Murphy and Persichilli Strongly Recommend Masking in Indoor Settings

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy and Persichilli Strongly Recommend Masking in Indoor Settings
MORRIS COUNTY — Following the recent announcement by the Centers for Disease Control regarding masking, Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli strongly recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents wear masks in indoor settings when there is increased risk.  
Examples of such situations include:
• Crowded indoor settings
• Indoor settings involving activities with close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated
• Indoor settings where the vaccine status of other individuals in the setting is unknown
• Where an individual is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease 
Governor Murphy and Commissioner Persichilli made the following statement:
“Our metrics are trending in the wrong direction, and new data suggests the Delta variant is more transmissible even among vaccinated individuals, which is why we are making this strong recommendation.  
“Fortunately, our numbers are a fraction of those in many other states, most of which have significantly lower vaccination rates. Should our numbers reach those levels, we reserve the right to take more drastic action, including a statewide mask mandate. 
“We have crushed this virus repeatedly like no other state in the nation, and we are proud to boast among the country’s highest vaccination rates. But at this point, given where our metrics are now, we feel the best course of action is to strongly encourage every New Jerseyan, and every visitor to our state, to take personal responsibility and mask up indoors when prudent. 
“And we equally encourage every unvaccinated resident or visitor to get vaccinated. The vaccines are proven safe and highly effective, and are the surest way we can end this pandemic.”

It’s Official – Cinépolis Is Not Reopening

Frank L. Cahill
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It’s Official – Cinépolis Is Not Reopening

PARSIPPANY — Although the rumors were circulating, it is now the fact that Cinépolis is not reopening.

Cinépolis, located in the Morris Hills Shopping Center, was closed due to COVID, but it has been confirmed that it will not reopen.

Although the signs painted on the building indicate they are open during renovations, the doors are locked. A view of their website also states they are open during renovations. When renovations were announced in May 2019, Cinépolis Parsippany the 38,865-square-foot project will encompass 12 film screens and 719 seats.

Theater seating in Mansfield. (Editor’s Note: I personally visited and sat in this seat during a movie preview)

Cinépolis announced a multi-million dollar renovation to enhance its existing New Jersey theater locations in Parsippany and Mansfield. Mansfield renovations were completed in August 2019 which now features a 13-Screen Movie Theater, In-Seat Food Delivery Service, Fully Reclining Leather Seats, a Full Menu and More.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council renewed the Retail Liquor License for Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas at its regular council meeting held on October 20, 2020.

Cinépolis Succasunna closed permanently on January 5, 2020.

These three locations were the only Cinépolis owned in New Jersey. In July 2016, when Cinépolis announced their acquisition of the three theaters, located in Morris and Warren counties, April Mendoza, then-vice president of Cinépolis USA, said the Parsippany location was a “good place” to introduce the company’s new theater concept, noting that it was chosen due to its “suburban atmosphere” located outside of a city area.

The theaters once operated as the Clearview for several years before it was purchased by Bow Tie Theatres in 2013. Cinepolis USA Purchased Five Locations from Bow Tie Cinemas in in summer of 2016.

  • Cinépolis West Hartford — West Hartford, Connecticut
  • Cinépolis Mansfield — Hackettstown, New Jersey
  • Cinépolis Parsippany — Parsippany, New Jersey (now closed)
  • Cinépolis Succasunna — Succasunna, New Jersey (now closed)
  • Cinépolis Chelsea — New York, New York

Cinepolis now has 27 locations in California (10), Connecticut (1), Florida (4), New Jersey (1), Maryland (1), New York (1), Ohio (1), and Texas (8)  under the Cinepolis, Cinepolis Luxury Cinema or Moviehouse and Eatery brands. The Luxury Cinema locations offer reclining leather seating with in-theater food and drink service and a full bar.

Parsippany Focus left a message for the owners of Morris Hills Shopping Center, but at press time they did not return calls.

The exterior walls are painted “We’re Open, but We’re Getting a Facelift”
The interior of Cinepolis
The interior of Cinepolis

 

Fedex left a note on the door, after trying to deliver a package

Five Candidates Submitted Petitions for Board of Education Positions

Frank L. Cahill
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Five Candidates Submitted Petitions for Board of Education Positions

PARSIPPANY — Five candidates have filed to run for three available seats on the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District’s Board of Education, according to the Morris County Clerk’s Office.

According to the list posted on the website of the Morris County Clerk’s Office, Current Board members Judy Mayer and Susy Golderer along with newcomers Jack S. Raia, Robert Quinn, and Sheethal M. Abraham have all filed to run for the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District’s Board of Education.

Mayer, Golderer, and Frank Neglia’s term end December 31, 2021.  Current Board President Frank Neglia, chose not to run for Board of Education but is seeking a position on the Township Council.

