PARSIPPANY — It’s official. Quick Chek, 480 North Beverwyck Road, will be closing its doors for good on Friday, November 2 at 11:00 p.m. Earlier this year they cut the hours from the normal 24 hour store to 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Lake Hiawatha QuickChek opened in 1977 and has been a staple in the area for 41 years and will be missed by many. The Lake Hiawatha location was outdated compared to the newer millennial-friendly concept stores.
All store team members in the Lake Hiawatha store were transferred to or offered positions in other QuickChek store locations.
Hanover Township, on Route 10, Cedar Knolls on East Hanover Avenue are just two of the newer millennial-friendly concept stores to open locally in the past year.
QuickCheck has over 150 stores throughout New Jersey and New York has been expanding with its new “millennial-friendly concept.”
On Tuesday, October 2, a QuickChek convenience store and gas station opened at the Somerville Circle in Raritan. The Raritan location is the company’s sixth new store to open in the past eight months.
It offers a new design to meet the needs of today’s fast-casual shopper with more than 50 percent of the store dedicated to fresh food and beverages, according to the corporation. Most of the newer stores feature over 5,000 square feet and a full service gasoline station.
QuickChek stores provide local one-stop shopping, offering a wide variety of grocery and market itemsExtensive display of freshly-made QuickChek grab-and-go food and market items
“We feel this new store design provides a better showcase for our high-quality, great tasting fresh food and beverage menu items as we continue to meet the ever-changing shopping and dining habits of today’s consumer,” said QuickChek CEO Dean Durling, whose family-owned company was named the 2016 National Convenience Store Chain of the Year by Convenience Store Decisions magazine in part due to its dedication to customer needs.
New millennial-friendly concept stores include features:
Sleek open concept layout features earth tone colors, cleaner sightlines and spacious stand-alone food displays with consumer-friendly expansive aisles for added convenience when customizing food and beverages as well as selecting prepared items
Extensive display of freshly-made QuickChek grab-and-go food and market items
Fresh QuickChek baked goods made in-store
Large stand-alone soup station offering a daily rotation of freshly-prepared, never-frozen QuickChek soups
New food service menu features handcrafted restaurant-quality 6-inch subs and 9-inch premium original recipe sub sandwiches served on crispy artisan rolls, all made with the finest ingredients and freshest quality meats and cheeses
A wide selection of fresh healthy snacks and fresh cut fruit perfect for snacking anytime
Embracing the dining habits of today’s millennial consumer, indoor seating counters offer phone and laptop charging stations and free WiFi
Family Pumpkin decorating at the Lake Hiawatha Branch Library on October 16. Pumpkins donated by Shoprite of Parsippany.Family Pumpkin decorating at the Lake Hiawatha Branch Library on October 16. Pumpkins donated by Shoprite of Parsippany.Teens making Halloween Slime, Parsippany Main Library and Lake Hiawatha Branch Library, October 18 & 20Teens and Halloween at the LibraryCostume Swap at the Parsippany Main Library, children’s department, October 17Costume Swap at the Parsippany Main Library, children’s department, October 17Stella and Rosemary
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr., and Dover Police Department Deputy Chief Anthony Smith announce that the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire that occurred in the Town of Dover on Monday, October 22, has been completed.
After conducting a systematic fire investigation, consisting of interviews, photo documentation, fire scene processing and the examination of heat, smoke, and fire patterns, it is the opinion of the fire investigators that the cause of this fire is “Undetermined.”
The fire is deemed not suspicious at this time.
The area of origin for this fire was located on the first floor of 19 West Blackwell Street. All natural and incendiary causes have been ruled out. The fire investigation is complete, however the overall investigation remains ongoing.
The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire was conducted jointly by the Dover Police Department, Dover Fire Prevention Bureau, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office
Fire/Environmental Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the NJ Division of Fire Safety Fire Marshal’s Office.
PARSIPPANY — Northvail Elementary School PTA is hosting their first Designer Purse Bingo and Mini Tricky Tray on Thursday, November 15 at the PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with Bingo starting at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $30.00 and includes ten games. The event is open to people 18 years and older and is bring your own food and drink. You can place pre packaged food orders up to the night before with Parsippany’s Best Pizza.
