Tayfun Selen Seated as Morris County Commissioner Director

Frank L. Cahill
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Tayfun Selen Seated as Morris County Commissioner Director

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, a former mayor of Chatham Township, was sworn in tonight as Director of the Board of County Commissioners after fellow board members Deborah Smith of Denville, John Krickus of Washington Township, and Stephen H. Shaw of Mountain Lakes were sworn in to new, three-year terms as Commissioners.

“I stand here as an American who appreciates everything this nation allowed me to achieve, and I want to continue paying America back through public service,” said Commissioner Director Selen, a Turkish immigrant who spoke tonight of moving to this nation 25-years ago.

Tayfun Selen of Chatham Township is sworn in by Sheriff James Gannon with Selen’s wife, Tulin

He came with no money, unable to speak English and his first job was pumping gas at a service station in Madison, less than five miles from where he was being sworn in. By 2008, when he took the oath as an American citizen, he was leading the new branch development program for a major financial institution and later became mayor of Chatham Township.

“I am thankful to be living in Morris County – the best community anywhere – and with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic again at our doorstep, I will continue to work with this board to protect our residents and our business owners,” Selen said.

The annual Morris County Reorganization Meeting was held virtually this year due to a spike in the COVID-19 pandemic. Three Commissioners tuned in remotely via Webex, four others separately made their remarks before cameras in the Commissioners’ public meeting room in Morristown and the public watched remotely via Webex.

“Under trying circumstances, Morris County has stayed calm and carried on,” said Commissioner Krickus, as he was sworn into a new three-year term as Commissioner and separately as Deputy Director.

“We have enhanced our quality of life by funding open space, trails, and our park system, which really came in handy during the pandemic. We have the financial and organizational strength to respond to every twist and turn in this pandemic. All accomplished while not increasing taxes, one of the few zero-percent inflation services you will find,” Krickus added.

Commissioner Shaw, the past-Director, was sworn into his second three-year term on the board by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce as his wife, Cindy, held the bible. He congratulated Director Selen and, in place of his remarks, deferred to the video encapsulating serious highlights of the past year and a bit of levity.

“While our jobs are very serious, we cannot take ourselves too seriously,” said Commissioner Shaw. “I am a firm believer that, especially during these trying times, we must pause from time to time and take a moment to laugh. I tried to do that throughout the year.”

The video included the launch of the Morris County COVID-19 Regional Vaccination Center as well as the launch of new programs and expansion of existing programs by Morris County, despite the pandemic.

Deborah Smith, who had served as Director and Deputy Director in 2020 and 2021, respectively, looked back at the ability of Morris County to continue providing services and expand programs while tackling the pandemic.

“We have been able to address the pandemic these past two years while still meeting our annual goals for bridge replacements, road repaving, infrastructure improvements, preserving historic sites, creating new trails, and saving more open space,” Smith said. “We have continued to assist our most vulnerable citizens, helping seniors and maintaining all of our Human Services programs. We also have maintained our Triple-A financial rating.”

Commissioner Director Selen was accompanied by his wife, Tulin, as he was sworn in as Director by Sheriff James Gannon. The Sheriff also swore Commissioner Smith to her new term, as her husband, Stephen, stood with her.

John Krickus is sworn in as Deputy Director by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco with his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Kelly, and son-in-law, Garrett Lare

Commissioner Krickus was sworn to his new term by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn while accompanied by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Kelly, and son-in-law, Garrett Lare. He was sworn in as Deputy Director by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco.

Participating in the swearing-in, in person, was Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. The invocation was provided, virtually, by The Reverend Rod Perez-Vega of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Dover.

Singing the National Anthem, virtually, was Sara Lepre, a member of MAYO Performing Arts Centre’s Performing Arts Company.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners will hold their next work session and regular meeting on January 12, 2022. The work session begins at 4:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will be held virtually until further notice.

Rainbow Lakes Fire Department Announces 2022 Officers

Frank L. Cahill
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Rainbow Lakes Fire Department Announces 2022 Officers

PARSIPPANY  — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company (RLVFC) would like to thank Joe Reeber, Sr., and Doug Reighard for serving as Chief and Deputy Chief respectfully this past year.

