MORRIS COUNTY — On Tuesday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m., Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) will hold a telephone town hall meeting.
Sherrill will be joined by a panel of experts, including special guest Deputy Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration Amit Bose.
The panel will help answer questions directly from residents on topics such as the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the continued efforts to combat the pandemic, and a number of other key issues. The town hall will be held virtually to allow for as many residents as possible to participate.
Residents are invited to register to call in to the telephone town hall atsherrill.house.gov/live.
The town hall will also stream live at 6:00 p.m. directly on Representative Sherrill’s website.
To submit a question ahead of the event, please click here.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Representative Sherrill Telephone Town Hall WHEN: Tuesday, November 23, 2021 TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: sherrill.house.gov/live
MORRIS COUNTY — Registration is now taking place at County College of Morris (CCM) for the Winter and Spring semesters and there is no better time than now to apply and enroll for classes at CCM. By registering early, students have the best chance of obtaining the classes that best fit their schedules. At CCM students can explore degree options and careers, all while graduating with little to no debt and more financial freedom.
Winterim classes are offered in an online condensed four-week format. These classes are a convenient way to earn some extra credit and stay on track to graduate. Two Winterim sessions are offered at CCM, a four-week session that begins Wednesday, December 22, and a two-week session that begins January 3.
The Spring Semester consists of seven different sessions, providing students with maximum flexibility to move forward with their higher education. The regular 15-week session begins Wednesday, January 19. Several mini-term sessions follow that date. You can find those dates by clicking here.
Along with a wide range of degree options, CCM also provides numerous non-credit certificate programs and professional development courses to fast-track a career. To view, those programs click here.
The first step for all new students who want to take credit courses, whether degree-seeking at CCM or visiting from another college, is to submit an online application by clicking here.
The Admissions office also can be reached at admiss@ccm.edu or (973) 328-5100. Walk-ins also are welcomed. The Admissions office is located in the Student Community Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Once your application is completed, you will be notified by email on how to register for classes. Also, be sure to apply for Financial Aid to see if you might be able to attend college for free.
Winterim and Spring Semester class schedules are available online through Titans Direct by clicking here. Titans Direct is frequently updated and offers the most up-to-date course information.
Don’t delay. Get started today on becoming part of a nationally ranked community college committed to your success.
Vespucci's Marketplace is located at 90 Ridgedale Avenue
EAST HANOVER — Vespucci’s Marketplace held a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, October 16.
They are located at the same spot where Esposito’s market used to be.
Vespucci’s Marketplace is a local Italian market providing authentic Italian cuisine and top-quality meats.
“I’ve had some of the most delicious sandwiches of my life at Vespucci’s. It is the best food around”, said customer Michael Stanzilis who recently frequented Vespucci’s.
Vespucci’s Marketplace is located at 90 Ridgedale Avenue. They have a breakfast, lunch, and catering menu you can access online by clicking here.
Owner Lorenzo Vespucci was born and raised in Newark. Lorenzo was a “true” grandma/mama’s boy. In the Magine and Vespucci household, food was a sign of unconditional LOVE and RESPECT!
At the very young age of 9, Lorenzo (aka Zino) showed a passion for food that would eventuality turn into the Corporate Cafe brand. Lorenzo has been proudly serving Morris County for nearly 38 years.
The grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Holmes Library Garden
BOONTON — The Holmes Library Garden celebrated a Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, November 5. The event was hosted by Boonton Main Street and The Boonton Holmes Public Library.
It’s official. The grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Holmes Library GardenMs. Laura Wagner, Former Executive Director, Boonton Main Street
Ms. Laura Wagner, Former Executive Director, Boonton Main Street, welcomed the dignitaries and the general public to the grand reopening.
Steve Kampschmidt, Interim Director, Boonton Main Street
Steve Kampschmidt, Interim Director, Boonton Main Street, delivered remarks and introduced Lotte Newlin, Director Boonton Holmes Public Library.
