MORRIS COUNTY — Macie and Mackley are just 8 months old—still babies, full of sweetness, innocence, and boundless love. But instead of knowing the joy of a warm bed, gentle hands, and a family’s embrace, their young lives began in heartbreak. Born in the South, they were cruelly dumped at a shelter, left unwanted and unseen.
Now their fate hangs in the balance. The shelter where they wait is a high-kill facility, and every day could be their last. These two siblings—playful, wiggly, and full of life—are on borrowed time. They have never truly experienced the world, never run free in a yard of their own, never curled up at night knowing they are safe.
Macie and Mackley adore everyone they meet. Their tails wag with hope, their eyes shine with trust, and they are desperate for the chance to love a family as deeply as only dogs can. We dream of seeing them adopted together, but they are also available individually—anything to save their precious lives.
They are healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and ready for the journey north if it means finding the forever home that will finally give them the life they deserve. With each passing day, the clock ticks louder. They need us.
Please—help us save Macie and Mackley before it’s too late.
To adopt, contact Heather Darling at [email protected], visit Facebook, or connect on Instagram @realheatherdarling.
Kids at the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA dive into fall with energy, creativity, and fun during youth programs open to both members and non-members.
MORRIS COUNTY — Fall is around the corner, and the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is ready to kick off a season full of energy, creativity, and community with the launch of Fall Registration for youth programs. Whether your child is eager to move, build, create, or explore, the Y has something for every age and interest—and best of all, programs are open to both members and non-members!
Here’s a sample of what is happening this fall:
Dance Academy: From beginner ballet to acro dance, we offer a complete range of dance classes for all skill levels. Whether your child is twirling for the first time or ready to take the stage, we’ve got the perfect class!
Dodgeball, Jr. & Sr. Parkour, and Homeschool Gym: Keep kids active and engaged with high-energy favorites designed to build physical strength, teamwork, and fun.
Science & Arts Lab: Dive into tech and creativity with classes like Scratch Coding, Tinkercad, App Creation, and Design Workshops. Whether your child is a budding engineer or artist, this is the place to spark new passions.
Pokémon Card Program: Got a Pokémon fan at home? This new offering gives kids a space to trade, play, and learn strategy in a welcoming environment.
Swim, Gym & Fun: For toddlers and preschoolers, our beloved prep-for-preschool program builds skills through active play and social interaction. Choose from 1- or 2-day options.
Kids Night Out: Parents, we’ve got you covered! Enjoy an evening to yourself while your kids have a blast in a safe, supervised setting at the Y.
Birthday Parties: Now Better Than Ever! We’ve revamped our birthday party packages to make celebrating easier than ever. With exciting themes and convenient add-ons like pizza and cake, the Y is your one-stop party place!
From sports and STEM to social clubs and skill-building, there’s something for everyone this season. Don’t wait—spots fill quickly!
About Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Rooted in community, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA offers inclusive programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our doors are open to all, and we work to ensure every child and family has the opportunity to thrive—regardless of membership status.
Morris County holds its sixth annual Overdose Awareness Day ceremony on August 28, at One Medical Drive in Parsippany. Families who lost loved ones to substance use or fentanyl poisoning were recognized.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County officials, families of overdose victims and service providers recognized the 24th International Overdose Awareness Day by gathering today on the lawn of the Morris County Central Avenue Complex, where they remembered lost lives and raised awareness of the worldwide opioid crisis.
The event, organized by the county Division of Community & Behavioral Health Services, marked the sixth consecutive year Morris County has observed Overdose Awareness Day, which is recognized annually on August 31. The ceremony also recognized Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day, observed every July 14, and featured personal reflections from family members who have lost loved ones to overdose as well as individuals who shared their journeys of sobriety and recovery.
“Morris County has seen a steady decline in overdose tragedies since 2017, but it is important to stay vigilant, because behind every statistic is a son, a daughter, a friend or a loved one — and the fight to protect people from this crisis is never over,” said Commissioner Christine Myers. “The county has invested $820,000 in opioid settlement funds over the past two years to support prevention, Narcan training and recovery services. These efforts are saving lives.”
