MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw was elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board of Trustees at the January 8 meeting.

“I thank my fellow Board members for electing me and I look forward to serving on the Executive Committee,” Commissioner Shaw said. “The NJTPA provides a vital regional perspective on transportation issues, whether supporting the key role that freight plays in our local economy or prioritizing funding for much-needed local safety improvements, like those the county is studying for East Main Street/Mendham Road in Mendham Borough and Mendham Township and South Morris Street in the Town of Dover.”

The NJTPA oversees regional transportation planning and annually authorizes more than $1 billion in federal surface transportation funding for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey.

The Executive Committee provides guidance and leadership to the full Board on a wide range of planning, policy, and administrative issues. It meets as needed to review financial, personnel, and policy matters. Board membership is an uncompensated position.

Commissioner Shaw has been in office since 2019 and joined the NJTPA Board in 2023, following the retirement of Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, who had previously represented the county on the board. This is his first time serving on the Executive Committee. He has also served as a member of the Planning & Economic Development Committee.

At the meeting, the NJTPA Board also selected four other members of its Executive Committee. The elected members of the Executive Committee are Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly, chair; Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, first vice-chair; and Warren County Commissioner Jason Sarnoski, second vice-chair. Following the bylaws, Chairman John W. Bartlett appointed Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski to the position of third vice-chair.

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers, and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. It establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects.

The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the 13 counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren), and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a Governor’s Representative, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT, the Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a Citizen’s Representative appointed by the Governor.

DOVER — In a heartwarming collaboration, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover joined forces with Casa Puerto Rico and Table of Hope to bring joy to children by donating over 100 toys for the recent Three Kings Children’s event held over the weekend.

The event kicked off with a captivating presentation of the story of the Three Kings, adding a touch of tradition and cultural significance to the celebration. Children and families alike were engaged and enchanted as the narrative unfolded, setting the stage for a memorable experience.

Following the storytelling session, the atmosphere transitioned into a lively party mode, igniting the excitement of the children present. Laughter echoed through the venue as families immersed themselves in a festive ambiance created by the combined efforts of the partnering organizations.

One of the highlights of the event was the distribution of over 100 toys generously donated by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, Olga Tsiavos from ReMax, and Table of Hope. Kiwanis members, hand in hand with the Table of Hope team, worked tirelessly to ensure each child received a special gift, enhancing the joy and magic of the occasion.

The collaboration between these organizations not only showcased the spirit of the community but also exemplified the power of collective efforts in making a positive impact. The event served as a testament to the commitment of these groups to contribute to the well-being of the community, particularly the children.

As the donated toys found new homes with eager recipients, the event became a great gathering of not just material gifts but also laughter, games, and the creation of lasting memories. Families shared moments of joy and unity, reinforcing the sense of community that events like these foster.

In the end, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, Casa Puerto Rico, and Table of Hope not only brought smiles to the faces of children but also strengthened the bonds within the community. The collaborative effort demonstrated the potential for positive change when organizations come together with a shared goal – making a difference in the lives of those they serve.