Lotte Newlin, Director Boonton Holmes Public Library
Newlin said “There’s so much to be thankful for today – fabulous fall weather, good company, and beautiful surroundings. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Boonton Holmes Public Library, I would like to thank Boonton Main Street, Inc. for making this amazing garden project possible, and to John Kohut and his incredibly hard-working landscapers for executing the project. Our lovely town now has a great outdoor gathering and performance space right here in historic downtown. I’m sure it will be used and loved by residents and visitors alike for many years to come.”
“As some of you may know or have noted, it’s not just the Holmes Garden which has undergone major improvements. This spring and summer we installed a new roof, replaced the floors in common areas, installed new (gorgeous, by the way) windows, and are in the process of completing the exterior restoration and painting. Several of these major restoration projects have received major funding from Morris County Historic Preservation Commission. The Library is deeply grateful for the Commission’s ongoing support over the years.”
She thanked Margaret Hickey of Connelly and Hickey Historical Architects for design, coordination, and inspiration for the restoration of our old “grande dame” of Boonton.
Town of Boonton Mayor Richard J. Corcoran III
Town of Boonton Mayor Richard J. Corcoran III said “This garden and outdoor community space will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come and is an invaluable asset to Boonton. I and the residents of Boonton look forward to enjoying many events here for years to come.”
This project is the largest project of the nearly $600,000 received through the Main Street NJ COVID-19 Relief Grant awarded to Boonton Main Street (BMS) in 2019.
“Thank you to BMS, whose work toward improvements to the town of Boonton has been tireless. Their revitalization efforts can be seen here in this garden but extend throughout Main Street with events, murals, a weekly farmers market, holiday light displays, and decorations, just to name a few. It is the involvement of BMS as a Main Street NJ community that made this project possible, and why I’ve chosen tonight’s event to share a special announcement,” said Corcoran.
The Town of Boonton has been selected to receive a Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) designation for the Boonton Main Street District from the NJ Department of Community Affairs.
This designation includes an initial $125,000 grant from the New Jersey DCA Neighborhood Preservation Program. Additionally, Boonton is anticipated to receive up to $125,000 a year for a total of five years to assist with economic and community development here on Main Street. In addition to the funding from DCA, the council has approved an annual contribution of $25,000 toward the Neighborhood Preservation Program. The council has made this investment understanding the importance of revitalizing our downtown, and we are thrilled by the projects that will be generated from this investment. BMS applied for this grant on behalf of the Town, and it is thanks to their efforts we celebrate this designation tonight. BMS has been a cornerstone organization in regeneration along Main Street, and The Town looks forward to continuing the partnership with BMS on these revitalization efforts. In addition to funding, this designation offers Boonton access to the State’s NPP Team of place-based revitalization experts. The focus will be on properties facing Main Street from Division Street to Hill Street. Boonton is among 20 new communities throughout New Jersey to receive this designation for 2022 and will join communities like Cape May, Millville, and Mount Holly in significant revitalization efforts. To assist with these revitalization efforts, the council recently approved a new position, Special Projects Coordinator, and appointed Laura Wagner, former Executive Director of BMS. Laura will be responsible for overseeing capital improvement projects associated with the revitalization of the historic downtown district such as the renovation of the Darress Theatre and executing the $1 million Transportation Alternatives Program Federal Grant awarded to Boonton. She will oversee Boonton’s Neighborhood Preservation Program as the NPP Coordinator, and work together with BMS to create visual and impactful change here on Main Street.
Corcoran ended by saying “Many wonderful things are happening here in Boonton, I’m excited for the future of this town and honored to be a part of the team revitalizing our beloved Boonton to become a regional cultural center of arts entertainment.”
The Kohut crew who assisted in executing the projectThe Kohut crew who assisted in executing the projectThe finished project of the Holmes Library GardenThe finished project of the Holmes Library GardenMembers of the Board of Directors Boonton Main Street
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling pays respect and tribute to America’s veterans and their families, as we honor them this Veterans Day, November 11.
“These brave men and women have served us without hesitation. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave because of their service; for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude on this Veterans Day and always” Darling said.
Surrogate Darling also wishes the United States Marine Corps a Happy 246th Birthday, Oorah! God Bless America and God Bless our Veterans.
