MORRIS COUNTY — Matt Seidmon, the son of a Interfaith Food Pantry Board Member Bruce Seidmon, has started a new company www.wearyourdish.com.
Matt was looking for a a way to give back to his community and thought a partnership with the Pantry was a perfect fit. He will be donating $1.00 from every sale back to IFP.
Wear Your Dish is pretty simple… your favorite dish on your favorite sweatshirt. They use deliciously soft, comfortable garments and combine them with simple designs to bring you a sweatshirt you can feel good wearing in more ways than one.
Interfaith Food Pantry is a volunteer organization committed to ending hunger and supporting self-sufficiency.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP —Sergeant John Schauder arrested Mr. Tyler Gleason, 29, Phillipsburg for Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) on Sunday, December 23.
Sergeant Schauder responded to the Wal-Mart parking lot for a male passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. Upon arrival, Sergeant Schauder located Mr. Gleason passed out in the driver’s seat with the vehicle running.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in CDS and paraphernalia being located.
Mr. Gleason was arrested and transported to Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with Possession of CDS, Possession of prescription drugs not in original container, Under the influence, Drug paraphernalia, Possession of hypodermic needles and Failure to turn over CDS to law enforcement.
He was also issued motor vehicle summonses for CDS in a motor vehicle and DWI.
He was released to his father pending his court date.
Editor’s Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
FLORHAM PARK — The Florham Park Volunteer Fire Department is actively seeking new members.
For further information please contact Fire Chief Scott Carpenter at (973) 377-3241 or email atfpvfd@florhamparkboro.net.
Please consider becoming a member of this essential group of volunteers.
History of the Florham Park Volunteer Fire Department
On December 15, 1887, Jacob E. Burge of Hanover Road called a meeting to organize a fire company. At this meeting twenty-one charter members organized the “Afton Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1. When this organization was formed we were still part of Chatham Township and the local cross roads village was called Afton. By-Laws were developed and adopted on December 29, 1887. The second Monday of each month was set as the Meeting night. Co. #1 meetings are still conducted on this date. The meetings were conducted in “Lanning Hall” (now Florham Park Elk’s Club) until July 11, 1898 and the “Broom Factory” on the corner of Ridgedale Avenue and Brooklake Road (a bank is now located on this corner). What is now known as Florham Park was in those early days’ was essentially two estates with a sprinkling of farms in between.
Dr. Leslie D. Ward had a huge acreage to the east, extending outward from the present-day Brooklake Country Club. The Florence and Hamilton McKay Twombly’s estate was to the west (now the site of Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Exxon property, former home of Exxon Research and Engineering).
The Wards and Twomblys were early benefactors. Dr. Ward donated land and underwrote the building of a “truck house,” which the firemen built themselves. The “Truck House” was completed in September or October 1898. The structure according to the minutes was to be 20′ by 30′ with 18′ posts, a five foot leeway would be allowed. The first meeting in their own building was held on October 10, 1898 and was presided over by Jacob Burge, the first Chief. This building, now vacant was once the, Town Garage, Firehouse, Florham Park Library and presently used for town storage. It will be moved from the present Ridgedale Avenue site and placed next to the present Fire Headquarters on Brooklake Road. It will become the Florham Park Fire Museum.
Mr. Twombly donated a two-horse hook and ladder truck, purchased second-hand from Madison in 1898 for $150.00. The truck was equipped with “hand tongues” useful in towing the vehicles to the fire if horses were not available. The bell in the Little Red School House and a locomotive wheel rim, when hit with a hammer it summon firemen from the shops and fields.
Horses were usually available, supplied by William Parkhurst and George Felch for $3.00 per run. Firemen used their own funds to buy a horse whip to spur on the Parkhurst-Felch horses and two blankets to warm the horses when the run was over.
