MORRIS COUNTY — The National Weather Service has released a Winter Weather Advisory for the surrounding region, which will be in effect from 7:00 p.m. on January 15 until 4:00 p.m. on January 16. The forecast anticipates the onset of snowfall after 2:00 a.m. with a potential accumulation of 1-2 inches. Snowfall is expected to persist through Tuesday, with the possibility of new snow accumulating between 1 to 3 inches, according to the weather experts.
Please be prepared for potentially slippery road conditions, as these hazardous weather conditions could impact both the morning and evening commutes.
HANOVER — On January 2, 2024, Hanover Township Police Officer Dan Foesel received a report regarding the theft of two box trucks from a property on Whippany Road.
Both box trucks had been left unlocked with the keys inside. Fortunately, the trucks were equipped with GPS, enabling their quick recovery at two different locations shortly thereafter.
Subsequently, law enforcement arrested two individuals in possession of one of the stolen trucks. One of these individuals was identified as Mr. Charles Johnson, a 50-year-old resident of Paterson. He has been charged with motor vehicle theft and conspiracy.
As for the second suspect, their whereabouts remain unknown at this time, with charges pending upon their apprehension.
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.
HANOVER — On December 24, 2023, Hanover Township Police Officer Anthony D’Angelo apprehended Ms. Rickeisha Thomas, a 37-year-old resident of Cedar Knolls, on charges of disorderly conduct.
Officer D’Angelo had been dispatched to Ms. Thomas’ residence in response to a noise complaint involving loud music. Upon arriving at the scene, Officer D’Angelo confirmed the presence of loud music and politely requested Ms. Thomas to lower the volume.
However, Ms. Thomas refused to comply with the request and instead increased the volume of the music, disregarding the officer’s instructions. Additional law enforcement officers were summoned to assist, and despite several further attempts to gain her cooperation, Ms. Thomas was ultimately arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, creating loud noise, and obstruction.
She was subsequently released pending her court appearance.
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.
HANOVER — On December 15, 2023, Hanover Township Police Officer Matt Gallagher apprehended an 18-year-old individual named Mr. Noah Ayala from Whippany on charges of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).
Officer Gallagher was dispatched to Whippanong Way in response to a report of a potential intoxicated driver. Upon reaching the scene, Officer Gallagher observed a vehicle parked in the lot with its reverse lights activated, along with dirt and shrubbery on the front bumper.
Following a brief conversation with the vehicle’s sole occupant, Mr. Ayala, he was taken into custody and issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI, possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) in a motor vehicle, careless driving, unclear license plates, consumption of cannabis in a vehicle, and possession of an open container.
Mr. Ayala was subsequently released pending his court date.
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.
The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
HANOVER — Hanover Township Police Officer Brian Morrisroe apprehended two individuals, Dennis Lake, 48, Lake Hiawatha, and Adele Todd, 41, residing at the Red Carpet Inn in Cedar Knolls, on charges related to assault.
Officer Morrisroe received a call regarding a shoplifting incident in progress at Walmart on Thursday, December 21.
Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered the suspected shoplifters in the process of loading merchandise into their vehicle. He issued orders for them to cease their activities and place their hands on the vehicle. However, they refused to comply and began resisting arrest. Given the active resistance and assault on the officers, additional law enforcement personnel were called in for assistance.
After a brief altercation, both Lake and Todd were apprehended and subsequently taken to the Hanover Township Police Headquarters for processing. They were formally charged with shoplifting goods exceeding $1,800 in value, conspiracy, obstruction, harassment, and resisting arrest. Dennis Lake faced additional charges, including disorderly conduct, and received motor vehicle summonses for various violations such as expired inspection, obstructed view, cracked windshield, and operating an unsafe vehicle.
Adele Todd was also charged with aggravated assault, being under the influence, and hindering law enforcement. During her time in custody, she intentionally obstructed the toilet in the holding cell, leading to an additional charge of criminal mischief. Dennis Lake was released, pending his court date, while Adele Todd was transported to Morris County Correctional Facility, where she will await her court date.
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.
Grand Marshall Jack Haren (right) with his immediate predecessor Ryan Dawson
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is thrilled to announce that Jack Haren, a distinguished resident of Morris Plains, has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Haren, a first-generation Irish American, grew up in upper Manhattan, with his roots tracing back to County Kerry and County Clare through his parents. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 and served two years on active duty as a Signal Corps Lieutenant in the United States Army. His commitment to supporting veterans is evident through his membership in the American Legion Post 59 in Morristown. Additionally, he serves as the site coordinator for Wreaths Across America, a program that honors veterans by placing wreaths on their graves in over 2,200 cemeteries across the United States.
