HANOVER — Whippanong Library Friends Open House at the Library will be held on Saturday, April 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All Friends, old, new, and potential, are welcome.
Visit, chat, tour the current exhibit in the Petit Gallery, and have a light snack. Learn the ways you can help your library by becoming a Friend. No pre-registration is required for the Open House, which is open to everyone. The Friends Open House also starts Whippanong Library’s National Library Week activities.
HANOVER — Hanover Township children grades K-5 enjoy Earth Day Art with Art Kids Academy at theWhippanong Library on April 3 at 4:30 p.m. and take home a completed fun art project.
Learn ways to be kind to our earth as we design earth-friendly artwork. Supplies are limited. Preregistration is required and may be done by going to the Whippanong Library event page by clicking here or calling the Library at (973) 428-2460.
Whippanong Library is located at 1001 Route 10, Whippany.
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
MORRIS COUNTY — 25th Legislative District candidates Christine Clarke, Dr. Jonathan Torres, and Diane Salvatore are dropping off more than 800 pounds of donated food to three food pantries around their district, collected during their ‘Petitions and Pantries’ drive to support food-insecure constituents while gathering signatures for their ballot petitions to represent the 25th District.
“Servant leadership begins long before elections, and for us, that includes volunteering to support our local food pantries. It’s important to help children sleep at night with full bellies and to give parents needed reassurances that their representatives have their backs,” said Clarke.
“Helping others is what motivates most physicians to pursue medical education. But through practicing medicine, we see how powerfully many ways of giving back, including supporting our local food pantries, greatly impact people’s lives. Working to improve our neighbors’ physical and social needs is fulfilling and serving others is vital to maintaining community,” said Torres.
“One way to practice gratitude is to remember that for some of our community members, the safety net is frayed and failing,” said Salvatore. “Giving food to those in need is a practical and profound way of making a tangible difference.”
The donations collected during Team LD25’s “Petitions and Pantries” signature drive events will be split to benefit three Morris County food pantries: the Hope House food pantry in Dover, New Hope Food Pantry in Oak Ridge, and Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains, which resupplies multiple pantries around the district. With affordable housing and food insecurity challenges in New Jersey, families continue to sign up for help from pantries. Per the 2020 ALICE report from the United Way of Northern New Jersey, 37% of New Jersey families are ‘Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed’ – working but barely making ends meet. The team sees these problems as injustices of past policies and thinks the policy should change to improve outcomes for working families. They plan to legislate in Trenton from a working-class perspective.
Clarke is an environmental advocate, a grassroots organizer, and a mother-of-four running for State Senate to build the clean energy economy, improve healthcare, protect clean air and water, and lead with empathy and fiscal sense. She has lived in Jefferson for 18 years with her husband and four children and has been fighting pollution and climate impacts for years. Learn more about Clarke by clicking here.
Torres is an award-winning family medicine physician and physician educator, a Boy Scouts leader, and a father of two running for office to keep patient care between patients and their doctors, not insurance companies or politicians. He works in the Department of Family Medicine at Morristown Medical Center and founded the osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine residency program in 2016. He also oversaw a COVID-19 unit during the pandemic in 2020. Learn more about Torres by clicking here.
Salvatore is an award-winning magazine and digital journalism professional running for office to make New Jersey an excellent place for retirees and seniors to thrive in affordable, integrative communities with cross-generational benefits. She was editor-in-chief of Consumer Reports, Prevention, and Ladies’ Home Journal. She focused on creating high-quality, mission-based journalism to improve people’s lives through community and policy change. To learn more, click here.
The 25th District includes 19 towns in Morris and Passaic counties: Boonton Township, Butler, Dover, Harding, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Mine Hill, Morristown, Morris Township, Mount Arlington, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens, West Milford and Wharton.
HANOVER — The paintings and mixed-media collages of Highlands resident Yolanda Navarra Fleming, strike a match upon view in her solo exhibition at Hanover Township’s Art on the Wall space at the Municipal Building, 1000 Route 10, Whippany.
Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Committee, “The Fire that Started Itself,” a collection of 26 abstract paintings and mixed-media collages, opens on April 1 and runs through May 31, with the first-ever opening reception since the program began in 2020, on Thursday, April 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“I like to say I grew up on the canvas,” says Fleming, 54. “I was my mother’s figure model starting when I was very small, and then I modeled professionally for figure drawing classes later. I also started making art as a kid until I started writing, which became a habit that overshadowed all other forms of expression. Then I began crafting with beach finds as a Zen activity in midlife, then started painting after a guided Shamanic journey. One of the pieces in this show, ‘Elefante’ is a mixed-media piece that marks the moment I started making art as a way to get back to the way I felt during the journey, which is just like a guided meditation that helps you connect with your intuition and enhances your imagination. I didn’t have the plan to do that, it just happened, and I haven’t stopped since.”