MORRIS COUNTY — While preschool is considered critical to children’s success in school, the cost can be substantial for local families and there are few sources of tuition assistance. Every year, there are many local families who cannot afford tuition for preschool because of financial circumstances. Morristown-based non-profit, Preschool Advantage, is accepting applications for tuition assistance for children to attend its partner preschools for the school year beginning in September 2019. Families demonstrating commitment to education and financial need can apply for funding for a half day of preschool. Children must be 3-or 4-years old by October 1 to be considered for funding for the school year beginning in September 2019. Applications received by February 28 will be given priority in funding decisions.
Preschool Advantage partners with 25 preschools in Morris and Somerset counties to provide a quality preschool education for families who could otherwise not afford it. Preschool Advantage seeks to provide opportunities to prepare children for a lifetime of learning that will create a better world for its students, their families, and the community.
While there are federally funded programs to cover the cost of preschool for families living below the poverty line, there are many families who are unable to afford to pay for early education due to the high cost of living in the region. Preschool Advantage is committed to addressing this need, one child at a time, and relies completely on private funding.
Preschool Advantage has provided families with financial assistance for high quality preschool education since 1995, with almost 1,500 tuitions paid throughout the organization’s history. In 2018, 85 children were assisted by Preschool Advantage. The application form and the list of partner schools can be found by clicking here, or call (973) 532-2501 or visit the office at 25 Lindsley Drive, Suite 307, Morristown.
Armed robbery at the Exxon, Route 10, East Hanover
EAST HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson, Jr., Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo of the East Hanover Police Department, and Chief David N. Stokoe of the Randolph Police Department announce an active investigation into a series of armed robberies that occurred on January 10, in East Hanover and Randolph.
The assailant is described as a black male, thin build, approximately 20- to-25 years old, carrying a black handgun. He was wearing black pants, a black and white top, grey hoodie sweatshirt, gloves and a ski mask
At approximately 12:13 a.m., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Exxon Gas Station, located at 349 Route 10 East, East Hanover, on a report of an armed robbery.
The gas station clerk reported that while he was counting cash, a man entered the store carrying a handgun and demanded money.
The clerk dropped the money on the ground, which was picked up by the man. The man left the store with the cash and fled on foot.
The assailant is described as a black male, thin build, approximately 20- to-25 years old, carrying a black handgun.
He was wearing black pants, a black and white top, grey hoodie sweatshirt, gloves and a ski mask.
At approximately 1:36 a.m., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the 7-11 store, located at 155 South Salem Street, Randolph, on a report of an armed robbery. The store clerk reported that he was working at the counter when a man entered the store, showed a black handgun, and demanded money. After the clerk provided cash to the man, the man left the store with the cash and fled on foot.
The armed robber at 7-11 in RandolphArmed robbery at the Exxon, Route 10, East Hanover
The assailant is described as a black male, thin build, carrying a black handgun. He was wearing black pants with a white checkered pattern on the legs, a grey hoodie sweatshirt, black gloves, and a ski mask.
Numerous law enforcement agencies are currently investigating this incident, including the East Hanover Police Department, the Randolph Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Unit, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about this incident, including the identity of this assailant, is asked to call the East Hanover Police Department at (973) 887-0432, Randolph Police Department at (973) 989-7000, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, or Crimestoppers at (973) 267-2255 or click here.
MADISON — Madison Public Library patrons can now enjoy thousands of movies, television shows, music albums, eBooks, kids content, audiobooks and comics, all available for mobile and online access through a new partnership with hoopla digital (hoopladigital.com).The partnership, announced today, will be available to patrons of the Madison Public Library at 39 Keep Street.
Card holders can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or click here to begin enjoying thousands of titles – from major Hollywood studios, record companies and publishers – available to borrow 24/7, for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their smartphones, tablets and computer.
In addition to offering world-class entertainment, hoopla digital creates opportunities for patrons to connect with fellow readers and community members through library programs like hoopla Book Club, STEAM education and themed content series. There’s something for every festive occasion, from travel reads and romance audiobooks to classic holiday movies and cookbooks to help prepare the perfect get-together.
