Set in an ideal, center of town location, this gracious Vernon Lee colonial blends charming, historic architectural features with modern updates!
MOUNTAIN LAKES — This charming home is available in Mountain Lakes and is located at 112 Briarcliff Road. The asking price is $1,250,000 and features five bedrooms, 3.1 bathrooms with a three-car garage.
This home is warm and inviting from the welcoming, covered front porch to the cozy FR with built-ins, stunning sunroom, and light, bright Eat In Kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and quartz countertops.Entertain in the formal dining room and retire to the living room with a wonderful, built-in window seat! A mudroom, laundry room, and powder room complete the first floor.
Ascend one of two stairwells to the second floor home to a spacious, grand suite with soaring ceilings, his/her walk-in closets, and a loft area ideal for meditation or a private office. Unwind in the luxurious, marble-tiled grand bath with a fabulous skylight, soaking tub, stall shower, and marble dual vanity. A second bedroom completes this wing, along with a hall bath.
The second wing has three exp. Bedrooms, each with large closets and custom built-ins and a hall bath. Much larger than it appears, this home offers spacious rooms, tons of storage space, and plenty of room for everyone to find comfort! Utilities and extra storage can be found in the LL with access to three-car garage bays, an unusual feature in a historic home!
Commune with nature sipping lemonade and enjoying the hydrangeas that line the covered front porch or dine alfresco on the 2-tiered brick patio surrounded by lovely landscaping.Move right into this sweet gem and enjoy all that Mountain Lakes offers from this ideal location within walking distance to all schools, ML train station, library, and lake activities.
The new Kumon location is located at 240 Route 10 West.
EAST HANOVER — Kumon Math and Reading Center to Hold Re-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, January 7th at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served.
The new location is located at 240 Route 10 West.
East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Council President Frank DeMaio Jr., Councilman Brian Brokaw Sr., Councilwoman Carolyn Jandoli, and Councilman Michael Martorelli, along with Frank Cahill, Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, will cut the ribbon with Kumon owner Hema Popat.
Kuman has been in East Hanover for ten years at the previous location on Ridgedale Avenue. Kumon’s individualized approach helps children progress by ability rather than age or grade. More than 290,000 preschools to high school-aged children across the United States are developing their math and reading skills independently and gaining confidence through the Kumon Method of Learning. The Kumon Center of East Hanover joins the more than 1,500 U.S. Instructors committed to helping children excel through the self-learning program.
Hema Popat
Hema Popat is a proud Kumon parent of two teenage boys and has firsthand witnessed their growth through the Kumon program. She started her Kumon journey in 2012 when she transitioned from a very chaotic full-time role in the financial industry, commuting daily to New York, to start her venture with Kumon within my local community. Her goal is simple: to achieve a better work/life balance for my family and provide quality education to other children, just as she was doing for her two boys. She has seen my boys transition from elementary school to middle school and then from middle school to high school seamlessly and enjoy the journey whilst achieving success in the classroom. Kumon has been the steady backbone throughout their journey.
Hema has seen students succeed academically and develop their study skills such as independence, focus, self-motivation, tenacity, self-confidence, and perseverance and become well-rounded capable learners. “It is so rewarding to see a student transform along this journey and strike the confidence levels to believe that the sky is their limit,” said Hema.
Hema Popat completed the comprehensive Kumon Instructor training and is a certified professional Instructor. She is a mentor who guides your children through their work while providing direction, support, and encouragement. She creates an at-home study plan in addition to monitoring classroom assignments and emphasizes the importance of accurately completing each assignment within a designated time frame. This has helped many of my students increase their self-confidence, thus becoming more self-reliant. Like all Kumon Instructors, I have a true passion for education and an earnest desire to help children succeed.
Hema Popat is a business professional and a Certified Management Accountant. She has extensive experience in all aspects of Business Management in the financial industry and is also Six Sigma Green Belt certified. Amongst the many skills acquired whilst working in the financial industry, the main skill she continues to practice is customer service. She listens to all concerns and touches base frequently to guide the students throughout the program. Parent conferences are available all year round, and she makes herself accessible to all parents outside of class hours.
To reach Hema Popat, call 862-701-5858 or email her at [email protected]. You can also click here to view their website.
