Veterans Across New Jersey Receive Heartfelt Thanksgiving Messages
MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and her office collected and distributed thousands of Thanksgiving Thank Yous for veterans across New Jersey, written by residents from the 11th District of New Jersey.
“Thank you to all of the students and community members who participated in this year’s Thanksgiving Thank Yous for Veterans program. Our veterans and their families make immense sacrifices to protect us and it is important that, around Thanksgiving, we take the time to show our appreciation for their service to our nation. I know that the cards were truly enjoyed by veterans across New Jersey,” said Representative Sherrill.
The fourth annual Thanksgiving Thank Yous Program provided an opportunity to say thank you to local veterans and active-duty service members in the community. Notes were distributed to military and VA facilities; veteran service providers; and VFWs and American Legions across New Jersey. Thank Yous collected by Representative Sherrill’s office were distributed to organizations that serve New Jersey’s veterans and service members, including:
•United States Coast Guard Training Center, Cape May •Preakness Healthcare Center •Morris County Veterans Services Office •Picatinny Arsenal •Boonton Fireman’s Home •Community Hope •Paramus Veterans Memorial Home •Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home •Vineland Veterans Memorial Home
Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, alongside the Morris Hills High School Key Club, served over 175 meals at the Kenvil IHOP. Photo by Leonardo Garcia.
MORRIS COUNTY — This week, Kiwanis Clubs in Northern New Jersey embraced the holiday spirit by serving over 300 hot turkey dinners to senior citizens and individuals in need, spreading warmth and compassion throughout the community.
“We are honored to partner with the Kiwanis Clubs and Key Club students to host this meaningful event,” said Mo Abdehady, owner of IHOP. “Providing a warm meal and a welcoming space for our senior citizens and those in need is truly special, and we’re proud to be part of such a heartfelt community effort.”
The Morristown High School Key Club, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Morristown, volunteered their time and energy to serve turkey dinners to senior citizens and individuals in need. Their dedication and teamwork embodied the spirit of the season, ensuring every guest felt welcomed and cared for during the event.
In Cedar Knolls, the Morristown Kiwanis Club, in partnership with the Morristown High School Key Club, hosted an event at the Cedar Knolls IHOP, serving over 100 meals. Key Club students greeted guests, guided them to tables, took their orders, and served a hearty meal of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
Kiwanis Club of Morristown President, Sarah Togawa, extended the spirit of giving by personally delivering hot meals to residents who were unable to attend the Thanksgiving dinner at IHOP. Her thoughtful efforts ensured that everyone, regardless of circumstance, could enjoy a warm meal and feel included in the holiday celebration.
Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty joined residents at IHOP, sharing in the warmth and camaraderie of a Thanksgiving dinner. His presence highlighted the spirit of community and gratitude, as everyone came together to enjoy a hearty meal and meaningful connections during the holiday season.Colonial Coach generously donated a bus to provide transportation for guests who needed a ride to the dinner, ensuring everyone could participate in the event and enjoy the meal together.
Guests also took home pies—generously sponsored by Barbara Freda of Genesis Health Care and Michelle Gabayoyo, Home Care Director—choosing from Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Apple, Apple Crumb, or Coconut. The pies, provided by ShopRite Parsippany at a discount, added a sweet finishing touch to the day.
On Tuesday, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, alongside the Morris Hills High School Key Club, served over 175 meals at the Kenvil IHOP. Key Club students once again provided a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring guests enjoyed a delicious meal and attentive service. Sponsored by Frank Cahill of Focus Publications, guests also received pies courtesy of ShopRite Parsippany.
Percy Zegarra of Premier Car Service and the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs provided transportation that made this event accessible to our seniors, ensuring everyone could participate in the celebration and enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, alongside the Morris Hills High School Key Club, served over 175 meals at the Kenvil IHOP. Photo by Leonardo Garcia.Frank Cahill, NJ District Governor-Elect, demonstrated the true spirit of service by personally attending to a table of Townsquare Senior Singles, ensuring they felt welcome and cared for during the Thanksgiving dinner. His hands-on approach exemplified the Kiwanis’ commitment to fostering community and connection. Photo by Leonardo Garcia.Michelle Espada and Dover Councilman Geovani Estacio ensured that each guest received a pie, generously sponsored by Frank Cahill, Publisher of Dover Focus. Their efforts added a sweet conclusion to the event, leaving attendees with a memorable and heartfelt experience. Photo by Leonardo Garcia.
