PARSIPPANY—The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC), in collaboration with the Parsippany PAL, is hosting an exciting Business Speed Networking and lunch Event on Thursday, February 13th. The event will take place at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., providing business professionals an excellent opportunity to expand their networks and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Sponsored by the Parsippany Police Athletic League, this event aims to unite local professionals from various industries in a fast-paced, structured networking format. Participants can engage in meaningful conversations, exchange business cards, and forge new connections that could lead to future collaborations.
The registration fee is $25.00 and includes lunch. Seats are limited, so attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early. To register, click here.
“Events like these are instrumental in fostering relationships within our business community,” said Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member. “They provide professionals a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow together.”
In today’s fast-paced world, networking is more important than ever. Speed networking events are revolutionizing how professionals connect, offering a structured and efficient way to expand your network and create valuable business relationships.
Unlike traditional networking events, speed networking provides participants with a series of timed, one-on-one interactions. This format ensures that everyone gets the chance to meet multiple professionals in a short amount of time. Each interaction is designed to be concise and impactful, making it an ideal platform for those looking to make the most of their time.
One key benefit of speed networking is the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people in a single event.
Don’t miss out—register today and bring plenty of business cards to share!
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is thrilled to announce that multiple $1,000 scholarships are now available to all graduating seniors from Parsippany High and Parsippany Hills. These scholarships are open to students pursuing further education in colleges, trade/technical schools, or nursing programs.
To apply, please contact your school counselor and follow their specific timeline and procedures. Thanks to its successful Fundraisers, the club has a rich history of awarding hundreds of scholarships over the past 65 years.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country and state. These organizations provide opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.
General Meetings are held onthe fourth Monday of every month from September through April at 7:00 pm.
If you want to attend our next General Meeting to learn more about our activities, please contact Ginny at 973-887-0336 or visit our website at https://parsippanywomansclub.org. You can also email us at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Law by filing the notice in the Office of the Township Clerk and by posting the meeting notice on the bulletin board at the Municipal Building on December 2, 2024, where it has remained posted since that date. A legal notice appeared in the Daily Record and the Newark Star-Ledgeron December 6, 2024.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
Parsippany did itself proud last evening!! The Troy Hills Neighborhood Association members attended the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, mirroring the hundreds of residents who flooded Town Hall just over a year ago to request information from Mayor Barberio and John Inglesino about their developer-friendly PILOT plans.
These Parsippany participants came together hoping to learn about the zoning exception requested by the Islamic Community Cultural Center to build a four-story, 29-unit structure in their neighborhood that would house members of the religious community and include 132 parking spaces.
They came together expecting to express their concerns about the inevitable impact the construction, traffic, and ongoing daily operations of the proposed motel-like structure would have on the nature and quality of their lives.
However, given the large number of residents who showed up at Municipal Hall on a very cold evening, the Fire Marshall was required to close the meeting with the understanding that a future meeting at a larger venue would be scheduled
Hopefully, the next meeting will be held soon and in the evening so those who wish to attend can. The Zoning Board of Adjustment members will take the time to review their fellow citizens’ concerns and will not be biased by political pressure or developers’ self-interests. Residents will be given adequate time to express their concerns at the meeting.
Hopefully, Parsippany residents will soon have the opportunity not afforded them during the PILOT review debacle 13 months ago to express themselves in their own way.
Hopefully, the Zoning Board of Adjustment will listen.
PARSIPPANY — On January 8, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio proudly accepted a $1,200 donation on behalf of the Parsippany Food Pantry. Dhaval “DJ” Bhatt, Manager of Unity Bank in Lake Hiawatha, and Unity Bank Business Development Officer Carmen Cerreto presented the generous contribution. Parsippany Human Services Director Michele Piccone and Social Services Aide Gloria Wilson also attended.
