MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) will host four Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events in 2024. The dates and locations are as follows:
Saturday, June 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany
Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany
Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany
Morris County residents are invited to drop off unwanted hazardous materials from their households. Please note that businesses are not permitted to participate.
Additionally, electronic devices (e-waste) will no longer be accepted at these one-day household hazardous waste events. Residents are encouraged to call 973.829.8006 for information on e-waste recycling options.
Acceptable materials include:
Aerosol cans
Asbestos
Automotive fluids
Driveway sealant and roofing tar
Fire extinguishers
Gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel
Household cleaning products
Lead acid batteries, button cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and rechargeable batteries
Mercury-containing bulbs and devices
Muriatic acid
Oil-based paints, stains, lacquers, and varnishes
Paint thinners, paint removers, and solvents
Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
Photo chemicals
Pool chemicals
Propane tanks (20 pounds or less)
Unacceptable items include:
Alkaline and carbon zinc batteries
Business waste
Compressed gas cylinders
Containers larger than 5 gallons
Empty containers
Explosives
Hazardous waste generated outside of Morris County
Highly reactive and unstable materials
Medical waste
Radioactive materials
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Unknown or unlabeled materials
Used consumer electronics
Water-based paint and latex paint
For more information, call (973) 829-8006 or visit the MCMUA website.
DOVER — Dover High School Class of 1984 will celebrate the 40th Year Reunion on Saturday, October 12, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a memorable celebration featuring a buffet catered by Uncle Giuseppe’s, with a few pies from M&S, plus a DJ outdoors under the pavilion at Germania Park. The cost is $75 per person, with a cash bar available. Germania Park is located at 56 Conger Street, Rockaway.
Tickets can be purchased through the following methods:
By Mail/Check: Patricia Mastrangelo,56 Maple Avenue, Rockaway, NJ 07866
By Venmo: Anne (Kernor) Davis @Anne-Davis-24
By CashApp: Tim Cornine $TimCornine
Classmates are encouraged to bring their favorite dessert to share.
For your comfort, the pavilion will be heated for the reunion. While purchasing reunion hoodies or t-shirts is optional, the dress code is casual.
The developers plan to offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Nine apartments will be reserved for low—and moderate-income residents, featuring the same high-quality finishes as the market-rate units.
DOVER — A development team has begun constructing a 90-unit luxury apartment building in Dover to revitalize a long-vacant downtown parcel.
In partnership with Circle Squared Alternative Investments, Crossroads Companies and CrownPoint Group Inc. target a late 2025 completion for the project at 80 East McFarlan Street. Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, the six-story building will be located five blocks from the bustling downtown corridor on Blackwell Street. This corridor boasts numerous restaurants, shops, and NJ Transit’s Dover Station, which provides commuter rail service on the Morristown and Montclair-Boonton lines with connections to Hoboken and New York City. Circle Squared Alternative Investments is located in Morristown. CrownPoint Group is located in Parsippany. Crossroads Companies is located in Mahwah.
Anthony Vulpi
The joint venture has obtained all necessary approvals from municipal, county, and state authorities for the site, previously occupied by two restaurants and vacant for nearly a decade. Construction financing has been secured with Columbia Bank.
“Given the property’s prime location near downtown Dover, we recognized a tremendous redevelopment opportunity, a vision shared and supported by our partners, the community, and the town of Dover,” said Anthony Vulpi, Crossroads’ residential development partner.
The developers plan to offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Nine apartments will be reserved for low—and moderate-income residents, featuring the same high-quality finishes as the market-rate units.
The building will also feature 10,000 square feet of amenities, including a fully equipped fitness center.
Michael Legacki
The building will also include 10,000 square feet of amenities, such as a rooftop deck with outdoor gathering spaces, a resident entertainment lounge, home offices, and a fully equipped fitness center. Additionally, covered parking will be provided on the first two floors.
“Collaborating with city officials and community leaders, our goal is to enhance Dover’s vibrancy and provide new housing options that strengthen the town’s sense of community,” said Michael Legacki, CrownPoint’s vice president.
L2i Construction will serve as the project’s general contractor, with Crossroads leading the project.