Doug served our community in fire company leadership roles for seven years, five as Chief and two as Deputy Chief. Doug got involved right after moving into our community.

Joe who grew up in the Rainbow Lakes Community has held many fire officer positions and has served as our Chief for a second time and held leadership roles in the Parsippany Joint Chiefs.

Under their leadership RLVFC obtained praise and respect from neighboring fire companies, residents, earned numerous awards at local fairs and competitions, and attracted new members. Both promised to remain active as firefighters.

For the 2022 calendar year the following people will serve as officers:
Chief – Russell Greuter
Captain – Jeff Pikor and Keith Lefferts
Lieutenant – Greg Robinson, Josh Lefferts, and Nolan Keena

The business officers:
President – Frank DeRienzo
Vice President – Jeff Pikor
Treasurer – George Appel
Secretary – Mark Rabson

Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company is located in Parsippany–Troy Hills and are located in Parsippany Fire District Two which is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners which includes Commissioners Donald Denise, James Murphy, George Appel, Chuck Iantosca, and Pete Deegan.

If you would like to help serve our community as a first responder please stop at the firehouse the first Friday evening of each month, most Monday evenings, or contact any member of the fire company.

Uncle Giuseppe’s Ready to Open in Morris Plains

Frank L. Cahill
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Uncle Giuseppe’s Ready to Open in Morris Plains

MORRIS PLAINS — Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace in Morris Plains will open on January 14 at 11:00 a.m.

On that day, a grand opening will be held with live music, ribbon cutting, food samples, and more.

Whether you’re around the corner or across the country, you can now enjoy Uncle Giuseppe’s fresh Ravioli with your family any day of the year. Prepared fresh daily in their Marketplaces, our Fresh Pasta has so many cuts, shapes, and sizes, there’s no limit to your next delicious meal!

This is the market’s second location in New Jersey and it’s first in Morris County. The 42,000-square-foot space is occupying the former ShopRite, in Briarcliff Commons.

“We are thrilled to be opening our second New Jersey location in prestigious Briarcliff Commons,” said Philip DelPrete, Co-founder and President of Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace. “This property puts us at a premier location in Morris Plains where we will be able to introduce the community to our unique gourmet offerings and shopping experience.”

Uncle Giuseppe’s, a full-service supermarket featuring a gourmet Italian theme, will occupy more than 42,000 square feet. It will be the grocer’s second store in New Jersey, following the enormous success of its first New Jersey location in Ramsey. The new Uncle Giuseppe’s store brings this beloved brand to Morris County, offering key essentials as well as its unique selection of specialty items in a convenient location with ample parking.

Urban Edge Properties, the real estate trust that owns Briarcliff Commons, announced that Uncle Giuseppe had signed a lease with the property in the summer of 2020.

The location will showcase all Uncle Giuseppe’s favorites such as a full-service deli, specialty butcher, scratch-made bakery, as well as its famous viewing rooms where pasta and mozzarella are made fresh daily. In addition, the store includes a full grocery, dairy, and frozen food complement to ensure a complete shopping experience.

For added convenience, Uncle Giuseppe’s will also offer home delivery and curbside pickup for everyday grocery essentials.

“Briarcliff Commons is already the most visited shopping center in its market for everyday needs, and we expect the addition of Uncle Giuseppe’s will increase visits further while introducing a one-of-a-kind, specialty grocery experience unmatched in this market,” said Chris Weilminster, EVP and COO of Urban Edge Properties. “We are very pleased that our recent investment to renovate and redevelop this property, including the new retail lineup, has enhanced the offering for the community. It’s a win-win, and we look forward to welcoming Uncle Giuseppe’s.”

For more information about Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace click here.

Briarcliff Commons is located at 1711 State Route 10 east is at the intersection of Route 10 and Route 202. Other shops include Skechers, Wells Fargo, Terry’s Pet Depot, Massage Envy, Chiptole Mexican Grill, First Watch, Kohls, and Chick-fil-A.

Two other stores will be opening soon in the Briarcliff Commons: Chopt Creative Salad Company and Crumbl Cookies. (Click here to read the story).

2022 New Board of Education Members Sworn In

Frank L. Cahill
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2022 New Board of Education Members Sworn In

PARSIPPANY — Three Board of Education members were sworn into office on Thursday, January 6.

