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Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Announces Open Positions in Mayor’s Office

By
Frank Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is accepting applications to fill two Keyboard Clerk I positions within the Mayor’s Office.

The full-time positions are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with hours subject to change based on departmental and township needs. The positions are classified as white-collar non-exempt, with a salary range established by ordinance of $27,550 to $80,700.

According to the township, the Keyboard Clerk I role involves a wide range of clerical and administrative responsibilities in support of the Mayor’s Office. Duties include answering phones, managing files, scheduling meetings, drafting correspondence, handling incoming and outgoing mail, maintaining and archiving records, and assisting with various administrative and project-related tasks. The position requires the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Candidates must possess strong organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required. Experience with Edmunds municipal accounting software and Paychex is preferred, though training will be provided.

The position requires frequent interaction with residents and visitors, making customer service excellence essential. Responsibilities also include processing paperwork, ordering and distributing office supplies, preparing payment requisitions and vouchers, and following up on payment processing. Applicants must be comfortable handling a high volume of inquiries both by phone and in person while demonstrating patience, sound judgment, and professionalism.

Applicants must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license and a high school diploma or GED. The positions are subject to pre-employment drug testing.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Interim Business Administrator Khaled Madin at [email protected], with a copy sent to Personnel Director Hank Sunyak at [email protected].

Morris Plains Woman Arrested for Alleged DWI in Denville

By
Frank Cahill
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Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

MORRIS COUNTY — A Morris Plains woman was arrested on multiple motor vehicle charges after police responded to a report of an erratic driver in Denville, authorities said.

Denville Township Police Department officers were dispatched on Saturday, January 4, at approximately 10:19 a.m. to the area of 123 East Main Street after a witness reported a vehicle nearly crashing multiple times while traveling on Route 53 before pulling into the parking lot.

Police located the vehicle and conducted an investigation, during which officers determined the driver, identified as Jennifer Dudak, 59, of Morris Plains, was allegedly operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. An open container of alcohol was also found inside the vehicle, police said.

Dudak was taken into custody and transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing. She was later issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including driving while under the influence, careless driving, reckless driving, failure to observe a traffic control device, failure to maintain lane, failure to possess an insurance card, and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. She was released pending a future court date in Denville Municipal Court.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Motor Vehicle Crash in Denville Leads to DWI Arrest

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.

DENVILLE — A West Orange woman was arrested on multiple motor vehicle charges, including driving while intoxicated, following a late-night crash in Denville, police said.

Denville Township Police Department officers responded on Saturday, January 4, at approximately 10:57 p.m. to the area of Diamond Spring Road, near the center of town, following a report of a motor vehicle accident.

During the investigation, officers determined that the driver, identified as Grietje Wijbenga, 72, of West Orange, was allegedly operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Wijbenga was taken into custody and transported to Denville Township Police Headquarters for processing.

Police said Wijbenga was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses, including operating under the influence of liquor or drugs, open container of alcohol, delaying traffic, traffic on marked lanes, reckless driving, and careless driving. She was later released pending a future court date in Denville Municipal Court.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Denville Police Execute Active Warrant on Jersey City Man

By
Frank Cahill
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The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

DENVILLE — A Jersey City man was taken into custody on January 5 after police determined he was the subject of an active warrant issued by the Denville Municipal Court.

Denville Township Police officers were contacted on Sunday, January 5, by the Jersey City Police Department regarding Yon T. Batson, 58, of Jersey City. Authorities confirmed Batson was wanted on an ATS warrant issued by the Denville Municipal Court in the amount of $2,500.

Police said Batson was unable to post bail to satisfy the warrant. As a result, he was taken into custody by Denville Police, transported from Jersey City, and lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a future court appearance.

Knights of Columbus Charity Poker Night Raises Nearly $6,000 for Local Causes

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS PLAINS — The Knights of Columbus Bishop McLaughlin Council #3495 reported “remarkable results” following its Annual Charity Poker Night, held Saturday, December 6, at Red Oaks School in Morris Plains.

The popular fundraiser, operated by Mike’s Poker Tables, drew a strong turnout from the community and raised more than $4,700 for local charitable causes. An added highlight of the evening was the Knights’ “Sponsor a Poker Table” initiative, which raised an additional $1,200. Sponsors were recognized with plastic sign inserts displayed on poker tables throughout the event, generating an enthusiastic response from residents and local businesses alike.

The Knights extended special thanks to Saint Virgil’s Church, Pastor Father Lukasz Wnuk, Secretary Janet Winston, and Red Oaks School for allowing the council to host and promote the event. Appreciation was also shared for the many Brother Knights who assisted with setup, cleanup, registration, and food service, including Grand Knight Gary Richenaker, Chuck Havers, Rene Vedder, John Boudreau, Jim Cannestro, Dan Calderisi, Joe Marinaccio, Lou Tufaro, Sean McLernon, Ric Perez, and Deputy Grand Knight Dan Andretti.