“We are fortunate to have so many businesses in our town that generously support our food pantry,” Mayor Barberio stated. “Food insecurity remains a serious issue for many Americans, and I encourage residents to utilize this critical resource. Unity Bank’s substantial donation will have a meaningful impact on our community. Thank you for your generosity.”
PARSIPPANY — Out with the old, in with the new. The office building at 30 Lanidex Plaza is being demolished to pave the way for a new warehouse development. This decision comes after the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously voted in 2023 to declare both 20 and 30 Lanidex Plaza West as “areas in need of redevelopment.”
Constructed in 1987, the 56,230-square-foot building has been vacant for some time. The three-story, Class B office space offered typical floor plates of 17,119 square feet and had 200 surface parking spaces. Formerly home to Solix Corporation, the building underwent over $2 million in renovations 15 years ago. At its peak, it housed over 400 employees. However, following Solix’s relocation to 10 Lanidex West during the pandemic, 30 Lanidex struggled to attract new tenants and has remained unoccupied.
The redevelopment process began in earnest on May 1, 2023, when the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board held a public hearing and concurred with findings in a Preliminary Investigation. The investigation determined that the property met the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL) criteria for a non-condemnation designation in need of redevelopment. Subsequently, the Township Council adopted Ordinance 2023:09, approving the 20-30 Lanidex Plaza West Redevelopment Plan. The Planning Board will review development applications once they are submitted.
Public records show that the property was purchased on April 16, 2019, for $4.7 million by 20-30 Lanidex LLC Signature Acquisitions. The property’s history stretches back to its days as part of a dairy farm owned by Rudolf Olsen. Adjacent to the site is the historically significant Governor Livingston House, a protected structure on the National Register.
The original zoning designated the area as ROL (Research, Office, Laboratory), intended to encourage ratables while preserving the surrounding residential character. Design requirements for this zone included congruent architectural styles and landscaping to minimize visual and environmental impact. Additionally, the land could not be subdivided into smaller parcels.
While 30 Lanidex was developed in 1987, plans for a second building, 20 Lanidex, never materialized. During Solix Corporation’s tenure at 30 Lanidex, increased parking needs prevented further development. However, as Solix relocated and the pandemic shifted market dynamics, the property remained vacant, leaving the developer with limited options.
In July 2024, despite significant public opposition, the Township Planning Board approved a plan to replace 30 Lanidex with a warehouse. This marks a shift from the office park’s original vision, but the new development is expected to address the property’s prolonged vacancy and provide economic benefits to the township.
In November 2024, a joint venture plans some 140,000 square feet of new logistics space after acquiring an aging office building just south of Interstate 80.
The team — which includes Altman Logistics Properties, the family office Renard Investments, and DHS Real Estate Investment Management B.V. — expects to break ground in early 2025 and deliver the project at 30 and 20 Lanidex Plaza West roughly a year later. This will remove another obsolete office property from the township and bring a new warehouse to what it says is a land-constrained market with continued strong demand for modern space.
As Parsippany continues to evolve, the redevelopment of 30 Lanidex Plaza symbolizes the challenges of adapting to changing market demands while balancing historic preservation and community interests.
PARSIPPANY—The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment held its annual reorganization meeting on Wednesday, January 8. During the meeting, key appointments and leadership positions were confirmed for the upcoming term.
Long-time members Bernard Berkowitz and Davey Willans were reappointed to four-year terms concluding on December 31, 2028. BettyLou DeCroce was sworn in to fulfill an unexpired four-year term ending on December 31, 2027.
Returning members include Scott Joskowitz, Chris Mazzarella, Santosh Peddi, Robert Quinn, and Sridath B. Reddy.
The Board elected Loretta Gragnani as Chairwoman, with Chris Mazzarella selected as Vice-Chairman. Nora Jolie was officially confirmed as the Board of Adjustment Secretary.
