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Patrick’s Day Celebration Attracts Over 400 Attendees

By
Patrick Minutillo
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James Gannon, the Sheriff of Morris County, John Sette, the Chairman of Morris County CrimeStoppers, and Patrick Minutillo were seen enjoying the “Gannon Family Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration.

BOONTON — There’s no debate that the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Morristown has been a premiere event in Morris County for many years, but immediately after the parade has ended, and the crowds have dispersed, comes another long-standing event that many of us look forward to every year. The “Gannon Family Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration,” still going strong after 58 years. 

Gannon Family Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration

Despite some very gloomy weather throughout the day on Saturday, March 9th, over 400 people weren’t about to let a little rain and chilly temps dampen their spirits. They came out in droves, to the meeting hall of the SS. Cyril & Methodius Church in Boonton, sporting their finest green attire, to share a relaxing, fun, and spirited afternoon, complete with an Irish American meal of all-you-could-eat corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. As every year, all courtesy of the Gannon family. Of course, there were also plenty of desserts, Irish soda bread, and some cold brews to wash it all down. 

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, brother Kevin, as well as many other family members and friends, began the preparations days in advance (in actuality, this is an ongoing process starting the year before). The amount of food that had to be prepared had to be assembled in numerous large pots in the Sheriff’s daughter’s driveway and then delivered to the meeting hall. An unbelievable 305 pounds of corned beef, 100 pounds of potatoes, and 100 pounds of cabbage, and almost all of it went!  As much hard work as it took to put this amazing annual dinner together, you could hear the excitement and satisfaction in the Sheriff’s voice as he discussed how much he enjoyed and looked forward to carrying on this tradition year after year. A labor of love!

Irish American meal of all-you-could-eat corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. As every year, all courtesy of the Gannon family.

 Of course, this celebration offers more than a great corned beef and cabbage dinner. The large crowd was also treated with a local group of young step dancers, Morris County Bag Pipers, John Fox Jr. and Dan McConnell, (after all, what would an Irish function be without bagpipers), and the ongoing live music from the McArdle Brothers Band. And it was evident the crowd loved it all, you could feel the energy in the room. Lots of laughter, community spirit, and camaraderie filled the room throughout the event.

Attendees included such dignitaries as Commissioners Doug Cabana, Steve Shaw, Tayfun Selen, Morris County Prosecutor, Robert J. Carroll, and  Morris County CrimeStoppers Chairman, John Sette, among many other local business leaders, residents, and other supporters and friends.

Morris County Commissioners Stephen Shaw, Doug Cabana, and Patrick Minutillo

As mentioned, this event is about more than just great food, and a fun time for Sheriff Gannon, and his family. The event is a celebration of life. On the walls of the hall are photos of family members, past and present, who this event is in memory of. Specifically, the family patriarch, NYPD Detective Edward F. Gannon, the Sheriff’s father and mentor, their mother, Genevieve, who before passing never missed this event, Judge Edward V. Gannon, as well as many other family members who are no longer with us. It is a joyous event and a fitting way to honor and remember those before us. As one person nicely stated on social media; “Events like these bring people together, create lasting memories, and contribute to the rich cultural fabric of the community.” I could not agree more. Slainte!

Lots of laughter, community spirit, and camaraderie filled the room throughout the event.

Exclusive Living: Secure Your Spot in Florham Park’s Newest Address

By
Frank Cahill
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FLORHAM PARK — Garden Communities has launched pre-leasing at 147 Columbia Turnpike, with the first resident move-ins expected in late spring. The boutique multifamily rental community combines 126 luxury apartments with a complement of lifestyle amenities in one of Morris County’s most desirable suburban locales.

Situated at 147 Columbia Turnpike on a former office building site, the community features one- and two-bedroom apartments distinguished by their spacious, light-filled interiors and thoughtful contemporary design. Gourmet, center-island kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, in-suite washers and dryers, individually controlled heating/cooling, and remote keyless entry are among the community’s many luxury highlights.

According to their website, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,082 square feet with a den and balcony ranges from $2,945 to $3,045.

“Early enthusiasm and interest in 147 Columbia have been strong,” said Garden Communities’ Scott Loventhal, managing director. “These are beautiful, spacious apartments in the heart of a thriving municipality. We are thrilled to kick off leasing and look forward to welcoming our first residents.”

