Breaking with longstanding tradition, the Mountain Lakes Republican candidates for Borough Council recently declined an invitation to participate in a League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes (LWVML) candidate forum. As a former mayor, past League President for 4 years, and 25+-year member of LWVML I can say confidently – they have made the right call and we should all applaud their decision.
The League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes has sadly lost their way and is no longer a non-partisan group promoting engagement in government.
The local chapter I recall cherished political diversity and participation from across the political spectrum. We jealously guarded our responsibility to promote civics-awareness in a non-partisan manner and were rewarded with an active membership and robust growth. The LWVML was known for producing fair and balanced candidate forums. I moderated dozens of forums for nearly twenty years. We were trained to read the following statement before every forum: “The LWV is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. The League’s purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed participation of citizens in government.”
We were a respected and valued group within our community. The LWVML has lost this important focus and is now a remnant of the efforts of many dedicated Lakers over many years. Predictably, as the League focus shifted away from voter service toward activism the participation and influence have dwindled.
Last year, Laker Republican Club (LRC) sent an email to members of the Mountain Lakes community announcing their formation – a nonprofit political group focused on transparent and accountable local government, fiscal responsibility, and environmental stewardship. A response was received from an LWVML Executive Board Member that accused Republicans of being racist, misogynist, anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigration, anti-environment, morally corrupt, and unethical.
Several of the leaders of Laker Republican Club, including me, contacted LWVML hoping the matter could be addressed. We asked the League leadership to confirm their non-partisan mission and stand against intolerance toward differing political viewpoints. The LWVML made the decision not to do so.
I am disheartened LWVML leaders would not stand against this intolerance. I understand the political acrimony consuming our nation at the moment, but did not expect the tone, anger, and bias toward Republican neighbors from an Executive Board Member of LWVML.
The Republican candidates for Borough Council have wisely decided to stay away from the entire mess.
When civility breaks down and the leadership of a group like LWVML is reduced to bigoted and hateful comments toward members of their community, we must stand together and unite in favor of diversity and inclusion. A worthy example will not come from our national political parties as they currently exist. Rather, progress will emerge from communities working together to solve local issues in a sensible, productive, and civil manner.
Blair Schleicher Wilson Volunteer, Laker Republican Club 25+ year Member, LWVML President, LWVML 1990 to 1993 Former Mayor, Mountain Lakes
As we begin the second week of the 2020-21 school year, the members of the Hanover Park Regional Education Association (HPREA) want to take the opportunity to thank the Hanover Park Regional High School District students and parents for their patience, flexibility, and assistance, which allowed us all to have a successful start to the school year. Working together, we can do what we do best: provide the best possible educational experience for Hanover Park Regional High School’s students.
However, we also want to clear up some of the misinformation that has been circulating throughout this time. From the start, the HPREA has been clear in its goal: Ensuring that the health and safety of our campuses’ students and staff are the district’s top priority. After all, you cannot have a strong school unless you have a safe one. While the district has made many strides towards achieving this, several issues remain outstanding, including but not limited to:
Although the district has promised the HPREA a copy, the district has failed to produce the report on the HVAC systems, or provide proof that it has met or exceeded indoor air quality guidelines;
The district’s inconsistent use of higher-rated MERV filters to strengthen protections against any airborne virus and its failure to introduce an alternative filtration system that would achieve the same goal;
The lack of access to fresh air, as at the beginning of the school year the district acknowledged an inability to open dampers because many are no longer functional
Since the beginning of the school year, buildings have been closed as the district works on the ventilation systems, work which could not have been done with students on campus
The random spot-checking of classrooms’ air quality to justify a widespread declaration that buildings are safe;
The ongoing and egregious disregard for bus safety;
The failure to establish an effective screening process for staff and students in the building; and
The absence of a clear, consistent cleaning and disinfecting procedure given the increased workload that will be placed on the custodian, maintenance, and grounds staff.
The HPREA is working diligently with the administration to address these issues, but we cannot remain silent any longer as we watch our members shoulder the blame for the remote start to the school year. Any HPREA members who sought and were awarded the federally-approved workplace accommodations available to all workers—not just school employees—during the COVID-19 pandemic are not the sole reason why our students must engage in virtual learning now. Simply put, our district buildings are not ready to safely house an increased number of students and staff, as evidenced by the outstanding issues and recent building closures on campus. We take these issues seriously and only need to look at what has happened in some surrounding districts to understand the impact this virus can have and the disruption it can cause.
To be clear, HPREA members want nothing more than to see our schools fully reopen and get back to the business of maintaining the best public schools in the nation. We share the community’s desire to move forward, but know that we can only do so when it is safe. To that end, we urge the administration and Board of Education to swiftly address and rectify the remaining health and safety concerns. Until then, we will continue to work together, care for and protect one another, and, most importantly, lead by example. We do not want Hanover Park Regional to become another cautionary tale.