Several professional appointments were also reaffirmed during the meeting:
John Chadwick as Planner
Thomas Lemanowicz as Engineer
William Johnson as Attorney
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment plays a vital role in the township, tasked with reviewing and deciding on zoning variance applications and appeals related to the township’s zoning regulations. This includes evaluating property owners’ requests for exceptions to zoning ordinances, such as setback, height, or usage variances, while ensuring that decisions align with the community’s zoning objectives.
Through its work, the Board of Adjustment helps maintain a balance between individual property rights and the township’s long-term planning goals, contributing to Parsippany’s orderly growth and development.
PARSIPPANY — Temple Beth Am is proud to announce a unique opportunity to delve into the complex history of antisemitism through an engaging and thought-provoking adult education series, “Antisemitism Explained,” led by Cantor Ruben. The four-part program, conducted via Zoom, invites participants to explore the origins and evolution of antisemitism over two millennia.
Cantor Ruben, an educator with over a decade of experience teaching the history of antisemitism at Hunter College, brings his wealth of knowledge and passion to this series. In addition to his teaching, Cantor Ruben is currently writing a book on the History of Antisemitism, further solidifying his expertise in this critical area of study.
The program will be held across two sessions:
Part 1: February 19th and 26th (7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.) The first two classes will focus on the origins of antisemitism, exploring pagan (pre-Christian) attitudes toward the Jewish people and examining how these beliefs evolved into the antisemitism seen in early Christian and Muslim societies.
Part 2: March 19th and 26th (7:00 p.m. –8:30 p.m.) The second half of the series moves into the Early Modern Period, a time when hopes for Jewish tolerance were overshadowed by the rise of more virulent forms of antisemitism. Participants will analyze this period’s culmination in the Holocaust and the emergence of “New Antisemitism” in Europe, America, and the Middle East.
Participants are welcome to join any or all sessions, as attendance at every session is not required. Those interested in joining the series can register by emailing Debbie at office@tbaparsippany.org to receive the Zoom link.
“This program is a vital opportunity to educate our community about the roots and persistence of antisemitism,” said Cantor Ruben. “Through understanding the history, we can begin to challenge and combat the prejudices that exist today.”
Temple Beth Am invites all community members to join this enlightening series, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to build a more inclusive and understanding future. As the Temple’s motto states: “There is no limit to what we can do together.”
For more information about Temple Beth Am and its programs, please visit Temple Beth Am.
Temple Beth Am is located at 841 Mountain Way in Morris Plains (located in Adath Shalom Synagogue).
MORRIS COUNTY — Jeffrey S. Paul, Director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), was sworn in as president of the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association
Col. Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, conducted the ceremony at the Administration and Records Building in Morristown. Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, who graduated the 20th Basic Police Class with Paul at the former Morris County Police Training Academy in 1983, held the Bible.
“For this new assignment, I am grateful and truly humbled by the enormity of the responsibility and commit to accepting the challenges that lie ahead. There are many — both known and unknown,” said Paul. “The men and women that make up the New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinators Association in our 21 counties, along with everyone in this room, come from various backgrounds with unique gifts offered in service for the good of the people, who are counting on us to protect and defend. This is what I was born to do.”
The event also was attended by Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Commissioner Deborah Smith, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Director Scott Di Giralomo of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, senior staff at the Morris County administration and members from the county’s various departments.
“As we speak right now, our OEM is on the phone with California for what may be the most devastating fire in our nation’s history. New Jersey was the first to place a call and collectively we will go and help. Whether it’s Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Texas, Hawaii or California — fill in the blank. When people say, ‘Who can help us in a time of crisis?’ It’s New Jersey. And it’s because of men like Jeff Paul,” said Col. Callahan, who also serves as the state Director for Emergency Management.
Paul has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency management, and EMS operations. He started his career with the Morristown Bureau of Police in 1979 and later served as captain of tactical operations with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office until his retirement in 2012.
“Only a short 42 years ago, Jeff and I were graduating classmates of the police academy. We’ve come a long way since then, but our joint mission has always been the same: to protect and serve our communities. Just look at his list of achievements: this is the right man for the job of president of the emergency management association!” said Sheriff Gannon.
