Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Home Blog Page 86

Collin Faraher Named to Dean’s List at Bates College

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Collin Faraher graduated from Morristown Beard School in 2023.

MADISON — Collin Faraher has been named to the Dean’s List at Bates College for the winter semester ending in April 2025. The Dean’s List distinction is awarded to students with a grade point average of 3.92 or higher.

Collin Faraher graduated from Morristown Beard School in 2023.

Faraher is pursuing a double major in Economics and Mathematics at the nationally recognized liberal arts college.

Bates College, located in Lewiston, Maine, enrolls approximately 2,000 students from across the United States and worldwide. Founded in 1855, the college is committed to academic excellence, inclusivity, and preparing students for engaged citizenship and lifelong learning.

MCSO Corrections Captain Joseph Fucci Retires After 24 Years of Service

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff’s Captain Joseph Fucci has retired after 24 years of dedicated service with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. Captain Fucci began his law enforcement career with the MCSO in 2001, following honorable service in the United States Military.

Sheriff James M. Gannon expressed his appreciation for Captain Fucci’s leadership and commitment, noting that his presence on the Bureau of Corrections management team made a lasting impact. “His contributions did not go without notice,” said Sheriff Gannon.

Congratulations to Captain Fucci on a well-earned retirement, and best wishes for the next chapter.

Area Students Honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

(Morristown) – Students from Kinnelon, Mt. Olive, Morristown, Randolph, Hanover Township, and Pequannock were honored as MPAC Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Jazz Musicians – at the Thursday, June 19, performance by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

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.

The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc., supports the 2024-2025 Music Student of the Month program.

About the Music Students of the Month

Taso Benos
Grade 8, Thomas Jefferson School
Nominated by Helen Love and Nicholas Bova
Taso has been involved in the Thomas Jefferson School instrumental music program since 4th grade. He has always been a diligent and hard-working member of the program. He started as an alto saxophone player at school, but had been studying piano privately for many years prior, and continues to do so. He has even performed solo recitals in Carnegie Hall. Taso created a YouTube channel where he began sharing his compositions before entering the band program and has continued adding material over the years.

He has dedicated much of his free time to creating, exploring, and working with music. His home studio includes a drum set, keyboards, various saxophones, and guitars—all of which he learned to play during his middle school years. He also joined the Morris Hills High School Marching Band as an eighth grader this year. Taso never misses a lesson or rehearsal. He is extremely reliable, diligent, respectful, and helpful to others, especially with equipment.

Taso has an incredible ear and high musical aptitude. He can contribute to any instrument and excels at improvisation. He listens extensively to many styles, especially jazz and new music. He will be conducting a piece at the Spring Concert, having won the conducting competition. He also supports sound production in the school musical. Most importantly, Taso shares his joy of music with his family, peers, and community. We are excited to see where his passion for music takes him.

Nathan Eisenmenger
Grade 12, Kinnelon High School
Nominated by Ryan Stroud
Nathan is a senior trumpet player in the Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, and Jazz Ensemble. He’s been involved in every ensemble KHS offers. Nate is constantly striving to improve his playing and is a true leader. We will undoubtedly miss him after he graduates.

Alex Fu
Grade 12, Whippany Park High School
Nominated by Carl Sabatino
Alex Fu is a tremendously talented and driven trumpet player. He consistently demonstrates musical mastery through hard work and dedication. Highly intelligent yet humble, Alex has received musical and academic accolades. I highly recommend him for this honor.

Patrick LeFebvre
Grade 12, Morris Hills High School
Nominated by Richard Hartsuiker
Patrick is an outstanding student and citizen. He’s a principal trumpet in our concert bands, plays cello in the strings program, guitar in the jazz band, and is part of the pit orchestra. He is diligent, task-oriented, and respected by his peers. One of the most teachable students I’ve had in my 25-year career.

Sarah Hendricks
Grade 7, Mount Olive Middle School
Nominated by Ken Adessa
Sarah has been playing trumpet in our middle school jazz band since 6th grade and now plays in both high school big bands. She’s emerged as a leader in her section and consistently models a firm tone and style. Sarah also plays French horn in our concert bands and is auditioning for Area and Region Bands. She’s a standout young musician.

