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Madison Chamber Gift Checks are the Perfect Gift this Holiday Season

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce would like to remind us that a Madison Gift Check is a great gift for teachers, coaches, friends, family, and just about anyone.

Madison Gift Checks are for sale in any denomination all year long and can be used at most Madison businesses.

Gift Checks can be purchased by check or cash. To purchase a gift check please see Antonella Celli at Investors Bank located at 134 Main Street.

For bulk orders please call ahead at (973) 408-9222 or contact her by email at [email protected].

Victory Over Hunger: Donate to Loaves and Fishes

By
Frank Cahill
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File photo

BOONTON — The team at Victory Pest Solutions in Boonton organized a GoFundMe on behalf of Loaves & Fishes and shared, “If you’re like us and you’ve wondered how you could help with something as simple as a full plate on Thanksgiving, then please support our worthy cause. 100% of your donation goes to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Boonton”

Last year, they contributed $2,000, and they’ve already surpassed that this year.

Contact: [email protected]

To make a donation, click here.

Morris County Prosecutor Gives Keynote Address at 200 Club Annual Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll was the guest keynote speaker for this year’s 200 Club of Morris County annual meeting

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll was the guest keynote speaker for this year’s 200 Club of Morris County annual meeting, taking the opportunity to discuss the role the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office plays in the criminal justice system and how operations have evolved post- COVID-19. The event was held at Birchwood Manor on Monday, November 14.

Prosecutor Carroll explained the MCPO’s scope of services includes conducting investigations, prosecuting criminal cases, and supporting police departments and state police in their operational functions. The office handles such cases as animal cruelty to major crimes/homicides, domestic violence, illegal drugs, vehicle thefts, sex crimes and child endangerments, financial crimes, and internal affairs for the county and local law enforcement. As of last week, the MCPO has been re-accredited by the New Jersey Association of Police Chiefs.

Even during the challenges and disruptions caused by COVID-19, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office handled 1,581 criminal cases in 2021. Among those, 558 were resolved by guilty pleas. A number of cases remain open. The office also reviewed thousands of cases sent up from the municipal police departments.

The Prosecutor highlighted current challenges facing law enforcement in Morris County – a rise in fatal opiate overdoses and fentanyl usage, vehicle thefts and burglaries, and gun-related offenses.

The Joint Narcotics Task Force works collaboratively to break up distribution operations and prosecute offenders. The MCPO strives to also address the underlying addiction issue. In Morris County, law enforcement and first responders are equipped with Narcan to reverse overdoses, conducting 1,079 Narcan deployments between 2014 and 2021, which resulted in 989 life-saving reversals.

The MCPO, together with the Court, participates in the Community Connections program run by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, which provides a whole menu of services to subjects identified as appropriate for treatment. The MCPO has also instituted specialized Crisis Intervention Training to help police and first responders identify subjects in need and manage a crisis successfully.

Auto thieves have been targeting key fobs left inside unsecured vehicles to enter homes, and have utilized stolen cars in other violent crimes. Morris County’s dedicated Auto Theft Task Force uses intelligence-based techniques to investigate vehicle thefts, which recently have exhibited a conspiratorial and organized theft pattern. The MCPO is working with the Attorney General’s Office, NJSP, and state and federal legislators on theft-specific legislation, and has applied for a $10 million grant to purchase additional automated license plate readers.

“Our partner local, county, and state law enforcement serve as force multipliers to thwart these criminals. But to effectively combat this major problem we still need the public’s cooperation… be sure to remove your fobs!,” Prosecutor Carroll said.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “Another priority of the MCPO is to restore and enhance community faith in law enforcement, and working with our diverse communities to create workable lines of communication to dialogue about issues that have gone under-addressed. In pursuit of that goal, we have periodic meetings with our community and faith leaders, as well as providing free legal seminars on key areas affecting the community, such as use of force, juvenile justice, marijuana decriminalization, and presentations to schools on bias and bullying.”

Prosecutor Carroll said, “I am fortunate to lead an organization with such a talented and dedicated group of professionals. Dedicated to public service, our prosecutors and investigators are a good mix of experienced professionals and veteran command staff, alongside hard-working, well-trained younger personnel. Our partner agencies – local police, firefighters, and first responders – are well-trained, educated, and sensitive to each community’s needs. I sincerely thank President Dr. Rob D’Emidio and the 200 Club for the opportunity to address the club, and thank them for their steadfast support for first responders and law enforcement since 1971.”

Prosecutor Carroll also recalled notable moments from the private and public sectors of his legal career.

