Friday, May 8, 2026
Home Blog Page 59

Hanover Park Band Hosts Used Clothing Drive

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

EAST HANOVER — Clean out those closets and support the Hanover Park Band at a community Used Clothing Drive on Saturday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hanover Park High School, 63 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, East Hanover.

Donors can drop off all types of wearable clothing (men’s, women’s, and kids’) and all sneakers and shoes. The drive also accepts blankets, sheets, quilts, comforters, towels, tablecloths, drapery/curtains, bath rugs, and kitchen/bath linens, plus accessories such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, belts, hats, gloves, socks, scarves, and ties.

Please place items in well-tied trash bags.

Not accepted: books, CDs, VHS tapes, kitchen appliances, outdoor toys, or furniture.

Proceeds help fund programs and services for the Hanover Park Band. Items suitable for reuse support global micro-enterprise; non-reusable textiles will be recycled.

If you can’t make the drop-off window or need arrangements, contact Amy Matusheski at (847) 345-1755.

Cheshire Home Hosts Bingo Night to Benefit Residents

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

FLORHAM PARK — Cheshire Home will host a fun-filled Bingo Night on Thursday, November 13 at Holy Family Church in Florham Park. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with Bingo Happy Hour kicking off at the same time. Games run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Guests can expect exciting prizes and a 50/50 raffle. At the March bingo, prizes ranged from restaurant and retail gift cards and themed gift baskets to an Apple Watch and a Yeti cooler—with more surprises anticipated this fall. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and beverages (21+ to consume alcohol). Light refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Proceeds support Cheshire Home’s programs and services for residents with spinal cord injuries, helping them continue their journey toward independence.

For details, contact Betsey Burgdorf at [email protected] or (973) 966-1232 ext. 234.

Morris County to Host 24th Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to join the 24th Annual Morris County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, September 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County 9/11 Memorial, 460 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany-Troy Hills.

This year’s keynote speaker is Rudy Sanfilippo, who was a firefighter for the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and a union representative for Manhattan’s 2,000 firefighters at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. He was among the first to arrive at the South Tower command post and one of the last to leave as the tower collapsed. The wind from the pancaking floors blew him off his feet.

When Sanfilippo emerged, he was the only firefighter within a 50-foot radius to walk out alive. In the aftermath, he coordinated support for firefighters and their families, ensuring a respectful recovery process at Ground Zero.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will lead the remembrance, joined by area public officials, including State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.

The ceremony will include a procession of police, fire and EMS personnel, a candle lighting, an invocation by Rev. Herman Scott of Calvary Baptist Church, and the reading of names of the 64 Morris County residents lost in the attacks. Musical tributes will be performed by the Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County,the Morris Choral Society, and the musical duet, Darren O’Neill and Ereni Sevasti.

The Morris County 9/11 Memorial honors the nearly 3,000 people killed when jihadist terrorist crashed jetliners in New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, PA. Special recognition is given to the 64 Morris County residents who perished that day. All victims’ names are engraved on ruby-colored stones surrounding the memorial, with brass plaques for each Morris County resident atop the inner wall.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited.

Parking is available at the Morris County Department of Human Services, 340 West Hanover Ave., Morris Township, with a shuttle service can take visitors to the memorial.

Police, fire and rescue departments may participate by sending one apparatus per agency and assembling by 4:30 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, 500 West Hanover Ave.

This event will also be livestreamed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16p1kFBM9f/

Voters to Decide if Trust Fund Will Support Open Space Stewardship

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Maier's Pond at Turkey Brook Park, a project approved for Open Space Funding in 2019.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Voters will be asked on the November 4, 2025 General Election ballot whether dollars from the county’s Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection and Historic Preservation Trust Fund may be used for stewardship of properties already permanently preserved.

If approved, Morris County would be able to establish a program to support habitat restoration, invasive species reduction, reforestation and green infrastructure improvements on publicly preserved lands, but not general maintenance. No tax increase will result if voters approve the ballot question. The program would utilize funds previously collected and unexpended through the voter-approved Preservation Trust Fund.

