Allison Larena with Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus
MORRIS COUNTY — Allison Larena, President & CEO of Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown, was honored Friday night, October 14, by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners for her 20 years at the helm of the arts organization.
Allison Larena with Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus
Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus presented Larena with a framed “Resolution of Honor” inside MPAC’s Starlight Room just prior to the performance of “Croce Plays Croce” at the theater on South Street.
“I am grateful for the recognition by the Morris County Board of Commissioners in honor of my 20th anniversary at MPAC. MPAC is fortunate to be located in a county that recognizes the value of our cultural institutions and how they contribute to the quality of life for our residents. The Commissioners’ support of our education programs this past year has been a vital lifeline to helping these programs return to enrich the lives of thousands of children every year,” said Larena.
The resolution notes that Larena has been instrumental in transforming the Morristown-based theater into a world-class performing arts center and for growing its annual operating budget from $1.5 million to more than $13 million. Under her tutelage, MPAC operations grew from about 50 events annually to over 250 events, welcoming more than 240,000 patrons each year and generating over $9 million in ticket sales, while simultaneously having an estimated impact of $15 million dollars on the local economy.
“On behalf of the Morris County Commissioners, We are pleased to present you with this resolution recognizing your 20 years of leadership of Mayo Performing Arts Center. MPAC is a crown jewel for Morris County,” said Deputy Director Krickus.
“Morris County was proud to provide MPAC with $600,000 of funding for education programs as part of the recovery from COVID, and also recently approved $24,000 of historic grant funding for the plans to renovate the historic facade to the theater,” he added.
MPAC, which operates out of a 1937 theater designed by Thomas Lamb, has served more than 40,000 children through education and outreach programs, and Larena is credited with launching innovative programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the arts accessible.
Among the programs were the first outdoor drive-in concerts, the first limited-capacity concerts, and the first live streams in New Jersey as she kept the theatre active and relevant while creating a safe environment for people to enjoy an indoor art experience.
To learn more about MPAC and upcoming events click here.
Prosecutor Carroll, flanked by Sheriff Gannon, comments on the auto-theft problem that plagues our communities and the necessity to apply all available resources to address the issue
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll joined other government officials from federal, state, county, and municipal levels at the municipal hall of Madison Borough, during a news conference to support federal legislation that would assist law enforcement in combatting vehicle theft on Monday, October 17.
Area police chiefs and county sheriffs from the region were also in attendance as a show of support.
The bipartisan legislation, introduced to the United States Congress by Representatives Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey and Don Bacon from Nebraska would provide $150 million in grants over a five-year period to state and local law enforcement, to address and mitigate the number of vehicle thefts, and provide resources for stolen vehicle trafficking throughout the United States. The legislation provides that 70% of the funding will go to the county and local law enforcement with 30% to states being heavily impacted by vehicle thefts and especially the related escalated violence. If passed in Congress, the bill would provide $30 million each year for hiring, equipment, technology, and other resources to target the crime of vehicle theft.
Various Law Enforcement Officials in Attendance
In addition to the federal bill, the recently introduced bi-partisan legislation from Senators Codey and Bucco also received the unanimous support of law enforcement as it addresses the issues of repeat offenders as well as those criminals who recruit juveniles into criminal theft organizations in order to insulate themselves from serious criminal charges. A separate state bill from the Senators also addresses the frightening issue of home invasions and substantially increases the potential criminal penalties for such serious criminal conduct.
During the news conference and following the initial presentation speech delivered by Rep. Sherrill, multiple officials spoke including NJ State Senators Anthony Bucco and Richard Codey, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, and Passaic County Undersheriff Kevin Dickson all spoke in support of the initiative.
Prosecutor Carroll stated that law enforcement sincerely appreciates the legislative efforts to help stem the increasing crime and reiterates the need for community and citizen assistance in stopping these criminal theft organizations. The Prosecutor stated:
“Year to date, 89% of the vehicle thefts in Morris County involve keys/key fobs being left in a vehicle; 61% of these thefts were from residential properties and another 23% from commercial locations. Morris County Law enforcement again reiterates that it is vitally important that our citizens help in stopping these thefts by securing their keys and fobs, and not making themselves and their families easy targets for these opportunistic, and now too often armed criminals.”
BOONTON — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Town of Boonton Police Department Officer in Charge Christian Trowbridge announce that missing 16-year-old Keyoni Jackson from Boonton was found safe.
Keyoni Jackson was located unharmed in Morris Township by the Morris Township Police Department and returned home.
Prosecutor Carroll thanked the public for helping get the word out about this missing teenager.
