MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris County woman found herself facing a slew of serious charges, including driving while intoxicated (DWI), following a complaint that prompted her arrest in Denville Township, as reported by the local police.

According to authorities, at approximately 12:35 a.m. the Denville Township Police Department received an urgent 9-1-1 call regarding a suspected intoxicated driver on the road. Responding swiftly to the complaint, an officer initiated a traffic stop on Savage Road after observing the vehicle in question committing multiple moving violations, notably careless driving.

During the course of the traffic stop, the officer determined that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Urja S. Shah, a resident of Rockaway, was indeed operating her vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Subsequently, Shah was taken into custody and processed on various charges related to the incident.

The charges against Urja S. Shah include:

1. Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol (DWI): Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, is a serious offense under New Jersey law.
2. Traffic Violations: These encompass multiple infractions, including failing to maintain control of the vehicle within marked lanes, careless driving, and reckless driving, all of which are grave violations of road safety regulations.
3. Failure to Give Proper Signal: This charge indicates Shah’s alleged failure to provide proper turn signals or indications while operating her vehicle.

Following her arrest, Urja S. Shah was released from custody with the expectation that she would appear in court to address these charges. The legal proceedings will ultimately determine the consequences she may face if found guilty.

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 — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced her District Office will move to the Livingston Township Hall in the new year. Sherrill announced the move at a ribbon cutting for the new office with Livingston Mayor Michael Vieira, members of the Township Council, and Essex County Commissioner Pat Sebold. 

“In the new year, my district office will be heading to a new space in Livingston. I want to thank Parsippany and Morris County for being our home base for the past five years and am especially grateful to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor and Police Department for the support they have provided our team,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Thank you to Mayor Vieira for welcoming us to Livingston. No matter where our office is located, we will continue to serve constituents from every town in NJ-11 and look forward to another great year of casework successes.”

The Livingston office will not open officially until mid-January. Until that time constituents needing casework services should call the District Office in Parsippany at (973) 526-5668. In 2024, Sherrill’s casework team will continue to hold mobile casework hours in locations throughout the district to ensure accessibility for all residents.  

The new office location will be 357 S Livingston Avenue, Suite 201, Livingston.

The exact opening date will be announced.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Chatham Borough home was burglarized around 2:25 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, as reported by Police Capt. R. Colatrella. The burglar(s) gained access by forcibly entering through a first-floor window and took the keys to an Audi S5 parked in the driveway. Fortunately, there was no confrontation during the incident.

The investigation is a collaborative effort involving the Chatham Borough Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Capt. Colatrella advised residents to remain vigilant by securing their homes and vehicles, activating alarms, and reporting any suspicious activity or evidence captured on home surveillance cameras to the Chatham Borough Police Department at (973) 635-8000.

MORRIS COUNTY — NewBridge Services unveiled its new headquarters in Pompton Plains, where the nonprofit provider of counseling, housing, and education got its start 60 years ago.

Fifty guests cheered as NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden welcomed them to NewBridge’s new home on December 5. “I’m proud that we have established a NewBridge campus in the community where we were founded,” Borden said.

NewBridge purchased two buildings on Newark Pompton Turnpike, adjacent to NewBridge’s adult psychiatric day treatment program and its affordable apartments for adults with special needs. The NewBridge campus has six buildings in all.

NewBridge Board of Trustees President Debbie King, whose father was one of the organization’s founders, said, “I think they would be very pleased to see the creation of our headquarters and campus keeping NewBridge’s roots in Pequannock Township where it all began.”

NewBridge opened its doors in December 1963 as the Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center in the former Pompton Plains library. Initially serving Pequannock and surrounding communities, the agency grew and evolved over the decades to meet emerging needs.

Today, NewBridge tackles some of society’s toughest issues, including mental illness, substance use, isolation, and homelessness. Each year, it helps thousands of children, adults, and seniors in Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties, and beyond. NewBridge has service centers in Haskell, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Sparta, operates five group homes, created 84 units of affordable housing, and provides support services that allow people with mental illness and older adults to live as independently as possible.

Borden read a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill hand-delivered by her staff member, Georgia Turvey, and a commendation letter from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “NewBridge has served as a pillar of hope in the community and has changed countless lives,” Governor Murphy wrote.

Guest speaker W. Jay Wancyzk of the Pequannock Township Historical Society discussed the nascent shift in attitudes toward mental illness in 1963 on the national stage and locally. Wancyzk noted that President John F. Kennedy that year signed legislation for providing mental health care in the community and drastically reducing institutionalization of people with mental illness.

In Pequannock, Pastor Donner B. Atwood of the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, Municipal Court Judge Herbert Irwin, Mary Jane Kelly, Dr. Kurt Manrodt and Jim Ryan “had the vision to make treatment accessible within our six local communities,” Wancyzk said. The township allowed the nonprofit to use the former library next to the municipal building. Later, NewBridge had its headquarters on Evans Place but relocated to rental space so affordable housing could be built on the property.

