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Morris County is Accepting 2025 Open Space Applications

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Schiff Preserve Addition-Civille in Mendham Township.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation has announced the availability of grant applications to file for open space funding through the Morris County Preservation Trust.

The applications are available on the Open Space Preservation website.

“As we maintain one of the lowest county tax rates in New Jersey, this program delivers exceptional value. Morris County’s natural beauty and strong economy make it a great place to live, work, and play; preserving open space is key to keeping that balance. Protecting our scenic landscapes while supporting local businesses enhances the quality of life for residents who see the benefits every day, whether it be our top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, outstanding park system or hundreds of miles of trails to hike, bike and walk,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation.

The deadline for submitting open space applications and appraisals for 2025 funding is Thursday, June 19, 2025.

In 2024, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved the Open Space Trust Fund Committee’s recommendations to award $1.8 million in grants to acquire and preserve 65.2 acres across three municipalities.

Since its inception in 1994, the Open Space Trust Fund program has helped to preserve more than 18,300 acres throughout Morris County,supported by $300,022,868 in funding generated through a preservation tax approved by voters in 1992.

In addition to open space projects, the county’s Preservation Trust Fund also supports farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trails projects, and the purchase of flood-prone residential properties. 

The Open Space Trust Fund Committee manages the grant application review process. Each fall, the committee visits the proposed sites and makes final recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

“Any of Morris County’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding,” said Barbara Murray, program coordinator of the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund program. 

For more information, contact the Office of Planning and Preservation at (973) 829-8120.





Newly Built Dover Home Sold for $650,000, Reflecting Strong Morris County Market

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The newly built home at 107 Oak Street in Dover, sold for $650,000, showcasing the strong demand for real estate in Morris County.

DOVER — A recently built home at 107 Oak Street sold for $650,000, surpassing its listing price of $629,900 and highlighting the continued demand for homes in Morris County. Constructed in 2024, the property offered modern design, energy efficiency, and the latest smart home features, making it highly attractive to buyers.

The home was listed by Christian Vega of Realty Executives Exceptional and was sold with the representation of Samuel John Burchill of Coldwell Banker Realty. With 2024 property taxes set at $3,005, the property provided new construction benefits at a competitive price.

The spacious living room of 107 Oak Street in Dover features modern finishes and an open layout, perfect for comfortable living.

Why 107 Oak Street Stood Out

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the home offered easy access to public transportation and major highways, including Interstate 80, Route 46, and Route 10. The Dover train station was also nearby, making it a great option for commuters looking for suburban living with urban accessibility.

As a newly built home, the property featured contemporary finishes, energy-efficient systems, and modern amenities, catering to buyers who preferred move-in-ready homes without the need for renovations. With demand for new homes outpacing supply in the region, properties like this sold quickly and at premium prices.

The sleek and modern bathroom at 107 Oak Street in Dover features stylish fixtures and contemporary design.

Morris County Real Estate Market Trends

The sale of 107 Oak Street reflected a larger trend in Morris County, where high demand and low inventory continued to drive home values upward. Many buyers initially focused on larger towns in the area expanded their search to Dover, Rockaway, and Wharton, where newer homes and competitive pricing made for attractive options.

Real estate professionals noted that Morris County remained one of the most desirable areas in North Jersey, with well-located homes often receiving multiple offers and selling above asking price.

Was It a Good Time to Buy or Sell?

With home values rising and mortgage rates fluctuating, buyers remained motivated to purchase before prices climbed further, while sellers benefited from strong demand and competitive bidding.

For those considering buying or selling in Morris County, working with a local real estate expert was key to navigating this fast-moving market.

Other recent home sales in Dover:

Street AddressSales Price
106 West Chrystal Street$480,000
48 South Highland Avenue$550,000
11 Livingston Avenue$590,000
15 Yale Street$450,000
11 Spruce Street$360,000
27 East Chrystal Street$460,000
70 Sammis Avenue$500,000
3 Audrey Place$575,000
250 Ann Street$900,000
14 Grace Street$670,000
18 New Street$400,000
28 Elizabeth Street$561,500
107 Oak Street$650,000
26 Liberty Street$400,000
11 North Linden Place$480,000
32 Summer Avenue$415,000
101 Harding Avenue$460,000
365 West Clinton Street$500,000
60 New Street$434,000
94 Baker Avenue$470,000
8 Lincoln Avenue$420,000
26 Parker Street$371,999
2 Hillcrest Avenue$515,000
42 Elena Place$590,000
210 Baker Street$520,000
68 Grant Street$320,000




National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Opportunity for Students of Puerto Rican Descent

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MORRIS COUNTY — The National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) is now accepting applications for its 2025 National Scholarship Program, offering a valuable opportunity for students of Puerto Rican descent to pursue their educational goals. Now in its seventh consecutive year, the program will award 100 scholarships of $2,000 each, totaling $200,000 in financial aid to outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement.

