MORRIS COUNTY — Through February 17, Chick-fil-A of Morris Plains is currently running a charitable initiative called “Cookies for a Cause,” where every purchase of cookies contributes $1.00 to Homeless Solutions.
Located at 1711 Route 10, Morris Plains, within the Briarcliff Commons Shopping Center, this campaign aims to support Homeless Solutions’ efforts in providing shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County.
BOONTON — Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad has rebranded to Boonton Volunteer EMS.
Since their inception in 1938, they’ve served as the Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad, primarily supported by the Kiwanis Club of Boonton, under whose umbrella we were established.
Over time, the Kiwanis Club of Boonton membership waned, leading to a decline in support.
The former name holds deep meaning for our longstanding members and supporters who know us as the “Kiwanis Ambulance.” While their name has changed, their dedication to service remains unwavering.
Boonton Volunteer EMS continues to operate solely on a volunteer basis, offering our services free. The new name reflects our current status, yet we remain committed to honoring the enduring legacy of our founders.
Interested in joining the team? Visit bvems.org or email [email protected] for more details.
Meanwhile, a new Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town has been established, catering to Boonton, Boonton Township, and Mountain Lakes. For further details, please click here to visit their website. Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town also sponsors the Key Club of Mountain Lakes High School.
PARSIPPANY — Liquid Church, a rapidly growing Christian congregation in New Jersey, announces its commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Night To Shine, a special event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. In honor of this milestone, Liquid Church will host two complimentary prom nights for teenagers and adults with special needs on Thursday, February 8th, and Friday, February 9th. Anticipating the participation of 700 special guests and supported by 1,000 volunteers, these evenings promise unforgettable experiences.
Lead pastor and Liquid Church founder Tim Lucas expressed his excitement: “It’s our privilege and passion to serve families with special needs, and we’re eagerly looking forward to welcoming hundreds of teens and adults to Liquid as we celebrate a decade of Night To Shine this February! Night To Shine is a testament to God’s love for individuals with special needs, and we spare no effort in rolling out the red carpet for our esteemed guests. Every attendee is treated as royalty at Night To Shine!”
Night to Shine is a global movement that unites communities simultaneously. At Liquid Church’s prom, attendees can anticipate a grand entrance on the red carpet, luxurious limousine rides, karaoke, delectable dining, pampering beauty treatments, shoe-shining stations, entertaining games, and ample dancing opportunities. Most importantly, each guest will be paired with a dedicated “buddy” to ensure they receive VIP treatment throughout the event.
For further details on Night to Shine hosted by Liquid Church in Parsippany, please click here.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — On Sunday, February 4th, at 2:15 p.m., the Boonton Township Fire Department received a dispatch to 22 Miller Drive for a reported Residential Structure Fire. Upon arrival, assistance from the Boonton Fire Department and Denville Fire Department was immediately requested, with Boonton providing an Engine and a Ladder.
Upon Patrol’s confirmation of a working fire, Chief 1 swiftly escalated the response by initiating the second alarm. This brought additional Parsippany Districts 2 and 4 Fire Departments units to the scene. Furthermore, a tanker task force was mobilized, drawing support from Kinnelon and Rockaway Township fire departments.
The intensity of the fire and its venting through the roof necessitated further reinforcement, leading to an additional alarm. This brought tankers from Mine Hill Fire Department, Mount Arlington Fire Department, West Milford Fire Department, Budd Lake Fire Department, and New Vernon Fire Department. Additional Engines were dispatched from the Parsippany District 5 Fire Department, Butler Fire Department, and Montville Fire Department.
Morris Plains Fire Department dispatched an air truck, with the Morris County Regional Fire Coordinator and Passaic County Fire Coordinator also present. Boonton EMS and Morris County Office of Emergency Management assisted throughout.
Despite an aggressive interior attack, the house was deemed uninhabitable, and it took approximately an hour and a half to bring the fire under control. Gratitude is extended to all mutual aid partners involved, with 16 fire companies from across Morris County collaborating to extinguish the fire.
While the house was not entirely lost and is rebuildable, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initially reported as a tractor fire beneath the attached deck, fortunately, no injuries were sustained, and all occupants evacuated safely.