Mayo Performing Arts Center Honors Music Students of the Month

By
Frank Cahill
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n the front row from left are eighth graders Jacob Spiegel of Mountain View Middle School in Mendham Township, Katherine Trabachino of Frelinghuysen Middle School in Morris Township and Bridget Harty of Pearl R. Miller Middle School in Kinnelon. In the back row from left are senior Chris Balo of Kinnelon High School in Kinnelon, senior Maeve Celli of Parsippany High School in Parsippany and seventh grader Kensley Lovius of Brooklawn Middle School in Parsippany. Not in attendance are senior Nicholas Andrade of Roxbury High School in Roxbury, seventh grader Griffin Branch of Mendham Township Middle School in Mendham Township, seventh grader Jordan Hicinbothem of John Hill School in Boonton, senior Rebecca Hirschfeld of Mountain Lakes High school in Mountain Lakes, senior Andrew Lin of Whippany Park High School in Hanover Township and eighth grader Anthony Murray of Mount Olive Middle School in Mount Olive

MORRIS COUNTY — The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) named several students from around Morris County as its November music students of the month and “Outstanding Brass Instrumentalists” prior to the Thursday, November 10 performance by Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the theater’s Education Department based on their commitment to excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored prior to the performance on stage and had an opportunity to meet with members of the band prior to the performance.

The 2022-2023 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

The students of the month are:

• Senior Andrew Lin of Whippany Park High School in Hanover Township

• Seventh grader Jordan Hicinbothem of John Hill School in Boonton

• Senior Rebecca Hirschfeld of Mountain Lakes High school in Mountain Lakes

• Senior Maeve Celli of Parsippany High School in Parsippany

• Seventh grader Kensley Lovius of Brooklawn Middle School in Parsippany

• Eighth grader Katherine Trabachino of Frelinghuysen Middle School in Morris Township

• Senior Nicholas Andrade of Roxbury High School in Roxbury

• Seventh grader Griffin Branch of Mendham Township Middle School in Mendham Township

• Eighth grader Anthony Murray of Mount Olive Middle School in Mount Olive

• Eighth grader Jacob Spiegel of Mountain View Middle School in Mendham Township

• Chris Balo of Kinnelon High School in Kinnelon

• Bridget Harty of Pearl R. Miller Middle School in Kinnelon.

Trabachino was nominated by Frelinghuysen Middle School teacher Timothy Beadle, who said she is an outstanding trumpeter who will also play the baritone when needed.

“In addition to playing in band classes, Kate is an important member of the Falcon Big Band and Wind Symphony, both of which meet after school on different days,” Beadle said. “In every group, Kate is the first to know her music and also the first to help the other students. She’s not just a trumpet player; she’s a leader.”

Lin is a trombone player and a member of Whippany Park High School’s (WPHS) band program. He serves as the brass captain for WPHS’ marching band, has successfully auditioned for honors groups, and has been a featured soloist in WHPS’ school ensembles consisting of marching band, jazz band, and concert band.

“Andrew has demonstrated a work ethic that I use as an example to motivate his peers and younger members of our band program,” said WPHS teacher Peter Sciaino who nominated Lin.

“While he displayed a rather high musical aptitude as a young student, he was also regularly working on fundamental skills needed to play at a high level. Now he is an inspiring performer who continues to improve with every rehearsal. In addition to his participation in our instrumental program, Andrew was a standout in my AP Music Theory class. While Andrew is gifted with perfect pitch, his natural abilities did not define his aptitude in the course as much as his work ethic did.

Andrade has been the principal trombone of Roxbury High School’s (RHS) top instrumental ensemble, the RHS Honors Wind Symphony, since his sophomore year and is also a student leader in the marching band, according to RHS teacher Jeffrey Conrad who nominated him.

Andrade has also been active in the Region I and New Jersey All-State Band and Orchestra programs and is a principal trombone of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, Conrad said.

“Nicholas is not only a great young musician, but he is more importantly a wonderful young man: Kind, caring, and supportive,” Conrad said. “He is valued and respected by teachers and peers alike. He leads by example and is always open to constructive criticism. Simply put, Nicholas is a valued member of our program and his presence elevates all those around him.”

Griffin Branch was nominated by teachers Russell Branch and Michael MaHadeen who said Griffin Branch is a true low brass musician playing tuba, euphonium and brass trombone interchangeably and at an advanced level for his age.