The three members were Judy Mayer 6,775; Susy Golderer 6,554 and Sheethal M. Abraham 5,044. The members will serve three full terms of three years.

Robert Quinn 4,928 and Jack S. Raia 3,337 also participated and lost the election.

Board Member Tim Berrios was elected President and Judy Mayer was elected Vice-President.

Final Election Results

 

Morris County Reopens No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Site

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Reopens No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Site

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Board of County Commissioners announced the county will resume no-cost, COVID-19 testing inside the Student Center at the County College of Morris (CCM) on Monday, January 10 to help meet soaring demand.

Testing is available by appointment only.No one will be permitted to walk into the facility without an appointment, and appointments must be scheduled online by clicking here.

The center will be open seven days per week and appointments will be available between 7:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., except for a half-hour between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

“We are meeting the increased demand of our residents for more testing facilities, and we want to take a tremendous burden off local hospitals where emergency room personnel have been overwhelmed by people walking in hoping to find tests,” said Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw.

Saint Clare’s Health and Morristown Medical Center/Atlantic Health System have noted that a Morris County testing center at CCM will relieve emergency department pressures.

“Our strategic planning committee had discussed the need for testing recently, and despite tight supplies and limited resources, we are pleased the county was able to launch this initiative.  Hopefully, the sharp increases in cases are plateauing, and we will have as sharp a decline,” said Commissioner John Krickus, referring to the board’s COVID-19 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, of which he is a member.

Testing Center
Morris County and the County College of Morris will again collaborate with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to operate the testing facility in the same Student Center location where the county-operated its testing center last year. Instead of a saliva test, the center will employ the LabQ Diagnostics nasal-swab PCR tests.

HQ Health, which is the new LabQ brand name for the company’s suite of comprehensive and complete healthcare services, opened a new, 100,000 square foot center in Mount Olive last May. Among other operations, the center will manage four other national data centers for LabQ and employ more than 1,000 people locally.

Because of the massive demand on testing throughout the nation, people looking to be tested are being advised that receiving results may take considerably longer than the usually advertised timetable of 24 hours to 48 hours.

People who schedule a test will not be charged for the service but will be asked to provide information about whether they have health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or no healthcare coverage. Individuals with symptoms or who have a known exposure to COVID-19 should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for isolation or quarantine until they receive their test results.

Please monitor the COVID-19 information page on the Morris County website to learn of any changes in the testing schedule at CCM or updates on other testing programs and the pandemic.

“We’ve met the pandemic head-on since it began. Last year we set up the most successful vaccination center in the state at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall, as well as a testing center. With this recent rise in cases, we are launching the testing center again with the same vigor and level of tenacity as before,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, a liaison to the county Department of Law & Public Safety.

“The County College of Morris is always ready to support the county in any way, and we are willing and proud to assist with this endeavor,” said CCM President Anthony J. Iacono.

Directions and Precautions
Parking at CCM for people with appointments will be reserved in Lot 6, where individuals using public transportation to and from CCM also may board or disembark from a bus.  To find directions to CCM and learn more about public transportation options to and from the campus, please go to the CCM website.

Everyone arriving at the campus is required to wear a protective face covering or mask from the time of arrival in the parking lot to the moment of departure.

Son’s of Italy 2561 Makes Generous Holiday Donations

Frank L. Cahill
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Son’s of Italy 2561 Makes Generous Holiday Donations

PARSIPPANY — Son’s of Italy 2561 gave out approximately $3,000 of ShopRite and Walmart gift cards to local families, Parsippany Day Care Center, Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter, Interfaith, and Parsippany food pantries.

The Morris County of the Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 is an affiliated member of the Order of the Sons of Italy In America Association, the largest and longest established Italian-American organization in the United States.

Morris County Lodge was founded as a non-profit organization, which contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families.  The lodge is proud to be able to serve a small portion of needs to our local communities.  Donations include, but are not limited to, The Parsippany Food Pantry, High School Scholarships, Gift cards to families in need, The Valerie Fund, Alzheimer’s, and many more.

For more information on how to join, please email John Ionero, President, at MorrisSOI2561@gmail.com.