Jack Haren
“We’re very excited to have Jack lead us down South Street this year,” exclaimed Publicity Director Michael Leavy. “His profound passion for Irish history and culture makes him an outstanding representative of the Irish-American experience.”
For six decades, Skellig Michael, a remote Irish island once inhabited by medieval monks, has held a special place in the imagination of Grand Marshal Jack Haren.
Haren’s fascination with Skellig Michael began at the age of 16 when he first glimpsed the island’s rugged outline, located roughly seven miles off the coast of County Kerry. Once home to reclusive monks living in beehive huts, Skellig Michael has now attained the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was during an adult visit to the island that Haren had a profound experience that has remained with him throughout his life.
Skellig Michael now finds its place on Haren’s Grand Marshal Pin, a design collaboration between him and the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. This pin has complemented the official St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pin for over two decades, serving as a symbol to promote this beloved annual event. The formal unveiling of Haren’s pin took place on December 7 at Grasshopper Off the Green in Morristown, attracting more than 100 parade enthusiasts. The event featured captivating performances by the Coffin Ships, Heritage Irish Dance Company, and Rory O’Moore Pipes and Drums. However, the highlight of the evening was Haren’s poignant talk about the significance of Skellig Michael.
More than one hundred people attended the formal unveiling of Haren’s pin
Drawing upon his profound knowledge of Irish history and culture, Haren shared his journey as a 16-year-old to his mother’s family farm in Waterville, County Kerry. In those days, rural Ireland had yet to be connected by power lines, leading Haren to spend his days fishing and his evenings gathered around the fireplace, listening to stories.
He recounted, “On my daily bicycle ride into the village—because the only way to get there was on a bicycle—I would look out into the Atlantic Ocean. Way out in the Atlantic, I would see two jagged isles that were about six or seven miles out. I’m talking about Skellig Michael and its companion, Little Skellig. They were the focus of my Uncle Paddy, who would tell and retell stories about those two isles almost every evening as we sat around the fireplace.”
Parade Committee members Tom and Liz Hand were among the event organizers.
Uncle Paddy’s stories painted vivid pictures of the monks who inhabited the islands, their solitary existence due to the rocky terrain’s limitations, Viking raids, and the practices of the Irish Church before the influence of the Church of Rome.
This childhood experience left an indelible mark on Haren, although he wouldn’t have the chance to visit Skellig Michael until a family trip in 1995 when he was 48 years old. Haren and his brother chartered a fishing trawler captain to brave the rough seas and land them on the island, which lacked proper piers and docks.
During this visit, Haren took a photograph that would become the basis for his Grand Marshal Pin.
He vividly recalled the experience, saying, “We hiked 656 steps to the top, which is about 750 feet. That’s about 60 percent of the height of the Empire State Building. The winds up there were really howling, which is what you’d expect, and of course there were no guardrails. From that view, you could see Antiquity.”
The view included six stone beehive huts where monks had lived for centuries in search of solitude and a connection with God. For Haren, this moment on Skellig Michael was a profound fusion of his Irish heritage and his spirituality, set against the backdrop of County Kerry, his mother’s homeland.
“It has stayed with me in my forever consciousness,” he said. Now, this special moment is available to everyone through Haren’s Grand Marshal Pin.
The 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County is set to kick off on South Street at noon on Saturday, March 9, at 12:00 Noon. Those interested in supporting the parade are encouraged to become Parade Patrons.
DOVER — In an annual tradition that combines the excitement of the Super Bowl with a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact, First Memorial Presbyterian Church (FMPC) is once again participating in the “Souper Bowl of Caring” in 2024. This inspiring event seeks to rally the community in the fight against hunger by collecting nonperishable food items and monetary donations to stock the FMPC Food Pantry.
As part of their outreach efforts, FMPC is encouraging community members to make a simple yet impactful gesture during their next visit to ShopRite. They invite shoppers, if possible, to pick up an extra box of pasta and a jar of sauce to contribute to the cause. Every small donation adds up and makes a difference in the lives of those in need.
For those who prefer to make monetary donations, FMPC has made the process easy and convenient. Interested individuals can contact Megan Quinones at [email protected], and she will arrange for pick-up or drop-off of donations.