Tribute Garden is a beautiful display of pinwheel flowers dedicated to a loved one who is passionate in the fight against cancer, a loved one who has passed, someone currently battling breast cancer, or someone who has overcome their cancer. Pinwheel flowers can were personalized with a message and was displayed in the 2022 Tribute Garden of Hope.
MORRIS COUNTY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio issued a “Proclamation” at Sunday’s “Making Strides Parsippany” event held in the Century Office Campus. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz.
Mayor James Barberio with event organizers Melissa Gargantiel and Kelly Stanckiewitz
At the time this article was published the Making Strides Parsippany raised $315,406. You can still make a donation by clicking here.
More than 290,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the US today and more than $71 million invested in breast cancer research (as of August 2021).
Music provided by DJ Bonz will keep the party going on our stage, sponsored by The Snooki Shop. Performances by dance teams and fun warm-ups will get you excited before the walk starts and throughout the morning!
Think Pink
Since 1993, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) campaign has united communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. Over the past two decades, the 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, including caregivers, and families alike.
Welcome Survivors
This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary and is taking place in more than 150 communities nationwide, including Parsippany.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events raise awareness and money to save lives from breast cancer. The money you raise and the donations made are helping the American Cancer Society fund innovative breast cancer research, 24/7 information and support, prevention and early detection initiatives, and so much more.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Frank Neglia, Sandra Neglia, and Elizabeth ScangarellaThe participants met at Elizabeth Scangarella house to participate in “Making Strides of Parsippany”Elizabeth Scangarella Team “Believers” at the starting line at Making Strides of Parsippany
The top companies were Toyota Motor North America $13,950; Atlantic Health Systems $8,637; BASF Corporation $5,057; Siemens Healthineers $4,575; Connell Foley LLP $3,767; Bausch + Lomb $1,973; Wyndham Hotels and Resorts $1,882; Dollar Tree/Family Dollar $1,776; Select Medical $1,673; and Delta Dental of New Jersey $1,579
Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso raised over $7,000
A personal message from Theresa MANCUSO regarding her Breast Cancer Experience:
Breast Cancer has been in my life since I was 7 years old and my grandmother, Teresa, was diagnosed. I watched her suffer through surgeries and treatments before Metastatic Breast Cancer took her from us in 1988. I was 16 years old. Just three years later, my mother, Rosemarie, was diagnosed at just 46 years old. Again, I saw one of my role models fight this disease with strength and humor. My mother was a successful business owner, a single mom, and a friend to many. She was the life of the party and everyone was always happy to see her. She was Volunteer of the Year for the local American Cancer Society. She visited many patients at their most vulnerable, right after diagnosis, through the Reach for Recovery program. She had a notebook full of patients that she would follow up with to make sure they were okay and share her experiences.
I remember my mom taking me for my first mammogram when I was 22 years old. Her cancer had returned but she never wanted anyone to worry about her. She actually signed us up for our first cancer walk in South Orange in 1995, though she was already feeling the effects of advanced cancer. After fighting for five years, Metastatic Breast Cancer took her at the age of 51. I had just turned 24 and couldn’t imagine life without her. Somedays I still can’t.
Though I walk in memory of my mom, I also selfishly walk for myself. In 2003, I was diagnosed with Stage I Breast Cancer at age 30. I was aggressive with surgeries and treatments but my cancer returned four years later at age 34. I was shellshocked that I was facing the same fate as the two most important women in my life. I’m now 15 years with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. I’ve done treatments, more surgeries, and a clinical trial. I remain on drugs that have cumulative side effects that don’t make my life super easy. But I am beyond blessed that I am still here and able to celebrate another walk with my wonderful friends and family! I’ve lost dozens of friends to this horrible disease. These are young women with children and should have had long lives ahead of them….we all should.
The funds I’m raising will sustain critical research and provide services for people trying to cope with their own breast cancer experiences. Believe me, every dollar really does count, so I’m asking you to please donate today. Together, we can make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer.
To raise funds directly for Theresa’s fundraiser, click here.
Team “Fighting Pretty” was lead by team leader Gina DeRosa and raised over $1,400
Top teams were Rising to the Challenge $21,005; The Fighting Champions $18,768; Hanna’s Bananas Powered by Toyota $13,950; The Pink Striders $12,740; Making Strides in Memory of Rosemarie Mancuso $7,026; Warriors 3.0 $6,548; Team Kamdar $6,429; Las Panas $5,324; BASF Florham Park $5,057; and BASF Flanders Green4Pink $4,575.