Other games at the event include 50/50 and door prize.
You can register individually or with tables of ten. Please contact Diana Mazzarella at di1725@hotmail.com for more information.
PARSIPPANY — Delta Dental of New Jersey (DDNJ) received a Best Practices Award from the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and COMMERCE Magazine. Kathleen Fennell, DDNJ’s VP of human resources, accepted the award from CIANJ President Anthony Russo. It honored DDNJ CEO and President Dennis Wilson’s best practice of empowering employees so they can become leaders, innovators, brand ambassadors and effective team players. The Best Practices Awards were presented at the 5th Annual Best Practices Conference on September 20.
MORRIS COUNTY — Bayada Nurses presented Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco with its Champion Award last week for his support of in-home nurses and the patients who rely on them.
Bucco was honored for his work to raise reimbursement rates for personal care assistants and private duty nurses, and supporting a recently signed law providing parking placards that ease access for home health-care providers.
Professionals and advocates praised Bucco’s dedication and hard work at the organization’s annual awards ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton Township on Thursday, October 25.
“When someone like Tony Bucco changes our lives the way he does, and puts his life and family aside as a public servant, it is not always going to be easy to put our lives aside to help other people and to honor them,” said Christina Cerza, a home-care advocate and mother of a patient. “That’s why I’m here today. This man made a huge impact on our lives and he needs to know that.”
In December 2016, Bucco visited Cerza and her daughter Carly Zukowsky in their home in Bernardsville with Christine Rios, the director of the Bayada pediatrics office in Morris Plains. The 17-year-old Zukowsky was diagnosed with a recessive genetic disorder after her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck during birth. She receives full-time nursing care and is a sophomore at Bernards High School.
When the family needed additional nursing hours, Bucco negotiated with their insurance company to get more nursing coverage for Zukowsky.
“You are not just an assemblyman by title, you are walking the talk, and you are making it happen, and we are so grateful for you,” Cerza told Bucco.“He is always available and listens to the concerns of home health care and what we go through as providers and as clients,” said Marlana Follett, a pediatrics director for the northern New Jersey area, while introducing Bucco. “He has attended several family meetings and roundtables with our employees.”
“I can tell you that my life changed the day I walked into the home and met Christina and Carly,” Bucco explained. “Every once in a while I get a photo of Carly going to the prom or out at school and those are the days you say to yourself: ‘I’ve got to keep doing this.’”
PARSIPPANY — The anti-Semitic massacre at a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania synagogue Saturday that claimed 11 lives. Nine sick children dying from infection at a Passaic County health facility. A blaze in Dover that left 80 people homeless and destroyed six businesses. Back-to-back hurricanes that decimated communities in the Southeast. Mail bombs.
The onslaught of bad news is not only causing angst in adults, it’s affecting children — even young ones. That feeling of helplessness can be magnified in children, but parents have the power to help reduce the impact of trauma their kids are exposed to or actually experience.
“Children on the whole are resilient when they feel loved and cared for,” said Mary Vineis, NewBridge Services Director of Community Response and Education and coordinator of the Morris County Traumatic Loss Coalition. “One of the most important things parents can do is to assure their children that they will keep them safe.”
Parents should process an event before speaking to their children about it so they can role-model coping skills, Vineis said. “If you tell your child ‘everything is OK’ but your behavior expresses fear and powerlessness, your child will pick up on that,” she said.
Keep it Simple
It’s best to start a conversation by asking a child what he’s heard. (Hopefully the parent will be the first to inform her child.) “Encourage them to ask questions, listen for their fears and concerns, and gently correct any misinformation they have,” Vineis said. Keep the explanation simple, especially for little children. More specifics can be provided to older children, but it will take them time to process the information, and may lead to follow-up questions.
Limit Media Exposure
NewBridge Chief Operating Officer Michelle Borden, a licensed clinical social worker, urged parents to limit their children’s media exposure; television news often shows graphic images repeatedly, which can be very disturbing. Borden suggested parents screen news accounts first, whether they’re on television, in print or online. “That gives you more control about what your child is exposed to,” Vineis said.
