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County College of Morris Accepting Applications For Trustees

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents interested in serving on the County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees are invited to send their resumes to a special Trustee Search Committee of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

Resumes must be received by the search committee by September 5, 2025. The committee will review all applications and then submit recommendations to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, who will make the appointments. 

Morris County is seeking to fill two (2) four-year terms. Terms begin November 1, 2025 and end on October 31, 2029.

To qualify for consideration by the search committee, a candidate must be a resident of Morris County for at least four years and may not hold a current elected office in Morris County or be an employee of Morris County government or the County College of Morris.     
The two sitting trustees must reapply by the September 5th deadline if they wish to be considered for reappointment.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate independent judgment, distinction in their profession, knowledge of higher education, involvement in their community and a firm commitment to serving the college. A candidate must be willing to commit at least 20-30 hours a month to his or her duties as a college trustee to be considered for appointment.

Duties of trustees include appointing, supporting, and evaluating the college president; clarifying and, if necessary, revising the college’s mission statement; ratifying long term plans; approving the college’s educational program; ensuring fiscal viability; and maintaining the college’s physical plant.

Required: The CCM Trustee Search Committee requests a resume and a background statement from each applicant outlining why he or she wishes to serve as a trustee and what specific skills the applicant would bring to the board.

Applicants must send one copy of their resume and a brief background statement to [email protected] at the Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris by 4 p.m. September 5, 2025.

The County College of Morris Board of Trustees is composed of eleven Morris County residents from business, education, law and other professional fields, who volunteer their services in four-year terms. 

By statute, eight members are appointed by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the Governor. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a member of the Board by statute. One non-voting CCM graduate member is elected for a one-year term by each year’s graduating class. In addition, the CCM President serves as an ex-officio member.

The Board of Trustees sets policy and has final authority over budgets and expenditures, and the President is responsible for internal administrative operations.

For more information on CCM, visit: http://www.ccm.edu/aboutCCM/Trustees

“Autumn Fest” at The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

By
Frank Cahill
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Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, a nationally recognized historic site in Parsippany, served as the backdrop for a remarkable ceremony

MORRIS COUNTY — The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, the early 20th-century historic home of Gustav Stickley, will host Autumn Fest, a private Open House event on Saturday, October 4, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Autumn Fest will take place across the Craftsman Farms property and will include tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), open house access to the Log House and North Cottage, a complimentary glass of prosecco, and a VIP discount in The Craftsman Shop. Guests will also be able to watch live plein air painting and take home a custom letterpress printmaking souvenir. This event is for adults only; guests must be 21 or older to attend.

Tethered hot air balloon rides will be offered from the museum’s lawn and provide views of the remaining 30 acres of the Craftsman Farms landscape. VIP shopping will be available in The Craftsman Shop (completed in 2024), which features custom jewelry, home décor items, the museum’s new children’s book, and other visitor favorites.

Docents will be stationed throughout the Log House, North Cottage, and landscape, to share information about the history and significance of the site. The Log House structure, completed in 1911, is one of the most important architectural achievements of the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Designed to be a clubhouse, it became the Stickley family home and remains the heart of the property today.

Autumn Fest will precede The Harvest Party, the museum’s largest annual fundraiser, taking place later that evening. Advance registration is required for both events.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.stickleymuseum.org or follow the museum on social media.

Rose House Announces Annual 50-50 Raffle Fundraiser to Help Those With Special Needs

By
Frank Cahill
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Billy and Rachel, residents of Rose House’s Hanover Community Residence in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, invite the community to purchase 50-50 raffle tickets. Proceeds will help raise funding for an additional housing complex designed for people with special needs.

MORRIS COUNTY — Rose House has announced the start of its annual 50-50 raffle fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit organization’s “Forever Home Project.”

Scheduled for completion in 2027, the project will create affordable housing for 12 additional adults with special needs on a 14.7-acre property at 345 State Route 24 in Chester Township. The site was formerly home to the Glenlora Nursing Home.