EAST HANOVER —38 Beechwood Lane, East Hanover, was recently sold for $1,160,000. Steven Lee listed the home from Coldwell Banker Realty. 0.24 acre lot. The home contains five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The home was built in 1995. The real estate taxes are listed to be approximately $14,721.
A Classic five-bedroom, four-bath Center Hall Colonial nestled on a Cul-de-Sac in the Woods in the River Oaks neighborhood of East Hanover. Walk through the double entry doors into a two-story foyer that welcomes you to this contemporary home, with the formal living room to your left and a formal dining room to your right. Keep walking, and the foyer leads you to the two-story family room with ceiling-high windows and wood burning fireplace. The updated kitchen greets you with a casual dining area and slider’s that lead you to the rear deck, overlooking the pool and level backyard. The bright and well-lit kitchen has a large center island, SS appliances, quartz countertops, tall cabinets, and a coffee bar with a sink. The laundry room is steps away, with access to the deck. The pantry is there, and so is access to the spotless two-car garage. A full bath and a conveniently located first-floor bedroom are on the other side of the family room. The second floor boasts a large Primary bedroom with a spacious sitting room. There is a primary bath with a new frameless shower and jetted tub. A walk-in California closet with a connected room can be used as an office or closet storage. An additional 3 bedrooms w/ California Closets and a full bath are on this floor. The finished lower level offers several entertaining rooms, a wine cellar, and a kitchenette. Updates include New Roof, Stucco, Garage doors, water heaters, Pool liner, and Emergency lighting on the 1st and lower levels.
The bright and well-lit kitchen has a large center island, SS appliances, quartz countertops, tall cabinets, and a coffee bar with a sink.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners today awarded grants to construct eight new trail projects, adding more than five miles of walkways and paths recommended by the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program.
The grants amount to $528,265, meaning the Commissioners have cleared a total of 47 grant awards totaling 28.37 miles under the seven-year-old project, with 21 of the trail projects already completed. The newly approved grants cover projects ranging from .12 miles in length to 1.32 miles. Grants for five of the projects will cover design and permitting work, while three involve construction.
Pequannock Township – Foothills Park Trail, Phase 1 – .30 miles – $36,000
Funding for trail projects is derived from Morris County’s voter-approved Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, which was established in 1992 and subsequently modified with voter approval in 2002 to establish a Historic Preservation Fund. In 2014, voters approved a ballot question by a margin of 3 to 1 to modify the fund again, this time allowing trail development as an allowable use for a portion of the trust fund money.
Morris County has now dedicated nearly $5 million towards establishing 28.37 miles of trails since grants were first awarded under the Trail Construction Grant program in 2016.
Purpose of Funding: The grant program’s purpose is to provide recreational trail use opportunities, which benefit the communities and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Morris County.
Who is Eligible: Any of the thirty-nine municipalities in Morris, New Jersey County. Municipalities are limited to one application per funding cycle.
Permissible Uses and Projects: Construction of new trails for both motorized and non-motorized uses and trail enhancements, including improved trails to accommodate increased volume and/or compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Funding is considered only if the land on which a trail is to be constructed is:
Located in Morris County
Owned by the municipality in full and or via permanent easements
Permanently preserved public parkland or private land with dedicated easements for public recreation use
On land with a permanent easement for public trail/recreational provided to the municipality
In full municipal control of all land and/or easements on which trail(s) are to be funded
MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon is pleased to announce the promotions of Detective Captain Walter Rawa, Jr. and Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini. Captain Rawa will oversee the Court Services Division, and Captain Tomasini will oversee the Patrol Division.
Detective Captain Walter Rawa, Jr. and Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini with Sheriff James M. Gannon
Captain Rawa, who is a law enforcement legacy, was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2002. After graduating from the Morris County Police Academy, he was assigned to the Protective Services Division. In 2004, he was transferred to the Warrants Section, where he served as an undercover detective until 2006. In 2006, Walter assisted in starting the Traffic Support Unit and achieved certification as a LASER and a RADAR operator and instructor. In 2007, he was selected for the agency’s Marine Patrol on Lake Hopatcong. In 2011, Captain Rawa was assigned to the Emergency Services/K-9 Unit as a Detective. He trained, handled, and certified multiple canines in explosives, search and rescue, patrol, narcotics, and arson. In 2012, he was appointed the rank of Corporal. Between 2015 and 2018, Captain Rawa worked in Community Outreach & Planning as the Agency Training Coordinator. He was promoted to Detective Lieutenant in 2019.