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck announced that an attorney was sentenced for her role in a scheme involving the illegal use of straw donors to conceal campaign contributions and secure lucrative government contracts for her law firm.
Elizabeth Valandingham, 49, of Morristown, was sentenced to three years’ probation and 324 hours of community service by Superior Court Judge Robert Hanna in Morris County. The state recommended that Valandingham be sentenced to 364 days in the county jail pursuant to the plea agreement, but the court did not impose that sentence. She pleaded guilty on April 13, 2021, to an accusation charging her with third-degree tampering with public records or information. Under the plea agreement, she forfeited her law license and was ordered to pay a $75,000 public corruption profiteering penalty. She also is debarred from any public contracts for a period of 10 years.
Deputy Attorneys General John A. Nicodemo, Eric Cohen, and Michelle McBrian represented the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) at the sentencing hearing. She was charged with an investigation by the OPIA Corruption Bureau.
In pleading guilty, Valandingham admitted that she submitted fraudulent proposals for government contracts for the law firm where she worked, O’Donnell McCord, P.C., in which she failed to disclose political contributions that were illegally made using straw donors. She further admitted that she submitted false reports to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) on behalf of the law firm in which she failed to report such illegal contributions. Valandingham was initially charged by complaint-summons on June 17, 2020.
“Those who engage in illegal schemes to evade our campaign finance and pay-to-play laws will be held accountable,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “We cannot tolerate any attempt to undermine fair and open elections and public contracts in New Jersey.”
“OPIA is working to enforce a culture of integrity in state and local government in New Jersey, and that includes safeguarding our election process and public contracting from criminal behavior,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “This case reflects our commitment to prosecute dishonest operators who seek to profit at the expense of good government.”
Valandingham was charged in connection with conduct that occurred between 2012 and 2017. One of her duties at the law firm was to prepare and submit annual proposals to municipalities for the law firm to garner public contracts for legal services.
BOONTON — Boonton PTA’s Tricky Tray is back! We’re going hybrid this year! Admission is for small group timed entry to drop tickets in person. When you are done- head home or to a friend’s to relax. They’ll live stream prize calling starting at 7:00 p.m. Winners can then return to John Hill School to claim their prizes after the calling is complete.
Timed entry slot selection will be emailed with admission payment confirmation. Admission sales are now open.
Indicating you are “Going” on this event does not guarantee admission.
Email trickytray@boontonpta.org for more information.
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio requiring student ID cards to include a telephone number for a suicide prevention hotline was signed into law by Governor Murphy.
“I am pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law today. There has been an extremely alarming rise in depression and suicide among students of all ages,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The availability of professional help during times of distress can mean the difference between life and death. Doing something simple yet important, such as printing the hotline number on every student ID, will help stem this tragic epidemic and give young people access to the mental health resources and support they need.”
The legislation, S-550 requires public schools that include grades seven through twelve, and higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities, to print the telephone number for a suicide prevention hotline on the back of every student ID card.
According to a September 2020 report released by the CDC, the rate of suicide among individuals aged 10 to 24 in the United States increased nearly 60% between 2007 and 2018.
Individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as best practices for professionals.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Borough Council Meeting will be held on Monday, November 8, 7:30 p.m. This will be a Remote Meeting via Zoom.
The agenda for the Borough Council meeting includes 1) Discussion – Third Quarter 2021 Current Budget Report; 2) Discussion – Third Quarter 2021 Water Budget Report & Third Quarter 2021 Sewer Budget Report; 3) Discussion – Trust Balances; 4) Discussion – Capital Account Balances. Click here to download the complete agenda.
To Participate via computer please use the following link: https://zoom.us/j/208487754 or call iPhone one-tap : US: +13126266799,, 208487754# or +19292056099,,208487754#
Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or
+1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 208 487 754.
If calling into the meeting via telephone, the following commands can be entered via DTMF tones using your phone’s dial pad while in a Zoom meeting:
*6 – Toggle mute/unmute
*9 – Raise hand (once hand is raised, it cannot be lowered. If you change your mind and choose not to speak, when called upon, please let us know that you have changed your mind).
