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Kiwanis Club of Denville Serves More Than 200 Meals at 68th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast

By
Frank Cahill
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Nancy Witte (left), a member of the Kiwanis Club of Denville since 2004 and a seven-time club president, shares a table with World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran Anton "Tony" Mollagard (center) and John Donnelly during the club's 68th Annual Father's Day Pancake Breakfast at Gardner Field. Mollagard was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Swedish mother and Norwegian father, Mollagard earned the nickname "Tony" from childhood friends. He joined the U.S. Army at the close of World War II and went on to serve during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, a rare distinction shared by few veterans. Witte has dedicated more than two decades to Kiwanis service, including leadership roles with numerous Key Club, Builders Club, and K-Kids programs throughout Morris County. The annual breakfast served more than 200 meals and raised funds to support local youth and community service projects.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Kiwanis Club of Denville continued a long-standing community tradition on Father’s Day as it hosted its 68th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast at the pavilion in Gardner Field.

The popular event drew families, friends, and community members throughout the morning, with volunteers serving more than 200 breakfasts. Guests enjoyed stacks of pancakes, eggs, and sausage while gathering to celebrate Father’s Day and support the club’s ongoing service projects.

A hearty breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage awaits attendees at the Kiwanis Club of Denville’s 68th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast. The longtime community tradition served more than 200 meals, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors while raising funds to support local youth programs, scholarships, and community service projects throughout Denville.

For nearly seven decades, the Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast has been a cornerstone fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Denville. The event helps raise funds that are reinvested into local youth programs, scholarships, community initiatives, and service projects benefiting the children and families of Denville.

Club members began preparations early in the morning, cooking and serving meals while welcoming residents to the annual tradition. Many attendees have made the breakfast a Father’s Day ritual, returning year after year to enjoy the food and fellowship while supporting a worthwhile cause.

All smiles at the griddle as Richard Yobs serves up fresh pancakes during the Kiwanis Club of Denville’s 68th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast at Gardner Field. Joined by fellow Kiwanis volunteer Amanda Bickford, Yobs helped serve more than 200 breakfasts during the annual community tradition, which raises funds to support local youth programs, scholarships, and community service projects throughout Denville.

“The Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast is one of the club’s signature events and a tradition that brings the community together,” said Nancy Witte, the club’s president. “We are grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped make this year’s event another success.”

Founded in 1946, the Kiwanis Club of Denville has a long history of serving the community through volunteerism and charitable giving. Proceeds from the breakfast help fund programs and activities that support local youth, continuing the club’s mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Kiwanis leaders from across New Jersey gather at the Kiwanis Club of Denville’s 68th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast. Pictured are Kiwanis Club of Hanover Treasurer Nathan Vaisbort, Kiwanis Club of Phillipsburg member Jessica Kiedes, Kiwanis New Jersey District Division 7 Lieutenant Governor Nicolas Limanov, New Jersey District Governor Frank Cahill, and Kiwanis Club of Jefferson Township Secretary Yvonne Ioffredo. The annual event served more than 200 breakfasts and raised funds to support local youth programs, scholarships, and community service projects throughout the Denville community.

As the last plates were served and families headed home to continue their Father’s Day celebrations, members of the Kiwanis Club of Denville reflected on another successful year of community service and looked forward to carrying the tradition into its 69th year in 2027.

Carolina Contreras helps prepare pancake batter during the Kiwanis Club of Denville’s 68th Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast at Gardner Field. More than 200 breakfasts were served during the community tradition, with proceeds supporting local youth programs, scholarships, and community service projects throughout Denville.

The club’s tradition will continue this summer as members prepare to host their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday, July 5. The popular community event will once again feature the club’s famous pancakes, along with eggs, sausage, and plenty of fellowship, while raising funds to support local youth programs and community service projects throughout Denville.

The club meets at the Denville Senior Citizen Building, 100 East Main Street, Denville, on the first, third, and fifth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. New members and guests interested in learning more about Kiwanis and its community service projects are welcome to attend.

PBA Local 298 Rallies Support for Morris County Detective Battling ALS

By
Frank Cahill
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Detective Murarik of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement, PBA Local 151, is receiving an outpouring of support from fellow law enforcement officers and community members following his diagnosis with ALS. PBA Local 298 and other organizations are encouraging the public to stand with him and his family as they face the challenges ahead.