MORRIS PLAINS — Authorities reported that on Tuesday morning, February 6, a tragic incident occurred in Morris Plains as a man lost his life when his vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree.
The single-vehicle accident took place at approximately 10:00 a.m. while the man was traveling southbound on Littleton Road near Totten Way, according to the police. The man’s identity is being kept confidential until his next of kin are informed, and it has been disclosed that he was in his 60s.
Emergency responders promptly transported him to Morristown Medical Center, where he was sadly pronounced deceased, as confirmed by officials.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, and the police currently lack additional details.
Additional agencies that responded to the scene included the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris Plains Fire Department, Morris Plains Department of Public Works, and the Morris County Department of Public Works.
DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert M. McNally, Dover Chief of Police Jonathan Delaney, and Randolph Chief of Police Will Harzula confirmed that a jury had found Jessie Meneses, 37, formerly of Dover, guilty on all charges related to kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault that occurred on September 5, 2021, in Randolph, Victory Gardens, and Dover.
Following a six-day trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict on February 2, 2024. The defendant was found guilty of two counts of first-degree Kidnapping, three counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, three counts of second-degree Sexual Assault, three counts of third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, three counts of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, one count of third-degree Terroristic Threats, one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Witness Tampering and third-degree Witness Tampering.
A sentencing date has been scheduled for March 8, 2024, before the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J. Cr. The defendant will remain in custody until that time. At sentencing, the Kidnapping, Aggravated Sexual Assault, and Sexual Assault convictions are subject to the No Early Release Act(NERA), which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence imposed.
The charges arose from an incident that occurred on September 5, 2021, in Randolph, wherein the defendant sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend in his vehicle. Additionally, he transported and confined her from Randolph, through Victory Gardens, and ultimately to Dover, where she was able to escape and report Meneses to the police. Members of the Dover and Randolph Police Departments and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes & Child Endangerment Unit investigated the incident after being notified of the victim’s disclosure. On or between April 1, 2022, and October 5, 2022, Meneses communicated with family members about contacting the victim to have her change her version of events or withdraw the criminal action.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the successful guilty verdict, including the Dover Police Department, the Randolph Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes & Child Endangerment Unit. The Prosecutor commended Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Reema Sethi Kareer and Assistant Prosecutor Samantha Polizzi, Detective Raquelin Perea, Detective Supervisor Lydia Negron, SART/SANE Coordinator Alexis Rachel, and all others who contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution in this case.
FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Police Department is currently investigating alleged illegal activities at a local business after receiving a tip from the cleaning staff reporting that stolen motor vehicles were being chopped up at the location.
On January 29, 2024, at approximately 2:33 a.m., the Fairfield Police Department received information indicating that Veracity Stone Fabricators, located at 23 Daniel Road East, was being used to house and disassemble stolen motor vehicles.
Further information provided by the caller stated that this evidence would be removed before 6:00 a.m. The caller also provided police with photos showing vehicles disassembled at the business.
Fairfield Police Officers immediately responded to the location to investigate and found no one present. It is alleged that what they did find was a stripped-down 2016 blue Honda CRV in the rear parking lot. It was discovered that this vehicle had been reported stolen by New York City police on December 11, 2023. The engine of this vehicle was later found inside of the Veracity business. All of the vehicles were Honda CRV’s. They became a popular car to steal following an online video posted that taught techniques on stealing the vehicle.
While the officers were at this location conducting their preliminary investigation, it was alleged that a suspicious Honda Ridgeline came to the property twice. It was eventually stopped, and its three occupants were detained. It is further alleged that one of the occupants, identified as Hector Ramirez-Alfaro, 29, of Ridgewood, was found in possession of suspected cocaine. He was arrested, charged, and later released.
Further investigation by Fairfield police detectives allegedly resulted in the discovery of a second, chopped-up vehicle which was a 2016 grey Honda CRV inside of the building. This vehicle was also reported stolen by New York City police on January 5, 2024.
Two additional vehicles were found at the scene and impounded as suspicious. One, a chopped-up black Honda CRV, had its VIN number defaced. The other, a black Honda CRV, had its VIN number concealed. Police will be seeking search warrants to obtain information for these two cars.
At this time, the Fairfield Police Department is now trying to determine if this was part of a larger organization.
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.
