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Area Students Honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month

By
Frank Cahill
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Honorees pictured include (front row): Michael Flores Jimenez, Grade 8, Randolph Middle School; Liam Peller, Grade 8, Pequannock Valley Middle School; and Rosemarie Caserta, Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School. Second row: Sean Foley, Grade 8, Mount Olive Middle School; Alexander Cardell, Grade 12, Butler High School; Anthony DiMontova, Grade 12, Whippany Park High School; and Chase Hancock, Grade 12, Morristown High School. All students were recognized following nominations from their respective educators.

MORRIS COUNTY – Students from Parsippany, Mt. Olive, Morristown, Butler, Whippany, Roxbury, Kinnelon and Pequannock were honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Brass Musicians — at the Tuesday, December 2 performance by Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Students were nominated by their teachers, based on their commitment to and excellence in the performing arts.

The Theatre will honor a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor. A year end recital will be held in June.

About the Music Students of the Month (bio supplied by their instructors).

Jesus Bahena-Lliguicota – Grade 9; Parsippany High School; Nominated by Erin Neglio

Jesus started playing tuba at the beginning of 8th grade and joined the PHS Marching Band over the summer where he plays the Sousaphone. Jesus is currently in Concert Band where he is the only tuba player and has been a great leader to his peers and is always willing to help them out. He strives to improve his sound and playing ability at every lesson and rehearsal, and has already improved a great deal since the beginning of the school year. Jesus is motivated and works hard on a daily basis, and has already become an important member of our band program. 

Leana Pociask – Grade 10; Parsippany High School; Nominated by Mike Iapicca

Leana is the brass section leader of the Parsippany High School marching band. In this role, she is an outstanding musician and leader. Although she is only in 10th grade, Leana leads with confidence and by example. She is the strongest player in the entire section and is able to make those around her better. In our Wind Ensemble, she is an excellent trombone player. Leana always plays with fine technical skills and advanced musicianship. 

Alexander Cardell – Grade 12; Butler High School; Nominated by Lyn Lowndes

Alex has a deep love for music, which is very important in his life and adds to his character. This passion fosters connections with his peers and the community. As a first year instrumental music student, Alex learned trumpet, but that was only the beginning.  He went on to learn French horn, and most recently the tuba.  At Butler High School, he participates in the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Spring Musical Pit Orchestra and Marching Band.  In the marching band, has been section leader and most recently Drum Major.   For our spring musical in 2025, Alex stepped up to play a very difficult bass guitar part for the show.  Alex has played both trumpet and tuba with the Bloomingdale Cornet Band which is a community group outside of school that has been around in our community since 1884, and has participated with the TCNJ Honor Band, North Jersey Area Band, Morris County Community College Wind Ensemble.  Lastly, Alex has served the community for numerous years by playing “Taps” for 911 Remembrance Ceremonies, Memorial Day Parades and “Wreaths Across America” events.  Alex will be going to college for Music Education as a tuba major.

Rosemarie Casert – Grade 8; Brooklawn Middle School; Nominated by Adam Austerlitz

Rosie is a dedicated and passionate musician. She is always trying to better herself as a musician by taking every opportunity she can to perform. Rosie is always first to volunteer for a solo or any chance to play. You can find her performing with the BMS Symphonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and even with the BMS Band on french horn. Rosie contributes so much to the BMS Orchestra program and definitely deserves to be recognized for her efforts!

Anthony DiMontova – Grade 12; Whippany Park High School; Nominated by Peter Sciaino

Anthony DiMontova is an excellent French horn player whose dedication and musicianship greatly elevate our high school band program. He has a warm, resonant tone, good technical facility, and is thoughtful musically. Anthony approaches every rehearsal with good focus and professionalism. His commitment to continual improvement and his genuine passion for music make him a truly deserving candidate for Outstanding Brass Player.

Kelly Donaldson – Grade 12; Kinnelon High School; Nominated by Ryan Stroud

Kelly has been an important part of our band program here at Kinnelon High School. She has been an outstanding Euphonium player in our Wind Ensemble for the past several years. She’s always interested in helping others (including her teachers) and she’s been a crucial leader in our band and our school.

Jack Eisenmenger – Grade 8; Pearl R Miller School; Nominated by Bonnie Hendricks

John  “Jack”  Eisenmenger is a current 8th Grade student at Pearl R. Miller School in Kinnelon, NJ. Jack has shared his musical talents with our PRM Music Department as a three year member of the Concert Band, Jazz Band and our PRM Honor Band and has also represented PRM in the NJSMA Elementary Honor Band. Jack is always the first student to sign-up for extra performance time and is always willing to help his fellow students with their music and with their skill development in the Brass Section. He always loves to use a full sound and volunteers for solos in our Jazz Band rehearsals all of the time. His maturity and musicianship are a joy to have in our school.  I  know in the world of Middle School Band I am extremely fortunate to have such a great student musician and leader in the Trombone section. This is why I am nominating Jack Eisenmenger as our Outstanding Brass Player from Pearl R. Miller School.

