PARSIPPANY – Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced this week that a grant of $20,000 will be awarded to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills to provide greater access to recreational activities for residents with disabilities.

The Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities (ROID) grant provides funding for governmental entities to develop or expand recreational programs for individuals with disabilities within their communities.

“Continuing to expand our Township’s recreation facilities to serve all residents – including those with disabilities – remains an important mission for our parks and recreation department,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “The receipt of this grant furthers equal access for everyone.”

Parsippany is home to 32 parks and recreation areas and several recreation organizations. This grant money will assist in ongoing development efforts to create inclusive activities, including afterschool, evening, and weekend sports and recreation.

“We’ve been awarded this grant for a couple of years now, which we use to run Games with Friends, one of the most influential programs we offer,” said Sam Yodice, Executive Director of the Parsippany Police Athletic League. “It invites youth with special needs to take part in different socialization exercises to build comfort and confidence.”

Created in 1978, the ROID program ensures necessary accommodations are made for full inclusion for individuals with disabilities participating in municipal and county recreation programs. The grants also help local governments in meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Each grant requires a 20 percent cash match.

“During COVID so many programs like this were shut down,” said Yodice. “This grant will allow us to bring the program back and help these children and young adults. It’s been a real pleasure to watch the program grow over the years.”
For more information about the ROID Grant click here.

For more information on the Parsippany PAL’s Games with Friends Program click here.

PARSIPPANY — Former Council Vice President Robert Peluso formally announced he will run in the June primary for the Republican nomination for Council.

“There continues to be a need for qualified and experienced people that listen to our families and voters. I was raised in Parsippany.  When my wife and I decided to start a family, the only choice was right here in the community where I was raised. I have been committed to making Parsippany a better place to live and I have a long record of active service to our Township and our residents. “

Peluso went on to state: “I believe that the change Parsippany needs is both real and is urgent. Township government is not functioning in the way it should.  We need to run it like a business and demand accountability from our elected officials.  My continued vision for Parsippany is that all of Parsippany will be working together and helping to move our community in the right direction. Everyone should have a seat at the table and an opportunity to be part of this journey of change.”

Peluso specializes in working in finance and government sectors where he’s held executive leadership positions for over 35+ years.  He brings an outside business approach to local government with a unique understanding of how best to cut costs, increase efficiencies and deliver for taxpayers.  He continues his lifelong community service to our families and he will continue speaking to voters about their concerns. “I look forward to discussing my plans for controlling taxes, reducing water and sewer bills, and responsible development and hearing the opinions of my fellow citizens. I remain a proponent of government transparency, a cleaner environment, and ensuring our community is a safe place to live and raise a family. Working together, we can accomplish these goals and more, for a better Parsippany.“

Peluso, a 50-year Parsippany resident is a graduate of our local school system. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Montclair State University and holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Peluso is a board member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society, Morris County Economic Development, Downtown NJ, and volunteer Chairperson of Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Peluso enjoys Coaching his son and our children at the Parsippany Soccer Club and works tirelessly as Treasurer for his local Parent Teacher Association.  He continues to be an advisor for Morris County Technical School, liaison to RMS School for the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America.  His wife Ildiko-Sue and son Robert are active Parishioners of Saint Peter The Apostle Church.

PARSIPPANY – The American Rescue Plan signed by President Joseph Biden awards $10.2 billion to New Jersey.

Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will receive $5,387,477.24 under the stimulus plan.

While community leaders cannot use the money to pay pension debts or provide tax cuts, there are few limits on the money. Governments can pay for infrastructure upgrades, hazard pay for workers, parks, downtown improvements and the like.

Communities  have until 2024 to spend the money.