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Morris County Bids Farewell to Lawrence Ragonese

By
Frank Cahill
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Larry Ragonese at Press Conference

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders formally announced the retirement of Lawrence “Larry” Ragonese, whose service over the past five years as Director of Communications for Morris County capped off a career in New Jersey media and public relations that spanned more than 40 years.

Larry Ragonese

“I just want to say what an asset he has been to me, to the entire freeholder board and to all of Morris County. Aside from his sense of humor and charm, we will miss Larry’s strong work ethic, his genuine concern for helping people who come to the county seeking assistance, and his extensive knowledge of Morris County,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

Ragonese officially retired on September 1 but continued for the past week in assisting in the transition of a new director. He had become an enduring presence in the Morris County Administration & Records Building in Morristown, as well as the Morris County Courthouse, largely because of his many years as a news reporter in the area. But the freeholders and county administration also hailed his work in modernizing the county Office of Public Information and expanding constituent relations.

“The legacy of Larry Ragonese will remain a treasured institution within Morris County for years to come, for in so many ways he has touched each of us — and through his too numerous to mention contributions, has improved our lives,” said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni.  “As a journalist, as well as a Communications Director, Larry approached every issue with both integrity and a smile, the mark of a true gentleman. I wish him and his family the very best!”

Ragonese, a Cedar Knolls resident, had covered the Morris County government as a news reporter from the 1980s until 2010.  He began his career as a deejay in Parsippany for WQTK 1310 a.m. in 1977, but by 1978 he moved on to become news director at WSUS 102FM in Sussex County before taking on a reporting position at The Daily Record of Morristown in 1980.

At the time, The Daily Record was privately owned and had a large circulation throughout northwest New Jersey.  Ragonese originally served as The Daily Record’s Sussex County bureau chief, but quickly became the Morris County courthouse reporter. By 1984, he ascended to The Star-Ledger, the state’s largest newspaper, where he covered Morris County government until April 2010.

He subsequently joined the administration of then-Governor Chris Christie as Director of Communications for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, holding the post until becoming the Director of Communications in Morris County in February 2015.

“I just want to give a very heartfelt congratulations to Larry Ragonese on his retirement from Morris County. For many years, Larry has been the voice of Morris County,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, who has been on the board since 1997, when Ragonese was already considered the dean of county government reporting in the region.

“He should be proud of what he’s done. He’s going to be missed, and I just wish him all the best in his retirement. I wish he would stay a little longer,” Cabana added.

Ragonese spoke briefly at the August 26 freeholder meeting about his retirement, calling it a bittersweet decision and sharing fond memories about his time in Morris County, conjuring “the ghosts” of the many county officials he knew, wrote about, and developed friendships with over the past 40 years.

“It’s been my privilege to walk in their great footsteps,” Ragonese said. “So I leave you with a smile and a thank you, and I hope the best for all of you in the county government. And I have just one request: Please, Freeholder Krickus, keep my taxes low.”

The freeholders honored Ragonese with an official resolution recognizing his service.

The post of Director of Communications has been assumed by Brian T. Murray, also a Morris County resident who spent more than 30 years in the daily news business in New Jersey, including more than 20 years as a reporter at The Star-Ledger with Ragonese.

In 2011, Murray followed Ragonese into state government, serving as Communications and Marketing Director for the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, until leaving in 2015 to become Press Secretary and Communications Director for Governor Chris Christie. He founded BurnPin, a communications and public relations company, after leaving state government in 2018.

Boonton Mayor & Board Meeting

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

BOONTON — The first meeting of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen in September is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8 due to the Labor Day holiday. It will be conducted remotely via GoToMeeting. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

To join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone, visit:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/772272149

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States (Toll-Free): 1 866 899 4679
United States: +1 (571) 317-3116

Access Code: 772-272-149

Click here to download the agenda.

East Hanover AMC will Reopen on September 10

By
Frank Cahill
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AMC East Hanover 12 is located at 145 Route 10

EAST HANOVER — Six months later, a pair of legal judgments and one pandemic later, theaters are being allowed to open again in New Jersey. On Thursday, September 10 AMC East Hanover 12 will re-open its doors.