Captain Rawa is one of the Morris County instructors for the Sheriff’s Office’s Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, and Protection (RSVP-3) program. He has played a critical role in developing and training Morris County law enforcement officers on a standardized response protocol to an active shooter incident. He has also attended and attained local and federal certifications in law enforcement response to an active shooter. He is currently a civilian response instructor in the national Run, Hide, Fight model.
Captain Rawa was a tactical operator with the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team for 16 of his 21 years with the Agency. He has been a member of the agency Honor Guard for 19 years and currently serves as its unit commander. He is a certified Police Training Commission Academy Instructor for the State of NJ for firearms and physical conditioning. He has also been certified as a Taser Master Instructor since 2021. In 2022, he assisted the agency with body-worn camera purchasing and implementation.
Captain Tomasini began his career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2005, where he attended the 66th Basic Police Academy Class. Upon completion, Captain Tomasini has spent most of his career assigned to the Emergency Services Unit, where he performed various roles as a K-9 Handler, K-9 Trainer, Bomb Technician, and Tactical Operator with the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT). Over the years, Captain Tomasini has worked with many K9 partners, most significantly, Jax, Hydro, Sig, Kiara, and Po. Aaron has gained certifications in multiple disciplines throughout his career, including K-9 Trainer, Supervising K-9 Trainer, Firearms Instructor, Police Rifle Instructor, Project Lifesaver Trainer, Monadnock Expandable Baton Instructor, TASER Master Instructor, FBI-trained Basic Sniper, and FBI Tactical Bomb Technician.
Captain Tomasini is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently in his twenty-first (21st) year of service with the New Jersey Army National Guard. He currently maintains the rank of Major and serves as the Battalion Executive Officer for the 2-113th Infantry Battalion, Forty-Fourth (44th) Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He graduated from several Army courses, including Basic Airborne, Pathfinder, Air Assault, Ranger, Infantry Officer Basic, Maneuver Captain’s Career, Combat Advisor, and the Command and General Staff College Common Core.
Academically, Captain Tomasini holds multiple degrees and certificates that include an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the County College of Morris, two Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Thomas Edison State University, a Master’s Degree in Management from Thomas Edison State University, and an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Stockton University.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office recognized these individuals and their accomplishments in a promotional ceremony held in the Historic Courtroom at the Morris County Superior Courthouse on December 29, 2022. Sheriff Gannon started the promotional ceremony with the history of the agency and thanked the families of the newly promoted Captains saying, “Our agency’s success lies in the hands of the family that supports the officers.”
Sheriff Gannon reminded the new Captains to hold themselves to the task and offered suggestions such as “challenging your subordinates, treat officers and the public with honesty and respect, take the good from your past supervisors and treat people the way you want to be treated.”
Sheriff Gannon also said, “These new Captains are the best of the best and have earned the trust and respect of their peers.”
Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Lt. Susan Johnson
MORRIS COUNTY — After 26 years of service in law enforcement, Lieutenant Susan Johnson has announced her retirement. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Deputy Chief Robert McNally honored Lt. Johnson for her superlative service. They expressed the gratitude of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on her last day.
Deputy Chief Robert McNally, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Detective Matthew Magnone, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Lt. Susan Johnson.
>Johnson was hired by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in October 2002. She was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in February 2021, overseeing the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Over the last two decades with the MCPO, Lt. Johnson has been assigned to the Domestic Violence/Missing Persons Units, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, Megan’s Law Unit, General Investigations Unit, Pretrial Services Unit, and the Fraud and Professional Standards Units, and has supervised the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, Megan’s Law and Internet Crimes Against Children units, we well as the Pretrial Services and General Investigations units.
Lt. Johnson attended the FBI’s Forensic Facial Imaging Course and was a Composite Sketch Artist, which was something she aspired to do early on in her career.
Before joining the MCPO, Lt. Johnson began her career in law enforcement as a patrol officer for the Town of Boonton Police Department. There she was assigned to the patrol division and detective bureau and was involved in several community policing initiatives, including serving as a DARE instructor.
MORRIS COUNTY — While tobacco use has been declining for decades, 10.8% of New Jersey residents still smoke, and tobacco is the leading cause of death and disease in the state. Through the new “Tobacco-Free ‘23” campaign, the American Lung Association in New Jersey shares key reasons why 2023 is the year to quit tobacco and tips and resources.