Sean Foley – Grade 8; Mount Olive Middle School; Nominated by Jacqueline Burkat

Sean plays the trombone in 8th grade band and in both after school ensembles, Junior Winds and Jazz Band. Sean is a fantastic musician who is always striving to improve. He makes a beautiful trombone sound and is always working towards getting better and becoming the best trombone player he can be. He cares deeply about band and always does what is necessary to fulfill his role within the ensemble. He reads music at a very high level and always makes his best sound no matter what. He is reliable and committed to our band program and knows what it takes to perform at a high level. He also helps others around him mainly in the low brass section and is kind and mature in his leadership. I am continually impressed by Sean’s work ethic and music making and I am excited to see where his musical journey takes him.

Chase Hancock – Grade 12; Morristown High School; Nominated by David Gallagher

Chase is currently the principal French Horn for our Wind Ensemble and Mellophone Captain in our marching band. In both bands he demonstrates tremendous leadership and musical maturity. He is a role model who not only gets the best out of his sections, he inspires energy and enthusiasm and is building a tremendous culture amongst his fellow brass players. Musically Chase is an excellent brass player and demonstrates this every day. Last year he played 1st horn for our school’s production of Les Miserables and helped win the Papermill Rising Star Award for Outstanding Pit Orchestra.

Liam Peller – Grade 8; Pequannock Valley Middle School; Nominated by Michael Kertesz

I am proud to nominate Liam Peller for Outstanding Brass Player. Liam is an eighth-grade trumpet player who has shown remarkable dedication and growth this year. After spending his first years in band on clarinet, Liam made the bold decision to switch to trumpet over the summer so he could join the high school marching band as an eighth grader. He devoted himself to learning a new instrument in a short amount of time, practicing diligently and seeking out feedback to improve.  Liam’s hard work paid off—he quickly became a valued member of the marching band and continues to excel in both the middle school concert band and jazz band. His enthusiasm for music, commitment to excellence, and positive attitude make him an outstanding representative of our brass section and a role model for his peers.

Caden Scire – Grade 12; Roxbury High School; Nominated by Jeffrey Conrad

Caden is an excellent young musician and an outstanding student. He is a leader in our band program, both through his commitment to his musical preparation and through his demeanor and support of his peers. His hard work, preparation, dedication, and kindness have made him an invaluable asset to the Roxbury Band Program.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2025-2026 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

Video: Jefferson Township Council Meeting – December 3, 2025

By
Frank Cahill
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Jefferson Township

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township Council Meeting – December 3, 2025.

Click here to view the agenda.

Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, unless otherwise noticed or as amended during the year by a vote of the Township Council.  Meetings are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Please check the Township Calendar (located on the website) for the exact dates and times. In 2025, there is one monthly meeting in July, August, and November.

Mayor

Eric F. Wilsusen (Republican)

Term expires: December 31, 2026

Township Council

Robert Birmingham (Republican — Council President)
Term expires: December 31, 2028

Josh Kalish (Republican — Council Vice President)
Term expires: December 31, 2026

Melissa Senatore (Republican)
Term expires: December 31, 2026

Barbie Garruto (Republican)
Term expires: December 31, 2028

Dan Schultz (Republican)
Term expires: December 31, 2028

Two Whippany Men Arrested After Drug Incident Inside School Bus

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

HANOVER — On November 17, 2025, Hanover Police Officer Matthew Gallagher arrested Tyler Metallidis, 19, and Alex Bueno, 20, both of Whippany, on multiple drug-related charges and criminal trespass after officers discovered the pair inside a parked school bus.

Police were dispatched following a report that individuals were inside a school bus and possibly using controlled dangerous substances. When officers arrived, they located both men inside the bus and determined that each was under the influence of controlled dangerous substances.

According to police, Mr. Bueno was found in possession of three different substances, while Mr. Metallidis was found in possession of twenty-six different substances, along with hypodermic syringes.

Both individuals were transported to police headquarters for processing.
Mr. Bueno was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of prescription legend drugs, being under the influence of controlled dangerous substances, and criminal trespass. Due to his level of intoxication, he was transported to a hospital for his own safety.

Mr. Metallidis was charged with multiple counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances, possession of prescription legend drugs, being under the influence of controlled dangerous substances, multiple counts of possessing hypodermic syringes, multiple counts of distributing prescription legend drugs, and criminal trespass. He 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.