The proposal was outlined in an April 23, 2025 report issued to the Commissioners by the Preservation Trust Fund Review Committee, which the Commissioners established in January 2024 to explore potential modifications of the trust fund program. The committee met six times, consulted technical experts and, after robust discussion and deliberation, concluded in its report that establishing a stewardship program for preserved lands is a fitting and responsible use of the Preservation Trust Fund.

“This is a natural next step in our preservation efforts. For more than 30 years, our residents have overwhelmingly supported preservation in Morris County. Adding this program builds upon a long list of successful, voter-approved initiatives, including open space, historic preservation, farmland preservation and trail development. The committee’s recommendation reflects months of evaluation regarding the merits if such a program. Stewardship allows us to care for the lands we’ve protected, ensuring they remain healthy and accessible for future generations,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, who chaired the review committee.

The ballot question, formally authorized by county commissioners, will read as follows:

Public Question:

Shall the County of Morris amend the Morris County Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection,  and Historic Preservation Trust Fund to include the purpose of stewardship of permanently preserved land acquired for recreation and conservation purposes that are designed to restore or enhance its utilization for those purposes and allow the use of previously collected funds for those purposes? 

Interpretive Statement:

A “YES” vote will permit the County of Morris to include natural resource management, habitat restoration and wildlife stewardship as eligible activities on permanently preserved land acquired for recreation and conservation purposes.  These include projects that are designed to enhance or restore the land’s utilization for those purposes as eligible activities funded as part of the Morris County Open Space, Farmland,  Floodplain Protection,  and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.  A “YES” vote will not increase the tax.

A resolution to authorize printing the public question was adopted in June 2025, with the final ballot language submitted to the Morris County Clerk last month in accordance with state law. The county will provide additional outreach and education about the ballot question on its website and social media platforms.

LINK TO THE PRESERVATION TRUST FUND COMMITTEE REPORT

The proposed program would initially be limited to municipal applicants and properties, with the potential to expand and include nonprofit-owned lands in the future. The committee reviewed various categories of stewardship activities to be considered under the program, including natural resources management and planning, meadow and forest restoration, invasive species (plant) removal, wildlife and habitat restoration, pollinator gardens and butterfly habitats and Green infrastructure (e.g., bioswales, rain gardens).

Ineligible activities under the proposed program include routine maintenance, legal fees, land acquisition, recreational infrastructure such as playgrounds or sports fields, and any work on unpreserved land.

The proposed stewardship initiative is modeled after prior Trust Fund expansions, such as the 2014 voter-approved ballot question that successfully enabled funding for trail development. As with the Trail Construction Grant Program, the stewardship program would operate on a matching grant basis, with municipalities contributing a portion of project costs. The committee also suggested the possibility of tiered matching requirements, similar to those used in the county’s Historic Preservation and Flood Mitigation programs.

A full copy of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Committee’s report and information about the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund are available on the county website. 

Stickley Museum Names Dr. Jonathan Clancy Executive Director

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Stickley Museum Names Dr. Jonathan Clancy Executive Director

MORRIS COUNTY — The Board of Trustees of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, the early 20th-century home of designer Gustav Stickley, announced the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Clancy as Executive Director. Dr. Clancy, currently the Museum’s Director of Collections and Preservation, will succeed Vonda K. Givens, who is stepping down after 17 years of leadership.

“Jonathan is an inspiring leader of exceptional vision, creativity, and commitment,” said Barbara Weiskittel, President of the Board of Trustees. “He is one of the foremost experts on Gustav Stickley and the Arts & Crafts Movement, and over the past five years has worked closely with Vonda to expand and enhance the Museum’s collections and programs. We are thrilled to have him lead us into the future.”

The Museum will recognize Dr. Clancy’s appointment and celebrate Ms. Givens’s many accomplishments at its annual autumn Harvest Party fundraiser on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Ms. Givens will remain in her role through the fall and will work closely with Dr. Clancy, the Board, and staff to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Dr. Clancy joined The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in 2020 as Director of Collections and Preservation. His scholarship has appeared in American Art, Journal of Design History, and Journal of Modern Craft, among others. He is also the co-author or contributor to several volumes, including Beauty in Common Things: American Arts and Crafts Pottery from the Two Red Roses Foundation, Frans Wildenhain 1950–75: Creative and Commercial American Ceramics at Mid-Century, Art and Authenticity, and The First Metal—Arts & Crafts Copper.

