MORRIS COUNTY — PBA 298 Morris County Sheriff’s Office: Bureau of Corrections and Morris County Sheriff’s Office PBA Local 151 donated $3,000 to the Carol W. Julius A. Rippel Breast Center at Morristown Memorial Center. The donation was made in memory of Lisa Di Palma Bonfiglio, who passed away in 2009.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Correctional Facility in Morris Township has been accredited for a sixth consecutive time, mastering standards set by the American Correctional Association for jails on nutrition, security, cleanliness and quality of life.
A three-member team of auditors for the American Correctional Association, a private, non-profit corrections accrediting group, toured, examined records, and talked to staff and inmates at the 18-year-old county jail over a three-day period in May.
The tour culminated last weekend with reaccreditation of the jail during an ACA conference in New Orleans. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, jail Warden Christopher Klein and other top correctional officers answered final questions posed by an ACA panel before learning the jail was re-accredited for a three-year period.
They were told the jail had the rare distinction of being one of the few county jails in the nation that achieved 100 percent compliance scores on 383 standards evaluated by the auditors. Nationwide, fewer than 150 county jails out of more than 3,000 are accredited.
“I am truly proud of this accomplishment by the correctional facility’s sworn and civilian staff, the professionalism they show every day, and the humane environment they maintain for inmates,” said Gannon.
Warden Christopher Klein said the reaccreditation is a testament to the commitment of the facility’s staff that includes 165 sworn officers and 19 medical personnel.
“It’s always good to have outsiders come in and reaffirm the good work our staff does. The standards by the American Correctional Association are above and beyond state standards,” he said.
The jail was built for a population of 524 inmates and housed an average of 233 individuals at the time of the audit. Inmates ranged from age 18 to 75.
The audit’s findings established:
MADISON — The Investors Foundation, which provides grant funding for not-for-profit organizations that enrich the communities served by Investors Bank, has awarded The Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood with a $2,500 grant to support The Elisabeth Morrow School’s string program. Investors Bank is located at 134 Main Street, Madison.
Recently, during the dress rehearsal for its winter concert, The Elisabeth Morrow School’s string program was awarded a special grant of $2,500 from the Investors Foundation. The grant recognizes more than 23 years of excellence in the performing arts and education at the Elisabeth Morrow School and the landmark efforts of founder and director Amelia Gold. Upon receiving this generous support, Gold said “We cannot thank Investors Foundation enough for providing opportunities for our young artists and encouraging the richness of the performing arts at EMS.”
The various EMS ensembles are frequent guests at Bergen PAC, NJPAC and other performing arts venues around the area. This year alone, they opened for such diverse artists as violinists Joshua Bell and Ithak Perlman, drummer Sheila E., and ensembles the Black Violin and Sybarite5.
The Elisabeth Morrow School is a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade independent school located in Englewood. For further information click here.
BOONTON — Lakeland Bank offers tips to improve your finances in 2019. Whether you plan to make some New Year’s resolutions or not, there’s no better time than the beginning of the year to review your finances. Here are three tips to make sure you have your finances in order this year. The local branch is located at 321 West Main Street, Boonton.
Check your credit
Request your free annual credit report. This is the best way to see where you stand with your credit score. When you receive the report, review it to confirm the information is accurate and that it is free of fraudulent activity. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, the three major credit reporting agencies, are required to provide consumers with one free copy of their credit report each year. Consider contacting each agency at a different point in the year so you have the most updated information.
Create a budget
Creating a budget is one of the best ways to track what you spend and will help you identify where you can save money! It’s easy to get started:
Track all of your daily spending for at least a month to get a clear idea of your finances
Then review where you spend money and look for expenses that you can eliminate
When creating your budget include a regular payment to your savings account. Paying yourself is a great tip to boosting your savings!
Pay down debt
There are two basic strategies that can help you reduce debt – the highest interest rate method and the snowball method. The goal of the highest interest rate method is to pay off the highest interest rate debt as quickly as possible, because it is costing you the most money. The goal of the snowball method is to pay off your smallest debt as soon as possible. Do this by making the minimum payments on all of your debts, but put any extra funds toward the balance of your smallest debt to pay it off sooner. Once the smallest debt is paid off, dedicate that freed up money to the next smallest debt and so on—just like making a snowball. It may be a little overwhelming to take control of your money, but with some work, dedication and patience you can get your finances in order!
Lakeland Bank offers information on consumer loans, personal banking and financial planning on our website. Call Kathy Coffey-Biancamano, Vice President, Area Manager at (973) 316-5811. Click here for local branch details.