MORRIS COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for our local area until Wednesday morning, June 19.
During the Heat Advisory, heat index values are expected to reach up to 100 degrees. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values ranging from 100 to 105 degrees are possible.
This advisory applies to portions of northern and northwest New Jersey and east central, northeast, and southeast Pennsylvania.
This week, a prolonged period of excessive heat, with high temperatures in the 90s, is expected. The heat is forecast to intensify as the week progresses, peaking late and into the weekend. These early-season heat events, combined with their prolonged nature, may increase heat-related impacts such as heat illnesses or effects on heat-sensitive infrastructure.
Everyone is encouraged to drink fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.
Club Treasurer Stephanie Turkot serves pancakes at the Kiwanis Club of Denville's successful Father's Day Breakfast, engaging with the community.
MORRIS COUNTY — Kiwanis Club of Denville Holds a Successful Father’s Day Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Sunday, June 16.
The famous breakfast included pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea, orange juice and dessert.
Kiwanis Club of Denville President Errol Ernstrom with Former Lt. Governor Frank Cahill
The Kiwanis Club of Denville is a local chapter of the global Kiwanis organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities. Founded in 1946, the Denville club engages in various volunteer opportunities, ranging from small projects to significant initiatives with a global impact. They are committed to service projects that benefit children locally and worldwide.
Kiwanis Club of Denville’s Father’s Day Breakfast Delights Attendees
Denville Kiwanis Club is an active, contributing member of our community. They participate in a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including:
Easter food baskets
Bicycle rodeo
June Street Festival
Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast
Shredding Event
Over the years, the club has supported numerous organizations and individuals with community-based projects, such as Joey Bella Memorial Fund, Project Playground 2.0, Girl Scout Gold Award, and Boy Scout Eagle Scout projects.
Are you interested in helping us make Denville a better township? Join the Kiwanis Club of Denville in their efforts to create a positive impact in our community. For more information on how to get involved, click here.
Kiwanis Club of Denville’s Father’s Day Breakfast Delights Attendees
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of Dover's Morris Canal Towpath
DOVER — On Saturday, June 15, the Town of Dover, collaborating with grant sponsors T-Mobile and The Canal Society of New Jersey, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Morris Canal Towpath.
Mayor James Dodd’s Official Ribbon-Cutting Marks Opening of Morris Canal Towpath
After the ceremony, the town held a free, family-friendly picnic at 100 Princeton Avenue (Waterworks Park). Attendees enjoyed summer favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and other refreshments at no cost. The event featured a petting zoo and pony rides for children.
The less-than-a-mile trail connects with the Morris Canal Greenway, envisioned as a 111-mile continuous pedestrian and bicycle trail linking six counties in northern New Jersey. Once completed, it will extend from the Delaware River in the west to the Hudson River in the east.
The Canal Society of New Jersey is a non-profit organization established in 1969. Its mission is to study, preserve, and promote the history of New Jersey’s two main towpath canals: the Morris Canal and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. The organization is dedicated to restoring canal remains and artifacts, public education about the canals’ histories, and providing enjoyment to its members through various activities.T-Mobile presented a $50,000 grant for the Trail. Avenues in Motion, Donna Rendeiro from the State of New Jersey Department of State Business Action Center Office of Planning Advocacy, Denize Lanza from the Morris Park Alliance, the Dover Area Historical Society, and the Town of Dover endorse the project. Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, Dover’s Maria Rosario, and Dover Councilmember Claudia Toro enjoyed summer favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and other refreshments during the event. The celebration also included a petting zoo and pony rides for children, which provided fun activities for the whole family.During the event, the Town of Dover presented a plaque acknowledging a $50,000 Hometown Grant from T-Mobile for the Morris Canal Towpath Trail. This grant supports the development and maintenance of this important local amenity.The event featured a petting zoo and pony rides for children.The event featured a petting zoo and pony rides for children.Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco made a presentation to Mayor James Dodd.
MORRIS COUNTY — A 73-year-old Denville resident was charged following a crash in Denville Township. According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday, June 9, at approximately 10:12 p.m. on Cedar Lake West.
