FLORHAM PARK — On Friday, March 1 at 11:10 p.m. the Florham Park Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for house fire with entrapment on Circle Drive.
Upon arrival of the Florham Park Police Department along with neighbors they safely removed two occupants by ladder from the second floor window.
Upon arrival of Florham Park Fire department, the fire was present on all floors, including the attic. An aggressive interior attack was initiated and the fire was held in check. Extensive overall was performed and all units were released around 3:00 a.m.
A special thank you to the Madison and East Hanover Fire department for your assistance and house coverage.
Neighbors will be collecting donations for the fire victims starting Monday, March 4. The family is in immediate need of the following: Mens:
2XL shorts
2XL shirts
2XL sweatshirts/sweaters
Size 11 triple E shoes
Size 42W x 34L pants
Winter coat 2XL
Mens hat/gloves
Womens
Size Large or Medium/Large Pants and Shirts/Sweatshirts/Sweaters
Large nightgowns/pajamas
Size 8 shoes and slippers
Winter coat – large womens
Womens hat/gloves
General
Toiletries – shampoo/ body wash/conditioner/soap (toothpaste/toothbrushes/deodorant has been donated already)
Bath Towels/washcloths
Gift cards to local grocery stores
Gift cards to local restaurants
Visa gift cards
Monetary donations
Pets
Donations towards the vet bill at Animal Emergency and Referral Associates of Fairfield
(Donations can be made directly to the animal hospital please call (973) 788-0500 and say you want to donate to the dogs who were in the FP house fire)
Blue Buffalo Dog food
Dog toys
Extra large pet beds (2)
Donations can be dropped to the Florham Park First Aid Squad Building, 60 Felch Road, in the large bin outside the building. Donations can also be dropped at 307 Greenwood Avenue, Florham Park on the front porch and 8 Felch Road, Florham Park.
Any gift cards or monetary donations should be placed into the locked mailbox at the Florham Park First Aid Squad or given personally to a member. Please do not leave any gift cards or monetary donations outside. Any questions about donations can be directed to Stephanie at (973) 901-8763 or Michelle at (201) 841-2666. Thank you so much everyone.
EAST HANOVER — 12-year-old Hannah Cerullo of Parsippany, arrived at Jersey Mike’s Subs, 346 Route 10, East Hanover, on Friday, March 1, completely unaware that her wish, granted by Make-A-Wish New Jersey, is about to come true.
Hannah, a seventh grade student at Brooklawn Middle School, is the daughter of Jill and Michael Cerullo. Hannah’s two brothers, Austin and Nathan, joined in the celebration. Hannah was diagnosed with cancer, which spread from her kidneys to her liver and lungs. This brave young warrior underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is now cancer free.
Television cameras from a few New York stations as well as NJ News 12 were rolling during the surprise and caught all the action. Hannah was featured on the evening news on Friday, March 1.
Surprised by dozens of guests including friends and family, Jersey Mike’s Subs staff, Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers, and other wish families, Hannah was surprised with the exciting news that her wish to travel to Costa Rica and see monkeys in the wild has been granted, and she will depart on her trip in just two short weeks. Upon receiving the news, Hannah was greeted by cheers from her dozens of supporters onsite for her special day.
The surprise wish reveal celebration was hosted by Jersey Mike’s Subs, in honor of the official start of their annual Month of Giving campaign. For the third consecutive year, Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout northern, central and coastal New Jersey will join forces with Make-A-Wish New Jersey throughout the month of March, raising vital funds needed for the organization’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children, like Hannah, with critical illnesses.
Make-A-Wish Surprise Wish Reveal for Hannah
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The television news crews preparing to film the event
Hannah’s wish reveal was announced by staff members from Jersey Mike’s Subs, including Chris Sutton, store manager and a wish brother. Chris’ brother was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish New Jersey nearly 20 years ago. Being able to play a role in granting other children’s wishes through the Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving campaign has become a highlight for Chris that he looks forward to each year.