MADISON — The new director of musical arts at the Presbyterian Church of Madison has the versatility the church needs to blend the traditional and contemporary music featured in its worship services.
The director, Anna D’Achille, leads choral activities at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest and her bachelor’s in music education from Moravian College is concentrated in classical piano. She also has religious music experience, having previously served as organist and music director at both the Church of the Saviour in Denville and First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover.
In short, D’Achille’s range made her the ideal leader for the singers and musicians who comprise the musical worship team at the Presbyterian Church of Madison.
“Anna brings a wealth of talent, knowledge and leadership to our worship team,” said the Rev. Scott Foster, pastor of PCM. “She comes to us immersed in understanding classic traditional church music and hymns and how to integrate praise music as we develop a holistic and blended worship style for the church of today.”
Foster further described D’Achille as an “amazing singer, pianist and organ player,” adding, “We’re blessed to have her.”
In her day job as director of choral activities at Northern Valley, D’Achille leads ensembles, teaches classes, directs music for the spring musical and plans competitions, community performances and trips. Previously, she was the school’s choir director; in that role, she led students as they accompanied Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers in their performance during the halftime show of Super Bowl XLVIII in East Rutherford, N.J.
At PCM, D’Achille selects music for services, sings, plays piano and organ and leads the choir and praise band. As she begins her new role, she’s impressed by the talents and dedication of the musical worship team.
“I am so excited to be a part of PCM,” said D’Achille, who described the congregation as warm and welcoming. “My hope is to establish a strong music worship that pays respect to the traditions of music in the church, while also incorporating the more modern direction that liturgical music has taken recently.”
D’Achille, who lives in Springfield, is looking to grow her worship team. In particular, she’d like to add singers to the choir, which rehearses Thursday nights at the church and Sunday mornings before the weekly service. If interested, please contact her at anna.achille@gmail.com.
The vision of PCM—the oldest church in Madison—is to see lives transformed, families strengthened and its community renewed through intentional relationship with Jesus Christ. Its congregation, which welcomes new members through a “no strings attached” orientation led by Foster, worships Sundays at 10:15 a.m. For more information click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Weichert Family of Companies successfully completed its 40th Annual Toy Drive, collecting more than 13,100 new toys for families and children in need this holiday season. In addition, cash and gift cards were collected and donated to various charities, along with food, clothing, diapers and art supplies.
The toys were donated to several charities throughout the regions in which Weichert does business, including Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, Holton’s Heroes, Market Street Mission, OneUmbrella Foundation, CASA for Children, Third Street Alliance for Women & Children, Ocean of Love for Children with Cancer, and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, to name just a few. Employees at Weichert’s corporate headquarters donated more than 350 toys to the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency’s Holiday Appeal, which provides gifts to children who have been victims of child abuse or neglect.
“For 40 years, the Weichert Family of Companies has been holding its annual toy drive to benefit those who need help in the communities where we do business. We are honored to continue this tradition year after year, as it brings a great deal of joy to so many children and their families during the holiday season,” said Jim Weichert, president, chairman and CEO of Weichert Companies. “Once again, there was tremendous support and generosity from Weichert sales associates and employees, as well as our clients and the residents and businesses in the communities we serve.”
The new, unwrapped toys and other contributions were collected at Weichert, Realtors sales offices throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as the company’s corporate office in Morris Plains.
Since 1969, Weichert, Realtors has grown from a single office into one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services by putting its customers first. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. Weichert leverages its customer website, www.weichert.com, one of the most visited real estate websites in the nation, to help families and individuals realize the dream of homeownership through quick and easy access to listing information and the services of its real estate professionals nationwide. Like other family-owned and -operated businesses, Weichert enjoys greater public trust according to several national surveys. For more information, Weichert’s customer service center can be reached at 1-800-USA-SOLD.
