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Jefferson Township Historic Sites Awarded Morris County Preservation Grants

By
Frank Cahill
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Founded in 1804, with a history that includes federal forges, lumber and farming, ships’ anchors and circus showmen, Jefferson Township’s 45 square miles are also home to the George Chamberlain House and Miss Elizabeth’s Garden.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Two historic properties in Jefferson Township are among thirty-five projects across twenty municipalities receiving nearly five million dollars in historic preservation grants approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

The Chamberlain House was awarded $307,680 for the first phase of exterior restoration work, the largest construction grant awarded to a Jefferson Township property in this funding round.

The George Chamberlain House, 315 Dover-Milton Road, was favorably received by the State Review Board for Historic Sites. It was entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on September 3, 2009.

Camp Jefferson, formerly known as Camp Ranger and later Camp Clifton, was awarded $101,800 to support preparation of a Preservation Plan and a National Register nomination. The camp was founded as Camp Ranger in 1926 after the purchase of thirty-three acres by the Boy Rangers of Montclair and Glen Ridge, a predecessor organization to the Cub Scouts. The property was later owned by the Boys’ Club of Clifton from 1962 to 1994 and renamed Camp Clifton.

Both projects were recommended for funding by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board following its annual review process.

“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”

“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.

Since its inception, the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund program has helped protect Morris County’s historic resources while creating opportunities for heritage tourism, supporting economic development, and increasing public awareness of the county’s rich historic character.

Today, the George Chamberlain House serves as the Jefferson Township Museum, operated by the Jefferson Township Historical Society. It offers free public tours (first Sunday of each month, April–December, 1–4 p.m.) with costumed docents in period attire. The museum also features the Miss Elizabeth’s Garden and the Miss Elizabeth’s Shoppe (formerly the home’s kitchen) 

Pennacchio: State Budget Continues to Turn Away from Special Needs Children

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Joe Pennacchio

TRENTON — State Senator Joe Pennacchio, a Republican representing Morris and Passaic Counties, delivered the following remarks on the fiscal year 2027 budget during the Senate’s voting session:

“Once again, the people of New Jersey are presented with a budget which prioritizes where you live, not what you need. Those voting for this budget will say they are addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. That in certain instances may be true, but not when it comes to our most vulnerable and needy children. Who would deny that the education we give our special needs children should be paramount in what this budget addresses. It does not.

“A number of years ago then Senate President Sweeney and I, along with other Senate colleagues, held statewide meetings to discuss school funding. What was agreed upon by all Republicans and Democrats was that the state had to first address the needs of those children. It happened. The State began increasing its share of the cost of special education. What was important to me was that this increase was not based on the zip code that the child lived in. Those children were determined to be all our children. Unfortunately, old habits die hard. The 2022 budget funded ninety percent of extraordinary special education costs.

  • 2023 — eighty-four percent
  • 2024 — seventy-two percent
  • 2025 — sixty-two percent

    • “Last year, fifty-two percent. Final numbers are not in for this year’s budget but no doubt it follows the same pattern established the last five years. So, as this budget climbs ever higher, having increased seventy percent in nine short years, the obligation that we had agreed to when it came to the needs of our state’s special needs children has begun to evaporate. Plenty of taxpayer dollars for all sorts of things, some good, some not so good. This budget does not reestablish our educational priorities for all our most needy children. It does only if they live in the right zip code. So, I would ask my colleagues to please preface their commitments to our children by saying they do care about children, only their children,” Senator Pennacchio said.

The Vital Stretch Madison Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — The Vital Stretch Madison, located at 89 Main Street, celebrated its grand opening recently with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The celebration welcomed Council President John Forte, Vital Stretch co-founders Robert and Melissa Goldring, owners Munjal and Roosha Parikh Attawala, members of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Downtown Development Commission, and a gathering of family, friends, and clients.

