Jay Thomson, President of Benson Thomson Agency, Inc., and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling
DOVER — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling recently led an insightful seminar at the Morris County Library, focusing on estate planning and the serious implications of dying without a will. Special guest Jay Thomson, President of Benson Thomson Agency, Inc., provided valuable insights into surety bonds, enhancing the discussion for attendees.
“Around 40% of estate cases that come through the Morris County Surrogate’s Court are administrations, meaning someone passed without a will. These conversations are crucial to help families avoid unnecessary complications,” stated Surrogate Darling.
The seminar was accessible through multiple platforms, offering in-person attendance, webinar participation, and live streaming to allow residents to join in their preferred format. Surrogate Darling’s commitment to sharing important information through various channels reflects her dedication to serving Morris County residents and ensuring the Surrogate’s Office resources are easily accessible.
For more information about the Morris County Surrogate’s Office and upcoming events, please visit www.morrissurrogate.com.
Marybeth Bull (right), Director of Development for Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ (BBBSCNJ),
and Mairéad Togneri, AVP/Retail Relationship Mgr. at Kearny
Bank’s Neptune City branch and a BBBSCNJ board member.
MORRIS COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey, with locations in Morristown and Asbury Park, recently received a $7,000 donation from the KearnyBank Foundation. This funding will support their one-on-one youth mentoring programs across Bergen, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, and Passaic counties, helping young people address challenges related to poverty, gang involvement, substance abuse, and special needs.
“Kearny Bank is dedicated to helping children build brighter futures,” said Mairéad Togneri, Assistant Vice President and Retail Relationship Manager at Kearny Bank’s Neptune City branch, who also serves on Big Brothers Big Sisters’ board. “We’re thrilled to contribute to the impactful work Big Brothers Big Sisters does in our community.”
About Kearny Bank: Founded in 1884 and headquartered in Fairfield, NJ, Kearny Bank combines traditional community banking with modern financial tools, serving clients throughout New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Further information is available at kearnybank.com.
BOONTON — The Compton Gallery at 904 Main Street in Boonton will host an exhibition titled “Poignant Moments,” showcasing the paintings and sculptures of artist Michael McFadden. The show runs from Sunday, October 27, through Sunday, December 1.
Visitors to the gallery can expect a vibrant display of color-rich paintings, whimsical sculptures, and watercolor collages that embody McFadden’s distinctive style of figurative abstraction. According to organizer Doris Ettlinger, McFadden’s work brings together vivid, abstract forms with deeply personal themes.
McFadden draws inspiration from both significant memories and the picturesque landscape surrounding his home, a nineteenth-century grist mill on the banks of the Musconetcong River. From his studio, he captures not the literal view, but rather an emotional essence, using expressive brushstrokes on rice paper to create shapes that he arranges into images. His works on canvas or linen are painted with a richly colored, acrylic-like medium, bringing depth and texture to his compositions.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, McFadden has a background in teaching; he spent sixteen years instructing students in technology, design, and art at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Clinton Township. He currently resides in Hampton Borough, Hunterdon County.
The arrival of Santa Claus was a moment of pure delight for children of all ages.
HANOVER — The Whippany Fire Department is once again bringing holiday cheer to the community with its annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa, scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Non. The event will take place at the Whippany Fire House, located at 10 Troy Hills Road.
This beloved community tradition allows residents to enjoy a hearty breakfast alongside Santa Claus, marking the official start of the holiday season. The firehouse will transform into a festive setting, offering families a chance to partake in a delightful breakfast while creating cherished holiday memories.
The Whippany Fire Company members will prepare a generous breakfast spread featuring pancakes, scrambled eggs, sizzling sausages, and fresh juices. Attendees can also enjoy Santa’s favorite—steaming hot coffee and tea. The event is designed to appeal to all ages, with plenty of food and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages community bonding.
In addition to the meal, families will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa Claus, making it a perfect way to capture the magic of the season. Santa will be available for photos throughout the morning, providing a memorable experience for children and their families. The photos, set against the backdrop of the firehouse’s truck bays, are expected to become treasured keepsakes for years to come.
Community Tradition and Fundraising
The Pancake Breakfast is a significant fundraising event for the Whippany Fire Department, with proceeds going toward supporting the department’s operations, equipment maintenance, and community outreach efforts. The Whippany Fire Department plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community, and events like this allow residents to give back while enjoying a festive occasion.
Tickets Available
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast can be purchased in advance via Eventbrite or at the door on the day of the event. The event is open to the public, and the Fire Department encourages residents from Whippany and surrounding areas to attend.
With nearly 200 people expected to participate, the event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, offering food, fun, and a chance to support the first responders who serve the community year-round.
For more information or to purchase tickets, residents are encouraged to visit the Whippany Fire Department’s official website or Eventbrite page.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Board of County Commissioners last night approved $1.3 million in grants for seven trail projects, reinforcing their commitment to expanding outdoor recreational amenities and providing residents with greater opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection to nature throughout Morris County.
