BOONTON — Vermont Tech is pleased to announce that Stefan Guerlain from Boonton of the Fire Science program is among the 403 students who graduated in the Spring of 2020. Their Commencement Ceremony has been postponed until September 25-27, 2020.
President Patricia Moulton wished the graduates off stating, “Know that each of you has left a mark on this institution in some fashion and we look forward to watching, with pride, as you leave a mark on the world from here on out.”
Vermont Technical College is a leading public college with a mission of applied education and student-centeredness. One of the four institutions of the Vermont State Colleges System, Vermont Tech serves students from throughout Vermont, New England, and beyond at its residential campuses in Williston and Randolph Center, regional campuses in Brattleboro and Bennington, and at six nursing sites located throughout the state. Vermont Tech features state-of-the-art laboratory experience and a highly personalized classroom and student-life experience.
All of our programs utilize a technological educational component, from the simulators used by our nursing program around the state, to manufacturing laboratories in Randolph Center and Williston. Our academic programs encompass a wide range of engineering technology, agricultural, health, and business fields that are vital to producing the knowledgeable workers needed most by employers in the state and in the region. Click here for more information.
Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Michael Mancuso, NJ.com)
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed two executive orders 1) raising limits on outdoor and indoor gatherings and 2) opening pools effective June 22 and additional outdoor recreational businesses effective immediately.
“With more of our businesses reopening, we are no longer requiring New Jerseyans to stay at home, but we are asking you to continue to be responsible and safe,” said Governor Murphy. “These actions will put us even more firmly on our Road Back and complement the steps we’ve already taken to begin our restart and recovery.”
Under Executive Order No. 152, effective immediately, indoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of the capacity of the room, but regardless of the room’s capacity, such limit shall never be less than 10 or more than 50 people. All attendees at the gathering must wear face coverings, unless for a medical reason or if the individual is under 2 years old, individuals must remain six feet apart at all times, and physical items may not be shared by multiple attendees of the same gathering unless sanitized before and after uses.
Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, and attendees are required to be six feet apart. Individuals should wear face coverings at all times where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and individuals who are in vehicles shall not count towards the gathering limit.
Nothing in the Order shall prevent a person at a gathering from momentarily removing their mask to place or receive an item in their mouth, if done for religious purposes, or for health and safety.
Additionally, available parking at State Parks and Forests, and at county and municipal parks, may reopen to their full maximum capacity.
Under Executive Order No. 153, outdoor swimming pools can open effective at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22, provided that it complies with standards and policies that will be issued by the Department of Health. Pool facilities may open for the purpose of lifeguard training and lifeguard swimming lessons prior to June 22.
Additionally, outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses are permitted to reopen immediately, with the exception of amusement parks, water parks, and arcades. These recreational and entertainment businesses are required to abide by a number of social distancing protocols that are specified in the Order. Any type of event at an outdoor recreational or entertainment business that involves individuals there at a specific time for a common reason, such as a movie or concert, are subject to the restrictions on outdoor gatherings.
Public and private social clubs are permitted to reopen their outdoor spaces, provided they comply with all applicable terms of the Order. And nothing in the Order prevents a business from operating an amusement game outdoors, such as a game on a boardwalk, so long as the game does not take place in an amusement park and an employee is present and adheres to all of the requirements in Paragraph 1 of this Order, including sanitizing all equipment before and after each use.
Paragraph 2 of Executive Order No. 107, which requires New Jersey residents to remain home with limited exceptions, is formally rescinded. The other provisions of that Order, including the requirement that businesses or non-profits accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements, wherever practicable, are still in effect.
Nesim Aktas ringing the bell on a firetruck at the celebration of his recovery, with Boonton Fire Chief David Kaplan behind him
BOONTON — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon joined the town of Boonton community, fire and police department members Monday evening, June 8, in congratulating 9-year-old Nesim Aktas for courageously battling leukemia for nearly three years.
Sheriff Gannon with Nesim on Kanouse Street in Boonton, where the family lives
Nesim, who was diagnosed in late 2017 with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, took his last liquid chemotherapy dose on June 8. His extended family, friends and other well-wishers were so happy he won his fight that they gathered briefly at Nesim’s home on Kanouse Street in Boonton, with masks in place.
