MORRIS COUNTY — The Wellness Gala is thrilled to present “A Day Like Never Before” on Sunday, March 3, at Calandra’s Best Western in Fairfield, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join The Wellness Gala for an enlightening event where a panel of World-Renowned Intuitives and healers will gather to share insights on various pertinent topics. Their expert panel will cover everything from heart matters to career choices, spiritual growth, and communicating with departed loved ones. After their discussions, the floor will be open to the audience for Q&A sessions.
They are honored to have Concetta Bertoldi, a NY Times best-selling author and world-renowned psychic medium, as part of our esteemed panel.
In addition to the enlightening discussions, attendees can enjoy coffee, dessert, readings, healing sessions, and explore unique vendor offerings.
For tickets and more information, call (973) 713-6811, or click here. Join them for a day of insight, healing, and connection.
HANOVER — Hamilton College proudly recognizes Brendan Waivada for his outstanding academic achievements and inclusion on the Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester.
Brendan is also a first-year student and graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School, Class of 2021.
To earn a place on the Dean’s List, students must have maintained a course load of four or more graded credits throughout the semester and achieved an impressive average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Located in Clinton, New York, Hamilton College is renowned for its commitment to liberal arts education.
With an open curriculum and extensive opportunities for research, internships, and off-campus study, Hamilton empowers students to pursue their passions. Graduates emerge prepared to lead purposeful lives, benefiting from dedicated faculty mentors, abundant resources, and a supportive alumni network.
Hamilton College’s need-blind admission policy ensures accessibility for talented students from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about Hamilton College, click here.
MADISON — Hamilton College proudly recognizes Sasha Knoll for her outstanding academic achievements and inclusion on the Dean’s List for the 2023 fall semester.
Sasha is a first-year student and graduate of Madison High School.
To earn a place on the Dean’s List, students must have maintained a course load of four or more graded credits throughout the semester and achieved an impressive average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Located in Clinton, New York, Hamilton College is renowned for its commitment to liberal arts education.
With an open curriculum and extensive opportunities for research, internships, and off-campus study, Hamilton empowers students to pursue their passions. Graduates emerge prepared to lead purposeful lives, benefiting from dedicated faculty mentors, abundant resources, and a supportive alumni network.
Hamilton College’s need-blind admission policy ensures accessibility for talented students from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about Hamilton College, click here.
Gas and Diesel, 145 Route 10 East, is generally the cheapest gas station in the area.
For most people, it is a constant necessity of life to manage gas prices.
The national average price for a gallon of regular-grade gas on Tuesday is $3.225; a week ago, the price was $3.145, according to AAA.
In New Jersey, the average gas gallon cost was around $3.164 on Tuesday; a week ago, the price was $3.138, according to information from the American Automobile Association. The average price in East Hanover was $3.078.
Here’s a list of stations and their prices near you. In East Hanover, the gas price ranges from $2.87 to $3.19, according to GasBuddy. Gas and Diesel, 145 Route 10 East, is generally the cheapest gas station in the area.
Address
REG
MID
PREM
DSL
Gas and Diesel, 145 Route 10 East
2.87
2.94
3.19
–
Fuel 4, 532 Ridgedale Avenue
2.97
–
3.85
–
Sunoco,626 Ridgedale Avenue
3.17
3.39
–
–
Exxon, 349 Route 10 East
3.19
3.43
3.7
3.99
Exxon, 6 Eagle Rock Avenue
3.19
3.39
–
–
Please note prices may vary and can change frequently. Always check the current prices before going to the gas station.
MORRIS COUNTY — Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., based in Mount Olive Township, has initiated a recall of various ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa due to potential under-processing, posing a risk of foodborne pathogen contamination, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Monday.
The RTE Coppa products feature a range of best-by dates. Consumers can access information regarding the recalled products and their corresponding labels online.
Identified products bear establishment numbers “EST. M47967 or M7543B” within the USDA mark of inspection or in inkjet print on the front packaging. These items were distributed to distributors and retail locations nationwide.
FSIS, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, is actively investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella. While unopened RTE Coppa products collected during the investigation tested positive for salmonella, they had not been released into commerce. Following further inquiry, FSIS determined potential under-processing in the recalled product.