The grants will fund the design of four trails and complete construction on three others in municipalities across the county, including Morristown, Mendham Borough, Morris Plains, Randolph Township, Denville, East Hanover, and Montville.
“This program has grown beyond our expectations, providing invaluable recreational spaces and boosting the quality of life for our residents,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “With careful planning and engineering, these trails will serve as long-lasting assets for our communities.”
Burnham Park Trails (Morristown): $107,445 to design a 1.03-mile trail, featuring pavement and boardwalk access to ponds, athletic fields, and recreational areas in Burnham Park, Washington Street, and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm.
Borough Park and Arboretum Trail (Mendham Borough): $28,000 for a 0.55-mile paved trail, linking Main Street to local parks and ball fields.
Community Park Trail (Morris Plains): $31,278 for a 0.75-mile gravel loop trail around recreational facilities and the community pool, with lane striping included.
Rosenfarb-Guerin Farms Trail (Randolph): $93,148 to design a 1.14-mile gravel and boardwalk trail connecting Dover Chester Road to Calais Road, Veterans Community Park, and Patriot’s Path.
Construction Project Recommendations:
Knuth Fields Walking Trail, Phase Two (Denville): $304,000 to complete a 0.6-mile paved trail connecting recreational areas and local schools.
Lurker Park Walking Path, Phase Two (East Hanover): $212,000 to complete a 1.06-mile trail with mulch, gravel, and boardwalk bridges, linking River Road to Patriot’s Path and other recreation areas.
Waughaw Valley Trail (Montville): $537,638 to finalize construction of a 1.31-mile gravel trail with bridge crossings, designed for both biking and hiking around Route 202 and Towaco Center.
Since the launch of the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program in 2016, the county has authorized 54 grants for projects spanning nearly 29 miles of trails. The program is funded through the voter-approved Preservation Trust Fund, which was established in 1992 and modified in 2014 to include recreational trail development. With these latest approvals, the county’s total investment in public trails exceeds $6.5 million.
“The variety and scale of these projects demonstrate how much we value creating accessible and well-maintained outdoor spaces,” said Shaw. “From short community paths to multi-use greenways, our trail network continues to grow and benefit residents of all ages.”
For more information about the Trail Construction Grant Program, visit the county’s website.
October 26: Safely Dispose of Expired Prescriptions at Morris County Drop-Off Locations
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Hanover Township Chief Michael Loock, Morris Plains Borough Chief of Police Mike Koroski, Morris Township Chief of Police Robert Shearer, and Randolph Township Chief of Police Will Harzula announce that on Saturday, October 26 2024, they will be participating in the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day program.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a semi-annual event coordinated nationally by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in which law enforcement agencies at the state, county, and municipal level work collectively to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the nation.
The goal of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is to encourage the public to anonymously turn over unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medicine for proper disposal. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris Plains Borough Police Department, the Morris Township Police Department, and the Randolph Township Police Department in this effort to reduce abuse and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. At its conclusion, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office will collect the discarded prescription drugs and properly destroy them in a safe and non-hazardous manner.
During this event, satellite collection sites will be operating from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., including at the following Morris County locations,
ACME Supermarket 690 Millbrook Ave. Randolph, New Jersey 07869
Shoprite of Greater Morristown 178 East Hanover Ave. Cedar Knolls, New Jersey 07927
Stop and Shop Supermarket 245 Littleton Rd./US 202 Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950
Wegmans 34 Sylvan Way Hanover, NJ 07981
If you are unable to drop off your medication at one of these locations, you can utilize any other permanent drop box locations nearest you, by checking here.
Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, is a member of the "Commissioners"
HANOVER — Double Tap Brewery of Whippany is hosting a Classic Rock Halloween Party on Friday, October 25th at 6:30 p.m.
The musical event will highlight the ‘Commissioners’ who are a Whippany-based band including John Desena, Dan Gallagher, Michael Cifelli, Kevin Hummel, and Mayor Thomas Ace Gallagher on the drums.
DENVILLE – A Denville man was taken into custody on Sunday after allegedly hitting a police officer with his vehicle while attempting to flee a traffic stop in Denville Township.
On October 20, a Denville police officer initiated a traffic stop on Indian Road. During the stop, it was discovered that the driver, Liam Harrigan, 27, had an active NCIC warrant from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
When officers attempted to arrest Harrigan, he fled the scene, striking an officer with his vehicle. The officer sustained minor injuries, according to the police report.
Shortly after the incident, the New Jersey State Police found Harrigan’s abandoned vehicle on Interstate 80 eastbound in Fairfield Township. Denville Police Detectives continued the investigation and located Harrigan at a Costco in Wayne Township, where he was apprehended with assistance from the Wayne Police Department.
Harrigan faces numerous charges, including eluding, obstruction, hindering apprehension, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, assault by auto, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), and several motor vehicle violations such as reckless driving, failure to report an accident, and disregard for a stop sign.
Following his arrest, Harrigan was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remains awaiting a future court date.
Editors 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 reasonable doubt.
