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Morris County Vocational School District Students Earn College Degrees Before High School Diplomas

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — A group of Morris County high school students has achieved a remarkable academic milestone, walking across a college graduation stage before receiving their high school diplomas.

The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) is celebrating the first graduating class of its Academy for Business Administration, an innovative early college program developed in partnership with Randolph High School and the County College of Morris (CCM). This spring, the program’s inaugural cohort earned Associate of Science degrees in Business Administration from CCM after completing 60 college credits while simultaneously finishing their high school education.

Launched in 2022, the Academy for Business Administration was designed to provide ambitious students with an accelerated pathway to higher education and career readiness. Beginning in ninth grade, students engage in rigorous college-level business coursework while also preparing for industry-recognized certifications in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks. By their senior year, students attend CCM full-time, immersing themselves in a true college experience before graduating high school.

“This milestone represents an exciting evolution of traditional Career and Technical Education,” said Scott Shaw, Director of Career and Technical Education for MCVSD. “While we remain deeply committed to our essential trade programs, pathways like this show that CTE is for everyone, offering diverse routes to career readiness. Earning an associate degree in high school requires immense dedication, and our students worked incredibly hard.”

Shaw also acknowledged the many partners who contributed to the program’s success, including Randolph High School administrators and staff, CCM deans and department chairs, families, and educators Kris Piirimae and Alyssa Sedlak.

“This achievement reflects what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and given access to innovative opportunities,” said MCVSD Superintendent Dr. Anita Champagne. “We are incredibly proud of this pioneering group and the path they have created for future students.”

The graduates have already secured placements at some of the nation’s most respected colleges and universities, including Rutgers University, Drexel University, The College of New Jersey, Bucknell University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, the University of Miami, Indiana University, Penn State University, and Michigan State University.

The accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the Morris County Vocational School District and demonstrates the growing role of career and technical education in providing students with flexible pathways to academic and professional success.

Additional information about the Academy for Business Administration and the application process is available through the Morris County Vocational School District.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office Participates in Annual Special Olympics Torch Run

By
Frank Cahill
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Special Olympics New Jersey across Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY — Officers from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office proudly participated in the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, helping carry the “Flame of Hope” across Morris County in support of Special Olympics athletes.

Officers from both the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Law Enforcement took part in the event, receiving the torch from the Denville Township Police Department before continuing the run and passing it on to the Morris Plains Police Department.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of the largest public awareness and fundraising events for Special Olympics New Jersey, bringing together law enforcement agencies from across the state to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. Participants carry the torch through communities, symbolizing courage, inclusion, and the spirit of competition that defines the Special Olympics movement.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office was honored to be part of this annual tradition and remains committed to supporting Special Olympics New Jersey and the inspiring athletes it serves. The event also highlighted the strong partnership among Morris County law enforcement agencies as they worked together to carry the torch on its journey across the state.

Titan Elite Seeks Young Cheerleaders for Tiny Novice Cheer Program

By
Frank Cahill
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(C) 2026 Focus Publications. File Phoro

SPARTA — Titan Elite is inviting young children to join its Tiny Novice Cheer Program, designed for beginner cheerleaders between the ages of 3 and 6.

The program is geared toward children with little or no cheerleading experience and focuses on helping participants build confidence, make friendships, and have fun while learning the basics of cheerleading in a supportive environment.

Organizers said the program is a great introduction for children who are interested in cheer but are just getting started. No prior experience is needed, making it ideal for first-time participants.

Titan Elite is located at 7 Aaron Way in Sparta. For more information, interested families can contact Titan Elite by email at [email protected] or by phone at (973) 567-9902.

Denville Rotary Club Street Festival Returns

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DENVILLE — The Denville Rotary Club will host its 43rd Anniversary Street Festival on Sunday, June 7, 2026, bringing a full day of food, shopping, rides, entertainment, and family-friendly activities to Broadway in Denville.

The festival will run from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine. Organizers remind visitors that bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and dogs are prohibited in the festival area.

This year’s event will feature great food, shopping, arts and crafts, rides, inflatables, a beer garden, entertainment, and a 50/50 drawing. Pay-one-price wristbands will be available for all-day carnival rides.

Entertainment will include performances by Denville String Band, Johnny Woods Band, Matt Pietrucha, Norton Smull Band, and The Golden Gup as Master of Ceremonies.

