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Rotary Launches Annual Winter Coat Collection to Support Jersey Cares Coat Drive

By
Frank Cahill
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A smiling young boy stands bundled in his new coat, a reminder of how community donations are making a difference this winter.

MADISON – The Rotary Club is once again collecting winter coats to support the Jersey Cares Coat Drive. This annual initiative provides warm clothing to individuals and families in need during the colder months.

From now until January 8, 2026, community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used adult or children’s coats. All donated coats may be placed in the collection bin located in the Family Center lobby of the Madison Area Young Men’s Christian Association.

Organizers emphasize coats only, noting that the drive cannot accept hats, gloves, scarves, or other clothing items.

Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used adult or children’s coats. Donations may be dropped off at the following locations:

• Affinity Bank, 18 Elmer Street, Madison
• Madison Area Young Men’s Christian Association, 111 Kings Road, Madison
• Affinity Credit Union, 235 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls

Rotary organizers say the generosity of local residents helps ensure that neighbors facing hardship can stay warm throughout the winter season.

FPMC Expands Capacity to Serve Vulnerable Residents with New Donation Shed Project

By
Frank Cahill
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Denise Flanagan, left, of Morristown Rotary gives a $2,000 check to Joann Bjorgson, the CEO of Family Promise of Morris County.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morristown Rotary Club is awarding a $2,000 grant to Family Promise of Morris County (FPMC) to improve the storage and distribution of vital supplies for their clients.

The grant will fund the purchase and installation of a much-needed outdoor storage shed for FPMC’s Our Promise Drop-in Resource Center, located at the First Baptist Church on Washington Street.

The new, secure shed will be used to organize and store essential donations, including:

• Move-in kits (bedding and housewares)
• Hygiene kits and personal care items
• Clothing and seasonal gear

These items are critical resources provided by the center to support individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those living unsheltered in the Morristown area, Rotary officials said. Limited storage space has previously hindered FPMC’s ability to efficiently manage and distribute these life-changing resources.

“The work Family Promise does to support our most vulnerable neighbors is essential, and the Morristown Rotary is honored to contribute to their mission,” said Aaron Oliver, president of Morristown Rotary. “This storage shed may seem like a simple addition, but it represents a powerful step toward ensuring that vital supplies are readily available when someone needs them most, improving the efficiency and impact of the Promise Center.”

FPMC has served the community for 37 years and, in 2024, its Our Promise Center served 355 individuals and recorded 4,031 face-to-face contacts.

The Drop-in Center provides a safe place and access to critical resources, officials said, including:

• A mailing address, phone, and computer access
• Cooling/warming center services
• Benefits screening and case management
• Referrals to housing and health services

The new shed will allow staff and over 1,600 volunteers to more effectively organize and distribute donations, allowing then to focus energy on providing the direct support and housing solutions clients depend on.

The project is slated to begin on Thursday, Jan. 1, and is expected to be completed within 90 days.

Whippany Park High School Celebrates First Marking Period Achievers

By
Frank Cahill
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Whippany Park High School

HANOVER — The following is the honor roll for Whippany Park High School for the first marking period.

Distinguished Honors are for grades of 4.00 or above for the marking period.

High Honors are for grades of 3.50 to 3.99 for the marking period. Honors are for grades of 3.00 to 3.49 for the marking period.

Distinguished Honors
Grade 12

Samantha Abdou, Eashan Abraham, Youssef Ahmed, Dylan Aker, Claire Bang, Mia Bellomo, Arianna Bergamasco, Michael Bimonte, Sadie Boudreau, Alexa Bowe, Brendan Burt, Ciara Caroff, Alana Cassidy, Roderick Chu, Ava Colatruglio, Natalie Cusmano, Nicholas DeAngelis, Emily deRonde, Ella DiCostanzo, Anthony DiMontova, Sofia DiMuzio, Carmina Facchino, Michaela Falduto, Samantha Fehir, James Fico, Brandon Giangeruso, Samuel Giraldo, Lyndsay Gnardellis, Briana Gomez, Evelyn Hare, Alexis Hongsukpant, Jaelyn Huncken, Hashem Husseini, Madelyn Kaser, Gavin Kelly, Brenna Kozak, Oleksandr Kulyk, Samantha Leone. Nicolette Liloia, Chia-Kai Lin, Angela Liu, Milan Lopez-Tassan, Riley Marcus, Nina McLaughlin, Colin McSorley, Erin McSorley, Colin Mullooly, Hailey Ojeda, Olivia Organowski, Angela Papayianis, Aaima Razzaq, Derek Rider, Rocco Rizzitello, Bethany Rizzo, Nicholas Rocco, Matthew Rusin, Abigail Saad, Jacob Schacherls, Kathry Schlesier, Nicholas Shatynski, Demiana Sierchio, Andrew Steinberg, Kiera Swartz, Matthew Szewczyk, Lily Trexler, Katie Vatoci, Lorraina Ventura, Victoria Vito, Kyleigh Weber, Amelia Yin, Krystina Zhao and Grant Zou.