Brady Mahar, President Hanover Park Regional Education Association
MORRIS PLAINS — Adam Klymko, 31, a former Morris Plains police officer pleaded guilty to stealing from his local Policemen’s Benevolent Association while serving as the union’s treasurer.
Morris County Prosecutors Office charged Klymko on Wednesday, June 3, with one count of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, a crime of the third degree.
According to Klymko’s Linkedin Profile, he has been a Morris Plains Police Officer since January 2012.
During an online hearing, Klymko admitted to taking at least $85,000 from Morris Plains PBA Local 254 between January 2018 and March 2020, withdrawing the funds to pay for bills and other personal expenses, according to Daily Record.
Klymko resigned from the Police Department in June, according to the borough clerk’s office. He will be barred from working as a public employee or serving in public office under a plea deal negotiated with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors are recommending that Klymko be sentenced to five years of probation for the crime and that he be required to pay back the PBA. The amount of restitution is still under debate — prosecutors say Klymko stole $91,170, while his attorney, Patrick Caserta, claims the amount is about $6,000 less.
MADISON — In August 2020, Moravian College welcomed more than 500 new students, including Larisa-Bohensky to their Bethlehem, PA campus for a semester that is unlike anything the college has seen before.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Moravian welcomed students to a mix of in-person and online classes.
Moravian College is the nation’s sixth-oldest college, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs.
For more than 275 years, the Moravian College degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian College is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to mid-size independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian College focuses on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.
PARSIPPANY — A Message from Kevin Dehmer Interim Commissioner of Education
As the new school year commences, remote instruction will play a large role in districts and homes across the state. To help parents, students and teachers effectively adjust to online instruction, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is pleased to announce the launch of the Virtual Learning Toolkit, a comprehensive set of resources for school communities.
The toolkit contains links to information and supports for families and school districts, as well as pre-recorded professional learning modules to help educators virtually engage, instruct, and assess students. The resources provided focus on six key areas:
1. Devices and Hardware – Help with computers and tablets;
2. Connectivity and Broadband – Information about internet service and wi-fi connectivity;
3. Software and Learning Platforms – Help with videoconferencing and popular learning platforms;
4. Training and Professional Learning – Resources for engaging students through hybrid and remote instruction;
5. Tech Support and Digital Literacy – Help and supports for using technology and troubleshooting information; and
6. Funds and Financial Support – Possible funding resources for districts.
Resources will be added to the toolkit as new information becomes available.
Contact information
Please direct inquiries to Christopher Cox, director of the NJDOE’s Office of STEM, at [email protected]
MORRIS COUNTY — Due Labor Day weekend, the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey partnered with (BLESC) Blacks in Law Enforcement Serving the Community & Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County to collect another truckload of needed school supplies at area ShopRites.
These three law enforcement organizations are working hard together to build bridges with the community while making sure inner-city children have the supplies they need for the Fall in school.
Anne Lawless and Gerri Meer pulling winning tickets in 2019
MADISON — Despite COVID-19, plans are being made for the Thursday Morning Club (TMC) to hold a fundraising celebration this fall. Join the Club’s efforts while gaining an opportunity to be rewarded with a cash prize.
The Club’s Second Annual “Fabulous Fall Fundraiser” to benefit the Madison Community House (MCH) will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020 with a cocktail reception at the MCH on 25 Cook Avenue. Food will be catered by Madison’s own, Chef Loryn, and the TMC’s signature drink, “Raffleberry” will be served along with beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Purchase of a $100.00 ticket (only 300 to be printed) guarantees a reservation for two to the reception and a chance to win one of two prizes worth 25% of the sales. To participate in the “Fabulous Fall Fundraiser,” or for more information, call Anne Lawless (973-822-2517) or Nancy Wallace (973-377-6989).
“As always, the Thursday Morning Club and Madison Community House are grateful for the community’s past and continuing generosity, which enables us to be a vibrant presence in Madison”, Club President Susan Packie said.
CIVIC INSTITUTION
The Madison Community House is widely recognized as a key institution in Madison’s community life. As the owner of the Madison Community House, the TMC works at fundraising efforts for the House in order to continue providing activities and services among which are:
A Pre-School for 3 and 4-year-olds
The Before and After School Child Care (BASCC) program at all Madison elementary schools
Summer camps
Space is used by a number of civic groups and organizations for meetings and social purposes.
“Dress for Success Northern New Jersey’s 10 Counties” which supports disadvantaged women in their quest to rejoin the workforce, also makes its home at the Madison Community House.
Every year, “As many as 50,000 to 55,000 people use the Madison Community House facility in one way or another”, reported President Packie.
