Rep. Sherrill Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge Launch

Frank L. Cahill
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Rep. Sherrill Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge Launch

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced today that her office is hosting its third annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for students in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, and the registration portal is now open.

“Each year the participants in the Congressional App Challenge blow me away with their ingenuity, creativity, and advanced coding skills,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Throughout the pandemic, technology has played a pivotal role in keeping us connected and our country moving. We have seen the overwhelming potential for technology to do good, help others, and reimagine our world through thoughtful innovation in hard times. We’ve also seen the pathway for creative expression and community engagement that tech can provide for students, whether they continue on their journey in the tech field or choose another path. I am incredibly excited to launch this year’s competition and look forward to seeing what these future tech leaders are able to create.”

The competition is open to middle school and high school students who live or attend school in NJ-11. Students with all levels of coding experience are encouraged to participate. This is an excellent opportunity to develop the skills and innovative spirit needed to create your own apps. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.). The full set of eligibility rules for individual and team entries can be found by clicking here.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges from New Jersey’s 11th District and honored by Congresswoman Sherrill. Their apps are eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on www.house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

To register for the competition, click here. 

Registration for the App Challenge is currently open and the deadline to submit your creation is November 1, 2021. Click here for more information.

Click here to learn about the 2020 NJ-11 Congressional App Challenge Winner Riya Dadheech of Parsippany and her Plate of Hope app.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Rep. Sherrill’s office at (973) 526-5668, or email the App Challenge coordinator at georgia.turvey@mail.house.gov.

Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center Administers Last Vaccination Dose

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center Administers Last Vaccination Dose

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County and Atlantic Health System delivered the last inoculation today at the Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center, while the Morris County COVID-19 Testing facility operated with Vault Health at the County College of Morris also close operations on Friday, July 16.

The last vaccination was provided shortly after noon, prompting spontaneous applause among 200 state, county, medical personnel, and volunteers who worked the center until the last minute and gathered to say their final goodbyes afterward.

“Our job here was to put ourselves out of business as soon as possible,” said Scott DiGiralomo, Director of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, who coordinated the center operations.

The percentage of residents vaccinated in Morris County has been leading the state. At some points over the past two months, the nation has issued as many as 4,600 inoculations per day along with thousands of other vaccinations provided daily by smaller clinics in the county.

Likewise, the testing facility at CCM once accommodated hundreds of people each day after it opened last fall. However, while the pandemic is not yet over, the emergent need for testing and vaccinations provided through public and private partnerships has subsided.

Scott DiGiralomo, Director of the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, chats with his team one final time at the center

“Throughout the pandemic, Atlantic Health System has remained committed to always being ready to deliver the highest quality care for our patients and serving our communities,” said Kevin Lenahan, Executive Vice President, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, Atlantic Health System. “When given the opportunity to partner with Morris County and the State of New Jersey in operating the Morris County Regional Vaccination Center, our inspiring team of nurses, physicians, and caregivers jumped at the chance to take the fight to the virus and help deliver light at the end of the pandemic’s long tunnel. On behalf of our entire 18,000 team members, we want to thank the county and state for their partnership and professionalism as we worked together to keep hundreds of thousands of people healthy and safe.”

The vaccination center opened on January 8 at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall in an empty Sears department store. It involved a partnership between Morris County, Atlantic Health System, the State of New Jersey, the New Jersey Army National Guard, the Medical Reserve Corps, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies.

“It really is truly a joyous moment. It is just phenomenal what took place here and this is the culmination of that tremendous work. It really did make a difference in people’s lives,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, who visited the center to congratulate the workers.

When the last vaccine was administered today, the Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center had issued more than 340,000 shots. More than 21,000 COVID-19 tests had been administered at the Morris County COVID-19 Testing Center at CCM since it first opened in December.

“This is closure to an amazing effort during a historic pandemic, and Morris County rose to the challenge,” said Commissioner John Krickus, who also joined the center workers on their final day.

“I don’t think we really knew what we were getting into when we moved into an empty department store and took it and transformed it into what I would say was the best vaccination site in the state of New Jersey,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, the board liaison to health issues.

“Our people were living there for six months, spending their holidays there. Just the stories I’ve heard about our folks stepping up to the plate. People would fall out to say what a wonderful experience they had there compared to other vaccination. They did a great job there. It’s a shame, in a way, that it’s going to close,” he added.

Anyone who receives their first dose at the Morris County site after June 23, 2021, will have their second dose scheduled and provided at another Atlantic Health System facility.