On Wednesday, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, joined by the Parsippany Hills High School Key Club, Parsippany High School Key Club, and Mountain Lakes High School Key Club, served over 100 meals at the Parsippany IHOP. Students continued their tradition of hospitality, creating a warm and inclusive environment for all attendees. Barbara Freda and Michelle Gabayoyo once again sponsored the pies, allowing guests to leave with a sweet treat for the holiday. In addition, Cahill and Lt. Governor Nicolas Limanov started the afternoon by delivering hot meals to residents in Parsippany, who are disabled and couldn’t make the trip.
Key Club members enthusiastically stepped up to serve food during the event, embodying the core values of leadership and service. They welcomed guests with warm smiles, took orders, and delivered plates filled with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and more. Their dedication and teamwork ensured a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance. Photo by Giovanni DiDomenico, ShopMorris County.
“Heartfelt thanks to all the amazing volunteers who came together to serve our seniors today! Your kindness, dedication, and hard work brought smiles and joy to our community. A special shoutout to the Kiwanis Club for your unwavering support and partnership—your passion for service is an inspiration to everyone. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact, creating a day full of love and connection. Let’s continue to spread positivity, one act of kindness at a time,” said Edgar Ortega, General Manager of Parsippany IHOP.
Guests also took home pies—generously sponsored by Barbara Freda of Genesis Health Care and Michelle Gabayoyo, Home Care Director—choosing from Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Apple, Apple Crumb, or Coconut. Photo by Giovanni DiDomenico, ShopMorris County.
Special thanks to Michele Picone, Director of Health and Human Services for coordinating with the seniors making sure everyone was not alone and had an opportunity for a hot meal.
The Parsippany Transit System ensured senior citizens could join the festivities by providing transportation to IHOP, where they enjoyed a hot dinner served by the dedicated Kiwanis Key Club students. This thoughtful service highlighted the community’s commitment to making the event accessible and enjoyable for all.
Justin Chen, New Jersey Key Club Governor, and Janvi Singh, Lt. Governor of Division 17 NJ Key Club, joined the effort, lending their leadership and support to this meaningful community initiative.
“This has been a project of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for many years,” said Frank Cahill, NJ District Governor-Elect and member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. “We added the other clubs last year and continued the tradition this year.”
The initiative, coordinated by Cahill, showcased the strength of community, collaboration, and compassion, demonstrating the impact of service during the holiday season.
Dover Councilwoman Claudia Toro and Carlos Caprioli
DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd, joined by Councilmembers Claudia Toro and Sergio Rodriguez, celebrated a special community moment at the Dover Public Library: the launch of Carlos Caprioli’s new book, Parque Chas.
Renowned for his captivating storytelling and dynamic character development, Carlos delighted attendees by sharing insights into his writing process, and inspirations, and answering audience questions.
The event was a wonderful tribute to a talented Dover author. Congratulations, Carlos, on this incredible accomplishment, and best wishes for continued success on your literary journey!
The launch of Carlos Caprioli’s new book, Parque Chas.
Children Make Up 20% of Homeless Population Amid Statewide Housing Crisis
MORRIS COUNTY — In light of a troubling 24% increase in New Jersey’s homeless population from 2023 to 2024, Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) is urging local, state, and federal leaders to collaborate on addressing the state’s deepening homelessness crisis and severe lack of affordable housing options.
“Homelessness is a human issue that transcends politics,” Bucco stated. “A 24 percent surge in homelessness is unacceptable. We have the resources and capability to create a comprehensive solution, but we must set aside egos and prioritize helping our fellow citizens.”
According to a recent report from NJ.com, over 12,000 individuals in New Jersey are now homeless, with more than one-fifth of them being children.
“I was proud to support the establishment of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, but it’s clear that our current approach is not working,” Bucco added. “This is not a time for finger-pointing—it’s time for action. We need to bring everyone to the table, including individuals experiencing homelessness, and have honest conversations about all possible solutions. Only then can we craft a meaningful response.”
The top contributors to homelessness in New Jersey include being asked to leave a shared residence, loss or reduction of income, and eviction or the risk of eviction.
Morris County has seen one of the sharpest increases in homelessness, with a 45.9% rise from 466 individuals in 2023 to 680 in 2024. This follows a 32.8% increase from 2022 to 2023, when the number rose from 351 to 466.
