Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover launched the campaign by creating a pinwheel garden display at Dover Town Hall. Photo by Matthew O'Leary.
DOVER — Child Abuse Prevention Month kicked off on April 1st. To mark the occasion, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover initiated the campaign with a vibrant pinwheel garden display at Dover Town Hall.
“Let’s come together to raise awareness in our community about the importance of ensuring quality childhoods for all children, as they are the foundation of our future,” stated Sergio Rodriguez, President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover members Maria Rosario, Treasurer; Frank Cahill; Sergio Rodriguez, President; Maria Solines, Secretary and Washington Pro placing pinwheels at Dover Town Hall. Photo by Matthew O’Leary.
April signifies National Child Abuse Prevention Month, spearheaded by Prevent Child Abuse America. In 2024, the theme “Building A Hopeful Future, Together” underscores the importance of fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families nationwide.
“In launching the campaign for Child Abuse Prevention Month, we aim to cultivate a community-wide commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our children,” stated Frank Cahill, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover. “Our pinwheel garden display at Dover Town Hall symbolizes our dedication to nurturing a safe and supportive environment for all children.”
Placing a pinwheel symbolizes our dedication to fostering hope and positivity for our children’s future,” remarked a Washington Pro. “It’s a small gesture with a big impact, reminding us of the importance of nurturing and protecting our youth.” Photo by Matthew O’Leary.
Dover Mayor James Dodd presented a Proclamation to Frank Cahill and members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover at the Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 9, officially designating April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
Dover Mayor James Dodd, Frank Cahill, Maria Rosario, Alexandra and Percy Zegarra.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover advocates for the power of prevention and the significance of community support. They are committed to guaranteeing that all children grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. Their mission revolves around addressing the structural and social determinants of health and well-being, such as poverty and systemic racism, aiming to establish a more equitable society where every child thrives.
By placing this pinwheel, we’re planting seeds of hope and protection for our children,” remarked Matthew O’Leary. “Each spin represents a commitment to creating a safer, brighter future for every child. Photo by Frank Cahill.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, click here.
DOVER — The Dover Public Schools is embarking on the crucial journey of selecting a new permanent superintendent, and your input is invaluable. They urge all residents to take a moment to complete the following survey.
Please note: This survey is being administered by the search facilitator, NOT the Dover Public School District or Dover Board of Education. All responses are anonymous and will be shared only with the members of the Dover BOE.
The survey will be open until April 24th, so your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
Michelle Borden has more than 40 years experience in nonprofit leadership, including 23 at NewBridge Services. Ms. Borden is a force behind NewBridge’s innovative programming, designed with flexibility to meet communities’ changing needs.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce will host its 18th annual nonprofit conference and awards ceremony from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25 at the Park Avenue Club at 184 Park Avenue.
Nonprofits depend on all types of partnerships to fulfill our missions and achieve impact in our communities – and the relationships with funders are among the most important. A true partnership can be a challenge, though, when there is a built-in imbalance of power between the funders who have the dollars and the organizations who need the dollars. Join for a panel discussion with leaders from both nonprofit organizations and grantmaking foundations, as they discuss how they can meet in the middle to build truly collaborative relationships.
This conference is an excellent networking and professional development opportunity for anyone in the nonprofit sector including staff, volunteers and executive directors, board members and trustees, funders and donors, and suppliers and advisors who serve the nonprofit community.
The chamber will present awards for innovation and leadership to local nonprofits, and there will be a panel discussion on partnerships and collaboration.
This year’s Nonprofit Excellence honorees are…
Innovative Program of a Nonprofit organization with revenue under $1 million
31st Annual Partners in Economic Development Awards was held at the Hyatt Regency Morristown, 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s vibrant economic landscape took center stage once again to honor its champions of growth and innovation at the 31st Annual Partners in Economic Development Awards. Set against the backdrop of Morris County’s thriving business ecosystem, this prestigious event recognizes outstanding efforts and achievements that propel the county’s economic vitality forward.
The Partners in Economic Development Awards, now in its 31st year, served as a testament to the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive that define Morris County. Presented by the Morris County Economic Development Corp. in partnership with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Economic Development Alliance, alongside its Tourism Division, this annual celebration showcases the power of synergy in fostering economic prosperity.
“We are immensely grateful for the steadfast support and visionary leadership of our county commissioners and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce board of directors,” remarked Meghan Hunscher, CEO & President of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp., “Their unwavering commitment has enabled us to cultivate a thriving ecosystem, driving innovation and creating new opportunities for economic growth throughout Morris County.”
The event featured distinguished keynote speakers Lauren LaRusso, Co-Host City Manager for the N.Y./N.J. World Cup Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Thomas Abdallah, Vice President of Environmental Services and Chief Environmental Engineer at MTA New York City Transit. Joining them was Jeff Vasser, Executive Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (NJTT), offering insights into NJ’s role in the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup.