Murphy Announces National Guard Deployment to Assist Long-Term Care Facilities

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Announces National Guard Deployment to Assist Long-Term Care Facilities

MORRIS COUNTY  — Governor Murphy announced that the New Jersey National Guard will be deploying to long-term care facilities throughout New Jersey to assist with COVID-19 response efforts and to augment facilities’ staffing. This is an extension of Joint Task Force COVID Guardian, which has provided coordinated assistance to numerous long-term care facilities since the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Time and time again, the New Jersey National Guard has stepped up to the plate throughout this pandemic,” said Governor Murphy. “This deployment will send members of our National Guard to long-term care facilities with staffing needs and will act to protect the health and safety of long-term-care residents while the Omicron variant surges throughout the nation.

“COVID-19 is still a threat to our New Jersey communities,” said Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brig. Gen. Lisa Hou, D.O.”The Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard are working hard every day to protect public health.”

“We are grateful to the National Guard for their assistance in caring for the residents of those facilities most in need,” said Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Throughout this pandemic, protecting our most vulnerable residents has been paramount. As we have seen in the community, COVID-19 cases and outbreaks have been rising for several weeks in our long-term care facilities. We continue to work closely with long-term care facilities throughout the state to ensure that they have the staff they need.”

Approximately 150 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard are preparing to support staffing requirements of more than a dozen long-term care facilities around the state. Guard members will assist regular staff with a variety of tasks, including administrative and logistical support. Members are undergoing training and work is anticipated to start at their assigned locations on Monday, January 10.

Tasks that National Guard members will assist with will include:

  • Assist residents with getting from bed to chair, walking
  • Assistance in dressing and daily hygiene activities
  • Meal set-up and feeding
  • Routine assistance
  • Testing and screening staff, residents, and visitors

Michael B. Lavery Appointed as Township Attorney

Frank L. Cahill
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Michael B. Lavery Appointed as Township Attorney

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously voted on Wednesday, January 5, to appoint Michael B. Lavery, Esq. as Parsippany’s newest Township Attorney. If appointed by the Council, Mr. Lavery started serving as the township immediately after the vote was conducted.

Michael B. Lavery is the founding partner of Lavery, Selvaggi. Abromitis and Cohen and the director of the firm’s Municipal Government Practice.  Mr. Lavery is considered one of the state’s foremost attorneys in the area of municipal government law.  He presently represents numerous governmental entities and serves as Special Counsel to the County of Warren for Open Space & Farmland Preservation.

Mr. Lavery has been appointed to be the Township Attorney for Hardwick, Lopatcong, Mansfield, Oxford, Greenwich, and Washington (Warren County) Townships, as well as Attorney for the Frelinghuysen Township Land Use Board, the Chester Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Warren County Soil Conservation District and Special Counsel to the County of Sussex.

Michael is also a seasoned land use attorney.  He has represented many developers, corporations, and individuals in a variety of applications.  He is recognized by land use boards throughout northern New Jersey and respected for his thorough understanding of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law and his professional approach when appearing before local and administrative boards.  His knowledge of both land use law and local government law uniquely qualifies him as an excellent choice for those applications that demand a competent and thoughtful strategy.

Mr. Lavery is also an accomplished litigator having represented numerous clients in numerous civil and commercial matters in state and federal courts.  He offers clients zealous representation tempered by a practical and sound approach to effectively resolving disputes.

Mr. Lavery is the former State Chairman for the New Jersey Republican Party and formerly served as General Counsel to the NJGOP from November 2017 – 2020.  He was the Mayor of Hackettstown for two terms from 2005-2011. On June 25, 2015, he was appointed by Governor Chris Christie to serve as a Commissioner for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission and a year later he was elected Chairman of the Commission.  He has also served as Republican State Committeeman for Warren County and as Legislative Aide to then-Senator Leonard Lance (R-23), who formerly served as Congressman for the 7th District.  These experiences enable him to assist those seeking to navigate the often confusing aspects of state and local government.  His counsel is often sought by those trying to secure approvals from regulatory and administrative agencies in northern New Jersey and Trenton.

When not representing clients, Michael serves the community as a member of the Hackettstown Medical Center Advisors Board and is former President of the Hackettstown Medical Center Foundation Board. He also serves on the Centenary University Board of Trustees.   Mr. Lavery is a past President of the Hackettstown Area Chamber of Commerce as well as a founding member of the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lavery formerly served as Chairman of the District 13 Fee Arbitration Committee.