Senator Bucco, a long-time advocate for tackling homelessness and improving affordability, has sponsored several bills aimed at alleviating the crisis:
S825: Waives identification card fees for individuals with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
S889: Establishes a grant program for homeless veterans shelters.
S2573: Directs the Department of Community Affairs to end veteran homelessness within three years.
SCR84: Calls on the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to prioritize transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, including survivors of domestic violence.
“Now is the time for bold action,” Bucco concluded. “New Jerseyans deserve solutions that bring dignity, stability, and opportunity to everyone.”
Morris County Commissioner Deborah Smith, Denise Bell and Commissioner John Krickus.
MORRIS COUNTY – Friends, colleagues, and associates gathered at the County College of Morris (CCM) last week to celebrate Denise M. Bell, the Executive Administrative Assistant to the President and Recording Secretary to the Board of Trustees, who is retiring after more than thirty years of exemplary service. Commissioners Deborah Smith and John Krickus, liaisons to CCM, presented a framed Resolution of Honor to Bell on behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners during festivities held in the college’s Learning Resource Center in Randolph.
“Denise has been an integral part of the success, growth, and daily functioning of CCM. Her dedication and kindness have profoundly impacted the college and the greater Morris County community,” said Commissioner Smith, reflecting on Bell’s remarkable career.
“Denise pours 110 percent into anything that she does. Our hearts plummeted when she told us a year ago what her plans were. But true to who she is, everything is planned and organized. She has helped us prepare for this day and we are going to miss her enormously,” said CCM President Anthony Iacono. “We are going to miss how she leads this office and the friend she is, but we are equally happy for her as well.”
Senator Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, Kellie Doucette on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and the College Board of Trustees also honored Denise in her retirement.
“Smiles are contagious. When you walk anywhere at county college and Denise is there, everybody has a smile on their face. She is truly going to be missed. When I am on campus, I will miss being greeted by her smile and the warm, welcoming personality that she has,” said Senator Anthony Bucco, who presented Bell a joint Assembly citation.
Among her long list of responsibilities, Bell served as a liaison for the president and the board to state and federal agencies. She developed presentations for elected officials and industry leaders, in addition to planning significant college events including press conferences, employee engagements, and commencement ceremonies. She also prepared and managed the executive budget, and coordinated travel plans for the president and the board of trustees.
The celebration concluded with the CCM Chamber Choir singing “The Journey,” a moving tribute to Bell, who thanked everyone and offered some closing words of wisdom.
“I encourage you all to laugh a lot and to be kind. Smile as much as you want and as much as you can. I’ve made so many friends here and you’re all wonderful to me. Life is made up of losses and gains. Being here was a gain. Thank you all so much,” said Denise Bell.
Upon her official retirement at the end of August, she and her husband, David, plan to relocate to the South Shore of Massachusetts to be closer to their son and daughter-in-law.
To maintain consistent operations for the office of the President and Board of Trustees, Joanne Hugues will be appointed as the Executive Administrative Assistant and Trustee Recording Secretary. Mary Earl will be appointed to the position currently held by Ms. Hugues, Executive Administrative Assistant and Community Relations Coordinator.
MORRIS COUNTY — A 19-year-old driver was tragically killed in a two-vehicle crash Thursday night in Randolph Township, according to Meghan Knab, Public Information Officer for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. at the intersection of Morris and Sussex Turnpikes. Gavin Barooah, 19, of Ledgewood, was driving a Mercedes when the collision occurred and was pronounced dead at the scene, Knab reported. The driver of the second vehicle, a Jeep, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. There were no passengers in either vehicle.
Gavin Barooah starred for the Roxbury High School Hockey team, appearing on the team from freshman through senior year. The class of 24′ graduate grew into himself his final couple of years, nabbing 7 goals, 12 assists and 19 points his junior year and an equally impressive 11 goals, 4 assists, and 15 points as a senior.
The incident remains under investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Randolph Police Department.
HANOVER — Hanover Township is gearing up for an exciting evening of fun and fitness as Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher and Superintendent Justin Toomey invite all local 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to participate in the Kickin’ It Together Kickball Game. This free event, organized under the Mayors Wellness Campaign, aims to bring the community together while promoting physical activity and teamwork among young residents.