“With approximately 10,000 adults with disabilities in New Jersey needing services, the demand for special needs housing has never been more urgent,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell. “As individuals with developmental disabilities transition out of the school system and their caregivers grow older, the need for lifelong support becomes more crucial. Our mission is to ensure these individuals continue to receive the care and dignity they deserve, and we rely on the generosity of our community to make that possible. Fundraising efforts like our annual 50-50 raffle play a vital role in sustaining these essential services.”

The Forever Home Project will feature:

  • 12 single-occupancy apartments designed for adults with developmental disabilities
  • Handicap-accessible vans to provide safe transportation
  • Trained caregivers available daily as needed
  • Community integration through employment opportunities and social events

Last year’s raffle raised a record-breaking $10,560 for Rose House. Tickets are $10.00 each, and the winning ticket will be drawn on December 18. The winner does not need to be present. To purchase tickets, call Rose House at (973) 984-0006, ext. 121, or email [email protected].

Rose House, based in Parsipany, creates forever homes that provide stability and opportunity for adults with special needs throughout Morris County. The nonprofit offers customized, self-directed programs to meet individual needs and is committed to building an inclusive future where everyone has a loving home. Rose House holds a four-star rating from CharityNavigator.org—the highest possible distinction—and has earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid.

For more information, visit www.therosehouse.org.

Local Veterans Celebrated at Annual Veterans Appreciation Day

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Sheriff James Gannon joins local leaders in honoring veterans, underscoring the county’s year-round commitment to those who served.

MORRIS COUNTY — Veterans from across Morris County were honored today at the Second Annual Veteran Appreciation Day, where more than 100 attendees gathered at Watnong VFW Post 3401 in Morris Plains to pay tribute to local service members.

Morris County Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo and Christine Myers attended to show their appreciation, joined by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Assemblyman Christian Barranco and Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr, who also expressed their support for veterans.

“Recognizing our veterans for all they have done for Morris County and for our nation is something we can never do often enough,” said Commissioner Mastrangelo. “While our county holds special ceremonies each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, our appreciation goes well beyond the holidays. We strive to honor and support our veterans every day of the year.”

Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo speaking to attendees at the event.

Commissioner Myers highlighted the Morris County Veterans Compendium, an ongoing project of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation that documents local veterans’ stories dating back to the Revolutionary War. The interactive database includes maps of battlefields, encampments, homesteads and gravesites, as well as records from later conflicts, including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, the Spanish-American and Philippine Wars, the War of 1812 and Morris County veterans who fought at Gettysburg.

The planning and preservation office is currently seeking submissions from veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the Global War on Terror. Stories can be submitted by contacting Jan Williams, cultural and historic resources specialist, at [email protected]

David Pearson, assistant director of veterans services at Catholic Charities (far left) and A.J. Luna, Army veteran and co-founder of NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders (middle) hold the awards presented by to them by Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey. Val DiGiacinto, president of Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, is standing between David and A.J.

“Here in Morris County, history is right in our backyard. General Washington’s troops endured two harsh winters at Jockey Hollow, and the Ford Mansion in Morristown served as his headquarters. Soldiers marched through what is now Boonton and Rockaway, leaving their mark as they fought for the independence we will celebrate on our nation’s 250th anniversary next year,” said Commissioner Myers, encouraging attendees to visit morriscounty250.org for upcoming Semiquincentennial events.

The Morris County Veterans Services Office, along with the Department of Human Services’ Navigating Hope and the Sheriff’s Office Hope One mobile service units, was also recognized for year-round support to veterans. Services include counseling, shelter placement, meal assistance, transportation and legal help. All three agencies were present at the event, providing on-site resources and information.

Beginning in September, a Veterans Service Officer will be available at County College of Morris’ (CCM) Veterans Resource Center on the first and third Thursday of each month. Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, coordinator of veteran & military services at CCM, also announced a new veterans support group, led by a U.S. Marine, which will begin meeting on campus in mid-September.

