Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of Dover's Morris Canal Towpath
DOVER — On Saturday, June 15, the Town of Dover, collaborating with grant sponsors T-Mobile and The Canal Society of New Jersey, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Morris Canal Towpath.
Mayor James Dodd’s Official Ribbon-Cutting Marks Opening of Morris Canal Towpath
After the ceremony, the town held a free, family-friendly picnic at 100 Princeton Avenue (Waterworks Park). Attendees enjoyed summer favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and other refreshments at no cost. The event featured a petting zoo and pony rides for children.
The less-than-a-mile trail connects with the Morris Canal Greenway, envisioned as a 111-mile continuous pedestrian and bicycle trail linking six counties in northern New Jersey. Once completed, it will extend from the Delaware River in the west to the Hudson River in the east.
The Canal Society of New Jersey is a non-profit organization established in 1969. Its mission is to study, preserve, and promote the history of New Jersey’s two main towpath canals: the Morris Canal and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. The organization is dedicated to restoring canal remains and artifacts, public education about the canals’ histories, and providing enjoyment to its members through various activities.T-Mobile presented a $50,000 grant for the Trail. Avenues in Motion, Donna Rendeiro from the State of New Jersey Department of State Business Action Center Office of Planning Advocacy, Denize Lanza from the Morris Park Alliance, the Dover Area Historical Society, and the Town of Dover endorse the project. Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, Dover’s Maria Rosario, and Dover Councilmember Claudia Toro enjoyed summer favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and other refreshments during the event. The celebration also included a petting zoo and pony rides for children, which provided fun activities for the whole family.During the event, the Town of Dover presented a plaque acknowledging a $50,000 Hometown Grant from T-Mobile for the Morris Canal Towpath Trail. This grant supports the development and maintenance of this important local amenity.The event featured a petting zoo and pony rides for children.The event featured a petting zoo and pony rides for children.Assemblyman Christian E. Barranco made a presentation to Mayor James Dodd.
MORRIS COUNTY — A 73-year-old Denville resident was charged following a crash in Denville Township. According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday, June 9, at approximately 10:12 p.m. on Cedar Lake West.
During the investigation, police determined that one of the drivers, Jeffrey Vandermark, 73, of Denville Township, was allegedly operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Police also found that Vandermark had sustained a head injury before the crash. He was transported to Saint Clare’s Hospital and treated for his injuries.
Vandermark was charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, reckless driving, and improper backing or turning in the street. Although he was considered under arrest while at the hospital, he was ultimately released on his recognizance pending a court appearance, police said.
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.
Radar Speed Sign Installed on Penn Avenue to Curb Speeding
DOVER — The Dover Police Department wants to remind drivers that a radar speed sign has been posted on Penn Avenue, where the speed limit is 25 mph. They will randomly post a police officer to enforce the speed limit for those who ignore the signs and the speed limit.
New Radar Sign and Random Police Checks to Ensure Safety on Penn Avenue
Veronica Valez ran unopposed in Ward 3, receiving 150 votes.
DOVER — The Morris County Board of Elections updated its website on Thursday, June 13. Although the website indicates the results are unofficial, it includes mail-in ballots received before the close of the polls, timely postmarked mail-in ballots, and provisional ballots.
No Republican candidates filed a petition. The results for the Democratic candidates are as follows:
Ward 1: Incumbent Sandra Wittner leads with 123 votes, compared to Leslie Puente’s 67 votes.
Ward 2: Geovani Estacio Carillo ran unopposed, receiving 156 votes.
Ward 3: Veronica Valez ran unopposed, receiving 150 votes.
Ward 4: Incumbent Marco Tapia leads with 90 votes, while Dennis Touhey received 74 votes.
Current Councilmember Karol Ruiz will run as an Independent in the November election against Veronica Valez in Ward 3.
In Morris County, 57,482 votes were cast, representing 14.92% of the 385,282 registered voters.
Dover Town Ward 1 District 1
Voting District
Votes
Total
Percentage
Dover Town Ward 1 District 1
109
571
19.09%
Dover Town Ward 1 District 2
63
676
9.32%
Dover Town Ward 1 District 3
106
881
12.03%
Dover Town Ward 2 District 1
95
742
12.80%
Dover Town Ward 2 District 2
78
699
11.16%
Dover Town Ward 2 District 3
111
913
12.15%
Dover Town Ward 3 District 1
113
825
13.70%
Dover Town Ward 3 District 2
82
614
13.36%
Dover Town Ward 3 District 3
102
910
11.21%
Dover Town Ward 4 District 1
71
657
10.81%
Dover Town Ward 4 District 2
73
570
12.81%
Dover Town Ward 4 District 3
60
483
12.42%
There are 4,467 registered Democrat voters in Dover. Of these, 821, or 18.38%, voted in the June 4 Primary Election. Overall voter turnout was 12.45% votes cast.
