DOVER — On May 5, 2024, at approximately 2:14 a.m., Dover Patrol Units responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of East Blackwell Street and South Salem Street.
Dover Police Officers were advised that the vehicle had struck a tree.
Upon arrival, a vehicle was observed to be on the front lawn of the Dover Housing Authority (215 East Blackwell Street), with its rear bumper touching a tree.
Next to the vehicle was the driver, Mr. Cristian Arias-Gomez, 34.
When Dover Police Officer Caraig Christopher approached Mr. Arias-Gomez, he began walking away toward the Dover Housing Authority parking lot.
The officer told him to stop several times, and he complied.
Mr. Arias-Gomez gave Officer Christopher his car keys. When asked what happened and if he was driving the vehicle, he stated he was. He stated he was not hurt or injured. He wanted to leave the vehicle parked on the front lawn of the property. He stated he was bartending earlier tonight at a country club, and he wanted to be handcuffed immediately because he was irresponsible. When asked how many alcoholic beverages he consumed, he was not forthcoming about how many but stated he worked at Spring Brook Country Club.
He then stated he wanted to go to the Police Headquarters and stay there for the night. When asked if he wanted to perform the standardized field sobriety tests, he agreed to it. Prior to the tests, he stated he was not diabetic and did not take insulin. He stated he was wearing contact lenses. He stated he was not injured. He stated he does not have any physical disabilities that would prohibit him from performing the tests. He stated he had consumed an unknown amount of alcoholic beverages before the crash.
As soon as Officer Christian started the first test, Mr. Arias-Gomez lost his balance and leaned to the side where Officer Martinez and I caught him before he almost fell.
The test was stopped for his safety.
Mr. Arias-Gomez was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was handcuffed behind his back, with the handcuffs being double locked. He was searched with negative results of contraband.
The Dover Police Department’s Alcotest machine was not functioning. Officer Christian transported Mr. Arias-Gomez to the Wharton Police Department. He was read his Miranda Rights and provided with the form. He signed the Miranda Form.
Officer Christian administered the Alcotest to Mr. Arias-Gomez. He provided two sufficient breath samples. The Alcotest results indicated that Mr. Arias-Gomez had a BAC of 0.22%. He was transported to Dover Police Headquarters
At Dover Police Headquarters Mr. Arias-Gomez was issued the following traffic summonses:
•Driving while intoxicated (39:4-50), 1409-E24-002597 •Careless driving (39:4-97), 1409-E24-002598
He was then released to a responsible adult. Bunky’s Towing towed his 2011 Honda from the scene.
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.
Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, John L. Ferramosca, and Thomas "Ace" Gallagher
HANOVER — The Township Committee of the Township of Hanover met on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for an in-person, open public conference and closed executive legal and personnel meeting in Conference Room “A” at the Township Municipal Building located at 1000 Route 10W in Whippany. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting.
Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, John L. Ferramosca, and Thomas "Ace" Gallagher
HANOVER — The Township Committee of the Township of Hanover met on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for an in-person, open public conference and closed executive legal and personnel meeting in Conference Room “A” at the Township Municipal Building located at 1000 Route 10W in Whippany. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris County man is facing charges after last week’s motor vehicle crash. The incident occurred on May 21, around 5:07 p.m., when Denville Township Police were called to Route 46 to respond to the crash.
Upon arrival and during the investigation, police identified one of the drivers as Christopher Giro, a 69-year-old resident of Morris Plains Borough. It was determined that Giro had been operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
As a result, Giro was arrested and charged with several offenses: driving under the influence, following too closely, reckless driving, and careless driving. According to police officials, following his arrest, Giro was released pending a 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, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Butler Police Chief Scott Ricker confirmed the arrest of Scott Morley, age 48, of Butler, for alleged possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM).
The defendant has been charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (possession of CSAM), a third-degree offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(B)(iii). Morley owned Morley’s Magic Theater in Butler.