State Sen. Anthony Bucco, who sponsored legislation designating August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in New Jersey in 2020, delivered opening remarks.
“Addiction does not have to end in tragedy. Help and hope are always possible,” said Sen. Bucco. “Morris County immediately jumped in after the legislation was passed, starting programs and bringing us back year after year to remember — and to work for a day when substance abuse is a thing of the past.”
Nationally, overdose deaths have declined in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2024, 80,391 lives were lost to overdose, down 27 percent from 110,037 in 2023.
“Morris County has made progress, but human lives are precious and all are worth rescuing. Our work here is a life-saving mission, and we must continue to see a reduction in these tremendous losses,” said Sheriff James Gannon. “I am so proud of all our efforts, from Hope One to our many partnerships, but today I especially want to recognize Cpl. Erica Valvano, the ‘Mother of Hope One.’ Erica has saved many of the lives included in that progress. This is timely and coincidental today, as Erica works her last day here in Morris County — I want to thank her for the direct and incredible impact she has made!”
Carol Egan, Morris County Human Services Director Kasey Errico, Commissioner Christine Myers and Sen. Anthony Bucco.
Morris County Chief Sheriff’s Officer Aaron Tomasini also spoke at the event, highlighting law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis. The county’s response is supported by partnerships among county departments, law enforcement agencies and more than 75 service providers. Key initiatives include the Sheriff’s Office Re-Entry Program, Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI), Community Connections, the Hope One mobile unit, Hope Hub, Navigating Hope (a mobile outreach program run by the Morris County Department of Human Services and Family Promise of Morris County), the Mental Health Association of Morris County and the county’s Overdose Fatality Review Team.
Narcan, an over-the-counter drug that reverses opioid overdoses, has also played a critical role in saving lives. Since 2017, the Hope One team has distributed nearly 12,000 Narcan kits, with 185 reported uses to save or attempt to save lives. The program has made more than 1,800 referrals to recovery and support services, and its model has been replicated in ten other counties.
Law enforcement officials continue to face challenges from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and xylazine. Fentanyl, which is increasingly mixed with xylazine — an animal tranquilizer resistant to Narcan — has become dominant in the illicit drug market.
“In New jersey, the crisis keeps evolving. Pills became heroin, heroin became fentanyl, and now we see fentanyl mixed with other poisons,” said Brad Seabury, Morris County Chief Assistant Prosecutor. “Just recently, about three-quarters of opioids seized here in Morris County contained xylazine.”
Seabury noted that Narcan has played a critical role in saving lives. Law enforcement officers reversed 162 overdoses in 2022, 144 in 2023, 96 in 2024 and 39 so far this year.
“The trend is encouraging,” he said. “It means lives are being saved, and fewer emergency calls are ending in tragedy.”
The ceremony concluded with a remembrance led by Carol Egan, founder of the Global Recovery Movement, who has been a leader in prevention efforts for more than three decades. An opening prayer was offered by Pastor Chuck Corradino of Butler Church of the Nazarene, and Rabbi Moshe Rudin of Adath Shalom in Parsippany closed the ceremony.
The annual ceremony serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing struggle against addiction and the need for continued compassion, action and community support.
Dover officials revealed that municipal phone lines have been secretly recorded without notice, raising legal and ethical concerns. Town Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ed Ramirez, Mayor Dodd, and Municipal Attorney Ramon Rivera confirmed the discovery, announcing state and county investigations into possible violations of New Jersey’s wiretapping laws.
DOVER — The Town of Dover is facing serious questions after officials confirmed municipal phone lines were being secretly recorded and stored without public knowledge. Mayor James Dodd announced that state and county investigators have been notified, calling the practice a potential violation of New Jersey’s wiretapping laws and a breach of public trust.