The Denville Rotary Club also recognized this year’s sponsors, including Hunan Taste, Saint Clare’s Health, Sheeran Real Estate Group, Mr. Thomas G. Dean and Family, Schumacher Chevrolet, Sphere Construction, Thatcher McGhee’s, Thrift Barns of Morris County, The Anxiety and OCD Therapy Center, Banta Landscaping, Culligan New Jersey, First Bank, Guida Jewelers, Haverly Systems, Otterstedt Insurance and Surety Advisors, Pasta Shop, and Provident Bank.

The annual street festival has become a popular community tradition, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy downtown Denville while supporting the service work of the Denville Rotary Club.

Madison Rotary Serves Dinner at Homeless Solutions Shelter

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — Members of the Madison Rotary Club continued their commitment to community service by preparing and serving dinner to 55 guests at the Homeless Solutions Main Shelter in Morristown on Tuesday, June 3.

Rotary members Bill Kennard, Ray DeRiggi, Linda Kemper, and Curt Beaudouin volunteered their time to prepare and serve a hearty meal that included burgers, fries, mixed vegetables, and chocolate and vanilla cake.

A special thank-you was extended to Steff Codey for providing the cakes, which helped make the evening even more meaningful for the shelter guests.

The service project reflects Madison Rotary’s ongoing dedication to supporting neighbors in need and living out Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Supporting those facing homelessness and hardship remains an important part of the club’s mission to strengthen the local community through hands-on volunteer service.

Madison Rotary plans to return to the shelter several more times throughout 2026 to prepare and serve meals for shelter guests.

For additional information about Madison Rotary’s community service projects and social events, visit madisonrotarynj.org.

Motorcyclist Charged With Weapons Offense After Route 46 Stop In Denville

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DENVILLE — A Sussex County man was arrested after Denville police said a motor vehicle stop involving two motorcycles led to the discovery of an unlawfully possessed weapon.

According to the Denville Police Department, officers conducted a stop on Route 46 East at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, after observing moving and equipment violations involving two motorcycles. One of the motorcyclists was identified as Kevin Fornarucci, 40, of Andover.  

Police said further investigation revealed that Fornarucci was unlawfully in possession of a weapon. Officers also determined that he was operating the motorcycle without a valid driver’s license and had committed an unsafe lane change violation.  

Fornarucci was placed under arrest and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, a fourth-degree crime, driving while his driver’s license was suspended, and unsafe lane change.  

Following processing, Fornarucci was released pending a mandatory court appearance in Morris County Superior Court.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

Governor Sherrill Appoints Lisa Montalbano as Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

By
Frank Cahill
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Lisa Montalbano

MORRIS COUNTY – Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed the appointment of Lisa Montalbano to serve as Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Families. Montalbano will lead the Office of the IDDO dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families navigate New Jersey’s systems of care and access State resources that facilitate independence and dignity. 

“I am thrilled to appoint Lisa Montalbano to serve as Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Lisa brings more than two decades of experience connecting individuals with disabilities and their families with opportunities. I am confident that under her leadership, this Office will serve as an invaluable resource in ensuring New Jersey residents can connect with the State’s diverse array of supports and services,” said Governor Sherrill. 

“I am honored to be appointed to serve as New Jersey’s Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” said Lisa Montalbano. “I look forward to partnering with the Governor to ensure New Jerseyans with intellectual and developmental disabilities can access the tools and resources to thrive.”  

Pursuant to P.L. 2017, c. 269, the Ombudsperson’s roles include serving as a source of information for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families; supporting navigation of the process for obtaining services and supports from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Families; educating and acting neutrally and objectively to support dispute resolutions; and identifying patterns of complaints and relevant improvement strategies. 

Montalbano served as the Chief Executive Officer of Employment Horizons, a non-profit focused on employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During this time, she cultivated relationships across the IDD community, including especially with families throughout the state.  

Dover Reminds Residents About Town-Wide Garage Sale

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — Mayor James Dodd is reminding residents that the annual Town-Wide Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, June 13, offering a great opportunity to declutter while connecting with neighbors and bargain hunters from across the community.

Registration is completely free for residents who wish to participate. Whether cleaning out a garage, basement, attic, or closet, the event provides an easy way to give unwanted items a new home.

“Remember, one person’s unwanted item could be someone else’s treasure,” said Mayor Dodd. “Things you may no longer have a use for could be highly valued or appreciated by someone else looking for that exact item.”

The community-wide event has become a popular tradition, drawing shoppers in search of unique finds, household items, collectibles, toys, furniture, clothing, and more.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to register and be part of what organizers describe as a fun and rewarding community event.

