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Pennacchio Blasts Decision to Move Forward with State-Mandated Housing Law

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Joe Pennachio

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) blasted the court’s decision to reject a motion to temporarily pause the implementation of New Jersey’s state-mandated housing law while hearing a case challenging the law’s constitutionality.

“I’m disappointed with the court’s decision to move forward with implementing unaffordable, unrealistic, and unfair state-mandated housing obligations. Asking for a temporary stay was a reasonable and tempered request until the larger case was decided,” said Sen. Pennacchio. “While we all agree that the Garden State needs legitimate housing options for young professionals and families looking to achieve the American dream, this is nothing more than Trenton Democrats robbing Peter to pay Paul—forcing certain municipalities to meet extreme mandates by destroying open space, diminishing residents’ quality of life, and driving up the cost of living all in the name of a politically motivated agenda. According to reports, Mercer County Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy denied a motion to temporarily halt the implementation of the state-mandated housing law. Another hearing was scheduled for January 31 to consider dismissing the municipalities’ lawsuit altogether.

In March, Senator Pennacchio advocated for the use of Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs) by introducing legislation, S-431, to help towns identify areas most suitable for building low-cost housing while ensuring every town has a stake in the game.

“By reinstating RCAs, we can ensure that low-cost housing is built in the places that need it most, in communities that are eager to handle the growth and provide the necessary infrastructure,” Sen. Pennacchio added. “The current mandates unfairly exclude the very towns and cities with the greatest need, creating a system that fails the municipalities and the people it’s meant to help.”






Chanukah Lights Up Randolph: CCFJL Hosts Joyful Celebrations

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY – The Chabad Center for Jewish Life (CCFJL) brought the community together in a dazzling display of unity and joy with two memorable Chanukah celebrations in Randolph. Residents of all ages gathered to celebrate the Festival of Lights through lively events highlighting the holiday’s warmth and spirit.

Menorah Car Parade – December 29
The festivities began on Sunday, December 29, with the vibrant Menorah Car Parade, which illuminated the streets of Randolph. A procession of decorated cars, each topped with a glowing Menorah, spread Chanukah cheer throughout the town. Led by the Shongum Fire Department, the parade featured fresh donuts, music, prizes, and dancing children, creating a joyous atmosphere.

Community leaders joined the celebration, including Senator Anthony Bucco and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, who waved to attendees and shared in the holiday spirit. The parade was a moving symbol of light and hope, bringing smiles to families along the route.

Annual Outdoor Menorah Lighting – December 30
On Monday, December 30, over 100 residents gathered at Veterans Park for the Annual Outdoor Menorah Lighting, braving the chilly evening to participate in this cherished tradition. Mayor Joe Hathaway, Mark Forstenhausler, Lou Nisivoccia, and Township Manager Gregory Poff were among the dignitaries. Christine Carey had the honor of lighting the first candle of the Menorah, signifying the holiday’s message of perseverance and unity.

After the lighting ceremony, attendees enjoyed traditional Chanukah treats like latkes, donuts, hot drinks, and the crowd-favorite Gelt Drop. Thanks to the Ironia Fire Department, chocolate coins and parachutes rained down from above, thrilling children and adults alike.

Special recognition was given to Russell Newman from Randolph Township’s Department of Parks and Recreation for ensuring the Menorah was beautifully placed and to the Hadar Family for sponsoring the event.

A Spirit of Gratitude
CCFJL expressed deep appreciation for all who contributed to the success of these events. “We are grateful for the incredible turnout and the sense of togetherness these events fostered,” said Rabbi Avraham and Chava Bekhor of CCFJL. “Chanukah is a time of light, joy, and community, and we’re honored to share it with so many wonderful people in Randolph.”

The festivities brought light, love, and connection to Randolph, reminding everyone of all the strength found in community and tradition.

For more photos and information about upcoming events, visit RandolphJewish.com.





Pennacchio Introduces Bill For State Employees to Return to Office

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Joe Pennachio

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) introduced legislation requiring State employees to return to office.

“While remote work was necessary at the onset of the pandemic, it has become clear that in-person collaboration is essential for maximizing productivity, accountability, and effective service to the public,” said Sen. Pennacchio. “State agencies are most efficient when employees work together face-to-face, and while I recognize the importance of work-life balance, I believe this transition will strengthen teamwork and improve the delivery of services to the New Jersey residents who rely on them. The taxpayers of New Jersey deserve to know that the State’s workforce is showing up for a full day’s work and will be there to answer the phone when called upon.”

