HANOVER — Congratulations to Nick Gatsonis and Ryan Haberman, Hanover Park High School students, for achieving the Highest Chair in the North Jersey Area Symphonic Band.
Join them next month for a concert featuring top musicians from across northern New Jersey.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, December 3, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany organized a successful “Food Collection” event at ShopRite Parsippany. Despite the rainy weather, the community rallied together to support the cause.
A group of 17 dedicated Key Club members from Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School volunteered their time throughout the day, providing invaluable assistance.
The list of needed items included various food staples, such as pasta sauce, juice, canned tomatoes, canned fruit, crackers, and more. Personal care items, including toilet paper, were also highly appreciated.
Donations from caring individuals like you make a significant impact on the lives of needy residents and families in Parsippany. The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry, located at the Parsippany Senior Center (1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha), is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can reach them at (973) 263-7160.
Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated. For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, please click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor’s Office PBA Local #327 Toy Drive generously contributed 95 toys to the Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown.
At their annual Holiday party, members of PBA#327 gathered and collected an impressive total of 95 new and unwrapped toys for donation. These thoughtful donations from the dedicated members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office are being gratefully donated to the Goryeb Children’s Hospital, made possible through a partnership with the Walsh Company.
DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Rockaway Township Police Chief Martin McParland Jr., confirmed the sentencing of Nathaniel G. Yanez, 23, Newark, and previously of Dover.
On December 8, 2023, the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J. Cr. imposed an aggregate sentence of 12 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to 85% parole ineligibility according to the No Early Release Act. Yanez was also ordered to register under Megan’s Law and will be under Parole Supervision for Life. Yanez was ordered to have no contact with the three victims.
On April 27, 2023, Yanez had previously entered guilty pleas to three counts of second-degree Sexual Assault and one count of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Yanez had been detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility following his arrest in March of 2022 on the initial charges.
The charges stem from incidents involving two victims at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rockaway, and a residence in Dover, as well as another victim who was identified from videos on the defendant’s phone.
MORRIS COUNTY — Celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of First Night Morris County on Sunday, December 31 in Morristown, a delightful, alcohol-free, and substance-free celebration of arts and culture. Organizers promise a spectacular lineup of entertainment, including over 70 live performances, spread across 20 venues, and featuring 50+ on-demand films. The festivities will run from 4:00 p.m. until midnight in the heart of downtown Morristown.
This vibrant event encompasses a wide range of artistic experiences, including theater, music (rock, jazz, classical, opera), visual arts, film festivals, and children’s programs, among others. The evening culminates in a mesmerizing fireworks display at 9:15 p.m., followed by a thrilling Midnight Countdown featuring more fireworks to welcome the New Year.
To make your experience even more convenient, complimentary shuttles will be available starting at 4:45 p.m., ensuring easy access to all the festivities. Families can enjoy the Children’s Fun Festival at Morristown High School from 4:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., while film enthusiasts can catch the Film Festival starting at 6:00 p.m.
Parking won’t be a hassle either, with complimentary parking offered at any Morristown Parking Garage starting at 4:00 p.m. Stay connected and informed with the complimentary mobile app and print program. Plus, if you can’t make it in person, you’ll have on-demand access from 4:00 p.m. on December 31, 2023, to 4:00 p.m. on January 1, 2024.
Your admission button (ticket) to First Night Morris County grants you unlimited access to innovative, diverse, and high-quality performances suitable for all age groups. In-person venues are conveniently located within walking distance of each other, while virtual programs can be accessed through the mobile app or website. All this entertainment is available at a budget-friendly price of $25.00 per ticket or $22.50 per ticket for a family pack of four (early bird pricing until Midnight on December 21).
After December 21, ticket prices will increase to $30.00 per ticket and $23.75 per ticket for a family pack of four. Don’t miss out on this fantastic celebration – purchase your tickets today!
HANOVER – On November 1, Hanover Township Detectives apprehended two individuals, Mr. Shrikantb Limbachia, 78, Whippany, and Mr. Ritesh Patel, 62, North Brunswick. Both men faced charges of witness tampering and Conspiracy to commit witness tampering. Their connection to these charges emerged from their employment at the Red Carpet Inn in Hanover Township.