“Each year, quitting smoking is listed as one of the top New Year’s resolutions. While quitting smoking is extremely difficult, it is possible. In fact, it typically takes a person 8-10 attempts to quit smoking for good, which is why we call it a journey,” said Deborah Brown, Chief Mission Officer for the American Lung Association. “It is important to have support during this process, including family, friends, and your doctor, to help keep you on the right path.”
Here are three important reasons why 2023 is the year to start your journey to becoming tobacco-free:
Your Health: Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in New Jersey, killing 11,780 people yearly. Currently, 16 million Americans live with a tobacco-related disease. While it’s best to quit as early as possible, quitting tobacco use at any age will enhance the length and quality of your life.
FDA is Preparing to End Sales of Menthol Cigarettes: Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of finalizing rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in the U.S. If you use one of these tobacco products, this is an optimal time to begin your quit journey. In fact, after Canada stopped selling menthol cigarettes in 2017, the country saw an increase in quit attempts and cessation among people who smoked menthol.
Be An Inspiration! Last year, the American Lung Association relaunched the “Super Stoppers Club” with award-winning journalist Bob Levey to celebrate people who have quit smoking for good and inspire those who are trying to quit.*Bonus:
If your New Year’s resolution is to save money, quitting smoking can save you between $2,230-$4,360 annually.
Here are some of the tips and resources the American Lung Association recommends to quit tobacco successfully:
Lung Helpline: Not sure where to start? Call the Lung Association’s free Lung Helpline and Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-LUNGUSA, which is staffed with licensed registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and certified tobacco treatment specialists.
Talk to your healthcare provider: Talking to a healthcare provider about your plan to quit smoking is an important step. With your doctor’s help, you can include cessation medication in your tobacco treatment plan, which can double your chances of quitting successfully. Seven FDA-approved medications are proven to help you quit.
Get help from a proven resource: The American Lung Association offers resources to help adults and teens to quit all tobacco products, including:
Freedom From Smoking® helps individuals create their own unique quit plan and tips and techniques to stay successful in the long run. Freedom From Smoking can be accessed online, in a group class, and through a self-guided workbook. Those looking to quit smoking are encouraged to use the best method for their learning style, schedule, and unique quit tobacco use plan.
Not-On-Tobacco® (N-O-T) is a smoking/chewing/vaping cessation program for teens who want to quit. The 10-session program provides the tools, information, and support for teens to end their addiction to tobacco. Teens can participate in NOT in-person, virtually, or online at NOTforMe.org.
Quit. Don’t Switch. E-cigarettes are tobacco products, and the FDA has not found any e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit. Switching to e-cigarettes does not mean quitting. Quitting means ending your addiction to nicotine.
For more information about quitting tobacco for “Tobacco-Free ’23,” visit the American Lung Association website by clicking here.
Dover Chief of Police Jonathan Delaney, Interim Town Administrator BettyLou DeCroce, Mayor Carolyn Blackman, Sgt. Wilkes and Sgt. Tamariz
DOVER — The Town of Dover promoted Sergeant Paul Wilkes and Sergeant Mario Tamariz.
Sergeant Paul Wilkes taking the oath of office
The Sergeant is the first-line supervisor responsible for the daily operations of the police department and the officers that carry out that work. They are leaders in one of the most difficult professions and carry great responsibility for their officers and community.
Sergeant Mario Tamariz, Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney and Mayor Carolyn Blackman
Sergeant Wilkes and Sergeant Tamariz embody what it means to be leaders and are a fine addition to the Dover Police Department’s supervisory chain of command. Good luck with your new appointments, gentlemen, and continue to lead from the front.
We would also like to thank Mayor Carolyn Blackman and Interim Town Administrator BettyLou DeCroce for making these promotions possible.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Jefferson Township Chief of Police Paul Castimore announce that John Formisano, 52, formerly of Jefferson Township, has been sentenced to 79 years in New Jersey State Prison.
On October 3, 2022, a Morris County jury returned a verdict finding John Formisano guilty of numerous charges following an eight-day trial. The defendant was found guilty of first-degree Murder, first-degree Attempted Murder, two counts of second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second-degree Official Misconduct, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and third-degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.