Fleming is an up-and-coming artist whose style explores the emotional effects of spontaneous combustion: Energetic lines, angles, and flaming colors painted with alternating bold brush strokes and minute details. “I never create anything with any intention other than relaxing and connecting with my intuition. It’s how I meditate and detox from the damage caused by the overuse of technology.”
The director of marketing and communications at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, Fleming is also an author and former Asbury Park Press theater columnist/staff writer. Her paintings become fireworks for viewers who appreciate abstract art that ignites the images relating to universal life experiences.
The 26 works in the show are reminiscent of primitive art, evoking the creation of fire. Fleming’s titles, such as “The Fire that Started Itself,” “Song for a Soldier,” “Downtown Lemontree,” and “Chocolate Before Breakfast,” to name a few, run the gamut from a flickering candle to wildfire, creating light and heat.
Fleming is a prize-winning and exhibiting member of the Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury. Her work hangs in various public spaces and private homes in NJ, NY, and PA. She plans to donate 20 percent of all sales to her favorite charity, the Trinitas Foundation. She lives with her husband, an author, and their two adult children in Highlands, NJ.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Denville Police Chief Frank Perna confirmed the arrest of two students following an incident at Morris Knolls High School on Thursday, March 23.
On Thursday, Denville Police Department responded to Morris Knolls High School after receiving a report that school staff discovered two students possessing a gun. The department’s School Resource Officer and other responding officers arrived quickly. The involved students were already identified and secured by school staff, as was the weapon, by the time officers arrived. The two juveniles involved were arrested and charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon and related charges. Since this matter involves juveniles, no further information will be released.
There was no active threat to the school, staff, or students, and the matter remains under investigation.
“This afternoon, the Morris Knolls Administration discovered a weapon on campus. The weapon and those responsible were immediately secured, and there was never an active threat to students or staff. Our onsite School Resource Officer and other officers from the Denville Police Department immediately responded and took custody of the weapon and the involved parties. We assure you that this matter was dealt with swiftly and that the students and staff were not in danger. As this is an active police investigation, we cannot provide further details. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to work closely with the Denville Police Department to ensure a safe learning environment for our school community,” said Ryan MacNaughton, Principal of Morris Knolls High School
All Denville schools’ safety and security are paramount to the Denville Police Department. There is no ongoing activity or suspected threat to the school, staff, or students related to this incident. However, the Denville Police will have an increased presence at the school over the next few days to help alleviate any fears or concerns.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanks the Morris Knolls administration and staff for their actions and cooperation in identifying and quickly resolving this incident.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER — Mayor Gallagher introduced his Communication Initiative to improve how the Township connects with and provides information to its residents in real time. The Township partnered with TAPinto and created a Twitter page to expand its reach by providing official news and information to more residents.
Today the Township is introducing a new interactive form called “Ask your Governing Body.” Residents can submit a question to the Township Committee and our professional staff. Within five business days, they will receive an official first-hand response from the Township with accurate information direct from the Township Committee liaison and/or related department(s). The questions and answers will then be posted to the Township website on the “Ask Your Governing Body” page for all to read.
The Township understands that not all residents can attend a Township Committee meeting to speak with their elected officials. This new form is a way to provide access to all residents and dispel any false information that may circulate on unofficial social media pages and groups.
To ask a question and view responses, click here.
MADISON — Members of Boy Scout Troop 25 of Madison will begin their annual food drive to help replenish the shelves of the Interfaith Food Pantry.
Last year, with the support of many residents, the Scouts gathered more than 4,000 pounds of groceries through the annual Scouting for Food Drive for the pantry, which provides supplemental and emergency food to Morris County residents in need.
Food pantry personnel were very appreciative of the Scouts’ efforts and generosity of Madison residents, according to the troop. The Scouts would like to increase the amount of their performance last year and need the public’s help to achieve their goal of collecting 4500 pounds.
The Scouts are to distribute fliers to residents from Tuesday, March 28 to Sunday, April 2, explaining in detail the kind of food that is recommended by the food pantry to donate.
On Saturday, April 15, the Scouts will stop by Madison homes between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to collect bags or boxes of groceries.