Scholarship Eligibility and Requirements

To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be of Puerto Rican descent.
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Be between the ages of 17 and 25.
  • Be a high school senior or a full-time college student (freshman through junior year).
  • Be enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college/university.
  • Have a demonstrated history of volunteer work or community service.
  • Participate in an interview with the scholarship selection committee.

Past recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply, provided they meet all requirements.

How to Apply

Interested students must complete and submit their applications electronically via the official NPRDP website: www.nprdpinc.org/scholarship

The deadline to submit applications and academic transcripts is Friday, March 14, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Application Package Must Include:

  • completed application form.
  • An essay.
  • written biography.
  • Two letters of recommendation (one must be from the organization where the student performs volunteer work).

To ensure timely submission of academic transcripts and recommendations, applicants are advised to request these documents from school administrators well in advance.

A Commitment to Education and Community

The NPRDP Scholarship Program is part of the organization’s mission to empower the Puerto Rican community by supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. By recognizing academic achievement and leadership, the program aims to inspire young Puerto Ricans to excel in their studies and give back to their communities.

For more information and to apply, visit www.nprdpinc.org/scholarship. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive financial assistance and become part of a growing network of successful Puerto Rican scholars!


El Desfile Nacional Puertorriqueño (NPRDP) ha abierto el proceso de solicitud para su Programa Nacional de Becas 2025, ofreciendo una valiosa oportunidad para que estudiantes de ascendencia puertorriqueña persigan sus metas educativas. Ahora en su séptimo año consecutivo, el programa otorgará 100 becas de $2,000 cada una, sumando un total de $200,000 en ayuda financiera para estudiantes sobresalientes que demuestren excelencia académica y compromiso con su comunidad.


Elegibilidad y Requisitos para la Beca

Para ser considerado para esta prestigiosa beca, los solicitantes deben cumplir con los siguientes criterios:

•Ser de ascendencia puertorriqueña.
•Mantener un promedio académico (GPA) de 3.0 o superior.
•Tener entre 17 y 25 años de edad.
•Ser estudiante de último año de secundaria (high school senior) o estudiante universitario de tiempo completo (de primer a tercer año).
•Estar inscrito en una universidad o colegio acreditado de dos o cuatro años.
•Tener un historial comprobado de trabajo voluntario o servicio comunitario.
•Participar en una entrevista con el comité de selección de becas.

Los beneficiarios anteriores de la beca pueden volver a postularse, siempre que cumplan con todos los requisitos.


Cómo Aplicar

Los estudiantes interesados deben completar y enviar su solicitud de manera electrónica a través del sitio web oficial del NPRDP:
www.nprdpinc.org/scholarship

Fecha límite para enviar solicitudes y expedientes académicos: viernes, 14 de marzo de 2025.
No se aceptarán solicitudes enviadas fuera de la fecha límite.


Documentos Requeridos en la Solicitud:

Formulario de solicitud completo.
Ensayo.
Biografía escrita.
Dos cartas de recomendación (una debe ser de la organización donde el estudiante realiza trabajo voluntario).

Para garantizar la entrega oportuna de expedientes académicos y cartas de recomendación, se recomienda a los solicitantes solicitar estos documentos a los administradores escolares con suficiente antelación.


Compromiso con la Educación y la Comunidad

El Programa de Becas del NPRDP forma parte de la misión de la organización de empoderar a la comunidad puertorriqueña apoyando a los estudiantes en su camino hacia la educación superior. Al reconocer el rendimiento académico y el liderazgo, el programa busca inspirar a los jóvenes puertorriqueños a sobresalir en sus estudios y retribuir a sus comunidades.

Para más información y para postularse, visita:
www.nprdpinc.org/scholarship

¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de recibir asistencia financiera y formar parte de una creciente red de estudiantes puertorriqueños exitosos!





Town of Dover Mayor and Council Meeting Scheduled for March 11

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Town of Dover Mayor and Council

DOVER — The Town of Dover Mayor and Council will meet on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. at 37 North Sussex Street.

Click here to download the agenda.

This meeting is being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, N_.J.S.A. 10:4-6.” Notice of the meeting was sent to the Daily Record and Citizen on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and published in the Daily Record on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and the Citizen on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building. These notices were sent within 48 hours before this meeting, and insufficient time for the publications to publish them. A copy of said notice is on file with the Municipal Clerk. It should be noted that an interpreter is present if a resident should need one.