The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates The Vital Stretch Madison on its grand opening and welcomes the business to the Madison community. Residents are encouraged to visit and experience the personalized assisted stretching services offered at the new location.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll Named NJSACOP Public Official of the Year

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll accepts the “Public Official of the Year Award” from outgoing NJSACOP President Andrew Caggiano, the Montville police chief

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police has named Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll its 2026x Public Official of the Year, recognizing a professional career that has spanned more than fifty years and reshaped how New Jersey investigates and prosecutes organized crime.

“Prosecutor Carroll has consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership and dedication to public service that this award recognizes,” said former New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police President Andrew Caggiano, the Montville police chief, whose term concluded June 24, 2026. “His commitment to Morris County reflects the highest standards we hold our public officials to, and the association is proud to honor him as Public Official of the Year.”

Few careers in New Jersey law enforcement carry the weight of Prosecutor Carroll’s. He built his reputation taking down some of the state’s most dangerous criminal organizations, work that culminated in the prosecution of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious “Iceman” killer, and a hierarchy-level racketeering murder conviction against the New Jersey Lucchese Crime Family.

As Chief of the state’s Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force, Prosecutor Carroll, working with a talented and dedicated team of state prosecutors and detectives, led investigations into all five La Cosa Nostra families operating in New Jersey, securing hundreds of convictions against organized crime figures and their networks.

That track record was built over decades, starting in the early 1970s as an Essex County Investigator and Assistant Prosecutor, and continuing with his selection in 1980 to the Division of Criminal Justice’s elite Special Prosecutions section, where he specialized in electronic surveillance and undercover organized crime investigations.

By 1986, Prosecutor Carroll was leading the Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force itself, rising to Assistant Attorney General.

Prosecutor Carroll’s influence has extended well beyond the courtroom. He has trained hundreds of state and tribal law enforcement leaders as an instructor at the New Jersey State Police Academy, the Essex County Police Academy, and in Native American programs, and his work has drawn commendations from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Secret Service, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Attorney’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, and numerous county prosecutor’s offices.

His public service record also includes stints as Acting Sussex County Prosecutor, Director of the Law Department for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and Compliance Officer overseeing thousands of background investigations for major Native American gaming facilities, where he also chaired a Gaming Regulatory Commission.

Since his appointment as Morris County Prosecutor in 2020, Prosecutor Carroll has continued that legacy, leading an office the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police cited for its steady leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public safety.

Boonton Brewfest Returns with Craft Beverages, Live Music, and Community Spirit

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON — Boonton Main Street announces the return of Boonton Brewfest on Saturday, September 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Canal Side Park. One of the community’s most anticipated annual events, Brewfest will bring together craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, local food vendors, live entertainment, and community members for an unforgettable afternoon in the heart of historic Boonton.

Early Bird tickets are available now through July 22, offering attendees the best value before ticket prices increase.

Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from a variety of craft beverage producers, live performances by Random Vandals and From the Ground, local vendors, lawn games, and food available for purchase throughout the event. Additional participating breweries, wineries, distilleries, and vendors will be announced in the coming weeks.

Beyond providing a fun afternoon for attendees, Boonton Brewfest serves as an important fundraiser for Boonton Main Street. Proceeds directly support downtown revitalization efforts, community events, beautification projects, small business initiatives, and programs that help preserve and enhance the unique character of historic Boonton.

“Boonton Brewfest has become one of our signature community events, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate great local beverages while supporting the continued growth and vitality of our downtown,” said Boonton Main Street. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another memorable year.”

Event Details

  • Event: Boonton Brewfest 2026
  • Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: Canal Side Park, Boonton, New Jersey
  • Early Bird Ticket Deadline: July 22, 2026

    • Early Bird tickets are available now by clicking here.

    For event updates, including participating breweries, wineries, distilleries, food vendors, and sponsors, follow Boonton Main Street on social media and visit the organization’s website.

    About Boonton Main Street

    Boonton Main Street is dedicated to strengthening and promoting Boonton’s historic downtown through community events, economic development, beautification initiatives, and support for local businesses. Through year-round programming and partnerships, the organization works to preserve the city’s unique character while fostering a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

Boonton’s Merci Train Boxcar Among Projects Awarded Morris County Historic Preservation Grants

By
Frank Cahill
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0
The New Jersey Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century French “40 & 8” military railcar, designed to transport 40 soldiers or eight horses. It is one of 49 railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic from France recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train. The grant will support completion of construction documents for interior and exterior preservation efforts.