Lakeland Bank is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
EAST HANOVER — Capital Craft will be opening soon in the East Hanover Plaza next to Chili’s Restaurant, in the former Romano’s Macaroni Grill, 138 Route 10 West.
On August 6, 2018 a resolution was passed by the Township of East a Hanover Township Council authorizing a Person-To-Person and Place-To-Place Transfer of Alcoholic Beverage License from Mac Acquisition of New Jersey to East Hanover Restaurant trading as Capital Craft.
Capital Craft combines the warm, relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern with a menu to impress the palate. Our chef puts an eclectic, flavorful spin on what you’ve come to expect from a gastro pub. Offerings are freshly prepared, with superior ingredients like locally sourced meats, organic produce and artisan cheeses. All our burgers are hand-formed fresh every day using our custom blend of chuck, short rib and brisket.
Capital Craft offers the finest array of craft beers in the area, with 24 taps rotating daily. Choose from seasonal selections and exclusive labels hailing from the top brewers in New Jersey, the U.S., and around the globe. Don’t miss special events including tap takeovers, celebratory keg tappings, and gourmet beer dinners where you’ll have the opportunity to sample unique tastes and rare varieties. At Capital Craft, you can even selectively pair your own beer flights, making us the ultimate destination for beer lovers everywhere.
There is another Capital Craft located at 171 US Highway 22, Green Brook.
Other tenants at East Hanover Plaza are Home Goods, Sierra Trading Post, HomeSense, Petco, Pearle Vision, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Capital Craft, Target and Costco.
MORRIS COUNTY — The freshman Democratic congresswoman, Mikie Sherrill, held an open house on Monday, January 14 during the first “Monday with Mikie” event that packed supporters into her new office suite located at 8 Wood Hollow Road.
“An accessible, centrally-located district office is incredibly important to me and my staff,” said Sherrill. “I am looking forward to welcoming residents to their New Jersey office and continuing an open dialogue with the community.”
“I had promised one of first things I would do is have a Monday with Mikie. I want to make sure I’m as accessible as possible,” said Sherrill, with the first town hall meeting set for next Tuesday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hanover Community Center.
When the shutdown is resolved, she plans to press hard for the Gateway Tunnel project, and work with New Jersey’s delegation to reverse the federal cap on state and local tax deductions, she said.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano said “I am elated to have Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill open her congressional office in our town. Aside from the fact that the people of Parsippany overwhelmingly showed their support for Mikie last November. Parsippany is a smart choice because we sit at the crossroads of North Jersey.”
“I’m really glad I had the opportunity to meet Mikie Sherrill at “Monday with Mikie.” Listening to her speak at the event strengthened my confidence in both her leadership and convictions. It’s refreshing to have an accessible representative who will bring the concerns of all constituents, even high school students like me, to Washington. I look forward to following everything she accomplishes for NJ District 11″ said Parsippany High School Senior Bella Rocco.
Monday’s crowd of about 100 people included Morris County Democratic Chairman Chip Robinson, Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano, Former Parsippany Mayor Mimi Letts, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov and Morristown’s First Lady Mary Dougherty, a realtor who helped Sherrill find the Parsippany office space.
Communications Directory Jackie Burns said “Office furniture and computer equipment was removed from Frelinghuysen’s office and is our office, but phones, and internet and some other essential needs to be established.”
The new office is located at 8 Wood Hollow Road, Suite 203 and will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The NJ Transit bus stop on Smith Road at Wood Hollow Road is a block away from the office. It is served by the 874 and 79 NJ Transit Bus Routes. Accessible via Routes 287, 202, 80, and 46.There is on-site parking at 8 Wood Hollow Road.
PARSIPPANY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey secured an assignment on the House Armed Service Committee for the 116th Congress. The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for all aspects of congressional oversight of the Department of Defense and authorization of military policy.
“As a former officer in the U.S. Navy, I understand the importance of a strong national defense and our enduring obligations to all the women and men who serve in uniform to secure our freedom. I am honored to join the committee and further their mission,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “I intend to be an advocate for Picatinny Arsenal which plays a vital role in both our national defense and our local economy, and to address emerging national security threats such as climate change and cybersecurity.”
Located in Morris County, Picatinny Arsenal is a key national defense installation and an economic anchor in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Nearly 6,000 soldiers, federal employees, and contractors live on the base and in the surrounding towns and it contributes $1.3 billion to the economy of North Jersey. Picatinny is home to the Defense Department’s Joint Center of Excellence for Armaments and Munitions.