Dover Man Charged After Road Rage Incident on Route 10

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER — On November 15, 2025, Hanover Township Police Officer Brian Morrisroe arrested Gersel Montero, 44, of Dover, for simple assault following a reported road rage incident on Route 10 west.

Patrol officers responded to the shoulder of the highway after receiving a report of two drivers involved in a confrontation. Once on scene, officers found both vehicles pulled over. According to police, the drivers became involved in a road rage dispute, during which Mr. Montero allegedly spit on the other driver.

Mr. Montero was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was charged with simple assault and later released pending a court date.

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.

Hanover Township Police Report More Than 2,400 Calls for Service in November

By
Frank Cahill
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Hanover

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The Hanover Township Police Department has released its monthly activity statistics for November 2025, reflecting a steady pace of community policing, emergency response, and proactive patrols throughout the township.

According to the department, officers responded to 2,495 calls for service during the month, demonstrating the wide range of situations that require police assistance on a daily basis.

The November report highlights several key categories:

  • Arrests: 58
  • Motor Vehicle Crashes: 79
  • DWI Arrests: 4
  • Alarms (Burglar/Fire): 95
  • Medical Aids: 165
  • Property Checks: 1,020

These numbers underscore the department’s continued commitment to maintaining public safety, assisting residents, and supporting emergency services. Property checks—totaling more than one thousand—remain a core part of officers’ proactive patrol strategy, helping deter criminal activity and maintain visibility in business districts and residential neighborhoods.

In addition, the department handled 165 medical aid calls, often assisting EMS teams and providing critical support during emergencies. Officers also managed 79 motor vehicle crashes, a reminder of the ongoing importance of roadway safety as traffic increases during the holiday season.

The Hanover Township Police Department regularly publishes monthly statistics to provide transparency and keep residents informed about public safety trends within the community.

Residents can follow the department for updates and safety tips on social media at @HanoverNJPolice on both Instagram and Facebook.

Mountain Lakes Students Create Braille Menu for Hapgoods

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Hapgoods Restaurant and Bar is celebrating a remarkable act of service and inclusion thanks to two local students, Ethan Wu and Jason Dimitrov, whose thoughtful initiative is already making an impact within the community.

Ethan and Jason recently created a fully accessible Braille menu for Hapgoods, ensuring that guests with visual impairments can enjoy a more independent and welcoming dining experience. Their project reflects compassion, dedication, and a deep understanding of what it means to strengthen a community through meaningful action.

Hapgoods representatives expressed heartfelt gratitude for the students’ contribution, noting that their work has already benefitted customers and helped advance the restaurant’s efforts to be more inclusive.

“Thank you, Ethan and Jason, for helping make Hapgoods more inclusive and welcoming for everyone,” the restaurant shared. “Your initiative shows what real community impact looks like.”

Their accomplishment serves as an inspiring example for other young people, demonstrating how a single idea—carried out with heart—can make a significant difference.

Message from the Office of Mayor Jason Karr

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Screenshot

Dear Morris Plains Residents,

We hope you are all doing well. As we and our police department are aware, there have been recent coyote sightings in different areas of Morris Plains. After speaking with Animal Control and New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, we want to share some helpful information and reassure everyone that coyotes are a native species in New Jersey and an important part of our local ecosystem.
Coyotes are generally shy, cautious animals, but they can also be curious, especially when exploring new areas or following scents. This curiosity is normal and does not mean they are being aggressive. In most cases, coyotes prefer to keep their distance from people and will avoid interaction whenever possible. Their primary focus is on small prey and navigating their territory—not engaging with residents.

Basic Coyote & Human Safety Tips
•Secure your trash: Keep garbage cans tightly closed and avoid leaving bags or food waste outdoors where coyotes can access them.
•Remove attractants: Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
•Supervise pets: Always keep dogs on a leash, especially near wooded or brushy areas. Stay extra alert during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
•Protect small pets: Don’t leave small dogs or cats unsupervised outside, even in fenced yards—coyotes can jump fences.
•Avoid feeding wildlife: Feeding coyotes (even unintentionally) causes them to lose fear of humans, increasing risk for everyone.
•Make your presence known: If you encounter a coyote, make yourself look big, wave your arms, and use a firm, loud voice. This technique helps reinforce their natural wariness.
•Walk confidently: Stick to well-lit paths and avoid thick brush when walking at night or early morning.
•Install deterrents: Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or noise devices can discourage coyotes from approaching your property.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife advises that the best approach is to leave them alone and give them space. When unprovoked, coyotes typically pose no threat.
It’s also important to know that relocating coyotes is not recommended. They are social, territorial, pack-oriented animals, and moving them can disrupt their natural behavior and create more issues. As long as they are not approaching people or acting unusually, they are not considered a danger.
What to Do if You See a Coyote

  • Stay calm and give it plenty of space.
  • Understand that a coyote may pause and look around out of curiosity, not hostility.
  • Do not approach, feed, or attempt to scare it aggressively.
  • In most cases, the coyote will move along on its own.