Dr. Clancy earned his Ph.D. in Art History from The City University of New York’s Graduate Center in 2008 and his B.A. in History and Art History from Rutgers University. From 2009 to 2017, he served as Director of the American Fine and Decorative Art Program at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York and has taught at Parsons, FIT, Rutgers, and The City College of New York. He is currently contributing an essay on French ceramics for an exhibition on Taxile Doat, opening at the Wadsworth Atheneum in 2027.

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Inc. (SMCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1989. Craftsman Farms, Stickley’s former home, is owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and operated by SMCF. Restoration of this National Historic Landmark has been supported by the Save America’s Treasures Grant, the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust, the New Jersey Historic Trust, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and generous individual donors. SMCF also receives funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission, the New Jersey Arts & Culture Recovery Fund, and the Arts & Crafts Research Fund. Click here for more information.

Roadwork Set for Berkshire Valley Road in Jefferson Later This Month

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Milling and paving on Berkshire Valley Road (County Road 699) in Jefferson Township are expected to begin the week of September 22 or September 29, following completion of drainage work now underway.

Work hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The project limits extend from Manor Drive north to the bridge between Jefferson Township and West Milford.

This week, preliminary drainage and inlet reconstruction began along Berkshire Valley Road. That work is expected to continue for about three weeks, with traffic control provided daily by the Jefferson Township Police Department.

Once drainage work is complete, paving crews will mill and pave shoulders and intersections before progressing to the mainline lanes. Police traffic control will be in place for this phase, with four to five officers assigned daily.

There will be no full road closures during the project, though motorists should anticipate alternating lane closures, traffic shifts and delays. Proper construction signage is being installed at all approaches to the work zone, and the Jefferson Township Police Department will issue a RAVE notification to residents.

The work is part of roadway improvements designed to extend pavement life and improve travel conditions in the area.

J.A. Alexander, Inc. of Bloomfield, New Jersey, is the contractor for the project.

For more information or to report questions or concerns, please contact the Morris County Division of Engineering and Transportation at (973) 285-6750.

Cedar Knolls Fire Department Invites Community to Open House

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

CEDAR KNOLLS — The Cedar Knolls Fire Department is opening its doors to the community for its annual Open House on Saturday, September 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event will take place at the firehouse, located at 82 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend this family-friendly event, which will showcase the department’s commitment to public safety while offering plenty of fun and engaging activities. Guests can enjoy a lively biergarten, delicious food and refreshments, and a bouncy house for the kids.

The open house will also feature live demonstrations by Cedar Knolls firefighters, fire safety activities, and giveaways throughout the afternoon. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet their local first responders, tour the firehouse, and learn more about the critical services the department provides to the community.

“This event is a great way for families to connect with the men and women who protect Cedar Knolls every day,” said a department spokesperson. “We look forward to welcoming our neighbors, sharing important safety information, and enjoying a fun afternoon together.”

The Cedar Knolls Fire Department encourages everyone to stop by, bring family and friends, and take part in this special day.

Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 20 — an afternoon of safety, community, and fun at the Cedar Knolls Fire Department.

Parsippany Police Arrest Whippany Man for DWI After Hit-and-Run

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

WHIPPANY — On August 26, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police responded to a motor vehicle crash and subsequent hit-and-run on Pomeroy Road, leading to the arrest of Joseph Bruno Lazzaro, 60, Whippany, for driving while intoxicated.

According to police reports issued by Patrolman Robert Seifert, off-duty Patrolman Tosh reported hearing the sound of a crash at the intersection of East Halsey Road and Jefferson Road. He witnessed a vehicle attempting to leave the scene and was able to conduct a motor vehicle stop on Pomeroy Road.

Upon arrival, officers observed that Lazzaro’s vehicle, a 2009 Kia Wagon, had sustained front-end damage consistent with a crash. Lazzaro showed visible signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, watery eyes, and difficulty standing upright. Officers also detected the odor of alcohol.

Lazzaro initially denied drinking but consented to field sobriety tests, which he was unable to successfully complete. He was placed under arrest and transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters, where Alcotest results indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.232%, nearly three times the legal limit.

