MORRIS COUNTY — Muhlenberg students took part in the college’s 67th annual Advent Candlelight Carols Service, December 7-8 – held in the Gideon F. Egner Memorial Chapel. Adapted from the Festival of Lessons and Carols of King’s College, Cambridge University in England, the event featured stories of promise, songs of hope and liberation, and a reminder of the power of presence and community. Local participants included:
Zachary Kleiman of Florham Park. A graduate of Hanover Park High School, Kleiman is studying Music at Muhlenberg and participated as a member of the Muhlenberg College Choir and Muhlenberg Chamber Choir. Kleiman also performed on percussion.
Sophia Morris of East Hanover. A graduate of Hanover Park High School, Morris is studying at Muhlenberg and participated as a member of the Muhlenberg Treble Choir.
Services were led by Chaplain Janelle Suzanne Neubauer, M.Div., and the concert was directed by music professors Katherine Kaiser and Victoria Pitre. Vincent Trovato accompanied on piano.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pa., with nearly 2,000 bachelor’s and master’s degree-seeking students. The college’s curriculum and experiences are designed to open doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships, and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER — On the evening of Tuesday, November 26, a routine drive home for Parsippany resident Colleen Lynch, 30, turned into a series of legal troubles after she was involved in a traffic accident at Ridgedale Avenue in Cedar Knolls. The incident began when Lynch, driving her 2004 Honda Accord, collided with another vehicle near the entrance to Walmart.
Hanover Township Police Officer Megan Prager arrived at the scene around 6:05 p.m. to find Lynch’s car with deployed airbags and visible signs of damage. Her vehicle had veered off the roadway and come to rest on the lawn of Extra Space Storage. While Lynch initially claimed she was struck while heading home, further questioning revealed inconsistencies. She admitted she was attempting to turn into the Walmart parking lot but missed her turn, leading to the crash.
Morris County EMS responded to the scene, but Lynch declined medical attention, appearing visibly shaken.
During the investigation, the Hanover Township Police Officers observed both full and empty beer cans scattered inside and outside Lynch’s vehicle. Lynch admitted to consuming “two or three drinks” earlier in the day but denied drinking while driving. Field sobriety tests revealed clear signs of impairment, including difficulty maintaining balance and following instructions. A breathalyzer test administered at Florham Park Police headquarters confirmed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15%, nearly double the legal limit in New Jersey.
Lynch faces numerous charges related to the incident, including:
•Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50) •Reckless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) •Failure to Yield Right of Way (N.J.S.A. 39:4-90) •Careless Driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97) •Obstructing Passage of Vehicles (N.J.S.A. 39:4-67) •Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51A) •Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (N.J.S.A. 39:4-51B) •Operating Without Liability Insurance (N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2) •Traffic on Marked Lanes (N.J.S.A. 39:4-88)
Police also noted attempts to discard evidence of alcohol consumption, finding additional containers outside the vehicle.
Lynch is scheduled to appear in Hanover Township Municipal Court. Her friend signed her release under John’s Law, which requires a sober adult to assume responsibility for individuals charged with DWI offenses.
This incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and its potential consequences, both for the individual and the community. Hanover Township Police reminded residents to remain vigilant about safe driving practices during the holiday season.
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.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Barbara Molony Elliott, 82 On Thursday, December 12, Barbara Molony Elliott, 82, of Duxbury, MA, formerly of Manchester-by-the Sea, MA, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Her devoted, loving husband, Bud, was by her side during her illness as well as during their 56 years of marriage.
In Barbara’s early years, she had an enriched life in New York City, studying piano under a concert pianist, frequenting the NYC Ballet, working as a child model, and spending time in Paris.
She always yearned for the country and her dream was fulfilled when the family moved to the idyllic community of Mountain Lakes, NJ. After graduating from Mountain Lakes High School, where she ourished, Barbara chose to go to Ohio for college, attending Wittenberg University. During those years she had the opportunity to spend a whole summer traveling throughout Europe. With a BA in Psychology Barbara was employed in Human Resources in NYC. While working full-time for Monsanto she pursued her MBA at night, stopping just short of her Master’s thesis. In NYC she had the good fortune to meet Bud Elliott and their wonderful relationship began. When their daughter Kim was born Barb put her career on hold. Bud’s career objectives took the couple to Rochester, NY, where their son, Chad was born, and to Fullerton, CA. There her inclination of volunteer service began. Barbara developed and directed a children’s after-school program in arts and sciences (CAP). It ourished and was recognized with the Disneyland Community Service Award.
