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Boonton Township Residents Urged to Speak Out on Proposed Solar Restrictions

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BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Residents are encouraged to attend an important public hearing on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., where officials will review Ordinance 953, a proposed alternative energy regulation that would severely restrict the installation and operation of new and existing residential solar energy systems. The hearing will be held at Boonton Township Municipal Building, 155 Powerville Road.

If enacted, Ordinance 953 would impose significant limitations on rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays, affecting homeowners who currently use solar power as well as those planning future installations. Township residents are strongly urged to participate, ask questions, and share their opinions before the governing body moves toward a final decision.

The hearing will serve as the community’s opportunity to be heard on an ordinance with long-term impacts on local energy choice and property rights.

Blue Foundry Bank to Merge Into Fulton Bank in 2026 All-Stock Transaction

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Blue Foundry Bank is located at 209 Ridgedale Avenue Florham Park

PARSIPPANY — Fulton Financial Corporation and Blue Foundry Bancorp announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Fulton will acquire Blue Foundry in an all-stock transaction. The boards of directors of both Fulton and Blue Foundry have unanimously approved the definitive merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by Blue Foundry’s stockholders.

Blue Foundry Bank’s corporate headquarters is located at 7 Sylvan Way, Suite 200, Parsippany. This is the site of the administrative office, although the bank’s holding company is a Delaware corporation with a New Jersey charter. 

Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, each share of Blue Foundry common stock will be exchanged for 0.6500 shares of Fulton common stock. Based on Fulton’s share price of $17.96 as of November 21, 2025, the transaction is valued at approximately $243 million, or $11.67 per share of Blue Foundry common stock.

This transaction accelerates Fulton’s growth efforts in the attractive northern New Jersey market. The transaction is expected to be accretive to first full-year earnings by over 5%, immediately accretive to tangible book value per share and neutral to regulatory capital ratios at close.

The boards of directors of both Fulton and Blue Foundry have unanimously approved the definitive merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by Blue Foundry’s stockholders. Following the closing, Blue Foundry Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Foundry, will merge into Fulton Bank, N.A., the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Fulton, with Fulton Bank as the surviving bank.

“We’re bringing together two community-focused banks with shared values and a strong commitment to making banking personal for each and every customer,” said Curtis J. Myers, Fulton Chairman and CEO. “The combination of our companies creates an opportunity to leverage Fulton’s robust banking services and provide greater convenience and innovative solutions to an expanded customer base, with a continued focus on supporting our local communities. The expansion in northern New Jersey aligns with our strategy of growing in our local markets and positions us well to drive organic growth across our commercial, consumer, wealth advisory and mortgage businesses.”

“Joining forces with Fulton is an exciting step forward for our employees, customers and communities,” said James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Foundry. “This partnership allows us to preserve the local relationships and personalized service our customers value, while gaining access to greater resources and providing more solutions and convenience to customers. Together, we’re building a stronger future for everyone we serve.”

As part of the transaction, Fulton will make a $1.5 million contribution to the Fulton Forward® Foundation, designated to be used to provide impact grants in support of nonprofit community organizations in New Jersey.

Fulton Financial Corporation is headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., and is a premier community banking organization and a $32 billion asset financial holding company providing a variety of financial services through its subsidiary bank, Fulton Bank, N.A. (“Fulton Bank”), in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia. Fulton Bank also provides investment management and planning services for individuals and corporations through Fulton Financial Advisors and Fulton Private Bank. In addition, Fulton Bank offers residential mortgage services through Fulton Mortgage Company. At Fulton Financial Corporation, we seek to change lives for the better by building strong customer relationships, providing significant community support and empowering more than 3,300 employees to do the same. Through the Fulton Forward® initiative, we’re helping build vibrant communities.

Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Parsippany, with a presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank, visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE.

Chabad Center for Jewish Life Shines a Beacon of Light: Annual Menorah Lighting Demonstrates Jewish Pride and Unity

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RANDOLPH — Amid rising incidents of antisemitism across the region and country, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life will once again illuminate Veterans Park with its Annual Public Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 21, at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s celebration features the lighting of a striking 8-foot menorah, standing as a powerful symbol of Jewish pride, unity, and resilience. Far more than a festive gathering, the event is intended as a public declaration of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Rabbi Avraham Bekhor, who directs the Chabad Center for Jewish Life with his wife Chava, underscored the importance of coming together during challenging times.

“Our response to hatred of any kind must never be to cower or hide our faith,” Rabbi Bekhor said. “The story of Chanukah is the tremendous power of light to overcome darkness. We can have no better response to the negativity we encounter than to gather together in even greater numbers and celebrate the light of the menorah in public.”

Back by popular demand, the Randolph Fire Department will help bring extra excitement to the evening with the Grand Gelt Drop, sending chocolate coins and dreidel parachutes raining from above—an irresistible highlight for children and adults alike.