The two-building community’s pedestrian-friendly location, moments from downtown Florham Park, adds to its appeal. 147 Columbia offers a coveted address near shopping and dining, entertainment, parks, business centers, institutes of higher education and healthcare facilities. Locational advantages also include easy access to major highways and public transportation, and proximity to dynamic neighboring communities like Livingston, Morristown, Madison, and Chatham.

As one of the region’s most active developers in its high-end niche, Short Hills-based Garden Communities has a robust multifamily project pipeline that will introduce dozens of new communities in the tri-state area over the next several years. The company is recognized for its responsive, hands-on approach to property operations, and its focus on meeting the needs and desires of modern renters.

Senator Pennacchio Proposes Legislation to Address Towns’ Development Quotas

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Joe Pennachio

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio released the following statement to highlight legislation that would help towns meet court-mandated development quotas through regional contribution agreements (RCAs).

“Local officials are struggling to accommodate high-density, court-mandated development in their towns. It’s about time that we recognize their challenges and give municipalities the tools they need to preserve open space in their communities,” said Sen. Pennacchio (R-26). “We need to strike a balance between growth and preservation. We’re not just talking about helping more people achieve the American dream; we’re talking about helping families build successful futures in the communities they love. By allowing the use of RCAs once again, towns that would be negatively affected by mandatory development will be able to support the construction of low-cost housing units in areas that can best handle the growth and are eager to do so.” 

Since 2008, municipalities have been prohibited from using RCAs to meet court-mandated development quotas. This has created a burden for towns that have been forced to find space to build court-mandated development in communities that may not be able to support the increase in density. 

On Monday, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will vote on Democrat-led legislation to reform municipal responsibilities concerning court-mandated development. 

Senator Pennacchio believes RCAs — voluntary agreements between two willing municipalities to meet court-mandated development quotas — need to be a part of broader reforms to achieve fair results for both municipalities and homeowners in New Jersey.

Senator Pennacchio’s legislation, S-431, would amend the Fair Housing Act to re-authorize the use of RCAs by municipalities to meet court-mandated development quotas. The bill would also establish a role in the approval process for the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the Commissioner of Community Affairs, and the Attorney General.

Under the bill, municipalities would be authorized to propose transferring up to 50% of their fair share housing obligations to another municipality within its housing region through an RCA.

“Municipalities are in desperate need of relief from the burden of court-mandated development quotas. We need a broad, bipartisan approach to fix this issue for municipalities and this bill could accomplish that,” Sen. Pennacchio added. “RCAs would ensure that every town in New Jersey has skin in the game when determining the best areas to build low-cost housing.”

You can read the full text of S-431 online.  

To speak with Sen. Pennacchio about this legislation, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].

Dover and Hopatcong Residents Nabbed in Red Bull Shoplifting Scheme

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

DOVER — Police arrested two individuals, identified as 41-year-old Tracy Scafidi from Dover and 36-year-old Gary Savage from Hopatcong, for attempting to steal hundreds of dollars worth of Red Bull from a Target store in Fairfield.

The suspects filled their carts with cases of the energy drink and attempted to exit the store without paying.

Security personnel recognized them from previous incidents and monitored their activities. Scafidi loaded her cart with 12 cases of Red Bull and several other items, while Savage filled his with eight cases.

The total value of the stolen items amounted to $479.08. Upon searching the suspects, police found drug paraphernalia on them.

Both individuals face charges of shoplifting, conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia and are being held at Essex County Jail awaiting their initial court appearance.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Two Indicted in Connection with October 2023 Shooting at Roxbury Motel

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone announce that Auraceli A. Maldonado, 24, of Irvington, and Jean Omar Rockson, 33, of Orange, have been indicted in connection with the shooting of a man at the Roxbury Motel on October 18, 2023.

Authorities previously announced the arrest of Maldonado in connection with the incident. Maldonado has been held at the Morris County Correctional Facility under the Criminal Justice Reform Act since her arrest last November. Following a thorough investigation, Rockson was arrested on February 15, 2024, outside of his residence. Rockson is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility under the Criminal Justice Reform Act.