When Bud acquired his family’s greeting card company, Kristin Elliott, Inc., in Beverly, MA., he persuaded Barbara to become his business partner and the team enjoyed working together for the ensuing 27 years. En route to MA the family had the unique experience of traversing the United States in a Vanagon camper. In their new home in Wenham, Barbara’s community service continued with the replication of the CAP Program, serving as Co-President of the Hamilton-Wenham League of Women Voters, being elected to the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee, and serving as President of the philanthropic Wenham Village Improvement Society which owns and runs the venerable Wenham Tea House.
The couple’s passion for sailing peaked when they moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea and joined the Manchester Yacht Club. There Barbara’s volunteer eorts were recognized with the coveted Henry Hall Award for service to the club.
Family meant everything to Barbara. Among her fondest memories are the myriad of family vacations and nearly 50 years of fun times on Longboat Key, FL. Weekends in New London, NH, large Elliott reunions, backyard family gatherings, and any time spent sailing were among favorite activities. She loved being “Baba’ and treasured each and every experience with her grandchildren. She was always grateful for her wonderful, fullled life.
Barbara is pre-deceased by her parents, Bea and Jack Molony of NYC and Longboat Key, FL and survived by her wonderful family; her beloved husband, Bud, her loving daughter, Kim Elliott and her husband, Rik Silverman, of Washington, DC, her loving son Chad Elliott and his wife, Robin of Duxbury, MA and six incredible grandchildren, Charlie, Nathan, Ben, Norah, James and Sebastian.
A Celebration of Life will be held this spring in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Monthly Hindi Language and Culture Event Debuts at Morris County Library
MORRIS COUNTY — A new cultural initiative is set to captivate residents who have a passion for language and tradition. The Morris County Library will host “Hindi Conversation & Culture,” a free monthly event designed to immerse participants in conversational Hindi and the vibrant traditions of India.
The program will debut on Thursday, January 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Morris County Library’s Conference Room, located at 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany. It will then recur on the second Thursday of every month, with upcoming sessions scheduled for February 13, March 13, April 10, and May 8.
This event offers attendees the opportunity to practice conversational Hindi while exploring India’s rich culture, festivals, music, and traditions. Activities include:
Engaging in Hindi conversations
Discussing books, Bollywood, and current events
Celebrating Hindi-speaking communities
Participants of all ages are welcome, though a basic knowledge of Hindi is recommended. Organizers promise a fun and friendly atmosphere to foster learning and connection.
“There’s so much to explore and celebrate within the Hindi-speaking world,” said the event coordinator. “Our goal is to create a space where everyone can come together to learn, share, and grow.”
No registration is required, and interested individuals can join directly at the venue. Make sure to mark your calendars for this enriching experience!
First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood with Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll
MORRIS COUNTY — This prestigious honor was presented at the County Prosecutor’s Association College in Atlantic City on November 25, 2024. The college is an annual two-day training program at Caesars Hotel & Casino, in which county prosecutors, assistant prosecutors, detectives, and members of the state Attorney General’s Office take part in an array of breakout sessions on a variety of legal issues.
This Outstanding Advocacy award bestowed to First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood reflects the respect and professional recognition of the New Jersey prosecutorial field, as she was selected from the 21 County Prosecutor’s Offices statewide.
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has served as the First Assistant Prosecutor to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll since January 4, 2021
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has served as the First Assistant Prosecutor to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll since January 4, 2021. She has been an Assistant Prosecutor for thirty years and specifically with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for the last 27. She is recognized as a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey since 2011.
