HANOVER — The holiday season is about to get brighter with the annual Christmas Bazaar, hosted by St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, on Sunday, December 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, located at 60 North Jefferson Road, Whippany.
This festive bazaar promises a delightful experience for attendees, featuring a variety of Ukrainian and holiday crafts, jewelry, and more for holiday shoppers. From unique handcrafted items to elegant ornaments, the bazaar will have something special for everyone. Shoppers can also enjoy a selection of homemade Ukrainian food and baked goods, bringing the flavors of Eastern Europe to Whippany.
The event, sponsored by St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate the season, and support local artisans. It’s the perfect place to find last-minute holiday gifts while indulging in delicious treats.
For more information, call (973) 476-1970. Don’t miss out on this joyful holiday tradition—gather your family and friends and join in the celebration of Ukrainian culture and holiday spirit!
EAST HANOVER — Meadow Dougherty is proudly representing East Hanover at the National American Miss (NAM) Nationals in Orlando, Florida, competing for the All-American title. Her evaluation encompasses community service hours, interview skills, personal introduction, and formal wear. Additionally, Meadow is participating in categories such as spokesmodel, I AM STEM with her project on converting milk into plastic, academic achievement, runway, casual wear, and more.
To support Meadow in the People’s Choice voting, you can cast your vote for $1 per vote, with all proceeds benefiting veterans’ charities. To vote, click here.
Your support is greatly appreciated as Meadow strives to achieve her goals and make a positive impact.
MORRISTOWN – In an afternoon filled with camaraderie and optimism, Andrew DeLaney, a well-known local attorney and active community advocate, announced his candidacy for the Morristown Town Council.
The announcement came during a lively happy hour event at a downtown venue, where DeLaney shared his aspirations for Morristown’s future and engaged with a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.
DeLaney, who founded his private law practice in 2019, has built a reputation for providing comprehensive legal services across a wide range of areas. His practice focuses on real estate transactions, criminal defense, civil litigation, wills, trusts, estates, debt collections, and landlord-tenant matters. Known for his tenacity and dedication, DeLaney has successfully represented clients in high-stakes cases, earning the trust and respect of the community.
Beyond his professional achievements, DeLaney is deeply invested in Morristown’s civic life. He serves as the chairman of the Morristown Republican Party, is a board member of the Great Swamp Watershed Association, and plays an active role in Morristown Beautiful, an organization dedicated to environmental stewardship and beautification projects. Additionally, DeLaney is an Advocate of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the 3rd degree, reflecting his commitment to service and tradition.
Andrew DeLaney’s father, John “Jay” DeLaney Jr., served as an at-large councilman from 1989 to 1993 and as Morristown’s mayor from 1998 to 2006.
Jay DeLaney passed away in November 2022 after a battle with esophageal cancer.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Andrew DeLaney highlighted his father’s dedication to public service and his ability to connect with people. He noted that his father was someone who always made those around him laugh and ensured everyone felt comfortable and at ease. More importantly, he described his father as an amazing father and grandfather, whose sacrifices will be increasingly appreciated over time.
“Andrew is exactly what Morristown needs right now—someone who listens understands the issues, and is willing to roll up his sleeves to make meaningful change. He’s not afraid to take on the tough challenge,” said State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.
During the event, DeLaney outlined his campaign platform, focusing on key priorities for the town’s growth and governance. He emphasized the need for transparency in decision-making, sustainable development that respects Morristown’s history, and enhanced public safety initiatives.
“Morristown is a unique and vibrant community, rich in history and culture,” DeLaney said to the attendees. “I’m running for Town Council to ensure that our town remains a welcoming and thriving place for all residents. Together, we can address the challenges we face while protecting the character that makes Morristown so special.”
Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella said, “True leadership is about listening to your community, understanding their needs, and making decisions that prioritize their well-being above all else. It’s not about politics; it’s about service and accountability.”
The happy hour drew a mix of local business owners, community leaders, and residents who came to show their support and learn more about DeLaney’s vision for Morristown.
The event’s informal atmosphere encouraged open dialogue, allowing attendees to share their concerns and hopes for the town’s future.
The enthusiastic crowd featured Republican State Senator John Bramlick, Republican State Assembly members Aura Dunn and Christian Barranco from the 25th District, along with Jay Webber and Brian Bergen from the 26th District. Also present were Morris County Commission Director Christine Meyers, Commissioners Deborah Smith and John Krickus, County GOP Chair Laura Ali, and Parsippany mayoral candidate Justin Musella.
As the campaign moves forward, DeLaney promises to engage directly with residents through a series of community events and listening sessions. “This campaign is about collaboration,” he added. “I’m here to listen, to learn, and to lead with the best interests of our community at heart.”
DeLaney’s candidacy has already sparked interest among residents who value his dedication to Morristown and his track record of service. With a strong focus on community engagement and thoughtful leadership, DeLaney aims to bring a fresh perspective to the Town Council. DeLaney is a graduate of Syracuse University and St. John’s School of Law.
The election is set to take place next year, and DeLaney’s campaign invites all residents to participate in shaping the future of Morristown.