Griffin Branch plays tuba in the concert band, bass trombone in the jazz band, and euphonium as a secondary instrument. He attended Blue Lake Fine Arts these past two summers on a merit scholarship. He was accepted into Elementary Honors Band last year as a sixth grader and will be auditioning on both tuba and euphonium for Area Band and Junior High Regions this year as a seventh grader.

He comes from a musical family where he recently performed at his aunt Jaimie Branch’s memorial at the Pioneer Works venue in Red Hook Brooklyn alongside professional jazz musicians Lester St. Louis, Jason Ajemian and Jason Nazarry this past September.

He has performed the solo “Maid of the Mist” by Herbert Clark on tuba in recital during the spring of his sixth-grade year as well at a low brass masterclass for the tuba professor Stephanie Ycaza of the University of Northern Iowa this past summer at Blue Lake. In addition to low brass, Griffin has been studying piano since age four.

Hicinbothem was nominated by his teacher Yvonne Manca who said she has been an instrumental part of the music program at John Hill School. She has been playing the trumpet since fourth grade and has been playing the first trumpet part for the past two years because she has tremendous range and agility, Manca said.

Hicinbothem performs as first chair and the lead trumpet player for her school.

“She never misses a practice and always enters the room with a smile on her face and eager to learn the music,” Manca said. “It is for these reasons that I nominate Jordan for Outstanding Brass Player.

Hirschfeld was nominated by Mountain Lakes High School (MLHS) teacher Meredith Boyan who said she has dedicated so much of her time to improving her individual musicianship through private study and practice.

Hirschfeld performs with the Juilliard Pre-College program and brings her expertise back to school to share with our ensemble, Boyan said.

“She provides our Wind Ensemble with an excellent bass foundation, and she makes the hard passages look easy,” Boyan said. “She is a dependable and important member of the band, both personally and musically, and we at MLHS are lucky to have her participating in our ensembles.”

Murray was nominated by Mount Olive Middle School (MOMS) teacher Melany McQueeny who said he plays trombone in the eighth-grade band and both of MOMS’ after-school groups, the Junior Winds, and Jazz Band.

Murray has also participated in the North Jersey Area Band, McQueeny said.

“He is an incredibly dedicated music student and is always prepared,” McQueeny said.

“Anthony is also always helping members of his section as well. He is a leader within his section, the band, and the entire school community. Anthony is a stellar student. He is always looking at ways to improve himself as a musician and asks some really great questions. You can honestly see the wheels turning in his brain any time a recommendation is given to him. Anthony has truly embodied what it means to be an outstanding brass player, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Spiegel was nominated by Mountain View Middle School teacher Bradley McMurray who said he is an outstanding musician and student who has been taking private lessons for four years.

Spiegel made the North Jersey Region Symphonic Band as a seventh grader last year, McMurray said.

“Jacob is constantly showing me the repertoire he is working on in his lessons and is always interested in performing a solo for the class or at a concert,” McMurray said. “Jacob also plays the National Anthem at all the pep rallies and is very excited to start marching band in high school.”

Ridgedale Federal Credit Union Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By
Frank Cahill
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Ridgedale Federal Credit Union hosts ribbon cutting ceremony on November 8. Pictured directly behind the ribbon: Linda L. Rheiner, President/CEO of Ridgedale FCU and Michael Hatolski, Chairman of the Ridgedale FCU Board of Directors.
Linda L. Rheiner, President/CEO of Ridgedale FCU

EAST HANOVER — Novartis Federal Credit Union (FCU) officially changed its name to Ridgedale Federal Credit Union (FCU) following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on November 8 at its East Hanover headquarters. This strategic change will allow Ridgedale FCU to expand its services and offer a renewed commitment to its loyal members.

“This is a very emotional time for all of us because Novartis has been the name for quite a few years,” said Linda L. Rheiner, President/CEO of Ridgedale FCU.

Rheiner joined Novartis FCU in 2008 as the Vice President of Operations and Lending. “I watched us grow and add more products and services,” she said. “It was with great honor that I was named President/CEO in 2018.”

In retrospect, Rheiner is grateful for the board’s support throughout all of its initiatives and for having the vision to move us forward and change our name.

“We are embarking on such an exciting time,” she said. “It is a challenging time in the world today, but I have a wonderful team between our staff and our board that this is going to be a great success and we are going to grow and become a household name.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place the same morning that Ridgedale FCU launched its Zelle platform and remote deposit capture. “It’s a big day all around,” said Rheiner. “Thank you for taking this journey with us. This expansion is our way of helping even more people create balance and achieve financial freedom.”