Residents are asked to place their donations outside their front doors by 10:00 a.m. Some Scouts may need to collect donations soon after 10:00 a.m. due to other commitments on that day. Others may need to collect from noon until 2:00 p.m.
For those who are less fortunate, this is a great way to show that the residents of Madison are concerned about the issue of hunger in Morris County,” the troop stated. “Thank you for your support.”
Troop 25 meetings are held every Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 19 Green Avenue, Madison.
The Troop is a collection of aspiring young learners and leaders ready to undertake any task. The young leaders of the troop teach the early scouts how to participate in troop activities and how to learn along the way. Many activities we do allow us to grow and learn. These activities include camping, river rafting, community service, leadership schools, backpacking trips, and many more. We love our troop, and we hope it can continue to grow.
DOVER — Former Dover Mayor James Dodd, who lost his bid for a fourth term in 2019, is throwing his hat back into the ring. So is incumbent Mayor Carolyn Blackman, who unseated Dodd in a Democratic primary race four years ago.
Dodd announced his re-election campaign, speaking behind a podium with a sign reading, “Bring Back Dodd.”
“I’ve been a lifelong registered Democrat,” said Dodd at a packed ONE 11 Bar & Kitchen on Blackwell Street.
Rescue Dover Team consists of James P. Dodd (Mayor); Claudia Toro (Alderwoman Ward 1); Sergio Rodriguez (Alderman Ward 2); Jhon Londono (Alderman Ward 3), and Arturo Santana (Alderman Ward 4).
“I’m truly humbled by the number of people here tonight; your friendship, love, and support mean the world to me!” Dodd said.
Tonight, I intend to speak about the future of Dover, our home community.
My story is very similar to most of yours. I was born and raised in Dover by two loving parents who came here from Brooklyn in 1950. Both of my parents worked very hard to make ends meet. My father worked as a welder, and my Mom as a cafeteria manager at East Dover School. My brothers, sister, and I were provided exactly what we needed, not always what we wanted, and in many cases, my parents did the very best they could with what they had.
My family is the true definition of the working class – the very class that is considered the backbone of America and the class that comprises the vast majority of the residents of the town of Dover – both in our history and today.
Our town has taken change over the last three years, and it hasn’t been for the betterment of our community, families, residents, or businesses.
Over 50 employees have lost their jobs, businesses have been targeted, crime is rising, quality of life has deteriorated as we know it, property taxes and water bills are skyrocketing, and stacking and overcrowding are running ramp. Overall, we are all suffering from it.
This situation affects our quality of life and hurts many families forced to sell the homes they dreamed of owning because it is impossible to live with out-of-control taxes. I see it on social media daily, people expressing how they miss their hometown but were forced to leave.
We are here in Dover because we believed the town was moving ahead, thriving after so many years. All our surrounding communities talked about how Dover was back on the map!
Dodd said, “I’m at a point in my life where my children are grown, my business is successful, and I can easily ride off into the sunset and retire; however, my passion for Dover remains, and the work here is not done, we did it before, and all of us together can do it again!”
“We are at a crossroads in the history of our great nation, this state, and especially our town. We are under attack by Politicians who lie, cheat and steal. But the resolve of my team will never be stronger. Our sense of community has never been more divided than it is today; it’s time to put petty politics aside and do what is right for our community…. not politicians, not professionals, or consultants.”
“It is sad to see all the institutional knowledge removed from our Town administration and replaced with no-show jobs. It’s time to eliminate towns from our payroll, like West Orange, Bloomfield, and Mount Olive, and give the jobs back to the people of Dover, who care about our community and deserve to be employed here!”
Dodd continued, “We will take back our town! We will take back our jobs! We will reestablish redevelopment projects promoting home ownership and creating revenue that balances our local taxes. We will enforce our laws and regain quality of life here in Dover for all our residents!”
After losing the primary to Blackman in 2019, Dodd ran as an independent against her in the November general election and lost by 50 votes. Blackman became Dover’s first female mayor and the first Black woman to lead the town.
The Rescue Dover team will hold a Cocktail Reception on Tuesday, March 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Caffe Navona Restaurant, 147 Route 46, Rockaway.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2023 Budget, with no increase in the tax rate, as funding expanded for public safety, infrastructure, human services, education and training, and economic development.
“We are proud to adopt a 2023 Budget that continues to encourage the high quality of life consistent with Morris County while also being sensitive to the financial strain placed on taxpayers amid historical inflation rates.