The allegations of witness tampering trace back to an incident in July 2023 when Mr. Limbachia was charged with 4th-degree criminal sexual contact against a female resident of the Red Carpet Inn.
In August 2023, both Limbachia and Patel collaborated on composing a letter in which they asserted that the victim had fabricated the sexual assault story under the influence of a friend. They intended to coerce the victim into signing this letter, to present it during Limbachia’s criminal proceeding for the sexual assault, in the hope that it would result in the dismissal of the charges.
Subsequently, both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where they awaited their scheduled court appearance.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER – On October 12, 2023, Hanover Township Officer Mike Puskas charged Ms. Laura Godlesky, 30, Caldwell, with Obstruction. The incident unfolded during a routine traffic stop when Ms. Godlesky attempted to evade authorities while Officer Puskas was in the process of verifying her documents inside his patrol vehicle.
The situation took an alarming turn as Ms. Godlesky sped away from the scene, even though she had a child in her vehicle. Given the heavy traffic conditions at the time, Officer Puskas wisely chose not to engage in a pursuit, prioritizing safety.
In the aftermath of her escape, law enforcement conducted diligent checks on her known residence, but they yielded no results. Determined to address the situation, Officer Puskas prepared a warrant against Ms. Godlesky, charging her with Obstruction and Eluding, in addition to several motor vehicle violations, including driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle, impeding traffic flow, driving on a marked course, failing to surrender license plates, and failure to notify authorities of a change of address.
Furthermore, it was discovered that Ms. Godlesky had multiple active warrants against her, totaling $4,500.00 in outstanding fines. To ensure her apprehension, the warrant was promptly entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
HANOVER – On October 11, Hanover Township Police Officer Carlos Najera apprehended Mr. Michael Moody, 25, East Orange, on charges of Forgery.
Officer Najera had initiated an investigation following a report of a fraudulent check amounting to $19,750.69, which had been rejected by the bank when an attempt was made to deposit it into an unidentified account.
Through the issuance of subpoenas to various organizations, Officer Najera successfully located Mr. Moody and conducted an interview.
Subsequently, Mr. Moody was formally charged with forgery and released, pending his scheduled court appearance.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY – On Friday, December 8, a gathering of community volunteers witnessed their swearing-in ceremony as Court Appointed Special Advocates by Superior Court Judge Michael Paul Wright in Morristown.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Morris and Sussex counties, a local non-profit organization, provide training and supervision for these dedicated community volunteers, enabling them to advocate on behalf of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Family and friends assembled at the Morris County Courthouse to witness these volunteers taking an oath, pledging their commitment to champion the best interests of the child and fulfill their responsibilities as judicial volunteers.
The new volunteers include Carolyn Asch of Jersey City, Laura Evans-Harty of Kinnelon, James Hubertus of Short Hills, Teresa LeDonne of Mine Hill Township, Kathleen McCarthy of Morristown, Vanessa Patterson of Morristown, Jeanette Schneider of Newfoundland, Raquel Tumminelli of Randolph, Helen Vera of Short Hills, Kelly Volpi of Flanders, and Theresa Wisolmerski of Rockaway.
The CASA volunteers participated in an extensive 36-hour training program before officially being sworn in to be assigned to a child in the foster care system. The CASA Volunteers will also attend regularly scheduled training workshops to strengthen their advocacy efforts throughout their time with CASA.
CASA volunteers visit with the child regularly, attend court hearings, and school meetings, and meet with all parties involved in the child’s case. The volunteers report their findings to the court and make recommendations for the child’s best interest.
Click here or call (973) 998-7590 for more information about CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties.
MORRIS PLAINS – Hanover Township Police Officer Stephen Manney arrested Mr. Jesse Smith, 40, Morris Plains, for DWI on October 27.
Officer Manney was summoned to the municipal court for an intoxicated individual who had just arrived for his DWI court case.
Mr. Smith was observed on video parking and exiting his vehicle in the municipal parking lot. Officers working the security detail for Hanover Municipal Court were able to detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage when he walked by their location.
Mr. Smith was arrested and charged with DWI, open container in a vehicle, and failure to possess insurance. He was released pending his court date.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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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