MORRIS COUNTY — Fran Palm, President and CEO of Zufall Health, alongside the Board of Directors, sadly announce the sudden passing of our beloved Founder, Robert Zufall, MD, affectionately known as Dr. Bob. Dr. Bob peacefully departed this life surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, just three months short of his 100th birthday.
His loss is deeply felt by his family, the health center, and the entire community. Dr. Bob, predeceased by his cherished wife, Kay, is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
His legacy lives on through the countless colleagues, patients, and community members who have benefited from the care provided by the health center bearing his name. “Dr. Bob’s optimism and warmth persisted until his final moments,” stated Palm.
“We are committed to honoring his extraordinary legacy of service in every patient interaction.” Further details about Dr. Bob’s remarkable life will be shared in an upcoming obituary. We invite you to share your fondest memories of Dr. Bob below, celebrating his lifelong dedication to serving the community.
Donations in his memory can be made by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — While touting increases in education funding, Governor Phil Murphy and his administration have been notably silent on the $20 million cut to community colleges in the state, say Senator Parker Space, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia. The Northwest New Jersey lawmakers are calling on the administration to reverse the cut and start fairly funding the county college sector to prevent potential tuition increases on students and negative impacts on workforce development.
“New Jersey simply cannot afford to continually underfund community colleges. They play a vital role in our state’s workforce development efforts and provide affordable access to a diverse body of students who have a desire to earn a degree or certificate, including some who thought they’d never be able to get into college or have their unique educational needs met in a higher education setting,” Space said. “The astounding lack of investment in our community colleges by the state is shortsighted and hurts educational opportunities.”
According to Murphy’s budget documents released this week, he plans to cut $20 million from the operating support for the state’s 18 community colleges, bringing the funding level down to FY23. The $20 million increase in operating aid last year represented the first significant state investment for community colleges in more than a decade.
“We are very concerned about what this cut means for Sussex County Community College, the County College of Morris, and Warren County Community College because they all drive partnerships with employers, county governments, and high schools to create career pipelines in this region. From nursing to manufacturing and everything in between, there is a great need for specially trained residents with the skills and education to fill in-demand jobs and they are coming from our county colleges,” Inganamort said. “The governor’s claim of significant investment in New Jersey’s county colleges is simply false. New Jersey has one the worst state-funded county college systems in the country, even before this cut. It’s time for the state to reverse course.”
Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, said in a statement that the proposed reduction jeopardizes the operation of New Jersey’s 18 community colleges, which serve over 230,000 residents and power key industries. He said colleges will be forced to make difficult decisions, including raising tuition, cutting programs and student support, and reducing staffing.
“Roughly 55% of community college funding comes from students paying tuition. Students go to community college so they can graduate without debt. We can’t support a state budget that unfairly burdens our most economically disadvantaged college students,” Fantasia said. “Our county colleges serve both valedictorians and adults earning their GEDs. They can respond to the needs of the community by acting as an information hub for local veterans, opening campus food banks, and holding workshops for senior citizens and high schoolers alike. We are committed to collectively working with our colleagues and stakeholders to prioritize funding for our community colleges while highlighting their invaluable contributions to this state.”
Only about 20% of funding for community colleges comes from the state, putting it among the top five most underfunded systems in the nation. County college officials, who did not expect the $20 million increase last year to be a one-time state investment, are clamoring to understand the rationale behind the decrease, but have yet to be provided answers. They plan to attend the first public budget hearing on March 11 to make their case.
DOVER — If you need to renew your driver’s license and registration, and don’t want to make a trip to the local DMV, no worries. An upcoming visit from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s (NJMVC) mobile unit in Dover will give residents the chance to do these tasks and more.
The MVC “Agency on Wheels” will be available on Monday, April 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Dover Public Schools, 21 Belmont Avenue. Click here for more information.
The mobile unit has a limit of 40 customers per date with an additional 10 customers to be placed on a standby list. A social security card or 2022 W2 form, current pay stub, or 1099 form are required to participate, as well as six points of ID.
Some services that will be available include:
Driver Licenses – The Mobile Units provide the opportunity for drivers to renew their license, obtain a duplicate license, change their name or address on their license, add a boat endorsement, add a veteran designation, register to vote, and/or make organ donation selections.
Non-Driver Identification Cards – The Mobile Units can provide residents with photo identification that may then serve as a primary or secondary form of personal ID.
Registrations – Drivers may renew their registration or obtain a duplicate registration card for their vehicle in the Mobile Units.
REAL ID – Mobile units can provide REAL ID to a limited number of customers. Customers who have scheduled appointments for REAL IDs must arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. on the day of the appointment.
License Plates – The Mobile Units allow drivers the option to surrender license plates.
Placards – Drivers may obtain a Persons with a Disability, Purple Heart, or Disabled Veteran placard from the Mobile Units.
Examination Permits – Customers can apply for an examination permit to take a written (law/knowledge) test. However, the written test itself is not available in the Mobile Units
REAL ID appointments are limited and must be scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. only.
Issuance of a REAL ID requires additional proof of identity. Click here to see what to bring to satisfy these requirements.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