MORRIS COUNTY — A lineup of distinguished figures including Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, and the 200 Club of Morris County is thrilled to announce the return of Law Enforcement Night to Mennen Arena.
This exciting event is scheduled for Friday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices has gained recognition in Morris County for its numerous initiatives and the valuable information it provides to combat drug and alcohol abuse. The Coalition advocates for introducing children to new activities and promoting substance-free events to boost their self-esteem. Comprising elected officials, law enforcement personnel, educational leaders, and concerned citizens, the Coalition stays current with the latest trends and challenges affecting our children.
Law Enforcement Night brings together officers and police departments from across the state. It offers youngsters a firsthand look at how law enforcement officers positively impact our community. This event has a history of fostering relationships and often opens up career possibilities for teenagers who may not have previously considered such a path. Typically, people only encounter law enforcement officers and first responders on their worst days, but this event provides a unique opportunity to interact with them on a very positive note.
The array of equipment on display at this event never fails to impress, even adults. Attendees can explore the Morris County Hope One Van, examine various ambulances and emergency vehicles, try on riot gear, handle handcuffs, and engage with the law enforcement community in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
DOVER — In a resounding testament to community unity and shared responsibility, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover orchestrated their second successful coat distribution event, reinforcing collaborative efforts with the Town of Dover and the generous support of the Office of Assemblyman Christian Barranco. Building upon the success of their inaugural event, this recent initiative underscored the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment of community leaders to meet the needs of Dover’s vibrant population.
Sergio Rodriguez, the President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming response to their first coat distribution. He emphasized the heightened impact of the second event, attributing it to the increased partnerships that were forged in the interim. Rodriguez shed light on the pivotal role played by the Office of Assemblyman Christian Barranco, whose generous donation of jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves amplified the scope and effectiveness of the distribution.
A notable addition to their network of collaborators was the Salvation Army of Dover, an integral partner now facilitating the availability of jackets whenever the community requires them. This strategic alliance ensured a continuous and substantial supply of winter essentials for residents in need.
Choosing the Dover Town Hall as the event’s location was a thoughtful decision, recognizing the town’s walking-centric nature and ensuring easy accessibility for residents. Maria Solines, a Kiwanis Member and also a member of the Dover Board of Education, shared the joy of witnessing children trying on their new jackets, underscoring the positive impact on both parents and their little ones.
Dover Council member AB Santana, another active Kiwanis member, reflected on the community impact, emphasizing that supporting one another with available resources and connections is the true essence of community service. He shared, “This is what it’s all about—taking the resources and connections that we have to directly benefit our community and then seeing the reward in the form of smiling faces is enough for me.”
Maria Rosario, a dedicated Kiwanis member and community leader, highlighted the significance of having a centralized channel, such as the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, to efficiently allocate resources to where they are needed most in the community. This streamlined approach ensures that community needs are met promptly and effectively.
Looking ahead, President Sergio Rodriguez unveiled the Kiwanis’ comprehensive plans for future events, indicating a keen focus on addressing the unique needs of the elderly community. Acknowledging that many seniors lack housing and struggle with essential services, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover aims to guide them through the application process for senior housing, as well as assist in reducing cable and electric bills. Rodriguez expressed his visionary commitment to fostering unity among Dover’s diverse population, involving high school students in these initiatives to create a community that supports one another across all demographics.
In summary, the second successful coat distribution by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, in collaboration with key partners, serves as a compelling testament to the positive impact that collective efforts can have on a community. With a clear vision for the future, the Kiwanis members are resolute in their determination to continue making a lasting difference in Dover, bridging gaps, and building a stronger, more connected community for all. As the spirit of collaboration continues to thrive, Dover stands as a beacon of unity, compassion, and community resilience.
For more information and to become involved in the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover click here.
MADISON — The Madison chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is excited to announce a free, one-night event focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for girls in grades seven through nine. Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12th, at the Madison Community House located at 25 Cook Avenue.
This unique event will utilize a speed-dating format, allowing young female students the opportunity to rotate between small groups and engage in conversations with STEM professionals. They’ll get to learn about the experiences, histories, and careers of these inspiring women in STEM.
To secure your spot for this empowering event, girls can register by clicking here. Don’t miss this chance to explore the exciting world of STEM!
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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