“Innovation, Community, and Growth” are the guiding principles of the 2023 Real Estate Awards and Impact Awards, which highlight outstanding achievements in real estate development and community impact initiatives. The awards recognized exemplary projects such as Deal of the Year: Office, Deal of the Year: Industrial, Business Retention Award, and Business Attraction Award.
Craig Schlosser, CEO & President of the Morris County Economic Development Alliance and Tourism Bureau, emphasized the importance of the awards ceremony in fostering personal and community growth and unity. “This event presented a unique opportunity for stakeholders, businesses, and community members to come together and celebrate our collective achievements,” he stated. “It’s a platform for sharing insights, discovering new opportunities, and forging meaningful connections that will shape the future of our economic landscape.”
This year’s program focused on Downtown Development, featuring a panel discussion on leveraging transit proximity to enhance value in office, multifamily, and retail sectors. Industry experts including Antoinette Quagliata from Dewberry, Robert Donnelly Jr. from Cushman & Wakefield, and Ludivine O’Toole from AvalonBay Communities shared insights and best practices for fostering vibrant downtown communities.
DOVER — The Dover Board of Education has scheduled a Special Board Meeting for Saturday, April 13th, commencing at 8:45 a.m.
The meeting will take place in the Conference Room of the Dover Admin Building, located at 21 Belmont Avenue. The primary agenda item will be the interviews for the Interim/Acting Superintendent position.
Please note that this meeting is for discussion purposes only, and no formal decisions will be made.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2024 Budget on Wednesday, April 10, with no increase in the tax rate as funding expanded for public safety, infrastructure, human services, education and training, and economic development.
“Strong ratable growth and prudent financial planning made this budget possible,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Commissioners’ Budget Committee.“We can increase services such as public safety and veterans’ affairs while maintaining a flat tax rate. We are very sensitive to the plight of the taxpayer amid inflation, despite increasing costs on the county.”
The $365.3 million 2024 Budget includes the 2024 Capital Spending Plan which puts nearly $35 million towards county infrastructure. This year’s fund balance grew by $2.5 million bringing it to $63.2 million, safeguarding Morris County against economic shifts and ensuring it maintains its triple-A Bond rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
“Morris County has maintained a triple-A rating for 48 years,” Commissioner Director Christine Myers said. “This impeccable rating saves everyone money by allowing our towns, schools, and county to borrow funds for integral community projects at the most competitive finance rates.”
Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers
The county’s robust financial health also helped the budget committee address growing expenses forced by mounting state mandates on operations at the Morris County Clerk’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
The 2024 Budget allocates $38.1 million for Human Services and Health Services, including doubling to $300,000 a line item in emergency assistance funding to shelter and support people experiencing homelessness. The budget also commits another $150,000 toward funding allocated to prevent people from becoming homeless.
A combined $77.8 million will go towards public safety, including full dispatch services to 23 municipalities and daily backup services to local Basic Life Support and Emergency Medical Service units for all 39 Morris County towns. Morris County’s Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Service Unit responded to more than 3,862 Emergency calls in 2023.
Critical Community Investments
The Preservation Trust Fund Tax will stay level for 2024, at 5/8 cent per $100 of total county equalized property valuation. It has financed many county park improvements, preservation programs, and restoration projects through grant programs like Farmland Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trail Design and Construction.
Among the educational, cultural and economic development incentives included in the 2024 Budget are:
$9 million to support the Morris County Park Commission which manages 20,455 acres of parkland, making it the largest county park system in the state.
More than $24 million to support education, including career training at the County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School District.
A record $900,000 for Economic Development and Tourism, including $100,000 for the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.
Critical Infrastructure Investments
The county’s 2024 Capital Spending Plan designates approximately $35 million toward enhancing road resurfacing, improving intersections along the 287 miles of county roadways, and replacing bridges and culverts.
Rooted in the success of its first Diversity Festival, County College of Morris (CCM) is scheduled to hold its second annual Diversity Festival.
MORRIS COUNTY — Growing from the accomplishment of its first Diversity Festival, County College of Morris (CCM) is all set to organize its second annual Diversity Festival.
The event will take place on Thursday, April 18 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in CCM’s Jack Martin Gymnasium, located in the Health & Physical Education Building.
The event, which is open to the public and free, was planned by CCM’s Diversity Committee. CCM is committed to making its campus a diverse, inclusive community where all feel welcome and appreciated. During the event, the community is invited to celebrate diversity and inclusion with music, dance, song, food, exhibitions, competitions, and other festive activities.
The event is sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, which offers grants to support public humanities projects and is a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The mission of the organization is to explore, cultivate, and champion the public humanities to strengthen New Jersey’s diverse community.
The Health & Physical Education Building is located on the college’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road, in Randolph Township. Parking is available in Lot 8.
Kelly Meola of the County College of Morris. - County College of Morris
MORRIS COUNTY — Kelly Meola has been named executive director of institutional advancement at the County College of Morris.
