Orchard Street Gatehouse Historical Association is dedication to the preservation and stewardship of the grounds, gravestones, and receiving house located on the site.
DOVER — Two historic properties in the Town of Dover are among thirty-five projects across twenty municipalities receiving nearly five million dollars in historic preservation grants approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
The Orchard Street Cemetery Gatehouse was awarded $349,760 to continue the second phase of its restoration, the larger of the two Dover grants in this funding round.
The Arthur W. Condict House was awarded $40,000 to support rehabilitation work.
Both projects were recommended for funding by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board following its annual review process.
“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”
“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.
Since its inception, the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund program has helped protect Morris County’s historic resources while creating opportunities for heritage tourism, supporting economic development, and increasing public awareness of the county’s rich historic character.
The Colonial Musketeers perform. Morris County leaders read the Declaration of Independence on the lawn of the historic Morris County Courthouse in unison with communities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. territories as part of "Sharing the Spirit of America."
MORRISTOWN — At 5:59 p.m., the bell atop the historic Morris County Courthouse rang 13 times as about 70 people stood on the lawn outside to witness a recreation of one of the nation’s defining moments: a public reading of the Declaration of Independence exactly 250 years after Americans first heard its words read publicly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At precisely 6:00 p.m., Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw stepped to the podium and began reading the Declaration’s opening words:
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…”
Spectators responded with a resounding “Huzzah!” as he concluded with the Declaration’s enduring assertion that “all men are created equal” and are endowed with the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Morris County joined communities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the United States territories in reading the Declaration of Independence at exactly 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time as part of a nationwide campaign called “Sharing the Spirit of America.” July 8 marked the 250th anniversary of when the document was first read in public in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and, later that same day, in Trenton, New Jersey.
Commissioner Deborah Smith reads a portion of the Declaration of Independence. At left is Commissioner Tayfun Selen and Director Shaw is standing behind them. In the background is Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray (left) and Commissioner Christine Myers.
The Morris County reading was shared by 13 public leaders in honor of the 13 original colonies. After Director Shaw, Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus read a portion of the document, followed by Commissioners Christine Myers, Thomas J. Mastrangelo, Deborah Smith, Douglas R. Cabana and Tayfun Selen, Surrogate Heather J. Darling, County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, County Administrator Deena Leary, Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Sheriff James M. Gannon, and Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz of the Morris/Sussex Vicinage of New Jersey Courts.
State Senator Anthony M. Bucco also attended the ceremony.
The evening began with Revolutionary-era music by the Colonial Musketeers Senior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps of Hackettstown. Attendees also explored the Morris County 250th Traveling Mural, an interactive public art project by artist Dan Fenelon touring the county as part of Morris County’s Semiquincentennial programming.
Following the reading, attendees enjoyed complimentary red, white, and blue ice pops, adding a patriotic touch to the evening’s festivities.
Morris County leaders read the Declaration of Independence on the lawn of the historic Morris County Courthouse in unison with communities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. territories as part of “Sharing the Spirit of America.”
The Declaration of Independence reading was coordinated by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, the Morris County Heritage Commission, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Division of Buildings and Grounds, County Administration, and the Office of Communications and Digital Media.
The ceremony concluded another 250th Anniversary campaign, “Light to Unite,” which involved lighting up county facilities with red, white, and blue lights beginning on July 2, when the Second Continental Congress formally approved a resolution separating the colonies from Britain. The celebration of American independence in Morris County will continue with a special 250th anniversary exhibit presented by the Morris/Sussex Vicinage of New Jersey Courts inside the historic Morris County Courthouse, which was built in 1827.