Mayor James P. Dodd said, “Good afternoon, I’m here today with our Town Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ed Ramirez and also with our Municipal Attorney Ramon Rivera. The Town of Dover has recently become aware through an open public records request of a deeply concerning issue involving the recording of telephone calls made to and from town phone lines. Yesterday the Dover Police Department confirmed they are recording and storing all telephone conversations not only within Town Hall, but also across other municipal offices outside of Town Hall.
As Mayor, I was not aware of this until yesterday. This revelation is alarming as these recordings appear to violate the New Jersey Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act, NJSA 2A:156A-1, which is a law that regulates how and when an electronic interception of communications may be conducted by the government, including law enforcement. The lack of notice by the Dover Police Department to Town employees and residents that the phone lines were being recorded raises serious legal and ethical concerns as well as questions of accountability.
Immediately upon confirmation of this practice, our Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Ed Ramirez, notified both the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office requesting a full and thorough investigation. These agencies have been formally alerted and we have requested that investigations be immediately commenced and actions be taken. Specifically, we would like to know how this system was implemented, who authorized it, and whether it violates state and federal law.
This administration is determined to restore the public trust by confronting the problem directly, cooperating fully with the investigating authorities, and implementing reforms to ensure it cannot happen again. While these investigations are underway, residents should be aware that calls placed to town phone numbers may be recorded by the existing system. We are taking steps to suspend the recordings and an entire review of the system will be conducted, but until that process is complete, the possibility of recordings remains.
We want to be upfront and forthcoming with our residents so that everyone is aware when calling our municipal offices. As Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that Dover operates with full transparency and accountability. The people of Dover deserve honesty and openness and I will keep the community informed every step of the way.
This matter is being taken with the utmost seriousness and for those responsible, we expect them to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Should you have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact 973-366-2200. Thank you.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, in collaboration with Juventus Academy New Jersey, invites local families to take part in Juventus Open Days—a series of exciting, soccer-themed community events for children ages 3–10.
These free, public events offer families a great way to get active, make new connections, and experience the joy of soccer—regardless of skill level.
Each Juventus Open Day features:
Interactive soccer games and skill challenges
Meet-and-greets with Juventus Academy coaches and staff
YMCA giveaways
Insights into youth development and community wellness
Event Schedule
Montville / Pine Brook Saturday, September 20 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Woodmont Elementary School, 39 Woodmont Road, Pine Brook, NJ 07058 Rain Date: Saturday, September 27
Parsippany-Troy Hills Sunday, November 2 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Central Park of Morris County – Field #1, 1 Governor Chris Christie Drive, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07950 Rain or Shine
Bring your friends and join us for a fun-filled day of play, teamwork, and youth empowerment. Whether your child is new to soccer or already loves the game, there’s something for everyone.
MADISON — Unity Bank will officially open its new Madison branch on Tuesday, September 2,, and is inviting the community to join in two celebratory grand opening events later this month.
The branch, located at 265 Main Street, will host festivities on Saturday, September 13 and Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Both family-friendly events will include:
Free donuts, hot chocolate, and hot cider from the Glazed & Confused food truck
Free children’s face and hand painting by Face Art by Jan
In addition, attendees will have the chance to enter drawings for a $1,000 VISA gift card and a special Unity Bank Hot Air Balloon Ride gift certificate.
Unity Bank will also offer exclusive promotions for new account openings throughout September, giving residents a timely opportunity to explore the bank’s financial services.
Bank officials say the new Madison branch underscores Unity’s ongoing commitment to expanding access and delivering personalized financial services to communities across New Jersey.
For more information on the Madison branch or the grand opening events, visit Unity Bank’s website or stop by the new location at 265 Main Street after its September 2 opening.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Township of Jefferson announced today that the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris County, has issued a Final Judgment of Dismissal in case MRS-L-001085-25, formally ending litigation brought against the Township on May 18, 2025, by a self-proclaimed citizen group, Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson. The Court filed its decision on August 22, 2025, denying the Order to Show Cause and granting the Township’s motion for dismissal.