“Let your children know that it is normal to feel upset about what happened,” Borden said. Parents should also express empathy for the people affected and talk about the heroes, including first-responders, who helped save lives.
Take Action
Parents should reassure their children that they are safe and the risk of such events happening to the family is very low, Borden said. Many families find solace in taking action such as donating money to a cause or volunteering, or participating in a community vigil.
Be Patient
Expect that children may very well show signs of stress. They may be irritable, have trouble sleeping, and change their eating habits, but those reactions should subside within two or three weeks. “Give your children extra patience, care and love,” she said.
If those behaviors don’t subside or if they appear weeks after the event, parents should seek professional help. Call NewBridge at (973) 366-9333 or click here.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides an age-by-age guide for parents and other caregivers on how to talk with children in the wake of a traumatic event. Click here.
. Here are some tips:
Preschool children, through age 5:
Give these very young children a lot of cuddling and verbal support:
Take a deep breath before holding or picking them up, and focus on them, not the trauma.
Get down to their eye level and speak in a calm, gentle voice using words they can understand.
Tell them that you still care for them and will continue to take care of them so they feel safe.
Children ages 6 to 19:
Nurture children and youth in this age group:
Ask your child or the children in your care what worries them and what might help them cope.
Offer comfort with gentle words, a hug when appropriate, or just your presence.
Spend more time with the children than usual, even for a short while. Returning to school activities and getting back to routines at home is important too.
Excuse traumatized children from chores for a day or two. After that, make sure they have age-appropriate tasks and can participate in a way that makes them feel useful.
Support children spending time with friends or having quiet time to write or create art.
Encourage children to participate in recreational activities so they can move around and play with others.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides tips on how to talk to children about hate crimes and anti-Semitism.
PARSIPPANY — Littleton School K-Kids decorated pumpkins and placed them around the outside of the school to dress up the area for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
There are 41 students that are members of the Littleton School K-Kids.
Littleton School K-Kids decorated pumpkinsLittleton School K-Kids decorated pumpkins
K-Kids’ mission is to teach children leadership through service. Planning and taking part in service projects is a great way for club members to gain leadership skills and make a difference in the community. There are service needs all around your community and even in local schools or organizations. Some of the programs K-Kids’ perform are Hands-on service: Members roll up their sleeves and provide direct service within the community; Fundraising and philanthropy: Members raise money for an organization or cause and Awareness-building: Members make others aware of an issue and encourage them to take action.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library will be holding their bag sale starting this Thursday, November 1. The sale will run through Sunday, November 11 at the Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Road.
Shoppers will be able to fill a bag (provided) with books for just $7.00. There will be a wide assortment of popular fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, DVDs, CDs, and more available. Supplies will be restocked throughout the sale period so shoppers are also encouraged to check back for more great finds.
Members of the Friends of the Parsippany Library are invited to the Members Only Preview Night on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Memberships can be purchased in advanced by clicking here or purchased at the door.
The sale then will open to the general public starting on Friday and will run during the library’s normal hours.
This year, the Friends are also supporting the town’s efforts to move away from plastic bags by offering shoppers the option of purchasing a reusable tote bag from Boon Supply (another Friends fundraiser) and receiving a special deal to fill the tote with sale items. There will also be a table with more valuable or collectible books that will be of interest to collectors and book dealers.
All proceeds from the sale will be donated back to the library for the purchase of materials and programs to benefit our community. To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here.
TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of Get Covered New Jersey, a state public awareness campaign to promote the Affordable Care Act’s 2019 open enrollment period, which runs from November 1 through December 15.
Get Covered New Jersey is the first coordinated health coverage public awareness campaign conducted by the State of New Jersey since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The program will promote health coverage options available to residents through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace and off the Marketplace in the individual insurance market during Open Enrollment, as well as through the state’s NJFamilyCare program year-round.