The investigation began when the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received an anonymous tip that the defendant may have child pornography. A subsequent search of the defendant’s electronic devices authorized by a search warrant revealed items of suspected CSAM on his computer.
Morley was charged on May 15. Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the defendant has been released under pre-trial supervision PML III, including with the following conditions: no unsupervised internet usage, no unsupervised contact with minors under 18, and remaining in the state of New Jersey.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Butler Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in this investigation.
Does anyone have any information related to this investigation? In that case, they are encouraged to call the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Sex Crimes / Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200.
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.
Wakefern Food Corp. has announced a $1 million donation for student scholarships at Kean University in honor of the company’s recently-retired president, Kean alumnus Joe Sheridan ’80. (Photo Credit: Wakefern Food Corp.)
MORRIS COUNTY — Wakefern Food Corp. has announced a $1 million donation for student scholarships at Kean University in honor of the company’s recently retired president, Kean alumnus Joe Sheridan ’80.
The New Jersey-based supermarket cooperative that includes retail banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, and the Fresh Grocer endowed the “Joe Sheridan Resiliency Scholarship” to help students in the University’s College of Business and Public Management (CBPM) pursue their professional goals and dreams.
Sheridan, an Elizabeth native who retired as president and chief operating officer in December after nearly five decades with Wakefern, actively supports the Kean University Foundation and many other social and community causes.
“Wakefern’s generous gift honoring Kean alumnus Joe Sheridan creates a lasting legacy at Kean and offers students a financial safety net to continue their studies and follow in the footsteps of Joe and other prominent Kean alumni,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “We are grateful to Joe for his support throughout his years, and we thank Wakefern for their generosity in his name.”
The Kean University Board of Trustees on May 6 voted to name the 6th-floor boardroom at Kean’s Hynes Hall after Sheridan and expressed gratitude to Wakefern for the support.
Sheridan said he was grateful for his education at Kean, New Jersey’s urban research university.
“I have been blessed throughout my career to work in a field – the supermarket industry – that serves our communities every day and am pleased that Wakefern, where I spent so many happy and successful years, is helping students at Kean achieve their dreams” he said. “I look forward to continuing to support my alma mater and its students.”
Steve Fastook ’06H, chair of the Kean Board of Trustees, said Kean is pleased to honor Sheridan as a graduate and a supporter.
“Joe Sheridan was born and raised in Elizabeth, graduated from Kean, and has never forgotten his roots,” Fastook said. “We are proud to count Joe among our many successful Kean alumni and deeply appreciate this incredible gift to our students.”
The Joe Sheridan Resiliency Scholarship will benefit, in perpetuity, Kean CBPM students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above and who have demonstrated financial need.
“It is our great pleasure to thank Joe Sheridan and Wakefern and express our deepest appreciation for this gift,” said William Miller, chief executive officer of the Kean University Foundation. “Through Joe’s vision and compassion, Kean’s College of Business and Public Management students will get a helping hand to keep them on track to graduation and the chance to build their successful careers.”
Sheridan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management science from Kean in 1980 and his wife, Joan Sheridan, received her master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Kean in 1986.
Before graduating, Joe Sheridan began working as a selector in Wakefern’s Elizabeth warehouse in 1976. He rose through the ranks at Wakefern to become company president in 2011.
During his tenure as vice president and president at Wakefern, Sheridan shepherded membership and store growth, launched one of the grocery industry’s earliest online shopping platforms in 2002, and rolled out Wakefern’s popular private label product lines, Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry, and Paperbird.
Wakefern, a retailer-owned cooperative with 45 members and 365 supermarkets, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, the Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Dearborn Market, and Di Bruno Bros., also became a leader in social responsibility under Sheridan’s stewardship.
“The creation of the Kean scholarship is in keeping with Joe Sheridan’s desire to give back,” said Wakefern Chief Communications Officer Karen Meleta.
“Throughout his career, Joe furthered Wakefern’s commitment to the community through his support of our ShopRite Partners In Caring program, which was created in 1999 and has donated more than $62 million to hunger-fighting organizations,” she added.
