MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling and Deputy Surrogate Christopher Luongo were guest speakers at the Morris County Funeral Directors Association meeting in Randolph.
Surrogate Darling spoke about the Surrogate’s Court and her efforts to update and modernize operations since taking office in January. The Surrogate also discussed how her office and the New Jersey Superior Courts worked through the state shut-down, challenges, and difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As many of Morris County residents endured hardships during this difficult time, my staff remained ready and able to continue to provide needed services,” said Darling. “As the state slowly continues to reopen, I welcome any opportunity to speak in person with the business community as well as Morris County residents. I look forward to reengaging with people on a personal level because this office deals in very personal matters,” Darling added. “I will also continue to provide my “Surrogate Sessions” (virtual seminars) to address important community issues relevant to my office and its services. My goal is to be accessible to all residents, especially those who cannot get out to attend public and in-person meetings.”
To schedule a public speaking engagement, contact the Surrogate’s Office at (973) 285-6500.
For more information on the Morris County Surrogate’s Court and/or upcoming educational sessions are known as the “Surrogate’s Sessions” click here.
Cheshire Home resident and artist, Jenna Hansen, who recently “graduated” to a private apartment is seen here displaying the art she sells through her business, Orchid Fluid Arts
FLORHAM PARK — September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, a month that is extremely important to Cheshire Home. As the only facility of its kind in New Jersey, Cheshire Home is dedicated to providing unique residential and rehabilitative services to adults with spinal cord injuries. Join them in raising SCI awareness all month long.
At Cheshire, residents take full advantage of their rehabilitation program after experiencing an SCI, with the goal of achieving their greatest level of self-sufficiency. Since 1981, Cheshire has admitted individuals with varying levels of paralysis, mainly with paraplegia or quadriplegia. Through hard work in physical therapy and occupational therapy, many residents transition to independent or semi-independent living with increased mobility, now with a bright future of their own choosing in store for them.
In August, two Cheshire Home residents moved into private apartments. Jenna Hansen and Joe Hoffman were celebrated on their “graduation” days, having reached their personal goals of self-sufficiency. This milestone is what Cheshire, a nonprofit organization, is all about- helping those with paralyzing Spinal Cord Injuries, along with other causes of paralysis, to live their life as independently as possible.
Cheshire Home relies on donations to fund many of the services and programs that lead to independence. To donate and help make a difference during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, and all year long click here or email Barbara at [email protected].
James Burns was a resident of Cedar Knolls for 52 years
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — James B. Burns Jr., 77, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020, at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown.
James was born in Orange and grew up in Livingston before moving to Cedar Knolls 52 years ago. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged on September 30, 1968. James proudly served the people of Hanover Township as a police officer for many years before retiring. He was a devoted member of the Parsippany Elks Lodge No. 2078 and the Knights of Columbus Post 6904 in Whippany. Survivors include his wife, Maria (nee-Salwik); his son, Steven; his daughter, Jennifer Zicker and her husband, Chris; his sister, Martha McGregor and her husband, Al; and his three grandchildren: Lucas, Samantha, and Lindsey. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020, at the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road Parsippany (973) 887-3235 or click here.
Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Whippany. Visiting hours are on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Elks National Foundation. 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-2256 or click here.
DENVILLE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Denville Township Police Chief Frank Perna announce the sentencing of two males in connection with a motor vehicle incident that occurred on June 13, 2019, in Denville.
On August 27, 2020, Wanya McHenry, 19, with a last known address in Newark, was sentenced by the Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C. to four years in New Jersey State Prison with 18 months parole ineligibility.
On May 27, 2020, McHenry entered guilty pleas to second-degree Use of a Juvenile in Theft of Automobiles and third-degree Receiving Stolen Property before Judge Ironson.
On September 4, 2020, Alakir Wardlaw, 20, with a last known address in Orange, was sentenced by the Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C. to five years in New Jersey State Prison with 42 months parole ineligibility.
On April 22, 2020, Wardlaw had entered guilty pleas to second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second-degree Employing a Juvenile in Theft of Automobiles, second degree Eluding, third-degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and third-degree Resisting Arrest before Judge Ironson.
The charges arise from an attempted car theft that occurred in Denville on June 13, 2019. While responding to a report of a stolen Toyota Highlander at approximately 1:38 a.m., Denville Police encountered two vehicles, including the stolen Toyota Highlander and a Dodge Durango.
Further investigation revealed that the Dodge Durango was previously reported stolen out of Montclair. When police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the Dodge Durango, the Toyota Highlander impeded the stop and both vehicles fled from the police.
The Dodge Durango ultimately crashed into a Denville Police Department patrol vehicle and the driver and passenger fled on foot. The driver of the stolen Dodge Durango was subsequently identified as Alakir Wardlaw; the passenger of the vehicle was identified as a juvenile male.
A subsequent search of the stolen Dodge Durango that was driven by Wardlaw revealed a defaced handgun. Shortly after the chase, police located the stolen Toyota Highlander abandoned a short distance away. The driver of the Highlander was subsequently identified as Wanya McHenry.
Prosecutor Knapp acknowledges members of the Denville Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit who contributed to the successful prosecution of this matter.
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 — 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
