BOONTON — Town of Boonton Mayor Richard Corcoran sworn-in sergeant, Christopher Petonak. Mr. Petonak was promoted from the role of patrolman to that of Sergeant.
The swearing-in ceremony attended by his family, Mayor Corcoran, Sheriff James Gannon, first responders, representatives of Eagle Martial Arts, and several Town officials.
MORRIS COUNTY — With COVID-19 vaccination numbers increasing, coronavirus cases decreasing and indoor capacity restrictions set to be lifted on May 19, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn introduced a resolution urging the governor to reopen all Labor Department facilities to in-person services.
Labor Department offices and one-stop career centers have been closed for in-person business since last March when the first coronavirus public health emergency was issued.
“Even prior to the pandemic, the career centers have been operating with dated equipment and few caseworkers,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “The coronavirus was the unexpected crisis that made us realize that our unemployment system is inadequate, antiquated and failing to serve those most in need.”
Dunn’s resolution (AR253) also calls on the Labor Department to fully staff all public-facing offices at all times.
In March this year, Dunn visited a shuttered one-stop career center in Randolph.
“Speaking with a security guard, I learned that dozens of people come each day in hopes of receiving relief, only to be turned away,” said Dunn. “While we have all become more accustomed to virtual connectivity, this is not how I believe a bricks-and-mortar career center, a taxpayer-funded facility, should work.”
Since August 10 of last year, the state’s career centers moved all of the unemployment services online and over the phone.
“Virtual services may not be as accessible for elderly clients, low-income clients, or clients with disabilities,” added Dunn. “Additionally, there are still claimants who are being denied payments, because they cannot get in touch with someone at the Labor Department to rectify the issue. In-person services would solve a multitude of problems and promote more effective communication.”
Since last March, the state has received more than 2.1 million applications for unemployment benefits and distributed more than $28 billion to Garden State workers.
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker presented a commendation to Detective Supervisor Spence Osaigbovo for his efforts in helping a distraught individual in crisis, on Monday, May 17.
On April 23, 2021, Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo was contacted by a distraught, former victim, who advised the officer that she had just ingested pills in an effort to take her own life. Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo talked to the individual over the phone, keeping her calm and obtaining crucial information to ascertain her location. Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo successfully determined her location and the appropriate agency was dispatched.
Detective Supervisor Osaigbovo is being commended for his commitment to duty, ability to remain calm, and recognize the importance of dealing with individuals with mental health issues.
Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “We commend Det. Supervisor Osaigbovo for literally preserving the life of a person in need under very challenging circumstances. His effort and skill in continuing his life-saving dialogue with the subject yet keeping his focus on identifying the location where help could be sent is an outstanding example of excellence in policing.”
MORRIS COUNTY — On May 16, 2021, NNJR Porsche Club of America hosted its “Welcome to the Club” Car Show and Rally to benefit Cheshire Home of Florham Park. Cheshire Home has been named NNJR’s supported charity, having funded COVID relief efforts and the purchase of rehabilitation equipment since the start of their partnership.
The “Welcome to the Club” event was a success with over 50 pristine Porsches in attendance. The charity event included a Car Show, a parade through Cheshire’s parking lot for residents to watch, drive along the countryside, and lunch in Long Valley. All proceeds from the event’s registration fee, as well as donations collected day-of, will fund Cheshire Home’s updated call-bell system. This new technology will be easier for Cheshire’s residents to use and offer additional safety measures for their healthcare workers.
Cheshire Home is New Jersey’s leading provider of unique residential and rehabilitative services to young adults with spinal cord injuries or neurological impairments, and the only stand-alone facility of its kind in the state. Cheshire Home’s staff work with each resident, offering medical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreation, and with a goal of achieving their highest level of independence.
To learn more about Cheshire Home click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker, and Denville Police Chief Frank Perna announce that Anthony Citro, 41, of 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville, has been charged with first-degree Murder, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and second-degree Aggravated Arson. The defendant was charged on a warrant complaint and remains in custody pending a court appearance.