The free, self-guided exhibit commemorates America’s Semiquincentennial while launching the courthouse’s 200th anniversary celebration that will take place next year. Through historic photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays, visitors can explore more than 270 years of Morris County’s legal and civic history, tour the historic courtroom, and receive a complimentary copy of Founding Documents of the United States. The pocket pamphlet contains the United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence, courtesy of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. The exhibition is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Founded in 1804, with a history that includes federal forges, lumber and farming, ships’ anchors and circus showmen, Jefferson Township’s 45 square miles are also home to the George Chamberlain House and Miss Elizabeth’s Garden.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Two historic properties in Jefferson Township are among thirty-five projects across twenty municipalities receiving nearly five million dollars in historic preservation grants approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
The Chamberlain House was awarded $307,680 for the first phase of exterior restoration work, the largest construction grant awarded to a Jefferson Township property in this funding round.
The George Chamberlain House, 315 Dover-Milton Road, was favorably received by the State Review Board for Historic Sites. It was entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on September 3, 2009.
Camp Jefferson, formerly known as Camp Ranger and later Camp Clifton, was awarded $101,800 to support preparation of a Preservation Plan and a National Register nomination. The camp was founded as Camp Ranger in 1926 after the purchase of thirty-three acres by the Boy Rangers of Montclair and Glen Ridge, a predecessor organization to the Cub Scouts. The property was later owned by the Boys’ Club of Clifton from 1962 to 1994 and renamed Camp Clifton.
Both projects were recommended for funding by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board following its annual review process.
“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”
“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.
Since its inception, the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund program has helped protect Morris County’s historic resources while creating opportunities for heritage tourism, supporting economic development, and increasing public awareness of the county’s rich historic character.
Today, the George Chamberlain House serves as the Jefferson Township Museum, operated by the Jefferson Township Historical Society. It offers free public tours (first Sunday of each month, April–December, 1–4 p.m.) with costumed docents in period attire. The museum also features the Miss Elizabeth’s Garden and the Miss Elizabeth’s Shoppe (formerly the home’s kitchen)
TRENTON — State Senator Joe Pennacchio, a Republican representing Morris and Passaic Counties, delivered the following remarks on the fiscal year 2027 budget during the Senate’s voting session:
“Once again, the people of New Jersey are presented with a budget which prioritizes where you live, not what you need. Those voting for this budget will say they are addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. That in certain instances may be true, but not when it comes to our most vulnerable and needy children. Who would deny that the education we give our special needs children should be paramount in what this budget addresses. It does not.
“A number of years ago then Senate President Sweeney and I, along with other Senate colleagues, held statewide meetings to discuss school funding. What was agreed upon by all Republicans and Democrats was that the state had to first address the needs of those children. It happened. The State began increasing its share of the cost of special education. What was important to me was that this increase was not based on the zip code that the child lived in. Those children were determined to be all our children. Unfortunately, old habits die hard. The 2022 budget funded ninety percent of extraordinary special education costs.
2023 — eighty-four percent
2024 — seventy-two percent
2025 — sixty-two percent
“Last year, fifty-two percent. Final numbers are not in for this year’s budget but no doubt it follows the same pattern established the last five years. So, as this budget climbs ever higher, having increased seventy percent in nine short years, the obligation that we had agreed to when it came to the needs of our state’s special needs children has begun to evaporate. Plenty of taxpayer dollars for all sorts of things, some good, some not so good. This budget does not reestablish our educational priorities for all our most needy children. It does only if they live in the right zip code. So, I would ask my colleagues to please preface their commitments to our children by saying they do care about children, only their children,” Senator Pennacchio said.
MADISON — The Vital Stretch Madison, located at 89 Main Street, celebrated its grand opening recently with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The celebration welcomed Council President John Forte, Vital Stretch co-founders Robert and Melissa Goldring, owners Munjal and Roosha Parikh Attawala, members of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Downtown Development Commission, and a gathering of family, friends, and clients.
The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates The Vital Stretch Madison on its grand opening and welcomes the business to the Madison community. Residents are encouraged to visit and experience the personalized assisted stretching services offered at the new location.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll accepts the “Public Official of the Year Award” from outgoing NJSACOP President Andrew Caggiano, the Montville police chief
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police has named Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll its 2026x Public Official of the Year, recognizing a professional career that has spanned more than fifty years and reshaped how New Jersey investigates and prosecutes organized crime.