The Morris County Board of Freeholders held a special public session on January 9, 2019, to outline specific reasons for the consideration of a Morris County Courthouse expansion and renovations, to meet the needs and requirements for state judicial facilities in Morris County. Officials from the Morris County courts, law enforcement, engineering, and public safety made brief presentations on the courthouse issue to outline the needs during this special session
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders received a detailed briefing last night on the need and specific reasons for consideration of a potential expansion and renovations to the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown.
Morris County Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz, Sheriff James M. Gannon, County Law and Public Safety Director Scott DiGiralomo, and County Engineer Christopher Vitz each made presentations that detailed specific issues related to legal, public safety, and security shortcomings of the current courthouse.
Morris County Courthouse Expansion Considerations
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Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Morris County Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz
County Law and Public Safety Director Scott DiGiralomo
County Engineer Christopher Vitz
Public comment may be offered to the Freeholder Board at its January 23, 7:00 p.m., meeting in Morristown and submitted electronically for the next month.
Providing adequate court facilities and securing those facilities are the sole responsibility of each respective county in New Jersey. Previously, the Morris County Freeholder Board commissioned a Space Needs and Facilities Assessment pertaining to the judiciary and county government. That Space Needs Assessment identified a significant shortfall in criminal, family and civil court facilities.
At a December 12 meeting, the Freeholder Board, by a unanimous vote following a public hearing process, adopted two capital ordinances totaling $5 million that could finance a design of the proposed new and expanded court facilities.
Updates on the project, including information of future meetings or actions, will be posted by clicking here.
In Morris County, the county government, the state courts, and related nonprofit organizations currently operate from the Morris County Courthouse, the Morris County Administration and Records Building, and the Schuyler Annex Building in downtown Morristown, with additional state‐level court services housed in leased space.
Over time, as the needs of the county and the state have grown, so has the need for more secure and accessible facilities from which to operate. Morris County has attempted to meet these needs on a project-by-project basis, utilizing available facilities and space in the most efficient manner possible.
In late 2016, it became apparent that an analysis of existing available space was needed, coupled with a comprehensive and long‐term examination and evaluation of current and future space needs. In early 2017, Morris County retained a team of consultants led by consulting firm Dewberry to undertake this needs assessment and master planning effort.
The study was scoped with addressing the capital facility needs of Morris County for both county government and state court functions, looking at least 20 years into the future, and developing a capital facility master plan level strategy to meet those needs.
Following months of data gathering, interviews with key officials and stakeholders, in‐depth analyses, and development and evaluation of optional solutions, several key findings emerged that defined the recommended solution.
Douglas Cabana, Kathy DeFillippo and Thomas Mastrangelo
MORRIS COUNTY — Freeholders Douglas Cabana, Thomas Mastrangelo, and Kathy DeFillippo today announced their candidacy for re-election in 2019. All three will run together as a team in the 2019 Republican primary in June.
In the last three years Cabana, Mastrangelo, and DeFillippo have worked with the other members of the Freeholder Board to bring lower taxes, reduced debt and improved infrastructure to Morris County. Their experience and broad backgrounds have allowed them to bring innovation and accountability to county projects and financial decisions.
“I look forward to running for re-election with Kathy and Doug in 2019. We have worked well together over the last six years and hope to have an opportunity to continue the successes of the last six years,” stated Mastrangelo.
While serving together, the team has guided the county to annual fiscal responsible budgets including multiple ZERO tax increase budgets and reduced the county debt by tens of millions of dollars.
“We have demanded accountability and responsibility from everyone involved in county government, beginning with our own Board. It is imperative that we continue to ensure that taxpayers get the most from their hard earned tax dollars,” stated DeFillippo.
Doug Cabana, the longest serving of the three, reflected on the new challenges that face Morris County:
“When I first was elected to the Freeholder Board, many of the technologies available today were in their infancy. By working with county employees and vendors to integrate new technology into county government we are able to improve services while being more economically efficient.”
Cabana, Mastrangelo, and DeFillippo will be opening their campaign headquarters in January and look forward to getting started on the 2019 campaign.