“From day one, my administration committed to protecting the Affordable Care Act in New Jersey against President Trump’s efforts to tear it down. We are proving the ACA works but we cannot let up,” said Governor Murphy. “We know it will take every effort to combat the barrage of attacks that continue from the federal government to make sure residents get the coverage they deserve. We want to ensure residents don’t miss the six-week window to enroll, that they get the financial assistance they are due, and that they know where to go to if they need help along the way. New Jerseyans are counting on us to do what the federal government won’t.”
On January 21, 2018, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order Number 4, directing that all State entities that regularly interact with the public undertake reasonable measures to provide information to the public regarding the Affordable Care Act marketplace and ways to enroll. The Get Covered New Jersey public awareness campaign is an extension of this effort.
The Get Covered New Jersey campaign, which will be led by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, builds on the policy actions taken by the state to defend the ACA and ensure that residents have access to health coverage and care. The Governor signed a law to continue a shared responsibility payment in the state, after its repeal at the federal level. The state law takes effect January 1, 2019, and requires residents to have health coverage or pay a penalty, called a Shared Responsibility Payment, unless they qualify for an exemption. The governor also signed a law to create a state reinsurance program. Combined, the two laws resulted in an average overall 9.3 percent reduction in rates in the individual market for 2019.
As part of the public awareness campaign, the state is launching a website, GetCovered.NJ.gov, which will serve as a portal for individuals seeking health coverage. The site will include information about plan options, as well as contact information for navigators and enrollment assisters who can help residents access coverage.
Departments and agencies that regularly interact with the public will also disseminate materials and educate residents on health coverage options and the availability of financial assistance. Materials useful to community organizations, public and nonprofit agencies and grassroots organizations in enrollment outreach will also be available on the Get Covered New Jersey website, which will be promoted by all state agencies and departments.
“The Trump Administration has worked to destabilize the insurance market and to eliminate the resources that existed to connect residents to coverage. Increasingly, it is up to states to lead in ensuring the protections provided by the Affordable Care Act are maintained and that residents have access to care,” said Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride. “The Get Covered New Jersey campaign is a coordinated state effort to promote awareness of the options available so that residents can educate themselves, get available financial assistance, and choose the plan that works best for them.”
President Trump’s administration cut the open enrollment period in half, from three months in 2016 to six weeks in 2017 and 2018. It cut the advertising budget for the Affordable Care Act enrollment period by 90 percent, from $100 million in 2016 to $10 million in 2017 and in 2018 and has cut funding for navigators by 79 percent since 2016, resulting in New Jersey receiving over $1.5 million less to conduct outreach for 2018.
As part of the state’s work, the New Jersey Department of Human Services is also bolstering its continuous efforts to enroll people in NJ FamilyCare, including the Medicaid expansion created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), by providing $375,000 in funding and support to five community organizations that served as ACA navigators. DHS has awarded each organization $75,000 to support enrollment efforts and DHS is providing the outreach materials. The Department of Human Services is providing training, materials and technical assistance to the organizations, which will provide application assistance and organize outreach events.
“New Jerseyans should have as much opportunity as possible to learn about affordable health coverage options and how coverage can benefit their families,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “This initiative will ensure that we reach out to as many people as we can and get them signed up for health coverage. A healthy New Jersey means a better New Jersey for everyone.”
The organizations being funded are the Center for Family Services, of Camden; The Family Resource Network, of Hamilton (Mercer County); The Oranges ACA Navigator Project, of Orange; Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean, of Neptune and Toms River; and the Urban League of Hudson County, of Jersey City.
“As a doctor, I have seen first-hand the difference health coverage can make in determining people’s health outcomes,” Department of Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal said.“Governor Murphy’s commitment to increasing the number of people with health insurance will certainly result in a stronger and healthier New Jersey, and the Department of Health is committed to doing everything it can to educate people about the need to be insured.”
“The success of this campaign will ensure that New Jersey’s health insurance market remains stable, prices remain affordable and, most importantly, individuals have the health coverage they need,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “We encourage everyone to make sure they have the minimum level of coverage required by law. This will help ensure that we have a healthier New Jersey and that no one incurs the legally mandated Shared Responsibility Payment when it comes time to file their 2019 taxes.”