The election for each seat will be held on November 2, 2021. Each seat will be held for three years.

The Board of Education is made up of nine members who are elected by registered voters of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.

Members are elected to three-year terms. The Board President and Vice-President are elected by the majority vote of their fellow Board members.

Current Board members are:

Mr. Frank Neglia, President (2021)
Mrs. Alison Cogan, Vice-President (2022) 
Mr. Timothy Berrios (2023)
Mr. Andrew Choffo (2022)
Mr. Matthew DeVitto (2023)
Mrs. Susy Golderer (2021)
Mrs. Judy Mayer (2021)
Mrs. Deborah Orme (2023)
Mrs. Kendra Von Achen (2022)

  • Board members voluntarily and generously contribute their time and expertise to the district. They do not receive any payment or benefits for their service. We are fortunate to have specialists from several professional fields represented on our Board.
  • In addition to their attendance at public board meetings and committee meetings; Board members are also required to attend NJSBA (New Jersey School Boards Association) training sessions.
  • Members of the current Board: have attended our schools; had children who graduated from Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Public Schools, and have children or grandchildren who currently attend our schools.  Our decisions affect not only your family but our own as well.
  • Board members have no legal authority, except when acting as a group at official Board meetings.
  • The Board works hard to deliver the best education that it can within the financial constraints imposed by the State of New Jersey.

Delta Dental 31st Annual Golf Classic Raises Over $82K For Special Olympics

Frank L. Cahill
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Delta Dental 31st Annual Golf Classic Raises Over $82K For Special Olympics

PARSIPPANY — Eighty-eight golfers hit the course at the Essex Fells Country Club on May 14 to participate in Delta Dental of New Jersey (DDNJ)’s 31st Annual Golf Classic, raising more than $82,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ).

This was the first large-scale in-person event DDNJ held since New Jersey began lifting its COVID-19 restrictions this spring. Proceeds enable thousands of SONJ athletes across the Garden State to resume their in-person competitions for the first time since 2019.

DDNJ associates who volunteered at the 31st Annual Golf Classic

Steve Adubato, a broadcaster/columnist/author, was the emcee, with Dennis Wilson, President, and CEO of DDNJ, Heather Andersen, President, and CEO of SONJ, and Heather Schwam, a SONJ athlete, also making remarks. Over the past 30 years, New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company has raised more than $1.58 million for SONJ.

“The opportunity to empower Special Olympics athletes to compete and achieve their athletic dreams is priceless,” said Dennis Wilson. “We’re proud to support such a tremendous organization who goes above and beyond for their athletes.”

Kimball Dancker served as the event’s Featured Sponsor, along with other major event supporters including, MWW, Summit Health, New Jersey Dental Association, Brown & Brown Insurance, and Delta Dental of New Jersey Board of Trustees. Raffle prizes and golfer gifts supported New Jersey small businesses. DDNJ worked with Just Jersey, Morristown, NJ to put together each golfer gift that highlighted various small businesses through New Jersey including, Bellview Winery, Popcorn for People: Gourmet Popcorn, Jersey Boys Jerky, and Mt. Lebanon Soap Company.

Raffle table containing the gift baskets supporting NJ small businesses

“For more than 30 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has benefitted from our partnership with Delta Dental of New Jersey,” said Heather Andersen. “More athletes can participate and be strengthened in mind, body, and spirit, because of Delta Dental’s generous support.”

Highlights from this year’s Golf Classic can be viewed on SONJ’s dedicated Golf Classic event recap page.

About Delta Dental
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.7 million people through contracts with groups in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs.

Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey’s mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we’re part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 73 million people. For more information click here.

About Special Olympics New Jersey
For over 50 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge. Through the joy and power of sports, athletes are provided opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Click here for more information.

Dear Editor: The District at 1515 Will Pay No Fire Tax

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

The District at 1515 is a proposed development located at 1515 Route 10 located in Fire District 6. The owners of this property currently pay taxes to support the budget of Fire District 6. Unfortunately, earlier this year, the development was granted a PILOT agreement with the Township thereby exempting the site from paying real estate taxes of any kind.

Instead, the agreement stipulates that they make payments solely to the municipality based on the gross income of the development.

The Planning Board is scheduled to hear their application on Monday, July 26, 2021, where they are requesting approvals to demolish the existing office building and construct 498 apartments and 62,000 square feet of retail area.

Not only will they be paying $0 in real estate taxes; they also will be paying $0 taxes to support Fire District 6’s budget.