Sophie Mautone
Grade 7, Brooklawn Middle School
Nominated by Joseph Stella
Sophie is a talented trumpet player in the 7th-grade band, jazz band, and pit orchestra. This year, she had a strong audition and earned lead trumpet in the jazz band. She is quickly becoming a standout performer and is always polite and responsible. Her musicianship and demeanor make her an excellent choice.

Rasheeq Parvez
Grade 8, Randolph Middle School
Nominated by Tom Davidson
Rasheeq is a passionate and multi-talented musician. Starting with piano, he moved to trombone and now euphonium. He’s a returning member of the Jazz Ensemble and will perform a solo in upcoming concerts. Outside of school, he plays ukulele, transcribes music on Noteflight, and participates in Boy Scouts.

Lana Roberto
Grade 11, Pequannock Township High School
Nominated by Anthony Streifer
Lana is a phenomenal jazz student. She is taking lessons with renowned artist Oscar Perez and plans to major in Jazz Performance. She regularly attends live performances for inspiration, practices with maturity, and is well on her way to becoming a great jazz musician.

Aiden Rosen
Grade 8, Pequannock Valley Middle School
Nominated by Michael Kertesz
Aiden is an exceptional jazz musician with strong technical skills and creativity. A key Jazz Band member, he also serves as Secretary of Tri-M and contributes to many artistic and community efforts. His leadership and dedication make him a standout performer and an excellent honoree.

About MPAC

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the region’s diverse population while enhancing the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2024–2025 season is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funding from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, and numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. MPAC was named the 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres and ranks in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

Two Pedestrians Struck in Jefferson Township Hit-and-Run; One Seriously Injured

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Jefferson Township Police Department Photo Credit: Jefferson Township Police Department via Facebook

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A man was seriously injured and a woman sustained minor injuries after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident Saturday night, June 28, according to police.

Captain Robert Bush of the Jefferson Township Police Department reported that officers responded at approximately 9:47 p.m. to the area of 64 Brady Road in Lake Hopatcong following a report of two pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located a 43-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman in the driveway of the residence. The man suffered serious injuries and was transported to Morristown Medical Center. The woman was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Police stated that the driver, operating a dark-colored SUV, fled the scene without stopping.

The Jefferson Township Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in identifying the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Lundrim Veliu or Traffic Safety Officer Charles Paskas at 973-208-6154.

Jefferson Township police were assisted at the scene by the Jefferson Township Rescue Squad, Jefferson Township Fire Company #2, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department.

Chief Kelley Zienowicz Retires After 25 Years of Distinguished Service

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

MORRIS COUNTY — After more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Kelley Zienowicz has officially retired, leaving a legacy of excellence, leadership, and integrity. A Boston College graduate with a Master’s in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College, Chief Zienowicz’s career began in 1999 as a civilian employee and grew through every agency rank.

Throughout her career, Chief Zienowicz played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile investigations, including the 2001 Roxbury double homicide and the 2009 Chatham murder of Father Hinds. Known for her expertise in fingerprint analysis, she frequently served as an expert witness in court.

She successfully implemented the BEAST evidence tracking system and helped launch CivilServe, a new civil process database. After graduating from the FBI National Academy in 2018, she led several divisions, including Special Services and Protective Services, and ultimately became Chief Sheriff’s Officer in 2019.

During her tenure as Chief, she guided the office through the COVID-19 pandemic and supported major transitions, including integrating the Morris County Park Police. Her leadership extended beyond county borders, as she later became an instructor at Hungary’s International Law Enforcement Academy.

“Chief Zienowicz was always keen on where our organization was and is certainly leaving it better prepared for the future,” said Sheriff James M. Gannon. Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen praised her “leadership, integrity, and selfless dedication to public safety.”

In her farewell, Chief Zienowicz reminded colleagues to be lifelong learners and supportive teammates: “We must remember that we have the unique opportunity to be the ‘light in the darkness’ for many.”

She leaves her post with gratitude and the respect of the law enforcement community, both near and far.

Local Emerson College Students Earn Dean’s List Honors for Spring 2025 Semester

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Emerson College

MORRIS COUNTY — The following students are named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. To make the Dean’s List, students must have a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester.

Julianna DiPaolo of Madison is majoring in Creative Writing BFA and is a member of the Class of 2026.

William Sacher of Florham Park is majoring in Media Arts Production and is a member of the Class of 2026.