Food donations were generously provided by Dunkin’ Donuts (Morris Plains), Capisce Trattoria (Morris Plains), Personal Taste Catering (Parsippany), and Miller’s Ale House (Parsippany).

Additional support through advertising, sponsorships, and poker table donations came from Romeo’s Automotive (Denville), Thatcher McGhee’s (Denville), Mark Perrone’s Barbershop (Morris Plains), Church Street Bagels (Denville), Seven Tribesman Brewery (Wayne), Glenbrook Brewery (Morristown), Double Tap Brewery (Whippany), Fort Nonsense Brewery (Randolph), Rumble Boxing (Morristown), the O’Shea Family, J&J Jewelers (Morris Plains), La Cucina Restaurant (Denville), Indian Lake Bistro (Denville), Anytime Fitness (Morris Plains), Hoover’s Tavern (Morris Plains), Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine (Morris Plains), Tabor Pizza (Morris Plains), Bilori Jewelers (Denville), and an anonymous sponsor.

Council leaders said the success of the evening reflected the generosity and strong spirit of the community. Plans are underway for a special awards ceremony in the coming months, and proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Saint Virgil’s Church (needy families), Project Kind, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of New Jersey, Fairchild Firehouse of Morris Township, and the Parkinson’s Foundation Rock Steady Boxing West Morris Area program.

The Knights expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event such a success.

Boonton Resident Revitalizes Archdiocese of Newark’s Family Life Ministry to Better Serve NJ Parents, Couples

By
Frank Cahill
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Joanne DePasquale-Parent

BOONTON — Under the leadership of a Boonton resident, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office for Family Life Ministry recently concluded an eventful year marked by major updates designed to strengthen and expand its mission of helping families place Christ at the center of their lives.

Since assuming the role of director in February 2025, Joanne DePasquale-Parent has overhauled the office’s branding, hired new staff and broadened outreach efforts. These improvements aim to help the ministry more effectively accompany North Jersey Catholics through marriage preparation and enrichment, healing from loss and other family-focused services. The office also hopes its renewed approach will encourage more families to seek the support it provides.

“Families at every stage of life experience challenges, but when Jesus is your foundation, you can overcome all obstacles,” DePasquale-Parent said. “We want people to know our office is here to help them build a relationship with Christ. And we’re already hearing positive feedback. Couples are excited to have us journey with them in faith, which is gratifying.”

Recent and upcoming enhancements to the Office for Family Life Ministry include:

• New emblem and vision statement: The ministry introduced a new emblem and vision statement. The emblem depicts a family gathered around a heart with a cross at its center, with a second cross-centered heart rising from the family’s chimney. This design reflects the ministry’s mission to nurture a love for Jesus within families and encourage them to share that faith with others. The vision statement, “Hearts and Homes Centered on Jesus,” expresses the prayer for all families to be infused with God’s grace and all homes to be prayer-fueled communities of faith, hope and love.
• Seasonal newsletter: A new seasonal newsletter, Happy, Healthy, & Holy Families, is now available in English and Spanish. It provides families with activity ideas, prayer guides and other faith resources drawn from respected Catholic organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Increased engagement: For the first time, the office has compiled a centralized email database to keep families informed about events, new programs and additional opportunities to connect.
• First Five Summit: Research shows that couples face the most significant challenges during the first five years of marriage. To support young spouses, the ministry will host its inaugural First Five Summit on June 13, 2026. The event will offer guidance on communication, financial management, fertility issues and other topics.
• Mass for Engaged Couples: In addition to longstanding Masses honoring couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries, the ministry will host its first-ever Mass for Engaged Couples on Aug. 23. Led by Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, the liturgy will include a blessing of engagement rings and the Rite of Betrothal, an ancient ceremony for those preparing for marriage.

The Office for Family Life Ministry has also strengthened its staff through two strategic hires: Deacon Oswaldo Sanchez as associate director of Hispanic family life ministry and Lauren Tamara as coordinator for ministry of loss and healing. Deacon Sanchez oversees all areas of marriage preparation and family life ministry to the Hispanic community, while Tamara facilitates trainings for parish leaders in bereavement and mental health ministries in addition to coordinating the annual archdiocesan Mass for parents who have lost a child. Both bring years of experience in their fields and a strong understanding of the local Church, having previously served in other roles within the Archdiocese. They join Jennifer Ferraioli, the ministry’s associate director of marriage preparation.

“The faith of families is the foundation of our Church,” said Father Timothy Graff, secretary of the Secretariat for Parish Mission and Vitality, which oversees the Office for Family Life Ministry. “The Office for Family Life Ministry plays a vital role in helping families grow closer to Christ in their daily lives and in the most important place—their homes. I’m grateful for the renewed energy, creativity and pastoral care this team brings to our Archdiocese as they accompany families in every stage of life.”

