MORRIS COUNTY — For more than a quarter century, Victoria ‘Viki’ Ferlauto has been a driving force behind groundbreaking mental health initiatives. This spring, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) will honor her dedication and leadership with its 2025 Courage and Compassion Award. 

“Viki leads with heart, tackles challenges with determination, and devotes herself fully to the well-being of others,” said NewBridge Services CEO Michelle Borden. “She has cultivated an environment of care, innovation, and inclusivity that benefits both clients and staff.” 

Ferlauto joined NewBridge Services in 1998 and oversaw its adult psychiatric day treatment program before Borden promoted her to executive director of counseling services in 2022. “She is one of the most dedicated, compassionate, and effective professionals in our field,” Borden said.

NJAMHAA will honor Ferlauto on April 8 at its spring conference, “Looking Beyond the Horizon in Behavioral Health,” at the APA Hotel Woodbridge in Iselin. “Viki’s leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on mental health care in New Jersey,” said NJAMHAA President and CEO Debra L. Wentz. 

“I am deeply grateful for this wonderful recognition by such esteemed colleagues and my supervisor. Doing good in our world is my primary goal and the only way forward is together,” Ferlauto said. 

As executive director of counseling services, Ferlauto oversees three outpatient counseling centers and two adult psychiatric day treatment programs across Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties. Her influence extends beyond NewBridge Services. After NewBridge joined forces with Christian Health last year, Ferlauto began supervising clinical staff there as well. 

One of Ferlauto’s most impactful efforts has been leading NewBridge’s Zero Suicide initiative. Under her leadership, every staff member — not just clinicians —was trained to recognize and respond to warning signs, creating a stronger safety net for clients. Thanks to this effort, NewBridge saw no client suicides in 2024. 

Throughout her career, Ferlauto has demonstrated innovative problem-solving, especially in times of crisis. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person treatment in March 2020, she quickly adapted the adult psychiatric day treatment program. Clients who attended in person on a Friday were able to access group therapy from home the following Monday through conference calls. (This pre-dated video conferencing.) Months later, Ferlauto oversaw the safe return to in-person treatment, ensuring clients received continuous support during an especially isolating time. 

Ferlauto fosters a culture of mentorship and collaboration, strengthening both staff and client care, Borden said. “She understands that by supporting the well-being of mental health professionals, they, in turn, can provide better care for clients,” Borden said, adding that Ferlauto’s leadership helped build a more unified organization. 

“I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to help our clients find hope and healing,” Ferlauto said. 

MONTVILLE — The Montville Township Chamber of Commerce has recognized Al Paganelli with the President’s Award for his exceptional dedication and service to the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry.

Paganelli is vital in ensuring that the pantry remains well-stocked and organized. His bi-weekly shopping trips help maintain inventory, ensuring that families in need have access to essential food supplies. Through his hands-on approach and meticulous attention to inventory management, he has significantly impacted the hundreds of community members who rely on the pantry each month.

Upon receiving the award, Paganelli expressed his gratitude and shared the recognition with the many volunteers contributing to the pantry’s success. He also acknowledged his mentor, Deane Driscoll, emphasizing the collective effort required to sustain the food assistance program.

The Montville Kiwanis Club congratulates Paganelli on this well-deserved honor and extends its appreciation to all 2025 Montville Township Chamber of Commerce award recipients for their contributions to the community.

To support the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry through volunteering or donations click here.

The Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry, a key initiative of the Kiwanis Club of Montville, has been honored as the Group I Runner-Up in the Kiwanis International Signature Project Contest. The recognition was announced at the Kiwanis NJ District Mid-Year Conference at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. The club will be officially honored at the New Jersey District Convention at the Tropicana Hotel, Atlantic City, September 11 – 14, 2025.

Founded in 2010, the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry has become a lifeline for families facing food insecurity. In 2024, the pantry served 3,851 individuals, including seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities. Its impact is made possible by a dedicated network of 289 volunteers and strong community partnerships.

Innovative Programs Driving Success

The pantry’s success is driven by initiatives such as the:
✅ Adopt-A-Shelf Program – Ensures pantry shelves remain stocked with essential food items.
✅ Community Garden – Developed in collaboration with the Montville High School Key Club, this initiative provides fresh produce to needy people.

Global Recognition for Community Service

The Kiwanis International Signature Project Contest celebrates the most impactful service initiatives worldwide. This year, the New Jersey District featured 17 entries from 16 clubs, competing among 516 total submissions globally.

The Kiwanis Club of Montville is honored to receive this recognition and remains committed to supporting the community through meaningful service projects like the food pantry.

MORRIS COUNTY — “Good oral health isn’t just about pearly whites. It’s about overall well-being,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-Morris). “No one should have to dig deeper into their pockets just to brush their teeth.”

While other personal care essentials, like feminine hygiene products and most food items, are already tax-free in New Jersey, oral healthcare products remain unfairly taxed despite their critical role in preventing serious medical conditions.

The cost of neglecting dental care is far greater than the revenue New Jersey collects from taxing these products. Poor oral health has been linked to major medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and even dementia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, contributing to millions of lost school hours and over $124 billion in annual dental-related health care costs.

“New Jersey should promote public health, not profit from it,” Dunn added. “Basic health care should be accessible to everyone, not a source of state revenue. A healthier state starts with a healthier smile.”

If passed, Dunn’s (A5449) bill will give residents one more reason to flash their pearly whites—tax-free.