MORRIS COUNTY — The Hope One van will visit multiple locations throughout Morris County in February.
Tuesday, February 13 – Morris County Police Academy 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 13 – Parsippany High School 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 14 – Pleasant View Village in Rockaway 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 15 – Pequannock Library; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, February 16 – Betsy Ross Diner in Jefferson; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 20 – Homeless Outreach Mission
Wednesday, February 21 – Mount Arlington Library; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 22 – County College of Morris; 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, February 23 – Church of Nazarene in Butler; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday, February 26 – Trinity Soup Kitchen in Dover; 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 27 – Calais School in Whippany; 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 28 – Morristown Green in Morristown; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 29 – Broadway in Denville; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The HOPE ONE mobile recovery access vehicle offers vital support to individuals grappling with addiction, striving to prevent drug overdoses and fatalities and deliver essential mental health services.
Operating four times weekly, HOPE ONE navigates diverse locations across Morris County, reaching out to those in need. Staffed by a Sheriff’s officer, licensed mental health professional, and certified peer recovery specialist, each equipped with profound insights into addiction challenges, the vehicle streamlines access to services and provides Narcan training.
Previously employed in police tactical operations, the HOPE ONE vehicle is now a mobile recovery access unit. With trained personnel onboard, it furnishes individuals with resources on rehabilitation, detoxification, mental health assistance, and recovery services. Clad in protective masks and gear, the team also offers complimentary Narcan training, bolstering overdose prevention efforts.
Emblazoned with a purple ribbon symbolizing recovery, the van epitomizes a distinctive collaboration between law enforcement and social services, uniting to combat drug-related overdoses and fatalities effectively.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — On February 10, 2024, at approximately 3:12 a.m., the Mountain Lakes Police Department was notified that the Boonton Police Department was involved in a motor vehicle pursuit.
After Police terminated the pursuit, the suspect vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Route 80 in Parsippany.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene following the accident. Mountain Lakes Officers soon found the driver on Parsippany Boulevard in Parsippany, where he was taken into custody shortly after.
The driver was later identified as an 18-year-old male from Bloomfield. A subsequent investigation revealed that the vehicle had recently been taken without the owner’s consent, and a handgun was found inside. Three suspects were placed under arrest and transported to the hospital for injuries.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Meghan Hunscher, president and CEO of the MCCC and Economic Development Committee.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers gave a “State of the County” address at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s 103rd Annual Meeting yesterday, which drew about 500 attendees.
Director Myers recapped some of Morris County’s 2023 highlights, including the county earning a Triple-A bond rating for the 48th year, before shifting focus to the main subject of her message: the growing need for volunteerism in Morris County.
“Over the last few years, we have seen a significant loss in the number of volunteers, which continues to decline. At some point, it won’t matter that we have a strong county government, because we are only the infrastructure, you are the heart. We need your help to turn this around,” said Commissioner Director Myers.
“This isn’t about companies doing a day of service. That is wonderful, but then you wait until next year. This is about adopting a mindset of service to others,” Myers added, noting that as a former telecommunications executive, she knows how busy work and life can be for us all.
The Chamber luncheon was held at the Hanover Marriot Hotel in Whippany to celebrate the success of individuals and businesses throughout the county.
Highlights of the Morris County Chamber 103rd Annual Meeting
The keynote speaker was Dr. Thierry Klein, president of Bell Labs Solutions Research, Nokia Bell Labs, who focused on some of the groundbreaking work Nokia Bell Labs is doing to build connectivity, security, and efficiency in an ever-evolving digital world. Klein leads a global multi-disciplinary team researching advanced sensing technologies, AI-based knowledge systems and machine learning, autonomous software, physical-digital fusion, and dynamic digital twins.
In 2010, he was voted “Technologist of the Year” at the Total Telecom World Vendor Awards and received the 2016 Industrial Innovation award from the IEEE Communications Society.
Carole Rogers, founder of nonprofit Impact 100’s Garden State chapter, was honored with the Saint Clare’s Health William P. Huber Award for Outstanding Community Leadership. The award recognizes a person who displayed outstanding leadership to benefit the community during the previous year.
Founded in 2013, Impact 100 Garden State was inspired by a growing national trend in women’s collective giving, a model that enables the nonprofit to combine the donations of many women to award grants to local nonprofits. Rogers’s other recently launched nonprofit, SparkNJ, raises funds to provide financial support for Black-led charitable, community, and civic organizations in northern New Jersey.