As director of the Morris County OEM, Paul manages emergency response partnerships across the 39 county municipalities. He also serves as the county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coordinator and oversees the county’s EMS program, including the deployment of pre-hospital emergency response assets.
Paul also commands the county’s Special Operations Group which provides advanced life support/basic life support (ALS/BLS) services for the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team tactical teams, the bomb squad, and HAZMAT units. He led the team responsible for developing the county’s Rescue Task Force Program and is a Class 2 Officer for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
During President Donald J. Trump’s first term, Paul coordinated ALS/BLS teams that supported the U.S. Secret Service and White House Medical Team on visits to New Jersey and will continue those efforts during President Trump’s next term.
“We are very proud that Morris County’s director of OEM has been selected to lead the state’s emergency management association, and rightly so. Jeff is a consummate professional and his decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency management will bode well for the state,” said Prosecutor Carroll, who also spoke at the ceremony.
Paul is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the International School of Tactical Medicine, and a certified tactical medical practitioner with numerous advanced certifications. He has written articles and contributed to the resource guide, “Ciottone’s Disaster Medicine,” in addition to lecturing extensively on emergency management topics. He has also taught programs and courses throughout the state and serves as an instructor for the New Jersey State Police.
“This is a tremendous honor for the Department of Law & Public Safety. What we do in Morris County is critical, and having the opportunity to influence emergency management statewide through collaboration with all 21 counties and the state police OEM will strengthen preparedness and response efforts across New Jersey. I have no doubt that Jeff will excel in representing the county and OEM coordinators throughout the state,” said Law & Public Safety Director Di Giralomo.
The New Jersey County Emergency Management Coordinator’s Association represents emergency management leaders from all 21 counties. Its mission is to protect lives and property within New Jersey and to work with all relevant emergency support functions (ESFs) that support these efforts.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a Reorganization Meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
Click here to download the 2025 Calendar for the Zoning Board of Adjustment
lOne of the items on the agenda includes Application 24:38, Islamic Community Cultural Center, 879 South Beverwyck Road, Block: 764 Lot: 34 Zone: R1-RW, Preliminary & Final Site Plan w/ ‘C’/‘D’ Variance to the construction of a four-story, 29-unit housing facility. A review of the proposal filed with the Clerk of the Zoning Board is the applicant is proposing six affordable housing units, and prefers not to market the units, given the desire to house members of the religious community.
FLORHAM PARK — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce will host a panel discussion on investment in the county’s education, healthcare, legal, and infrastructure sectors from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, at the Park Avenue Club, located at 184 Park Ave.
The panel will feature County College of Morris President Anthony Iacono, Morris County Administrator Deena Leary, Chamber President Meghan Hunscher, and Atlantic Health System Vice President of Facilities, Management, and Real Estate Robert Peake.
“Strategic investment in Morris County’s education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors will play a vital role in shaping the county’s future economy, business outlook, and quality of life for residents,” said Hunscher, who also serves as president of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation, a division of the chamber.
“Whether you are a business leader, educator, healthcare professional, or resident, this is a chance to learn about the projects that will shape our community for years to come.”
PARSIPPANY — Winter tree identification can be a challenging but rewarding activity, and this January, locals have a unique opportunity to learn this skill at Troy Meadow Nature Preserve. Wildlife Preserves is hosting a Winter Tree Identification event on Saturday, January 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a rain date scheduled for January 26.
The event will be led by experienced field naturalist Michael Leone, who will guide participants through the preserve on a two-hour walk. While trees lose their leaves in the colder months, Michael will teach attendees how to identify trees using other distinctive features such as bark texture, branch structure, buds, and any remaining fruits or seed pods.
“Winter presents a fascinating challenge for identifying trees,” said Leone. “Without leaves, you have to rely on subtler characteristics, which sharpens your observational skills and deepens your connection to nature.”
Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for winter weather, as the event will take place entirely outdoors, and no restrooms will be available on-site. Space is limited to 25 people, and advance registration is required by Monday, January 20. Interested individuals can RSVP by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or visiting the registration page at tinyurl.com/TMWinterTreeID.
Located at 250 Troy Meadow Road in Parsippany, Troy Meadow Nature Preserve provides a scenic and serene backdrop for this engaging and educational event. The preserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife and vegetation, making it an ideal setting for nature enthusiasts to hone their tree identification skills.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the wintertime wonders of Troy Meadows, this event promises to be an enriching experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about the natural world and the unique beauty of trees in their winter form.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen was sworn in Friday, January 3, 2025, as director of the Board of County Commissioners after Commissioners Deborah Smith, John Krickus,and Stephen H. Shaw took an oath of office for new, three-year terms on the board.
“I appreciate my colleagues’ confidence in electing me as director again. In 2025, I’ll work even harder to keep Morris County the best-run county in America. With your support, we can make it happen,” said Commissioner Director Selen, who had served as director in 2022.
State Senator John Bramnick described Selen as a representation of “the American Dream,” as he swore in the Commissioner, whose wife, Tulin, held the Quran.
Selen immigrated to the United States from Turkey 28 years ago, arriving with no money and unable to speak English. He began by pumping gas at a Madison service station less than five miles from the Morris County Courthouse. By 2008, he became a U.S. citizen, worked for a major financial institution, and later served as mayor of Chatham Township.
Selen became a County Commissioner in 2021.
“Where else can you attend a Revolutionary War cannon rededication one weekend and a cricket field ribbon-cutting the next? I wake up every day grateful to live here and even more honored to serve here,” Director Selen said of living in Morris County.
Commissioner Shaw, who served as deputy director in 2024 and director in 2021, was sworn into his new three-year term by State Senator Anthony Bucco and later sworn in as deputy director by Sheriff James M. Gannon. His wife, Cindy, held the Bible in the company of their children and grandchildren.
“It’s not about us individually — it’s about the people we serve. We are short-term stewards of Morris County. Whether you serve three years or 33 years, it’s a brief moment in our county’s 286-year history. Morris County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family because of the wise stewardship of those who came before us,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Shaw.
Commissioner Smith, a former director and deputy director, was sworn in by the Hon. Joan Bedrin Murray, as Smith’s husband, Steven, held the Bible.
“We upheld our commitment to holding the line on the county tax rate while maintaining the high-quality services that define Morris County. From enhancing educational opportunities to preserving our open spaces, historic landmarks, trails, and parks, we ensure Morris County remains a jewel in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Smith, who also reaffirmed the board’s support for Israel and Ukraine.
Commissioner Krickus emphasized his dedication to veteran services and fiscal discipline as he was sworn in by Assemblyman Michael Inganamort. Krickus’s wife, Carolyn, held the Bible.
“In 1918, my grandfather, a Czech immigrant coal miner, joined the U.S. Army as a doughboy in World War I and he was given his New Testament. Sixty years later, I joined the Marine Corps. When I went to boot camp, I received my New Testament,” said Commissioner Krickus. “It is an honor to serve all the people of Morris County alongside my fellow Commissioners.”
Surrogate Darling reaffirmed her commitment to providing compassionate and efficient probate services for Morris County families as she was sworn in by the Hon. Stuart A. Minkowitz. Deputy Surrogate Chris Luongo held the Bible.
The ceremony opened with the Presentation of Colors by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, accompanied by bagpipes performed by Sgt. Eric Huffert. Sheriff Gannon led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Louise Miniter, a senior at Morris County Vocational School District Academy for Performing Arts, sang the National Anthem.
The invocation and benediction were delivered by the Rev. Herman Scott, Chaplain for the Morris County Correctional Facility.