Oral arguments and motions filed by both the Township of Jefferson (defendant) and the plaintiff, Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson, were heard by the Honorable Judge Stuart Minkowitz in Morris County Superior Court on July 7, 2025.
This ruling by Judge Minkowitz confirms that the Township and the named defendants acted appropriately within the law, dismissing all counts regarding alleged violations of the Township Salary Ordinance, the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), and the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) in their entirety. With the plaintiffs’ motions denied and the case dismissed, the matter is now fully resolved in favor of Jefferson Township, sparing its taxpayers from prolonged, unnecessary, and expensive litigation.
Within Judge Minkowitz’s 20-page Final Judgement of Dismissal, he found that the plaintiff(s) lacked legal standing in the matters before the Court. It was revealed that Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson was not a “duly formed organization.”. It appears this made-up name was intentionally created to conceal the identity of the actual plaintiff(s). During and after the July 7 oral arguments, the plaintiff’s attorney attempted to amend the lawsuit by adding a single individual, identified in filings as Robert Vander Ploeg, Jr.
Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen issued the following statement: “As I said publicly on June 3, public trust is essential. My administration takes community concerns seriously and operates with transparency and accountability, while vigorously defending against claims we believe are inaccurate or mischaracterized. I believed then—and am even more certain now—that this civil action was politically motivated, designed to embarrass me and my administration for future political ambitions.
As Mayor, I was confident from the start that no laws were violated by my Administration or by the Township Clerk’s office. Sadly, both the Township Administrator and the Township Clerk were also named personally in the civil suit, causing them unnecessary and undue stress from the pending litigation. What is troubling is this initial anonymous filing by the alleged concerned group—claiming to act in the interest of taxpayers—ultimately cost Jefferson taxpayers approximately $15,000–$20,000 or more, in direct and indirect costs, legal fees, and staff time, to defend what the Court found ultimately to be a baseless lawsuit. A final tally of costs is being conducted. That is time and money that should have been spent on real Township priorities.
I would like to sincerely thank the many residents who have reached out to offer their support throughout this matter. I am disappointed that some jumped to premature conclusions before all the facts were revealed.
Since my election in 2018, and even more importantly over my 40+ years in public service to our community, I have remained committed to serving our community with integrity, and I will continue to do so.”.
In the interest of transparency, all court documents related to this case are available for public reviewed by clicking here.
First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover is launching a new Youth Group for 6th–12th graders, with the first meeting set for Saturday, September 6, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at 51 W. Blackwell Street.
DOVER — First Memorial Presbyterian Church is opening its doors to area youth with the launch of a brand-new Youth Group designed for students in grades 6 through 12. The group welcomes young people of all faiths and backgrounds and will hold its first meeting on Saturday, September 6, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the church, located at 51 W. Blackwell Street, Dover.
The new Youth Group is centered around the theme “Love God, Love Your Neighbor” and will focus on mission-driven community projects. Planned activities include preparing meals for the local soup kitchen, collecting food for the food pantry, and organizing town cleanups.
“We want to give young people the opportunity to make a difference in their community while building friendships and learning the importance of service,” said church leaders in announcing the program.
The group is open to all area youth, offering a safe and welcoming space for students to come together, grow in their faith, and give back to the community.
For more information about the Youth Group or upcoming activities, contact First Memorial Presbyterian Church at (973) 361-2126.
Falafel, a gentle 9-year-old Havanese, is hoping to find her forever home. This sweet and sensitive small pup is ready to share her love with a caring family.
MORRIS COUNTY — Falafel, a quiet and gentle Havanese, is hoping to find her forever home after being rescued from a life of neglect in a commercial puppy mill. Born on October 15, 2016, Falafel spent her early years as a breeding dog, never knowing the warmth of a loving home or the joy of being part of a family.
When her breeders decided she was no longer useful, they planned to discard her. Thankfully, WISE Animal Rescue stepped in, giving Falafel the chance to start a new chapter. Since coming into their care, she has been learning what it feels like to be safe, cared for, and loved.
