year-old Eugenio Carmona, a resident of the Scottish Inn Hotel, 1245 Route 10, on multiple drug-related charges and hindering apprehension. Officer Foesel responded to a call at the hotel, where he discovered glassine baggies at Carmona’s feet, believed to have contained heroin.

Carmona initially provided false identification, leading to his arrest. A search following the arrest uncovered a bundle of suspected heroin.

Additionally, Carmona had several outstanding warrants and was subsequently lodged in the Morris County Jail.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Morris County Correctional Facility Receives Perfect Marks

By
Frank Cahill
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The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

MORRIS COUNTY — In August 2024, the Morris County Correctional Facility (MCCF) was subject to inspection by the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). The inspection, which is conducted annually, examines the facility’s physical structure and ensures policies are being applied to the high standard required by the NJDOC. Recently, Sheriff James M. Gannon and the MCCF Administration were informed that the audit determined there was a 100% compliance rating in all NJDOC standards.

Christel Jackson-Lee of the NJDOC was the auditor conducting the inspection. She praised the staff for their high level of professionalism, the courtesy that was displayed when interacting with her, and the job knowledge she witnessed while touring the facility. She was also extremely impressed by the cleanliness and overall management of the jail.

Sheriff Gannon stated, “A 100% compliance rating is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all facility staff members. I would like to thank each of them for their continued efforts in making the MCCF one of the best in the country and would like to congratulate them on a job well done, all while working the toughest beat in Morris County.” The 2024 average daily population in the MCCF is 325 inmates. Year to August inmate management has seen 1,752 individual admissions and 1,656 individual discharges.

Car Seat Check Event to Be Held

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Certified Technicians to Provide Free Car Seat Inspections in Dover

DOVER — Safe Kids Northern New Jersey, in partnership with Atlantic Health System and Morristown Medical Center, will be hosting a Car Seat Check event on Tuesday, October 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will occur at Headstart, 18 Thompson Avenue, Dover.

The Car Seat Check program is designed to help parents and caregivers ensure that their children’s car seats are properly installed, providing maximum safety in case of an accident. Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on-site to guide and assist attendees with car seat installation and answer any questions they may have.

This event is free of charge, and no prior registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring their vehicle, car seat, and child to the event to receive personalized assistance.

For more information, residents can follow Safe Kids Northern New Jersey on Facebook at @SafeKidsNorthernNewJersey or Instagram at @SafeKidsNorthNJ. Additional details can also be found on the organization’s website, www.preventionworks-nj.org, or by calling (973) 971-6477.

Ensure your child’s safety by attending this important event!

Naloxone Now Available Free of Charge to All NJ Schools

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — All New Jersey school districts can now receive naloxone free through the state’s Department of Human Services’ Naloxone Direct program. The Department of Human Services partnered with the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy and its Medicaid division to craft and implement this unique program.

Naloxone, a life-saving medication, quickly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. By blocking opioid receptors in the brain, it can help prevent fatalities in overdose situations.

Schools can order naloxone in cases, each containing 12 nasal sprays, for a total of 24 doses. Additionally, naloxone is available at 28 authorized Harm Reduction Centers across New Jersey.

Residents can visit stopoverdoses.nj.gov to find nearly 700 participating pharmacies, where individuals aged 14 and older can anonymously access free naloxone kits.

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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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