Saturday, May 9, 2026
Home Blog Page 80

Iron Ore Properties Acquires 117,000+ Sq. Ft. Office Complex in Hanover Township

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
240 and 255 Cedar Knolls Road in Cedar Knolls

HANOVER — Iron Ore Properties, based in Millburn, has acquired over 117,000 sq ft of office space and approximately 14 acres of land in Hanover Township, part of a newly finalized deal in Cedar Knolls.

The package includes two properties at 240 and 255 Cedar Knolls Road, featuring a 117,494 sq ft office building now over 90% leased to tenants spanning the government, medical, communications, media, legal, and financial industries. Located near I‑287 and adjacent to the Whippany River and the 74‑acre Patriots’ Path, the site benefits from major roadways and green amenities. The previous owner invested more than $2 million in modern upgrades—new elevators, heat-pump systems, bathrooms, and a refreshed lobby—enhancing the building’s appeal.

Josh Mann, co‑managing member of Iron Ore, commented: “It is an incredible piece of land anchored by a stabilized office building that saw significant investment over the last five years. We look forward to investing further … and working with the Township of Hanover on realizing the potential of the property.” Iron Ore describes the facility as offering a full-service cafeteria, fitness center with showers, and conference center. Josh Sternberg, also co-managing member, added: “The offices are a diverse mix of tenants with only one occupying more than 10 percent of the square footage. The floorplates allow for flexibility to deliver smaller offices that are in demand right now in the market.”

The transaction team included Jacklene Chesler and Patrick Norris of Colliers representing the seller; Brad Domenico and Jack Subers of Cushman & Wakefield advising Iron Ore and securing financing from First Commerce Bank; with legal representation provided by Matthew Schiller and Holly Burke (Iron Ore) and Yisroel Y. (Jacob) Leshkowitz (seller).

This acquisition follows Iron Ore’s 2024 purchase of the office building at 80 Main Street in West Orange, marking their second office-property investment in the past year.

Sternberg emphasized: “We are seeing in real time that demand for office space exists—but you have to be impeccably located, invest meaningfully into these buildings and provide value … We are turning tenants away at 80 Main Street … and we look forward to executing on our plans at 240 Cedar Knolls.”

Mann added that Iron Ore is monitoring the conversion or demolition of underutilized office properties in the submarket: “Underutilized office properties and/or empty office buildings are a blight and drag on communities … We think there is opportunity in this space over the next three to five years. At this location, there is an opportunity to invest and keep the office building while looking at options for the surrounding grossly underutilized land.”

He praised the effort behind the deal: “This was not an easy transaction … thank goodness we had a team of A+ professionals on all sides and a great lending partner in First Commerce Bank to get this done.”

Additional noteworthy Iron Ore developments across New Jersey include:

  • 1000 North Avenue, Plainfield – A fully leased, 120-unit multifamily project, completed March 2023
  • 41 West 25th Street, Bayonne – A 40-unit luxury residential building, completed May 2024100‑104 South Avenue, Cranford – A redeveloped commercial corner in downtown Cranford
  • South Avenue Redevelopment, Plainfield – Pre-construction mixed-use project including 71 residential units and retail, near the train station
  • East Blackwell Redevelopment, Dover – Pre-construction of a 260-unit luxury residential conversion

These initiatives highlight Iron Ore’s strategy of combining value-added office investments with ground-up and adaptive-reuse mixed-use residential developments throughout New Jersey.

Amalia Duarte Reflects on Accomplishments and Welcomes New Leadership Team for Morris County Democratic Committee

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Chairwoman Amalia Duarte speaks at the “No Kings” rally in Morristown just days before officially stepping down as leader of the Morris County Democratic Committee.

MORRIS COUNTY — Following a successful reorganization meeting, the Morris County Democratic Committee (MCDC) announced its newly elected Executive Board, set to lead the organization into a pivotal election cycle.

The full Executive Board will consist of:

  • Chair: Darcy Draeger
  • Vice Chair: Mike DeLamater
  • Treasurer: Paul DeNoon
  • Operations Officer: Matt Clarkin, Parsippany Municipal Chair
  • Secretary: Margaret Capodanno, Mountain Lakes Municipal Chair

Chairwoman Amalia Duarte, who has led the MCDC for the past three years, praised Draeger’s experience and leadership as she steps into her new role. “Darcy is smart, analytical, and has a terrific grasp of Morris County and state politics,” Duarte said. “I know she will be terrific in her new role as Chair and lead us to even greater success.”