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Esq.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) was recently honored with the “Legislator of the Year Award” by the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey on October 9, 2024.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey for this prestigious award,” said Sen. Pennacchio. “From county clerks and registers of deeds and mortgages to sheriffs and surrogates, our constitutional officers provide essential, invaluable services to the people of New Jersey and serve the Garden State with honor and dignity.”
The Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey is a group of elected county sheriffs, clerks, surrogates, and registers of deeds and mortgages across the State. They present the Legislator of the Year Award to lawmakers who show a commitment to improving the effectiveness of public service in New Jersey.
“It was my honor to award Senator Pennacchio with Legislator of the Year. Senator Pennacchio has been a long-time friend to the Constitutional Officers by creating commonsense legislation that better enables us to fulfill our obligations to the communities we serve,” said Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling, Esq.
Jigar Shah, Mayor James Barberio, Commissioner Deborah Smith and Douglas Cabana, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Stu Lasser, Commissioner John Krickus, Betty Cass-Schmidt, Sen. Joe Pennachio, Sen. Anthony Bucco, KC, Dave Helmer (back), Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella and Matt Manzi of the Morris County Park Commission.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners joined the Morris County Park Commission and local leaders at Lewis Morris County Park yesterday to dedicate two new cricket fields in honor of Russell W. Myers, the first Director of the Morris County Park Commission.
Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association Danny Desai, Casey Parikh, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, and Mukund Parekh
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone in accommodating the growing popularity of cricket within the county. Among those joining the event were State Senator Joe Pennachio (Morris-26), State Senator Anthony Bucco (Morris-25), Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Sheriff James M. Gannon, and representatives of the New Jersey Softball Cricket League. Cricket players from the league, including members of Teams Titans XL and Parsippany Sports Cricket XL, showcased their skills at the event.
“I thank my fellow Commissioners for supporting this project, which started in 2023 when the board passed a resolution to fund the fields,” said Commissioner John Krickus, who served as Commissioner Director when planning for the fields began.
The project’s roots go back several years, when the growing Indian American community in Parsippany Township began searching for more places to play cricket, a popular sport in Britain, India, and many other places around the world. Sen. Pennacchio and Mayor Barberio took up the search, approaching Executive Director Dave Helmer of the Park Commission, which has been accommodating cricket team games for years on picnic grounds.
Commissioner John Krickus awaits a pitch at the Russell W. Myers Recreation Area Cricket Fields in Lewis Morris County Park.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners stepped in last year and agreed to finance the development of two cricket fields at Lewis Morris Park when the Park Commission identified an open field area.
“These new cricket fields reflect our commitment to providing a myriad of recreational opportunities for all Morris County residents,” said Commissioner Doug Cabana, liaison to the Morris County Park Commission.
The dedication honored the late Russell W. Myers, who served as Director of the Morris County Park Commission from 1957 to 1983. Under his leadership, the park system expanded dramatically, and his legacy continues to shape Morris County’s recreational spaces today.
The newly developed cricket grounds, located in the Russell W. Myers Recreation Area, will serve as a dedicated space for cricket beginning in spring 2025. Cricketers will need to schedule the use of the fields through the Park Commission.
But the county commissioners, park commissioners, senators, and other dignitaries gave the fields an unofficial test yesterday, taking turns tossing and batting a few cricket balls with various players who attended to dedication.
“Developing plans for this site and learning more about the sport of cricket by collaborating with Amin Khatri, Trustee of the New Jersey Soft Ball Cricket League, was a rewarding experience. We’re thrilled to provide a space where our local teams can play and grow,” said Helmer, who emphasized the teamwork involved in the project.
The two fields are tailored for the softball version of cricket. The site, previously used for overflow parking, is located close to restroom facilities in the park and has ample parking on-site and nearby.
“We ask our immigrant friends to assimilate, but it’s a two-way street. Your culture, traditions, and recreation enrich the American experience. Enjoy these wonderful fields that have been created,” said Senator Pennachio, who is a first-generation Italian American. “Leaders of the Parsippany Indian community told me that having a cricket field was important to them. If it was important to them, it became important to me. Credit goes to Commissioner Krickus and the County Commissioners for making this happen.”
“I want to thank Jigar Shah, Parsippany’s liaison to the Indian community, and I want to thank Commissioner Krickus and the County Commissioners. In Parsippany, we have the largest Indian population in the county and now players from all municipalities will have a place to play. This field is going to be amazing. The county kept their promise to get it done, and they got it done,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.
The ribbon-cutting was also attended by Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Deputy Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Park Commission President Stuart Lasser, Betty Cass-Schmidt, and Richard Seabury III, who are also on the Park Commission.
The $225,140 construction contract awarded to Aspen Landscaping of Bridgewater, included grading and shaping approximately four acres, installation of a cricket pitch, spreading topsoil, fine grading, hydro seeding, and watering. Full play is expected by spring 2025.
Lewis Morris County Park, established in 1958 as the county’s first park, has grown from 350 acres to 2,213 acres, making it the second-largest park in the Morris County system.