Under current law, the Civil Service Commission is required to adopt rules for State employees’ hours of work. The Model Telework Pilot Program was approved and established by the Civil Service Commission in April 2022. It offered the option for State employees to work remotely up to two working days per week.

You can read the bill, S4057, here.





Spotlight on Services: Morris County Veterans Invited to Meet the Veterans Services Office

By
Frank Cahill
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Veterans Day

MORRIS COUNTY – Morris County proudly hosts a special event to support and inform its veteran community. The Spotlight on Services – Meet the Veterans Services Office event offers local veterans a chance to learn about the resources and benefits available while connecting with dedicated county staff.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Morris County Veterans Services Office
    540 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown

What to Expect:
Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Meet the Veterans Services Office team and explore the various programs they offer.
  • Learn about Morris County’s grant programs designed specifically for veterans.
  • Gain insights from the Morris County Clerk’s Office about their services and support for veterans.
  • Participate in an interactive Q&A session to address any questions or concerns.

R.E.D. Shirt Friday
In recognition of the event on a Friday, veterans and attendees are encouraged to wear red as part of “R.E.D. Shirt Friday” – an initiative to honor and support troops and veterans. R.E.D. stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed,” as a reminder to keep deployed service members in our thoughts.

RSVP Information:
To reserve your spot, RSVP by:

  • Phone: (973) 285-6866
  • Email: MCVETS@co.morris.nj.us

Light refreshments will be served at the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the resources and support available to veterans in Morris County.

The Morris County Veterans Services Office looks forward to welcoming you on February 7.





Dover Resident Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated After Late-Night Traffic Stop

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

DOVER – In the early hours of Friday, December 13, 2024, the Dover Police Department arrested Carlos Mondragon, a local resident, for driving while intoxicated after a routine traffic stop revealed signs of impairment. The incident occurred around 2:12 a.m. on West Clinton Street.

Dover Police Officer German Liranzo, while patrolling northbound on West Clinton Street, observed a Jeep Wrangler failing to maintain its lane and nearly causing a collision near Davis Avenue. The officer followed the vehicle, which continued to veer over the solid white line, and conducted a traffic stop near White Street and West Clinton Street.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Liranzo detected the odor of alcohol and noted Mr. Mondragon’s bloodshot, watery eyes. The driver admitted to consuming “two beers” earlier that evening at Tequila’s 55, a restaurant on East Blackwell Street. During the interaction, Mr. Mondragon appeared unsteady and swayed while standing, prompting officers to administer standardized field sobriety tests.

Mr. Mondragon struggled with the tests, exhibiting difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed two open containers of Michelob Ultra beer.

Following his arrest, Mr. Mondragon was transported to Dover Police Headquarters, where he was read his Miranda Rights in Spanish and provided two breath samples at neighboring police facilities due to equipment issues. Both tests registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.14%, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08%.

Mr. Mondragon was charged with

•Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-50.
•Failure to Maintain Lane – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-88.
•Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Containers in a Motor Vehicle – Violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-51b.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The Dover Police Department reminds residents of the dangers of impaired driving and encourages the community to prioritize road safety.





Town of Dover Prepares for Significant Snowstorm, Urges Residents to Cooperate

By
Frank Cahill
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Winter weather. File photo

DOVER – A significant snowstorm will hit the area on Sunday, January 19. The Town of Dover is calling on residents to help ensure streets are cleared efficiently and safely. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing for snow removal efforts and is asking for public cooperation to streamline operations.

Street Parking Guidelines
Residents are requested to move their vehicles to driveways where possible and refrain from returning them to the streets until the DPW has completed snow-clearing efforts. For those who do not have access to a driveway and rely on street parking, officials urge adherence to posted snow parking signs. “Please pay close attention to the street signs for Snow Parking and move your vehicles where indicated,” officials advised.

Municipal Lot Parking Instructions
Residents who use municipal parking lots should relocate their vehicles to designated areas during the storm:

  • Monmouth Street: Move vehicles to Upper Lot B.
  • River Street: Move vehicles to Lot A.
  • Lots C, F, and H: Relocate vehicles to Lot B, against the guardrail.

The Town of Dover expressed gratitude for residents’ cooperation, emphasizing that these measures effectively clear streets and public spaces.