Grade 11

Katilyn Amitrano, Jaeden Antonelli, Brayden Babb, Nina Balassone, Kayla Bautista, Devon Bimonte, Andrew Capone, Eddi Chen, Alexander Chiou, Claire Cho, Evan Conklin, Riley Cortright, Justin Crivella, Megan Cusmano, Ethan Dill, Kayla Dougherty, Gavin Finkelstein, Ciara Geary, Nikita Girijavallabhan, Andrew Grosso, Max Guerard, Tanishi Gupta, Gerard Hemmer, Leah Hubbard, Stellina Hyland, Gabriela Iellimo, Francesca Intili, Victoria Jimenez, Christopher Kapas, Anna Koch, Audrey Lee, Victor Lee, Kenneth Lin, Maleah May Anderson, Rebecca McClain, Stephanie Meier, Peyton Morales, Marina Orfanakos, Katherine Paige, Sebastian Pallitto, Angela Perrello, Nicholas Rafaniello, Leah Rouillard, Evan Ruggero, Amelia Savastano, Marcello Savoia, Owen Scholl, Anthony Selitto, Matthew Turnbull, Jack Van Seggern, Brady Vasilik, Alyssa Wang, Rick Wang, Amanda Wickenheisser, Ken Wongsantisakul, Allen Wu, Lucas Wu and Avery Yanovak.

Grade 10

Naveen Abraham, Anne Awad, Reilly Baske, Regan Burt, Jason Chan, Olivia Ciottone, Leeya Cohen, Nicholas Couden, Marissa DiCosmo, Caitlin Eng, Thomas Ferrugio, Reagan Ghedina, Eliana Gold, Ryan Heiart, Christi Hine, Aayush Karlekar, Nathaniel Kotlyar, Danielle Krowiak, Yun-Zi (Tristan) Lo, Rebekah Macatangay, Austin Marion, Jonathan Meng, Colin Miney, Madison Monks, Olivia Moy, Andrea Plechy, Dylan Reddy, Isabella Rich, Avrina Sadek, Camille Schabacker, Aashi Shah, Tristan Shivprasod, Declan Slattery-Mauss, Jillian Slattery-Mauss, Matthew Spagnuolo, William Stockert, Jane Sun, Jakob Swenson, Veronica Van Slyck, Daniel Ventura, Jackson Williams, Nataly Younan and Erin Young.

Grade 9

Nathan Angelica, Paige Boudreau, Gabriella Brown, Victoria Chan, Ryan Chen, Connor Clarke, Michael DiMuzio, Tyler Eaton, Daniel Frey, Ryan Fu, Larissa Ghedina, Briana Gibbons, Hailey Gibbons, Sahadev Girijavallabhan, Daniel Hare, Maeve Hechavarria, Anna Hendricks, Evelyn Kelly, Andrew Koong, Zoe Li, Emily Lin, Matthew Mulligan, Anjali Narine, Leana Nivelo, Gabriella Orfanakos, Gabriela Organowski, Alexa Papayianis, Harrison Papayianis, Kateryna Pawluk, Addison Propfe, Gabreanna Prundl, Angelica Salamaha, Allison Schabacker, Henry Scholl, Samuel Shostack, Lukrecja Skarzynski, Alice Susilo, Amelia Thomas, Hudson Trexler, Devon Weigel and Nicholas Zinckgraf.

High Honors
Grade 12

Valeria Anton, Giovanni Bruno, Michael Buono, Christina Catalano, Joseph Fisher, Saverio Marcantonio, Mia Milano, Aaliyah Nahiam, James Plock, Sawyer Remaly, Rebekah Rodriguez, Carmen Salerno, Alexander Sanchez, Reese Scott, Sienna Stella and Daniel Winter.

Grade 11

Marian Armena, Divya Arun, Elijah Ayala, Reilly Burkhard, Stephanie Chan, Joseph Christianson, Tyler Cohen, Cobey Goldbach, Matteo Iellimo, Hayley Kitchell, Katie Nelson, Olivia Nitto, Nicholas Petty, Fernanda Polanco, Raquel Rios, Henry Rossi, Alexander Rumohr, Kayleigh Slinski, Margot Steeg, Samantha Tajar, Julia VanSeggern, Jessly Varela De Leon, Adam Verchinski, Joseph Vitale, Janelle Weigel, Ava Woroch, Vitor Xavier, Chris Younan, Richard Yu and John Zuber.