Prior to her appointment as First Assistant Prosecutor, FAP Calderwood held the title of Chief Assistant Prosecutor and managed the Tactical Division, including the Major Crimes, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment and Domestic Violence Units, and the Courts & Administration Division, including the General Investigations and Pretrial Services Units. Prior to that, FAP Calderwood held the title of Executive Assistant Prosecutor and managed the entire legal staff. During her career, she was also the Supervising Assistant Prosecutor of the Professional Standards Unit, the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, and the Trial Division.
FAP Calderwood has prosecuted numerous high-profile, complex jury trials involving Murder, Aggravated Manslaughter/Vehicular Homicide, and Aggravated Sexual Assault cases with adult and child victims. Throughout her prosecutorial career, FAP Calderwood has lectured often on various legal and law enforcement topics at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, local schools, and to the community at large.
In May 2019, FAP Calderwood was honored by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris/Sussex Vicinage, and the Morris/Sussex County Bar Association for contributions to the justice system as part of the “Women Pioneers in the Law” exhibit. Since January of 2020, she has served as Co-Chair to the Morris County Bar Association’s Criminal Practice Committee. In June of 2022, the Morris County Bar Association awarded FAP Calderwood the “Criminal Practice Award” for her professionalism and dedication to the field.
Before joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 1997, FAP Calderwood began her legal career with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in 1994. While there, she was assigned to Appellate, Juvenile, Predisposition Court, and the Trial Team in which she represented the State in numerous jury trials.
FAP Calderwood earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Moravian College in 1988 and her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992. After graduating law school, FAP Calderwood served as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Stephen F. Smith, Presiding Criminal Judge of the Superior Court in Morris County.
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood said, “I am honored to receive this award from CPANJ and thank Prosecutor Carroll for nominating me and for everything he does for the office, law enforcement, and the community. Every success, every milestone, and every challenge overcome was made possible by the support, collaboration, and hard work of the assistant prosecutors, detectives, and support staff, both past and present, that I have had the pleasure of working with. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had in my career to serve the community and fight for justice.”
Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has served the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office admirably for nearly 30 years. She is a consummate prosecutor, and has absolute integrity, thorough legal skills, and is an excellent trial attorney who can be relied upon to lead any investigation, prosecution, or administration. She is especially skilled in leading and training Assistant Prosecutors in best practices, and how to achieve the balance between the stressors of professional and personal lives. For decades, she has exemplified the virtues all AP’s should strive towards – skill, passion, and dedication to serving the ideals of justice. She does so not just in mere words, but in her actions, ensuring the right thing is done in the right moment. FAP Calderwood has fought vociferously for just verdicts, while balancing the fairness towards defendants, with compassion to victims. Simply said, she is a complete prosecutor who has earned the respect of all with whom she interacts.”
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is calling on the federal government to marshal all federal resources at its disposal, including the military, to end the unauthorized flight of drones over our county and other parts of New Jersey.
We believe this to be a matter of national security, and as such our federal government has a duty to the people of New Jersey and the rest of the nation to identify the source of this incursion, be completely transparent about what is happening, put an end to the drones that have so alarmed our communities and implement the appropriate safeguards to protect our air space and our people, now and in the future.
Morris County and our communities have deployed considerable resources daily since the first drones were spotted.
We continue to support the round-the-clock efforts of our Prosecutor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Law & Public Safety in monitoring the drones and responding to reports from residents as well as local law enforcement. Our county agencies have worked diligently with local police chiefs as well as the State Police, the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security & Preparedness, and the FBI in the hopes of bringing calm to this situation and finding answers.
It is amply clear, beyond the fact that FAA regulations prevent our law enforcement agencies from taking any defensive action regarding the errant drones, that only the federal government, with its enormous resources and pre-eminent technology, has the authority to clear our skies of this mounting threat to our public safety. As elected officials, servicemen, and women you are failing to abide by the oath you took to protect us from enemies, foreign and domestic. You must rectify this situation.
We need action now. Our residents deserve nothing less. America deserves nothing less.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Advisory Committee on Women is now accepting nominations for its 6th Annual “Seeds of Change” Volunteer Award, which will be presented March 2025 to a nominee who has volunteered to improve the community and who has been a leader and inspiration to other women in the county.