Ongoing testing is underway to ascertain the link between the positive product sample for salmonella and the outbreak. Fratelli Beretta USA previously conducted a recall of charcuterie products on January 3, 2024, due to potential Salmonella contamination, with FSIS issuing a public health alert on January 18, 2024, concerning additional charcuterie products. Individuals experiencing illness symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
Consumption of Salmonella-contaminated food can lead to salmonellosis, a common bacterial foodborne illness characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 6 hours to 6 days post-consumption. The illness typically ranges from 4 to 7 days, with most individuals recovering without medical intervention. However, severe cases may necessitate hospitalization, particularly among older adults, infants, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Concerned consumers are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.
FSIS cautions that recalled products may be present in retailers’ and consumers’ refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume them and should discard or return them to the place of purchase.
The FSIS regularly conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify customers of the recall and take necessary measures to remove the product from consumer access. Retail distribution lists will be made available on the FSIS website when accessible.
Consumers may contact Marco Lastrico, Public Relations, Busseto Foods, at (917) 634-1685 or [email protected] for inquiries regarding the recall. Additionally, consumers can contact the Busseto Recall Hotline at (866) 552-4916.
For food safety concerns, consumers can contact the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or submit inquiries via email to [email protected]. Consumers may access the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System click here to report issues with meat, poultry, or egg products.
MORRIS PLAINS — If you want to donate blood and make a difference, mark your calendars for Thursday, February 15. The Morris Plains Community Center, located at 51 Jim Fear Drive in Morris Plains, will host a blood drive from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
To ensure a smooth process, appointments are encouraged. You can schedule your appointment by visiting nybc.org/njdrive and using the code 07668. Alternatively, feel free to call Genevieve at (732) 672-5281.
Your donation could save lives, so don’t miss this opportunity to give back to your community!
HANOVER — Hanover Township has a supply of new blue recycling cans (with lids), free of charge, one per household, to Hanover Township Residents only. The procedure is as follows:
Report to the General Office in the Hanover Township main municipal building (building with the clock in front). The hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Submit your identification (license), and a written receipt will be given to you.
Bring the receipt to the Recycling Center at the end of Stoney Brook Road (the road between the Community Center and the DPW garage), and the attendant will provide you with a new can and lid.
Recycling Center hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Thursday: CLOSED Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Note: if you would like to dispose of an old/damaged recycling can, you may bring it to the Recycling Center to recycle it.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation has started mailing applications for the 2023 Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement program. This year’s program has significantly expanded, with the income eligibility limit substantially increasing and residency requirements simplified for new applicants.
The Senior Freeze program aims to reimburse qualifying seniors and disabled residents for rises in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residences.
Legislation passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Phil Murphy as part of the Governor’s FY23 budget proposal has widened the program’s scope. This includes increasing the income limit to $150,000 (previously $99,735 for 2022) and eliminating the 10-year New Jersey residency requirement.
Applications for the 2023 program must be filed by October 31, 2024.
State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio stated, “With Senior Freeze, senior and disabled residents can choose to stay in the communities they call home without worrying about annual property tax increases. This program makes it easier for many seniors living on a fixed income to remain close to their families and friends.”
The Senior Freeze program establishes a base year of eligibility and “freezing” property taxes at that level. The difference is refunded annually by the State.
To qualify, taxpayers must meet specific requirements, including being 65 or older by December 31, 2022, owning and living in their home, and meeting income criteria.
Applications will be mailed to eligible taxpayers’ last known addresses. Those who do not receive a booklet by March 15 should contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Information Line.
Furthermore, residents can apply online through a direct online filing service introduced by the Treasury in 2023.
Treasurer Muoio encourages residents to explore other property tax relief programs available in New Jersey.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, and Morris Plains Police Chief and Morris County Police Chief’s Association President Michael Koroski remind residents always to secure their homes and vehicles.
Coordinated law enforcement efforts have shown great promise, as auto theft in Morris County decreased 27.8% countywide last year compared to the year before, and continued vigilance by our citizens will reduce theft opportunities presented by unsecured homes and vehicles. This contrasts with New Jersey statistics, demonstrating an increased number of stolen vehicles statewide.
The decrease is due in part to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Trends and Analysis Team (MCSTAT), Morris County Auto Theft Task Force, and our municipal departments remaining focused on combating the trend of organized thieves stealing unlocked vehicles or key fobs in unsecured homes. Some municipal departments dedicate officers voluntarily to the Auto Theft Task Force. These agencies work collaboratively with the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force to target organized criminal auto theft activity.