A moment of silence was held during the evening in memory of former President Jimmy Carter and the victims of the New Year terrorist attack in New Orleans.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold its next work session and regular meeting on January 8, 2025, at the Administration & Records Building. The work session begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Meetings will be livestreamed via Webex.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Law by filing the notice in the Office of the Township Clerk and by posting the meeting notice on the bulletin board at the Municipal Building on December 2, 2024, where it has remained posted since that date. A legal notice appeared in the Daily Record and the Newark Star-Ledgeron December 6, 2024.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
Since 5 PILOT projects were approved by a 3-2 Town Council vote a year ago, no shared revenue per pupil agreement between the Town and the BOE is in force.
Here are excerpts of the executive summary of a 2010 report by NJ State Comptroller, Matthew Boxer titled “A Programmatic Examination of Municipal Tax Abatements.”
• Payments to municipalities by businesses and developers in lieu of taxes, known as PILOT payments, distort municipal incentives in using and structuring abatements at the expense of counties, school districts, and other taxpayers. • Information concerning abatement agreements is not published in a transparent manner or centralized location, making it difficult to impossible for the public to compare, calculate the effect of, or be fully aware of those agreements. • Directly affected stakeholders are not involved adequately in the abatement decision-making process. • Redevelopment areas in which abatements may be granted typically are not periodically reviewed to account for neighborhood changes or improvements. Tax abatements should be used carefully and sparingly given the multitude of pitfalls, their far-reaching impact, and the reality that exemption from taxation is a departure from the normal allocation of tax obligations.
We (NJ Comptroller’s office) recommend: • Counties, school districts and the public should assume greater roles in the abatement process. • Pilot arrangements should be structured in a way that encompasses the interests of counties and school districts. ,• A thorough cost-benefit analysis of community impact should be undertaken before awarding an abatement.
For those following the Pilot Saga, Comptroller Boxer’s concerns are prescient. When reminded of this report at a recent Town Council Meeting, Mayor Barberio claimed legislation is needed to amend PILOT programs. Nothing in the legislation prevents the Mayor and the Town Council from doing what they ought to do and engage with stakeholders. NJ made PILOTS an optional tool, not a requirement.
Apparently, the Mayor hopes the 2025 election passes before the public realizes it faces a massive tax increase to make up for lost funding in the future from pilot programs and 600 additional students.
In the author’s opinion, it is imperative that a signed recurring per pupil shared revenue agreement between the Town and the BOE is in place before the 2025 elections, so voters can decide.
PARSIPPANY — Patrons of Parsippany Library can now instantly read, watch, and listen to more than a million titles through the Hoopla Digital app.
With hoopla, Parsippany Library offers its patrons a vast digital collection that maximizes the power of their library cards. hoopla provides access to borrow audiobooks, eBooks, comics and manga, music, movies, TV, and more with BingePass, from anywhere, often with no wait, all for free with a library card. Content can be streamed from a computer or a mobile device by downloading the Hoopla Digital app for iOS and Android. Along with popular entertainment titles, hoopla also offers diverse content related to important topics like race, mental health, and religion, as well as more than 100 world languages. hoopla also has more than 152,000 juvenile titles and Kids Mode, where kids can browse and borrow content curated specifically for ages 12 and under.
“hoopla will allow Parsippany Library to give patrons access to more library materials without the waiting period. We are excited to bring this resource to patrons of all three of our library locations,” said Melissa Kuzma, Parsippany Library Director.
Parsippany Library will offer hoopla to all patrons across its three locations. To learn more about hoopla, visit your local branch or parsippanylibrary.org.
About Parsippany Library The Parsippany Library serves a diverse population of over 56,000 New Jersey residents with three library locations in Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and Mount Tabor. A main source of community information and entertainment, Parsippany Library has evolved the book, periodical, and audio-visual collections through membership in the Main Library Alliance, which includes access to over 50 public libraries across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren Counties. Producing and hosting a multitude of classes and programs that support lifelong learning, individual health, and cultural and civic events, Parsippany Library continues to evolve past the limitations of a traditional library, remaining a cornerstone in the community. Visit parsippanylibrary.org for more information, hours of operation, and current programming.