When to Call for Help
Never hesitate to call and let us know about any sightings. If you observe a coyote displaying signs of aggression, unusual behavior, or potential rabies, please call 911 immediately so authorities can respond appropriately.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we continue to coexist with the wildlife that shares our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you,
Mayor Jason Karr

Guitar Virtuosos Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo to Headline Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert

By
Frank Cahill
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saxophonist Luka Milinkovic

MADISON — Renowned guitarists Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo will take center stage at the New Jersey Jazz Society’s Jersey Jazz LIVE! concert at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, held at the Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Road.

Admission is $15.00 for NJJS members, $20.00 for non-members, and $5.00 for students with a valid ID. Tickets are available by clicking here. Light refreshments will be offered for purchase.

Guitar Duo: Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo

Vignola and Raniolo, celebrated for their technical brilliance and dynamic stage presence, have performed more than 1,000 concerts across 17 countries, captivating audiences with a repertoire that seamlessly shifts from Rimsky-Korsakov classics to timeless selections from the Great American Songbook.

Before the featured performance, the program will showcase rising young talent in a Rising Stars opening set by a quartet from Summit High School. Led by alto saxophonist Luka Milinkovic, a member of this year’s New Jersey All-State Jazz Ensemble, the group also includes Jeremy Oh on drums, Gavin Lowenberger on bass, and Nicolas Solis-Negron on piano.

The concert promises a vibrant afternoon of musicianship, featuring established jazz masters alongside the next generation of New Jersey talent.

Hanover Set to Rock Around the Christmas Tree This Saturday Night

By
Frank Cahill
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Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER — Hanover Township is gearing up for a festive and family-friendly evening as Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher hosts Rocking Around the Christmas Tree: A Big Holiday Sing-Along with Santa this Saturday, December 6. The celebration is presented in partnership with The 200 Club of Morris County, the Cedar Knolls Fire Department, the Whippany Fire Department, and the Hanover Township Police.

The community is invited to gather at Double Tap Brewing, 50 Parsippany Road, Whippany, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Live holiday music will be performed by 1Adam12, featuring:

• Tom Ace Gallagher – Drums

• Dan Gallagher – Guitar

• Michael Stanzilis – Bass

• Michael Cifelli – Keyboards

• Carolyn Loh O’Hanlon – Vocals

• Thom O’Hanlon – Vocals

• Carolyn Dempsey – Vocals

The evening will also include a special appearance by Bill McCabe.

Residents from across Hanover are encouraged to join in the singing, enjoy the holiday cheer, and celebrate with Mayor Gallagher and the township’s first responders for a night that promises warmth, music, and community spirit.

North Dover Elementary Celebrates National STEAM Day with Schoolwide Innovation and Hands-On Learning

By
Frank Cahill
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Students at North Dover Elementary dive into hands-on activities during National STEAM Day, exploring engineering, creativity, and problem-solving across all grade levels.

DOVER — North Dover Elementary proudly celebrated National STEAM Day on November 14, giving every student—from Kindergarten through Grade 6—the opportunity to participate in engaging, hands-on activities across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

Throughout the day, classrooms buzzed with creativity, problem-solving, and exploration as students rotated through age-appropriate design challenges that encouraged critical thinking and teamwork.

Kindergarten students kicked off the excitement by building scarecrows, engineering standing field goals, and designing inventive turkey traps. Each project encouraged creativity, early engineering concepts, and fine-motor development.

First Grade students constructed turkey hideouts using flexible building materials, learning foundational lessons in structure and stability.

In Second Grade, students assembled three-dimensional pumpkins, practicing sequencing, spatial reasoning, and precision.

Third Grade classrooms transformed into engineering labs as students explored robotic hand construction, marble mazes, and fast-paced paper-building challenges designed to strengthen problem-solving skills.

Fourth Grade focused on collaboration through the beloved “Save Fred” STEM challenge, requiring students to work together, communicate effectively, and think critically under pressure.

Fifth Grade took STEAM learning to new heights—literally—by launching balloon rockets, testing paper airplane designs, building ramps, engineering spaghetti-and-marshmallow towers, and experimenting with buoyancy through cranberry raft construction.

Sixth Grade students explored structural engineering by constructing towers made of toothpicks and play dough, discovering firsthand how height impacts stability and how design choices influence strength.

National STEAM Day at North Dover Elementary served as a powerful reminder of the excitement of inquiry-based learning. Students demonstrated curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance—core skills that inspire future innovators and leaders.

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