Top participants were Sylvia Samaniego $12,455; Fran Saliter $10,862; Lois Dornfeld $10,655; Susan Donaldson $7,348; Nancy Medford $5,888; Teresa Mancuso $4,575; Mary Rehus $3,559; Dayana Peck $3,338 and Sharon Spina $2,673.
A refreshment Tent for water and refreshments was sponsored by Uncle Giuseppe’s Italian Market
Apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women. In fact, in 2019, 271,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed in women (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but other symptoms are also possible. It’s important to have any breast change checked by a healthcare provider.
For more information about the American Cancer Society and all of its programs, click here.
The Survivor & Thriver Tent, sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, is a special area for Survivors and Thrivers. Survivors and Thrivers will enjoy some snacks, and coffee, receive their sashes and participate in activities—all while creating great memories in the tent.Seton Hall UniversityParsippany Volunteer Ambulance members Sophia Lowery and Melinda ErnstRandolph Rams CheerleadersKiwanis Club Lt. Governor Frank Cahill with Kiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica AlmeidaTeam Jessica AlmediaKiwanis Club of Caldwell/West Essex President Jessica Almedia and member AnthonyMayor James Barberio with Barbara and Haywood BaileyMaking Strides of Parsippany Attracts Over 1,786 ParticipantsDark Invader and friends
Envision a future where our children no longer live with the threat of breast cancer and where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive this disease. By supporting the Making Strides movement, you help ensure the American Cancer Society can continue fighting for that same vision. Together, we can help fund the future of breast cancer research and programs for our loved ones today – and for the next generation.
For more information on the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” click here. Cancer information, answers, and hope. Available every minute of every day by calling 800-227-2345.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township’s Green Team will host a shred event and food drive to benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry from 9:00 a.m. to !2:00 noon on Saturday, November 5 at the Community Center parking lot at 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany rain or shine.
The event will be contactless, and drivers are asked to have their trunks open for Green Team members to remove any donated non-perishable food brought for the food drive and documents to be shredded from the vehicle.
Drivers will be required to show their licenses for identification.
Only documents placed in paper shopping bags or cardboard boxes can be accepted. Documents must be free from paper clips, rubber, and other material that can’t be shredded. Wet paper, newspapers, cardboard magazines, books, and other bound items will not be allowed.
Pre-registration is optional for residents and municipal employees and can be done by clicking here.
Environmental Commission and Green Team meet the first Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Whippanong Library Conference Room, 1000 Route 10, Whippany.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township officials are looking for pictures of residents’ pets for possible use in the “Great Things Happen in Hanover” 2023-2024 desk calendar.
Residents who are interested in submitting pictures for consideration should submit their high-resolution color pictures in a JPEG format until May 1, 2023, to [email protected].
The assistant business administrator and project coordinator will review all submissions and select those that will work best. 300 calendars will be printed and distributed to residents for free during public events including Hanover Township Day. An online version will also be posted on the township’s website.
The township will confirm receipt of all submissions and follow up later with everyone whose picture was selected. All contributors whose photographs will be included in the calendar must sign the township’s standard release form to verify the owner’s consent to allow the picture to be used. Each contributor will receive a photo credit under their picture.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Department responded to 905 Route 10, Weston Assisted Living, regarding a report of a suspicious male that entered the building, on Thursday, October 20 at 7:27 p.m.
The property that 905 Route 10 is located on also encompasses 901 and 903 Route 10. These buildings contain approximately 200 apartments, along with administrative offices, medical facilities, and spaces for leisure activity.
This initial report was called in by an employee who described the male as wearing all-black tactical clothing, combat boots, and carrying a backpack.
During these initial stages of the investigation, Officers made contact with additional employees of the facility and were provided the following description of the suspicious person: a white male unshaven for about 48 hours or so, with dark hair, approximately 5’6″ tall, who was wearing a dark jacket, dark pants, military boots, a bulletproof vest and carrying a large backpack.
Due to the sensitive nature of the location and the number of residents throughout the complex, additional law enforcement resources were requested to assist with a search in an attempt to locate the suspicious individual. With the assistance of the administrative personnel and facility staff for the complex, law enforcement was able to coordinate and complete a search of the interior of the buildings at 903 and 905 Route 10 and the surrounding property. This search was unsuccessful in locating anyone matching the description of the suspicious person that had been earlier reported.
Additional information that was gathered by law enforcement during the investigation was compiled and analyzed. Based on this information and the physical search of the buildings not resulting in locating an individual that matched the previously described suspicious person, the investigation has been turned over to the Hanover Township Police Department Detective Bureau.
There is no credible threat to the location or surrounding area. The Hanover Township Police Department Detective Bureau will continue the investigation to identify and locate the individual.