Last week Governor Murphy announced that movie theaters and indoor performance venues can resume on Friday as long as capacity is capped at 25 percent or 150 people.

He said groups can sit together but others must be six feet apart. Masks must be worn at all times but they can be pulled down for eating popcorn and other theater food.

As is the case with every other business reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic, there will be expanded health and safety measures implemented at every AMC theater. On your next theatre visit, you’ll notice that they’ve taken steps to reduce touchpoints and protect your safety, including simplified menus for shorter lines at concessions and reduced auditorium capacities for social distancing.

Masks Required for All – Because we care about your health, masks are required for guests and crew throughout the theatre. Your mask must cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly around your face and chin. Neck gaiters, open-chin bandanas, and masks with vents or exhalation valves are not acceptable at this time. If needed, masks are available to purchase for just $1.00.

Food & Drinks in the Auditorium – In the auditorium, masks are still required, but may be removed while enjoying food and drinks. Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask before, during, and after your movie.

Social Distancing Standards – Please remember to maintain distance before, during, and after the movie. Follow the directional signs and reminders posted throughout the theatre for guidance.

Reduced Auditorium Capacities –  All AMC auditoriums are at 40% capacity or less, based on municipality guidelines. In auditoriums with AMC Signature Recliners, their new ticketing technology will block the seats on either side of your selection, and there is already enough space between rows to allow for social distancing. In auditoriums with traditional seating, our technology will block the seats surrounding your selection. In auditoriums that do not offer reserved seating, please make sure to leave an adequate distance between yourself and other guests.

Once you’re in the auditorium, if you are uncomfortable in your reserved seat, feel free to move to another socially distant seat after the movie starts, or see an associate for assistance or a refund.

Cashless Transactions –  Where tickets are sold, credit, debit, or AMC gift cards are preferred to reduce contact, but cash is accepted and may be used if needed to purchase a gift card for movie treats.

Cash is not accepted at concessions in order to avoid shared contact between cash and food handling. At select theatres where tickets and concessions are sold at one location, we will accept cash if no other form of payment is possible.

Simplified Menu Selections –  For shorter lines and quicker service, we have temporarily simplified our selections. Classic movie treats like AMC Perfectly Popcorn™, Coca-Cola® Freestyle, hot dogs, candy, MovieNachos, AMC KidsPacks®, and more are available now, and we’ll expand the menu as soon as possible. Refills are not available.

Click here for a list of movies playing.

AMC Theatre is located at 145 Route 10 East.

Broadway Luminary Kate Baldwin to Perform Live Outdoor Concert

By
Frank Cahill
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A Kind of September: an Evening with Kate Baldwin

FLORHAM PARK — On Friday, September 25, Tony nominee and award-winning Broadway veteran Kate Baldwin will perform a one-night-only benefit concert for The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) at their new Back Yard Stage in Florham Park.

The event is titled, “A Kind of September: An Evening with Kate Baldwin” and proceeds from the ticket sales will go toward the support of the Theatre’s artistic and education programming.

Ms. Baldwin, who performed at STNJ a number of years ago in Shakespeare’s Henry V, and who has since performed in their Annual Gala Cabaret, will be accompanied by her long-time friend and collaborator, Georgia Stitt. Ms. Baldwin will perform signature songs from her rich repertoire that has evolved over the length of her acclaimed career. Hailed as “the redheaded firecracker” by Stephen Holden of The New York Times, the performance will include gorgeous music and expert storytelling from songwriters like Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, Jerry Herman, and Ms. Stitt. “We suppose there are some things that Baldwin cannot do, but over the past decade we have yet to see her be anything but superb,” said Steven Suskin of Playbill.

Last month, STNJ’s Back Yard Stage production of Crazy Love! garnered both local and national acclaim, and The New York Times coined the event, “Medicine for the play-starved soul.” Audiences were thrilled to be able to see a live performance again after so long, and they were able to enjoy having Shakespeare, Molière, and Edna St. Vincent Millay’s work come to life under a moonlit sky in a safe and beautiful environment.