HANOVER — The Hanover Township Committee has unanimously approved Amazon Fresh as the newest tenant in Cedar Knolls Plaza, formerly known as the Morris County Mall. This confirmation comes after more than a year of speculation among residents.
Amazon Fresh will occupy a 43,500-square-foot space previously held by Foodtown. Renovations at the plaza began last year, and in September, the Township Committee approved a developer agreement with Interstate Realty Co., which spearheaded the transformation of the half-century-old mall.
Despite the anticipation, township officials refrained from publicly discussing Amazon Fresh’s arrival until recently. Hanover Business Administrator Joseph Giorgio expressed optimism about the development, stating, “It’s a long time coming, and we’re very happy. We want to see that mall up and running 100%. Things are shaping up very nicely there.”
Amazon Fresh, which started as a grocery delivery service in 2007, opened its first physical store in 2020. With several New Jersey locations already in operation, the Cedar Knolls Plaza addition will bring another option for residents seeking a blend of online convenience and in-store shopping.
While the exact opening date remains unclear, Cedar Knolls Plaza’s transformation marks a new chapter for the site, aiming to revitalize the local retail landscape.
Amazon Fresh debuted in August 2020 in Bellevue, Washington, and now has stores in California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Washington, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Cedar Knolls Plaza, located at 225 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, is home to a variety of businesses catering to diverse needs. As of November 2024, the plaza includes:
Walmart: A major retail anchor offering a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and household items.
McDonald’s: A global fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries, and other quick-service meals.
One Dollar Zone: A discount store providing various products, all priced at one dollar.
Affinity Federal Credit Union: A financial institution offering banking services to its members.
Michaels: An arts and crafts retailer offering a wide selection of crafting supplies and home décor.
All Seasons Golf & Social Club: All Seasons Golf and Social Club is an indoor golf facility. Golf All Seasons The club offers a year-round golfing experience using advanced Golfzon TwoVision simulators, providing access to over 240 virtual courses worldwide. In addition to golf, the venue features a full-service bar and restaurant, making it suitable for both practice sessions and social gatherings.
Planet Fitness: The facility offers a variety of amenities, including over 75 state-of-the-art cardio machines, a wide range of strength equipment, and a PF Black Card® Spa featuring HydroMassage loungers and massage chairs.
HANOVER — Longevity Veterinary Center has introduced advanced regenerative medicine for pets, including Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. These state-of-the-art treatments utilize the body’s natural healing processes to address a range of conditions in cats and dogs.
“We are excited to provide these innovative therapies to improve pets’ lives and bring hope to their families,” said Dr. Gerald Buchoff, owner and veterinarian at Longevity Veterinary Center.
Understanding Stem Cell and PRP Therapy
Stem Cell Therapy: Extracted from the pet’s fat tissue, stem cells are processed and injected into damaged tissues, promoting repair, reducing inflammation, and encouraging the growth of healthy cells.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP is derived from a small blood sample, processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors, and then injected into areas of injury to accelerate healing and reduce discomfort.
Conditions Treated
These therapies show great promise in treating:
Osteoarthritis: Enhancing mobility and reducing joint pain in aging or arthritic pets.
Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Speeding recovery and strengthening connective tissues.
Spinal Issues: Supporting recovery from conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Chronic Pain: Providing relief for conditions unresponsive to traditional medications.
Wound Healing: Accelerating surgical or trauma-related recovery.
How These Therapies Work
Stem Cell and PRP Therapy activate the body’s healing mechanisms:
Minimally Invasive: Require only small samples of fat tissue or blood.
Natural Healing: Rely on the pet’s cells, reducing the risk of side effects.
Rapid Results: Many pets experience improved pain levels and mobility within weeks.
Why Choose Longevity Veterinary Center?
Longevity Veterinary Center is dedicated to offering the latest in veterinary medicine, tailoring treatments to each pet’s needs.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
For more information on Stem Cell Therapy or PRP Therapy, contact Longevity Veterinary Center at (973) 606-1101 or visit www.lvcnj.com.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Morris Plains Police Chief and President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association Michael Koroski, and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management have issued a joint statement regarding drone activity reported in Morris County.
On the night of November 18, 2024, law enforcement officers on patrol observed drone activity in the area. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, municipal police departments, and their federal and state law enforcement partners are aware of the situation and are actively monitoring, coordinating, and investigating the activity.
Authorities emphasize that there is no known threat to public safety.
This statement comes in response to rumors circulating on social media about the drone activity. Officials urge the public to verify information and remain cautious about the accuracy of what they read online.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact their local police department directly. Please refrain from calling 911 unless it is an emergency.
BOONTON – A driver was hospitalized early Thursday morning, November 21, after their tractor-trailer overturned on Route 287 in Morris County.
The incident occurred at 4:02 a.m. when a tractor-trailer traveling northbound on Route 287 in Boonton veered off the roadway, struck a guardrail, and overturned, according to New Jersey State Police spokesperson Jeffrey Lebron.
The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The crash is currently under investigation.
