Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Home Blog Page 89

Boonton’s Adopt A Block Program Continues Community Clean-Up Initiative

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Volunteers will focus on cleaning up litter throughout the town during Boonton’s upcoming Adopt A Block event on Sunday, May 25. Community participation is essential to keeping Boonton clean, vibrant, and welcoming.

BOONTON — Boonton’s commitment to community pride and sustainability continues with the next Adopt A Block clean-up scheduled for Sunday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Volunteers will gather in front of Town Hall to clean the surrounding area before spreading out.

The Adopt A Block program encourages residents to take ownership of local blocks or public spaces, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement. Thanks to dedicated residents and volunteers, the initiative has gained steady momentum.

A special shout-out goes to Lauren Mills, who has played a key role in organizing and sustaining this valuable effort.

“We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who’s volunteered their time and energy to make Boonton a cleaner and more beautiful place,” said Natalie Piscitelli, Executive Director of Boonton Main Street. “This program is about more than just picking up trash—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community.”

Volunteers will be provided with garbage bags (both small and large) and gloves to ensure a safe and efficient clean-up. The event is open to all ages, and community members are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors.

Those interested in joining future clean-up efforts can sign up by visiting www.SustainableBoonton.com. For questions or further details, email Natalie at [email protected].

Boonton’s Adopt A Block program exemplifies what can be accomplished when local pride meets community action.

Hanover Township to Host Annual Business Networking Event at All Seasons Golf & Social Club

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

HANOVER — The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) of Hanover Township will co-host its Annual Business Networking Event on Wednesday, June 11, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at All Seasons Golf & Social Club, located at 235 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.

Designed exclusively for businesses located within Hanover Township, the event offers a unique opportunity to meet fellow business owners, celebrate new and established local businesses, and enjoy an engaging evening of networking. Attendees will also have the chance to tour the All Seasons facility and test out their golf swing on state-of-the-art golf simulators.

Food and beverages will be provided, including beer and wine.

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Erin Saxton, a multi-Emmy-nominated and award-winning TV producer, PR expert, and keynote speaker. With over 20 years of experience in media and public relations—including work with The View, Good Morning America, and Barbara Walters Specials—Saxton will share valuable insights on forging strong connections through marketing, public relations, and social media.

Businesses interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible. RSVP by completing this form or by emailing [email protected] with your business name, address, names of up to three attendees, contact information, and the year the business was established. Businesses can also indicate if they wish to contribute items or reserve a table to promote their services (please note tables are located outside the tent).

Whippany Park Class of 1985 Plans 40th Reunion Celebration

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Whippany Park High School

Hanover —The Whippany Park High School Class of 1985 is gearing up to celebrate its 40th Reunion on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Four decades after graduation, classmates will come together to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the lasting friendships and memories made during their high school years. Whether you walked the halls every day or moved away soon after graduation, all members of the Class of 1985 are invited to join the fun and make this milestone gathering one to remember.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Bev Dickinson at [email protected].

Mark your calendars and get ready for a night full of nostalgia and laughter!

Walmart of Cedar Knolls Shows Appreciation to Hanover Police

By
Frank Cahill
-
0

HANOVER — A heartfelt thank you to the employees of Walmart in Cedar Knolls for generously delivering sandwiches and cookies in honor of Police Appreciation Week. Your thoughtfulness and support mean a great deal to all of us at the Hanover Police Department. We’re proud to serve such a caring community.

#PoliceAppreciationWeek #CommunitySupport

Aerial Mosquito Control Scheduled in Hanover

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File photo

HANOVER—The Morris County Mosquito Commission will conduct aerial mosquito control operations in Hanover Township on Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20, between 7:00 a.m. and completion each day.

The aerial spraying, coordinated with the New Jersey State Mosquito Control Commission and the NJ Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, will focus on treating floodplain areas to control mosquito larvae before they become flying adults.

Crews will apply VectoPrime FG, a fine granular larvicide (EPA Registration #73049-501), over areas of standing water. The treatment targets the aquatic stages of mosquito development and will not affect adult mosquitoes currently in flight.

Residents can visit the manufacturer’s website or contact the Mosquito Commission for more information on VectoPrime FG.

The operation is part of an ongoing effort to reduce mosquito populations and protect public health during the warmer months.

Dover Set to Host Annual Summer Festival: Music, Food, and Fun for All Ages

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Residents will enjoy a day of music, food, and community spirit at the Dover Summer Festival.

DOVER—Mayor James P. Dodd and the Town Council invite the community to the highly anticipated Dover Summer Festival, which will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Crescent Field Parking Lot B. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on the rain date of Saturday, August 2.

The festival promises a vibrant mix of live music, delicious food vendors, family activities, and entertainment for all ages. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere filled with sights, sounds, and flavors that celebrate the diversity and spirit of Dover.

“This is one of our community’s most cherished events,” said Mayor Dodd. “It’s a great opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and enjoy everything that makes Dover such a special place to live.”

To support the event, the Town is offering several sponsorship opportunities, giving local businesses a chance to showcase their community spirit and gain visibility:

  • Stage Sponsor (Up to 2): $5,000
  • Yearly Field Banner: $1,000
  • Kids Area Sponsor: $1,000
  • Step & Repeat Red Carpet: $500

Interested sponsors can call (973) 366-2200, Ext. 2116 for more information.