Meola, employed by CCM for seven years, was previously the college’s director of institutional grants and government affairs coordinator. In this new role, Meola will continue overseeing these areas and the CCM Foundation. The foundation works with donors to provide scholarships for students, invest in capital projects and generate resources to support the college’s mission.
Prior to CCM, Meola developed an extensive background in international relations and government affairs and has cultivated strong relationships in Washington, D.C.
CCM President Anthony Iacono applauded the promotion.
“We are pleased Kelly has accepted this position,” he said. “She has played an integral role in securing substantial grant funding for the college, which has a direct impact on our students and the community at large. We look forward to all she will accomplish in this role.”
CCM, a nationally ranked community college, has experienced a tremendous amount of growth in the past few years, including recent funding to launch programs supporting critical employment needs and the development of new partnerships that extend throughout the state and nation. One of CCM’s biggest successes has been the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, known across the nation as an educational model for preparing and connecting students to careers in manufacturing.
CCM offers more than 100 programs and is rated the best in New Jersey for transfer students. CCM provides over 165 transfer agreements for students seeking to attend a four-year institution for a baccalaureate degree after earning their associate degree.
MORRIS COUNTY — The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.
Noreen Rocco Mahoney of Boonton at The University of Oklahoma.
Jessica Murray of Madison at the University of Massachusetts.
They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”
More About Phi Kappa Phi
Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization’s notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.
Town of Dover former Business Administrator, BettyLou DeCroce
DOVER — Three months after resuming office, Dover Mayor James Dodd remains committed to implementing substantial changes in a town plagued by fiscal mismanagement under the previous administration. In his latest move, Dodd took action on Thursday, April 4th, to temporarily suspend and ultimately dismiss the Town Administrator BettyLou DeCroce.
Ms. DeCroce was hired by the Town of Dover on December 29, 2022, during the Blackman Administration.
The Mayor and Council introduced Resolution 112-2024, “Resolution of the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Dover placing the Town Administrator on Leave and appointing the Municipal Clerk as Interim Town Administrator.” (Click here to read resolution).
The resolution passed by a vote of 7-0, with council members Karol Ruiz and Sandra Wittner abstaining. File Photo
The resolution passed by a vote of 7-0, with council members Karol Ruiz and Sandra Wittner abstaining. The final vote on termination will require a two-thirds majority of the eight-member council, town labor attorney Jonathan Cohen said.
According to Ms. DeCroce’s contract with the Town of Dover, Section 3, “DeCroce shall be given at least thirty days written notice of any meeting to be held concerning her performance in the position as relates to continued employment with the Town and will be allowed to be heard.”
A full house at the Dover Council chambers as residents voice their concerns.
“Despite being provided notice to terminate Administrator DeCroce, we have not been provided any written statement explaining the cause of termination. We call upon the Mayor to give Administrator DeCroce a basis for the termination, sufficiently before the next meeting, so the Council can decide whether the action is legitimate or retaliation for not taking the requested adverse action against Police Chief Delaney. We would also hope to be provided with more than 3 minutes to rebut the pretext for termination,” said Oleg Nekritin, Esq., the attorney representing Ms. DeCroce.
Oleg Nekritin, Esq., the attorney representing Ms. DeCroce.
Ms. DeCroce will be paid her full salary during the thirty days, and Ms. Tara Pettoni, Township Clker, was appointed as Interim Town Administrator. She will receive a stipend of $5,000 a month for performing the duties of Interim Town Administrator.
“We’re here tonight to discuss the process and move it forward,” Dodd said. “We are doing everything by the book. After the 30-day notice, we will discuss why we are giving her notice.”
When I look at what has happened to this town in the past couple of years from a fiscal responsibility standpoint, it will blow your socks off how badly this town has been managed financially,” said Mayor Dodd. “And things need to change.”
Dodd said when he took office he gave DeCroce “an opportunity to prove herself.”
“We had multiple conversations,” said Mayor Dodd. “Her comment to me was simple: ‘Mayor, if this doesn’t work out, just let me know because I don’t want this to be public humiliation.’ All of this is going to be discussed when we come back in 30 days. And I promise you, when we sit down and talk about why we’re here today, you’ll understand.”
Daniella Mendez said “Somewhere in the last 90 days, we have lost the real issues facing our town. We should be focusing on the future, Fiscal Responsibility, and Quality of Life to name a few. We have chosen a path of division. Instead, we have chosen to battle each other at every term. Mayor and Council, I ask you to lead by example and I ask you to address the real issues as a team remembering there is no I in team. Thank you.”
The possibility of discussing her employment status is high at the first council meeting succeeding her 30-day notice, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15.
Dover Focus reached out to Councilmember Karol Ruiz, who was very vocal during the meeting, but she chose not to comment. Ruiz abstained from voting for the Resolution, along with Councilmember Sandra Wittner.