MCRC Launches Initiative to Get School Board Candidates Who Will Oppose the Radical Left Ideology

Frank L. Cahill
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MCRC Launches Initiative to Get School Board Candidates Who Will Oppose the Radical Left Ideology

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Republican Committee has launched a website to recruit and support candidates for local Board of Election campaigns, according to MCRC Chair Laura Ali.

The site, titled: MorrisCountyFirst.com, was launched to counter the influence of extreme liberal “woke” activists who are attempting to radically alter school curriculums without the consent of parents.

“Too many times, we have seen activist Board of Education members with liberal-leaning political agendas use public education as a tool for political gain,” says the site.

Ali, the mother of three boys, and former President of the Chatham School District PTO said it is time for parents to take control of the school boards from the liberal elites whose national agenda is to provoke discord in classrooms and brainwash children.

Ali said the MCRC is looking for anyone who has an interest in providing a quality, meaningful education for children to run for school board seats. “The MCRC will provide the infrastructure people need to launch a run for their local school board,” she said.

The deadline to file to run in the November Board of Education Elections is July 26. Some districts still conduct their elections in April, giving candidates until February to file for election.

Ali says many parents and teachers are upset with activists on school boards and in the classroom who are pushing a far-left, divisive agenda on children as young as 6 and 7 years old.

She noted that national teacher organizations such as the National Education Association have adopted controversial Critical Race Theory curriculums. The chairwoman noted that the state teachers’ union, the NJEA, proudly proclaims on its website that they want to transform the public school system.

“It’s not their school system to transform. It belongs to us, the taxpayers,” said Ali.

“Parents send their children to school to be educated, not to be indoctrinated into ways of thinking that are divisive to our communities and our nation,” said Ali.

Ali said Republicans would be well advised to start paying attention to the school board races that are often ignored by voters but can be the springboard to political careers.

“The executive leaders of teachers’ unions have millions of dollars at their disposal, raised on the backs of taxpayers, to elect liberal Democrats who will push the anti-American “woke” agenda. We think it’s time to use our resources to fight back,” said Ali.

“The goal of education is to give our children the skills they will need in the job market. We want our children to be able to solve problems and think critically – not to be ashamed of America and ignore its many accomplishments,” said Ali.

“I think America is a great country and I want children to know that.  America is not perfect, but nowhere else in the world do people have as much freedom and as many opportunities to achieve great things as in America.  Just look at the American flags that the Cuban people are holding up as a symbol of freedom. Our flag is the greatest symbol of democracy and liberty in the world.” said Ali.

For more information visit www.morriscountyfirst.com or email the Morris County Republican Committee at morrisgop@gmail.com.a

Parsippany Board of Education: There is No Agreement

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Board of Education: There is No Agreement

PARSIPPANY — The back and forth between Parsippany’s Municipal Government and its Board of Education continues regarding the ongoing debate concerning Parsippany’s SRO and Security positions for the school district. After Parsippany’s Mayor and Council issued a press release stating that they propose keeping current terms of the SRO program in place for the new year, then move toward splitting the program’s true costs 50-50 after that…… the Board of Education is responding back.

The Board of Education’s attorney received the Township’s counterproposal at 3:33 p.m. on July 12, a mere two minutes prior to the publication of the Township’s press release. The Board has not had the opportunity to review the counter-proposal which includes terms and conditions that were not included in the Board’s original proposal to the Township.

The Board of Education offered to enter a one-year deal with the Township that eliminated the Director of Security position and spread the funding for that position, which had already been budgeted by the Board, across the remaining four SRO positions. To be clear, the Board has not had any difficulties with striking its budget. It has done so in a timely and responsible manner.

Rather than accepting that offer, which would allow the District to safely open its doors in September after what can only be described as an incredibly difficult year for students and staff alike, the Township seeks to bind the Board of Education to some unknown costs in the future years, costs over which the Board has no control.

The Board has already identified to the Township the incorrectness of their “back of the napkin” numbers provided in May as well as the “real” figures provided in June. The costs cited by the Township for the SROs do not accord with the salary ordinance or with the PBA contract. At no time has the Township requested anything other than what the Board is currently paying for the Class III officers, which is the entirety of their salary? The Board’s request for a one-year deal, until the real costs can be ascertained and negotiated, is wholly reasonable and responsible.