There were 242 Republican votes cast, although there were no Republican Candidates from Dover.
There are 1,383 registered Republican voters, 4,467 Democratic, and 2,681 nonpartisan registered voters.
Ashwin Vaithiyalingam stands proudly with his parents, celebrating his remarkable achievement.
MORRIS COUNTY — Ashwin Vaithiyalingam recently attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment celebrated at the Eagle Court of Honor held at All Saints Academy on Saturday, June 1. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires dedication and a steadfast commitment to the principles of Scouting, a testament to its difficulty, with only about 6% of Scouts achieving it. Since its inception in 1911, over two million Scouts have reached this significant milestone. He is officially Troop 72’s 103rd Eagle Scout!
“Many people wonder whether years of scouting are worth it—freezing camping nights and dozens of eagle-required merit badges. My answer is always “yes,” said Ashwin.
Scout Rahul Pemmasani opened the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
The presentation of the Eagle Scout badge is an important event. It is the goal for which a Scout has worked for many years, an occasion for pride and joy, a time for serious contemplation, and the culmination of the Scout’s efforts and leadership. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting, the last major step in the advancement program. Fewer than six percent of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank.
The requirements for Eagle are: •Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout. •Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law daily. •Earn 21 merit badges, including the 14 that are required: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming, Camping, and Family Life. •Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for six months after becoming a Life Scout. •Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout. •Take part in a Scoutmaster conference. •Appear before a board of review of prominent persons and satisfy them that the Scout has done their best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.
Brian Patoir lights the candles, symbolizing Ashwin’s “Trail to Eagle,” as Rahul Pemmasani narrates.
Ashwin’s Trail to Eagle
Scout June 6, 2018 Tenderfoot March 27, 2019 Second Class October 23, 2019 First Class June 10, 2020 Star Scout March 15, 2022 Life Scout February 16, 2023 Eagle Scout December 29, 2023
Ashwin Vaithiyalingam Reflects on His Scouting Journey to Eagle Scout
Ashwin Achieves Notable Milestone with 33 Merit Badges Earned:Archery, Chess, Camping, Art, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Climbing, Communications, Cooking, Electricity, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Geology, Kayaking, Law, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Mammal Study, Nature, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Plant Science, Public Health, Railroading, Rowing, Scholarship, Swimming, and Wood Carving.
Ashwin places the “Dad Pin” on his father during the ceremony.In gratitude for all the support and encouragement, Ashwin places the Eagle mother’s pin on his mom.Mom smiles as she tightens the new neckerchief on Ashwin while dad looks on.Mom fastens the newly earned Eagle pin on Ashwin.Mom is moved to tears by Ashwin’s accomplishments.
Ashwin’s Eagle Project involved planning, coordination, and much effort from the initial concept to the final installation. Ashwin demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and successfully rallied a team of volunteers to bring his vision to life. The garden has various elements, including pollinator plants to attract bees and butterflies, perennial plants, murals, pathways, and other elements. From a tranquil reading area to an outdoor learning space, this garden showcases Ashwin’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ashwin’s Eagle Project involved planning, coordination, and much effort from the initial concept to the final installation.
Ashwin said, “When I first joined Troop 72, I was nervous. I wouldn’t say I liked the idea of wearing a uniform and sleeping outside, and I, most importantly, hated the idea of interacting with bugs. I remember my first summer camping trip. My mom was super nervous about sending me away to the woods, and I was scared of being near bugs. Yet, Mr. Sonzogni promised my parents that Boy Scout summer camp is the perfect opportunity to learn and grow as a student, citizen, and scout. With Mr. Sonzognis’s encouragement, my parents confidently sent me to camp. Once I reached camp, I didn’t know what to expect. The green tents filled with slugs and spiders were scary, but I slowly got used to it. I began enjoying summer camp. When I started completing merit badges, swimming in the lake, and spending days in the sun.”
Mr. Sonzogni recognized Ashwin’s leadership in scouting.