About hoopla Digital hoopla is a category-creating service that partners with public libraries across North America, Australia, and New Zealand to provide online and mobile access to thousands of movies, TV shows, music albums, eBooks, audiobooks, and comics. With hoopla Digital, patrons can borrow, instantly stream and download dynamic content with a valid library card. All content is accessible via hoopla Digital’s mobile app and online at hoopladigital.com. hoopla Digital is a service of Midwest Tape, a trusted partner to public libraries for over 30 years.
MORRIS COUNTY — Captain Stephen Ortiz and Sergeant Janine Buchalski have announced their retirement from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally honored the outgoing Captain and Sergeant for their outstanding service and expressed their gratitude to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on their last day.
Captain Ortiz is retiring after 20 years with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, having joined the agency in August 2004, when he was hired as a Detective. Before joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Captain Ortiz worked as a Sheriff’s Officer in Union County and as a Special Agent in the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation. During his tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Captain Ortiz has served in the Financial Crimes, Insurance Fraud, Fire/Environmental, Internal Affairs, Domestic Violence, and Juvenile/Missing Persons units. He has also been a member of the Intelligence Crime Task Force, the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Task Force, and the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in May 2019.
Sergeant Buchalski is also retiring after 20 years with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, having first joined the MCPO as a victim advocate in 2004. In 2008, she was promoted to the rank of detective and during that time, assigned to the General Investigations, On-Call Missing Persons, Domestic Violence and the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Units. In 2012, she joined the Division of Criminal Justice, where she was assigned to the Government Corruption Bureau. In 2015, Sergeant Buchalski joined the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation as a special agent. She returned to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2017, and was assigned to the Professional Standards Unit, where she was promoted to detective supervisor in 2020. She was then promoted to the rank of sergeant in June 2021 of the Professional Standards, Financial and Arson/Environmental Units. She most recently served in the Domestic Violence and Juvenile/Missing Persons units. She is the first female Morris County Prosecutor’s Office fire investigator. Sergeant Buchalski has been recognized by the Morris County Detective’s Association and was a classroom, firearms, defensive tactics and physical training instructor.
Prosecutor Carroll expressed his appreciation and said, “Captain Ortiz and Sergeant Buchalski have been dedicated members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for two decades. Capt. Ortiz’s performance and experience in multiple sensitive MCPO units enabled his achieving promotion to the leadership position of Captain of County Detectives. Having begun her law enforcement career serving victims as an advocate, the investigative skills Sergeant Buchalski acquired continue to put victims first through the successful prosecution of numerous cases.
As you both embark on this well-earned next chapter in your lives, I and your colleagues of the MCPO extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to you for your years of exemplary service.”
The New Jersey legislature is considering a bill (S3545/A4696) called the “Climate Superfund Act” that would make the largest fossil fuel corporations pay for the damages caused by climate change in New Jersey. The bill was passed by the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee on December 12, 2024, and now has to be passed by the full NJ legislature and signed by Governor Murphy. Modeled after similar legislation passed in New York and Vermont, the bill applies the logic of the original Superfund Act, which requires polluters to pay to clean up their contaminated sites, to the climate crisis. New York’s version would raise up to $3 billion annually for the next 25 years. It is not unreasonable to estimate that New Jersey could receive about $2 billion annually.
We are requesting that the Parsippany Town Council pass a resolution in support of the NJ Climate Superfund Act in order to help offset the financial burdens of climate change on Parsippany residents and businesses. Senator John McKeon, the prime sponsor of this bill, stated that municipal resolutions would be very helpful. Participation in this effort will not involve any financial or legal risk to Parsippany. If this Act is successful, the State will collect this money from the major climate polluters and create grants for municipalities to address the costs of projects for remediation from, and adaptation to, climate change.
