DOVER — The Health & Wellness Center proudly celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 13, attended by community members, local officials, and wellness enthusiasts. The event marks the beginning of a new chapter in promoting health and wellness within the community. Patricia Acevedo, MSN, A-GNP-C, owns the Health & Wellness Center located at Two East Blackwell Street.

Acevedo’s story began in the suburbs of Mexico City, where she and her sister were raised by their grandmother, who worked in a hospital kitchen, and her uncle, a cook. Her early ambitions ranged from attending a prestigious Mexican university to becoming a mechanical engineer and a professional woman. However, her journey into motherhood and prevailing cultural beliefs about female education at the time sidetracked her plans.

At 19, Acevedo moved to Dover, but unexpected circumstances led her back to Mexico. She made the difficult decision to return to Dover without her children to pursue her education and make them proud.

Feeling as though God had given her a second chance, Acevedo landed her first job as a staff nurse at a local hospital. “I saw the work of nurses who inspired me to become one. They reminded me of my grandmother,” she recalled. She earned her GED, received English tutoring at home, and was accepted into the County College of Morris nursing program, graduating in 2005. She even found a new love, Eddie, at the local hospital, who supported her and her dreams.

To become a visiting nurse at the local hospital, Acevedo needed to achieve her BSN, which she did in 2015 through the University of Saint Elizabeth. She was the speaker of her graduating class, with all her children cheering her on. “That was the moment I dreamt of,” Acevedo said. “That day, I made another promise… master’s degree, here I come.”

Acevedo felt supported immediately after applying to and being accepted by Seton Hall. She named faculty like Joyce Maglione and Eileen Moran as nursing leaders she admired and who believed in her. “The place I thought I could never attend now became my home. I was not going to disappoint them,” she said. “The skills I received at Seton Hall gave me the courage to care for my community. I felt confident as I received a high-quality education to implement in my daily process.”

Despite obstacles like the COVID-19 pandemic, Acevedo persevered and graduated in 2021. Along the way, she dreamt of creating a place for people to visit, be nurtured, be educated, and feel safe. “I knew God had plans for me, but I didn’t know what the plans were,” she said. After reflecting on her life and legacy, she began her career as a nurse practitioner, eventually landing positions in three different practices while keeping two per diem nursing roles.

As Acevedo focused on gaining skills and knowledge, she and her husband, Eddie, worked on a plan to open her practice. Though rare in New Jersey, Acevedo knew many nurse practitioner-run practices and wanted to join them. Despite challenges—from finding a location to securing business collaborators—she launched the Health and Wellness Center of NJ in Dover.

Acevedo hopes to see her business expand across New Jersey, making it a desired workplace for fellow nurse practitioners and a main resource in various areas. “One day, I will offer scholarships to adults who didn’t have the opportunity to become educated and wish to be in health care,” she said.

To current students and other healthcare professionals, Acevedo shared, “Not everyone understands the role of the nurse practitioner; thus, it’s our responsibility to educate them.” She urges others to find a supportive team to help turn their dreams into tangible goals. “Your dream is yours. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t let other people’s opinions or lack of knowledge make you doubt yourself,” she advised.

Acevedo’s story is a great triumph, showcasing how she built her future with determination and faith. Her journey proves her resilience and exemplifies the power of perseverance. Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s words, Acevedo exclaims, “The best revenge is a massive success, and I did it my way.”

You can reach Patricia Acevedo, MSN, A-GNP-C, by calling (973) 939-1150.

DOVER — On Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at approximately 2:10 a.m., Sergeant Boris Sanchez was parked in the front parking lot of Dover Dodge, 160 E Blackwell Street, monitoring vehicular traffic on East Blackwell Street.

Shortly after that, he heard the sound of a car horn, drawing his attention to East Blackwell Street and Mercer Street.

At that time, he observed a red pickup truck traveling eastbound on East Blackwell Street with a white Jeep Wrangler traveling directly behind it. He then saw the Jeep Wrangler suddenly pass the pickup truck on the right side and continue eastbound on East Blackwell Street, with the pickup truck now traveling directly behind the Jeep Wrangler.