The event was hosted by Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, Catholic Charities, NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders, VFW 3401 and Morristown American Legion Post 59. Portofino’s Restaurant of Morristown provided a buffet lunch, which was served by student volunteers of Morristown High School.

During the event, Val DiGiacinto, president of Welcome Home Vets of New Jersey, also presented the organization’s Soaring Eagle Awards to David Pearson, assistant director of veterans services at Catholic Charities and A.J. Luna, Army veteran and co-founder of NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders, recognizing their partnership and dedication to veterans through their organizations.

For more information on veterans’ services or to apply for the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal, visit the Morris County Veterans Services Office webpage or call (973) 285-6866.

Whippany Couple Charged With Maintaining Nuisance After Repeated Police Calls

By
Frank Cahill
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Hanover

HANOVER — A Whippany couple has been charged after repeated police calls to their property for disturbances and other violations, according to Hanover Township Police.

On Friday, July 18, 2025, Hanover Township Patrol Officer Thomas Adamiak charged Joseph Fallivene, 58, and Cynthia Fallivene, 56, both of Whippany, with maintaining a nuisance.

Police said the charges stem from numerous calls involving breaches of the peace by residents or guests at the Fallivenes’ property. These incidents included reports of criminal offenses, motor vehicle violations, and noise complaints.

Following the ongoing issues, both Joseph and Cynthia Fallivene were formally charged. They are scheduled to appear in court at a later 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.

Parsippany Man Jailed After Shoplifting Offense

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

HANOVER — On Monday, July 14, Hanover Township Police Detective Erick Magley and Police Officer Erik Woodruff arrested Zaudy Valemzuela, 38, of Parsippany, for shoplifting. Hanover Township Detective Magley had been investigating a series of thefts committed at ShopRite by the same suspect when the store contacted police to report that Valemzuela had returned and was shoplifting again.

Officers responded and apprehended Valemzuela as he attempted to leave the store without paying for merchandise. The investigation determined that the total value of stolen items from the current and prior incidents exceeded $3,700.

Valemzuela was charged in connection with all offenses and lodged in the Morris County Jail pending a court appearance.

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.

New Jersey Adds 148 Troopers to Protect and Serve Communities

By
Frank Cahill
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LINCROFT — Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan presented badges to 148 new troopers during the 167th New Jersey State Police graduation ceremony, held Friday at Brookdale Community College. The graduating class includes 138 men and 10 women, with 143 college graduates, 15 military veterans, and 16 individuals with prior law enforcement experience. Fifty-seven were college athletes, and two previously served as firefighters. More than 100 graduates have family members who are active or retired law enforcement officers. Training and Sacrifice Recruits completed 26 weeks of rigorous training, which included classroom instruction, cultural diversity education, and scenario-based exercises such as motor vehicle stops and domestic violence responses. For the first time, the class visited the African American Museum and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., experiences designed to strengthen recruits’ understanding of justice and community trust. The academy is one of the few fully residential training programs in the nation, requiring recruits to live on-site from Monday through Friday. During their training, two recruits welcomed newborn children, while six experienced the loss of a family member. Leadership Remarks Governor Murphy praised the graduates for exemplifying the core principles of the State Police. “The graduates of the 167th Trooper Class have demonstrated the three principles of the New Jersey State Police: honor, duty, and fidelity,” Murphy said. “They will face challenges, but their commitment to serving New Jersey’s 9.5 million residents will guide them every step of the way.” Colonel Callahan echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the responsibility ahead. “Today’s graduation is a proud milestone,” he said. “These troopers have shown the discipline, commitment, and character to serve with honor, duty, and fidelity. Their training continues as they begin assignments across the state, where they will uphold their solemn commitment to protect and serve.” Next Steps The 148 new troopers will now begin their careers under supervision at State Police stations throughout New Jersey.