Family and friends wore Team Nesim shirts. A cake bore the message “I’m a Survivor.” A sign on the lawn declared “WooHoo, Nesim Beat Cancer,” and a car was covered with a banner that proclaimed “Cancer is tough but Nesim is tougher.”
A motorcade that included Morris County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit Corporals Pete Lohmus and Brian Ahern, Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant David Kenny, two Boonton Fire Department trucks and supporters conducted a drive-by procession past the Aktas home, and Boonton Fire Chief David Kaplan got out of a fire truck to give Nesim the honor of ringing its fire bell.
Boonton Fire Chief David Mayhood, 9-year-old Nesim Aktas, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Boonton Police Chief David Mayhood, and Boonton Lieutenant Royce Stafford
Sheriff Gannon, whose hometown is Boonton, presented Nesim with a certificate of courage for his momentous accomplishment and “completing the prescribed course of therapy with the highest degree of courage, determination and good nature.”
Sheriff Gannon personally congratulated the boy, who was hugged repeatedly by friends as he milled around. Nesim’s younger brother, Zeki, also was part of the joyful ceremony.
“We’re all here because of your courage,” Sheriff Gannon told Nesim. “You had a rough run going. You had a lot going on. But you know something? You taught us all a good lesson. Never give up. You had a lot of courage. You faced a lot of tough times. We’re real proud of you.”
Nesim’s parents, Selma and John Aktas, thanked their family and the town, which they said was completely supportive. When Nesim was diagnosed in the first grade, he missed school but a first-grade teacher gave up her lunch hour to tutor him at home.
“The community has been beyond amazing,” Mr. Aktas said. “From the board of education, to hospitals, to my job. Luckily, all we had to do was focus on making him feel good. They say it takes a village, and we’ve had an amazing support system.”
Nesim fought through spinal taps and heavy doses of chemotherapy through a port and took his last dose of oral chemotherapy Monday.
“We love you all and we’re there for you,” Mrs. Aktas told the well-wishers.
Boonton Patrolman Anthony Cosentino, a Fire Department Battalion Chief, had a large role in organizing the tribute. Boonton Police Chief David Mayhood, Boonton Fire Chief David Kaplan, former Fire Chief Jack Steinhauser, and even Joann Spera, an education liaison at the Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown where Nesim was treated, were at the celebration.
“He’s adorable and his family is great,” said Ms. Spera.
Boonton Deputy Fire Chief Eric Joinson called it an honor to participate in the event.
“This is something very special to do, for children especially. It’s really an honor to do this for them,” he said.
Nesim and his little brother Zeki, with their parents, John and Selma Aktas behind them
MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage, a Morristown-based non-profit organization, has appointed Kyle Colwell to the Board of Trustees.
Colwell is a financial advisor at Private Advisor Group and a registered principal with LPL Financial, a company focused on developing and implementing customized wealth management strategies for clients.
Colwell is thrilled to join the Preschool Advantage Board and commented, “The organization’s mission and work are so important because of their far-reaching impact on children, their families and their communities, far beyond the preschool years.I believe that the fundamental solution to so many problems in our world is a better education. By providing access to quality education for those who need it most, at the very beginning of their educational journey, Preschool Advantage seeks to prepare these children for a bright future.”
Colwell earned a BA in History from the University of Vermont. He and his wife Emily live in Morristown. In his spare time Colwell enjoys skiing and is an avid fly-fisherman.
Preschool Advantage, a non-profit organization founded in 1995, provides families with financial assistance for early education and has funded over 1,500 tuitions in its 25-year history. We place children in one of our 28 established partner schools that offer high quality early education. To learn more about Preschool Advantage call (973) 532-2501 or click here.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) announced the winners of her second annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students in the 11th District. The competition took place virtually this year and showcases high school students’ creativity and artistic expression. Submissions were reviewed by Michele Marinelli, Curator of the Guinness Collection at the Morris Museum, and Ira Wagner, Interim Director of the Montclair Art Museum.