During the investigation, police determined that one of the drivers, Jeffrey Vandermark, 73, of Denville Township, was allegedly operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Police also found that Vandermark had sustained a head injury before the crash. He was transported to Saint Clare’s Hospital and treated for his injuries.
Vandermark was charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, reckless driving, and improper backing or turning in the street. Although he was considered under arrest while at the hospital, he was ultimately released on his recognizance pending a court appearance, police said.
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.
Radar Speed Sign Installed on Penn Avenue to Curb Speeding
DOVER — The Dover Police Department wants to remind drivers that a radar speed sign has been posted on Penn Avenue, where the speed limit is 25 mph. They will randomly post a police officer to enforce the speed limit for those who ignore the signs and the speed limit.
New Radar Sign and Random Police Checks to Ensure Safety on Penn Avenue
Veronica Valez ran unopposed in Ward 3, receiving 150 votes.
DOVER — The Morris County Board of Elections updated its website on Thursday, June 13. Although the website indicates the results are unofficial, it includes mail-in ballots received before the close of the polls, timely postmarked mail-in ballots, and provisional ballots.
No Republican candidates filed a petition. The results for the Democratic candidates are as follows:
Ward 1: Incumbent Sandra Wittner leads with 123 votes, compared to Leslie Puente’s 67 votes.
Ward 2: Geovani Estacio Carillo ran unopposed, receiving 156 votes.
Ward 3: Veronica Valez ran unopposed, receiving 150 votes.
Ward 4: Incumbent Marco Tapia leads with 90 votes, while Dennis Touhey received 74 votes.
Current Councilmember Karol Ruiz will run as an Independent in the November election against Veronica Valez in Ward 3.
In Morris County, 57,482 votes were cast, representing 14.92% of the 385,282 registered voters.
Dover Town Ward 1 District 1
Voting District
Votes
Total
Percentage
Dover Town Ward 1 District 1
109
571
19.09%
Dover Town Ward 1 District 2
63
676
9.32%
Dover Town Ward 1 District 3
106
881
12.03%
Dover Town Ward 2 District 1
95
742
12.80%
Dover Town Ward 2 District 2
78
699
11.16%
Dover Town Ward 2 District 3
111
913
12.15%
Dover Town Ward 3 District 1
113
825
13.70%
Dover Town Ward 3 District 2
82
614
13.36%
Dover Town Ward 3 District 3
102
910
11.21%
Dover Town Ward 4 District 1
71
657
10.81%
Dover Town Ward 4 District 2
73
570
12.81%
Dover Town Ward 4 District 3
60
483
12.42%
There are 4,467 registered Democrat voters in Dover. Of these, 821, or 18.38%, voted in the June 4 Primary Election. Overall voter turnout was 12.45% votes cast.
There were 242 Republican votes cast, although there were no Republican Candidates from Dover.
There are 1,383 registered Republican voters, 4,467 Democratic, and 2,681 nonpartisan registered voters.
Ashwin Vaithiyalingam stands proudly with his parents, celebrating his remarkable achievement.
MORRIS COUNTY — Ashwin Vaithiyalingam recently attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment celebrated at the Eagle Court of Honor held at All Saints Academy on Saturday, June 1. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires dedication and a steadfast commitment to the principles of Scouting, a testament to its difficulty, with only about 6% of Scouts achieving it. Since its inception in 1911, over two million Scouts have reached this significant milestone. He is officially Troop 72’s 103rd Eagle Scout!
“Many people wonder whether years of scouting are worth it—freezing camping nights and dozens of eagle-required merit badges. My answer is always “yes,” said Ashwin.
Scout Rahul Pemmasani opened the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
The presentation of the Eagle Scout badge is an important event. It is the goal for which a Scout has worked for many years, an occasion for pride and joy, a time for serious contemplation, and the culmination of the Scout’s efforts and leadership. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting, the last major step in the advancement program. Fewer than six percent of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank.
The requirements for Eagle are: •Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout. •Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law daily. •Earn 21 merit badges, including the 14 that are required: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming, Camping, and Family Life. •Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for six months after becoming a Life Scout. •Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout. •Take part in a Scoutmaster conference. •Appear before a board of review of prominent persons and satisfy them that the Scout has done their best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.