About Emerson College

Emerson College is uniquely dedicated to the arts and communication, educating and inspiring storytellers and artists to impact and advance creative industries and media worldwide. Distinguished faculty spearhead a dynamic curriculum and guide several thousand undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students to exhibit an unyielding spirit of creativity, professionalism, and critical thought, transform lives, and profoundly impact our community and beyond.

Based in the world-class city of Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city’s Theater District, the College offers experiential learning programs in Boston and across the globe: at Emerson Los Angeles, located in Hollywood, at its 14th-century castle, in the Netherlands, and at 28 global programs. Emersonians, including 58,000+ alumni, shape industries, inspire change, and amplify voices that redefine our culture.

For more information, visit emerson.edu.

Local Residents Named to The University of Scranton Spring 2025 Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
University of Scranton

MORRIS COUNTY — Local residents were among more than 1,725 students named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. To qualify, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum number of credit hours during the semester. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management, and the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Students named to the Dean’s List include:

  • Connor J. Bender of Florham Park, a freshman international studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Kathryn E. Hunt of Florham Park, a freshman communication major in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Francesca C. Renzi of Florham Park, a sophomore advertising/public relations major in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Rachael F. Beehler of Boonton, a junior forensic chemistry major in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Jordan C. Colombo of Boonton, a senior criminal justice major in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Brian F. Meder of Madison, a senior computer science major in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Kaitlyn E. Engel of Madison, a sophomore occupational therapy major in the Leahy College of Health Sciences.
  • Katelyn B. Flanagan of Morris Plains, a sophomore accounting major in the Kania School of Management.
  • Grace E. DiCarlo of Boonton, a junior marketing major in the Kania School of Management.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ask ChatGPT

Hailey Poskonka Named to The University of Scranton Spring 2025 Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Hailey Poskonka

DOVER — Hailey A. Poskonka was among over 1,725 students named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2025 spring semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management, and the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Poskonka is a sophomore business analytics major in the University’s Kania School of Management.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Hanover Township to Host Annual Patriotic Celebration and Fireworks Display on July 2

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Recreation will once again present its Annual Patriotic Celebration of Fireworks on Wednesday, July 2, with a rain date scheduled for Thursday, July 3. The festivities will be held at Veterans Field on North Jefferson Road, directly across from the Township Municipal Complex in Whippany.

This family-friendly event will kick off with music and entertainment, featuring DJ Flo and a live performance by The Mighty Spectrum band. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of attractions, including a bounce house, face painting, balloon art by Kellei Cosby, and more.

A lineup of food trucks will be on site, offering a selection of meals and refreshments throughout the evening.

The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show comfortably.

Additional information regarding parking, transportation, and road closures will be announced in the coming days. For the latest updates, visit the Hanover Township website or contact the Recreation Department at (973) 428-2463.

Dover Police Arrest Driver for DWI Following Suspicious Vehicle Stop

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Arrests Made in Ongoing Investigation of Dover Kidnapping

DOVER — In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 31, officers from the Dover Police Department arrested a local man on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after observing a vehicle parked facing the wrong direction on Union Street, obstructing traffic.

According to the official police report, at approximately 2:12 a.m., Officer German Liranzo was patrolling in a marked unit when he observed a silver 2003 Saturn Ion (NJ Reg. J99RSN) parked improperly. Upon noticing the patrol car, the vehicle’s front passenger exited and fled on foot.

Officer Liranzo approached the vehicle and identified the driver as Diego Quizhpensinchi, 27. During the interaction, Liranzo noted that Quizhpensinchi had bloodshot, watery eyes and the strong odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle. After requesting backup, officers directed Quizhpensinchi to exit the vehicle. By that point, he had doused himself with cologne in an apparent attempt to mask the alcohol odor.

Officers conducted a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which Quizhpensinchi failed. He was observed swaying and using a railing for balance. Following the tests, he was arrested for DWI and advised of his Miranda rights in Spanish.

Due to Dover’s Alcotest machine being out of service, the driver was transported to Randolph Police Headquarters. There, after reading and signing a consent form in Spanish, he submitted two breath samples. The results registered a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.07%.

Quizhpensinchi was processed at the Dover Police Department, photographed, and later released into the custody of a family member. He was issued multiple summonses, including for DWI and parking violations, and is scheduled to appear in Dover Municipal Court.

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.

1...858687...674Page 86 of 674

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 »