Event Details

  • What: Dover Town-Wide Garage Sale
  • When: Saturday, June 13
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Registration: Free
  • Information: (973) 366-2200, Ext. 8014

Town officials hope to see many residents taking part and helping make this year’s garage sale another successful community event.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Honors Detective Jazmin Felder Upon Retirement

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll (second from left) and First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood (right) present retiring Detective Jazmin Felder (center) with a commemorative badge during a retirement ceremony on May 29. Chief of Detectives Robert McNally (left) joined colleagues in recognizing Felder’s more than 20 years of distinguished law enforcement service. (Photo: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office)

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office honored Detective Jazmin Felder during a retirement walkout ceremony on May 29, recognizing her more than 20 years of distinguished service in law enforcement and her dedication to protecting children and advocating for victims of crime.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally joined colleagues, friends, and family members in celebrating Felder’s accomplished career.

Felder began her law enforcement career in 2005 with the Middlesex County College Police Department. In addition to providing campus security, she assisted the Edison Police Department by serving as a Spanish-language translator during witness and suspect interviews.

In 2007, she joined the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Police Department, where she responded to service calls, conducted criminal investigations, and gained valuable experience in surveillance operations, crisis intervention, and investigative procedures.

Her career took a significant step forward in 2013 when she joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and was assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit. As a certified Child First Investigator trained through the nationally recognized Finding Words forensic interviewing program, Felder specialized in complex investigations involving child abuse, child endangerment, sexual assault, Internet Crimes Against Children cases, and human trafficking.

In 2017, she was promoted to detective supervisor, overseeing investigations involving sex crimes, child endangerment, and Megan’s Law compliance while also participating in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Felder expanded her experience in 2020 when she joined the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Assigned to the Special Victims Unit and Homicide On-Call Team, she investigated sexual assault and child endangerment cases while assisting homicide investigations. She also participated in narcotics investigations, wiretap monitoring, forensic cellular evidence investigations, and served on the Rapid Deployment Team, responding to riots, protests, and other critical incidents.

She returned to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2024, where she resumed her work in the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit. There, she continued investigating child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking cases while providing assistance to municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Throughout her career, Felder earned a reputation as a skilled investigator and passionate advocate for victims, particularly children who found themselves at the center of difficult and often traumatic cases.

Felder holds an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Ocean County College.

“Det. Felder has over 20 years of distinguished service in law enforcement and has built an accomplished career dedicated to strong investigative work, the protection of children, and victim advocacy,” Prosecutor Carroll said. “As you embark on this next chapter in your life, your colleagues and I extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to you.”

The retirement ceremony marked the conclusion of a career defined by service, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Her contributions to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the communities she served will leave a lasting legacy.

Essex County Prosecutor’s Sergeant from Sparta Charged with Theft at Delaney Hall Protest

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

SPARTA — A sergeant with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has been charged with theft after allegedly taking a photojournalist’s camera equipment while the journalist was being treated at a hospital following a protest at Newark’s Delaney Hall.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability announced Tuesday that Sgt. Darryl Brown, 43, of Sparta Township, has been charged by complaint summons with third-degree theft.

The charge stems from the disappearance of camera equipment belonging to a photojournalist who was covering a protest at Delaney Hall on May 30. According to investigators, the journalist was injured at the scene and dropped a camera bag containing an estimated $10,000 worth of cameras and related equipment before being transported to a nearby hospital.

The journalist later tracked an Apple AirTag attached to one of the missing items, with the signal leading investigators to a residence in Sparta Township. The AirTag was subsequently recovered several miles from its original location by a friend of the victim. Investigators determined the original destination of the device was Brown’s home.

Brown had been assigned to the Delaney Hall area in his official law enforcement capacity on the day of the protest. Body-worn camera footage showed him interacting with a dark-colored bag consistent with the description of the journalist’s belongings, according to the complaint.

On June 3, investigators executed a search warrant at Brown’s residence and recovered several of the items reported missing — some of which allegedly still bore the victim’s name and phone number on identification labels.

“When an officer does what is alleged in this case, it is a disservice to the profession and the public,” Attorney General Davenport said. “Absolutely no one is above the law. We will hold law enforcement accountable when they abuse the tremendous position of public trust that they occupy and choose to break the law.”

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said Brown has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. “Conduct that undermines the public’s trust in law enforcement is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Stephens said.

A third-degree theft conviction carries a potential sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Editor’s 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 a reasonable doubt.

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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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