“I’m so impressed by the submissions we received, the artistic talents of our NJ-11 students, and their adaptability during these challenging times,” said Representative Sherrill. “I’d like to thank all of the students for submitting amazing work, our art teachers for their support of our young artists, and our judges Michele Marinelli and Ira Wagner for bringing their expertise to this competition. I look forward to having Kate’s piece hanging up in the U.S. Capitol and to feature student artwork in my district and DC offices for the community to enjoy when we fully reopen. Congratulations to Kate, Lindsey, and Sofia.”
The following students earned distinction for their pieces:
First Place: Kate Terhune, Mountain Lakes High School, “Nighttime Allure”
Second Place: Lindsey Mei Alvarez, Morris Catholic High School, “Mind”
Third Place: Sofia Rodriguez, Morris County School of Technology, “The Hallway”
FIRST PLACE: Kate Terhune, Mountain Lakes High School, “Nighttime Allure.”
SECOND PLACE: Lindsey Mei Alvarez, Morris Catholic High School, “Mind.”
THIRD PLACE: Sofia Rodriguez, Morris County School of Technology, “The Hallway.”
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their Representative’s office, and panels of judges select the winning entries.
Senator Pennacchio and Senator Oroho have introduced a resolution for a state constitutional amendment that would ensure New Jersey would never again be subjected to open-ended executive orders.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy, who announced he was lifting the months-long stay-at-home order, has utilized his pen and executive orders to circumvent the elected Legislature and avoid public scrutiny during his time in office. He plans to sign another executive order raising limits on the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings in the state.
Pennacchio and Oroho this week introduced a resolution (SCR-117) proposing a state constitutional amendment that would rein in gubernatorial powers.
“Murphy’s affinity for unilateral edicts has been on prominent display during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Pennacchio (R-26). “He’s been indiscriminately signing executive orders, acting more like an emperor without any accountability. This resolution would give the power back to the people with a vote on an amendment to the state constitution placing restrictions on executive authority.”
The proposed amendment would provide that certain emergency orders, rules or regulations issued by a governor during a state of emergency will terminate on the 15th day after issuance unless the Legislature approves an extension. This will force the governor to work with the Legislature.
“This will restore the balance of power intended in the New Jersey Constitution and the transparency state residents deserve,” Pennacchio said. “Neither this governor nor any governor should be allowed to indefinitely dictate matters of statewide importance independent of the Legislature, a co-equal branch of government elected by the people.”
During his daily briefing, Murphy announced an increase in the limit for outdoor gatherings to 100 people, with plans to go to 250 later in June, and 500 on July 3.
“The Governor reacted because the people have had enough,” said Senator Oroho (R-24). “The prolonged situation has been wearing thin on residents and businesses, and more reason is finally taking hold. But it’s clear we need to reform the policy process. This resolution will bring balanced governance in times of crisis, and provide appropriate checks and balances as envisioned in our State Constitution.
“No one person should ever have absolute authority when it involves individuals’ rights as protected in our Constitution. It took months to get the governor to change course. It shouldn’t have to be that way. The Legislature should have a defined role for governing the state jointly in emergency situations.”
Deputy Mayor/Fire Chair Bill Klingener; Chief Kyle Spicer; BTFD Corporate President Steve Sharp
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — On Monday, June 8, the Mayor and Township Committee presented it Proclamation to the Boonton Township Fire Department on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. The Proclamation was presented at Firehouse prior to the regular Township Committee meeting.
Committeewoman Patty Collins; Committeeman Paul Allieri; Deputy Mayor & Fire Chair Bill Klingener; Mayor Tom Donadio; Chief Kyle Spicer; Deputy Chief Bill Neely; BTFD Corporate VP Bob Patterson and BTFD Corporate President Steve Sharp
Before Boonton Township had its own fire department, the Boonton Fire Department answered all calls at a rate of $25 per call. In 1945 increased population made a fire department of our own necessity, and the Township Committee called for volunteers to form a fire company.
Committeewoman Patty Collins; Committeeman Paul Allieri; Deputy Mayor & Fire Chair Bill Klingener; Mayor Tom Donadio; Chief Kyle Spicer; Deputy Chief Bill Neely; BTFD Corporate VP Bob Patterson and BTFD Corporate President Steve Sharp
On May 22, 1945, twenty-three residents met at the Powerville School, now the Municipal Building, and were sworn in by the Township Clerk. The charter officers were: President, James Cross; Vice President, George Baker; Secretary, Lewis Kyte; Treasurer, Thomas McGarrie; Chief, Franklin Bott; First Assistant Chief, Ray Stickle; Second Assistant Chief, William Morris; Foreman, Ed McCormick; and Assistant Foreman, Cecil Smith.