BOONTON — The Town of Boonton has been awarded a $18,560 grant to support ongoing preservation work on the New Jersey Merci Train boxcar, as part of nearly five million dollars in historic preservation grants approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

The grant is among thirty-five projects across twenty municipalities approved for funding from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund, following a recommendation last month by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board.

The Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late nineteenth-century French “forty and eight” military railcar, originally built to transport either forty soldiers or eight horses. It is one of forty-nine such railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic gift from France, recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train.

The boxcar requires steel bracing and other preservation work, and the grant will support completion of construction documents for both interior and exterior preservation efforts. The applicant for the grant is the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, which is restoring the boxcar at its Boonton yard.

“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”

“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.

Since its inception, the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund program has helped protect Morris County’s historic resources while creating opportunities for heritage tourism, supporting economic development, and increasing public awareness of the county’s rich historic character.

Dover Celebrates Creativity During Week-Long Community Arts Festival

By
Frank Cahill
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0

DOVER — Dover Art Week will return this summer, running Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, August 1, with a different free activity offered each day throughout the week.

The week kicks off Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with Downtown Kick-Off at Meridia Transit Plaza, 2 West Blackwell Street, featuring live music from local bands.

On Monday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Photography Night will be held at Las Brisaz Restaurant, 29 East Blackwell Street, offering a photography lesson and a mini photo-art gallery.

Tuesday’s event, Comics and Graphic Novel Night, runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Meatflame Restaurant, 24 Bassett Highway, and will include a drawing lesson from a professional artist.

Sculpture Night takes place Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Richards Building, 7 North Sussex Street, giving attendees the chance to sculpt their own piece.

On Thursday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Painting Night will be held at Tequila’s 55, 55 East Blackwell Street, with instruction from a painting teacher.

Friday’s Student Art Night runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sabor Latino, 44 North Morris Street, where local student artists will share their work.

The week closes out Saturday, August 1, with two events. Art in the Park runs from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at J.F.K. Park, 51-99 East Clinton Street, and the Dover Public Library, offering activities and music for families. That evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Basement Bash will be held at The Amp, 10 North Warren Street, described as an art party at the new home of North Jersey art.

All Dover Art Week events are free to attend. More information is available at www.doverartweek.com.

The event is supported by the Town of Dover, Mayor James P. Dodd, and the Dover Town Council, along with West Morris Capital, Morris Arts, the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, The Amp, and the Dover Free Public Library.

Bucco Statement on Severe Storms in Morris County

By
Frank Cahill
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Senator Anthony Bucco

MORRIS COUNTY — State Senator Anthony Bucco, a Republican representing Morris and Passaic Counties, released a statement this past week addressing the severe and unexpected storms that struck the region over the holiday weekend.

“I hope everyone is safe following this weekend’s unexpected and severe storms,” Bucco said. “Thank you to our first responders, Office of Emergency Management personnel, public works crews, utility workers, and everyone who worked tirelessly throughout the holiday weekend, in triple-digit temperatures, to keep our communities safe and restore essential services. I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and professionalism shown by so many.”

Bucco said he remained in close communication throughout the storm response with local mayors, county officials, the Governor’s Office, and Jersey Central Power and Light.

“Throughout the response, I remained in close communication with our local mayors, county officials, the Governor’s Office, and Jersey Central Power and Light,” Bucco said. “I have also shared several recommendations with the Governor and would like to work with Jersey Central Power and Light on ways to strengthen future storm response. While I appreciate the hard work of the utility crews in challenging conditions, there is room for improvement in communication, coordination, and the timely deployment of additional resources during widespread outages. By working together to address these issues, we can help reduce the impact on residents and improve the restoration process during future storms.”

Bucco said he was grateful for the cooperation shown across all levels of government and among emergency responders and utility partners during the response.