Falafel is described as a sweet, sensitive soul who thrives in calm, quiet environments. She loves curling up in a soft bed, cozying in quiet corners, and being near her humans. While still a little nervous when picked up, once in your arms she relaxes and enjoys affection. A patient adopter willing to go at her pace will be the perfect match.
She does best with mellow dogs who give her space and would be most comfortable in a home with children ages 10 and older. Though her past was difficult, Falafel is a quick learner. She is doing well with potty training, has begun learning stairs, and continues to build confidence each day.
“Falafel is the perfect companion for someone looking for a quiet, low-energy, and deeply loving dog,” said representatives from WISE Animal Rescue. “With patience and love, she will continue to flourish and become the loyal companion she was always meant to be.”
Families interested in adopting Falafel can apply through WiseAnimalRescue.org
. WISE adopts to families in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
For those unable to adopt, donations in support of Falafel and other rescue dogs may also be made through the WISE website. WISE is entirely volunteer-run, and every dollar donated goes directly back to the animals in their care. By partnering with veterinary practices that support their mission, WISE is able to save animals’ lives and restore them to health. While some animals need only routine care, many others require extensive medical treatment or behavioral support to heal from years of neglect.
Adopting from WISE is not only about finding the right companion but also about sustaining a program that rescues dogs like Falafel from tragic situations. Regardless of which dog an applicant is interested in, WISE asks adopters to support their program with a minimum donation of $850. This contribution may not be applied solely to the dog being adopted but instead supports the rescue’s work for all animals. These donations ensure that WISE can continue its mission of rehabilitation and rescue, offering every animal in their care a second chance at life.
WISE representatives remind potential adopters to keep this commitment in mind before applying. “Every adoption helps fund our mission, and every donation directly impacts the lives of the animals we rescue,” the group noted. “It is through this partnership with adopters, donors, and our community that we can continue to save dogs like Falafel.”
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, September 2025. Click here to view the magazine.
Debra J. Milliken, Business Administrator for Jefferson Township, seated at her desk in Township offices.
JEFFERSON — Morris County Superior Court Dismisses Lawsuit Filed by Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson.
The legal battle between the nonprofit group Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson and the Township of Jefferson has come to a definitive end. On Friday, August 22, 2025, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Morris County, issued a Final Judgment of Dismissal in the matter docketed as MRS-L-001085-25.
The ruling, signed by Hon. Stuart A. Minkowitz, A.J.S.C., officially denied the Order to Show Cause and granted the Township’s motion for dismissal, effectively closing the case and rendering all pending motions moot.
Background of the Case
The lawsuit, originally filed earlier this year, alleged multiple violations tied to Jefferson Township’s adoption of the 2025–2028 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for white-collar employees. Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson claimed that the Township had:
Implemented the CBA without properly adhering to Ordinance #21-25, the Township’s salary ordinance.
Approved salaries for employees, including Business Administrator Debra Milliken at $163,000 and Police Chief Paul Castimore at $226,376, that exceeded salary caps set by ordinance.
Failed to provide timely public access to the CBA despite formal Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests.
Violated the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) by adopting resolutions without proper notice or supporting documentation.
The complaint named the Township of Jefferson, Business Administrator Debra Milliken, and Municipal Clerk Michele Reilly as defendants.
Court’s Decision
After months of review, Judge Minkowitz determined that the claims did not warrant further action and dismissed the case in its entirety. The judgment, signed and filed on August 22, 2025, ends the legal challenge under this docket number.
While the specifics of the court’s reasoning were not detailed in the dismissal, the ruling underscores the weight courts place on procedural requirements and adherence to legal standards in civil litigation.
Closing the Record
With the dismissal granted, the matter is now considered resolved, ensuring no further litigation will proceed under this case. For Jefferson Township officials, the outcome closes a chapter of scrutiny over transparency and salary law compliance. For Concerned Citizens for a Better Jefferson, the dismissal marks the end of their effort to legally challenge the Township’s handling of employee agreements.