The Board has never, since the inception of this program, paid half of all costs associated with these positions. The costs cited by the Township, costs such as insurance, “allowances,” “training and equipment expenses,” overtime, longevity, and fringe benefits are costs that the Township incurs regardless of whether these officers are stationed in our schools or elsewhere. While the Board is not adverse to discussing an increase of a fixed amount for SROs, binding the Board to an agreement without specific discussions and negotiations over what is to be included in those costs, would be irresponsible. Shared service agreements are meant as just that; the Board’s contribution has always been to supplement, not supplant, the costs that the Township would otherwise expend for these positions.

The Township’s decision to negotiate this agreement via public sentiment places the district in the unfortunate position of having certain aspects of its security measures publicized.  The Township should agree to the one-year extension offered by the Board and negotiate in good faith over what costs should or will be included moving forward.

Township Council Issues Statement Regarding School Resource Officers

Frank L. Cahill
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Township Council Issues Statement Regarding School Resource Officers

PARSIPPANY — Regarding the July 12, 2021 press release by the Parsippany Township Mayor and Administration concerning our counter-proposal to the Board of Education on the School Resource Program, it was not the Township Council’s intent to have the details of the proposal released to the public prior to the School Board and their Attorney having the opportunity to review the proposal and respond.

While the Township Council believes that a reasonable counter proposal was proffered to the School Board that fairly shares the funding for the School Resource and Special Law Enforcement Officers, the Township Council is disappointed that the Mayor and Business Administrator publicly released the details of the offer prematurely.

While the Township Council believes that a reasonable counter proposal was proffered to the School Board that fairly shares the funding for the School Resource and Special Law Enforcement Officers, the Township Council is disappointed that the Mayor and Business Administrator publicly released the details of the offer prematurely.

The Township Council looks forward to working with the School Board in a cooperative effort to reach an agreement on the SRO program that is acceptable to both parties.

(Click here to read press release)

Vrajdham New Jersey Holds a Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots

Frank L. Cahill
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Vrajdham New Jersey Holds a Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots

PARSIPPANY — Vrajdham New Jersey held its first annual Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots on Sunday, July 11.

The Ratha Yatra celebration included a chariot, pulled by people with ropes, that went from the Veaj Temple on Littleton Road to the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.  A statue of Lord Krishna was in the Chariot.  Approximately 400 people were in attendance.

Council President Mike dePierro, and Council Candidate Justin Musella

In attendance were Mayor Michael Soriano, Council President Mike dePierro, and Council Candidate Justin Musella along with many community leaders.

Ratha Yatra (/ˈrʌθə ˈjɑːtrə/; lit. ’chariot journey’), also known Ratha Jatra(ରଥଯାତ୍ରା) (in Odia) or Chariot festival (in English) is a Hindu festival celebrated in Odisha for Jagannath and associated Hindu deities.

Township Offers Response to Board of Education for School Resource Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Township Offers Response to Board of Education for School Resource Program
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Michael Soriano and the Township Council – Michael dePierro, Loretta Gragnani, Paul Carifi, Jr., Janice McCarthy, and Emily Peterson – provided a proposal response to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education today, addressing funding for the School Resource & Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III program in township schools. The details of the new proposal include many of the current terms, with changes to come in the near future.

The Director of School Security will be eliminated from the agreement, allocating that salary back into the SRO-SLEO program budget to help pay the salaries of the officers in the schools.

For the SRO Program, there will be no changes to the officer program funding for the first year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022). The second and third years of the agreement will see the Board of Education bear 50% of the actual program cost, which includes SRO base salary, any allowances, uniforms costs, training and equipment expenses, overtime, longevity, and fringe benefits incurred for each officer.

For SLEO III officers, the Board of Education will pay $35 per hour for the first year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022). Starting in year two, the Board of Education will pay the hourly rate established by the ordinance.

“We have sensitivities to the difficulties to the Board of Education’s budgeting process,” said Business Administrator Fred Carr. “Since their budget has already been established for the new fiscal year, it wouldn’t be fair to change the terms without allowing them the ability to adjust their planning, but sharing the true costs of this program 50/50 after this year is the right thing to do.”

The Board of Education will be allowed to terminate the agreement at any time prior to the adoption of its budget.

“This has always been about how the program is funded between our civic partners,” said Mayor Soriano. “This is a non-partisan proposal that all six of us – three republicans and three democrats – agree on. Our shared services make our township strong, and the more we collaborate equally, the better our whole community is.”