“I’ve fought tooth and nail over the last two years to protect the Affordable Care Act from Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress who have made repealing our health care their top priority,” said Sen. Bob Menendez. “The last thing I’m going to do is allow them to strip away all the things we fought so hard for and won – like protections for pre-existing conditions, or making sure women don’t pay more just because they’re women. ‘Get Covered New Jersey’ is about empowering patients and families and doing what Republicans in Congress and President Trump refuse to do — stand up for the right of every New Jerseyan and every American to quality, affordable health care coverage.”
US Senator Cory Booker
“We are in a moral moment when it comes to protecting health coverage and the rights of New Jerseyans and all Americans, including those with with pre-existing conditions, to get the affordable, quality care they deserve,” said Sen. Cory Booker. “Time and time again we have seen Republicans in Congress and President Trump attempt to sabotage our health care system, so we must double down on our efforts to protect the nearly 3.8 million New Jerseyans with pre-existing conditions. I applaud the continued efforts of Governor Murphy and his administration that have already yielded results in educating New Jerseyans on their health coverage options, ways to access to financial assistance, and how to get enrolled in a plan that works best for them and their family.”
“Despite numerous attempts by the Trump administration to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, the law continues to provide quality coverage to millions of Americans at an affordable cost,” said Rep. Frank Pallone. “Governor Murphy’s actions have successfully lowered rates for the health insurance market in New Jersey and we need to do everything possible over the next six weeks to make sure that working families have the opportunity and awareness to get covered. I will continue to work in Congress to prevent the Trump administration from sabotaging the ACA and the open enrollment period.”
“I am proud to represent a state that is aggressively defending access to healthcare,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. “Despite the Trump administration’s attempts to destroy our nation’s health law and virtually eliminate coverage assistance, I am encouraged by efforts at the state level to uphold the great strides made under the Affordable Care Act. I urge all New Jerseyans to #GetCovered during this open enrollment season! Make use of the state’s newly available resources, and do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need additional help.”
“Now is the time to make sure you’re enrolled in a health plan that works for you and your family,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Even though President Trump and Republicans are still trying to strip away health coverage and explode premiums for people with pre-existing conditions, there are still plenty of affordable options and financial help available right now in the marketplace. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to make improvements that will help hardworking families – but, in the meantime, I encourage everyone to make sure you have health coverage during this open enrollment period.”
“A single accident or sudden illness without health insurance coverage could mean financial devastation. That’s one reason the ACA’s transformational progress in reducing the number of uninsured Americans is so important” said Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman. “The ACA is still the law of the land, and you can still get financial assistance to obtain insurance. Open enrollment begins November 1st, and New Jersey residents will have the opportunity to enroll in a plan, or change the plan they already have. I urge everyone who needs insurance to take advantage of this opportunity to get covered.”
“For five years, New Jersey’s administration has been absent from efforts to enroll state residents in the affordable and quality health care programs the ACA has to offer,” said Maura Collinsgru, New Jersey Citizen Action Health Care Program Director. “We’re very grateful that Governor Murphy and his administration are putting their full weight behind outreach to ensure that every New Jerseyan has the opportunity to access the health care coverage they need.”
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Kiwanis Key Club hosted “Halloween at the High” on Monday, October 30.
Students from the Key Club were dressed for Halloween and supervised the games, face painting, haunted house, or just handed out candy to the children. Children lined up to visit the Haunted House (PG13) which was the major hit attraction of the evening. The PG-13 Haunted House was created by Key Club member Jacob Meth who is the artistic director.
All of the games, decorations and candy were purchased by members of the Key Club.
Michael DiBernard, Karaline Dibernard and Cameron DiBernard enjoying Halloween at the High
Buffalo Wild Wings Joanne Veloz and Nick Van Orden handing out candy and free wing couponsKey Club members Celina Huynh and Abhila Sha SaurvaKey Club member Irene Mariyum with PHS students Vora Kosch and Bailey GrandaJoe Salgado and Kiara Salgado searching for the candy at Halloween at the HighSana Majid, Nimeesha Hug and Thanui NimmalaTyler Wyka and Olivia JohnsonFraidoon Pouruaghasb, Nirbhav Talloju and Derek KaiserJulian Goodwyn
PARSIPPANY — During the month of November, the members of Parsippany PBA Local #131 will be participating in “No Shave November”. Each officer who wishes to grow a beard during November will be donating to “Zero-The End of Prostate Cancer.”