Mayor James Dodd
(December 31, 2027)

Claudia P. Toro
Council Member – First Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Sandra Wittner
Council Member – First Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Sergio Rodriguez
Council Member – Second Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Geovani Estacio
Council Member – Second Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Michael Scarneo
Council Member – Third Ward
(December 31, 2025)

Veronica Velez
Council Member – Third Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Marcos Tapia, Sr.
Council Member – Fourth Ward
(December 31, 2026)

Arturo “A.B.” Santana
Council Member – Fourth Ward
(December 31, 2025)





East Hanover Announces 2025 Summer Playground Program at Lurker Park

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Lurker Park, located at 631 Ridgedale Avenue is a vibrant community space featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas—perfect for summer fun and outdoor activities!

EAST HANOVER – The Township of East Hanover has officially announced its 2025 Summer Playground Program, inviting local children to enjoy an exciting season filled with outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and classic summer fun.

The program will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., starting June 30 and continuing through August 8. Please note the program will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day. The program is open to students entering grades K through 7 for the 2025-2026 school year.

The summer program, which takes place at Lurker Parkprovides East Hanover families with a great opportunity for their children to engage in recreational and social activities in a safe and structured environment.

The cost is $225 per registrant, with a discounted rate of $215 for each additional child in the same family. Participation is limited to East Hanover residents only.

Registration Details
Registration opens on March 3, at 9:00 a.m. Families can register online through their CivicRec account at easthanovertownship.com or at the Thomas Rinaldi Recreation Center. A 2.85% service fee will apply to all credit card transactions.

Residents can contact the East Hanover Recreation Department at (973) 888-6085 or via email at Daniels@easthanovertownship.com.

Don’t miss this chance to make summer 2025 a season of fun and adventure for your kids at Lurker Park!





Madison Rotary Invites Community to Free Pancake Breakfast

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A stack of fluffy pancakes, golden brown and ready to be enjoyed at the Madison Rotary Club’s Free Community Pancake Breakfast!

MADISON — The Madison Rotary Club welcomes the community to its Free Community Pancake Breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, at the Madison Community House, 25 Cook Ave.

This gathering offers a chance for neighbors to connect over pancakes, sausages, coffee, and juice—all at no cost. Donations are welcome to support Rotary’s local initiatives. The club’s work focuses on youth development, reducing food insecurity, and partnering with local organizations to address pressing community needs. From food drives to scholarships, the club’s initiatives aim to strengthen the Madison community and beyond.





Day-Long Celebration of Art, Music and Theater Includes Performances, Exhibits and Workshops

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MORRIS COUNTY — The 2025 Morris County Teen Arts Festival will be held on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at County College of Morris (CCM). The day-long festival celebrating youth arts will bring together nearly 1,000 middle and high school artists, musicians from across Morris County, and educators for a full day of creative workshops, performances and exhibits. It also provides a platform for students to showcase their work, receive critique and earn an invitation to the prestigious New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival. The public is also invited to enjoy student artwork and performances at the event. 

Each year the festival centers around a thought-provoking theme and the 2025 focus is “Art & Consumerism.” This theme encourages students to explore how consumer culture influences their creative work, from the artist’s perspective to the broader reception in the art world. 

The festival’s keynote speaker is Anthony Marques, a prominent comic book artist, educator and local business owner. A graduate of the iconic Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey, Marques began working as an editor for publishers DC Comics and Dynamite Entertainment. A true student of the medium, he has brought new and exciting visions to life as an artist for beloved characters such as Batman, the Green Hornet and the Ghostbusters. In addition to working on numerous projects with these companies, Marques became an instructor at the Kubert School before eventually becoming president and owner of the institution.  

Following the keynote, CCM faculty, visiting artists, and current students will offer various activities for participation across CCM’s scenic campus. These include classroom workshops, pop-up performances in the college’s state-of-the-art Music and Technology Building, and outdoor interactive stations on the lawn (weather permitting). This year’s Teen Arts Festival is not to be missed! 

Registration opens Tuesday, April 1 and runs through May 1. Space is limited. Visit www.ccm.edu/teenarts/ for more details. Email questions to teenarts@ccm.edu. CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. The festival is sponsored by Morris Arts, whose mission is to engage and build community through the arts.