The public is invited to join local dignitaries and community members for a night filled with warmth, celebration, and solidarity. Guests can enjoy lively music, traditional Chanukah treats including latkes and donuts, hot beverages, and a variety of holiday-themed merchandise.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, December 21
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Veterans Park, 100 Calais Road, Randolph, NJ 07869

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life welcomes everyone to join this uplifting community celebration. As the menorah’s lights shine across Randolph, they serve not only as a tribute to the miracle of Chanukah but as a beacon of hope, love, and unity for all.

Dover to Consider New Redevelopment Designations and Contract Increases at Upcoming Council Session

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Town of Dover Mayor and Council

DOVER — The Mayor and Town Council will hold their regular meeting Tuesday, November 25, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Mayor James P. Dodd will open the session with the Sunshine Statement. An interpreter will be available, and attendees are asked to silence electronic devices.

Zoom
Meeting ID 813 0602 2784, Passcode 529541

Click here to download the agenda.

Key actions include:

Ordinances

  • First Reading: Ordinance 47-2025, adopting a redevelopment plan for Block 1804, Lot 13 on the Tax Map of Dover.

Resolutions

  • Bills List: Approval of $328,189.87 in municipal expenses.
  • Billiard Hall License Renewal: Celebrity Bar, 7 Perry Street.
  • Social Affair Permit: Casa Puerto Rico, Inc. for an event on December 31, 2025.
  • Contract Amendment: Increasing the Crossroads Paving Company contract for the Small Cities Roadway Improvement Project by $28,710.85.
  • Mortgage Discharge: Removing a rehabilitation loan mortgage for Dorothy J. McElwaine after full repayment.
  • Redeveloper Designations:
    • Designating West Morris OZF Property Development Company II, LLC as redeveloper for multiple parcels and authorizing the redevelopment agreement.
    • Designating JR Asset Builders, LLC as redeveloper for properties owned by Catherine & Curtis McAvall and Frank Varela, and authorizing the redevelopment agreement.

Video: Township of Hanover Committee Meeting – November 13, 2025

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Brian J. Cahill, Michael A. Mihalko, Ronald F. Francioli, John L. Ferramosca, and Thomas "Ace" Gallagher

HANOVER — Township of Hanover Committee Meeting – November 13, 2025.

Click here to download the agenda.

  • Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Mayor
  • Michael A. Mihalko, Deputy Mayor
  • Brian J. Cahill, Committeeman
  • John L. Ferramosca, Committeeman
  • Ronald F. Francioli, Committeeman

Hanover Township to Host Festive “Hanukkah Hoopla” Celebration

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HANOVER — Families are invited to celebrate the joy and traditions of Hanukkah at the annual Hanukkah Hoopla, hosted by Hanover Township Recreation on Sunday, December 21, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center, 15 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.

This family-friendly program brings the community together for an afternoon filled with holiday spirit, cultural traditions, and hands-on activities for all ages.

One highlight of the event will be a community menorah lighting, and participants are encouraged to bring their own menorah. A limited number of extra menorahs will be available for those who need one.

Attendees can also look forward to a variety of festive activities, including:

Dancing
Latkes and donuts
Hanukkah gelt
Arts and crafts
Dreidel play

The event is free, but families must register in advance through Community Pass. Registration closes Friday, December 19, 2025.

To register, click here.

For more information, call 973-428-2463.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover Hosts Clothing Giveaway

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Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover join together at the Meridia Transit Courtyard on November 15, 2025, working side by side to provide clothing, food, and essential items to families in need. Their dedication and teamwork helped make the community giveaway a meaningful success.

DOVER — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover held a highly successful Community Clothing Giveaway on November 15 at the Meridia Transit Courtyard, bringing warmth, comfort, and essential items to families across the community.

The club expressed its deep gratitude to Howard’s Mission, The Gellman Foundation, and the Sparta Community Food Pantry for their generous donations, which made the event possible. Their contributions helped supply quality clothing, fresh bread, vegetables, beverages, and other essentials vital to local families preparing for the winter season.

Kiwanis volunteers worked diligently throughout the day, ensuring a smooth, welcoming, and dignified distribution process for all attendees.

“This is what community looks like,” said Sergio Rodriguez, President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover. “When organizations and volunteers come together with one goal—helping families—we create real impact. Today was proof of what we can accomplish together.”

Volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover join together at the Meridia Transit Courtyard on November 15, 2025, working side by side to provide clothing, food, and essential items to families in need. Their dedication and teamwork helped make the community giveaway a meaningful success.

The event also highlighted the broader mission of Kiwanis service.
Frank Cahill, Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International, praised the effort and collaboration behind the giveaway. “Our clubs across New Jersey continue to show what service leadership truly means,” Cahill said. “The Greater Dover club, along with its community partners, demonstrated compassion, coordination, and commitment. This is how Kiwanis changes lives, one family at a time.”