Mr. Sonzogni recognized Ashwin’s leadership in scouting. He recommended the National Youth Leadership Training Camp, where Ashwin pushed himself further by working with a diverse group of scouts to camp and develop personal skills. After completing the course, Ashwin was offered a position to teach the next year to scouts. Ashwin immersed himself in the monthly development meetings. He enhanced his ability to lead others and meet new faces.
Ashwin was student government president, campaigning every year and serving four years at the Morris County School of Technology. He will graduate in June and pursue higher education at Emory University in the fall.
Ashwin Vaithiyalingam possesses top skills in film editing, administration, project management, and cinematography.
Frank Cahill, an Executive Board Member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, presents Ashwin with a “Certificate of Achievement” and a gift card to a Chamber member. Additionally, Cahill, the Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, presented Ashwin with an envelope filled with gift certificates and complimentary offers from local merchants.Mayor James Barberio congratulates Ashwin and gives him an American Flag and other gifts.Ms. Marianne Burke, Womans Club of Parsippany, congratulates Ashwin and presents him with a gift.Frank Cahill, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, presents Ashwin with a “Certificate of Achievement” along with a check.Council Vice President Frank Neglia congratulates Ashwin Vaithiyalingam on his outstanding achievement of earning the Eagle Scout rank.Councilman Justin Musella, a graduate of Emory College, congratulates Ashwin Vaithiyalingam on earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Ashwin will also be attending Emory College in the fall.Sra. Rocio Felix, a Spanish teacher at Morris County School of Technology, has been a significant influence on Ashwin’s educational journey.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2024.
DeSales University Honors Janae Topor with Dean's List and Leadership Award
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Janae Topor, a 2023 graduate of Lumen Gentium Academy, made the DeSales University Spring 2024 Dean’s List.
Topor is majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
In May 2024, DeSales University SGA awarded her the James F. Kilcur Class Leadership Award. This award is given to a first-year student, sophomore, junior, or senior who has exemplified outstanding leadership through academics and extracurricular activities and has been a positive role model for others during the academic year.
DeSales University, located in Center Valley, PA, is a private, coeducational, four-year liberal arts Salesian Catholic university led by the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. Founded in 1965, the 550-acre suburban campus is 50 miles north of Philadelphia and about 90 miles southwest of New York City.
The university enrolls nearly 3,500 students, including undergraduate day and evening students and graduate students. DeSales employs approximately 135 full-time faculty members and offers over 40 bachelor’s degrees, 12 graduate programs, and over 20 certificate programs across various disciplines, many of which can be completed online.
MORRIS COUNTY — A tax preparer was sentenced to 57 months in prison for conspiring to obtain over $4.4 million by defrauding the IRS, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Omar Khater, 33, Fairfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court on Jan. 23, 2024, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Khater’s conspirator, Walid Khater, 38, of Arizona, pleaded guilty on May 23 to an information charge him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
“Omar Khater has admitted his role in an elaborate scheme that used stolen personal identifying information and fabricated tax returns to bilk the IRS of millions of dollars. He and a relative submitted tax documents falsely claiming that the taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will root out these illegal and dangerous schemes, and those who perpetrate them can expect the same result as this defendant,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
“Omar Khater used stolen identities to file fraudulent tax returns for illicit personal financial gain,” Jenifer L. Piovesan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “He was caught and is now a convicted felon with a prison sentence to serve. IRS – Criminal Investigation will continue to vigorously investigate individuals who attempt to steal taxpayer money from the U.S. Treasury.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Omar and Walid Khater were relatives who worked together and with others to steal victims’ identities, which they used to file false tax returns and fraudulently receive tax refunds from the IRS. They electronically submitted tax documents to the IRS falsely claiming that the individual taxpayers listed on those documents had earned certain income or won thousands – and in some cases millions – of dollars in gambling and lottery winnings. The false filings also claimed tax withholdings on the purported income or gambling winnings that entitled the tax filer to refund payments from the IRS. The Khaters and others typically submitted these fraudulent tax filings using the victims’ names and personal identifying information without the victims’ knowledge or permission. The fraudulent filings caused the IRS to pay lucrative tax refunds, which the Khaters and others directed to various bank accounts they controlled. This scheme caused the U.S. Treasury to issue tax refunds of $4.49 million, which the Khaters and others diverted to bank accounts they controlled in New Jersey and elsewhere.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Omar Khater to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $4.49 million.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Piovesan in Newark, and special agents of FBI-Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark represent the government.
T-Mobile presented a $50,000 grant for the Trail. Endorsements for the project include Avenues in Motion, Donna Rendeiro from the State of New Jersey Department of State Business Action Center Office of Planning Advocacy, Denize Lanza from the Morris Park Alliance, the Dover Area Historical Society, and the Town of Dover.