The Hanover Township Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Florham Park Police Department, Madison Police Department, East Hanover Police Department, Hanover Township Office of Emergency Management, Whippany Fire Department, Cedar Knolls Fire Department, First Aid Squad, East Hanover Office of Emergency Management, along with the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit.
Anyone that has information that may assist in identifying this individual is asked to contact the Hanover Township Police Department at (973) 428-2511.
MORRIS COUNTY — Tyson McCoy is wanted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Narcotics Task Force, for numerous drug related offenses, including first degree Possession with Intent/Distribution of narcotics, announced the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
McCoy is a 41-year-old male, 6’1’’ tall, and approximately 180 pounds, they said.
He has a barbed wire tattoo on his forehead and multiple other tattoos.
McCoy goes by the nickname “Nitty Gritz” and is the subject of an active arrest warrant.
He is known to frequent the Morristown and Dover areas. If you have any information, please contact the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers call (973) COP-CALL or click here.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Hanover P.B.A. held their Annual Food, Wine and Beer Festival at Bee Meadow Park/Brick Yard Field on Sunday, October 2.
Despite the dreary, cool, and windy weather there was a nice turnout of supporters and friends who ventured out to enjoy a full day of good food, drink, and activities.
Brick Yard Field was filled with various food trucks offering a wide variety of different cuisines, beer and wines providing your choice of many of your favorite brew and/or wine to suit your palate. Plenty of local vendors were on hand selling their assorted wares and providing public service information. And of course, the kids were also able to enjoy rides, face painting, and other youth orientated activities throughout the event.
A large tent, with plenty of seating was available, with large screen televisions available to catch both the Giants and Jets game, or to just sit and enjoy a crispy pizza from Avellino’s, a Pierogi from Smaczny, a cold one from Angry Dad’s, or one of the many other choices available; while a live band, “Suspended Justice”, played continuously throughout the afternoon.
All things considered, it was a fun packed afternoon; and despite the chill in the air, all those who attended shared a wonderful early fall day with family, friends, neighbors, and supporters. Congratulations to Hanover P.B.A. on a successful event.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County School of Technology History and English Departments recently collaborated with the local Morristown museum, Macculloch Hall. The interdisciplinary lesson centered around the essential question, “How does the past shape our future?” Macculloch Hall provided the teachers with copies of primary sources that are housed at the museum. Sources included an original letter written by General George Washington to Robert Morris (1777) and Thomas Nast’s cartoon, Uncle Sam’s Thanksgiving Dinner (1869).
Cynthia Winslow, Curator of Education and Community Engagement, and Dr. Patricia Pongracz, Executive Director from Macculloch Hall recently visited the school to facilitate the lesson. Winslow and Dr. Pongracz led discussions about key takeaways from each primary source. Students were able to engage deeper with the primary sources to determine how we can learn from the past to better ourselves for the future.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum’s Executive Director, Dr. Patricia Pongracz, said, “MHHM loves being in the classroom sharing primary sources that highlight where in Morris County history happened. We hope that the students learn as much from us as we always do in conversation with them. And we love when students then bring their families to visit so we can continue the conversations at MHHM.”
Sophomore students worked in small groups to answer questions about the importance and reliability of primary sources in academia and reviewed proper ways to incorporate text evidence in their writing to support their claims.
Authentic and interdisciplinary lessons break down the walls of the classroom to allow students to engage with the real world. The experience allows students to connect with professionals and create meaningful learning connections. Lisa Adams, Supervisor of Instruction shared, “At MCST we try to connect our students with members of various professions to expose them to potential career opportunities. While most of these connections take place in their Career and Technical Education courses, our academic teachers also see the value in collaborating with others outside of our school walls.” The English and History Departments will continue to plan and facilitate interdisciplinary lessons in future classes. Students will engage in real-life projects and various guest speakers throughout the year.
Macculloch Hall is located in the heart of Morristown’s National Historic District. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves and interprets its historic house and gardens, unparalleled collection of the work of political cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902), fine and decorative arts collections, and Macculloch family archives, inspiring visitors to experience everyday American history where it happened. To learn more information click here.
Morris County Vocational School District offers a wide range of career and technical education programs that inspire and prepare students to succeed in today’s world and pursue tomorrow’s opportunities. Programs range from auto service and construction trades to healthcare sciences, performing arts and cybersecurity. The high school offers full-time academies and share-time programs on its Denville campus. In addition, through collaboration with local school districts and the County College of Morris, it offers full-time academies and share-time programs established at off-site satellite locations. To learn more about full-time academies and share-time high school programs click here or call (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.