Hannah received all the details of her upcoming trip followed by a fun-filled sandwich-making challenge between Hannah and her wish coordinator from Make-A-Wish – with the expert assistance from Chris Sutton and the Jersey Mike’s Subs team, too.
Jersey Mike’s Subs will donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation 100% of the proceeds from all sales on Wednesday, March 27 … Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving.” Hannah will return from her Costa Rica vacation just in time for the “Day of Giving.”
Hannah’s parents Jill and Michael Cerullo are Boonton High School graduates.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Library sponsors Open Mic Night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
Morris County Library welcomes performers of all types – musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers and multimedia presenters. Performer are encouraged to sign up in advance. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. All are invited, though some material may be of an adult nature.
The library will provide a sound system, electronic keyboard, LCD multimedia projection system. For more information and performers sign ups, contact Laurence Ross at (973) 285-6948 or email lross@co.morris.nj.us.
The Pingry School graduate Casey Malone of Madison
MORRIS COUNTY — Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher while completing at least three courses for a conventional letter grade during the fall 2018 semester earn the Dean’s Award with Distinction.
The Pingry School graduate Casey Malone of Madison, is a member of the Colgate Class of 2020 and is currently a Political Science major.
Madison High School graduate Sarah Shahidi of Madison, is a member of the Colgate Class of 2021 and is currently a Computer Science major.
Mountain Lakes High School graduate Isabella Fiacco of Boonton Township, is a member of the Colgate Class of 2022 and is currently a English major.
Madison High School graduate Allison Shahidi of Madison, is a member of the Colgate Class of 2019 and is currently a Physics major.
Morristown-Beard School graduate Amina Rehman of Boonton, is a member of the Colgate Class of 2020 and is currently a Neuroscience major.
Colgate offers 56 majors to a diverse student body of approximately 2,900 undergraduate students and it supports 25 Division I athletic teams. The university’s 575-acre campus in rural central New York is renowned for its beauty and for the important role it plays in the student experience.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders unanimously introduced county government’s 2019 budget, which will slightly increase the average tax levy for county residents but will provide enhanced social services, public safety, educational opportunities, modern technology, and a continued emphasis on maintaining the county’s key road, bridge, and facilities infrastructure.Freeholders Introduce 2019 County Government Budget
Morris County homeowners will pay an average of just $11.00 more annually, or 0.94 cents each month, in county taxes this year to fund services and programs provided by Morris County government through the $315.3 million 2019 county budget introduced by the Board of Freeholders last night in Morristown.
The proposed $315.3 million includes a tax levy increase of just $11 annually. The price of an average property in Morris County is $462,400.
“We have carefully scrutinized all aspects of county operations to make sure we operate in a lean manner, by running a modern, efficient and cost effective county government,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We believe this is fair and balanced budget, which incorporates all of the critical needs of our residents for the current year, but which also takes a prudent far-reaching look at the county’s future needs.’’
The tax dollars in the proposed operating budget incorporate numerous public safety and social services initiatives, to be offered in many cases with our nonprofit providers who deal with school safety, the opioid epidemic, childcare, emergency medical services, and services and programs for our most vulnerable residents.
The budget positions the county to address emerging challenges and needs by partnering with its 39 municipalities, constitutional offices, nonprofits, and others entities on a variety of programs and projects.
It also addresses the need to maintain the county’s roads and bridges, and its technology, law enforcement, public safety, educational and recreational infrastructure that are key to the county’s high quality of life.
Freeholder Heather Darling
“Through the 2019 budget, our county will continue to be the premier place in New Jersey in which to live, work, and raise a family,’’ said Freeholder Heather Darling, chair of the freeholders’ budget subcommittee. Other members are Freeholders Kathy DeFillippo and Deborah Smith.
“This budget process goes far beyond 2019 by offering financial integrity that will position the county for future challenges. It was developed in coordination with the county’s strategic plan, adhering to the guiding principles developed in that plan, in cooperation with the county’s municipal, school, business, healthcare, nonprofit and community leaders.’’