Sheridan has volunteered with Special Olympics New Jersey and other nonprofits such as the Embrace Kids Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Creating the scholarship at Kean University was a fitting way to honor his legacy at Wakefern.
Husband and wife bring new tree care franchise to Somerset and Morris counties
MORRIS COUNTY —Joshua Tree Experts, an emerging franchise specializing in tree maintenance, lawn care, and pest control, is expanding its footprint nationwide with its first New Jersey location. In late August, husband-and-wife team Chris and Michelle Brown will begin enhancing the local landscape in the Parsippany-Troy Hills, Bridgewater, and Morristown.
Chris has over 20 years of experience as a broadcast television specialist and engineer, while Michelle has spent the last two decades in property management. They’re eager to escape their cubicle lives and switch to a community-focused venture. They were intrigued by Joshua Tree Experts’ commitment to improving the community through tree and lawn care.
“We look forward to deepening our roots in the area, building relationships with the people we serve, and improving the beautiful natural landscape for everyone to enjoy,” said Michelle Brown.
Joshua Tree Experts of Morristown will cover as far south as Somerville and Bridgewater and north to Pequannock Township. Services include tree pruning and trimming by ISA-certified arborists, tree removal, and plant health care to protect trees and shrubs from insects, diseases, and other challenges.
“This region is ideal for Joshua Tree Experts; it’s a community that values its green space and requires our specialized services,” Chris added.
EAST HANOVER — Daniella DiBiase is among the 557 students who earned Dean’s List honors for the Spring 2024 semester at Mount St. Mary’s University. An additional 156 students were named to the President’s List for earning a grade point average of 4.0.
Daniella is a graduate of DePaul Catholic High. School.
About Mount St. Mary’s University
Mount St. Mary’s University is a private, liberal arts, Catholic university in the Catoctin Mountains near historic Emmitsburg, Maryland. Its satellite campus is in Frederick, Maryland’s second-largest city.
The university offers over 80 majors, minors, concentrations, and special programs for traditional undergraduate students and more than 20 adult undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
The Mount includes Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, the second oldest in the United States, and the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, an idyllic shrine for spiritual reflection on the hill above the university.
Explore the Delectable Menu at Tuscany Villa Ristorante in Montville
MORRIS COUNTY — There’s no doubt the general Parsippany area can boast of being the home of numerous excellent Italian restaurants. Within a several-mile radius, one can probably find every style of Italian eatery you’re looking for, from a small local trattoria, an old school “Nonna” pizzeria joint, to an elegant, upscale dining experience. A solid, if not great, Italian restaurant can be found in almost any of New Jersey’s 500-plus towns. But the bottom line is it’s not so much about quantity as it is about those deciding factors and small details that provide a truly satisfying, enjoyable, and memorable dining experience.
The interior is classy and upscale, but rest assured, upon entry, you will find an attractive, spacious, casual, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere.
Tuscany Villa Ristorante, an architecturally attractive building with salmon-colored stucco, stone façade, canopied windows, and decorative railings, provides a welcoming introduction to the business. Anchored at the end of a small strip mall on Changebridge Road in Montville, Tuscany Villa stands out with its modern exterior appearance that screams classy and upscale, but rest assured on entry, you will find an attractive, spacious, casual, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere. Relatively new, Tuscany Villa was constructed in 2016 and opened its doors in January 2017 as an independent, family-owned business.
Owner Elvis Mejia, a native of Guatemala, is not new to the restaurant industry. He and a few relatives were also partners in Delizia Pizza Kitchen in Boonton and El Rancho Restaurant in Morristown. Like many restaurant owners and chefs, Chef Mejia worked up the culinary ladder as a young man. Following his arrival in the U.S. in 2000, he found a job as a dishwasher at Frank’s Pizza in Lake Hopatcong. Eventually, Chef Mejia, following 10 years of hard work, studying, and honing his culinary skills, earned a position as a Sous Chef. Deciding to pursue his dream and open his restaurant, and with the help of his relatives and friends, he was introduced to Montville, which he found was the perfect location for his Tuscany-themed restaurant, and where he gives back to the community by sponsoring local youth and High School sports.