Volunteerism a Major Focus at Chamber Luncheon
In her remarks, Director Myers emphasized that volunteerism does not need to be a major investment of one’s time and resources but instead inherent in the little acts we can do daily. Service-oriented people make better leaders, better team players, and better business partners who are happier, healthier, and more productive.
Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers presents the State of the County address.
Myers said 2026 will offer an important opportunity for people to volunteer as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. She invited the community to participate in planning the events and activities that will make Morris County’s celebrations special. According to Myers, it’s an opportunity to coalesce around our shared American heritage.
For more information on how you can participate in Morris County’s 250th Anniversary, contact [email protected]. A planning committee is currently being organized through the Morris County Economic Development Alliance.
State of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce
Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the MCCC and Economic Development Committee, delivered a “State of the Chamber” address, thanking all the sponsors, local businesses, and community leaders who impact Morris County.
“In 2023, we had 792 members, 156 new members, and we kept our pace of holding 250 events, meetings, seminars, dinners, masterminds and roundtables, committee meetings, and networking events in person, virtual, and hybrid. The Morris Chamber is truly a regional chamber. We are proud to include businesses within the north-central region of New Jersey and beyond,” said Hunscher, encouraging guests to spread the word to anyone who can benefit from a membership.
She invited MCCC Board Advisory Chair Deirdre Wheatley-Liss, a principal of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, who spoke on the significance of the three pillars of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan for the Chamber: Innovation, Growth, and Community.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Patrick Minutillo and John Sette
MORRIS COUNTY — At the inaugural meeting held on Wednesday, February 7, Patrick Minutillo commenced his service as a Commissioner on the Morris County CrimeStoppers board. “I am deeply grateful and humbled by this opportunity, and I express my heartfelt thanks to Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and CrimeStoppers Chairman John Sette for their unwavering support and confidence in my capacity to fulfill this vital role,” said Minutillo.
Established in 1986, Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers operates as a non-profit organization overseen by a board of commissioners and sustained through contributions from the business and private sectors. Our dedicated volunteer civilians on the board are committed to combatting crime, aiming to enhance safety and security throughout Morris County.
Their mission is to encourage the residents of Morris County to assist law enforcement in solving and reducing crimes within our communities. They provide a simple and anonymous platform for concerned individuals to report information related to criminal activity and offer cash rewards as incentives.
If you have information regarding crimes, criminal activity, or wanted persons (fugitives), don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) COP-CALL (973-267-2255) 1-800-SHERIFF (1-800-743-7433)
The lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DOVER — Join Dover Band Boosters for an evening of entertainment and delicious food prepared by our talented band students! Show your support for the Dover Bands while indulging in a scrumptious spaghetti dinner with meatballs, salad, bread, and a delightful dessert. You won’t want to miss out!
They invite you to our Spaghetti and Meatball Fundraiser on Saturday, February 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The event will be held at Dover Public High School, 100 Grace Street. Tickets are priced at $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children (plus a small handling fee). Click here to order tickets.
MONTVILLE — John Sun, aged 57, from Pine Brook, found himself in police custody on February 6, 2024, on suspicion of driving under the influence. The Fairfield Police Department received a 911 call at 10:24 p.m. reporting a white Tesla swerving off Route 46 West onto the center median. Officer Jayson Sickles promptly responded to the call and located the vehicle.
Upon arrival, Officer Sickles noted the vehicle’s erratic movements and failure to maintain its lane. Bringing the vehicle to a halt, he discovered Sun as its sole occupant. Sun exhibited signs of impairment, such as the scent of alcohol and slurred speech. Notably, the damage to the driver’s side of the vehicle aligned with the earlier report of it leaving the roadway.
Based on these observations, Sun underwent field sobriety testing, resulting in his arrest. He was then transported to the Montville Police Headquarters for processing while his vehicle was impounded as per New Jersey law. Sun declined to provide breath samples at the headquarters, contravening state law requirements.
Facing multiple charges, including drunk driving, refusal to undergo breath testing, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, careless driving, reckless driving, and other motor vehicle violations.
According to Officer Stacy Chiarolanza, the Public Information Officer for the Fairfield Police Department, Sun was released pending his court appearance at the Fairfield Municipal Court scheduled for February 22, 2024.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Through February 17, Chick-fil-A of Morris Plains is currently running a charitable initiative called “Cookies for a Cause,” where every purchase of cookies contributes $1.00 to Homeless Solutions.