MORRIS COUNTY — PBA Local 298 is calling on its members and the community to support Detective Murarik of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement, PBA Local 151, as he courageously battles Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Detective Murarik began his career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 and quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated law enforcement officer. Shortly after joining the department, he became a K-9 handler, serving alongside his canine partner while helping protect residents throughout Morris County.

Recently, Detective Murarik publicly shared his diagnosis with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of supp

To make a donation, click here.

Chatham Library Foundation Names Judy-Ann Hargrove as Development Director

By
Frank Cahill
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Judy-Ann Hargrove smiles at the Library of the Chathams in Chatham, New Jersey, following her appointment as the Foundation’s new Director of Development. (Photo courtesy of the Chatham Library Foundation)

MORRIS COUNTY — The Chatham Library Foundation has appointed Judy-Ann Hargrove, M.A. as its new Development Director, a role focused on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and community outreach in support of the Library of the Chathams.

Hargrove brings more than 15 years of experience in integrated marketing, brand strategy, and nonprofit collaboration. Her background spans the pharmaceutical, retail, and nonprofit sectors, where she has led creative teams, managed partnerships, and chaired fundraising initiatives for community organizations.

She previously volunteered with the Library of the Chathams and served on the committee that helped establish the Chatham Library Foundation. Her community service includes involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Theta Omega Chapter; Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Morris County Chapter; Habitat for Humanity; Feeding America; and the American Heart Association.

Hargrove and her husband, Brian, have been Chatham residents for more than 21 years. They have three children, Ethan, Olivia, and Grant.

“Judy-Ann brings a rare combination of strategic insight, creativity, and genuine commitment to community service. As we enter a pivotal phase in our growth, her leadership will be instrumental in building the support needed to ensure the Library remains a vibrant resource for generations,” said Andrew J. Hollander, President of the Chatham Library Foundation.

The Foundation is currently focused on advancing a library construction project. For more information, visit chathamlibraryfoundation.org or contact Hargrove at (862) 245-1571 or [email protected].

Chatham Library Foundation Appoints Sean Dailey to Board of Trustees

By
Frank Cahill
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Sean Dailey has been appointed to the Chatham Library Foundation Board of Trustees. Dailey brings over a decade of local volunteer leadership experience to the role as the Foundation works to advance its current library construction project. (Photo courtesy of the Chatham Library Foundation)

MORRIS COUNTY — The Chatham Library Foundation has announced the appointment of Sean Dailey to its Board of Trustees.

Dailey brings a long-standing commitment to the Library of the Chathams, having spent 13 years with the Friends of the Library, where he served as President, Vice President, and Co-Chair of the annual book sale.

A Chatham resident since December 2003, Dailey has spent more than a decade supporting local youth through the Boy Scouts, serving in roles including Assistant Scoutmaster, Popcorn Kernel, Summer Camp Scoutmaster, and Eagle Coach. He currently serves as Committee Chair of Troop 8.

He is also active at St. Patrick’s Church, where he serves as a lector, volunteers with the school, and is a member of the Education Council.

“We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding community leader,” said Andrew J. Hollander, President of the Chatham Library Foundation. “His perspectives and talents will help us continue supporting the programs, services, and capital needs that keep our library strong.”

The Foundation is currently focused on advancing a library construction project. For more information, visit chathamlibraryfoundation.org or contact Development Director Judy-Ann Hargrove at (862) 245-1571 or [email protected].

Denville Music in the Park Returns With Free Summer Concert Series

By
Frank Cahill
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Gardner Field, Denville

DENVILLE — Summer evenings in Denville will once again be filled with live music as the annual Music in the Park concert series returns to Gardner Field.

The free outdoor concert series will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Gardner Field bandstand, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy live performances in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and spend the evening outdoors with friends, neighbors, and family members.  

Children’s activities will also be offered each week by the Denville Public Library, making the series an event for all ages.  