DOVER – Una tormenta de nieve significativa llegará al área el domingo 19 de enero. El Municipio de Dover hace un llamado a los residentes para que ayuden a garantizar que las calles se despejen de manera eficiente y segura. El Departamento de Obras Públicas (DPW, por sus siglas en inglés) se está preparando para los esfuerzos de remoción de nieve y solicita la cooperación de los residentes para agilizar las operaciones.

Directrices para el estacionamiento en las calles
Se solicita a los residentes que muevan sus vehículos a las entradas de sus viviendas, si es posible, y que se abstengan de devolverlos a las calles hasta que el DPW haya completado los esfuerzos de limpieza de nieve. Para aquellos que no tienen acceso a una entrada privada y dependen del estacionamiento en la calle, las autoridades instan a cumplir con las señales de estacionamiento en caso de nieve. “Presten mucha atención a las señales de estacionamiento por nieve y muevan sus vehículos donde lo indiquen”, aconsejaron las autoridades.

Instrucciones para estacionamientos municipales
Los residentes que utilizan los estacionamientos municipales deben reubicar sus vehículos en las áreas designadas durante la tormenta:

  • Monmouth Street: Mueva los vehículos al Upper Lot B.
  • River Street: Mueva los vehículos al Lot A.
  • Lots C, F, y H: Reubique los vehículos en el Lot B, junto al guardarraíl.

El Municipio de Dover expresó su agradecimiento por la cooperación de los residentes, enfatizando que estas medidas son fundamentales para garantizar que las calles y los espacios públicos se despejen de manera efectiva.





Morris County Leaders & Mayors Join Whippany River Cleanup

By
Frank Cahill
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The Whippany-Passaic River Flood Remediation Task Force, workers from Downes Tree Service, Inc. and others at the site of the Whippany River tree and debris removal taking place in East Hanover.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Sheriff James Gannon joined U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Hanover Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, and other local officials in East Hanover Township to witness the progress being made to “de-snag” sections of the Whippany River, launching debris cleanup efforts to address flooding that has long plagued riverside communities.

The Whippany River Improvement Project initiative is being led by the Whippany-Passaic River Flood Remediation Task Force, which the mayors of the towns along the river formed. The members include Mayor Gallagher, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

Commissioner Deputy Stephen Shaw, standing beside Downes Tree Service’s grapple saw truck.

Congresswoman Sherrill secured a federal Community Project grant of more than $2 million to fund the work being done in phases. By removing debris from waterways, rivers flow more easily, and capacity is enhanced, which helps to prevent erosion and flooding.

“This initiative, three years in the making, demonstrates the power of partnerships. From local municipalities to federal support, we are working together to alleviate persistent flooding issues that impact so many residents and businesses,” said Deputy Director Shaw, the county commissioners’ liaison to the Morris County Flood Mitigation Program.

“I especially want to thank Mayor Gallagher and Congresswoman Sherrill for their leadership. This is about more than cleaning a river; it’s about reducing flooding and improving the quality of life for Morris County residents,” Shaw added.

According to Mayor Gallagher, Phase 1 of the project has already cleared nearly 275 cubic yards of debris, including trees, railroad ties, shopping carts, and other long-accumulated materials obstructing the river in Hanover Township. Phase 2, currently underway behind the auto store at 30 Ridgedale Avenue in East Hanover, targets another 200 yards of obstructions. Completing the initial phases will require 12 to 15 days of work by professional contractors.

A view of the Whippany River facing west behind the auto store at 30 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover




Aldo Luciano Cicchetti, Longtime Mayor and Community Advocate, Passes Away at 87

By
Frank Cahill
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0

DOVER — Aldo Luciano Cicchetti, 87, a cherished resident of Dover, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025. Renowned for his warmth, kindness, and dedication to his community, Cicchetti leaves a legacy of service and cherished memories.

Cicchetti began his public service in 1974 as a 3rd Ward Alderman. In 1982, he was elected mayor, a role he held until 1992, making him Dover’s third-longest-serving mayor. Following his mayoral tenure, he served as 3rd Ward Alderman for an additional 16 years, cementing his reputation as a tireless advocate for the community.

Alongside his public service, Cicchetti operated the Dover Corner Market for over 34 years, where he provided not just groceries but also a listening ear to residents. Known for riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to the town hall, Cicchetti’s approachable nature and genuine care for his neighbors became hallmarks of his leadership.