It is alleged that at approximately 7:24 a.m. on May 17, 2021, law enforcement received a 9-1-1 call regarding a fire at 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East, Denville. Upon arrival to the scene, law enforcement officers located Anthony Citro outside the residence, with apparent blood on his clothing. Smoke was observed coming from the residence. Members of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, which was later determined to be incendiary. While suppressing the fire, the body of a deceased female was located inside the residence. The female was identified as Eileen Citro, age 68, the defendant’s mother. The cause of death has been ruled homicide by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death was determined to be sharp force injuries.
Members of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, the Denville Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and High Tech Crimes units all participated in the investigation.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
BOONTON — Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town was among a number of North Jersey Kiwanis Clubs participating in distributing over 40,000 pounds to those in need on Saturday, May 15. Over 1,000 families with 1,426 children in eight towns received food containing fresh garden vegetables and other non-perishable items.
Joining in with Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town was Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury, Kiwanis Club of South Orange/Maplewood, and Kiwanis Club of Bridgewater.
“The USDA estimates that in 2018, about 774,860 people, including 219,760 children, in New Jersey were food insecure. That means one in 11 individuals (8.7%) and one in nine children (11.3%) live in homes without consistent access to adequate food for everyone to live healthy, active lives,” said Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Kiwanis Division 9.
“The economic damage wrought by mass layoffs and business closures is expected to persist long after vaccines become widely available and that means demand for food assistance will remain at the current high level for months or years to come,” said Nicolas Limanov, President Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town.
“These numbers have increased drastically with families struggling during the pandemic,” said Cain Pope, President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury.
Since the beginning of this service project starting in December, Kiwanis Clubs have distributed over 149,400 pounds of food, serving 3,755 families with a retail cost of over $375,000. Kiwanis Club members either donated or raised funds to purchase the food to distribute to needy families during the pandemic.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
To find information on Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town click here.
To find out information on the next Kiwanis Food Distribution click here.
HANOVER — Seasons 52 officially opened its doors to the public on Friday, May 14. Featuring seasonal ingredients and an ever-changing menu, the restaurant offers guests the freedom to enjoy its balanced approach to food and wine.
The Seasons 52 kitchen specializes in oak-fire grilling and brick-oven roasting to be flavorful and light, with all dishes fewer than 595 calories. Menu items are handcrafted using 100 percent fresh, never frozen, whole produce, and carefully sourced meats and seafood. Simply prepared dishes to encourage guests to feel good about their choices at every course, with options including an assortment of flatbreads, such as Pesto Chicken and Lobster & Fresh Mozzarella, as well as freshly prepared entrees, like Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon, Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops and Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon. Mini Indulgence desserts offer the perfect amount to satisfy a sweet tooth, with selections including Cookies ‘N’ Cream and Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli.
The restaurant’s menu changes four times a year to offer ingredients sourced at peak freshness and flavor. Seasons 52 on Dryden Way will feature its spring menu, with seasonally inspired offerings such as Kona-Crusted Lamb Loin, Buffalo Cauliflower Flatbread, and a Coconut Cream Pie Mini Indulgence.
The Wine Bar pours from an award-winning list designed to complement the menu and allow for discovery, with a service style that helps guests pair the right wines with their dining experience. Offerings include acclaimed labels by the bottle and glass in six and nine-ounce pours. Guests have the freedom to explore new styles with “Drink Them Before They’re Famous” – a collection of wines from up-and-coming producers. In addition, guests can enjoy seasonal rotating wine flights, currently highlighting pours by Paul Hobbs and the Caymus family of wines. The Wine Bar also serves cocktails made with fresh ingredients for exceptional taste. Signature cocktails include Cucumber Basil Smash and Rosé Lemonade, as well as the spring menu exclusive Strawberry Basil Martini. A lively Happy Hour offered Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. features $6.00 glasses of wine and $12.00 wine and flatbread pairings.
Seasons 52 Parsippany is located at 1402 Route 10 at Dryden Way. The new restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays, Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Indoor dining and outdoor seating are available, in addition to takeout.
The restaurant is hiring experienced hospitality professionals to staff the new restaurant. Roles to be filled include servers, bartenders, and hosts, among others. To find more information and submit an application click here.
More information about the restaurant’s safety commitments to guests is available on the Seasons 52 website.