This year’s lineup includes:

  • July 14 — Jeiris Cook
    Rain date: Friday, July 17
  • July 21 — Burnt Leftovers
    Rain date: Friday, July 24
  • July 28 — Country Comfort
    Rain date: Friday, July 31
  • August 11 — The Exits
    Rain date: Friday, August 14
  • August 18 — Tropy Band
    Rain date: Friday, August 21
  • August 25 — The Uptown Getdowns
    Rain date: Friday, August 28

The series is presented by the Denville Arts Council and the Township of Denville. Proceeds support the Denville Arts Council’s mission of bringing art and music programming to the community and funding events that benefit Denville residents.  

“Music in the Park is a great way for the community to get together and enjoy some really talented performers on a nice summer evening,” said Vicki Harrison, of the Denville Arts Council. “We hope everyone comes out to support the arts with family and friends.”  

Admission is free. More information is available through the Denville Arts Council.

Dover Ranch Home Sells for $500,000 in Salem Village

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — A renovated ranch-style home located at 60 Watson Drive in Dover’s Salem Village neighborhood recently sold for $500,000, according to property records. The home was listed for $479,999 and closed on May 8, 2026.

Built in 1945, the single-family residence features two bedrooms and two full bathrooms on a level 6,098-square-foot lot. The property underwent significant renovations in 2025, including a new roof, new siding, updated flooring, and a remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

The home’s main level offers single-floor living, while a finished walkout basement adds additional flexible space. The lower level includes a full bathroom and rooms suitable for a home office, recreation area, fitness room, or guest accommodations.

Outdoor improvements include a newer deck and a fully fenced backyard, providing space for entertaining, gardening, or pets. The property is also equipped with central air conditioning, forced hot air heating, public utilities, and fiber-optic availability.

Located in the desirable Salem Village section of Dover, the home offers convenient access to major highways, public transportation, shopping centers, restaurants, and local schools. Its combination of modern updates and traditional ranch-style design helped attract buyers in a competitive Morris County housing market.

The sale represents a substantial increase from the property’s previous recorded sale of $221,900 in 2008. The home was under contract within weeks of being listed in March 2026, demonstrating continued demand for move-in-ready homes in Dover and surrounding communities.

Other recent home sales:

AddressSales Price
8 North Elk Avenue$482,000
83 White Street$693,000
126 Princeton Avenue$446,000
417 West Blackwell Street, Apartment B$460,000
38 East Dickerson Street$435,000
6-16 East Blackwell Street, Apartment 2D$225,000
6-16 East Blackwell Street, Apartment 2C$156,000
60 Watson Drive$500,000
37 Kearney Street$496,000

Jefferson Arts Committee to Present Free Summer Gazebo Concert

By
Frank Cahill
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The picturesque gazebo at the Jefferson Township Municipal Complex provides a charming backdrop for the Summer Gazebo Concert, offering the perfect setting for an evening of live music and community spirit.

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Arts Committee will present a free Summer Gazebo Concert featuring the Jefferson Township Community Concert and Jazz Bands on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The concert will be held at the Jefferson Township Municipal Complex, located at 1033 Weldon Road in the Milton/Oak Ridge section of the township.

The evening will feature a variety of musical selections, including classics, Broadway musical favorites, standard marches, patriotic salutes and popular jazz tunes. Residents are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live music outdoors.

Attendees may also bring non-alcoholic beverages, picnic dinners and snacks. Free-will donations will be appreciated to support the program.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the Jefferson Township High School Auditorium, located at 1010 Weldon Road.

For more information, call (201) 230-8879 or (973) 697-3828.

Boonton Fundraiser Will Support Child Who Needs Wheelchair Van

By
Frank Cahill
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Ellie Cooper

BOONTON – A local family is getting a big assist from their neighbors.

Ellie Cooper is 3 years old and living with cerebral palsy along with several rare diagnoses. To get her around Boonton and beyond safely, her family needs a wheelchair-accessible van — a major expense that isn’t covered by insurance.

Ellie is known to her family as their “rainbow baby,” and the Boonton community has rallied behind her. In just one month, supporters have raised more than $6,000 through a campaign with the national nonprofit Help Hope Live.

Click here to donate.

After 39 Years of Kidney Disease, New Jersey Woman Seeks Lifesaving Donor

By
Frank Cahill
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Karen Zabriskie, 56, has battled Polycystic Kidney Disease for 39 years and is now seeking a living kidney donor.