For the A Kind of September concert with Ms. Baldwin on September 25, STNJ will be expanding the seating capacity, adding some new lighting and sound features, and providing a limited amount of VIP cabaret-table seating, replete with champagne and tidbits to snack on during the concert. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will last a little over an hour. The rain date is set for September 26. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $85.00, and all seating is socially distanced, following recommended guidelines. Audience members are required to wear masks. For more information, contact STNJ’s Box Office at (973) 408-5600. Tickets are available for purchase online by clicking here.

Back Yard Theatre is located at 3 Vreeland Road in Florham Park.

Sherrill-Becchi Debate set for October 11

By
Frank Cahill
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Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill

MORRIS COUNTY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, D-11, and Rosemary Becchi, a Republican candidate for that congressional seat, will debate online at 9:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11.

The debate is hosted by the New Jersey Globe, an online political news website. Globe editor David Wildstein will moderate the debate.

The hour-long debate will be conducted virtually and live-streamed to Facebook and YouTube.

Bee Meadow Pool will be open two more weekends

By
Frank Cahill
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Bee Meadow Pool

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Labor Day is traditionally the end of the season at Bee Meadow Pool but Hanover Township has announced an extra two weekends of swim time.

The pool will be open on Saturdays and Sundays September 12 and 13 and September 19 and 20. The pool will not be open on weekdays.

“It is hard to believe that Labor Day Weekend is here,” Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Denise Brennan posted on the township website on Friday, September 4.

Saverio “Sal” Iannaccone: “A Giant Amongst Mayors”

By
Frank Cahill
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Savario “Sal” Iannaccone

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Mayor Emeritus, Saverio “Sal” Iannaccone, 97, died peacefully at home, on Monday, September 7.

Sal served on the Hanover Township Committee from 1964 to 1999. In his 55 years of service to the community, Sal served 17 years as Mayor of Hanover Township.

Savario “Sal” Iannaccone

Iannaccone retired as an officer of the Westinghouse Elevator Division and a member of Saint Clare’s Hospital Board where he was President of their engineering division.
He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Cissy Laurey’s Award, Distinguished Service Award of Association for Retarded Citizens, and the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee of which he founded.

As Mayor, Sal championed numerous ARC Group Homes in Hanover and was a strong supporter of Employment Horizons who employed developmentally disabled persons, and Allegro School for autistic children. He was a member of the Elizabeth Anne Seaton Knights of Columbus and sang in as a parishioner in the choir of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church. Sal was an advocate for older and challenged citizens and a strong voice at the State.

As a member of the Hanover Township Committee, he served alongside Assemblyman Art Albohn, past Committeemen Michael Sawka, Peter Skurla, Anthony Radice, and Vince Donofrio and was succeeded as Mayor by Ronald Francioli, his longtime colleague. Sal was known to support strong growth and advancement for Hanover Township.

Sal served on the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, the Hanover Township Environmental Commission as well as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving in WWII.

He leaves behind his five children, Barbara Iannaccone Blair, James, Lawrence, Robert, and Victor Iannaccone, along with grandchildren, Robert, William, Lauren, Kathy, Brian, Christopher, Mathew, Alexander, and Lucas.

A viewing will be Thursday, September 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home in Whippany followed by a mass on Friday, September 11 at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sal’s memory may be made to Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel’s Music Program.

Designer Showhouse and Gardens Opening For Visitors

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) is delighted to announce that it will present its 19th Mansion in May signature fundraiser, previously scheduled to be held during May, as “Splendor in September.” The Designer Showhouse and Gardens will open its doors to the public at Tyvan Hill in New Vernon, New Jersey from September 8 to October 4, 2020.

The delayed opening of Tyvan Hill will enable visitors to have an opportunity to experience a visit to this lovely country estate to see the transformation of nearly 50 spaces by leading interior and landscape designers. This dedicated team of designers will deliver on their commitment to creating a beautiful mansion and gorgeous grounds for all to see, all to benefit the expansion of the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center.