Board of Education will hold a Virtual Meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Board of Education will hold a Virtual Meeting

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education will hold a VIRTUAL meeting on Thursday, January 6. Regular Session 6:30 p.m.

The members of the Public can click here to join the meeting. Passcode: M673bL

Members of the public will be given the opportunity for public comment during those times allocated on the agenda, and all comments must be in accordance with the procedures and time limits set forth in Board Policy 0167, which can be found in the District website by clicking here.

To request a chance to speak during the public portion, please raise your virtual hand.

The meeting will consist of:

Organization of the Board
PersonnelAward of Bids
Payment of Bills
Transfer of Funds
General Business Items

To download a copy of the Superintendent’s Bulletin can be found by clicking here.

Pennacchio & Oroho Seek Records on Murphy Administration’s Settlement for Veterans Home Deaths

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio & Oroho Seek Records on Murphy Administration’s Settlement for Veterans Home Deaths

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Steven Oroho and Senator Joe Pennacchio have filed requests for public records related to the Murphy administration’s $53 million settlement for veterans’ home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve filed a request for public records related to the $53 million that apparently will be paid by New Jersey taxpayers to settle claims of negligence and incompetence made against the Murphy administration for deaths in State-run veterans’ homes,” said Oroho (R-24), the incoming Republican leader. “The documents we are seeking will help us to understand what went wrong at the start of the coronavirus pandemic so we can develop effective policies that better protect our seniors and veterans. This isn’t about playing ‘gotcha’ with the administration, we’re trying to save lives.”

Days before Christmas, the Murphy administration confirmed it will pay $52.9 million to settle claims with 119 families of veterans home residents whose deaths were attributed to the coronavirus at the start of the pandemic.

Since May of 2020, Senate Republicans have sought to understand how the Murphy administration’s response to the pandemic contributed to unnecessary deaths in New Jersey’s nursing homes and State-run veteran’s homes.

In a continuing attempt to understand the underlying facts as well as the administration’s rationale for settling claims related to veterans home deaths, Oroho and Pennacchio have filed new requests for government records under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) with the Governor’s Office, Department of Health, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Department of Law & Public Safety as follows:

“Please provide a copy of any and all directives, policy statements, or other instructions or guidance, related to COVID-19, provided under the authority of the [named department], or any subdivision thereof, to any administrator, supervisor, or other staff or personnel, including volunteers, of a State-operated veterans nursing home in New Jersey between March 1, 2020, and the date on which this request is received.

“Additionally, please provide a copy of any settlement, mediation, arbitration or other agreement entered into by the State, or subdivision thereof, arising out of a lawsuit concerning the death, due to COVID-19, of a resident of any of the State-operated veterans nursing homes in New Jersey, as well as any government record relied upon to determine the terms of the settlement, mediation, arbitration, or other agreement.”

The Murphy administration denied a prior OPRA request from Senate Republicans seeking documents transmitted by the Department of Law & Public Safety to the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice pursuant to a federal investigation into pandemic-related nursing and veterans home deaths.

Pennacchio said he is hoping this new effort leads to a greater understanding of the impact of Murphy administration policies which forced the admission and prevented the testing of patients by nursing homes and State-run veterans home. Further, he hopes settlement-related documents can answer questions about the role of the New Jersey Department of Health and the State Epidemiologist in developing those policies and provide a clear timeline of discussions.

“At every turn, we’ve been stonewalled by the Murphy administration and denied access to public records that could provide critical insight to lawmakers,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Their repeated denials will not deter us from continuing to seek important pandemic records that can inform our efforts to improve the health, safety, and economic well-being of New Jerseyans. Every OPRA request the Murphy administration denies only strengthens our case for convening a select committee with subpoena power to get the answers that lawmakers, victims, and families deserve.”

Senate Republicans have been calling for the formation of an investigative select committee since May of 2020 and have made multiple efforts to bring a resolution (SR-68) forming the committee up for a vote.

Following news of the $53 million settlement, the Senate Republican caucus sent a letter to Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Senate President-Designate Nicholas Scutari repeating calls for the formation of a Senate Select Committee on the Executive Branch’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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