Rockson and Maldonaldo were indicted by a grand jury on three counts of first-degree Robbery, one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, one count of second-degree Aggravated Assault, one count of second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and one count of third-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

The charges stem from the shooting of a man at the Roxbury Motel on Route 46 in Roxbury on October 18, 2023. At approximately 8:54 p.m., authorities were notified that a man had been shot at that location. Roxbury Police officers arrived on scene, located a male victim with a gunshot wound to the leg, and provided lifesaving medical aid. The 36-year-old victim was transported to a medical center with severe but not life-threatening injuries. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the incident.

Subsequent investigation revealed the victim had planned to meet with an unknown suspect at the motel. On the date of the incident, surveillance video captured a Honda Accord with a New York registration arriving at the motel parking lot, and a man and a woman are depicted exiting the vehicle. It is alleged that these two individuals met with the victim and that the woman was armed with an AR-style rifle during the interaction. It is alleged that the two suspects robbed the victim, who was shot in the leg during a struggle for the firearm, and fled the scene.

It is alleged that Rockson provided Maldonado with the firearm used in the commission of the robbery.

Both defendants have been scheduled for an Arraignment before the Hon. Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. on March 11, 2024.

Prosecutor Carroll acknowledges the efforts of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Roxbury Police Department, the Orange Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on this investigation.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

57-Year-Old Joseph McInerney Arrested for DWI by Patrolman Grady

By
Frank Cahill
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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MOUNTAIN LAKES — On January 12th, at approximately 7:22 p.m., Mountain Lakes Patrolman Grady conducted a motor vehicle stop on an erratic driver on Route 46 West that led to the arrest of the driver, 57-year-old Joseph McInerney of Mountain Lakes, for driving while intoxicated.

Mr. McInerney was processed and released pending a mandatory court date.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Amanda Granata Named to Dean’s List at Youngstown State University

By
Frank Cahill
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Amanda Granata

FLORHAM PARK — Amanda Granata, Biology – Pre Veterinary track major, has been named to the Dean’s List at Youngstown State University for Fall Semester 2023.

Dean’s List recognition is awarded to full-time undergraduate students who have earned at least a 3.4 grade point average for not less than 12 semester hours of credit in the Fall semester.

Youngstown State University is a comprehensive urban research university that offers nearly 11,000 students more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs backed by a strong tradition of teaching, scholarship, and public service.

As a major educational and economic development resource in the region, YSU is known for its focus on academic research and creative programs that transform its students into successful professionals, scholars, and leaders. Located in the heart of the Tech Belt between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, YSU provides opportunities for students to actively participate with accomplished faculty, often in one-on-one settings, in advanced research and creative collaborations.

The beautiful 145-acre campus includes high-tech classrooms, state-of-the-art labs and performance facilities, a variety of on-campus housing options, and recreational facilities among the best in the nation. For more information click here.

Angels’ Halos to Host Exciting Pickleball Tournament

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

FLORHAM PARK — The annual Pickleball Round Robin, hosted by the Halos for Angels Junior Board, will take place on Saturday, May 18, at the tennis courts located at 111 Ridgedale Avenue in Florham Park Borough.

There will be two sessions available: the first from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, and the second from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m.

Due to limited space, early registration is encouraged. To register click here.

Sending Unsolicited Lewd Photos Could Become a Crime in NJ

By
Frank Cahill
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Assemblywoman Aura Dunn

MORRIS COUNTY — Texting a lewd photo to someone without their consent could soon be a crime in New Jersey under a bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and passed by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

“Sexual harassment and indecent exposure have evolved with technology and that is what this bill aims to address. Texting unwanted pornographic photos has become too common and the perpetrators out there need to be deterred and face consequences for continuing their unsolicited advances and offenses,” Dunn (R-Morris) said.

The bill (A1939) treats the sending of unsolicited nude pictures like flashing or streaking by incorporating it under the lewdness criminal statutes. Under the bill, sending an unsolicited nude photo would become a disorderly person’s offense, which is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both. If the person sending the photo knows or reasonably expects it will be observed by a child under 13, it is upgraded to a fourth-degree crime and punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both.

“Young women are overwhelmingly the victims in these types of incidents and they need to be protected. In today’s digital world, they can be targeted, coerced, humiliated, and harassed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This law would give them legal recourse,” Dunn said.

Dunn was also a prime sponsor of a 2023 law that criminalized sexual extortion, the act of stealing sexual images and then threatening to spread them, or coercing someone into taking explicit photos or videos to use them for blackmail.