“In an effort to provide visitors with a pleasant and safe visit to Tyvan Hill, new admissions and safety protocols are in place,” said Katie Nolle, President, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center. “We are following all CDC, State, and Local Covid-19 guidelines to safeguard the safety and well-being of our visitors, designers, and volunteers.”

Tyvan Hill, a 10,000 square foot U-shaped brick and stone house mansion was designed by the prominent New York architectural firm of Peabody, Wilson & Brown for John Wesley Castles Jr. and his wife, Dorothea Bradford Smith, and built between 1928 and 1929. It features beautiful details, such as a curved staircase, paneling, and elegant moldings, as well as an outdoor pool and pool house. In 1931, the Architectural League of New York awarded its silver medal to Peabody, Wilson & Brown for the firm’s designs of a group of country residences, prominently including Tyvan Hill.

Mansion in May is the preeminent designer showhouse in the New Jersey-New York area. “Splendor in September” at Tyvan Hill will be open to the public from September 8 to October 4, 2020.  Tickets are $40 online and are sold in time slots from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For tickets and more information about our safety protocols and Mansion in May click here.

Recent Home Sales Morris Plains

By
Frank Cahill
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33 Janeway Place, Morris Plains

MORRIS PLAINS — Fabulous new Construction in lovely Morris Plains. High Ceilings and Open Floor plan excellent for entertaining! Beautiful Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an amazing center island. Gorgeous Master Bedroom. Spacious and Open walk-out Finished basement with full bath and level backyard. Incredible attention to detail throughout. Fall in Love and Move Right In! Five bedrooms, four baths. This home is located at 33 Janeway Place and sold for $750,000.

Other home sales in Morris Plains:

12 Grannis Avenue Morris Plains  $           405,000
3 Dogwood Road Morris Plains  $           490,000
41 Cutler Road Morris Plains  $           610,000
15 Dayton Road Morris Plains  $           481,900
32 Glenbrook Road Morris Plains  $           675,000
7 Forest Court Morris Plains  $           680,000
5 Kathleen Place Morris Plains  $           630,000
20 Lindstrom Road Morris Plains  $           510,000
19 Foxwood Drive, Unit G Morris Plains  $           265,000
16 Beaver Ridge Road Morris Plains  $           580,000
17 Brook Drive North Morris Plains  $           440,000
27 Sunrise Drive Morris Plains  $           575,000
128 Mountain Way Morris Plains  $           516,000
34 Glenbrook Road Morris Plains  $           430,000
23 Cutler Road Morris Plains  $           575,000
20 Foxwood Drive, Unit G Morris Plains  $           332,500
41 Canfield Place Morris Plains  $           395,000
42 Hawthorne Avenue Morris Plains  $           455,000
44 Lakeview Drive Morris Plains  $           548,000
11 Lindstrom Road Morris Plains  $           869,000
11 Central Avenue Morris Plains  $           575,000
11 Briarcliff Road Morris Plains  $           575,000
41 Malapardis Road Morris Plains  $           570,000
64 Maple Avenue Morris Plains  $           474,900

 

Recent Home Sales in Boonton

By
Frank Cahill
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0
201 Reservoir Drive, Boonton

TOWN OF BOONTON — This single-family home located at 201 Reservoir Drive sold for $480,000. This property has approximately 2,500 square feet of floor space. This property has a lot size of 5,850 sqft and was built in 1900. This home contains five bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

Other recent home sales in Boonton:

Address Town Sold Price
19 Dogwood Road Boonton $405,000
139 Fairview Avenue Boonton $433,000
165 Chest Boonton $445,000
534 Essex Avenue Boonton $442,000
20 Galway Place Boonton $455,000
314 Essex Avenue Boonton $440,625
238 Hill Street Boonton $545,000
466 Lathrop Avenue Boonton $512,000
405 Morris Avenue Boonton $640,000
403 Essex Avenue Boonton $690,000
464 Morris Avenue Boonton $870,000
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