LINCROFT — Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan presented badges to 148 new troopers during the 167th New Jersey State Police graduation ceremony, held Friday, August 15 at Brookdale Community College.

The graduating class includes 138 men and 10 women, with 143 college graduates, 15 military veterans, and 16 individuals with prior law enforcement experience. Fifty-seven were college athletes, and two previously served as firefighters. More than 100 graduates have family members who are active or retired law enforcement officers.

Training and Sacrifice

Recruits completed 26 weeks of rigorous training, which included classroom instruction, cultural diversity education, and scenario-based exercises such as motor vehicle stops and domestic violence responses. For the first time, the class visited the African American Museum and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., experiences designed to strengthen recruits’ understanding of justice and community trust.

The academy is one of the few fully residential training programs in the nation, requiring recruits to live on-site from Monday through Friday. During their training, two recruits welcomed newborn children, while six experienced the loss of a family member.

Newly sworn-in troopers begin their careers of service across the state following the Lincroft graduation ceremony.

Leadership Remarks

Governor Murphy praised the graduates for exemplifying the core principles of the State Police.

“The graduates of the 167th Trooper Class have demonstrated the three principles of the New Jersey State Police: honor, duty, and fidelity,” Murphy said. “They will face challenges, but their commitment to serving New Jersey’s 9.5 million residents will guide them every step of the way.”

Colonel Callahan echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the responsibility ahead.

“Today’s graduation is a proud milestone,” he said. “These troopers have shown the discipline, commitment, and character to serve with honor, duty, and fidelity. Their training continues as they begin assignments across the state, where they will uphold their solemn commitment to protect and serve.”

Next Steps

The 148 new troopers will now begin their careers under supervision at State Police stations throughout New Jersey.

Boonton Township Man Charged After Eluding Traffic Stop in Mountain Lakes

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MOUNTAIN LAKES — A Boonton Township man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from police during a traffic stop in Mountain Lakes last month.

On Friday, July 18, at approximately 11:06 p.m., an officer attempted to stop a motorcycle. Police said the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Baziar Roberts, refused to comply and sped away from the scene.

Following an investigation, Roberts was identified and issued summonses for failure to maintain lane, failure to stop for a red light, failure to signal a turn, careless driving, reckless driving, and eluding.

Roberts was also given a mandatory court appearance in connection with the motor vehicle violations and the criminal charge, according to police.

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.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Earns Fourth Reaccreditation from NJSACOP

By
Frank Cahill
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MCPO Capt. Joe Costello, MCPO Capt. Steven Brylinski, MCPO Deputy Chief Jan-Michael Monrad, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, NJSACOP Director Harry Delgado, MCPO Chief of Staff Ernie Giampietro, and MCPO Capt. Mark Castellano.

MORRIS COUNTY — Local officials and law enforcement gathered last night for the Morris County Board of County Commissioners public meeting in Morristown, where the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) formally received its fourth reaccreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).

Harry Delgado, accreditation program director for NJSACOP, presented a reaccreditation certificate to Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and his leadership team, praising the MCPO for its continued excellence in training, policy, records management, community outreach and operations.

“Only a select few law enforcement agencies in the state have achieved reaccreditation four times. Out of all agencies in New Jersey — including sheriff’s offices, prosecutor’s offices, local law enforcement and campus police — about 54 percent earn accreditation once and remain in the program. Twelve percent obtain a second reaccreditation, and fewer than eight percent secure a third,” said Director Delgado. “The MCPO is now among less than six percent of agencies statewide to earn a fourth reaccreditation, demonstrating exceptional longevity and commitment towards following best practices.”

The reaccreditation follows a comprehensive assessment completed in April by NJSACOP, which reviewed compliance with 112 professional standards covering administration, personnel, operations, investigations and arrestee management. The MCPO was first accredited in 2013, and its status is now valid through June 2028.

Catch You Later Foundation Honored

Following the presentation, Prosecutor Carroll thanked Delgado and NJSACOP for their rigorous review.