After the vehicle passed his location, Sergeant Sanchez entered the roadway and began to pursue the Jeep Wrangler. As the Jeep Wrangler approached South Salem Street, it was in the dedicated right-turn lane when it abruptly moved from the turning lane and returned to East Blackwell Street without signaling to the pickup truck. As he passed the South Salem Street intersection, Sergeant Sanchez positioned his patrol vehicle behind the Jeep Wrangler and activated his emergency overhead lights.

The Jeep Wrangler failed to stop and continued traveling straight, during which Sergeant Sanchez observed it fail to maintain its lane by partially crossing over the double yellow centerline. The Jeep Wrangler finally stopped on East Blackwell Street at the intersection of Sammis Avenue.

Sergeant Sanchez approached the Jeep Wrangler from the passenger side and contacted the driver, Cristobal Rea, 40, Newark, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant. He introduced himself and explained the reason for the traffic stop, after which Rea indicated that he did not recall passing the pickup truck. When asked where he was coming from, Rea provided conflicting statements, suggesting that he was from Newark, coming from Newark and that he was coming from a friend’s house. When asked why he was in Dover, Rea stated that he and his friend were at a party “or something” but did not elaborate.

During the conversation, Rea exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech. Dover Police Officer Fuentes and Officer Fenske arrived at the scene.

At that time, Sergeant Sanchez administered field sobriety tests, which he failed, and Sergeant Sanchez placed Rea under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. Dover Police Officer Fuentes and Officer Fenske placed handcuffs onto Mr. Rae. During a search of the Jeep Wrangler for evidence, a brown, unsealed, and partially consumed alcoholic beverage (Buchanan) was located on the floorboard behind the passenger rear seat.

Rea eventually refused to provide breath samples for testing. The following summons was issued to Mr. Rea:

•Operating Under the Influence (39:4-50)
•Improper Passing (39:4-85)
•Consent to take breath samples (39:4-50.2)
•Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
•Failure to Keep Right (39:4-82)
•Traffic on Marked Lane – unsafe lane change (39:4-88B)
•Open Container (39:4-51B)
•Consume Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicle (39:4-51A)

He was released to a responsible adult with a court date of July 15.

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.

DOVER — The Dover School District Board of Education recognizes that parent and community involvement, input, and advice are meaningful and essential.  To that end, they seek the help of community members interested in actively participating in our schools and would like to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Click here to complete the application.

The CAC will serve as a conduit for feedback, advice, and information on matters affecting the school district. This allows the Dover School District Board of Education to listen directly to the community while fostering a collaborative environment and relationship between the school district and the community.

Community members interested in serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) should complete this brief application by June 30th.

The Community Relations Committee will consider these applications, make recommendations to the Board of Education, and, with the Board of Education’s approval, appoint members.

Please note that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will be strictly advisory and work directly with the Community Relations Committee. The Community Relations Committee will inform the Board of Education, who will take final or formal action in full.

Please refer to the Board Policy for more details. 

MORRIS COUNTY — Under Brian Varela’s leadership, the Morris Dems Hispanic Caucus (MDHC) Kick-Off Event, held on Saturday, July 13, was a remarkable success, attracting over 70 attendees from Wharton and its surrounding areas. The MDHC’s commitment to fostering community engagement and inclusivity was evident as the event met and exceeded its goals. The initiative to form the Wharton Democratic Committee received enthusiastic support, establishing a solid foundation for future civic involvement.

The guest speaker was Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina (First Latina Senatorial Candidate). In January 2024, Dr. Campos-Medina announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate, focusing on policies that support working families, affordable healthcare, student debt forgiveness, and strengthening federal labor laws. She is recognized as one of New Jersey’s most influential political leaders and has received numerous awards for her contributions to labor rights and social justice.​

The MDHC’s innovative approach to community organizing was a key factor in the event’s success. The leadership’s ability to unite diverse groups for a common purpose underscores their vision for a cohesive community. Moving forward, Varela and his team plan to maintain this momentum, focusing on empowering local voices and ensuring that every community member has a platform to be heard.