Here is a list of items that FMPC’s Food Pantry is always in need of:
Cereal
Pasta
Pasta sauce
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Rice
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Canned Soup
Canned Tuna/Chicken
Spam
Beans
Boxed Macaroni & Cheese
Canned pasta meals (i.e. Chef Boyardi, Spaghetti O’s)
Powdered Milk
For those who prefer the convenience of monetary contributions, donations can be mailed to: First Memorial Presbyterian Church 51 West Blackwell Street Dover, NJ 07801
FMPC has also embraced modern payment options and is accepting donations via Zelle. The email address for Zelle donations is [email protected]. Contributors will receive a confirmation message stating that they are sending money to First Memorial Presbyterian Church.
What sets FMPC’s “Souper Bowl 2024” campaign apart is the assurance that 100% of all donations received will be used by the FMPC Food Pantry. This ensures that every contribution, whether in the form of food items or monetary support, directly benefits those facing food insecurity within the community.
Join FMPC in the “Souper Bowl 2024” campaign and be a part of the collective effort to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Together, we can tackle hunger and create a brighter future for our community.
MORRIS COUNTY — In an inspiring display of unity and compassion, Mutual Morris, a community organization dedicated to making a positive impact, has announced a heartfelt call to action. They are rallying the Morris County community to support their efforts in aiding the annual Point in Time survey of homelessness. With a strong desire to bring warmth and relief to those in need, Mutual Morris is actively seeking donations and volunteers to join their cause.
Mutual Morris is requesting donations of essential items that can make a significant difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Warm blankets, clothing, non-perishable food, and hygiene products are among the items needed to provide comfort and support during the survey.
Items in need: •Socks •Phone chargers •Large Ziploc bags •Snacks that are easy to carry and eat •Water •Reusable water bottles •Small packages of toiletries like deodorant, moisturizer, lip balm, baby wipes, facial tissues, feminine hygiene
Additionally, Mutual Morris is extending an invitation to the community, urging all to come together on January 16 and 22 at the Morris County Library. On these dates, volunteers are encouraged to join the organization in sorting and packing the collected items into individual bags. It’s an opportunity not only to contribute to a meaningful cause but also to connect with fellow community members.
The event promises a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. An event page has been set up on Facebook, where interested individuals can find more details and RSVP: Event Page Link.
Mutual Morris, through its dedicated members and supporters, aims to make a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Morris County. Their call to action reflects the power of community unity and the collective goodwill of individuals coming together to support a cause that transcends boundaries.
Drop off at 37 Beverly Road, Madison, or 104 Fox Hill Road, Parsippany.
MORRIS COUNTY — Your community needs you! By staffing a polling location, you will:
Earn $300 for working on Election Day and $21.44 per hour on in-person Early Voting days.
See our great democracy in action, firsthand, and enjoy the feeling that comes with contributing to your local community, your state, and your country.
Be a part of your democracy – become a Poll Worker! Poll Workers are trained to aid voters on Election Day, guide them through the voting process, and answer any questions voters have. They are a vital part of every election!
Residents of all ages, including college and High School students, are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
Must be a registered voter in Morris County
Must be able to read and speak the English language
Must be able to work a full day. No half-day schedules
Training Requirements
New Poll Workers must attend training provided by the Board of Elections
All Poll Workers must attend training classes at least once every two years
When new Laws are introduced, mandatory training may be required for all
Training Classes are hands-on and approximately three and a half hours long. They are held 3 – 4 weeks before the Primary and General Elections.
Application Procedure
Complete this Poll Worker Application
You will be contacted eight weeks before the next election with the training class schedule.
HANOVER — Hanover Township Mayor Thomas ‘Ace’ Gallagher, alongside Deputy Mayor Michael Mihalko, presided over a crucial gathering on Wednesday, December 13, dedicated to South Jefferson Road property and business proprietors.
The primary purpose of this meeting was to provide a platform for these owners to express their concerns directly, particularly in terms of how the Township’s land use and zoning regulations could be tailored to better serve the needs of both their tenants and the general public who utilize their facilities.
The meeting took place in the main public meeting room of the municipal building, drawing a substantial crowd of attendees. Mayor Gallagher initiated the session by inviting each individual to introduce themselves and share their concerns or offer suggestions for regulatory adjustments. Much of the feedback centered around topics such as signage, parking, and traffic flow. Joining the panel were Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw and Hanover Township Business Administrator Joe Giorgio.
Mayor Gallagher emphasized, “I want to ensure that all property and business owners are given a voice, that their concerns and recommendations are conveyed to the Township Committee, and that a constructive dialogue is initiated.” This meeting underscored the Township’s commitment to engaging with its stakeholders and addressing their needs proactively.
