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Morris Plains Community Band to Hold Free Concerts

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris Plains Community Band/ File Photo

MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains Community Band will present concerts at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday evening in August in Roberts Garden Park, at the corner of Glenbrook Road and Mountain Way in the borough.

The concerts are free of charge. Attendees are asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on. Roberts Garden is a shady public park with an arboretum-like environment.

The concerts are weather-permitting, and there is no indoor location. If a performance is rained out, it is simply canceled.

Each weekly concert will present an entirely different program:

  • August 5 — “Patriotic Fever.” In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday and the Morris Plains centennial, the band will perform a program of American patriotic music. The concert will also feature the Morris Plains Community Choir singing several patriotic selections by American composers.
  • August 12 — “Hooray for Hollywood,” featuring well-known works from the silver screen over the years.

Jefferson Township Appoints Joanna Myung as Township Clerk

By
Frank Cahill
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Joanna Myung, who currently serves as Clerk for the Borough of Deal, has been appointed Municipal Clerk for Jefferson Township, effective August 17.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Council has appointed Joanna Myung to serve as Township Clerk, according to Resolution #26-231. Myung, who currently serves as Clerk for the Borough of Deal. She will start August 17.

The council voted 3-1 with Council President Josh Kalish voting no. As previously reported Councilman Dan Schultz resigned and was not at the meeting.

The appointment comes under N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133, which requires the township to appoint a municipal clerk to fill a vacancy in the position. The council interviewed applicants and determined that Myung was best qualified for the role. Her annual compensation is set at $110,000.

The resolution also authorizes an annual salary of $80,000 for Deputy Clerk Amanda Nevins, RMC, CMR.

The position of Municipal Clerk is a statutory position required by New Jersey law under N.J.S.A. 40A:9-133.1. Municipal clerks must hold a Registered Municipal Clerk certification, which is obtained through the Rutgers University Center for Government Studies and after qualifying, passing an examination administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Regardless of a municipality’s form of government, the municipal clerk is charged with the following statutory duties:

  • Secretary to the governing body
  • Official of the municipal corporation
  • Issuing authority for licensing and permits
  • Chief administrative officer of elections
  • Chief registrar of voters
  • Custodian of the municipal seal
  • Records custodian and public information officer

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County Seeks Volunteer Tutors

By
Rohan Mruthik
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MORRISTOWN — Literacy Volunteers of Morris County (LVMC) is seeking community members interested in becoming volunteer tutors to help adults improve their reading, writing, and English-speaking skills.

The nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers who can dedicate approximately one hour each week to working one-on-one with adult learners. Tutors assist students in developing everyday literacy and communication skills that can help them achieve personal, educational, and career goals.

According to LVMC, volunteers do not need prior teaching experience or the ability to speak another language. The organization provides comprehensive training, teaching materials, and ongoing support to prepare new tutors for their volunteer roles.

To become a volunteer tutor, applicants must be at least 21 years old, have graduated from high school, and be fluent in English.

LVMC’s current volunteer recruitment campaign encourages residents to “Make a difference… Become a tutor!” and highlights opportunities to help adults learn to read, write, and speak English.

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County has served adult learners throughout the county by providing free literacy and English language instruction through trained volunteer tutors.

Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program can visit www.lvmorris.org, call (973) 984-1998, email [email protected], or visit the organization’s office at 16 Elm Street, Morristown.

Randolph Man Arrested for Driving Under the Influence After Erratic Driving

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

MORRIS COUNTY — A Randolph man was arrested on July 27 after Denville Police received multiple complaints about an erratic driver on Route 10 West.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., Denville Police dispatch received the complaints, and officers in the area located the vehicle in question, conducted a motor vehicle stop and identified the driver as Zachary Monahan, 35, of Randolph. During the course of the investigation, Monahan displayed signs of impairment, and he was arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Monahan was transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing and later released with a pending Denville Township Municipal Court date. Before his release, he was issued motor vehicle summonses for:

  • Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Careless driving, likely to endanger a person or property
  • Reckless driving

Editor’s Note: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Pepe’s Pawlor Opens in Oak Ridge, Offering Personalized Dog Grooming

By
Rohan Mruthik
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Pepe’s Pawlor, a new dog-grooming business owned by Nichole Pepe, opened Sunday, July 26, at 5716 Berkshire Valley Road, Suite 8, in Oak Ridge.