With thousands expected to attend, the Dover Summer Festival is shaping to be a season highlight.

NJ Transit Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Dover Station – NJ Transit: Located in downtown Dover, the Dover NJ Transit Station serves as a key transit hub in Morris County, connecting passengers to the Morris & Essex Line. The station offers service to Hoboken Terminal and New York Penn Station, with connections through Secaucus Junction. Dover is the western terminus for most Midtown Direct trains, making it a vital stop for commuters traveling between northwest New Jersey and New York City.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Transit’s rail service is set to resume on Tuesday, May 20, following a three-day strike by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). The strike began on Friday, May 16, marking the state’s first rail work stoppage in over 40 years and disrupting commutes for approximately 350,000 daily riders across New Jersey and New York City.

A tentative agreement was reached on Sunday, May 18, addressing the engineers’ primary concern: wages. The new deal includes hourly pay increases that surpass the previously rejected proposal from March. While specific terms have not been disclosed, the agreement is pending ratification by BLET members and approval by the NJ Transit board, scheduled for June 11.

NJ Transit requires approximately 24 hours to conduct necessary inspections and prepare infrastructure before full service can resume. Therefore, limited bus services and Park & Ride options will be available on Monday, May 19. Commuters are encouraged to work from home to reduce congestion during this transitional period.

Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri have praised the agreement as both fair and fiscally responsible, emphasizing that it addresses employee concerns without necessitating fare increases or compromising the agency’s budget.

Commuters should visit the official NJ Transit website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates and detailed information on service resumption.

Whippany Church to Host ‘Blessing of the Animals’ Ceremony on May 18

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
Families and their pets are invited to the upcoming Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m., hosted behind the First Presbyterian Church of Whippany. The event will feature a brief outdoor service and individual blessings for pets of all kinds.

HANOVER — Local families are invited to bring their furry, feathered, or scaly companions to a heartwarming event celebrating the bond between people and their pets. The First Presbyterian Church of Whippany will host a “Blessing of the Animals” ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. behind the church, located at 494 Route 10, Whippany.

The event will feature a brief outdoor service and individual blessings for each animal. All pets and their families are welcome to attend. For those seeking a quieter moment, the church offers an open blessing period until 3:00 p.m., allowing attendees to stop by at their convenience.

The annual tradition is designed to honor the role of animals in people’s lives and to recognize the joy, comfort, and companionship they bring. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, or other beloved pet, all are welcome to receive a special blessing.

Organizers encourage participants to bring their pets on leashes or in carriers, and remind attendees to plan for a calm and respectful environment for all animals and humans.

Morris Plains Police Department to Undergo Accreditation Review May 19

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains Police Department will undergo a formal assessment on Monday, May 19, as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain accreditation and uphold recognized standards of professional excellence.

The assessment is part of a program administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), which evaluates departments across the state to ensure compliance with best practices in five core areas: administrative operations, personnel management, investigative procedures, detainee handling, and general operations.

The department is seeking public input as part of this process. Community members and agency employees are invited to offer comments via telephone on May 19 between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. by calling (973) 538-2284 ext. 114. The NJSACOP Assessment Team will receive all comments directly.

Comments must be limited to five minutes and should focus specifically on the department’s ability to meet accreditation standards. Email comments may also be submitted to Chief Michael M. Koroski at [email protected].

Residents who prefer to submit written comments about the department’s performance and compliance with accreditation standards can email Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S, Accreditation Program Director, at [email protected], or send a letter to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, located at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.

Chief Koroski encourages community participation and transparency throughout the accreditation process. For additional information, contact (973) 538-2284 ext. 105.

Repeat CDS Distributor Arrested

By
Frank Cahill
-
0
File Photo

HANOVER — Norris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally confirmed the arrest of George R. Washington, 61, Whippany, on a complaint warrant for charges related to controlled dangerous substance distribution.

The complaint warrant alleges on May 13, 2025, Washington possessed with intent to distribute one-half ounce or more, but less than five ounces of cocaine and less than one-half ounce of heroin. As a result of this investigation, search warrants for Washington’s person, a Morristown residence he was known to be associated with, and his vehicle were obtained. On May 13, 2025, those warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of approximately 65 grams of suspected cocaine, 40 bundles of suspected heroin, $800 in U.S. currency of suspected narcotics proceeds, and foil folds and plastic baggies commonly used to distribute controlled dangerous substances.

As a result of the investigation, Washington has been charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in an amount of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(2), a crime of the Second Degree; one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin in an amount less than one-half ounce, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), a crime of the Third Degree; two counts of Possession of CDS, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1), a crime of the Third Degree; one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-3, a crime of the Fourth Degree; and one count of Money Laundering, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25(a), a crime of the Third Degree.

Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Washington remains detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a motion for pretrial detention.

Prosecutor Carroll wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Morristown Police Department, Boonton Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, who worked jointly on this investigation.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and our local and county law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently and collaboratively to stop the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our community. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to dedicate resources to continue these vital investigations. We will not tolerate criminals seeking to profit off the backs of our most vulnerable.”

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.

1...888990...665Page 89 of 665

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 »