Duarte and Draeger began their involvement in Democratic politics following the 2016 election. Together, they helped establish municipal committees in Mendham Township and Chester Township and later ran for office, with Draeger making two bids for State Assembly. They’ve served on the Executive Board, where their shared vision has helped guide the party’s growth.

Duarte noted that grassroots energy is surging with former President Donald Trump back in office. “We must organize efforts to fight back against his outrageous and illegal policies,” she said. “I am excited to continue engaging volunteers and collaborating with other organizations in this new capacity.”

This momentum was displayed this past Saturday when more than 4,000 people gathered at Morristown Town Hall for a “No Kings” rally, co-sponsored by MCDC, 11th for Change, NJ Citizen Action, and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. Duarte served as emcee and welcomed prominent guests, including Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill, former Rep. Tom Malinowski, and surprise guest former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, now with the Forward Party.

In Congressional District 7, Duarte has collaborated with local Democratic leaders to host “Finding Kean Fridays” — weekly protests outside Rep. Tom Kean’s district office in Bernardsville. These efforts have drawn attention to Kean’s policies and actions, eventually prompting the relocation of his office.

Morris County Democrats are also energized by Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s strong performance in the recent primary. “With over 62% of the vote coming from Morris County — the highest of any county in the state — and the highest Democratic turnout in a gubernatorial primary year in 44 years, we have real momentum heading into November,” Duarte said.

Among her proudest accomplishments, Duarte cited managing the 2024 U.S. Senate primary. While many county chairs endorsed First Lady Tammy Murphy early, Duarte chose to remain neutral and hosted open town halls with all major candidates, including Rep. Andy Kim and Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina. This transparent process culminated in Kim receiving the MCDC endorsement with 85% of the vote.

Under Duarte’s leadership, Democrats expanded their local footprint:

  • All Democratic incumbents from 2022–2024 were re-elected.
  • Chatham Township and Morris Plains flipped to Democratic control.
  • Democrats now hold every seat on the Chatham Township, Morris Township, and Mountain Lakes Township Committees.
  • Mendham Township elected its second-ever Democrat, Lauren Spirig, in 2022, who became Deputy Mayor in 2023.
  • Chatham Borough elected its first woman Democratic mayor, Carolyn Dempsey, in 2023.

Duarte also raised over $600,000 during her tenure through relentless outreach, event planning, and donor engagement, with significant support from union partners.

Looking ahead, Draeger plans to expand the team with the following appointments:

  • Fundraising Co-Chairs: Boonton Councilman Ben Weisman and Randolph Municipal Chair Meghan Lynch
  • Outreach Chair: Margaret Capodanno
  • Parliamentarians: Cara Parmagiani and Jason Navarino

Outgoing Treasurer Michael Thompson will be stepping down. Duarte extended her gratitude for his service and dedication, including his 2019 campaign for County Surrogate.

“This new leadership team knows how to bring home wins in Morris County,” said Duarte. “Onward to November!”

Gorczyca Earns Degree from Clark University

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Casey Edward Gorczyca graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in the Class of 2020.

BOONTON — Casey Edward Gorczyca received a degree from Clark University on Monday, May 19. Gorczyca graduated with a Master of Science in Sport-Esports Administration.

Casey Edward Gorczyca graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in the Class of 2020.

Clark awarded 468 undergraduate degrees and 1,014 advanced degrees during two ceremonies at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass, as part of the university’s 121st commencement exercises.

President David B. Fithian ’87 urged the graduates to celebrate their accomplishments.

“For this day, smile upon yourself, applaud your achievements, reflect upon your growth, celebrate your friends and classmates, and, perhaps most importantly, bask in the love of those here with you and for you,” President Fithian said.

“All of us up here representing the trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and alumni are so proud of you, especially for overcoming all that you have had to in the past four years. We are smiling upon you, applauding you, celebrating you, and thanking you for sharing these years with us.”

Esther Duflo, the Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics in the Department of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, delivered the Commencement Address during the bachelor’s degree ceremony and was presented with the degree of Doctor of Laws.