Michael Hatolski, Chairman of the Ridgedale FCU Board of Directors, said the goal is to increase Ridgedale’s membership and its products. “Our main thrust now is to not only serve Novartis employees globally, but other entities which are to be determined,” he said. “The vision has always been to expand.”

Ridgedale FCU is located at 124 South Ridgedale Avenue

Hatolski has been with the credit union since 1969 and transitioned to chairman in 2000. “We stand here today to celebrate this new journey and look forward to servicing more individuals and families in the future,” he said.

Looking to the future, Rheiner says, “We promise to utilize our many years of industry experience to provide a wide variety of convenient, money-saving banking products and services that improve lives – one person, one family at a time.”

Since 1947, Ridgedale FCU has been a financially stable, not-for-profit full-service financial organization that is owned and operated by its members. “Ridgedale FCU will continue that great legacy by providing the tools, knowledge, and personal caring necessary to empower people to achieve their financial goals,” Rheiner added.

Ridgedale FCU is located at 124 South Ridgedale Avenue. To learn more click here.

Since 1947, Ridgedale Federal Credit Union (FCU) has been a financially stable, not-for-profit full-service financial organization that is owned and operated by its members. Ridgedale strives to provide the tools and expertise necessary to empower its members and help them achieve their financial goals. To learn more click here.

Morristown Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, and Drug Offenses

By
Frank Cahill
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File photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson announce that a jury has found Tyrone Ellison, 35, Morristown, guilty of one count each of first-degree Kidnapping; second-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS; third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact; and third-degree Possession of a CDS.

The jury found Ellison not guilty of third-degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, but guilty of Simple Assault, a disorderly person’s offense.

On February 13, 2021, Ellison approached the victim in Newark and offered him a place to stay for the night, driving him back to Ellison’s Morristown residence. The victim fell asleep and awoke to Ellison contacting his intimate parts. Ellison displayed a handgun, would not allow the victim to access his cell phone, and confined the victim to the residence for most of the day.

When the victim attempted to end another act of unwanted touching, Ellison struck the victim, causing injury.

The victim was secretly able to send a message to his mother and was later able to run out of the residence to a waiting car.

The incident was reported to law enforcement. During the investigation, several packages of Methamphetamine that were packaged for distribution along with text conversations on Ellison’s phone relating to drug distribution were found in Ellison’s residence.

The charges against Ellison were tried before a jury between November 3, 2022, and November 14, 2022.

The Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, JSC presided over the trial. The State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Justin R. Tellone and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Laura Magnone. The jury returned its verdict on November 14, 2022.

Ellison is scheduled to be sentenced on February 17, 2023. He remains in custody at this time.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Morristown Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office General Investigation Unit for their efforts in this investigation and prosecution.

Table of Hope Still Needs Thanksgiving Donations

By
Frank Cahill
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File photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Table of Hope has supported the community through regular food distributions right in town – the group currently needs donations to support its Thanksgiving food drive-through. Donations can be brought to Bethel Church in Morristown (Park on Bishop Nazery Way), 59 Spring Street from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Turkeys are still needed and the group hopes to purchase 75-100 more to meet community demand. Donations towards these turkeys can be made via Venmo at @springstreetcdc under business. For drop-off food donations, suggestions include turkeys, stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, canned gravy, cornbread mix, canned pumpkin, condensed milk, mini marshmallows, canned yams, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions.

Table of Hope is open to anyone in need of a “warm meal and a smile.” It has become a place where “Hope Starts and the Community Gathers to Share.” The Spring Street CDC emerged to impact families throughout Morris County with over 100,000 meals served through the Table of Hope and over 400 kids mentored.

Hanover Township Police Administer Oath to Four Officers

By
Frank Cahill
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Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock, with Police Officer Brian Morrisroe

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock introduced four police officers at the Township Council Meeting of November 10, and shortly thereafter Hanover Township Clerk Krista DiGiorgio administered the oath of office.

Hanover Township Clerk Krista DiGiorgio administered the oath of office to Police Officer Brian Morrisroe, as Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock looks on.

The officers who took the oath were Officer Brian Morrisroe, Sgt. Dominic Kaiser, Sgt. Eric Prach and Lt. Robert Carpenter.

Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock introduced and discussed the qualifications of each officer and the Oath of Office was administered by Township Clerk Krista DiGiorgio. The chief said the ceremony was long overdue because of delays having to do with Covid and timing.