Grade 10

Emily Abdou, Marissa Adamo, Ariana Alvarez, Sariah Anderson, Julia Beers, Lily Benanti, Christian Bono, Michelle Bono, Sean Boyd, Thomas Brulato, Daniel Carroll, Liam Cassidy, Liam Cobane, Taylor Cooper, Olivia Cruz, Gia DiGangi, Alice Falduto, Leah Kelly, Tatiana Kelly, Eva Lo, Arianna Meza, Ryan Millichap, Anabel Monaco, Sondor Munkh-Orgil, Liuiu Oka, Savannah Paine, Juliana Paye, Angelo Pecoraro, Vincenzo Peluso, Benjamin Rodriguez, Sawyer Smith, Luca Torretti and Marco Tortorello.

Grade 9

Abigail Abdou, Nicholas Addeo, Laila Anderson, Adrianna Angelica, Gabriella Barsanti, Gianna Bellomo, Alexia Bernardo, Hanah Blum, Derek Bogosian, Emily Bomengo, Nathanael Brown, Santino Bruno, Olivia Caro, Dante Cicitta, Gianna Collas, Thomas Cooper, Audrina Cronkite, Isabella D’Alterio, Ranvir Dugal, Sophia Fehir, Ava Fittipaldi, Aaron Geevarghese, Chloe Gethins, Brielle Ippolito, Keri Landers, Brandon Lin, Elena Loeuis, Lily Lopez-Tassan, Sullivan Lynes, Mia Marques, Cole Monaco, Ryder Muench, Christian Mulligan, Matthew Napolitano, Hannah Rocco, Lucas Sapio, Nathaniel Shay, Ryan Simmons, Ryan Soroker, Luke Stewart, Krystian Vreeland, Dean Whitman and Tanner Yoo.

Honors
Grade 12

Sean Gilbert, Ty’Mere Kelly, Anthony Kozak, Amarmunkh Munkh-Orgil, Kevin Ostorga Ramos and Michael Spiaggia.

Grade 11

Conrad Geraghty, Grace Morris, Giovanni Palumbo and Mackenzie Sorresse.

Grade 10

Valentina Casini, Oriana Cela, Ethan Ferreira, Dylan Gnardellis, Joseph Grippi, Liv Jorgensen, Ethan Lam, Ella Marcantonio, Anthony Megna, Michael Monks, Alexander Mosiyash, Dominic Palmieri, John Verano and Ryan Wu.

Grade 9

Ayaan Ajvalia, Scarlet Camarillo, Joseph Megna, Anthony Mulligan, Brianna Noonan-Grasso, Jayden Ortiz, Nicolas Priore, Yossif Shalabi and Troy Verano.

Liquid Church Packs Over 1 Million Holiday Meals During Annual Christmas Outreach

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Volunteers of all ages joined forces in an assembly-line setup, packing thousands of meals as part of Liquid Church’s effort to provide more than 1 million meals to hungry families worldwide.

MORRIS COUNTY – Liquid Church, one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches, has successfully completed its annual Christmas Outreach, surpassing its goal of packing more than 1 million holiday meals for hungry children and families around the world.

Over 6,000 volunteers came together across six New Jersey locations on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, serving in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. The massive effort produced nutritionally fortified meals that will now be distributed globally to communities facing food insecurity.

Designed as a family-friendly service experience, volunteers of all ages—parents, teens, and young children—worked side-by-side in an energetic assembly-line environment. Each location packed thousands of meals within hours, contributing to the overall million-meal achievement.

“Every year at our annual Christmas Outreach, I’m blown away by the selfless hearts in our community as people all across the state put the love of God into action,” said Tim Lucas, founder and lead pastor of Liquid Church. “By packing over a million nutritious meals, we are making a lasting impact for families battling hunger worldwide and bringing the hope of Christ at Christmas to those who need it most.”

Liquid Church once again partnered with Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization committed to ending hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to global emergencies. Volunteers packed meals at Liquid Church locations in Princeton, Parsippany, Wayne, Somerset, Mountainside, and Garwood.

“At Liquid Church, it’s our heart to serve others—both locally here in New Jersey and globally in countries like Zambia, where we continue our mission to provide clean, safe drinking water,” Lucas added. “The overwhelming response from our community makes this outreach possible. We simply could not reach the million-meal mark without the incredible support of volunteers who share our vision.”

For more information on upcoming outreach opportunities, visit LiquidChurch.com/ChristmasOutreach.

Liquid Church is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches. Founded in 2007 by Lead Pastor Tim Lucas, the church’s vision is to “Saturate the State with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” with six physical campuses across Mercer, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union Counties. More than 5,000 people participate weekly through in-person services and Church Online. Global outreach efforts include building hundreds of clean-water wells throughout Africa and Central America. NPR, CNN, FOX News, and TIME magazine have featured Liquid Church’s innovative ministry. Learn more at www.LiquidChurch.com.

Rise Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger through community empowerment, nutritional support, and crisis response. With U.S. locations and five international offices, the organization provides immediate food assistance while implementing sustainable, long-term solutions to lift communities out of hunger. Learn more at www.riseagainsthunger.org.

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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0
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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0
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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0
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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0
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.

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