The Thursday Morning Club is a not-for-profit, social and philanthropic organization founded in 1896 in Madison. Touchstones of the Club’s mission are providing programs and projects promoting women’s health and social issues, preserving natural resources, promoting literacy and equality, and volunteer service.
The Thursday Morning Club has been a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), the largest volunteer women’s organization in the State since 1900. TMC is also a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), a Federation of more than 3,000 women’s clubs in the United States and internationally, which has promoted civic improvements through volunteer service since 1907.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has applauded the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement for achieving national reaccreditation, a demanding process that measures compliance with the most advanced standards on policy, procedures, operations, training, administration, and support services.
The prestigious, advanced reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) is the first accomplished by the administration of Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who was sworn in as the 77th Sheriff in January 2017.
The agency first was awarded CALEA accreditation on March 21, 1998, and has now been reaccredited seven consecutive times.
Sheriff James M. Gannon with CALEA Assessors Thomas Clark and Charles Groover
“I and the entire Freeholder board commend Sheriff Gannon and his officers for maintaining these nationally recognized standards of excellence and for being accountable, fair-minded, and community-oriented in how they deal with the citizens of Morris County. This is a very important achievement, particularly in this volatile era when some citizens and law enforcement are clashing in other parts of this nation,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.
Sheriff Gannon and Sheriff’s Office Detective Captain Denise Thornton were among Sheriff’s Office sworn Officers who were joined at a virtual Freeholder Board work session on Wednesday by CALEA Executive Director Craig Hartley and CALEA Regional Program Director Paul MacMillan, who provides on-going accreditation guidance to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Executive Director Hartley gave the Freeholders a glowing appraisal of the accreditation efforts of the Bureau of Law Enforcement, which met 361 rigorous reaccreditation standards.
“These efforts take strong leadership of course, as well as technical support, but they also require every member of the organization, both sworn and non-sworn, to embrace the concepts of accreditation and consider the implications of their actions in regard to our standards,” Executive Director Hartley said.
“Although I don’t think there has been a difference in this in the course of history, now more than ever, it’s critical for law enforcement agencies to commit to doing the right thing, the right way, and having accountability as a part of their organizational make-up. Again, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office embraces this concept through accreditation and allows CALEA as an independent body to examine its most sensitive and complex operations to confirm its commitment to this important business philosophy,” Executive Director Hartley said.
Sheriff Gannon also commended the agency for maintaining the highest quality standards.
“Achieving reaccreditation is a rigorous process but necessary, I believe, to show the community that the Morris County Sheriff’s Office strives for excellence and transparency. I asked the assessors to kick the tires and look into everything because we welcome the scrutiny. It’s a true credit to everyone in the Bureau of Law Enforcement that its quality has again been affirmed,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is one of just two Sheriff’s Offices in New Jersey to be nationally accredited. Statewide, 17 law enforcement agencies have achieved national accreditation, including the New Jersey State Police.
A voluntary process for law enforcement agencies, CALEA accreditation demonstrates that an agency has a proven management system of written directives, clearly defined lines of authority, sound training, robust service delivery, excellence in leadership, and compliance with best practices related to life, health and safety procedures.
The Sheriff’s Office accreditation team spent the years 2016 through 2019 meeting annual, web-based prongs of the accreditation process that prepared the agency for a climactic, four-day visit in October 2019 by CALEA Assessors, former Law Enforcement professionals Charles Groover of Georgia and Thomas Clark of Virginia.
Public input was welcomed, with 13 individuals, business owners, and representatives from state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies calling the assessment team to offer positive opinions about the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. They included a member of the LBGTQ community and a woman whose husband is a client of the Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver program.
During the site-based assessment, Sheriff Gannon and his accreditation team took the assessors on a tour of the Morris County Courthouse, which the Bureau of Law Enforcement is constitutionally mandated to protect, and the team showcased the agency’s specialized services and innovative outreach programs.
The CALEA assessors met Sheriff’s Office Detectives from the Bomb Squad, K-9, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Evidence, and Community Outreach and Planning Sections.
The assessors in October 2019 also conducted 112 interviews with sworn and non-sworn members of the Sheriff’s Office, community members, and Superior Court personnel, including Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart Minkowitz, who works closely with Sheriff Gannon on all aspects of courthouse security.
Before CALEA ultimately awarded the Sheriff’s Office four-year reaccreditation in March 2020, it delivered a Final Assessment Report that expressed admiration for initiatives launched by Sheriff Gannon. Those programs include the Hope One mobile substance use and mental health outreach program, the RSVP-3 school threat assessment program, and the RSVP-3 mobile app that allows individuals, particularly students, to anonymously report threats to school safety and other concerns.
“The agency has a community outreach component (that is) very active with businesses, neighborhood associations, citizen groups, civic organizations, and on and on. The programs Sheriff Gannon and the agency have introduced since his administration took over three years (ago) is amazing,” states the report, authored by the assessors.