Chef Elvia Mejia, Pat Minutillo, Vasil and Chef Tony Abillo
Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history, artistic legacy, and influence on high culture. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and of the foundations of the Italian language. Creating an ambiance, vibe, and sense of Tuscany’s culture, lifestyle, and beauty would require imagination. Careful planning paid off, and Tuscany Villa creates just such a sense of a serene Italian villa, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where one can relax and enjoy a delicious meal over a glass of wine. Did I mention that Tuscany Villa is BYOB, so feel free to bring along your favorite vino? Conveniently, there is a liquor store next door, just in case you forget. The interior is meticulously clean and spacious, with beautiful décor that captures the essence of Italy and certainly reflects the restaurant’s theme. The color scheme is comforting and cohesively comes together with assorted cozy lighting, tasteful and thoughtfully placed artwork, Italian artifacts on the walls, comfortably spaced rustic wooden tables & booth seating, ceiling fans, and tiled flooring. Aromas of freshly baked pizzas, savory tomato sauce, spices, herbs, and all those scrumptious fragrances that tantalize your taste buds and make your mouth water as you peruse the menu.
Linguini & Clam Sauce: Available with red or white sauce.
I would neglect to mention (especially now that the warm weather is upon us) that Tuscany Villa also offers outdoor patio seating. This is a gorgeous setting to dine and relax, reflecting the restaurant’s theme, complete with vine-covered trellises and soothing natural landscaping.
The menu offers the usual array of delectable Italian choices, including appetizers, soups, salads, antipasti, pasta, seafood, baked pasta, hot and cold subs, grilled dishes, chef specials, strombolis, wraps, paninis, calzones, and, of course, traditional, gourmet, and Sicilian pizza. A children’s menu is also offered, as are numerous specials. There is pretty much something for everyone. And don’t forget dessert!
Chicken Contadina (artichokes, mushrooms, onions & a touch of marinara sauce, and served over pasta).
Now that our group of hungry travelers had a chance to sip some wine, unwind, admire the décor, and check out the menu, it was time to start ordering. Our server, Vasile, was on hand to help with any questions we may have had. As far as service goes, Vasile was as good as it gets. Friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient, Vasile made us all feel like valued guests from the moment we sat down. His affable manner and sense of humor all contributed to a fun dining experience.
A Culinary Gem: Eggplant Rollatini at Tuscany Villa Ristorante
As always, the group chose a selection of appetizers to share. Choices included tender and flavorful eggplant rollatini, a well-packed meat stromboli (Sausage, Ham, Pepperoni, Salami, Meatball & Mozzarella), and at the suggestion of Vasile, ginger calamari (Fried Calamari Tossed in Ginger Sauce with Roasted Peppers & Mango). Each appetizer was luscious, with generously sized portions. The freshness and high quality of the ingredients were evident and cooked perfectly. To me, the star of the show was Ginger Calamari. Delizioso!!! Nice plump-sized calamari, tender and crisp, sweet and sour, with a bit of heat and lots and lots of flavors. An exquisite, sweet Italian treat with an Asian flair!
A Spicy Treat: Shrimp Fra Diavolo Over Pasta
For my entrée, I ordered the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, which came in a spicy Marinara Sauce, over pasta. As usual, I asked them to punch up the heat. Shrimp Fra Diavolo, a favorite of mine, is made with juicy, large shrimp cooked in a hearty, spicy tomato sauce with garlic, white wine, and fresh parsley; when it’s good, it’s good. Others in the group ordered the Chicken Contadina (artichokes, mushrooms, onions & a touch of marinara sauce, and served over pasta). I didn’t try this, but it was a phenomenal-looking dish and generously portioned. Linguini & Clam Sauce (comes with red or white sauce), and a couple of guys went with your traditional Veal Parmigiana (nice sized pieces of veal, covered in Tuscany’s house tomato sauce and lots of melted mozzarella topping it off.