This will result in the subsidization of fire protection for a multi-million dollar development by everyday residents in this district, many of whom are struggling to keep up with constant tax increases and major utility rate hikes. These areas include homes located in Intervale, Druid Hill, Mazdabrook, Eastbrook Village, Normandy Village, and other homes located in Fire District 6.

It really is only fair that the owners of The District at 1515 help support Fire District 6’s annual budget and pay a minimum of $50,000 per year to the district.

For reference, last year the owners of the Lanidex site located on Parsippany Road were granted approvals by the Planning Board to demolish six office buildings and construct 525 apartments and 75 townhomes to be branded as the PARQ.

There is no PILOT agreement with the township and the owners of this development will be paying full real estate taxes unlike the owners of the District at 1515. They will also be paying taxes to support Fire District 3’s budget. In addition, they agreed to transport/bus all students residing in the development, to and from Parsippany schools, at no cost to our taxpayers.

In all fairness, and for the good of the Township, I believe that the owners of the District at 1515 should also agree to transport/bus all students residing in the development, to and from Parsippany schools, at no cost to our taxpayers.

Kris (Krishant) Patel
Parsippany

Evagelia Zois Named to Spring 2021 Provost’s List at Hofstra University

Frank L. Cahill
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Evagelia Zois Named to Spring 2021 Provost’s List at Hofstra University

PARSIPPANY — Evagelia Zois, a 2020 Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2021 semester, earning a spot on the Provost’s List at Hofstra University.

Hofstra University is a nationally ranked and recognized private university in Hempstead, N.Y. that is the only school to ever host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012, and 2016). Our campus is a leafy oasis just a quick train ride away from New York City and all its cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.

They offer small classes and personal attention, with the resources, technology, and facilities of a large university. Students can choose from more than 165 undergraduate program options and 175 graduate program options in the liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions, and human services, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Hofstra University is a dynamic community of 11,000 students from around the world who are dedicated to civic engagement, academic excellence, and becoming leaders in their communities and their careers.

Mount Tabor Porch and Garden Tour

Frank L. Cahill
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Mount Tabor Porch and Garden Tour

PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Historical Society welcomes back visitors for a special, reimagined Covid-safe Tour. The tour will be held on Saturday, September 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Experience the unique qualities of this historic community through its exuberant Victorian gingerbread porches and charming cottage gardens. As an added bonus, a limited number of house interiors will be open for viewing!

This walkable, self-guided tour of the Mount Tabor Historic District tour highlights some of Mount Tabor’s most delightful and unique “hidden gardens” and showcases a variety of garden types, plants, and settings. Enjoy the view from select period porches and see how they help define the character of our community.

Porches and gardens can be visited in any order at any time during the event window, allowing guests to go at their own pace. All tours begin at the check-in table located at the Old Firehouse on Simpson Avenue where printed tour booklets with the self-guided map can be picked up or purchased on the day of the tour. Box lunches are only available by ordering in advance with your ticket online using Paypal/credit card.

Encounter the rich heritage of the community by stepping inside a furnished replica Camp Meeting Tent and visiting the remarkable period interior of the Richardson’s home, now a camp meeting cottage museum. Inside the historic Tabernacle, you will find displayed a large and diverse quilt show.

Parking will be provided at the Mount Tabor School, located on Park Road, Morris Plains, off Route 53 (GPS: use 864 Park Road, Morris Plains) where a shuttle bus will be available for transport to the Tour Check-in area.

This event is the largest fundraiser for the Mount Tabor Historical Society. The non-profit organization puts all event proceeds back into the community through educational and preservation projects, including the restoration of the Richardson History House.

Advance Ticket: $25.00

Note: advance online orders will close at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2021.
Advance orders by mail must be received by noon on Thursday, September 23, 2021.
You will not receive an electronic ticket or a ticket by mail. Please bring your receipt to the check-in table.
To order tickets by MAIL, send your check along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Mount Tabor Historical Society – House Tour, P.O. Box 271, Mount Tabor, NJ 07878

Advance Ticket with Box Lunch: $35.00 

Choose turkey sub or veggie sub when ordering your ticket.
Note: Box lunches must be ordered in advance. Box Lunches are from Subway and include your choice of Turkey Sub or Veggie Sub, plus a bag of chips, a cookie, and a bottle of water. 

Day of Tour Ticket: $30.00

Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the tour at the check-in table located in the Old Firehouse on Simpson Avenue. The parking shuttle will drop you off at this location.

TO ORDER TICKETS, click here.

Coffee With A Cop Returns

Frank L. Cahill
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Coffee With A Cop Returns

PARSIPPANY — Coffee With A Cop returns on Friday, July 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Join the Parsippany Police Department at Spencer Savings Bank, 1699 Littleton Road between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Coffee With A Cop. To find out more about the National Coffee with a Cop program click here.