Costs that can be covered include, but are not limited to: infrastructure resiliency (e.g., energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades to schools and municipal buildings); flood protection (e.g., upgrades to the Rockaway River flood wall); home buyouts (e.g., buyouts of flood-prone homes in Lake Hiawatha); remediation of toxic algae blooms (e.g., Lake Parsippany); upgrades to stormwater drainage systems; well replacement and water purification due to low water levels caused by droughts; storm recovery and more, which will mitigate climate impacts in Parsippany. This law will reduce the financial burdens of these events on town residents, and in some cases may provide the only means to address these costs.
The global costs of climate change remediation and adaptation are increasing yearly. A New York State Senator stated, “Repairing from and preparing for extreme weather caused by climate change will cost over $65,000 per household by 2050.” It is reasonable to assume that the cost per household from climate change in New Jersey will be similar.
The decision to support a bill that could provide great benefits at no risk should be straightforward. However, there are people who oppose it because they are concerned that it imposes burdens on businesses and distorts market incentives.
We think that companies whose products pollute and cause disease, property destruction, and death and who knowingly continue these practices should be held responsible and made to pay for these harms, not the individuals, families, and businesses who suffer because of these companies’ actions.
The argument for the Climate Superfund Act is the same logic that NJ and other states use to force polluters to pay for cleanups under the EPA Superfund Act; that polluters knew of the problems they were causing by dumping toxics. There is clear evidence that in the 1970’s Exxon recognized the climate problems that were being created by burning fossil fuels and not only refused to admit this but spent the next 55 years obfuscating and denying the truth and impeding government responses to this crisis.
Some people have also argued that forcing fossil fuel companies to pay for their harms will cause them to increase the price of their products. The price of oil is set by the global market based on global supply and demand. Individual companies cannot directly raise the price of their oil without losing market share.
Our elected officials were voted into office to protect us, the residents and businesses in Parsippany, not global fossil fuel companies who make billions of dollars in profits every year. Exxon’s global profits in 2023 were $36 billion while the global oil and gas industry earned record income of more than $2.4 trillion.
Who do you think should pay for climate-based damages, you (either directly or through increased property taxes) or the fossil fuel companies? Is your major concern burdens on the largest businesses on earth and distorted market incentives or your ability to stay safe and healthy and spend your money as you see fit?
We often complain about government “unfunded mandates” that increase local costs but provide no source of funds. Climate-related costs are similar. They are being forced on taxpayers with no recourse. The NJ Climate Superfund Act attempts to correct this imbalance.
On January 7, during the public portion of the Town Council meeting, residents of Parsippany will ask the Town Council to introduce a resolution in support of the NJ Climate Superfund Act. If you want the fossil fuel companies to help pay for the expected costs of climate change, please come to the meeting and make your voices heard.
Judy Hernandez, member of Parsippany Town Council Ken Dolsky, resident of Parsippany Matt Kavanagh, Parsippany Green Team co-leader
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey’s primary election has been delayed by one week.
Governor Phil Murphy signed bipartisan legislation on Tuesday to reschedule the election in observance of the Jewish holiday, Shavuot. The holiday, observed from June 1 to June 3 in 2025, prohibits adherents from activities such as driving, writing, or using electronics.
Originally slated for Tuesday, June 3, the primary election—where voters will select candidates for governor—has been moved to Tuesday, June 10. Certain deadlines tied to the election have also been adjusted.
“As legislators, it is our responsibility to ensure every eligible voter can participate in our democracy without undue barriers,” said Senator Robert Singer, R-Ocean, one of the bill’s sponsors. “With the governor’s signature, this change ensures voters are not forced to choose between exercising their right to vote and their deeply held religious traditions.”
The law applies only to the 2025 primary election and does not affect future primary dates.