Delight in the Creamy Goodness of Chocolate Mousse at Tuscany Villa
Everyone enjoyed their meals, and the dessert menus arrived (as if we needed them now, but why not). I like pistachios, so the Pistachio Truffle quickly caught my eye. It turned out to be a great choice. The creamy ganache, infused with chocolate and nuts, came generously loaded with pan-roasted pistachios. Every bite into this creamy, crunchy, decadent, indulgent dessert was delightful. Others chose Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Glass. Along with our Cappuccinos, those sweet and creamy treats made for the perfect ending to a genuinely nice dining experience.
Ricotta Pistachio Cake: A luscious creation with creamy ricotta layered with nuts, generously topped with pan-roasted pistachios.
When you’re in the area, I recommend stopping at Tuscany Villa Ristorante and trying it. Not to be redundant, but good food, beautiful décor, reasonable prices, and great service are a winning combination. Plus, they make a tasty pizza.
“Vivi la tua vita al meglio!”
Tuscany Villa Ristorante, 223 Changebridge Road, Montville. Phone: (973) 334-1400; Banquet Room (Great for Special Occasions) Holds 50 People. Outdoor Dining Patio – BYOB. Dine In – Take Out – Delivery -Catering. Monday Pizza Special. Hours: Seven Days, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ginger calamari (Fried Calamari Tossed in Ginger Sauce with Roasted Peppers & Mango)
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, June 2024.Click here to view.
Sophia Gillen's Advocacy Leads to State Proclamation for Pet Fostering
MOUNTAIN LAKES — New Jersey is taking decisive steps to improve the lives of companion animals and humans who love them thanks to the efforts of a Girl Scout Gold Award, Phenomenal Foster Pets.
Governor Phillip D. Murphy has officially proclaimed June 2024 as “Foster a Pet Month.”
Sophia Gillen, an Ambassador with Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, successfully petitioned Governor Murphy to expand New Jersey’s dedication to saving shelter pets. Gillen attends Mountain Lakes High School in Morris County. Gillen’s Gold Award stresses increased pet fostering to reduce shelter overcrowding. When a shelter animal is fostered, more shelter space becomes available. Shelters cannot control when animals will be relinquished or rescued from the streets.
Phenomenal Foster Pets encourages children and teens to advocate for animals at every age. In middle school, 11th Hour Rescue gave Gillen her first chance to put her love for animals into action as a junior volunteer. Since 2023, Gillen has been a weekend pet attendant at Bloomingdale Animal Shelter Society (BASS). She volunteers with BASS Treasurer Sherry Dally at PetSmart Willowbrook Adoption Days to find homes for cats and kittens on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month.
The Phenomenal Foster Pets fun patch lesson teaches scouts and adults how easy fostering and advocating for pets can be. The fun patch and lesson are available online for anyone to earn. Families can often foster for a week or longer with no obligation to keep the pet. Fostering gives a cat, dog, or other animal time to relax and socialize with humans. Foster families learn to understand animals’ personalities and needs.
Girl Scout Gold Advisor Marcy Pryor says, “Fostering saves lives. Sophia’s Gold Award is a first for shelter pet advocacy with a state government.” Pryor volunteers with Dogs and Cats of Antigua (DACOA) in the travel buddy, fostering, and overseas pet adoption programs. “Foster families are essential in the pet adoption,” states Dr. Pryor. “I’m proud of Sophia for championing animals and taking it to the highest level in the state.”
Many New Jersey shelters have foster programs, including NorthStar Pet Rescue, 11th Hour Rescue, All Humane Animal Rescue, St. Hubert’s Animal Shelter, and Associated Human Society (AHS). Use www.petfinder.com to find a shelter and take the next step as a foster family. You won’t regret it! To learn about Phenomenal Foster Pet lessons and patches, contact phenemonalfosterpets@gmail.com.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, June 2024