MORRIS COUNTY — For nearly four decades, Karen Zabriskie has lived with a disease that has quietly shaped every aspect of her life. At the age of 17, Karen was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a hereditary condition that causes cysts to grow on the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. Now 56 years old, she has spent 39 years battling chronic kidney disease with remarkable strength, resilience, and hope.

Today, Karen faces the fight of her life. She is in need of a living kidney donor.

Karen is currently listed for a kidney transplant through the Renewal Program and at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. While she remains hopeful, the reality is that thousands of patients are waiting for a kidney, and the wait for a deceased donor organ can take years. A living donor could give Karen the second chance she desperately needs.

Helping spread Karen’s story is kidney advocate Donna Tissot, who has dedicated countless hours to raising awareness for transplant recipients in need of lifesaving donors.

“Karen has spent most of her life courageously fighting this disease,” said Tissot. “She is not asking for sympathy…she is asking for a chance to live. Somewhere out there is a person who could save her life, and we simply need to help them find each other.”

Many people are unaware that living kidney donation is often possible even if they are not a direct blood-type match. Through paired exchange programs, a willing donor can help Karen receive a compatible kidney while helping another recipient as well. There is no cost to the donor for evaluation or surgery, and many support programs are available to help donors throughout the process.

For Karen, a transplant would mean far more than improved health. It would mean freedom from the daily uncertainty of kidney disease. It would mean more time with family, more opportunities to create memories, and the chance to enjoy the simple moments in life that so many take for granted.

Those interested in learning more about becoming a living donor for Karen can complete a confidential questionnaire through the Renewal Program at renewal.org/R26816. Potential donors may also contact the Living Donor Program at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center by visiting cbmclivingdonor.org or calling Alyson at (973) 322-5028.

Even if you are unable to donate, sharing Karen’s story could help it reach the one person who can.

After 39 years of fighting kidney disease, Karen continues to hold onto hope that her lifesaving donor is out there. Perhaps this story will help bring them together.

Jefferson Township Ambulance Purchase Draws Criticism Over Cost

By
Frank Cahill
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Milton First Aid

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Questions are being raised regarding the cost of a new ambulance and related equipment approved by the Jefferson Township Council earlier this month.

The volunteer ambulance squad provides a critical service to the community, responding to more than 1,500 calls annually in its coverage area, in addition to numerous standby assignments. The squad operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time to help others in emergencies. A single ambulance transport to a hospital can cost approximately $2,000, highlighting the value of the service they provide at no direct cost to residents. The squad’s coverage area extends from Taylor Road to Route 23, ensuring emergency medical assistance is available throughout a large portion of the community.

A document circulating online criticizes the township’s recent approval of a Ford F550 ambulance purchase totaling $409,734, along with a separate purchase of a Stryker Power-Pro 2 ambulance cot and accessories for $90,992.06. The combined expenditure exceeds $500,000.

The criticism follows the June 10 Township Council meeting, during which council members unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the purchases. According to township documents, the cot and accessories were purchased through the New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Alliance contract with Stryker Sales LLC in an amount not to exceed $90,992.06.

The online commentary alleges the purchases represent excessive spending and questions whether taxpayers are receiving value for the investment. The author compares the approved costs to what is described as a “fully equipped ready for service” ambulance costing approximately $325,000, although no documentation supporting that figure was provided.

The council resolution authorizing the cot purchase states that the equipment is needed by the township and was procured through an approved cooperative purchasing contract, a process commonly used by municipalities to streamline purchasing and potentially reduce costs through pre-negotiated pricing.

Modern ambulances have become increasingly expensive in recent years due to rising vehicle costs, advanced medical equipment requirements, safety features, supply chain challenges and customization needed to meet emergency medical service standards. Depending on specifications and equipment levels, ambulance prices can vary significantly among manufacturers and municipalities.

The online criticism also references recent property tax reassessment notices mailed to township residents and suggests residents should scrutinize municipal spending decisions. No evidence was presented in the document to support allegations of corruption or wrongdoing related to the purchases.

Township officials have not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the online commentary.

The ambulance and cot purchases remain approved by the Township Council and are expected to be acquired through the authorized contracts.

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