Located at 1711 Route 10, Morris Plains, within the Briarcliff Commons Shopping Center, this campaign aims to support Homeless Solutions’ efforts in providing shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County.
Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad Rebrands to Boonton Volunteer EMS, Continues Legacy of Service Since 1938
BOONTON — Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad has rebranded to Boonton Volunteer EMS.
Since their inception in 1938, they’ve served as the Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad, primarily supported by the Kiwanis Club of Boonton, under whose umbrella we were established.
Over time, the Kiwanis Club of Boonton membership waned, leading to a decline in support.
The former name holds deep meaning for our longstanding members and supporters who know us as the “Kiwanis Ambulance.” While their name has changed, their dedication to service remains unwavering.
Boonton Volunteer EMS continues to operate solely on a volunteer basis, offering our services free. The new name reflects our current status, yet we remain committed to honoring the enduring legacy of our founders.
Interested in joining the team? Visit bvems.org or email [email protected] for more details.
Meanwhile, a new Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town has been established, catering to Boonton, Boonton Township, and Mountain Lakes. For further details, please click here to visit their website. Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town also sponsors the Key Club of Mountain Lakes High School.
Tim Lucas, the founding pastor of Liquid Church, pictured with numerous guests at the 2023 Night To Shine event
PARSIPPANY — Liquid Church, a rapidly growing Christian congregation in New Jersey, announces its commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Night To Shine, a special event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. In honor of this milestone, Liquid Church will host two complimentary prom nights for teenagers and adults with special needs on Thursday, February 8th, and Friday, February 9th. Anticipating the participation of 700 special guests and supported by 1,000 volunteers, these evenings promise unforgettable experiences.
Lead pastor and Liquid Church founder Tim Lucas expressed his excitement: “It’s our privilege and passion to serve families with special needs, and we’re eagerly looking forward to welcoming hundreds of teens and adults to Liquid as we celebrate a decade of Night To Shine this February! Night To Shine is a testament to God’s love for individuals with special needs, and we spare no effort in rolling out the red carpet for our esteemed guests. Every attendee is treated as royalty at Night To Shine!”
Night to Shine is a global movement that unites communities simultaneously. At Liquid Church’s prom, attendees can anticipate a grand entrance on the red carpet, luxurious limousine rides, karaoke, delectable dining, pampering beauty treatments, shoe-shining stations, entertaining games, and ample dancing opportunities. Most importantly, each guest will be paired with a dedicated “buddy” to ensure they receive VIP treatment throughout the event.
For further details on Night to Shine hosted by Liquid Church in Parsippany, please click here.
On Sunday, February 4th, at 2:15 p.m., the Boonton Township Fire Department received a dispatch to 22 Miller Drive for a reported Residential Structure Fire.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — On Sunday, February 4th, at 2:15 p.m., the Boonton Township Fire Department received a dispatch to 22 Miller Drive for a reported Residential Structure Fire. Upon arrival, assistance from the Boonton Fire Department and Denville Fire Department was immediately requested, with Boonton providing an Engine and a Ladder.
Upon Patrol’s confirmation of a working fire, Chief 1 swiftly escalated the response by initiating the second alarm. This brought additional Parsippany Districts 2 and 4 Fire Departments units to the scene. Furthermore, a tanker task force was mobilized, drawing support from Kinnelon and Rockaway Township fire departments.
The intensity of the fire and its venting through the roof necessitated further reinforcement, leading to an additional alarm. This brought tankers from Mine Hill Fire Department, Mount Arlington Fire Department, West Milford Fire Department, Budd Lake Fire Department, and New Vernon Fire Department. Additional Engines were dispatched from the Parsippany District 5 Fire Department, Butler Fire Department, and Montville Fire Department.
Despite an aggressive interior attack, the house was deemed uninhabitable, and it took approximately an hour and a half to bring the fire under control.
Morris Plains Fire Department dispatched an air truck, with the Morris County Regional Fire Coordinator and Passaic County Fire Coordinator also present. Boonton EMS and Morris County Office of Emergency Management assisted throughout.
Despite an aggressive interior attack, the house was deemed uninhabitable, and it took approximately an hour and a half to bring the fire under control. Gratitude is extended to all mutual aid partners involved, with 16 fire companies from across Morris County collaborating to extinguish the fire.
While the house was not entirely lost and is rebuildable, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initially reported as a tractor fire beneath the attached deck, fortunately, no injuries were sustained, and all occupants evacuated safely.