EAST HANOVER — REDCOM Design & Construction celebrated the ribbon-cutting of Blinds To Go®’s new store prototype located at 375 State Route 10. REDCOM designed Blinds To Go®’s new store and then renovated its East Hanover location. REDCOM provided the engineering and architectural services for the project and managed the construction. This store prototype is now being launched nationwide.
The design work began in October 2023, followed by construction starting in May 2024. The construction finished in October 2024. The East Hanover Blinds To Go® is the first location where the design has been built. A replication of the design is underway in Florida.
Attendees included Sean Feeney, SVP of Construction at REDCOM; Ryan Teicher, CEO, REDCOM; Zachary Shiller, Blinds to Go; Nkere Udofia, Vice Chairman, Blinds To Go; Stephen Shiller, Owner, Blinds to Go; Joe Lane, Account Executive, REDCOM; Michael Reyes, Site Superintendent, REDCOM; Carlos Sanchez, Controller, REDCOM; Donald Gumm, Chief Safety Officer / Lead Site Superintendent, REDCOM; Asia Saforo, Project Manager, REDCOM.
REDCOM CEO Ryan Teicher stated, “REDCOM is thrilled to have had the opportunity to develop a new image for Blinds To Go® then bring that concept to life in NJ. The airy design provides a modern space for Blinds To Go® shoppers to be inspired.” REDCOM is an award-winning, full-service commercial architectural design, engineering, and commercial contracting company operating in New Jersey and the surrounding areas since 1982. REDCOM can take a project from concept to completion, offering comprehensive services that encompass every stage of a project.
Blinds To Go® is a growing company that continues to open new stores and offer Shop-At-Home Services where our highly trained Design Consultants bring the showroom to your home. We cater to all budgets and the motto “We Make it Easy” is one we are proud of. Since we are the manufacturer, we cut out the middleman and sell direct to the consumer, as well as designers/contractors, anyone who needs window treatments can buy directly! The combination of our focus on quality, great value, red carpet customer service, and the extensive Blinds To Go university training program, allows our Design Consultants to be expertly trained with product knowledge to ensure the creation of a customer for life.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Explorers annual Krispy Kreme Fall Fundraiser was a success. Explorers sold 25 pounds of coffee and 91 dozen donuts!
Law Enforcement Exploring offers students a “hands-on” program to gain exposure to the various criminal justice careers as well as have positive interactions with law enforcement professionals.
Sheriff James M. Gannon invites students ages 14-20 to join Explorer Post 140 and students ages 10-13 to join the Explorer Club. Click here for more information.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight approved $1.8 million to preserve more than 65 acres across three municipalities as part of the 2024 Open Space Program.
The projects, formally adopted by the board after receiving recommendations from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, are located in Denville, Madison Borough, and Mendham Township, and range in size from 3.5 acres to 51 acres.
“We are proud to approve these projects for funding, as they protect critical habitats, expand recreational opportunities, and ensure the long-term health of our environment,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “Since 1994, we’ve preserved more than 18,300 acres of open space, which is an area larger than the Township of Parsippany, reflecting our commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
OPEN SPACE PROJECTS APPROVED FOR MORRIS COUNTY GRANTS:
Description: The property is contiguous to the 430-plus acre Jonathan’s Woods, which was acquired in 2000 through a combination of municipal, state, and county trust fund dollars. Over the past 20 years, the Morris County Park Commission has also acquired many of the smaller parcels off Hillcrest Drive. The Whitney Property, situated at the end of Hillcrest Drive, represents one of the largest remaining tracts of land to be acquired for the Jonathan’s Woods conservation area.
Schiff Preserve Addition – Civille Property
Applicant: Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA)
Located in Mendham Township
11 acres
Award: $447,234
Description: Positioned at the Somerset County border, the Schiff Preserve Addition known as “Civille” features the North Branch of the Raritan River along its eastern boundary. A conservation easement along the stream protects the Category One waters as well as steep slopes. Following the acquisition, the property will be transferred to the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, expanding its existing Nature Preserve. The land will be managed for conservation and passive recreational purposes.
Drew Forest Project
Applicant: Madison Borough
51 acres
Award: $1,087,766
Description: Drew Forest plays a critical role as an aquifer recharge area for the Buried Valley Aquifer, which supplies water to 31 towns across three counties. The forest also includes steep slope areas and serves as a habitat for the endangered Indiana Bat. Drew University students use the Zuck Arboretum and Hepburn Woods within the forest as outdoor ecological classrooms. In 2023, the project received a $5 million grant from Morris County, marking the first dedicated funding for its preservation.
Funding for open space acquisitions and preservation comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, which is generated by a special county tax. The funding source is also used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.
Since its inception in 1994, the Morris County Open Space Program has preserved a total of 18,306 acres utilizing more than $300 million in grant funding. This is all in addition to lands that have been preserved and improved through the other Preservation Trust Fund Programs: Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trails Construction.
Did you know that county, municipal, federal, state and nonprofit-owned open space totals nearly 94,600 acres, accounting for approximately 30.7% of Morris County’s total area? The Morris County Planning Board released an updated master plan for open space in September 2024. Click here to download.