“I am grateful for the cooperation demonstrated by every level of government, our emergency responders, and our utility partners, all coming together with a shared commitment to serve the people of Morris County,” Bucco said. “We will continue working with all involved to ensure we are even better prepared for the next major weather event.”

Sen. Bucco: I Won’t Stop Fighting Alongside You All for Highlands School Aid

By
Frank Cahill
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Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — While recent efforts secured much-needed school aid, Sen. Bucco says lasting reform is still needed to ensure the Highlands community receives the long-term funding they deserve. 

Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-Morris, Passaic) says the fight for fair school funding in Highlands communities is far from over.

A leading advocate for Highlands communities in Trenton, Sen. Bucco has fought to ensure the region’s schools are treated fairly despite the state-imposed development restrictions that protect nearly 70% of New Jersey’s drinking water.

While recent efforts secured much-needed school aid, Sen. Bucco says lasting reform is still needed. That’s why he introduced the “Fairness for School Districts in Development-Restricted Areas” Act, legislation that would modernize New Jersey’s school funding formula and ensure Highlands districts receive the long-term funding they deserve.

Watch Sen. Bucco discuss the need for school funding reform from outside Jefferson Township Middle School:

Bottle Hill Day Returns to Madison October 3, Marking Fifty-First Year

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MADISON — Bottle Hill Day, Madison’s signature annual street festival, will return on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., marking the event’s fifty-first year.

This year’s celebration will carry the theme “Celebrating America’s 250th.”

Founded in 1974 by Mayor Elizabeth Baumgartner to promote Madison’s business district, Bottle Hill Day takes its name from the village of “Bottle Hill,” established in Madison in 1715. The event has grown steadily since its founding and now draws between ten thousand and twenty thousand visitors to downtown Madison each fall.

The rain-or-shine festival spans more than six blocks following an expansion onto Kings Road several years ago. This year’s event will feature sidewalk sales, four stages of live music, three amusement areas, food vendors, and more than two hundred twenty-five vendors, including nonprofit organizations, crafters, and retail businesses.

Music will be a central focus of the day, with four stages positioned throughout the festival footprint offering family-friendly live performances beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing throughout the event. Organizers said the stages are intended to showcase the depth of musical and performing arts talent based in Madison, with local artists returning each year to perform for the community.

The Madison Chamber of Commerce and Madison Police Benevolent Association Number 92 will again host their annual Madison Car Show in conjunction with the festival.

Food options will include a Food Court on Cook Avenue, additional food vendors throughout the festival grounds, participating local restaurants, and a Food Truck Court on Kings Road.

The Bottle Hill Day Beer Garden, sponsored by the Downtown Development Commission, will return for its thirteenth year, located on Kings Road between Prospect Street and Maple Avenue, featuring a selection of draft beers, wine, and specialty items.

Family activities and rides will be provided by Seashore Amusements at Dodge Field, located at the intersection of Central Avenue and Kings Road.

A park-and-ride shuttle will be available for visitors, running in a continuous loop between the parking lot at the Madison Community Pool and the center of town from 9:15 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The following streets will be closed for the event: Waverly Place; Central Avenue from Main Street to Brittin Street; Kings Road from Prospect Street to Green Avenue; and Green Village Road from Main Street to Kings Road. Main Street will remain open to traffic throughout the day.

Parking will be available in the municipal lots at Waverly Green, Cook Avenue, and Elmer Street. Additional parking will be available in the Madison Junior School parking lots, accessible from Brittin Street behind the school, as well as in the Kings Road parking lot behind the Public Safety Building and the Prospect Street parking lot. Street parking will also be available where permitted.

Bottle Hill Day is free and open to the public. Vendor applications, food vendor health and fire department applications, and sponsorship packets are available through the Downtown Development Commission. For more information, contact the Downtown Development Commission by email at [email protected].

Event Information

VENDOR INFORMATION & APPLICATION HERE

FOOD VENDOR HEALTH & FIRE DEPT. APPLICATION

SPONSORSHIP PACKET 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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