DOVER — On Saturday, June 15 at 11:20 a.m., the Town of Dover, in partnership with grant sponsors T-Mobile and The Canal Society of New Jersey, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Morris Canal Towpath.
In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, The Town is hosting a free, family-friendly picnic at 100 Princeton Avenue (Waterworks Park). The event will serve summer favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and other refreshments at no cost to the public. The event includes a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This less-than-a-mile trail connects with The Morris Canal Greenway, envisioned as a 111-mile continuous pedestrian and bicycle trail linking six counties in northern New Jersey. Once completed, it will extend from the Delaware River on the west to the Hudson River on the east.
“Many greenway segments have already been completed, but much work remains to create a continuous trail,” said the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). “In partnership with the Canal Society of New Jersey and the Morris Canal Working Group, we completed a study that presents a plan for a continuous greenway closely aligned with the historic canal route.” For more information, visit Morris Canal Greenway.
The town collaborated with Dover College Promise students, who used their class time to design the landscape of this historic trail. These highly engaged students inspired this grant application.
BOONTON — Aleksandra Kolesnikova is one of 21 O’Pake Fellows who graduated as members of Alvernia University’s Class of 2024 and presented a final project regarding the experiential learning opportunities and professional development gleaned from the O’Pake Fellows Program. The O’Pake Fellows Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on, distinctive experiential learning opportunities. Students of high academic standing from diverse majors and backgrounds work directly with regional entrepreneurs, small business owners, faculty researchers, and industry leaders.
In alignment with Alvernia’s core value of contemplation, O’Pake Graduate Assistant of Student Services Brianna Schnieder took the lead on facilitating the final reflection project with the guidance of Executive Director of Student & Client Services Michelle Conway, MBA, and Student Experiential Learning Specialist Max Horn, MBA.
“We often describe the fellow experience as a metamorphosis; this project aims to bring their experience full circle as fellows transition from one stage to the next,” said Schneider. “We hope they can recognize their impact on the community around them while also celebrating their own achievements, such as the skills and knowledge they leave the program with. Moving forward, this comprehensive project will help fellows track their impact on the businesses they work with since they might work with up to 40 businesses if they start as first-year students in the program.”
Graduating Fellows like Kolesnikova were able to present highlights and deliverables from their experience, including work they have done for local business owners in and beyond Berks and Schuylkill counties, the training they have engaged in, connections they have made through networking and skills they have built along the way for the resume.
“Being a part of the O’Pake Institute has shaped my professional career immensely,” said Graduate Assistant of Community Based Campuses, John (Jack) Cossa ’23 MBA ’24, when reflecting on his experience working with small businesses surrounding Alvernia’s Pottsville CollegeTowne. “I have had amazing opportunities throughout my time at O’Pake to be a part of high-level projects helping clients achieve their goals to elevate their business. Without O’Pake, I would not be the young, aspiring professional I am. The experiential learning you receive through O’Pake is the first class I recommend to any professional looking to enhance their professional experience.”
The O’Pake Fellows Program encourages students like Kolesnikova to engage in applied research, scholarly travel, and other personal and professional training activities to enhance their experience. Undergraduate Fellows can also work with up to 3-5 clients a semester and are exposed to projects that fulfill various needs of businesses in the community.
“Through the various clients I’ve worked with, I’ve loved learning about and collaborating with different kinds of personalities, businesses, and passions. It has allowed me to take note of the various challenges and approaches that exist in the media/marketing space and the importance of being strategic and adaptable.” After spending two years working with O’Pake, Maldonado also shares that incoming freshman to the O’Pake Institute should “always be open to new opportunities and challenges, as they will help you grow both personally and professionally.”
Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958. The university serves over 3,000 students in Reading, Pottsville, and Philadelphia with a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts education, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, ever-expanding experiential learning opportunities through study abroad and internship experiences, and community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model.
EAST HANOVER — The Morris County Mosquito Commission has announced that it will use an All-Terrain vehicle to treat a section of woods in East Hanover Township on Thursday morning.
According to the commission, the mosquito spraying will take place at Lurker Park (Ridgedale Avenue) from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, weather permitting.
The commission will use Anvil 2+2, with the active ingredient Sumithrin, EPA#1021-1687-8329, or Zenivex E4, with the active ingredient Etofenprox, EPA#2724-807.
For more information, click here or call (973) 285-6450.