ABOUT SEASONS 52
Seasons 52 is a comfortable and stylish fresh grill and wine bar offering a refreshingly balanced approach to dining where guests are free to enjoy, knowing any choice they make is one they’ll feel good about. The menu changes with the season to feature ingredients at their peak, from whole produce that arrives and is kept 100% fresh, never frozen, to carefully sourced meats and pristine seafood. Entrées are oak-fire grilled or brick oven-roasted, without a fryer insight, to be flavorful and naturally lighter, and the Wine Bar pours world-class wines by glass and signature cocktails. Lunch and dinner daily, happy hour Mondays to Thursdays. Click here for more information.
HANOVER — The following is the honor roll for Whippany Park High School for the third marking period. Distinguished honors are for grades of 4.00 or above. High Honors are for grades of 3.50 to 3.99. Honors are for grades of 3.00 to 3.49.
Distinguished Honors – Grade 12
Mohand Ahmed, Mayvil Awad, Lydia Bao, Joshua Batane, Allison Blair, Kyle Blanchfield, John Brulato, Luke Brzozowski, Courtney Buoye, Wilson Cerquin, Veronica Choe, Matthew Ciecierski, Amanda Cortright, Olivia Cross, Jason D’Amato, Isabella Damico, McKenna Deignan, Abigail Denning, Camille DePiro, Natalie DiMeo, Kristen Dominguez, Patrick Donoghue, Michael Duong, Melissa Gambino, Martha Honcharyk, Chloe Honl, Sarah Husseini, Daniela Iuso, Andrew Kao, Abigail Kaplan, George Karsos, Daniel Korzen, Ankita Kumar, Alyssa Leach, Amber Lepore, Jacob Lieto, Alyssa Liloia, Jacob Lisewski, Christopher Loizou, Emma Mantone, Savanna Marcantonio, Hailey Miliziano, Erin Miller, Angela Min, Courtney Mincolelli, John Mincolelli Jr., Veralynn Moran, Avery Mueller, Ann Mulligan, Kelly Murphy, Max Myron, ooper Ohlsson, Rahul Patel, Michael Peluso, Alesandra Roselli, Sedona Sabatino, Serena Shen, Victoria Sheridan, Jonathan Slavin, Emily Struble, Kelli Su, Julia Swan, Maggie Vaccaro, Elizabeth Verobel, Timothy Wainscott, Justin Walker, Nicole Walker, Jenna Wilson, Dylan Yacat,
Alan Yan, Jacob Young, Emma Zachary, and Stanley Zhu.
Grade 11
Christian Alvarez, Allyson Amaya, Melina Ayash, Bella Baxter, Radon Belarmino, Mark Belikov, Francesca Bergamasco, Jeremy Blair, Jalen Blake,
Kristen Blohm, Gianna Bougades, Stephanie Cefolo, Victoria Cefolo, Johnathan Chan, Sunnina Chen, Jovianne Chew, Emma Cobane, Juliana Conte,
Brian Cortright, Aidan Credico, Julia D’Addozio, Quinn Danus, Nicolette Davidson, Samantha Davidson, Kyler Day, Jamie DeBellonia, Melissa DeBellonia, Brielle DeNunzio. Abigail Diglio, Jordan Eaton, Manuel Espinoza, John Feeley, Jake Forte, Megan Gilbert, Abigail Gioia, Carson Grenard, Jason Heckler, Madison Heusser, Tracy Huang, Olivia Jakubowski, Carolyn Kao, Michael Kiel, Brooke Korver, Nilayan Lahiri, Samantha Levis, Kaitlyn London, Olivia Maes, Hailey Makowski, Marissa Makowski, Jared Marcus, Francesca Mattia, Cora McClain, Ava Menoni, Dilen Mistry, Maayanth Nair, Jesse Navarrete, Colleen O’Grady, Kelly O’Grady, Giuliana Palumbo, Megan Papadopolo, Jennie Paskert, Ohm Patel, Alyssa Pavone, Julianna Pavone, Isabella Pecora, Brendan Quinn, Jessica Ragucci, Roberto Ramundo, Alexandra Robelo, Summer Robelo, Jack Robertson, Rebekah Rolfe, Sebastian Russo, Sabrina Saraceno, Andrew Schauder, Markus Schuele, Carly Schweighardt, Olyvia Serillo, Kayla Sheridan, Bianca Silvestro, Ian Sleeper, Monique Szesko, Victoria Testa, Erin Troiano, Novelie Tupper, Robert Turnbull, Thomas Ung, Jillian Vicine, Emma Walder, Brandon Williams, Alyssa Yin, and Kailyn Zazula.