In 2025, the Office for Family Life Ministry served 2,027 couples through its English- and Spanish-language marriage preparation programs and 95 couples through its English- and Spanish-language marriage retreats. The ministry also trained 62 individuals to lead bereavement ministries and 58 individuals to lead mental health ministries in parishes across the Archdiocese.

Looking ahead, the ministry aims to reach even more families through its new initiatives and ongoing services. It also hopes to expand its support in additional ways, such as encouraging faith-based relationships between grandparents and grandchildren.

To learn more about the Office for Family Life Ministry, click here.

School Phone Ban Signed Into Law By Governor Murphy

By
Frank Cahill
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After several months of debate, legislation banning the use of cell phones in New Jersey K-12 public schools has officially been signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.

Murphy, who has supported the measure for years, has consistently cited cell phones as a major classroom distraction and a contributing factor to declining mental health among teenagers.

The bill, which was approved by both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly in December, establishes a bell-to-bell ban on student cell phone use during the school day.

“With this legislation, New Jersey is going to set a national standard for protecting our students, their mental well-being, and their ability to succeed in the classroom,” Murphy said in a statement. “There has never been a better moment to enact this transformative policy, as we are finally seeing a return to pre-pandemic levels of academic achievement among our students.”

The governor added that the new law will help create a more nurturing and supportive classroom environment, allowing educators and staff to focus on instruction rather than enforcing rules around personal devices.

Hanover Township Reorganization Meeting – January 2, 2026

By
Frank Cahill
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Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, John L. Ferramosca, and Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER — Hanover Township Reorganization Meeting – January 2, 2026.

Former Dover Councilman Admitted into Pre-Trial Intervention Program

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Former Dover Councilman Sergio Rodriguez

DOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed that Sergio Rodriguez, 30, of Dover, has been admitted into the Pre-Trial Intervention program.

On January 5, Rodriguez was admitted into the program before the Honorable Ralph Amirata, J.S.C., on one count of fourth degree Criminal Coercion, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-5a(4) set forth in Indictment 25-06-00711-I, in connection to an incident on October 25, 2024; and for one count of Simple Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A 2C:12-1(a)(1), a disorderly persons offense, and one count of Harassment, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4(c), a petty disorderly persons offense, in connection to an incident on February 7, 2024. The defendant was admitted into the PTI program for a period of 12 months, and ordered to pay all mandatory fines, fees, and penalties, and have no contact with the victim business.

The resolution concerns charges in connection with two separate incidents.

On October 25, 2024, Rodriguez, who was a member of the Town of Dover Council at the time, identified himself as a public official in order to intimidate a liquor store owner and employee into ceasing the sales of alcohol to specific individuals. Rodriguez entered the Dover business on that date, and informed an employee that the store’s liquor license would not be renewed if they continued to sell alcohol to individuals seen drinking in a nearby courtyard. The business owner spoke to Rodriguez at a later time, and during that conversation, Rodriguez reiterated that he was a councilman and could prevent the renewal of their liquor license if the owner did not comply with his demands. As a result of an investigation by the MCPO, Rodriguez was subsequently charged on January 2, 2025. A grand jury handed up an indictment in June 2025 charging Rodriguez with one count of fourth degree Criminal Coercion, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:135a(4).

On February 9, 2024, defendant, Sergio Rodriguez was charged with Simple Assault N.J.S.A 2C:12-1(a)(1) and Harassment N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4(c), which stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 7, 2024 in Dover. Defendant recorded himself approaching three homeless people as they were drinking a clear substance from a clear bottle in public. Defendant kicked the bottle out of the hands of the man who was holding it, causing swelling to his right hand. When the three people tried to leave, defendant followed them, getting more aggressive and tried to block their path as they attempted to cross a highway.

This matter was held in Kinnelon Municipal Court before being transferred to Superior Court for a global resolution.

Parsippany Teen Charged After Head-On Crash Leaves Driver Seriously Injured

By
Frank Cahill
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0
The Morris County Correctional Facility, located at 43 John Street in Morris Township, serves as the primary detention center operated by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

HANOVER — On December 19, 2025, Hanover Township Patrol Officer Thomas Adamiak charged Daniah Duminiak, 18, of Parsippany, with assault by auto, driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, reckless driving, and multiple additional motor vehicle offenses.

Officers responded to a reported motor vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Algonquin Parkway and Leslie Court. Upon arrival, officers determined that a vehicle operated by Duminiak crossed over the double yellow lines and struck a northbound vehicle head-on. The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious bodily injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Officers observed signs of impairment exhibited by Duminiak and conducted standardized field sobriety tests, which she failed. She was subsequently placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Due to the severity of the injuries, officers applied for and were granted a judicial warrant to obtain a blood sample. Duminiak was transported to the hospital, where the blood draw was conducted and she was medically evaluated and cleared.

Following processing, Duminiak was lodged in the Morris County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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