The opening marked the fulfillment of a longtime dream for Pepe, who wanted to operate her own grooming salon after graduating from dog-grooming school.

“I started it because it’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” Pepe said.

Pepe’s Pawlor offers full grooming services designed to address each dog’s individual needs. Services include bathing, blow-drying, haircuts, deshedding, paw-pad cleaning, nail trimming and ear cleaning. Teeth brushing and other services are available for an additional charge.

The salon’s approach centers on providing each dog with personal attention throughout the grooming process. Rather than working on several dogs simultaneously, Pepe cares for one dog from the beginning of its appointment until the service is complete.

“Every dog that I am doing is done from start to finish,” Pepe said.

Pepe said the one-on-one approach allows her to focus on the comfort and care of every dog that enters the salon. She treats each customer’s pet as though it were part of her own family and makes grooming decisions based on what is best for the animal.

“When you bring your dog to me, I am treating your dog like family, just like it’s my own dog,” Pepe said. “I will do whatever is best for your dog.”

Working with dogs also gives Pepe the opportunity to meet animals with different appearances, personalities and grooming needs. She said her favorite part of the job is working with a variety of breeds—and occasionally receiving kisses from her four-legged customers along the way.

To celebrate the opening, Pepe’s Pawlor is offering 10% off a full grooming service to customers who call by Sunday, August 9, and schedule an appointment for any date before Sunday, September 6.

The business is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is closed Mondays.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling or texting (973) 396-6744 or emailing [email protected].

Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms to Host 14th Annual Fall Family Day

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS PLAINS — The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms will celebrate fall harvest and the property’s agricultural history with its 14th Annual Fall Family Day on Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The traditional fall festival is the museum’s biggest family program of the year, offering a day of old-fashioned fun for the young and young-at-heart. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkin painting, games and races, handcraft demonstrations such as woodworking, embroidery and pottery, scavenger hunts, craft activities and more.

Inside the Log House, guided tours will be suspended for the day, and families will instead be invited to stroll through the museum’s Open House.

Admission is free for all.

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is located on State Route 10 in Morris Plains.

Tennessee Honey to Bring “Campfire Sessions” Country Sound to Jefferson Gazebo Concert

By
Frank Cahill
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Tennessee Honey, an acoustic-driven contemporary country cover band known for its “Campfire Sessions” sound, will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31, as part of the Jefferson Arts Committee’s Summer Gazebo Concert series.

The free, family-friendly concert will be held at the Jefferson Township Gazebo, located at 1033 Weldon Road in the Oak Ridge section of Jefferson Township, within the Municipal Building Complex. In the event of rain, the concert will move indoors to the Jefferson Township High School auditorium.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and may bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Frozen novelties will be available for purchase from Lil Ice Trike Company, and a portable restroom will be on site. Guests are asked to carry out their own trash.

Free will donations are appreciated. For more information, call (201) 230-8879 or (973) 697-3828, or visit the Jefferson Arts Committee’s Facebook page at facebook.com/JeffersonArtsCommittee.

Frank Cahill Honored by Knights of Columbus for Service to Bishop McLaughlin Council

By
Frank Cahill
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Mike Fichter.and Frank Cahill

MORRIS PLAINS — The Bishop McLaughlin Council 3495, Knights of Columbus, presented Frank Cahill, Publisher of Focus Publications, with a plaque on July 21 recognizing his ongoing support to the council.

The award was presented by Mike Fichter. The plaque reads: “Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. By consistently championing and promoting our charitable events. Thank you for your tireless advocacy.”

“I am honored to receive this award. As publisher, it is my pleasure to make sure I can provide publicity to all local nonprofit groups. Although I am Governor of New Jersey Kiwanis International, I never lose sight of the fact that none of this happens without the volunteers who give so generously of their time to serve our communities,” said Cahill.

Also receiving honors at the event were Sean Gallagher, who received the Seminarian Gift; Nico Sullo, named Catechist of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; the Calderisi Family, recipients of the Joseph and Irene Selitto Memorial Award for Family of the Year, presented by Fr. Luke; Morris Plains Lt. Robert Guild and Morris Township Sgt. Robert Ribnicky, who received Police Shield Awards presented by John Boudreau; Morris Township Firefighter/EMT Patrick O’Shea, who received a Fireman Shield Award presented by John Boudreau; and Taylor Olsen, who received the Thaddeus Kosakowski Memorial EMS Award presented by John Boudreau.