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover plans to continue offering support to local families through future community programs and outreach initiatives.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dover, click here.

Jefferson Township Junior Woman’s Club Launches 2025 Christmas Wish Tree Gift Collection

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JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Township Junior Woman’s Club has officially kicked off its 2025 Families in Need Christmas Wish Tree Gift Collection, supporting more than 40 local families this holiday season.

Residents are invited to participate by selecting a “wish tag” through the Club’s SignUpGenius link by clicking here. The wish list will be updated regularly as new requests come in, and participants are encouraged to scroll through all pages to view every child’s wish.

How to Participate

  1. Choose a tag from the SignUpGenius list.
  2. Purchase the unwrapped gift(s) requested.
  3. Clearly label each item with: Family #, age, and boy/girl
    • Example: Family 1, age 5, boy
  4. Note the item you purchased in the SignUpGenius slot.
  5. Deliver the gift by December 16.

Participants may purchase one, some, or all suggested items for a child — it is not required to buy the entire list.

Gift Drop-Off Details

Camp Jefferson
81 Weldon Road
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849

Drop-off date and time:
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If a donor cannot drop off during these hours, the Club will make alternate arrangements and can provide an address for shipped gifts from Amazon or other online retailers.

Questions or Shipping Information

For assistance or delivery coordination, contact:

  • Cortney Davis: 973-464-6098
  • Kathleen Hanek: 973-204-3068

The Jefferson Township Junior Woman’s Club extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone helping make the holidays brighter for local families in need.

Jefferson Township – Township Council Meeting – November 12, 2025

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Jefferson Township

JEFFERSON — Jefferson Township – Township Council Meeting – November 12, 2025.

Click here to download the agenda.

The Mayor of Jefferson Township (Morris County is Eric F. Wilsusen.
His term is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.

Robert Birmingham – Council President. Term ends 12/31/2028
Josh Kalish – Council Vice President. Term ends 12/31/2026
Melissa Senatore – Councilwoman. Term ends 12/31/2026
Barbie Garruto – Councilwoman. Term ends 12/31/2028
Dan Schultz – Councilman. Term ends 12/31/2028

Homeless Solutions Prepares to Expand Medicaid Housing

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MORRIS COUNTY — Homeless Solutions has launched a Medicaid-funded Housing Supports Program and completed what is believed to be New Jersey’s first housing placement through the NJ Family Care (Medicaid) 1115 Waiver Housing Supports initiative. Impressively, the placement was completed in fewer than 60 days from referral to lease signing.

The NJ Family Care Housing Supports program enables Medicaid to fund pre-tenancy and tenancy-sustaining services for eligible individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability who meet specific clinical criteria. Licensed Medicaid providers, such as Homeless Solutions, deliver these services to help individuals locate, secure, and maintain safe, affordable housing.

“This success proves that coordinated systems change lives. This result reflects true partnership among health plans, state leaders, and mission-driven providers,” said Jaclyn Stoll, president and CEO of HSI. “We’re grateful to the Department of Community Affairs for their commitment to this program and for the $250,000 Readiness Grant that enabled Homeless Solutions to become a licensed Medicaid provider earlier this year. We also thank the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) and our managed care partners for helping turn policy into impact.”

In August, HSI received its first referral through the new program: a 73-year-old man with multiple chronic health conditions and mobility challenges. The individual, previously supported by HSI programs, urgently required relocation due to a foreclosure on his building and unsafe living conditions.

“We accepted this referral while we were still building our Medicaid program — he was one of our own. He needed us, and we were going to show up for him no matter what,” said Shannon Muti, director of programs and services.

HSI immediately mobilized rapid outreach, an accessibility-focused housing search, and document assistance. Within 60 days, HSI and its partners secured a senior apartment managed by longtime collaborator HQM, which recognized the urgency and expedited the placement. The man signed his lease on October 1, and staff quickly observed significant improvements.

“He had been sleeping in a chair. Having a bed to lie in at night has greatly improved his comfort and mobility. This is a perfect example of how housing truly is healthcare,” said Dominic Costanzo, associate director of transitional services.

As part of the NJ Family Care Housing Supports program, the man also qualified for Move-In Supports, a one-time benefit covering security deposits, basic furnishings, utility deposits, and essential household items. HSI partnered with several organizations and volunteers — including The Warehouse NJ, Dover Furniture House, Knights of Columbus Council 359, and volunteer Michele Caruso — to ensure a safe and comfortable transition.

The Housing Supports Program will formally begin accepting referrals in January 2026 from managed care organizations and community-based providers serving individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Services will be offered in newly renovated program space within HSI’s emergency shelter and will include shuttle service, meals, and other essential supports.

Households must have active Medicaid benefits and meet clinical criteria to qualify.

Agencies seeking more information may contact [email protected].

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