Grade 10
Isabella Abend, Ashley Amitrano, Christopher Berardino, Abigail Bernstein, Keely Bowe, Gianna Bozzi, Jaycen Burke, Evelyn Chiu, Madison Ciarco,
Joseph Ciottone, Michael Cortright, Eva Coudurier, Emma Cowhig, Michael Cowhig, Sydney Cowhig, Blanca Duque, David Farrell, Francesca Gagliardi, Brooke Gasparine, Stanley Gelman, Jake Gillespie, Antonia Giordano, Sebastian Giraldo, Jonathan Gomez, Matthew Griffin, Michael Grogan,
Talia Guffanti, Zoe Hechavarria, Richard Hingos, Jake Honl, Michael Hoppes, Amanda Hsu, Jessica Ignozza, Kyle James, Noah Kaplan, Nicholas Keenan, Luke Laterza, Ava Lautato, Olivia Lee, Seoyeon Lee, Andrew Lin, Eric Liu, Elizabeth Lombardino, Abigail Loth, Catherine McCormick, Ian McSorley, Reece Montano, Kathleen Mulligan, Alaina Pagulayan, Janvi Patel, John Roe Jr., Dominic Roselli, Audrie Saad, Gavin Sarno, Daniel Song, Charlotte Speck, Kathryn Steinberg, Katelyn Stitt, Nikolas Stoikovski, Mikayla Swan, Daniel Szewczyk, Ereka Topinka, Adam Trinh, Dominick Valenti, Samantha Vitale, Rosemary Wu, Brynn Yacat, Ashley Yanovak, Matthew Yee, and Emma Zattor.
Grade 9
Julia Benson, Jacob Birecki, Alex Bueno, Katherine Carroll, Jane Chan, Maximilian Chiou, Andrew Cho, Isabella Cruz, Lucas D’Addozio, Angelina Damico, Maris Day, Jessica Diamond, Allison Downey, Abigail Feeley, Emelia Finkelstein, Trey Forte, Angelo Giordano, Sergio Giraldo, Emma Guerard, Melanie Guzman Olivera, George Hemmer, Samantha Heusser, Victoria Huang, Declan Koch, Vanessa Larice, Aquin Lynes, Kayleigh McArdle, Jessica Meng, Tyler Metallidis, Tessa Molinare, Nicholas Montano, Adam Mueller, Ryan Munsey, Isha Narine, Tyler Pinho, Luke Puchnowski, Sean Quinn, Nicole Rider, Ronald Rusin, Alex Ruvo, Leina Saliani, Michael Schlesier, John Scoblete, Sopia Selitto, Daniel Sierchio, James Tecza, Ravi Thakkar, Ryan Turnbull, Peter Urato, Fernando Vargas, Henry Vatoci, Steven Wang, Carolyn Wu, Zoe Yoo, Joshua Young, Michelle Zhao, and Zhennan Zhao.
High Honors – Grade 12
Daniel Aviles, Espejo Kyle Berkowitz, Alexa D’Addario, Natalie Hernandez, Shannon Kerwin, Ava Kierney, Eric Kingston, Ava Porciello, Peter Solomine, Hugo Spencer, Mason Topinka, and Daniel Young.
Grade 11
Ziad Ahmed, Joshua Ayala, Matthew Beyer, Michael Cefolo, Theodore Ciamillo, Gianna DeGregorio, Isabella Dello Russo, Amanda Diamond, Jake Dodson, Kendall Evans, Kayla Gregory, Ryan Kaleta, Jenae Keena, Christopher Krentz, Isabella Kull, Maya Laterza, John McCoy, Jonathan Mitrenga, Marko Morozov, Rachel Moritz, Lillian Schwartz, and Zaheer Thomas.