The event is scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Hanover Township Community Center, located at 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany. Open to all eligible students in Hanover Township, the event promises an evening of energetic fun, friendly competition, and community bonding.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to come together, be active, and enjoy a positive community experience,” said Mayor Gallagher. “The Mayors Wellness Campaign is about more than just health—it’s about connection and teamwork, and this event reflects those values perfectly.”
To participate, registration is required through Community Pass under the Mayors Wellness Campaign 2024. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, December 4, by 9:00 a.m. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register early to ensure their child’s spot in this lively event.
The Kickin’ It Together Kickball Game is more than just an opportunity for physical activity; it’s a chance for Hanover Township’s youngest residents to make memories, build friendships, and strengthen ties to their community.
For more information, contact the Hanover Township Community Center or visit the Mayors Wellness Campaign webpage.
PNC Bank is located at 425 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes
MOUNTAIN LAKES — A Bergen County man admitted to robbing PNC Bank, located at 425 Boulevard in Mountain Lakes, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger confirmed.
Tony Winst, 46, of Cresskill, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court to a charge of bank robbery.
Tony Winst, 46, of Cresskill, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court to a charge of bank robbery.
425 Boulevard PNC Bank Scene of Brazen Robbery
Details of the Case
According to court documents and statements: On November 17, 2023, Winst entered PNC Bank and handed a note to the teller that read, “This is a robbery,” claiming to have a weapon. The teller complied, handing over an undisclosed amount of money, and Winst fled the scene.
Law Enforcement Responds to PNC Bank Robbery on Boulevard
Penalties and Sentencing
The bank robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Investigation and Prosecution
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, for their roles in the investigation. The Mountain Lakes Police Department, under Chief of Police Shawn Bennett, also assisted.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
MORRIS PLAINS — Morris Plains Chief of Police Michael M. Koroski, Roxbury Township Chief of Police Dean Adone, and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon announced the arrest of three individuals during an undercover operation aimed at combating organized retail theft. The operation was conducted on Saturday, November 23 by the Morris Plains and Roxbury Police Departments, with support from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and loss prevention associates.
The detail took place at a retail plaza located at the Briarcliff Commons, 1711 Route 10 East in Morris Plains. During a three-and-a-half-hour operation, officers apprehended three adults and prevented the theft of nearly $1,700 worth of merchandise, including clothing, jewelry, and perfume.
The Defendants:
Carolina Arce, 39, of Jersey City, was charged with shoplifting $664.66 worth of merchandise. She received a complaint summons for 2C:20-11B(2), a third-degree crime, and was released pending a mandatory court appearance.
Maria Ladines, 64, of Jersey City, was charged with shoplifting $371.43 worth of merchandise. She received a complaint summons for 2C:20-11B(2), a fourth-degree crime, and was released pending a mandatory court appearance.
Michael Howard, 30, of Newark, was charged with shoplifting $594.96 worth of merchandise. He received a complaint summons for 2C:20-11B(2), a third-degree crime, and was released pending a mandatory court appearance.
Leadership Praise and Prosecution Commitment
Chief Michael Koroski commended the officers for their exceptional work in executing the operation. He also thanked the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Roxbury Township Police Department, and the Morris County Communications Center for their professionalism and collaboration.
Sheriff James Gannon praised the teamwork, stating, “Chief Koroski identified a criminal pattern and successfully interrupted it. Mutual aid is vital, and we’ll continue to support these efforts.”
Chief Dean Adone of Roxbury Township emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “Proactive policing is the key to reducing theft. Law enforcement is a team effort, and this operation demonstrates the power of working together.”
Prosecutor Robert Carroll affirmed his office’s commitment to prosecuting retail theft, stating, “We will hold offenders accountable and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the diligence of the Morris Plains and Roxbury Police Departments.”
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.
Carlos Caprioli’s Parque Chas: An Afternoon of Literary Inspiration
DOVER — Dover’s own local author, Carlos Caprioli, will debut his latest book, Parque Chas, at the Dover Library, located at 32 East Clinton Street, Dover, on Saturday, November 30, at 12:00 p.m.
All are welcome to attend—no registration is required. Known for his captivating storytelling and vivid character development, Caprioli invites readers for an engaging afternoon of discussion, live readings, and a Q&A session.
Guests will also have the chance to purchase signed copies of Parque Chas and gain insight into the author’s creative process and inspirations.
