Teens Give Back During Annual Appalachia Mission Trip: Around Mendham

MENDHAM/CHESTER, NJ — Patch reviews some of this past week's top stories around Mendham and Chester.

Mendham Teens Give Back During An Annual Appalachia Mission Trip

As part of the parish's annual Teen Appalachia Mission Trip, more than 50 teens and 22 chaperones from Saint Joseph Church in Mendham traveled to Paintsville, Kentucky, this summer. The mission trip, part of the parish's 14th annual Teen Appalachia Mission Trip, lasted from June 19 to June 25. The team collaborated with Good Neighbors, Inc., a non-profit organization serving the working poor in Johnson County, Kentucky.

Local Farm Hosts Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Event In Chester

To kick off blueberry season in New Jersey, the Alstede Farm is hosting a hearty farm-to-table blueberry pancake breakfast. Visitors are welcome to attend Alstede Farms' Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, which includes our delicious homemade blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, coffee and other beverages. The community event will take place on July 10, with breakfast slots available from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Food Pantries In High Demand, Officials Ask For Donations In Chester

The Chester and Mendham Food Pantry is seeing an increase in need as food prices rise due to inflation, but donations have not increased to meet the demand. The center, located at 100 North Road in Chester, serves the greater Mendham and Chester communities. The pantry purchased its current location, next to the Chester First Aid Squad building, in 2003. The food pantry serves over 20 families through deliveries and 35 walk-in families on a monthly basis.

Support Surges For Morris Co. Pizzeria Owner Injured In US-206 Crash

A Morris County business owner faces a long road to recovery after suffering serious injuries in a multi-vehicle car collision on Route 206 while running an errand. Following the June 15 crash, Giuseppe Penza, the owner of Frank's Pizzeria, was airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital with severe injuries. According to a GoFundMe page set up to help with medical expenses, Penza suffered severe spinal injuries, a shattered hip and a shattered shoulder, all of which will require reconstruction.

Mental Health Evaluation Ordered For West Morris Regional Staffer

A staff member in the West Morris Regional High School District may soon be required to submit to an additional individual psychiatric evaluation if the board believes they exhibit a deviation from normal, physical or mental health. The West Morris Regional High School Board of Education is being asked to adopt the resolution effective immediately, according to the agenda for Monday's meeting.

Rise In Drownings Lead To Calls For Water Safety In Morris County

Morris County officials from various agencies stood shoulder to shoulder Friday afternoon at Lake Hopatcong to urge the public to heed warnings about the dangers of unsafe boating and swimming practices. More people are venturing outside to enjoy the nice weather and water activities in New Jersey. However, having fun in the water can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken.

Online Sex Extortion Targets Minors, Morris Co. Warns Parents

As technology becomes more prevalent in everyday life, online sexual extortion of minors is on the rise, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office wants to remind parents of online safety precautions they and their children should take to stay safe. Morris County officials are committed to educating the general public about the risks and potential hazards associated with child sexual abuse material and child pornography, as well as children's misuse of technology.

Child Pornography Possession Charge Filed Against Morris Co. Man

A Morris County man faces charges of possessing and distributing child pornography after his arrest this week, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Bryan Wesselius, 45, of Whippany, has been charged by complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, Sellinger said.