“I have no advice for you as you embark on this task, but I have one plea. Do not let anyone convince you that the world is a Hobbesian dystopia where everything is zero-sum and wealth is the ultimate success metric. It’s not a place where there is a concentric center of caring; beyond some radius, the value of others is zero. Think about this day, about how you got here, remember the kindness of many, and ask yourself what you can do to keep that going,” said Duflo.

Temera De Groot, a first-generation college student who emigrated from Guyana when she was 10 years old and plans to pursue law school, spoke to her peers at the undergraduate ceremony.

NPR journalist Ari Shapiro spoke to the students receiving master’s and doctoral degrees, encouraging them to prioritize connecting with and helping those around them.

“All of us carry a baton that our ancestors handed us. And all of us will pass it to those who come after us. Wherever we are in that relay race, there are people we can help. So the question we need to ask is, ‘How can I be helpful?'” Shapiro told the crowd.

At the afternoon ceremony, Shapiro was presented with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

Kumar Gaurav, a first-generation college student from India who received his MBA, also spoke at the graduate ceremony.

President David Fithian concluded the day’s celebrations and told the graduates, “I applaud you. I congratulate you. And I urge you to put to work – anywhere in the world you find yourself next – the knowledge you have developed and the skills you have honed here to address the challenges and opportunities we face as global citizens.”

The University conferred 975 master’s and 39 doctoral degrees to a class that included graduates from 41 states and 35 countries.

For more coverage of Clark’s Commencement ceremonies, visit the web.

Founded in 1887, Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university that prepares its students to meet tomorrow’s most daunting challenges and embrace its most significant opportunities. Through 33 undergraduate majors, more than 30 advanced degree programs, and nationally recognized community partnerships, Clark fuses rigorous scholarship with authentic world and workplace experiences that empower our students to pursue lives and careers of meaning and consequence.

Local Students Named to Dean’s List at Miami University

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — Michael Berger of Boonton and Sammy Simon of Mountain Lakes have been named to the Dean’s List at Miami University for the Spring 2025 semester.

To earn this recognition, students must rank in the top twenty percent of undergraduate students within their academic division, reflecting outstanding academic achievement.

Miami University, founded in 1809, is a nationally recognized public university known for offering an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price. Located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester, as well as a European center in Luxembourg, the university serves more than 22,600 undergraduates and 2,200 graduate students.

Miami emphasizes undergraduate teaching and research opportunities, contributing $2.3 billion annually to Ohio’s economy. The university is also home to 19 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams.

For more information, visit MiamiOH.edu.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Hosts ‘Guru Vandana’ to Honor Morris County Educators

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Greater Parsippany area chapter of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), which includes the communities of Parsippany, Denville, Morris Plains, Randolph, and Montville, recently held its annual Guru Vandana—a teacher appreciation event—to honor local educators for their dedication and service.

Held on May 31, 2025, at locations in Randolph and Parsippany, the event brought together Hindu American students and their teachers to celebrate gratitude, respect, and reverence. Students invited educators who have made a meaningful impact on their lives, taking time to recognize them personally for their guidance and mentorship.

In today’s digital age—where students increasingly turn to the internet for information—HSS emphasizes the critical importance of honoring teachers, who play a vital role in shaping young minds’ holistic development, character, and success.

Each May, HSS celebrates Guru Vandana nationwide. The term comes from Sanskrit, where “Guru” signifies teacher, mentor, or spiritual guide, and “Vandana” means reverence or salutations. The event provides a meaningful platform for students to express appreciation for the knowledge and values imparted by their teachers.

This year’s celebration hosted 27 educators from various Morris County schools. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office issued certificates of recognition to all the honored teachers. Parsippany Board of Education member Judy Mayer also attended and shared her heartfelt appreciation for the event and its mission.

The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of an oil lamp, symbolizing the wisdom and enlightenment that teachers bring. Guests enjoyed vibrant cultural elements such as photo booths, henna art stations, and displays of traditional attire.

The highlight of the event was the Teacher Felicitation Ceremony. Each teacher was invited on stage alongside the student who nominated them. As part of the “Guru Puja” ritual, students applied a tilak (a traditional mark) to their teacher’s forehead and bowed respectfully, seeking their blessings and expressing sincere gratitude.

HSS thanked all participating teachers, students, and guests for making the event a memorable tribute to educators who play a vital role in the community.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh is a 501(c)(3) voluntary nonprofit cultural organization with more than 250 chapters across the United States. Through service activities and community outreach programs, HSS aims to promote discipline, confidence, teamwork, and selflessness.

Unofficial Primary Election Results for Morris County Commissioner

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — The June 10 Primary Election for Morris County Commissioner drew a highly competitive field, with six candidates—three Republicans and three Democrats—vying for three open Board of County Commissioners seats.

Based on the unofficial results, the top three vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, were:

  • Thomas Mastrangelo (Republican): 33,068 votes (33.81%)
  • Marie DeVenezia (Democrat): 32,823 votes (33.89%)
  • Christine Myers (Republican): 32,679 votes (33.41%)

The close margins between all six candidates reflect a highly energized voter base heading into the November General Election. The following three candidates closely trailed the leaders:

  • Douglas Cabana (Republican): 31,801 votes (32.51%)
  • Jocelyn Mathiasen (Democrat): 32,013 votes (33.06%)
  • Max Blum (Democrat): 31,819 votes (32.86%)

Voter turnout and final certification of results will determine the final ballot, but early indicators show a competitive race ahead as both parties prepare for the fall election.

Unofficial results include early voting and mail-in ballots received before the close of polls. Results from timely postmarked mail-in ballots and provisional ballots are still pending. Results are updated as they become available and are subject to change until all votes are counted. All six candidates will be on the ballot in November on their respective party lines.

Madison Area YMCA Board of Directors Recognizes Retiring Members and Welcomes New Leadership

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
The Madison Area YMCA honored two retiring Board members during its Annual Meeting last month. Participating in the celebration are (L-R) YMCA Board Chair Mike Griffin, Board & Leadership Development Committee Chair Karen Shahidi, honorees Anne Hargrave and Martha Anderson, who were honored for completing their terms on the Board; and Board member Mary Schaenen who hosted the Annual Meeting. Mrs. Hargrave had served three full three-year terms, plus three one-year extensions. Mrs. Anderson, had filled three full three-year terms, left the Board, and then returned to serve three more three-year terms, ending this year.

MADISON — The Madison Area YMCA elected new Board members and officers at its Annual Meeting last month. The new Board members are Heidi Muccifori and Julie Snyder; and Board officers Chair Mike Griffin, Vice Chair Susanne von der Linde, Treasurer Tom Hagerstrom, Secretary Jaime Pego, and President & CEO Diane Mann.

As a mission-driven charitable organization and community wellness center, the Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of our youth, providing a safe space for teens, improving the community’s health and well-being, and giving back by supporting our neighbors.

Denville Woman Charged with Shoplifting and Assaulting Officer

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — A 37-year-old woman from Denville Township was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly shoplifting a bottle of wine and assaulting a police officer during a disturbance in a local business suite lobby, according to Denville Township Police.

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on June 9, officers were dispatched to a business suite near the intersection of East Main Street and Indian Road for reports of an intoxicated female causing a disturbance. Employees stated that the woman was yelling profanities and interfering with business operations.

While en route to the scene, police received an additional report of a shoplifting incident at Partner Liquors, located at 123 East Main Street. A female suspect had allegedly stolen a bottle of wine and fled the store.

Officers identified the suspect in both incidents as Jennifer Lester, 37, of Denville. When approached by police, Lester was found possessing the stolen wine. She became agitated, refused to comply with officers’ commands, and proceeded to punch and spit on one of the officers, authorities said.

Lester was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

She has been charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault involving bodily fluids, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting.

Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Lake Hopatcong Fireworks Set to Light Up the Sky

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — One of the most anticipated events of the summer returns as the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club proudly hosts its annual fireworks display. This dazzling celebration is best enjoyed from the water, offering an unforgettable experience for boaters and spectators alike. The show is scheduled to begin between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Bridge Marina is again a proud sponsor of this cherished tradition, alongside many other local community organizations, municipalities, and businesses. The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club plays a critical role in making the event possible, generously offering its facilities, managing logistics, and providing on-water support and contributing financially.

Please note: All updates regarding the event, including possible cancellations due to weather, will be posted exclusively on the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club’s website: www.lhyc.com. Updates will not be posted on this event listing.

Community members interested in supporting the Fireworks Fund are encouraged to email [email protected] for more information on how to contribute.

NewBridge JobsPlus Class of 2025 Takes Charge of Their Futures

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
NewBridge JobsPlus Class of 2025 Graduate Miranda Morgan celebrating with her family.

MORRIS COUNTY — Abdullah Jan gave up on high school in his senior year. “I was in such a bad place,” he said. Over the next several years, he worked his way up to a district manager at Domino’s pizzeria, ignoring a friend’s repeated urging to try NewBridge JobsPlus.

On June 12, Jan was one of nearly two dozen young adults celebrated for earning their high school diplomas and preparing for their next steps in life. More than 100 relatives and friends gathered at the Morristown Beard School to hear about their journeys, and those of NewBridge JobsPlus alumni who overcame tremendous challenges to find their path.

Program Director Amy Sheppard recited the final lines of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and said the 33 young adults who completed JobsPlus during the 2024-25 academic year followed that path. (Eleven were not at commencement.)

“That takes courage, it takes faith, and that takes perseverance. That experience will make the difference as they continue their journey,” Sheppard said. “I’m so proud of you!”

Jan called his time at NewBridge JobsPlus “the best learning experience I’ve had anywhere.” With support from the staff, Jan completed six months of training to become a clinical certified medical assistant. “NewBridge JobsPlus put me in the mindset to realize I could do anything I set my mind to.” He received a $1,000 scholarship from Provident Bank.

Students Find Purpose, and a Path Forward

Class of 2025 graduate Kylie Capavanni and her sister, Kelsey Gonzalez, a 2019 graduate.

Kylie Capavanni has come a long way since leaving high school in 10th grade. She spent several years caring for a much younger sister before enrolling in JobsPlus at age 19, as her sister, Kelsey Gonzalez, had done six years ago.

Kylie Capavanni with sister, Kelsey Gonzalez.

“It was such a calm environment, and everyone was so welcoming,” said Capavanni, who came out of her shell over her months in the program. She was named Associate of the Year and received one of three $1,500 Parker Endowment Scholarships and will attend the County College of Morris in the fall to prepare for a career in social work. The other two winners of that scholarship, named in honor of retired NewBridge CEO Robert Parker, were Ale Parente and Miranda Morgan.

‘I Feel Like a Whole New Person’

Morgan, 18, completed junior high school last June and immediately enrolled in JobsPlus. She’d dealt with conflicts and struggled with anxiety, and had no intention to return. By August, she had completed the program, earned her diploma and then enrolled at CCM. This summer, she’s starting a two-year associate’s degree in sonography at Eastwick College in Ramsey. “I feel like a whole new person,” she said.

Angel Padilla-Acevedo

Angel Padilla-Acevedo left high school as a junior because “I wanted to start my life.” The staff at JobsPlus helped him apply to the nursing program at CCM and for financial aid. “I feel I’m caught up now, where I’m supposed to be,” the 18-year-old said.

He received the $1,500 James Ryan Memorial Scholarship award. NewBridge Board of Trustees President Debbie King bestowed the honor, which is named for her father, one of the nonprofit’s founders. Padilla-Acevedo also took home the 70001 Excellence Award. (NewBridge JobsPlus began in 1983 as Project 70001.)

Jayden Stevens, who will attend CCM for child and family studies, was awarded the $1,000 Alumni Appreciation Scholarship Award, funded by the father of a 2008 JobsPlus graduate. Santiago Bonilla-Garcia received the Perseverance Award.

Alumni Share the Long View

Graduates heard from two JobsPlus alumni who shared inspiring personal stories.

Class of 2017 graduate Leilani Reyes described landing in juvenile detention her senior year of high school. Watching her younger sister succeed at NewBridge JobsPlus, she followed suit, but not without some further legal run-ins. She got her act together with help from JobsPlus, and then earned an associate’s, bachelor’s, and ultimately a master’s degree in criminal justice. Reyes found her passion as a lead case manager for a work-release program, helping formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

“Your past does not define your future,” she said. Reyes urged the graduates to embrace second chances, be open to support, and to “find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. It might take time, but everything else will fall into place when you discover what truly ignites your soul.”

Nick Macdermott, a 2013 graduate, described years of struggling with addiction until he found his way to recovery. He is now a drug and alcohol counselor, using his experiences to inspire others. Looking back on JobsPlus, he said, “It opened up the opportunity for opportunity.” He counseled graduates: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and chase down all of your dreams like your life depends on it, because it kind of does.”

To support NewBridge JobsPlus, click here.

1...798081...664Page 80 of 664

RECENT POSTS

BUSINESS BRIEFS

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ABOUT US

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.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2024 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

Translate »