In the community category, the council presented a donation to the Paterson Federation’s Keep Christ in Christmas Billboard, accepted by Mike Vaclavicek, PGK. Gary Richenaker presented donations from the council’s campaign for people with intellectual disabilities to the ARC of Morris County, Employment Horizons, Camp Fatima, the DPD Calabrese House, and Camp Marcella.

The council also presented a number of charitable donations, including gifts to the Morris Minute Men, LifeNet, Walking with Moms in Need, Birth Haven, Several Sources Shelters, JBWS (formerly the New Jersey Battered Women’s Service), Homeless Solutions, the Interfaith Food Pantry, Morristown Meals on Wheels, Operation Chillout, the Rock Steady Parkinson Foundation, and Welcome Home Vets of NJ, along with additional contributions to Remember Me Inc., the Fairchild Firehouse, and the Special Parents Organization. State Awards were presented by District Deputy Mike Spiecker.

90-Unit Apartment Building Transforms Long-Vacant Dover Site

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — A joint venture between Crossroads Companies and CrownPoint Group Inc. has completed 80East, a new luxury apartment community in the heart of downtown Dover. The six-story development represents the long-awaited transformation of a vacant property at the corner of East McFarlan and Passaic streets to expand housing options in the growing Morris County hub.

Featuring a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes, the community is designed to complement the character of the surrounding neighborhood while addressing continued demand for high-quality rental housing in the region. Nine apartments have been designated for income-qualified residents and families.

“From the start, we recognized 80East as a premier opportunity to meet the region’s intense demand for high-quality housing just steps from the town’s business district,” said Anthony Vulpi, Crossroads Companies’ development partner. “Leasing velocity has been exceptional, and we are thrilled to welcome residents to a community that not only elevates local living options but injects fresh energy into downtown Dover’s ongoing resurgence.”

Residents at 80East have access to approximately ten thousand square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a rooftop deck, landscaped courtyard, dog run, resident lounge, fitness center, private office space and covered parking across the building’s first two floors.

“Our collective goal, in collaboration with local officials and community leaders, was to develop 80East into a place that honors the fabric of Dover’s suburban community while introducing smart, modern living spaces,” said Michael Legacki, CrownPoint Group’s vice president. “This project exemplifies how intentional, modern development can fuel the long-term vitality of a neighborhood while serving as a first-class residential anchor for a dynamic downtown district.”

80East was designed by Minno and Wasko Architects and Planners. Columbia Bank provided construction financing, while Circle Squared Alternative Investments provided equity financing. L2i Construction served as general contractor, with Crossroads Companies serving as project lead.

Located on the Rockaway River in Morris County, Dover offers convenient access to major transportation corridors and commuter rail service to Hoboken and New York City. Crossroads Companies and CrownPoint Group are both New Jersey-based regional real estate firms specializing in the development of multifamily, supermarket and self-storage properties.

Bucco, Corrado Urge State to Notify Counties of Noncitizen Voter Registrations

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25)

TRENTON — State Senators Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris, Passaic) and Kristin M. Corrado (R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic) sent a letter to the New Jersey Division of Elections urging the agency to promptly notify county election officials of the identities of six thousand six hundred individuals who were registered to vote despite not being United States citizens.

In the letter, the senators wrote that the situation resulted from a failure in the state’s voter registration process and called for a complete, transparent, and proactive response.

“This situation resulted from a failure in the State’s voter registration process and warrants a complete, transparent, and proactive response. When the State becomes aware that ineligible voter registrations may exist, it should promptly notify the appropriate election officials so those registrations can be reviewed and addressed in accordance with applicable law. Correcting an error of this magnitude should not depend solely on the voluntary compliance of the individuals affected.”

“Commissioners of registration, superintendents of elections, county boards of elections, and county clerks may each play a role in ensuring the integrity of New Jersey’s voter registration records. Without the information necessary to identify registrations affected by this issue, they cannot effectively fulfill those responsibilities. Promptly providing this information will allow local election officials to review the registrations, take any action authorized by law, and demonstrate to the public that every reasonable step has been taken to protect the integrity of our elections.”

The full letter is available online through the New Jersey Senate Republican Office by clicking here.

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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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