After retiring from public office, he spent 13 years as an assistant meat manager at Kings Supermarket. He served as a Commissioner for the Dover Water Commission for 18 years, demonstrating his continued commitment to his community.

Cicchetti was preceded in death by his parents, Luciano and Benilda Cicchetti (Santucci), and his siblings, Bernard “Bergie,” Batista “Tito,” Domenic “Gumps,” Anna Rosica, Alma Royek, and Ada Visioli.

He is survived by his sister, Anita Hulsman; his wife, Anita Cicchetti; his children, Aldo Cicchetti, Jr. (Sue Friel), Lisa Newkirk (Cicchetti), Christopher Cicchetti (Tammy), and Julie Cicchetti; his grandchildren, Christopher Newkirk, Jr. (Sarah Sacasa) and Jamie Newkirk; and his great-grandchildren, Destiny Newkirk and Sienna Newkirk.

A visitation was held on January 15 at Tuttle Funeral Home in Randolph, followed by a funeral Mass on January 16 at Sacred Heart Parish in Dover.

In his memory, the family requests donations to the Dover Rescue Squad, 37 N. Sussex Street, Dover, NJ 07801. Cicchetti’s legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire and shape Dover for generations to come.





Coffee with a Cop at Dover Free Public Library

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Dover Police Officer Louis P. Sperry connects with community members at a recent "Coffee With A Cop" event, promoting conversation and building relationships over coffee.

DOVER — Come in from the cold, enjoy a warm cup of coffee, and connect with members of the Dover Police Department at the Dover Free Public Library on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Coffee with a Cop offers a casual and friendly opportunity for community members to meet local police officers, discuss concerns, and learn more about each other.

This free event is open to everyone, so stop by and join the conversation!





MorrisAgent Teams @ RE/MAX Select Opens High-Tech Real Estate Office

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Glen Baker, founder of MorrisAgent Teams @ RE/MAX Select, cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of their new high-tech real estate office on Main Street in Boonton. The January 12, 2025, ceremony marked a major milestone for the community and the MorrisAgent Team, Boonton’s top sales team.

BOONTON – Excitement and community pride were in full force on January 12, as the MorrisAgent Teams @ RE/MAX Select celebrated the grand opening of their newest location at 518 Main Street, Suite 102. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the arrival of Boonton’s first mainstream real estate brokerage on Main Street in many years. It represented a significant milestone for both the MorrisAgent Team and the town.

The event brought together local dignitaries, business leaders, and residents eager to see the unveiling of the state-of-the-art office. Led by founder Glen Baker, the MorrisAgent Teams have built a reputation for excellence, earning recognition as the top sales team in Boonton. The new location cements its commitment to serving the community with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions for buyers, sellers, renters, and investors alike.

Glen Baker: A Visionary Leader in Real Estate and Community Service

Glen Baker, the driving force behind the MorrisAgent Teams, is a trailblazer in the real estate industry. Under his leadership, the team consistently ranks among the top-performing real estate groups in New Jersey. In 2024, Glen spearheaded the launch of an expansion team in Massachusetts, underscoring his dedication to meeting clients’ needs and delivering exceptional results.

Beyond real estate, Glen is a proud Boonton resident and a dedicated community leader. As a Deputy Chief of the Boonton Fire Department, he has devoted countless hours to public safety, earning the respect of his neighbors and colleagues.

A High-Tech Office Designed for the Future

The new office on Main Street is a hub of innovation, with advanced technology to enhance the real estate experience. Features include a studio for live-streaming and virtual tours, enabling clients to explore properties seamlessly and efficiently.

“Boonton has always been a special place to me,” Glen said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This new office represents our dedication to this town and its people. We’re here to make real estate simple and accessible while giving back to the community that has given us so much.”

The MorrisAgent Team’s commitment to community service is evident in their actions, having contributed over $400,000.00 to support police, fire, healthcare workers, teachers, and military personnel.

About MorrisAgent Teams @ RE/MAX Select

The MorrisAgent Teams @ RE/MAX Select is a premier real estate team known for innovative strategies, client-focused service, and record-breaking sales. Their motto, “No Surprises, Ever!” reflects their dedication to transparency and smooth transactions.

For more information, visit www.morrisagent.com, call (973) 200-4800, or stop by their new location at 518 Main Street, Suite 102, Boonton.





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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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