The MDHC has garnered respect and sparked a significant increase in civic engagement in Wharton.

As we look to the future, Brian’s ongoing efforts and strategic vision will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the local political landscape and fostering a community that values participation and inclusivity.

The Morris Dems Hispanic Caucus board consists of the following:

•Chair – Brian Varela
•Vice Chair – Sandra Wittner
•Secretary – Judy Hernandez
•Treasurer – Deb Tejada
•Sergeant at Arms – Michael Soriano
•Strategic Advisory Member – Stacey Ewald
•Strategic Advisory Member – Amalia Duarte

For more information on the Morris Dems Hispanic Caucus, click here.

DOVER — Excitement is building as the Town of Dover prepares to host the Dover Cultural Extravaganza on Saturday, September 28th. Scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Crescent Field, located at 120 First Street, this event promises a day filled with cultural celebrations, community spirit, and vibrant activities. Mega Bite Events is assisting the Town of Dover as a promoter in coordinating and planning the Dover Cultural Extravaganza.

This festival aims to bring together residents and visitors for a day of festivities, which include:

1. Live Performances: Music, dance, and theatrical performances representing various cultures.
2. Food Stalls: A variety of cuisines from different cultural backgrounds.
3. Arts and Crafts: Exhibits and workshops featuring traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.
4. Family Activities: Games, face painting, and other activities for children and families.
5. Cultural Exhibits: Displays and information booths about different cultures and traditions.

The event will kick off with vendor load-in starting at 8:00 a.m. and running until 10:00 a.m. Vendors are reminded to be punctual, as anyone arriving after 10:00 a.m. cannot load in and set up. This year, a 10×10 space will be provided for each vendor near the event’s entrance, with larger spaces available upon request.

The application process is straightforward for those looking to participate. Local vendors can fill out the application form (Click here) and email it to mespada@dover.nj.us or mail it to the Township of Dover, Attn: Michelle Espada, 37 North Sussex Street, Dover, NJ 07801.

The fee for non-food vendor spaces is $130.00, with an additional 4% fee for credit card payments. It’s important to note that fees must be paid in full upon acceptance, and half of the fee will be refunded if a vendor cancels at least 30 days before the event. Starting September 1st, the fee will increase to $150.00 if any spaces are still available.

Vendors at the Dover Cultural Extravaganza must abide by all policies and procedures outlined in the application contract. This includes keeping their vendor spaces clean and not leaving any garbage behind, as a $50.00 fee will be charged for any trash left in the area. Furthermore, vendors are encouraged to post and tag the Town of Dover on Facebook and Instagram to promote their participation.

One of the key attractions of the Dover Cultural Extravaganza is the diverse range of products and services vendors offer. While exclusive vendor product opportunities are unavailable, the event organizers strive to limit similar vendors to two per category, ensuring a variety of offerings for attendees. Vendors must also ensure their activities do not interfere with neighboring booths and that their displays are within the confines of their assigned spaces.

Safety is a top priority for the event. Vendors must provide tent weights, and any tent larger than 10×10 must have a permit from the Dover Fire Department. Additionally, the event is covered by JIF insurance, protecting community events, and vendors are expected to accept personal liability for their booths and activities.

The Town of Dover is excited as the Dover Cultural Extravaganza date approaches. The event promises to unite people of all ages for a celebration, cultural exchange, and community bonding. With a lineup of local vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the whole family, the Dover Cultural Extravaganza is set to be a spectacular event showcasing what Dover has to offer.

Sponsor banners are available for $1,000 and will be displayed on the field for a year.

For more information or to apply as a vendor, contact Michelle Espada at (973) 366-2200 ext. 2116 or email mespada@dover.nj.us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in a vibrant community event celebrating Dover’s rich cultural tapestry.