Brian Morrisroe was the first officer who took the Oath of Office. Morrisroe has been employed since the beginning of 2022. After graduating from Indian Hills High School in Oakland, Morrisroe attended Ramapo College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After graduating, he took a job with the Oakland Department of Public Works. Subsequently, Morrisroe was hired by the Morris County Police Department and graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. “Morrisroe was selected during a hiring process which included a written test, a physical fitness test, a background check, a psychological and then he completed his twenty-two weeks at the Morris County Police Academy and has been in the field-training program ever since he started on the road,” said Chief Loock. “Because of Covid, his academy was delayed two weeks, so he did some in-house training, and every day Brian is happy to be at work, at least that’s what he tells me, but he’s a great addition to the department.” Police Officer Brian Morrisroe earns $59,855.

Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock congratulates Sgt. Dominic Kaiser

Sgt. Dominic Kaiser took the Oath of Office next. According to Chief Loock, Kaiser graduated from Kean University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and then was hired by Hanover Township Department. He then attended the Morris County Police Academy as part of the 61st basic police class. During his career, Kaiser has received multiple commendations and has been certified as a drug-recognition expert by the New Jersey State Police. He is a member of the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association and attended Top Gun, which is an intensive training program geared toward narcotics investigation. Sgt. Dominic Kaiser earns $121,508.

“His experience in the field is the reason why he has previously been assigned to this detective borough and facet in handling most of the narcotics investigations,” stated Loock.

Sgt. Eric Prach takes the oath of office

Sgt. Eric Prach took the Oath next. Sgt. Prach started his career in emergency services in 2006 by joining the Chester First-Aid Squad while also being a member of the Police Explorer Coast 188 in Roxbury. He then earned an associate degree from the County College of Morris while subsequently graduating as part of the 80th basic police class at the Morris County Police Academy. Initially, Prach attended Saint Elizabeth’s University earning his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later earning a master’s in Administration Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During his career, Prach has been assigned as a field training officer and has also been assigned to the detective borough on multiple occasions. Prach has been deemed an expert witness based on his testimony of gang and graffiti investigations. In 2021, Prach completed a selection process to become a medical specialist with the Morris County Special Operations group, which is the medical component of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Prach earns $121,508.

Township Clerk Krista DiGiorgio administers the Oath of Office to Lt. Robert Carpenter as his family holds the bible.

The last Hanover Township Police Department member to take the Oath that evening was Lt. Robert Carpenter. After graduating from Hanover Park High School, Carpenter earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York in Albany. At that time, he also became a certified emergency medical technician and Eagle Scout. Carpenter attended the Morris County Police Academy and graduated as part of the 61st basic police class. During his career, Carpenter has received many commendations which include two life-saving awards. In 2014, Carpenter was promoted to sergeant and later attended Fairleigh Dickinson University to earn a master’s degree in Administration Science. Additionally, Carpenter has earned the Trilogy award which is presented to those who have completed a series of training classes presented by the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. Lt. Robert Carpenter earns $147,439.

Motor Vehicle Mobile Unit Will Be Visiting Hanover

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assemblyman Jay Webber, Assemblyman Brian Bergen, and Mayor John Ferramosca are delighted to bring the Motor Vehicle Commission to Hanover on Friday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Motor Vehicle Commission Mobile Unit will be assisting Hanover residentsby appointment onlywith the following services*:

    • Driver Licenses – The Mobile Units provide the opportunity for drivers to renew their license, obtain a duplicate license, change their name or address on their license, add a boat endorsement, add a veteran designation, register to vote and/or make organ donation selections.
    • Non-Driver Identification Cards – The Mobile Units can provide residents with photo identification that may then serve as a primary or secondary form of personal ID.
    • License Plates – The Mobile Unit allows drivers the option to surrender license plates.
    • Registrations – Drivers may renew their registration or obtain a duplicate registration card for their vehicle in the Mobile Units.
    • Placards – Drivers may obtain a Person with a Disability, Purple Heart, or Disabled Veteran placard from the Mobile Units.
    • Examination Permits – Customers can apply for an examination permit to take a written (law/knowledge) test. However, the written test itself is not available in the Mobile Unit.
    • *No Real ID services will be available.

For additional information & to book an appointment please contact Senator Joe Pennacchio by clicking here to email.

Hanover Township Committee Meeting – November 10, 2022

By
Frank Cahill
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HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Committee Meeting – November 10, 2022.

Click here to download the agenda.

Members of the Township Committee Includes:

  • John L. Ferramosca, Mayor
  • Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Deputy Mayor
  • Ronald F. Francioli, Committeeman
  • Brian J. Cahill, Committeeman
  • Michael A. Mihalko, Committeeman
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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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