“Prosecutor Carroll has consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership and dedication to public service that this award recognizes,” said former New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police President Andrew Caggiano, the Montville police chief, whose term concluded June 24, 2026. “His commitment to Morris County reflects the highest standards we hold our public officials to, and the association is proud to honor him as Public Official of the Year.”
Few careers in New Jersey law enforcement carry the weight of Prosecutor Carroll’s. He built his reputation taking down some of the state’s most dangerous criminal organizations, work that culminated in the prosecution of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious “Iceman” killer, and a hierarchy-level racketeering murder conviction against the New Jersey Lucchese Crime Family.
As Chief of the state’s Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force, Prosecutor Carroll, working with a talented and dedicated team of state prosecutors and detectives, led investigations into all five La Cosa Nostra families operating in New Jersey, securing hundreds of convictions against organized crime figures and their networks.
That track record was built over decades, starting in the early 1970s as an Essex County Investigator and Assistant Prosecutor, and continuing with his selection in 1980 to the Division of Criminal Justice’s elite Special Prosecutions section, where he specialized in electronic surveillance and undercover organized crime investigations.
By 1986, Prosecutor Carroll was leading the Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force itself, rising to Assistant Attorney General.
Prosecutor Carroll’s influence has extended well beyond the courtroom. He has trained hundreds of state and tribal law enforcement leaders as an instructor at the New Jersey State Police Academy, the Essex County Police Academy, and in Native American programs, and his work has drawn commendations from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Secret Service, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Attorney’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, and numerous county prosecutor’s offices.
His public service record also includes stints as Acting Sussex County Prosecutor, Director of the Law Department for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and Compliance Officer overseeing thousands of background investigations for major Native American gaming facilities, where he also chaired a Gaming Regulatory Commission.
Since his appointment as Morris County Prosecutor in 2020, Prosecutor Carroll has continued that legacy, leading an office the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police cited for its steady leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public safety.
BOONTON — Boonton Main Street announces the return of Boonton Brewfest on Saturday, September 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Canal Side Park. One of the community’s most anticipated annual events, Brewfest will bring together craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, local food vendors, live entertainment, and community members for an unforgettable afternoon in the heart of historic Boonton.
Early Bird tickets are available now through July 22, offering attendees the best value before ticket prices increase.
Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from a variety of craft beverage producers, live performances by Random Vandals and From the Ground, local vendors, lawn games, and food available for purchase throughout the event. Additional participating breweries, wineries, distilleries, and vendors will be announced in the coming weeks.
Beyond providing a fun afternoon for attendees, Boonton Brewfest serves as an important fundraiser for Boonton Main Street. Proceeds directly support downtown revitalization efforts, community events, beautification projects, small business initiatives, and programs that help preserve and enhance the unique character of historic Boonton.
“Boonton Brewfest has become one of our signature community events, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate great local beverages while supporting the continued growth and vitality of our downtown,” said Boonton Main Street. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another memorable year.”
Event Details
Event: Boonton Brewfest 2026
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Canal Side Park, Boonton, New Jersey
Early Bird Ticket Deadline: July 22, 2026
Early Bird tickets are available now by clicking here.
For event updates, including participating breweries, wineries, distilleries, food vendors, and sponsors, follow Boonton Main Street on social media and visit the organization’s website.
About Boonton Main Street
Boonton Main Street is dedicated to strengthening and promoting Boonton’s historic downtown through community events, economic development, beautification initiatives, and support for local businesses. Through year-round programming and partnerships, the organization works to preserve the city’s unique character while fostering a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
The New Jersey Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century French “40 & 8” military railcar, designed to transport 40 soldiers or eight horses. It is one of 49 railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic from France recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train. The grant will support completion of construction documents for interior and exterior preservation efforts.