If anyone would like to donate to their team click here. If you have any questions please contact them directly at ParsippanyPBA@gmail.com.
Join our team! Your participation will help raise awareness and your donation will help fund research, patient programs that go directly to helping men and their families, free testing, and educational programs.
One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, including more than 164,000 throughout the U.S. this year alone.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblyman Jay Webber expressed today his support for expanding funding and easing restrictions on grants given to nonprofits that are at a high-risk of hate crimes or terrorist attacks, such as synagogues, churches, mosques, and community centers.
“A primary responsibility of government is protecting its citizens,” stated Webber (R-Morris). “In the wake of the horrific anti-Semitic hate crime in Pittsburgh and because of the disturbing increase in anti-Semitic acts of violence in America that responsibility is becoming a more urgent priority every day.”
In 2017, anti-Semitic crimes rose by 32 percent in New Jersey according to the Anti-Defamation League.
The Assembly will vote today on a bill that would increase security grants for nonprofits to $50,000, which can be used to purchase target-hardening equipment such as bullet proof windows and doors. The grants, which Assemblyman Webber supported last year, are currently capped at $10,000 and can only be used for personnel.
PARSIPPANY — Introducing Oink! This piggy pile of goodness is absolutely amazing!
Oink is five years old, great with other dogs, and can live with children six and up. He knows “sit” and LOVES to get pets!
Oink is a chill guy that loves doing whatever his human wants to do (especially snuggles!). He is a truly special, gentle dog and his compact size and big smile make him perfect!
Oink chases his toys if you throw them but would much rather hang out with you instead. He also loves to eat! He may snort a little bit here and there just like a pig but his manners are those of a true gentleman.
If you’re looking for a calm, happy, sweet dog, adopt Oink!
If you are interested in adopting Oink, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
Oink is a chill guy that loves doing whatever his human wants to do
In less than ten days, we will be going to the polls to decide who we want to represent us in Congress; a candidate who just recently moved into our community, or a public servant who has served us in the State Legislature and as a small business owner who’s created jobs.
I have known Assemblyman Jay Webber, the Republican candidate for Congress here in the 11th Congressional District, for years. I know Webber has always voted for policies that benefit our interests. Whether it was opposing the 23-cent per gallon gas tax hike or sponsoring legislation to reduce taxes, Jay has always put taxpayers first. He has also supported federal tax reform that has lowered tax rates on families and businesses right here in New Jersey and across the nation. By contrast, Democrat Mikie Sherrill has opposed tax relief and would be a vote to increase our taxes to feed a federal bureaucracy that has become excessively large and inefficient.
As a veteran of the United States Army, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and everything it stands for. I know that Assemblyman Webber will take his oath of office seriously, as he’s already done in the State Legislature. The oath to defend the United States Constitution is a pledge to uphold every amendment. Naturally, I was concerned when I heard Ms. Sherrill speak about her openness to undermining the second amendment rights of law-abiding citizens during one of the debates in this campaign. Let me be clear: I thank Mikie Sherrill for her years of service to our nation in uniform. But on the second amendment, her views are out of touch with millions of Americans, including people here in the 11th Congressional District.
Lastly, I trust Jay Webber to take on cronyism and corruption in Washington D.C. because he’s never been afraid to stand up to leaders in either party when he felt it was right. Mikie Sherrill, by contrast, refuses to denounce Senator Bob Menendez, who was admonished by Republicans and Democrats for violating U.S. Senate ethics rules. Equally troubling is when a surrogate for Ms. Sherrill alluded to Assemblyman Webber’s minor children while attempting to smear him earlier this summer. Since when is it okay to bring a candidate’s family into the political fray?