Nominations may be submitted through Jan. 6, 2025. The Morris County Advisory Committee on Women is asking that all nominations be submitted online.
The “Seeds of Change” Volunteer Award was inspired by the late State Sen. Leanna Brown, who passed in 2016. This honor is intended to highlight and celebrate women who build up other women, and that includes those who volunteer at the grassroots levels in the community.
Ms. Brown served on the Chatham Borough Council from 1969 to 1972. She was the first woman elected to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders (now the Board of County Commissioners), becoming the Director in 1976. In 1978, she was named president of the New Jersey Association of Counties.
In 1983, Ms. Brown was also the first Republican woman elected to the New Jersey Senate. She was a champion of women’s causes and a mentor to many women who sought to join the political and electoral process. Ms. Brown also was the driving force behind the county’s creation of the Morris County Advisory Committee on Women.
The “Seed of Change” Volunteer Award was first issued in April 2018 and has been bestowed every year except 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior winners include:
2018 – Lila Bernstein of Mendham Township
2019 – Phyllis Chanda of Flanders
2022 – Mary Ledyard of Rockaway Borough
2023 – Alice Cutler of Morristown
2024 – Debby Seme of Martinsville
It is preferred, but not required, that the nominee be linked with volunteering for a cause of current interest to the Advisory Committee on Women. Current areas of interest include housing and homelessness, human trafficking, incarcerated women, women in the military, female veterans, and other areas that impact women.
For additional information, please contact Sydney Ugalde at sydney@thebiscaynegroup.com no later than January 6, 2025. The individual selected to receive the honor will be contacted after the deadline and invited to attend the Seeds of Change Award Ceremony at a March 2025 meeting of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) is demanding action from the Biden administration after drone sightings in New York prompted Orange County airport to temporarily shut down.
“Enough is enough. The Biden administration’s feeble response to these unidentified drones in New Jersey and New York is going to end up in tragedy. I am tired of demanding answers, it is time for action. This has gone on for way too long. The blatant display of disrespect to the American people is a glowing example of the Biden administration’s incompetence and failure to prioritize our national security. “
“If one injury or tragedy occurs as a result of these mysterious drones, the blame will rest solely on the negligent hands of President Biden and his administration. The time for excuses has passed. It is time for the FBI and FAA to take decisive action. The American people deserve no less.”
Make Your Move: Chess Club Returns to Morris County Library Starting January 8
MORRIS COUNTY — Chess enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy friendly and non-competitive games at the Morris County Library throughout 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this drop-in program offers a welcoming environment to learn, play, and connect with others.
Event Details:
Dates:
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Morris County Library Public Meeting Room, 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany.
Cost: Free
Contact: Reader’s Services, (973) 285-6385
Players are encouraged to bring their own chess sets and time clocks if available. Basic knowledge of the rules is suggested but not required. This is a wonderful opportunity to play the timeless game of chess in a relaxed setting.
No registration is required — just drop in, make your move, and enjoy the game!
For more information, contact Reader’s Services at (973) 285-6385.
HANOVER — On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Hanover Township Fire District No. 3 Board of Commissioners proudly swore in Michael Bergman as a full-time Firefighter/EMT. The ceremony celebrated Bergman’s dedication and achievements as he advanced from his role as a Full-Time EMT to a career firefighter/EMT.
Michael joined the department over four years ago, bringing passion and professionalism to his position as a Full-Time EMT. During his tenure, he proved himself as a reliable and skilled first responder, earning the respect of his colleagues and the community. His transition to Firefighter/EMT reflects his commitment to advancing his career in public service and taking on new responsibilities.
The swearing-in ceremony was held in Cedar Knolls Fire Department and attended by fellow firefighters, EMTs, Board members, and family members who came to show their support and celebrate this significant milestone in Michael’s career.
As a Firefighter/EMT, Michael will combine his extensive experience in emergency medical services with his responsibilities as a firefighter, contributing to the safety and well-being of Cedar Knolls and the surrounding areas.
Congratulations to FF/EMT Michael Bergman on this exciting new chapter in his career. The department and community extend their best wishes as he continues his journey in service and dedication.