Grade 10
Vanessa Aguirre, Hector Angulo, Zoe Bagley, Riley Barnet, Grace Benanti, Jennarose Bergamini, Catherine Buono, Jacqueline Campbell, Christian Conte, Alexa DeFelice, Gemma Doonan, Jason Eagan, Shane Kelly, Wyatt Lieto, Vincent Lignes, Olivia Marino, Christina Mehta, Grace Mennonna, Lisa Middleton, Kevin Nasseri, Tara O’Rourke, Madeleine Oswald, Alyssa Pieper, Catherine Rees, Jennifer Robinson, Cadence Sabatino, Devon Slater, Olivia Sobecki, Vanessa Topinka, and Sarah White.
Grade 9
Mateo Andrade-Marin, Addison Ayash, Alexander Berardino, Benjamin Bregman, Jake Cefolo, Domenic Costanza, Nicole D’Angelo, Andrew Deehan, Michelle Diamond, Ajin Geevarghese, Brandon Gibbons, Owen Hsu, Natalie Mascolo, Jessica McClain, Nicole McGrath, Luke Millman, Patrick Mulligan, Gabriella Navarro, Grant Nelson, Gabriella Primavera, Megan Robertson, Rachel Rolfe, Anthony Sauchelli, Samantha Storniolo, Adam Vikhrov, and Ellie Williams.
Honors – Grade 12
Connor McLeanas and Victoria Moctezuma.
Grade 11
Katherine Gallaghaer, Meghan Hamtil, Hunter Morgenroth, and Matthew Tognetti.
Grade 10
Parth Bhatt, Kaitlyn Carnicella, Dylan Ditore, and Stephany Said.
Grade 9
Michael Ahern, Gabriel Garcia Cortes, Steven Moreno, and Jack Sheridan.
MORRIS COUNTY — Continuing his commitment to ensuring that students have access to a high-quality education, Governor Phil Murphy announced that upon the conclusion of this school year, portions of Executive Order 175 allowing remote learning will be rescinded, meaning that schools will be required to provide full-day, in-person instruction, as they were prior to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
“When schools across New Jersey first closed their doors in March of last year, little was known about COVID-19 and how it spread. But over a year has passed, and we are now facing a very different reality,” said Governor Murphy. “With our health metrics trending decisively in the right direction, the significant progress we have made in our vaccination effort, and vaccines now available to those as young as 12, we are in a position to get our students back into the classroom full-time come fall. We know that there is no substitute for in-person education and know that a full opening of our schools is critical to the well-being of our students.”
“Over the past year we have made the health of our students and school staff a top priority, and stakeholders in all of our school communities have done a commendable job of weathering this storm,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “Now we turn a corner, and students, educators, and parents throughout New Jersey can look forward to the full return to safe in-person instruction at the start of the 2021–2022 school year. Local Educational Agencies will continue to adhere to Individualized Education Programs, 504 Plans, and the Home Instruction needs of their students.”
While school districts will be required to fully open buildings beginning Fall 2021, remote learning will be permitted in the event that there is a localized outbreak or other emergencies. If buildings are open for in-person instruction, parents or guardians will not be able to opt out of in-person instruction.
Summer camps and summer educational programming for Summer 2021 will not be impacted and will still be required to follow relevant health and safety protocols.
MORRIS COUNTY — Jessie’s ideal home would be one where she gets all the attention! She’s a real lap hog. Jessie needs insulin shots twice a day so the family must be comfortable administering these (she doesn’t even flinch!) and be home more often than not. Kids: 10 years or older; Dogs: may be able to live with another relaxed, older dog; Cats: may be able to live with another relaxed, older cat; Crate Trained: Jessie prefers the couch or her bed–she’s a princess! House Trained: Yes. Leash Manners: Enjoys short walks and is fine on leash. She does bark at other dogs when they pass
Personality: Cuddles. Snuggles. Repeat. This is life with Jessie. The kind of snuggle partner family members fight over because everyone wants her on them all the time and she wants the same. Jessie is friendly, happy, and really enjoys the company of other people.
Health: Jessie requires insulin twice a day, 12 hours apart. Her current schedule is to get them at 730am and 730pm time and she needs a family who can commit to this schedule. She was used for breeding to excess and you can see the toll on her stretched-out body. She had untreated diabetes and cataracts and, within two weeks of arriving to WISE, she lost her vision completely and we began the journey to find the right dose of insulin which she requires now twice a day forever.
Why did she come to WISE?: Jessie was no longer useful to her breeder and was surrendered to the rescue after years of overbreeding. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website by clicking here.
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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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