“I commend Director Delgado and his team of accreditors for conducting a thorough and comprehensive examination of our office that fully evaluated and tested our operations and oversight functions,” said Prosecutor Carroll.

Prosecutor Carroll then honored Pam O’Donnell, founder of the Catch You Later Foundation, with a certificate recognizing her work to raise awareness about impaired and distracted driving. O’Donnell established the foundation after her husband, Tim, and 5-year-old daughter, Bridget, were killed in 2016 by an impaired driver on the New Jersey Turnpike.

“Pam O’Donnell turned personal tragedy into a mission of hope and action. Her foundation is helping raise awareness of dangerous driving behavior and inspiring people to speak up before it’s too late. Her work has directly supported our DWI enforcement efforts and public safety outreach across Morris County,” said Prosecutor Carroll.

Commissioners Douglas Cabana, John Krickus and Christine Myers; Director Tayfun Selen; Pam O’Donnell, founder of the Catch You Later Foundation; Prosecutor Robert Carroll; Commissioners Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo.

He also cited two high-profile impaired driving matters this year: an April crash in Roxbury that killed a young woman and led to a vehicular homicide charge, and a recent DWI checkpoint in Florham Park held in memory of Tim and Bridget O’Donnell.

“We have worked hard with our law enforcement partners, municipal leaders, county commissioners and administration to confront these perennial tragedies. Our local patrols have amplified their efforts to identify impaired vehicle operators,” said Prosecutor Carroll. “An important component of this effort is help from the public to notify police. When residents report dangerous driving, it makes a difference.”

The MCPO regularly coordinates DWI checkpoints and educational outreach in partnership with municipal police, supported by funding from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Between 2023 and 2024, the MCPO ran four DWI checkpoints, interviewing 1,116 drivers, resulting in six DWI arrests and 23 motor vehicle summonses being issued. So far in 2025, three checkpoints have been conducted with 657 interviews, resulting in two DWI arrests and 11 summonses.

“The MCPO’s reaccreditation from NJSACOP confirms what we in Morris County already know: that the Prosecutor’s Office is committed to the highest standards of professionalism and public service,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “We also commend Prosecutor Carroll’s dedicated efforts to reduce impaired and reckless driving, which continues to claim far too many lives.”

The Catch You Later Foundation promotes New Jersey’s #77 Aggressive Driving reporting program and provides scholarships in Bridget’s memory.

“The memory of Tim and Bridget continues to make an impact. We are proud to partner with those who are willing to stand up, speak out and help prevent another family from experiencing such loss,” Prosecutor Carroll said.

To date in 2025, there have been 315 fatal crashes resulting in 335 deaths in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey State Police. Morris County has reported 14 fatal crashes resulting in 17 deaths. From 2006 through 2023, the state recorded 10,356 fatal crashes, with 2,428 — about 23 percent — involving drivers who had consumed alcohol, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

Attendees at the meeting included members of the MCPO, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr , and Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty.

Knights of Columbus to Host 41st Annual Charity Golf Outing

By
Frank Cahill
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File photo

MORRIS COUNTY — The Knights of Columbus Bishop McLaughlin Council #3495 will host its 41st Annual Charity Golf Outing on Monday, September 29, at Flanders Valley Golf Course, located at 81 Pleasant Hill Road in Flanders. All proceeds from the event will benefit local charities and disabled citizens in the surrounding communities.

The day begins with registration and lunch at 11:00 a.m., followed by a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is set for Monday, October 6.

The $175 golfer entry fee includes golf, unlimited beer and wine, buffet dinner, and a chance to win over 50 prizes. A “Dinner Only” option is available for $75, which also includes unlimited beer and wine and entry into the prize drawings.

Golfers and sponsors must submit payment no later than September 22. Checks should be made payable to Knights of Columbus. Hole sponsorships are also available. Click here for more information.

For more information, call the Flanders Valley Golf Course at (973) 584-5382.

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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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