NewBridge’s new headquarters once housed Irwin’s law office, Wancyzk noted. “I think he would be mighty pleased with this new connection.” Irwin’s daughter, Debbie Burklow, and her husband attended the event.

Pequannock Mayor David Kohle congratulated NewBridge on its 60th anniversary and new headquarters. “It’s a pleasure to have you back in the center of town,” Kohle said. “We look forward to many, many more years of dedicated services to the residents of Pequannock and the surrounding areas from NewBridge.”

Kohle and Deputy Mayor Ryan Herd joined Borden and King in cutting the green ribbon in front of the new headquarters. Guests then toured the building that will house administrative offices. The second building will be home to two programs, NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living) and Community Support Services, as well as the information technology department.

“This is huge! NewBridge, during its 60th anniversary, is making another clear statement for clients, for donors, for everyone to see that we are committed to this community,” NewBridge Trustee Patricia Lee said.

Robert Parker, who retired as NewBridge CEO in 2020, said the milestone bodes well for the longevity of the organization as it enters its seventh decade. “The most important thing is that NewBridge continues to provide services for people who are hurting,” he said.

NewBridge is selling commemorative bricks that will form a walkway at the new campus. Click here to order.

MORRIS COUNTY — Rolling Hills Recovery Center, a prominent New Jersey facility specializing in drug addiction treatment, proudly announces its new program designed to aid veterans facing challenges with substance abuse. In light of concerning data regarding veterans’ struggles with addiction, the center is introducing a Drug Rehab Scholarship Program specifically for veterans who lack insurance or the financial means to afford necessary treatment services. This initiative reflects RHRC’s commitment to supporting those who have served our nation and need assistance in their recovery journey.

One of the beneficiaries of the impactful Veterans Addiction Treatment Program is a former service member known as Sergeant Jacob Stone, a pseudonym to safeguard his privacy. Sgt. Stone, a retired Marine Corps veteran, faced significant challenges with alcohol and prescription opioid addiction following his service in the Middle East.

Sgt. Stone recounts his journey: “After years of privately fighting my inner battles, I came to a point where I could no longer manage on my own. The Veterans Program at Rolling Hills Recovery Center turned out to be my beacon of hope. The team there treated me with dignity and empathy, and their holistic approach to treatment empowered me to overcome my addiction and reclaim my sense of purpose. Now, as a sober veteran, I stand proudly, immensely thankful for this renewed opportunity in life.”

Official data indicates that veterans constitute approximately 7% of the U.S. population. Alarmingly, a significant portion of them, around 66%, suffer from chronic pain. Additionally, over 10% of these courageous individuals grapple with substance abuse issues, often as a result of combat-related trauma that leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms. For example, 65% of veterans who seek treatment are dealing with alcohol use disorder.

At Rolling Hills Recovery Center, the commitment to veterans goes beyond statistics. Mr. Robert Marino, the center’s visionary founder, strongly believes in the right of every hero to access healing and recovery.

Mr. Marino emphasizes, “Our veterans have given so much for our nation, and we must give back by offering them the necessary care and support to conquer addiction. The Drug Rehab Scholarship Program symbolizes our unwavering commitment to these valiant individuals. We have faith in their resilience and bravery and aim to assist them in regaining control of their lives and finding renewed hope.”

The Rolling Hills Recovery Center (RHRC) is set to grant one scholarship every month, enabling 12 deserving veterans to access full-scale addiction treatment each year.

At RHRC, a specialized team of experts employs a variety of proven methods and holistic therapies, tailoring them to meet the individual needs and specific challenges of each patient.

At Rolling Hills Recovery Center, a range of evidence-based techniques is utilized, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. These programs are designed to help patients identify and alter detrimental thought patterns, develop effective coping mechanisms, and foster positive behavioral changes throughout their recovery process.

Moreover, RHRC incorporates holistic therapies in its approach. These include Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Reiki Therapy, and Massage Therapy, all aimed at enhancing the mental, physical, and spiritual health of each individual. This comprehensive strategy is geared towards reestablishing balance and promoting overall well-being during the treatment and recovery phases.

The center prioritizes a straightforward application and admission process for those seeking assistance. To apply for the Drug Rehab Scholarship Program, veterans are required to provide evidence of their military service, demonstrate a financial need, and participate in an intake evaluation. The center’s empathetic admissions team is always available to assist with the application process and answer any queries.

For further details about the Drug Rehab Scholarship Program for Veterans or to initiate the application process, contact Rolling Hills Recovery Center at:

Rolling Hills Recovery Center is located at 425 Main Street, Chester. (973) 606-9170. Click here to view their website.

Rolling Hills Recovery Center has garnered recognition as a premier substance abuse treatment facility in Northern New Jersey. RHRC is committed to combining cutting-edge, evidence-based practices with holistic therapies, crafting individualized treatment plans aimed at guiding individuals toward a life free from addiction. The center offers a compassionate and serene therapeutic environment, providing patients with the essential resources and support needed to make significant, enduring life transformations.