EAST HANOVER — Applebee’s® Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurants owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, a local Applebee’s franchisee with locations in New Jersey, on Long Island and throughout Florida and Georgia, are proud to announce a donation of $238,496.00 to The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and its annual U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Throughout 2018, Applebee’s locations contributed to the fundraising total by hosting a number of charitable initiatives, including a Christmas in July Barbecue, Breakfast with Santa fundraisers and many more.
Applebees is located at 240 Route 10, East Hanover, in the Hanover Commons Shopping Center.
Doherty Enterprises has been a longstanding partner of Toys for Tots, entering its 20th year of contributions in 2018. Locally, restaurants throughout New Jersey were able to contribute an impressive $114,651.00 to the $238K+ total; restaurants throughout New York on Long Island were able to raise $84,686.00, and restaurants throughout Florida and Georgia were able to provide $39,159.00, raised locally in each restaurant through a variety of fundraising activities. The highest fundraising stores, going above and beyond to smash their charitable goals for Doherty Enterprises’ longest running and largest partnership include Lindenhurst, Shirley, Westbury and Patchogue, New York, Venice, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte, Florida and Tinton Falls and Butler, New Jersey.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our contribution to Toys for Tots this year,” said Tim Doherty, President & Chief Operating Officer, Doherty Enterprises. “We hope Toys for Tots is able to continue their hard work helping children everywhere. What they do is so important and truly betters the lives of our community members nationwide, and we anticipate many more years of successful partnership between Doherty Enterprises and Toys for Tots.”
Over the past 20 years, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises have raised over $4.6 million to benefit The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Doherty Enterprises is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and each Doherty Enterprises restaurant stays engaged in its neighborhood through participation in community events, donations, sponsorships and fundraisers to help local organizations grow and flourish.
Since its inception 70 years ago, Toys for Tots has aimed to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joys of Christmas. Funds raised by Applebee’s have helped to further Toys for Tots’ objective to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.
BOONTON — Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One (EODGRU1) held a change of command ceremony Thursday, January 10 on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. During the ceremony, Capt. Oscar Rojas relieved Capt. Dean Muriano as the commodore of EODGRU1.
During his speech, Muriano thanked the many people who had assisted him over the course of his tour. “All of the accomplishments that were listed in my award were not about me. It has always been about the men and women we’re sending down range.” said Muriano. “I’m thankful for the privilege to have served as Commodore of EODGRU1.”
Muriano, a native of Boonton, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Muriano’s next assignment will be at the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he will serve as the commanding officer of the school house and oversee the education of students from United States military services, partner nations, and other government agencies in high-risk environments to qualify as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians.
Rojas, a native of Dumas, Texas, enlisted in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman in June 1990. After graduating from Wayland Baptist University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree, he attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and commissioned in November 1997. Prior to assuming command, he served as the Director, Joint Special Operations Command, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Cell.
During his speech Rojas thanked his wife and children, the military families that support the EOD community, commodores of EOD groups past and present, the many senior enlisted mentors who have guided him over the years, and the Sailors of EODGRU1.
“You, the “warfighter” are our nation’s greatest weapon system. In my world, nothing is more important than you. It is my job to work for you in order for you to win every time you go into harm’s way.” said Rojas. “I am very proud of my enlisted roots. I have not forgotten that it is Sailors that make the world’s greatest nuclear power Navy successful. By us working together we will create the most lethal, resilient, and mission ready Navy EOD and diving force in the world!”
Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, provided the keynote speech for the change of command ceremony. He said, “Today, we have the opportunity to reflect on the leadership that enabled this command to thrive and operate at the highest levels of performance. Commanding EODGRU1 is a big job and for more than two years, Capt. Muriano has provided direction, mentorship and guidance to the more than 1,200 men and women who serve as part of this team.”
Muriano received command of EODGRU1 in October 2016 and manned, trained, and equipped a 1,200-person force. His Sailors trained and operated in support of Navy, Joint, and multi-national missions within the Northern, Indo-Pacific, Africa, Southern, and Central Commands areas of responsibility.
During his tenure, the Navy EOD and Navy Diver communities operated in support of Navy Special Warfare and Joint Special Operations forces, salvaging damaged aircraft, dewatering and damage repair of U.S. Navy ships following collisions, working with the Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency, and supplying recompression chamber teams in support of carrier deployments to mitigate the risks of physiological episodes, including hypoxia and decompression sickness in aviators.
U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage. EODGRU1 is responsible for manning, training, and equipping seven subordinate units.
Story by Lt. Kara Yingling, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE
Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
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