Brian Patoir lights the candles, symbolizing Ashwin’s “Trail to Eagle,” as Rahul Pemmasani narrates.
Ashwin’s Trail to Eagle
Scout June 6, 2018 Tenderfoot March 27, 2019 Second Class October 23, 2019 First Class June 10, 2020 Star Scout March 15, 2022 Life Scout February 16, 2023 Eagle Scout December 29, 2023
Ashwin Vaithiyalingam Reflects on His Scouting Journey to Eagle Scout
Ashwin Achieves Notable Milestone with 33 Merit Badges Earned:Archery, Chess, Camping, Art, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Climbing, Communications, Cooking, Electricity, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Geology, Kayaking, Law, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Mammal Study, Nature, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Plant Science, Public Health, Railroading, Rowing, Scholarship, Swimming, and Wood Carving.
Ashwin places the “Dad Pin” on his father during the ceremony.In gratitude for all the support and encouragement, Ashwin places the Eagle mother’s pin on his mom.Mom smiles as she tightens the new neckerchief on Ashwin while dad looks on.Mom fastens the newly earned Eagle pin on Ashwin.Mom is moved to tears by Ashwin’s accomplishments.
Ashwin’s Eagle Project involved planning, coordination, and much effort from the initial concept to the final installation. Ashwin demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and successfully rallied a team of volunteers to bring his vision to life. The garden has various elements, including pollinator plants to attract bees and butterflies, perennial plants, murals, pathways, and other elements. From a tranquil reading area to an outdoor learning space, this garden showcases Ashwin’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ashwin’s Eagle Project involved planning, coordination, and much effort from the initial concept to the final installation.
Ashwin said, “When I first joined Troop 72, I was nervous. I wouldn’t say I liked the idea of wearing a uniform and sleeping outside, and I, most importantly, hated the idea of interacting with bugs. I remember my first summer camping trip. My mom was super nervous about sending me away to the woods, and I was scared of being near bugs. Yet, Mr. Sonzogni promised my parents that Boy Scout summer camp is the perfect opportunity to learn and grow as a student, citizen, and scout. With Mr. Sonzognis’s encouragement, my parents confidently sent me to camp. Once I reached camp, I didn’t know what to expect. The green tents filled with slugs and spiders were scary, but I slowly got used to it. I began enjoying summer camp. When I started completing merit badges, swimming in the lake, and spending days in the sun.”
Mr. Sonzogni recognized Ashwin’s leadership in scouting.
Mr. Sonzogni recognized Ashwin’s leadership in scouting. He recommended the National Youth Leadership Training Camp, where Ashwin pushed himself further by working with a diverse group of scouts to camp and develop personal skills. After completing the course, Ashwin was offered a position to teach the next year to scouts. Ashwin immersed himself in the monthly development meetings. He enhanced his ability to lead others and meet new faces.
Ashwin was student government president, campaigning every year and serving four years at the Morris County School of Technology. He will graduate in June and pursue higher education at Emory University in the fall.
Ashwin Vaithiyalingam possesses top skills in film editing, administration, project management, and cinematography.
Frank Cahill, an Executive Board Member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, presents Ashwin with a “Certificate of Achievement” and a gift card to a Chamber member. Additionally, Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, presented Ashwin with an envelope filled with gift certificates and complimentary offers from local merchants.Mayor James Barberio congratulates Ashwin and gives him an American Flag and other gifts.Ms. Marianne Burke, Womans Club of Parsippany, congratulates Ashwin and presents him with a gift.Frank Cahill, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, presents Ashwin with a “Certificate of Achievement” along with a check.Council Vice President Frank Neglia congratulates Ashwin Vaithiyalingam on his outstanding achievement of earning the Eagle Scout rank.Councilman Justin Musella, a graduate of Emory College, congratulates Ashwin Vaithiyalingam on earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Ashwin will also be attending Emory College in the fall.Sra. Rocio Felix, a Spanish teacher at Morris County School of Technology, has been a significant influence on Ashwin’s educational journey.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2024.