The Fire Department began operations with two fire trucks. They were military surplus which was purchased fully equipped except for hose and was cleaned and repainted by the members. One truck had a pumping capacity of 300 gallons per minute and a tank capacity of 150 gallons. The other truck had a pumping capacity of 500 gallons per minute and carried 300 gallons of water. The department also owned a Jeep, on which a 65-gallon tank for use in woods was the other trucks could not penetrate. The Jeep carried Indian tanks, floodlights and a gasoline-powered 300-watt generator.
In August 1946 the Fire Department formed a corporation to build a firehouse. A twenty-five-year lease was negotiated with the Equitable Life Assurance Society for the northwest corner lot on Old Denville and Powerville Roads. Then members of the Fire Department offered to furnish the labor to construct the firehouse if the community would furnish the materials. The fund drive proved highly successful and, by Thanksgiving 1946, the building was well underway. On May 27, 1947, the first meeting was held in the new building and the trucks were moved in.
MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement on the nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court:
“I applaud Governor Murphy’s nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court. I worked with Fabiana at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and she is very impressive. As Attorney-in-Charge of the Camden Branch Office, Fabiana broke barriers and worked tirelessly to serve our country and keep our communities safe. Her nomination as the first black woman to the court is a milestone for New Jersey, and much needed good news at this difficult time. I know Fabiana will serve on the Supreme Court with the values she has upheld throughout her entire career — with the dedication to justice and equal treatment under the law.”
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officers Weaver, Camasta, and Garrison responded to Walmart on a report of a theft and strong-arm robbery on Saturday, May 16.
A store employee noticed that a Hispanic male not scanning every item he intended to purchase and was only scanning some items.
When confronted by the store employee, the suspect refused to produce his receipt. The suspect then punched the store employee in the face, shoved him, and fled the store with the stolen merchandise.
The encounter was captured by the store’s surveillance system. Detectives followed up on May 18 and 19 and were able to identify Tyler R. Negron, 21, Cedar Knolls, as the suspect.
Detectives established surveillance at Negron’s residence and arrested him when he came outside on Thursday, May 21.
Negron was charged with second-degree strong-arm robbery, as well as, simple assault, theft, and shoplifting. Negron was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his court appearance.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint or summons is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Governor Murphy for breaking his own coronavirus rules to participate in a protest march while New Jersey businesses suffer. (Photo from Gov. Murphy’s Facebook page)
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Jay Webber sent a letter (Click Here) to State Police Colonel Pat Callahan Monday requesting fair and consistent enforcement of the state’s executive orders enforcing social distancing.
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Colonel Callahan:
In the ongoing effort to clamp down on those who would commit acts that our Governor has lectured us would threaten the public health and safety of us all, I write to inform you of two separate violations of Executive Order 148 that occurred yesterday in Westfield and Hillside.
Photographic and written evidence on social media indicates that one Philip Dunton Murphy of Middletown openly and brazenly defied Executive Order 148 by purposely, repeatedly, and wantonly associating with others in groups of greater than 25 individuals, and aiding and abetting such behavior. Consistent with the treatment of other individuals who have committed similar acts, that behavior appears to merit a criminal citation for violations pursuant to N.J.S.A. App.A 9-49(h) and 9-50. A violator of those laws “shall be adjudged a disorderly person and shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 6 months or shall pay a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or to both a fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.”
As you yourself have warned, “Because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk.” Attorney General Grewal also has emphasized, “I said we were done with warnings and would take strong law enforcement action against anyone who failed to heed the Governor’s COVID-19 related emergency orders. This crackdown will continue until everyone gets the message that they need to stop these violations.”
The whereabouts of Mr. Murphy are unknown to my office at this time, but I have reason to believe that he will be seated about 15 feet to your right at 2:30 p.m. today at the War Memorial in Trenton. I trust you will uphold your public duty to the fair and consistent enforcement of our laws at that time.
SECOND PLACE: Lindsey Mei Alvarez, Morris Catholic High School, “Mind.”