I believe that Mikie Sherrill only moved to our district to run for Congress. If she truly cared about the state of affairs in America, she could have sought the support of her neighbors in a bid for Congress in her own district. It was her hope that no one would notice that she moved into our district since Democrats needed a candidate to run here. Well, voters, I did notice, and I am disappointed in her efforts to mislead us all on issues ranging from federal tax reform to Jay Webber’s record in Trenton. On Tuesday, November 6, I urge you and everyone you know to join me in supporting Jay Webber for Congress. He’s represented New Jersey’s 26th Legislative District well in Trenton, and I know he has the leadership skills and character to be a great Congressman.
PARSIPPANY — The Assembly voted on Monday, October 29 to create a three-year pilot program in Passaic County allowing experienced barbers and hairstylists to work while waiting for a New Jersey license. Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce sponsors the legislation.
“Preventing experienced professionals from earning a living seems unreasonable,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “At the same time, we have to make certain those coming in meet state standards. This pilot program will show us if we should implement such a law statewide.”
The bill (A3443) is in response to concerns expressed by Passaic Mayor Hector Lora who said local immigrant barbers are not allowed to work while waiting for a state license, according to a NorthJersey.com article.
Experienced, licensed barbers and hairstylists licensed in another state or another country must apply for a license from the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and pay a $100 application fee and a $39 written exam fee. Board approval can take up to six months. If the licensing standards of the home state or country do not meet state standards, an experienced barber may have to take courses that can cost $12,000.
The state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling will evaluate the program and make recommendations to the governor and Legislature.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer J. Michel responded to the Holiday Inn, 707 Route 46 at 9:58 a.m. on Friday, October 19 for a reported theft.
Upon arrival he spoke to the female complainant who stated approximately $190.00 worth of jewelry was stolen from her hotel room while she was gone.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
RANDOLPH — A newly launched Bridges-to-Baccalaureate program at County College of Morris (CCM) is providing underrepresented students with extensive support, guidance and research opportunities to assist them in transferring to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
The Northern New Jersey Bridges-to-Baccalaureate (NNJ-B2B) is a partnership of public, associate-degree granting institutions that provides community college students with the opportunity to conduct research at a four-year institution and support services and a mentor to guide them in the application and transfer process to earn their bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
The program is open to both entering first-year and continuing CCM students interested in STEM careers. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2019 Spring Semester.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wages for all STEM occupations are nearly double the national average wage for non-STEM jobs. Between 2005 and 2015, STEM employment grew by 24.4 percent, five times more than non-STEM jobs, and the demand is expected to continue to grow in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
NNJ-B2B is operated in partnership with the Garden State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a highly successful National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project headed by Rutgers University-Newark to streamline the transition from two- to four-year institutions.
Along with CCM, the community colleges participating in NNJ-B2B are Hudson County Community College, Passaic County Community College, as the lead institution, and Union County Community College.
CCM is receiving $317,556 over three years in NSF grant funding as a NNJ-B2B participant to support students in their quest for a STEM bachelor’s degree. Dr. Teresa Birrer, professor of biology, is serving as CCM’s site coordinator for the program. To learn more and to apply click here.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Lakeland Hills YMCA is holding “A Night of Conversation” on Monday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m.
The open discussion is presented by NJ DEA Agent Timothy McMahon. Introduction by Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, Guest speaker will be Eileen Wallin, who experienced the loss of her son last year from a heroin overdose; resources offered by Saint Clare’s Behavioral Health.
You hear about it, you read about it, but do you know that it is everywhere? Heroin, prescription and substance abuse is happening in your backyard. It’s in your schools, it’s in your town, and it might even be in your home.
A Night of Conversation is meant to inform you of the dangers of drug abuse and how to talk with your children (or your parents) about it.
Someone you know or even love may have already experienced drug abuse. It takes just ONE pill or one dose to begin the addiction. How did we get here? How do we stop it? How do we prevent it? Those questions and more will be discussed at this presentation. Joining us is Eileen Wallin, who experienced the loss of her son last year from a heroin overdose. Hear her story to understand the epidemic is closer to home than you might think. Light refreshments will be served.
Click here to register. This is a free community program and is open to all. For additional information email Rosemary Linder Day at Rosemaryl@Lhymca.com or call (973) 334-2820.
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