The charges arise from an incident that occurred on July 14, 2019, in Jefferson Township. At approximately 11:21 p.m., members of the Jefferson Township Police Department were dispatched to One Mirror Place for 9-1-1 calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, first responding officers located a deceased woman’s body lying on the front porch steps of Five Mirror Place.
The deceased woman was subsequently identified as Christie Formisano, 37, of Jefferson Township. A second victim, a male (T.S.), 40, was located with multiple gunshot wounds inside the residence of One Mirror Place. Two minor children were also located inside the residence.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the defendant was located in Livingston and was taken into custody by law enforcement. The firearm used by the defendant was recovered in the trunk of the car the defendant was driving. The defendant, an Acting Lieutenant with the Newark Police Department, was off-duty at the time of the incident.
On December 19, 2022, the Hon. Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C. imposed an aggregate sentence of 79 years in New Jersey State Prison. The first 65 years of the sentence are subject to the No Early Release Act, which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of 65 years (approximately 55 years, 3 months). Specifically, Judge Gaus imposed the following consecutive sentences: 50 years on the count of Murder; 15 years on the count of Attempted Murder; seven years on a count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and seven years on a count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The sentences imposed on the remaining charges were ordered to run concurrently with the aforementioned sentences. Judge Gaus also ordered the defendant to pay restitution to the New Jersey Victim of Crimes Compensation Office and for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by the victims. Judge Gaus ordered the defendant to have no contact with the adult male victim (T.S.). He directed the defendant to have no contact with the two minor children or their current guardian for a term of 180 days.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the successful guilty verdict, including the Jefferson Township Police Department, the Livingston Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The Prosecutor also credited the Trial Team: Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn and Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang, with their professional and dedicated service; and commended MCPO Major Crimes Unit Lt. Michael Gomez, as well as MCPO Sergeants Sasha Gould and Michael Puskas, Detective Supervisors Stephen Gangi and Luis Goncalves, Detectives Michael Bost, Mohammed Thomas, and Matthew Belcastro, and all others who contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution in this case.
Mental Health Association Director Madine Despeine, Mental Health Association Officer Chelsea Whiting, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Peer Recovery Specialist Jon-Erik Randazzo, Corporal Erica Valvano, Social Case Worker Jaimie Bingham and Mental Health Association Case Manager Karolyn Mora.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Hope One and associated organizations received the 5th Annual Light the World award from the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, December 4.
The Light the World award was created five years ago as part of an initiative to highlight tremendous community impact in Northern New Jersey, officials said, adding it is an initiative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to recognize love and service to others. Individuals or groups are nominated for the award as they exhibit community service and help to spread light and sheriff joy to others.
Sheriff Gannon partnered with non-profit organizations, law enforcement officers, mental health, addiction recovery experts, and spiritual advisers to develop the Hope One program, a mobile substance use, and mental health disorder outreach, officials said. The mobile unit stops in communities to provide free Narcan training and Naloxone kits and provides access to addiction recovery and mental health programs.
The Hope One mobile unit is sponsored by The Morris County Sheriff’s office in partnership with the Mental Health Association of Morris County, Morris County Prevention is Key, and its Center for Addiction Recovery, Education, and Success (CARES).
In 2017, Sheriff Gannon opened the “Hope Wing” at the Morris County Correctional Facility, which assists inmates with substance use disorders and helps them repair relationships, manage anger, spiritually grow, and access education.
The Light the World award was presented by William H. Ludlam, president of the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sheriff Gannon accepted the award and praised the staff members at Hope One, who said, “Are the ones who do the day-to-day life-saving work in the community.” He asked those present to stand and introduced them by name, including Mental Health Association Director Madine Despeine, Mental Health Association Officer Chelsea Whiting, Peer Recovery Specialist Jon Erik Randazzo, Corporal Erica Valvano, Social Case Worker Jaimie Bingham, and Mental Health Association Case Manager-Karolyn Mora.
In addition, singer-songwriter, Coco Santoni, performed two original songs at the event.
Aura Dunn
Speakers included Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris; Adeline Connor, Young Women’s organization member, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Robert A. Wilson, chief security officer, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, New Jersey; the Rev. Dr. David A. Hollowell, chair of Martin Luther King Observance Committee and outgoing president of Morris Area Clergy Council, and Mohammad Ali Chaudry, president of Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, and Blair Schleicher Wilson of Mountain Lakes, CEO, of Morris Habitat for Humanity, based in Randolph Township.