BOONTON — The Town of Boonton has been awarded a $18,560 grant to support ongoing preservation work on the New Jersey Merci Train boxcar, as part of nearly five million dollars in historic preservation grants approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
The grant is among thirty-five projects across twenty municipalities approved for funding from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, following a recommendation last month by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board.
The Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late nineteenth-century French “forty and eight” military railcar, originally built to transport either forty soldiers or eight horses. It is one of forty-nine such railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic gift from France, recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train.
The boxcar requires steel bracing and other preservation work, and the grant will support completion of construction documents for both interior and exterior preservation efforts. The applicant for the grant is the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, which is restoring the boxcar at its Boonton yard.
“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”
“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.
Since its inception, the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund program has helped protect Morris County’s historic resources while creating opportunities for heritage tourism, supporting economic development, and increasing public awareness of the county’s rich historic character.
DOVER — Dover Art Week will return this summer, running Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, August 1, with a different free activity offered each day throughout the week.
The week kicks off Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with Downtown Kick-Off at Meridia Transit Plaza, 2 West Blackwell Street, featuring live music from local bands.
On Monday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Photography Night will be held at Las Brisaz Restaurant, 29 East Blackwell Street, offering a photography lesson and a mini photo-art gallery.
Tuesday’s event, Comics and Graphic Novel Night, runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Meatflame Restaurant, 24 Bassett Highway, and will include a drawing lesson from a professional artist.
Sculpture Night takes place Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Richards Building, 7 North Sussex Street, giving attendees the chance to sculpt their own piece.
On Thursday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Painting Night will be held at Tequila’s 55, 55 East Blackwell Street, with instruction from a painting teacher.
Friday’s Student Art Night runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sabor Latino, 44 North Morris Street, where local student artists will share their work.
The week closes out Saturday, August 1, with two events. Art in the Park runs from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at J.F.K. Park, 51-99 East Clinton Street, and the Dover Public Library, offering activities and music for families. That evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Basement Bash will be held at The Amp, 10 North Warren Street, described as an art party at the new home of North Jersey art.
All Dover Art Week events are free to attend. More information is available at www.doverartweek.com.
The event is supported by the Town of Dover, Mayor James P. Dodd, and the Dover Town Council, along with West Morris Capital, Morris Arts, the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, The Amp, and the Dover Free Public Library.
MORRIS COUNTY — State Senator Anthony Bucco, a Republican representing Morris and Passaic Counties, released a statement this past week addressing the severe and unexpected storms that struck the region over the holiday weekend.
“I hope everyone is safe following this weekend’s unexpected and severe storms,” Bucco said. “Thank you to our first responders, Office of Emergency Management personnel, public works crews, utility workers, and everyone who worked tirelessly throughout the holiday weekend, in triple-digit temperatures, to keep our communities safe and restore essential services. I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and professionalism shown by so many.”
Bucco said he remained in close communication throughout the storm response with local mayors, county officials, the Governor’s Office, and Jersey Central Power and Light.
“Throughout the response, I remained in close communication with our local mayors, county officials, the Governor’s Office, and Jersey Central Power and Light,” Bucco said. “I have also shared several recommendations with the Governor and would like to work with Jersey Central Power and Light on ways to strengthen future storm response. While I appreciate the hard work of the utility crews in challenging conditions, there is room for improvement in communication, coordination, and the timely deployment of additional resources during widespread outages. By working together to address these issues, we can help reduce the impact on residents and improve the restoration process during future storms.”
Bucco said he was grateful for the cooperation shown across all levels of government and among emergency responders and utility partners during the response.
“I am grateful for the cooperation demonstrated by every level of government, our emergency responders, and our utility partners, all coming together with a shared commitment to serve the people of Morris County,” Bucco said. “We will continue working with all involved to ensure we are even better prepared for the next major weather event.”