Police Chief Miller Endorses Michael Soriano For Mayor

Frank L. Cahill
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Police Chief Miller Endorses Michael Soriano For Mayor

PARSIPPANY — Police Chief Miller, who spent 30 years in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, endorsed Mayor Michael Soriano for a second term as Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.

“Mayor Soriano began his first term with a clear vision and commitment to providing Parsippany the much-needed community services and collaborations. Particularly with rebuilding the PAL and expansion of its youth programs, increasing police presence in the school district, and building trusted relationships in the religious community, Mayor Soriano provided the initiative and support for these programs to become successful. As a Parsippany police officer for thirty years and Chief for three, it was impressive to see Mayor Soriano dedicate himself to pursuing such big-picture initiatives, while always being available and receptive to new ideas. As I’ve often referred to Parsippany as the ‘city in the suburbs,’ there is a lot more work to be accomplished and Mayor Soriano’s big-picture leadership is what Parsippany needs. I respectfully and confidently endorse Michael Soriano for reelection to a second term as Mayor of Parsippany.“

Mayor Soriano expressed his gratitude for Chief Miller’s support, saying, “I am honored to have Police Chief Miller’s endorsement. He is an honest, hardworking man with the utmost integrity. I have admired his passion and the dedication he brought to his work, the Police Department, and the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills,” said Mayor Michael Soriano, “I wish him a relaxing retirement and thank him for his 30 years of service.”

Mayor Soriano was elected in 2017 and is currently running for reelection alongside Cori Herbig and Judy Hernandez, who is running for Town Council. All three are committed to public safety and building a trusted community in Parsippany.

JLL Brokers $46 Million Sale of Wegmans-Anchored Retail Center

Frank L. Cahill
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JLL Brokers $46 Million Sale of Wegmans-Anchored Retail Center

HANOVER — JLL Capital Markets has brokered the $46 million sale of a 133,276-square-foot shopping center and two nearby restaurants located in Hanover and Parsippany.

Jose Cruz, Kevin O’Hearn, Michael Oliver, Steve Simonelli, J.B. Bruno, and Nicholas Stefans of JLL represented the seller, Mack-Cali Realty Corp., and the undisclosed buyer in the transaction.

Panera Bread cafe with a drive-through is located in the Wegmans Shopping Center

Wegmans Retail Center was completed in phases in 2017 and 2020. The center is home to tenants including Wegmans Food Markets and Panera Bread. 24 Hour Fitness was also a tenant in the center, but closed at the beginning of the pandemic, within a year of its opening at the center. The retail center is located on Sylvan Way.

The recent grand opening of Capital Grille

The two recently developed restaurants included in the sale are leased to Capital Grille and Seasons 52.  Capital Grille, located on Dryden Way in Parsippany, and Seasons 52 is located on Route 10 Hanover.

Seasons 52

Capital Grille opened in April of 2021 while Seasons 52 opened in May 2021. Both restaurants are part of Darden Restaurants.

In September 2020, a joint venture led by Onyx Equities has closed on its $158 million purchase of a 10-building, 1.5 million-square-foot office portfolio in Parsippany and Madison from Mack-Cali Realty Corp. The new addition to their portfolio includes:

  • 1, 3, 5, and 7 Sylvan Way in Parsippany
  • 4, 6, and 8 Campus Drive in Parsippany
  • 2 Dryden Way in Parsippany
  • 2 Hilton Court in Parsippany
  • 1 Giralda Farms in Madison
Two Campus Drive will be demolished to make room for multi-unit housing

Mack-Cali has received approval from the Parsippany Planning Board to construct 172 Units and 35 Affordable Housing Units at 2 and 4 Campus Drive and 238 Units and 48 Affordable Housing Units at 1 and 3 Campus Drive. (Click here to read related story)

Parsippany PAL Welcomes Pro Football Stars to Youth Skills Camp

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany PAL Welcomes Pro Football Stars to Youth Skills Camp

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany PAL has partnered with AMPT Camps for the 1st Annual “Big Stars, Bright Lights” Football Skills Camp, featuring some of the biggest names in pro football. Come experience AMPT’s elite exclusive guest coaches, on July 13 and 14.

Campers will have the opportunity to train and work alongside today’s top professional athletes such as Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, David Njoku, Trevor Williams, and other top stars. This is a unique opportunity for athletes to have a hands-on experience with several of the top players in the NFL.

The PAL is committed to providing the BEST youth experiences possible. Parsippany families can register with an exclusive 50% discount using the promo code “PAL50”. To register, go to www.amptcamps.com.

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