Sheriff Gannon and the accreditation team had anticipated traveling to Florida in March for the 2020 CALEA Conference, where they would have answered any final questions by a panel of CALEA commissioners before reaccreditation was granted. Instead, the Sheriff and accreditation team members had a final session with CALEA commissioners over Zoom in March, when the reaccreditation was awarded.
Mackaella Goodwin, a lifelong Madison resident, is a Republican candidate for Madison Borough Council. Mackaella and her running mate Michael Dailey are looking to bring diversity to a body that is currently comprised of all Democrats
MADISON — Mackaella Goodwin is proud to announce her candidacy for Madison Borough Council in this year’s General Election. Mackaella is running alongside fellow Republican Michael Dailey as the candidates vie for the two open seats on Madison’s Borough Council that are on the ballot this year.
Speaking to neighbors this week, Mackaella commented that, “Michael Dailey and I have been humbled and flattered by the strong support and encouragement that we have received already. Voters of all ages and backgrounds throughout Madison have thanked us for offering to serve the community.”
Born and raised in Madison, Mackaella is a member of the Madison High School class of 2016. She graduated from Lycoming College in May 2020 with BA degrees in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, and Quantitative Economics, as well as a minor in Music. At her graduation, Mackaella received the J.W. Free Award, recognizing her as the most active student in Mathematical Sciences and granting her departmental honors in the field of Mathematics. Along with this academic award, Mackaella also received Lycoming’s Intramural Female Athlete Award through the college’s Student Leadership Awards program.
Mackaella has always been an active leader with a strong passion for volunteer work and service projects. She is currently preparing for Actuarial Exam P and looking forward to beginning her career as an actuary.
Goodwin and Dailey Priorities
Mackaella Goodwin and Michael Dailey are running for Madison Borough Council because they believe Madison’s borough government should serve the needs of the people who live and work in Madison, New Jersey. There are five areas that they will focus on as council members:
– Prevent any increase in property taxes.
– Address the needs of Madison’s playgrounds and athletic fields.
– Substantially lower the electric rates charged by Madison’s municipally-owned electric utility. Madison’s rates are among the highest in NJ.
– Continue to modernize Madison’s roads, sewers, and utilities.
– Ensure that Downtown Madison remains through solid planning for the future.
Meet the Candidates Mackaella looks forward to the opportunity to serve on the Borough Council on behalf of her Madison neighbors. The candidates will not be knocking on doors this year due to the continuing pandemic, but voters can contact Mackaella and Michael at [email protected] and follow their campaign on the Madison Republican Committee website at MadisonNJGOP.com.
Immediate Past President Michael D. Johnson, Michael King, President Kiwanis Club of Montville and Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Division 9
MORRIS COUNTY — Michael King of Montville was installed as president of the Kiwanis Club of Montville during the club’s installation dinner on September 9 at Rails Steak House. Also installed were Vice President Allen Barnett, Samantha Massenzio, Club Secretary; Ladis Karkowsky, Club Treasurer; Charles Grau, and Asst. Club Treasurer.
President Michael King, Club Secretary Ladis Karkowsky, Vice President Allen Barnett, and Immediate Past President Michael D. Johnson. Not pictured Samantha Massenzio, Club Secretary and Charles Grau, and Asst. Club Treasurer
In addition, the following members will serve on the club’s board of directors:
Douglas Cooper, Deane Driscoll, Larry Hines, Thomas Mazzaccaro, Joseph O’Dowd, and Christine Tao Cheung.
The immediate past president is Michael D. Johnson. Michael will continue to serve on the club board for the next year.
The Kiwanis Club of Montville is most readily recognized for its operation of the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry, which increased its volunteer efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide free distributions to families in need and supplemented the lunch program for qualified students of the Montville Township Public Schools by providing over $10,000 worth of ShopRite gift cards over the summer. Montville Kiwanis is also responsible for local projects such as Adopt-A-Hydrant, the annual Fishing Derby organized in conjunction with the Montville Rec Department and local PBA, holiday caroling at local senior centers, its annual “Taste of Montville” and the sponsorship of the Montville Township High School Key Club.
“Kids need Kiwanis, in this community and in communities around the world,” said Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Division 9. “Our club believes in children and wants to provide all kids with an opportunity to thrive, prosper and grow,” said President Michael King.
The Kiwanis Club of Montville, www.montvillekiwanis.org, welcomes new members who want to serve their community. Information about becoming a member is available by emailing [email protected].
About Kiwanis International
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14–18, Builders Club for students age 11–14, K-Kids for students age 6–12, and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 558,000 adult and youth members 82 nations and geographic areas. Visit www.kiwanis.org for more information.
Dear Editor,