OPRA Inquiries Expose Redaction Mistakes in Dover Police Public Records by Dover Focus

By
Focus Staff
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Dover Police. File Photo.

DOVER — During a four-month span, Dover Focus submitted several requests for documents via the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and uncovered that hundreds of items had not been properly redacted, thereby risking the privacy of citizens and potentially exposing the Town of Dover to significant legal challenges.

Frank Cahill, the publisher of Dover Focus, Parsippany Focus, and Morris Focus, boasts a 35-year tenure as an active journalist. Over the years, he has tirelessly pursued investigative journalism, marked by a plethora of OPRA requests directed at various municipalities. These efforts have yielded thousands of records spanning township budgets, ordinances, police accident reports, and a myriad of other documents. Cahill’s unwavering dedication to transparency and his pursuit of public information underscores his commitment to fostering informed citizenship.

OPRA, a state law in New Jersey, empowers citizens with greater access to government records maintained by public agencies. This includes entities such as townships, counties, school districts, and independent authorities. Government agencies are legally bound to respond to requests within a stipulated timeframe, typically within 7 business days.

Dover Focus utilizes the OPRA extensively as part of its reporting and investigative processes.

In an email to the Dover Police Department on January 26 “I wish to draw your attention to the fact that I have submitted three OPRA requests to the police department, with the earliest one dated January 7. However, I have not yet received any response. I believe that the statutory response time has elapsed, particularly for the request dated January 7. Could you please provide an estimated timeline for when I can anticipate a response? For your convenience, I have attached copies of all three requests for your reference.”

I immediately was CC’ed on an email to Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney from Business Administrator BettyLou DeCroce that said “Chief, Please advise if your department is answering this request.” Shortly thereafter I received answers to my requests.

Dover Focus submitted a highly significant OPRA request to the Dover Police Department on January 26, 2024. Within three days, by January 29, we received a response.

Contained within the response was 10 pages, which shockingly included at least eight pieces of information that were supposed to be redacted. These included sensitive details such as social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and dates of birth.

On February 14, Focus submitted an OPRA requesting four detailed events. On February 16, I received a response with some of the requested items.  On February 18, Focus resubmitted the February 14 OPRA highlighting all the items that were not received. The police officer body cams of the event were omitted; All police reports, investigation reports, summons, and body cams regarding all unknown persons loitering, drinking in public, open containers of alcohol relating to February 7 at approximately 8:00 p.m. at Merida Transit Plaza Apartments; Video from a police camera located at the corner of Blackwell Street and Sussex Street on Wednesday, February 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In the February 16 response, we only received three minutes of the video and the requested period was not supplied.  As of this date, March 4, Dover Focus still has not received the footage from the area as requested. After my second request, the other items were received.

On February 21 Dover Focus submitted another OPRA request. It was answered on February 28, within the OPRA response timeline. The OPRA response was a total of 93 Pages. Each document contained at least two items that were supposed to be redacted.  Some of the documents contained information regarding Dover Focus (Morris Focus) and were not redacted.

On February 28, Dover Focus received two responses from an OPRA request from the Dover Police Department. The OPRA response consisted of 51 pages. Included in the pages were 66 items that should have been redacted and not released to the public. Interestingly, some of the items redacted were performed incorrectly.

Redactors must be respectful of the confidentiality of the data to be redacted, mindful of the need to preserve that confidentiality when they identify and redact it, and at all times in the future. Confidential material that should be redacted:

  • Taxpayer ID numbers, social security numbers, and employer ID numbers are redacted by leaving out everything but the last four numbers. For example: xxx-xx-1234.
  • Dates of birth are redacted by leaving out everything but the year. For example: xx/xx/1996.
  • Telephone numbers, home addresses, and email addresses.
  • Children’s names are redacted by leaving out everything but the child’s initials. For example: North West might be redacted as N.W or N—- W—. A child is under 18 years old.
  • Financial account numbers are redacted by leaving out everything but the last four numbers. Financial accounts include credit or debit card numbers, bank account numbers, investment account numbers, and insurance account numbers. For example, you might redact a credit card number like this: xxxx-xxx-xxxx-1234.

Should a request for access to government records be denied, individuals have the right to challenge the decision through legal avenues, either by filing a complaint with the Government Records Council (GRC) or initiating a proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey.

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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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