The 200 Club Welcomes 45 New Members

Frank L. Cahill
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The 200 Club Welcomes 45 New Members

MORRIS COUNTY —The 200 Club of Morris County announced that it welcomed 45 new members at a recent recruitment event at Jersey Girl Brewing in Mount Olive.

The nonprofit continues to support local and state police, fire, and EMS personnel who protect the families in Morris County. Since 1971, The 200 Club has given more than $5 million to first responder families, either in the form of death benefits and dependent awards when a first responder dies in the line of duty, as well as college scholarships to high school seniors of Morris County first responders, or seniors who are Morris County first responders themselves.

“Our members help us keep our promise to the first responders who protect and care for our families,” said Jim Rizzo, who is the president of The 200 Club of Morris County. “We will continue to grow our community so we can give back to all the police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel that sacrifice themselves for us.”

The recruitment event included a tour of the 10,000-square-foot brewery where all members enjoyed specialty craft beers generously provided by Jersey Girl Brewing owner Chuck Aaron, who is also a board member of The 200 Club, along with abundant appetizers and light fare, courtesy of Enzo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria of Mt. Olive. As an event-planning destination, Jersey Girl Brewing Co. provided the perfect venue for the evening’s event, boasting a sample room with high-top tables and an outdoor beer garden.

Rizzo thanked the well-deserved efforts of Vice President Rob D’Emidio, Membership Committee Chair V.P. Joe Jannarone, Chairman of the Board Bill Lockwood, board and club members, and supporters for a successful event.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2021. Click here for the complete article.

Council Candidate Musella Holds Successful Fundraiser

Frank L. Cahill
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Council Candidate Musella Holds Successful Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Republican Council Candidate Justin Musella held a fundraiser “Beer and Politics” at Tommy’s Tavern + Tap with guest speaker NJGOP Chairman Bob Hugin on Thursday, July 22.

Musella, who is running with former Mayor James Barberio and fellow council candidate Frank Neglia, contends that with Trump out of office, Democrats lose the main campaign point – running against Trump.

Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali and Senator Anthony M. Bucco

Barberio won the Republican Primary nod against former Council President Dr. Louis Valori. Barberio lost the election in 2017 to current Democratic Mayor Michael Soiano.

Musella was the Top Republican Council voter getter in the recent primary. His teammates Gary Martin and Lou Valori lost in the primary.  Musella has teamed up with Barberio and Neglia to compete against the Democrats in the General Election to be held on November 2.  The Democratic ticket includes Mayor Michael Soriano, newcomer Cori Herbig and Planning Board member Judy Hernandez.

An impressive turnout of over 100 attendees including local dignitaries

The significance of the Parsippany race was symbolized by an impressive turnout of over 100 attendees including local dignitaries at Musella’s fundraiser. Two of the GOP senators representing Morris – Joe Pennacchio and Anthony M. Bucco – were there. As was former Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Frank Priore, past and perhaps future CD-11 candidate Rosemary Becchi. Also attending was Sheriff James Gannon, Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, John Krickus, Tayfun Salen, Boonton Council member Joseph Bock, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali, Vice-Chair Peter King, Esq., and Corresponding Secretary Lou Valori.

Sridath Reddy, Bob Hugin, Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali, and Just Musella

In addition, Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Chairman, Robert Iracane was in attendance.  Iracane is a huge enemy of current Mayor Michael Soriano. He has made it known to the public since he was reappointed by three Republican Councilmembers.

Former Mayor James Barberio and Rosemary Becchi

In contrast, Hugin said Republicans “have the values of New Jersey,” which include liberty, freedom, and support for small businesses.

NJ Insider Correspondent Fred Snowflack talks with Senator Joe Pennacchio, while Rosemary Becci looks on.

Musella’s professional experience in the private sector and service on the township’s Economic Development Committee gives him a fresh, unique perspective to help the local businesses recover from the protracted impacts of the COVID pandemic and revitalize economic activity throughout the township. “Having worked in sales for small, medium, and large private companies, Musella understands what’s important to any business. Therefore, he is committed to ensuring that every taxpayer-funded service and township employee is working as lean and efficient as possible.

Recently, Parsippany resident Rich Zawisha said “For a young man, I was quite impressed with his knowledge, maturity, and fresh perspective on many important issues that are clouding the future of our city. For our township to improve, we need intelligent, dedicated, and ambitious young people to help guide us as our current climate has seen much dilapidation, especially in the apartment and condominium complexes. Justin would make a great addition to the Parsippany Township Council.”

Mendham Boro Mayor Christine Glassner presents Boonton Council member Joseph Bock with a Birthday cake during the fundraiser
Former Mayors: Priore and Barberio
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