“The freeholders want to ensure that Morris County remains THE infrastructure leader in New Jersey by continuing major investments in the county’s roads and bridges, the county college and school of technology, county parks, and our excellent public safety and communications systems,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo, who heads the capital budget subcommittee. Other members are Freeholders John Krickus and Stephen Shaw.
Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo
While maintaining a tight rein on spending, the freeholders’ proposed 2019 operating budget continues to invest in key programs and initiatives that maintain the high quality of life in the county, and look to the future. It maintains and expands public safety initiatives, sustains all human services programs, enhances Stigma-Free tools to deal with the opioid epidemic and mental health issues, and addresses the needs of military veterans.
It supports countywide economic development, protects the county’s top-ranked Triple A bond rating, and preserves a stable level of fund balance required for well-run county governments. In addition, the freeholders are continuing the county’s voter-approved preservation trust fund that finances open space, farmland and historic preservation projects, and provides funding for recreational trails and flood mitigation.
Some new and expanded programs, to be done through partnerships, include:
Expanding Morris County’s EMS Initiative, to offer two additional backup units for as-needed emergency response service to all 39 Morris County municipalities;
The roll-out of “Navigating Hope,’’ which will deliver critical social services programs into the community, and will partner with the Sheriff’s existing Hope One mobile opioid initiative;
Expanding investments in community based Human Services programs operated and managed by nonprofit agencies within the county;
Creating a Ballistics Laboratory in the Sheriff’s Office, to support law enforcement;
Supporting the Responsible School Violence Prevention Program for school districts, as part of a joint initiative of the Freeholders, Sheriff, law enforcement, human services and educational communities;
Developing a new services-oriented county website, and new electronic online forms system for public interaction with county government;
Increased funding for the county park system;
Addressing the Emerald Ash Borer infestation that requires removal of thousands of dying trees along county rights of ways for safety reasons.
The 2019 budget strategically authorizes $33.5 million to responsibly deal with critical infrastructure needs, including county roads and bridges; public safety technology and security enhancements; parks, education and building maintenance needs $18.8 million is dedicated for public works initiatives and includes:
Resurfacing of 25.3 miles of county roads;
Construction of six bridges and design of nine bridges;
Morris View Healthcare, Historic Courthouse and other facilities maintenance projects.
The planned $7.8 million earmarked for bridge projects (to be combined with federal and state dollars) is the highest amount allocated for bridge repair and replacement in six years. Projects will target the county’s lowest rated bridges to ensure continued safety for motorists.
Planned bridge projects include:
Intervale Road in Parsippany;
Palmer Road in Denville/Randolph;
Passaic Street in Chatham Township;
White Bridge Road in Long Hill;
Russia Road in Jefferson Township.
Some other major capital funding:
$6.7 million: County College of Morris campus upgrades, including construction of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center;
$6.6 million: 9-1-1 Communications Center technology upgrades;
$2.2 million: Information Technology equipment and upgrades;
$1.9 million: Park Commission improvements, including renovation of Lees Marina;
$1.6 million: Morris County School of Technology upgrades;
$1.2 million: Head Start Program expansion and renovation (loan to be repaid);
The freeholders will consider adoption of their operating budget at the Wednesday, March 27 evening meeting in Morristown.
Please take a look at the county’s 2019 proposed budget, and PowerPoint presentations on the proposed 2019 operating budget and capital budget.
MORRIS COUNTY — Meet Bolt, an approximately 6-8 year old Maltese! This little cutie is FULL of life and is looking for his forever family!
He loves to play and is a super happy-go-lucky boy! He was abandoned by some people who left him in an awful condition. His dew claws had grown into his leg by the time we got him. We are so happy that Bolt can now find his real forever family that loves and cares for him unconditionally!
Bolt is potty-trained and is good with cats and dogs! He can live with other dogs and children 10+. He’s a spunky guy that will love to play all day then cuddle up with you on the couch to watch a show. He loves to follow his foster mama around and gives plenty of kisses.
Bolt enjoys car rides, playing with his foster siblings, and getting attention. He would prefer not to be without his people more than a couple hours at a time though. What can we say, he loves getting love!
If you’re looking for a little cutie to add to your family, apply to adopt Bolt!