Motor Vehicle Thefts
Morris County
New Jersey
2020
269
11,785
2021
240
14,416
2022
273
15,816
2023
197
16,605
However, it is important to note that criminals are entering unlocked cars or homes or breaking into residences in search of key fobs and other valuables, escalating the danger of confrontation with homeowners.
These criminal enterprises operate in a coordinated fashion utilizing “drop cars,” where multiple members are deployed in a neighborhood simultaneously. They canvas for unlocked doors and target luxury brand models. Over the past year, Morris County has seen thieves strike most frequently on weekdays, often during the overnight hours. Hotspot municipalities in the county include Parsippany, Morris Township, Montville, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, and Randolph.
Residents are asked to be mindful when safeguarding their homes and vehicles:
Ensure all doors, including interior garage doors and windows, are locked.
Do not leave key fobs in cars, especially since they can be used to access homes.
Remove delivered packages from porches and in front of your residence quickly.
Park luxury cars in the garage whenever possible, even during the day.
Lock vehicles when not in use.
Keep the exterior of your residence well-lit.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Steering wheel security devices are recommended.
Review home surveillance recordings regularly and share footage of suspicious activity with local law enforcement.
In recent years, Morris County law enforcement leaders have supported proposed federal and state legislation that would assist law enforcement in combatting vehicle theft.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Auto theft is a statewide problem we are approaching with a regional strategy in Morris County through coordination, intelligence-sharing, technology, and public awareness. Law enforcement is seeing networks operating in Morris County that employ the use of juveniles to enter cars and homes, knowing criminal penalties are less strict than those for adult defendants. Our goal is to break the chain of conduct being exhibited by juvenile offenders, leading them away from the path of becoming career criminals as adults. At the same time, the MCPO aims to prosecute adult defendants to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that members of these networks pose a risk of reoffence. One such strategy is to petition the court to grant pretrial detention, when appropriate under the Bail Reform Law, which could disrupt their operation. Our federal law enforcement partners have also conveyed that they are targeting the financial incentives that are the driving force behind these vehicle thefts.
I recognize that discovering an intruder in your home is a frightening situation. For your safety, I ask that residents not confront suspected home intruders. Instead, contact your local police immediately.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “Our efforts are working due to partnerships between our residents and the police. Educating our citizens, proactive, diligent police patrols, and good intelligence-driven detective work are making a difference, but more must be done. Criminals are becoming more aggressive and dangerous. The safety of our residents is of paramount importance. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office will continue to take care of our duties and responsibilities while collaborating with our law enforcement partners.”
Chief President Koroski said, “The decrease in auto thefts in Morris County is a testament to the work of our municipal law enforcement patrol officers and detectives. The importance of the partnerships in Morris County, led by Prosecutor Carroll, Sheriff Gannon, and the membership of the Morris County Chiefs Association, cannot be understated. Residents can count themselves among that partnership by locking their vehicles and homes and reporting suspicious activity, without delay, to 911.”
MORRIS COUNTY — U.S. Army veteran Toby Anderson has dropped his bid to challenge Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) in New Jersey’s 11th district, one week after he filed to compete for the organization line at the Morris County Republican convention.
The move leaves Joseph Belnome, a Belleville building inspector, unopposed to run as the organization candidate in Morris County. Morris made up 73.5% of the vote in the 2022 GOP House primary in NJ-11.
“I wish him well and hope to get his support. He’s an America First candidate like I am,” Belnome said. “He was always going to have my support if he won.”
Joseph Belnome pictured with Boonton Township resident Chris Ilic.
Anderson and Belnome were present on Monday, February 11, at a fundraiser held at Rockaway Barn Restaurant by Morris County Republicans.
Belnome may face Raafat Barsoom in the GOP primary to take on Sherrill.
This would be Barsoom’s fourth bid for public office: he won 18% of the vote against State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) in 2013; 11% in the Republican primary for Congress in the 7th district against Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton Township) in 2018; and 11% against Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield) in NJ-7 two years ago.
Belnome, a former union bricklayer, was the GOP candidate for State Senate in the 34th district last year; he won 24% against the winner, Democrat Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange).
The Morris County towns serving in the 11th Congressional District include Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Township (part; also 7th), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph Township, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, and Victory Gardens.