Strong ratable growth and prudent financial planning made this budget possible. Morris County’s wise planning on healthcare benefits enabled us to have a much lower impact on increasing costs than other counties experienced with the state health plan. This enables us to provide and increase services such as public safety while maintaining a flat (tax) rate,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Board’s Budget Committee.
The $343.5 million 2023 Budget includes a $124.3 million Capital Spending Plan for the calendar year, of which $10.3 million is covered in grants and $85 million will apply towards the new Courthouse project. With those factors accounted for, the net 2023 Capital Spending Plan for traditional projects is approximately $29 million. This year’s fund balance also grew by $2.8 million, bringing it to $60.7 million, to safeguard against unforeseeable economic changes and help ensure Morris County maintains the AAA Bond rating held for 47 years.
“Our AAA standing saves everyone money in both the short and long term because it enables our towns and school districts, as well as the county, to borrow funds for important infrastructure projects at the best possible finance rates,” said Commissioner Director John Krickus.
The 2023 spending plan dedicates an estimated $74.6 million to public safety, including full dispatch services to 23 municipalities and continuing daily backup services to local Basic Life Support and Emergency Medical Service units for all 39 Morris County towns. Morris County’s Basic Life Support Emergency Medical Service Unit responded to over 3,866 Emergency calls in 2022.
“The county government is involved in carrying out the mission-driven allocation of financial investments that help target a myriad of programs meeting our community’s diverse needs and challenges. Initiatives like our Navigating Hope program and the Sheriff’s Office Hope One are combatting issues like substance use while raising awareness about county resources and available support,” Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, a member of the Budget Committee.
Critical Community Investments
The Preservation Trust Fund Tax, which has protected and enhanced Morris County for over 30 years, will stay level for 2023 at 5/8 cent per $100 of total county equalized property valuation. The tax pays for improvements to our county parks and grant programs like Farmland Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trail Design and Construction.
Among the educational, cultural, and economic development incentives included in the 2023 Budget is:
• $8.9 million to support the Morris County Park Commission, stewards of the largest county park system in New Jersey (20,455 acres of parkland)
• More than $12 million to support the County College of Morris, an increase over 2022
• Almost $6.4 million to the Morris County Vocational School District, also an increase over 2022
• More than $800,000 for Economic Development and Tourism
Critical Infrastructure Investments
Overall, the county’s 2023 Capital Spending Plan designates approximately $25.5 million toward enhancing road resurfacing, improving intersections along the 287 miles of county roadways, and replacing bridges and culverts this year. Nearly $8 million in grants will offset county costs.
Road Resurfacing Projects Include:
• 3.3 miles of Mendham Road (CR 510) from Indian Head Road to Cold Hill Road in both Mendham and Morris Townships
• 2.2 miles of Main Road (US 202) from Fulton Street to Route 287 Northbound Ramps in Montville Township
• 4.1 miles of Ridgedale Avenue (CR 632) from Littell Road (Route 10) to Route 80 in both Parsippany and East Hanover Townships
• 3.8 miles of Tempe Wick Road/Glen Alpin Road (CR 646) from Leddell Road to Blue Mill Road in both Mendham and Harding Townships
• 1.8 miles of Newark Pompton Turnpike (CR 660) from Jacksonville Road to Route 23 in Pequannock Township
Intersection Improvements Include:
• Ridgedale Avenue and Greenwood Avenue, Florham Park
• Center Grove Road and Quaker Church Road, Randolph
• Guide Rail Upgrades and Installations throughout the County Bridge and Culvert Projects Include:
• Dickson’s Mill Road Bridge in Harding Township
• Parsippany Boulevard Bridge in Parsippany
• Beach Street Bridge in Rockaway Borough
• Morris Street Bridge in Denville
Click here to download the 2023 operating and capital budgets PowerPoint presentation.
HANOVER — Starting with June 6, 2023, Primary Election and all subsequent primary and general elections, the Township of Hanover will utilize the following facilities as polling locations, Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, Hanover Township Community Center, and the Whippany Fire House.
All registered voters in Districts 1, 2 & 3 will vote at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.
All registered voters in District 4 will vote at the Community Center, 15 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany.
All registered voters in District 5 will vote at the Whippany Fire Department, 10 Troy Hills Road, Whippany.
All registered voters in Districts 7, 8 & 9 will vote at the Community Center, 15 N. Jefferson Road, Whippany.
The location of your new polling place will appear on the sample Primary Election ballot you receive before the June 6, 2023 election.
If you have questions about your new polling place, don’t hesitate to contact (973) 428-2466 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
Contact us: [email protected]
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