If you are interested in adopting Bolt, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Sandy is about two years old and weighs about 15-20 pounds.
This is what her foster mom has to say about her…..Sandy is a sweetheart! She is great with everyone….people, other dogs and kids. When we come home she is so happy  she will run over to meet us.  Anywhere we go, Sandy will follow! She likes being with people. When you go to pet Sandy, she will roll over on her back for tummy rubs. And, Sandy has a stuffed toy that she carries around. She is just so darn cute! Sandy enjoys running around outside and she enjoys her walks.  She is calm, gentle and sweet. Every ounce of her sweetness.”
Sandy ended up in an over-populated high kill shelter because someone saw her running around NC and they followed her into an abandoned building. Â Inside the building they found Sandy along with her puppies so they were taken to a shelter. Â When FHDR found out about how sweet Sandy is, we rescued her along with her puppies and transported them New Jersey to live in a foster homes. Â Sandy is hoping you have a furever home for her!
Sandy is so sweet you can’t help falling in love with her!
If interested in adopting Sandy, please email FHDR@att.net and to see more photos and a video clip, click here.
Front Row left to right: Kelsey Stites, Brielle Junda, Frankie Dimaolo
Back Row Left to right: Jessica Lukasiewicz, Camryn Coffey, Olivia Cosenzo, Megan Macaluso, Marina Wulf, Dara DiMaolo, Rachel Mueller
EAST HANOVER — Senior Megan Macaluso broke the Hanover Park School Rebounding record on Monday, February 25, in our 1st round State Playoff game. Also, senior Camryn Coffey is our season’s 2nd leading scorer.
The Girls Basketball team has a record of 17-4 and is currently the #2 seed in the
Group 2 State Tournament. This year’s squad has earned a share of the NJAC
Conference title and made it to the Final 4 of the Morris County tournament. Key wins
this year are over Morristown Beard, Morris Catholic, and Bernards. The teams leading
scorers are Senior Kelsey Stites and Junior Brielle Junda.
EAST HANOVER — Hanover Park High School Boys Basketball Team beat Caldwell, 55-54, at a buzzer beater to advance to final round of the state tournament. Opponent will be announced.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman announce the guilty pleas of three males in connection with a home invasion robbery that occurred on the evening of October 21, 2018, in Victory Gardens.
On February 11, Victor Hernandez, 20, with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, entered a guilty plea to second degree Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery. The Honorable Catherine I. Enright, J.S.C. presided over the guilty plea. The State will recommend that Hernandez be sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.
On February 11, Marlon Martinez, 23, also with a last known address in Rockaway Borough, entered a guilty plea to second degree Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery. The Honorable Catherine I. Enright, J.S.C. presided over the guilty plea. The State will recommend that Martinez be sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.
On February 27,, Carlos Rodriguez, 22, with a last known address in Victory Gardens, entered a guilty plea to first degree Armed Robbery. The Honorable Donald G. Collester, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily on recall) presided over the guilty plea. The State will recommend that Rodriguez be sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the eighty-five (85) percent parole ineligibility requirements of the No Early Release Act.
In pleading guilty, the defendants admitted to entering a residence located in Victory Gardens on the evening of October 21, 2018.  It is alleged that the residence was occupied by the leaseholder and two guests.  Hernandez and Martinez both acknowledged that they were armed with weapons, specifically metal pipes, and that they had agreed with Rodriguez and one another to enter the residence to commit theft.  Rodriguez acknowledged that he entered the residence with the two other males, both of whom were armed with metal pipes. Rodriguez further acknowledged that he stole a safe and metal chains from the residence while the other males used the metal pipes to threaten the victims.
All three defendants continue to be lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility. Sentencing for all three individuals has been scheduled for March 29, before the Honorable Catherine I. Enright, J.S.C. The State is represented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn in this matter.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the New Jersey State Police, the Rockaway Borough Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit for their efforts in this case.
Morris County Library welcomes performers of all types – musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers and multimedia presenters. Performer are encouraged to sign up in advance. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. All are invited, though some material may be of an adult nature.