St. John’s Episcopal Church Hosts Pasty Sale to Support Community Initiatives

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DOVER – St. John’s Episcopal Church brings a taste of tradition to the community with its highly anticipated Pasty Sale on Saturday, April 5. This delicious fundraiser will take place at the church, located at 11 S. Bergen Street, Dover, where supporters can pick up their pre-ordered pasties starting at 12:30 p.m.

The pasty, a beloved pastry filled with a hearty mixture of meat and vegetables, has long been a comfort food for many, and the members of St. John’s Episcopal are excited to share their homemade versions with the community. Each pasty is made with care and available for $9.00 a piece, with proceeds directly benefiting the church’s outreach programs and local charitable efforts.

“We love hosting this event because it brings people together while supporting a great cause,” said one of the organizers. “Every purchase helps us continue our service mission in the Dover area.”

Those interested in securing their pasties are encouraged to call (973) 366-2772 to place an order. Due to high demand, early reservations are recommended.

St. John’s Episcopal Church has been a cornerstone of the Dover community for years, offering spiritual guidance, community support, and charitable initiatives. This fundraiser is one of many ways the church engages with and gives back to the local area.

Mark your calendars, and don’t miss this chance to enjoy a delicious meal while making a meaningful contribution to the community!





Join the Dover Police Department for Coffee with a Cop on March 11

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Dover Police Officer Louis P. Sperry connects with community members at a "Coffee With A Cop" event, promoting conversation and building relationships over coffee.

As the weather warms and days lengthen, the Dover Police Department invites residents to a Coffee with a Cop event. This gathering will focus on traffic and pedestrian safety and introduce the special needs registry.​

  • Date: Tuesday, March 11​
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM​
  • Location: Dover Free Public Library, 32 East Clinton Street, Dover

This event offers a relaxed setting to discuss community concerns and enhance neighborhood safety. All are welcome to attend.​

We hope to see you there!





Dover High School to Present “Little Shop of Horrors” March 14-16

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Dover High School students bring the sci-fi musical "Little Shop of Horrors" to life, featuring Noah Cardona-Sanchez as Seymour, Yanalis Cotto as Audrey, and Christopher Escobar as the voice of the man-eating plant, Audrey II. Catch their performances March 14-16 at the Dover High School Auditorium.

DOVER — Dover High School will bring the Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” to life this spring with a talented cast and thrilling production.

Performances will take place at the Dover High School Auditorium, 100 Grace Street, on the following dates:
Friday, March 14 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 15 – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 16 – 2:00 p.m.

A Cult Classic Comes to Dover

One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows, “Little Shop of Horrors” is a dark, tongue-in-cheek musical comedy performed worldwide with great success. The show follows Seymour Krelborn, a shy floral assistant who discovers a mysterious plant he names “Audrey II”, after his coworker crush. However, Seymour soon realizes that Audrey II is no ordinary plant—it’s a bloodthirsty, R&B-singing carnivore with evil origins and a desire for global domination. As Seymour struggles with his moral dilemma, the musical unfolds into a wildly entertaining mix of comedy, horror, and catchy tunes.

Meet the Cast & Crew

The Dover High School production features an ensemble of talented student performers:
Noah Cardona-Sanchez as Seymour
Yanalis Cotto as Audrey
Christopher Escobar as Audrey II
Nicholas Moraga as Orin Scrivello, DDS
Dakota Chacon as Mr. Mushnik
Angeles Gandhi as Chiffon
Michaela Cedeño as Crystal
Emily Tyrone as Ronnette
Aaliyah Ishtiaq as The Derelict
Natali Garnica as Bernstein
Joseph Rosales as Snip

Dover High School music teacher Daniel Vazquez directs the production.

A Unique Role for Audrey II

Christopher Escobar, who plays the murderous plant, Audrey II, shared his excitement about the role.

“I love how Seymour slowly descends into insanity—how subtle it starts out and how explosive his final moments are,” he said.

Escobar, who has performed in three musicals and one play, said this role has been the most challenging and unique for him vocally.

“I’d say this show is very gimmicky and can be very fun at times, but it can also get frustrating trying to figure it out. Overall, I’ve had an extreme amount of fun,” he added.

While the students did not build the plant, the school rented it from Music Theatre International, along with the performance rights.

“As for the puppeteering, from my understanding, there’s someone inside the plant that lip-syncs to the voice of the plant, using their entire body to move it around,” Escobar explained.

Get Your Tickets!

All tickets are $7.00 and can be purchased at the Dover High School main office or at the box office on the day of the performance.
Senior citizens are admitted free!
•For tickets or more information, call (973) 989-2010.

Don’t miss Dover High School’s thrilling production of “Little Shop of Horrors”—a show packed with laughs, thrills, and unforgettable music!





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