Lazzaro was processed and later released into the custody of a family member.

Lazzaro was issued the following summons:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident (39:4-129B)
  • Failure to Report an Accident (39:4-130)
  • Reckless Driving (39:4-96)

    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.

Local Author Advocates for Children’s Health Through New Book

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Jessica Roman offers holistic coaching that shares insights and experiences from her personal journey in helping with chronic and rare conditions.

MORRIS COUNTY — A powerful new book written by local mother Jessica Roman is turning heads in both the medical and faith-based communities. Titled Dying to Thriving: How Simple Dietary Changes Reversed My Daughter’s Terminal Genetic Disease, the book tells the remarkable true story of how Jessica’s daughter, born with a rare and fatal genetic disorder, overcame odds and found healing through prayer and nutrition.

Jessica’s daughter was diagnosed with Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome (MMIHS), a devastating and terminal disease that causes chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, chronic urinary retention, severe malnutrition* and intestinal failure. With no known cure and a grim prognosis, doctors told the Roman family there was nothing they could do but manage symptoms.

The cover of Dying to Thriving: How Simple Dietary Changes Reversed My Daughter’s Terminal Genetic Disease, written by local author Jessica Roman of Morris County.

Refusing to give up, Jessica Roman turned to God in prayer and began an intensive search for answers. Her journey led her to traditional nutrition practices and dietary principles that focus on real, unprocessed, and healing foods. By removing inflammatory ingredients and nourishing her daughter with nutrient-dense meals, Jessica saw what few could have imagined. Her daughter began to improve. Over time, her symptoms vanished, and she now lives a thriving and healthy life.

In Dying to Thriving, Jessica offers a profoundly moving account of her family’s experience, blending personal testimony with practical insights for parents and caregivers facing similar challenges. The book serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been told there is no hope, and it offers a roadmap for natural healing rooted in faith and God ls design for the human body.

Roman is now a passionate advocate for children’s health and chronic disease recovery through proper nutrition. She is also the founder of the Christian Health Collective, a service-based organization made up of Christian practitioners providing physical, mental, and emotional health services grounded in biblical principles.

“This book was written for every parent who has ever heard the words ‘there’s nothing we can do,’” said Roman. “l want them to know there is another path, one that is prayerful, practical, and profoundly healing.”

Dying to Thriving is available now through major online retailers and in select independent bookstores throughout Northern New Jersey. To learn more about Jessica’s ongoing work and access tools for families navigating chronic illness, visit www.CHealthCollective.org.

Boonton Police Captain Graduates from Prestigious FBI National Academy

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Captain Christopher Petonak Strengthens Boonton PD with FBI Training

BOONTON — Captain Christopher Petonak of the Town of Boonton Police Department was nominated, accepted, and successfully graduated from the 295th session of the FBI National Academy on September 4, 2025. During the 10-week program, he completed advanced coursework in Wellness and Fitness; Leading At-Risk Employees; Leadership, Culture, and Influence; Critical Incident and Crisis Negotiations; Managing the Law Enforcement Image; and Effective Leadership in Responding to Drug Investigations. Each course emphasized collaboration and engagement with fellow law enforcement leaders, shaping a well-rounded philosophy of leadership that Captain Petonak now brings back to the Town of Boonton.

Captain Petonak extends his sincere gratitude to the Town of Boonton for granting him the opportunity to participate in this once in a lifetime course of instruction. He thanks the Public Safety Director, Command Staff, and the dedicated officers of the Boonton Police Department for continuing the law enforcement mission at home during his leave. He is also deeply appreciative of his wife, family, and friends for their unwavering support in keeping the home front safe and well.

Two-hundred and fifty-four law enforcement officers graduated today from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 295th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states and the District of Columbia. The class included 22 members of law enforcement agencies from 20 countries, 10 members of six military organizations, and four members of federal civilian organizations.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

FBI Director Kash Patel delivered remarks at the ceremony. Class spokesperson Benjamen Adams from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala, FL, represented the graduating officers.

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered.

A total of 56,434 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

1...585960...663Page 59 of 663

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »