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Justin Strickland to Speak in on Civic Engagement

By
Frank Cahill
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Justin Strickland

HANOVER — Justin Strickland of Chatham Borough will speak on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Avenue.

Strickland will lead a community discussion on “How to get involved in Municipal Government and Make a Difference in Your Community.”

A former Captain in the U.S. Army and Iraq War Combat Veteran, Strickland also served in the Pentagon as a Federal employee, overseeing programs focused on economic development in Iraq and Afghanistan. Beyond his public service, he has traveled to 38 countries and 47 U.S. states, bringing a broad perspective on leadership and community development.

The event is free and open to the public.

Jefferson Township to Host Flu Shot Clinics in October

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Township Health Department is preparing for the upcoming flu season by offering two community flu shot clinics this October.

The first clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge. A second clinic will follow on Wednesday, October 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Health Center, 57 Minnisink Road, Lake Hopatcong.

Flu shots will be available to residents 18 years and older. Vaccinations are free of charge for individuals with Medicare Part B (red, white, and blue card). For those without Medicare, the cost is $25 for a regular dose and $55 for the high-dose vaccine, which is recommended for residents 65 years and older.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Jefferson Township Health Center at (973) 663-0700.

Dodd Responds to Morris County Chiefs’ Letter Defending Chief Delaney

By
Frank Cahill
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Dover officials revealed that municipal phone lines have been secretly recorded without notice, raising legal and ethical concerns. Town Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Ed Ramirez, Mayor Dodd, and Municipal Attorney Ramon Rivera confirmed the discovery, announcing state and county investigations into possible violations of New Jersey’s wiretapping laws.

DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd issued a strong statement on Friday, September 26, in response to the Morris County Chiefs’ Association letter defending Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney.

Calling the letter “a desperate attempt to protect a fraternal brother and a system that benefits the chiefs of police,” Dodd emphasized that his duty is to Dover’s residents, not out-of-town chiefs. “I was elected to serve the people of Dover, who cannot afford a police department plagued by out-of-control overtime and mismanagement,” he said.

According to Dodd, the numbers reveal a stark imbalance. While the average Dover resident earns $31,000 annually, eleven police officers earn more than $200,000 each. A lieutenant earns over $300,000, and Chief Delaney’s total compensation package, including benefits and a take-home vehicle, approaches $400,000—placing him among the highest-paid public employees in New Jersey.

“The Valori report was fact-driven and laid out the fiscal and structural problems in Dover’s current system,” Dodd said. “The Chiefs’ hostility is predictable; they have long opposed public safety directors because real oversight threatens their oversized contracts and power centers.”

Dodd stressed his commitment to prioritizing residents. “I will always put residents first, unlike out-of-town Chiefs who don’t live here or pay taxes here. This is about protecting residents, not protecting paychecks. Our taxpayers cannot afford runaway overtime or a department that fails to enforce basic quality-of-life issues like homelessness, public intoxication, and noise violations.”

Concluding his statement, Dodd rejected the Chiefs’ letter as “nothing more than a false narrative and conclusion.” He added, “The people of Dover deserve fiscal responsibility, accountability, and safe neighborhoods, not political letters written to defend the status quo at the expense of residents.”

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Dover Focus did not receive any communication from the Morris County Chiefs’ Association in reference to the letter defending Chief Delaney.

CCM Gallery Features Retrospective Exhibit Celebrating Long-time Professor

By
Frank Cahill
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Keith Smith, long-time County College of Morris professor, artist, author, and poet, is being honored with a retrospective exhibition at the CCM Gallery in Randolph, celebrating his 30 years of teaching and expansive body of work.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) is featuring a retrospective exhibition honoring long-time CCM Professor Keith Smith, an acclaimed educator, artist, author and poet. The exhibit is on view now through Tuesday, November 4, in the CCM Gallery, located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center. As Smith celebrates 30 years of teaching at CCM, the community is invited to experience his expansive body of work, which includes ink, paint, collage, photography, video, poetry and electrostatic media. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with wine and light refreshments served. 

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of an artist whose work has been featured at leading institutions, including The Museum of Modern Art (NYC), The Smithsonian Institute (Washington, D.C.), The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. His art is represented in major collections nationwide and has been featured in numerous publications and media, including Choices in Healing (MIT Press), Creative Healing (Harper), Animals As Teachers and Healers (New Sage Press), Arts Alive (PBS) and New Morning (Hallmark Channel). 

“Art is the language I use to understand the world, to question it, and to reflect the human experience,” said Smith. “This exhibition is not just a look back—it’s a map of the journey.” 

At CCM, Smith has shaped generations of students, having served as professor of Art, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and chairperson of the Art and Design Department. He also played a key role in designing the CCM Gallery, a non-profit exhibition space on campus serving a vast group of established and emerging artists. 

Smith holds BFA and MFA degrees from the California College of the Arts. He is the author of “Mourning Sickness: The Art of Grieving” and recipient of numerous awards, including a Ford Foundation Fellowship, Gold Medals in Painting and Drawing at the California State Exposition and a National Merit Award in Experimental Media from the American Film Institute and Sony Corporation. 

The CCM Gallery is located in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center on the college’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

To explore CCM’s associate degree programs in the creative arts, click here.

CCM Offers Accelerated Fall 2025 Late 7-week Classes

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM), named the #1 community college in New Jersey by SmartAsset’s 2025 study of the Best Community Colleges in the U.S., is enrolling students for its Fall 2025 Late 7-week session, with classes beginning Thursday, October 23. This affordable, accelerated session allows students to earn college credits in just seven weeks, compared to the traditional 15-week semester. It is an ideal opportunity for first-time students looking to start college this fall, for those who missed the traditional semester start date, or anyone interested in exploring a new subject area quickly and efficiently. 

With nearly 100 courses offered in the Late 7-week session, students can choose from a wide range of subjects. Over 50% will be accessible online through CCM’s Virtual Campus, providing flexibility for today’s students who are often balancing academics with work or personal commitments. Additionally, many CCM courses are transferable to four-year colleges and universities, making CCM an ideal option for students seeking to fast-track their education while minimizing a financial burden. 

CCM offers one of the best ROIs among community colleges and continues to be a leader in affordable, high-quality education. The Fall Late 7-week session provides a great opportunity for students to learn a new skill or stay on track for timely graduation, while earning credits quickly. With CCM’s wide range of offerings that meet industry demand, students can earn big while saving big, ensuring a pathway to success without the financial strain. 

Emerge Confident in 2026

By enrolling at CCM now, students will be well prepared to continue learning this Winterim 2026 Semester. Winterim courses begin on December 22 and are offered online in a condensed four-week format, providing a great way to lighten a future semester’s course load. Registration for Winterim opens on Monday, November 3.  

CCM currently offers more than 100 academic programs, including associate degrees, industry-recognized certificates, and professional development opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.ccm.edu/get-started/. To apply for admission, contact CCM’s Admissions Office at 973-328-5100 or visit www.ccm.edu/admissions/. 

Planned Road Improvement Projects in Jefferson Township

By
Frank Cahill
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Township has announced its tentative milling and paving schedule for the Lake Forest area. Work will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the following dates:

Milling Schedule

  • Monday, September 22, 2025 — Ripplewood: Espanong to Yacht Club
  • Tuesday, September 23, 2025 — Woodlawn: Ripplewood to Yacht
  • Wednesday, September 24, 2025 — Yacht Club: Espanong to Harbor; Commodore: Yacht to Harbor
  • Thursday, September 25, 2025 — Yacht to Crescent; Yacht Club: Harbor to Crescent
  • Friday, September 26, 2025 — Yacht to Yacht; Marine: Crescent to Yacht
  • Monday, September 29, 2025 — Crescent to Crescent; Nautical: Yacht to Crescent
  • Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — Crescent to Route 181; Collins: Route 181 to Yacht; Rudine: Collins to End
  • Wednesday, October 1, 2025 — Alpine Drive: Yacht to North Alpine; Alps Lane: Alpine to End; North Alpine: to Route 181

Paving Schedule
Weather permitting, paving will begin on Monday, September 29, 2025. The sequence schedule will follow.

Route 181
New Jersey Natural Gas continues daytime work installing gas mains with alternating traffic.

Residents are reminded to remove all vehicles from the roadway during work hours. Expect delays and consider using alternate routes.

We encourage all residents to sign up for the RAVE notification system, where regular updates are issued. Notices are also posted on the Township’s social media and webpage.

Please place garbage and recycling out by 6:00 a.m. Do not drive on freshly paved roadways for at least two hours. Residents are also asked to back into their driveways prior to work to avoid turn marks on new pavement.

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Promotes Investigative Officers

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announce the promotion of eight members of the agency’s investigative team. A formal ceremony was held on September 10 at the Commissioners’ Public Meeting Room.

James Bruno was promoted to the rank of Captain, and will command the Special Operations Division. He previously held the rank of lieutenant.

Spence Osaigbovo was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will be assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.

Promoted to Sergeant were Lydia Negron and Martyna Ruminska. Both previously held the rank of Detective Supervisor.

Investigative staff members promoted to Detective Supervisor were Melissa Atoche, Kerri Griffin, Dakota Keyworth, and Ryan Thomas. All four previously had held the rank of Detective.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “During my tenure as Prosecutor, and throughout my law enforcement career, I have maintained a commitment to promoting from within, especially when our investigators have demonstrated the management skills, experience, and commitment to advance the interests of justice. Those promoted had undergone a rigorous appraisal process, and have demonstrated their aptitude for taking on their new roles. I am confident that we have selected the most-qualified investigative administrators to advance the current needs and objectives of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.”

Homeowners and Renters Have Until October 31 to Apply for ANCHOR Property Tax Relief

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey homeowners and renters under the age of 65 are being reminded that applications for the 2025 ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program are now available. For those who did not receive a mailed application, the filing deadline is October 31, 2025.

Under the program, homeowners who earned up to $150,000 in 2024 are eligible for a benefit of $1,750, while those with income between $150,001 and $250,000 can qualify for $1,250. Renters age 64 and younger who earned less than $150,000 are eligible for $450 in relief. Renters 65 and older may qualify for a $700 benefit.

Payments will begin on a rolling basis starting September 15, with funds typically arriving within 90 days of filing. Applicants filing online may choose between direct deposit or paper checks, while paper applications will result in a mailed check only.

For more information, application forms, and filing instructions, visit the NJ Division of Taxation’s ANCHOR webpage by clicking here.

Former Bookkeeper Sentenced for Theft of Funds from Parishes

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed that Melissa Rivera, 61, Haskell, has been sentenced for theft from Roman Catholic parishes in Washington Township and Pompton Plains.

On May 19, 2025, Rivera pled guilty to two counts of Theft, a crime of the third degree, in violation of 2C:20-3A, before Judge Robert Hanna.

On September 12, Judge Hanna sentenced Rivera to a term of five years probation. As a condition of probation, Rivera will be required to pay the two victim parishes a combined $292,728 in restitution at a rate of $800 a month.

An investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit began after a referral alleged Rivera stole approximately $192,000 while employed as a bookkeeper at Our Lady of Mountain Parish in Washington Township (Morris County), by writing herself numerous checks from parish accounts.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that between May 2018 and May 2024, Rivera created 137 checks at Our Lady of the Mountain totaling $287,487 and 3 checks at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish totaling $5,242, both located within Morris County, while employed as a bookkeeper. The total loss was $292,728. As a result of this investigation, Rivera was subsequently charged on March 27, 2025.

Prosecutor Carroll recognizes the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to the guilty plea in this case.

Office of Temporary Assistance Showcases Career Paths

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Office of Temporary Assistance is hosting an Open House Hiring Event on October 2 for those interested in employment with the Morris County Department of Human Services. Whether you’re looking for a new job, internship, or are just curious about what opportunities are out there, this is the perfect chance to meet with our team face-to-face, tour our facility, and learn more about the programs and services we deliver to Morris County residents. 

For more information click here.

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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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