Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Holds Free Food Distribution

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Holds Free Food Distribution

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held a free food distribution on Sunday, March 14 at Parsippany High School.

Varshini Chennupati, PHS Key Club Vice President.

Over the weekend Kiwanis members and volunteers gave out over 50,000 pounds of food feeding over 1250 families. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury, Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town, Kiwanis Club of Clifton, Kiwanis Club of South Orange Maplewood, and Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park all participated in the event.

In Parsippany, the Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School Key Club members along with their advisors, Amy Letsch, Lindsay Hulin and Kristine Bushong help organize the food, pack the boxes and place the food in vehicles as they pulled up to the school to receive food. Other Kiwanis members from Parsippany, Roxbury, and Tri-Town, along with community leaders help with the distribution of the food.

Landen Gilliard, a PHS Key Club member

The Parsippany High School Key Club student volunteers included Dea Ellis, Aesha Shah, Violette Hauge, Shagun Singh, Rhea Balani, Landen Gilliard, Varshini Chennupati, and Yukta Nyati.

The Parsippany Hills High School Key club student volunteers included Hannah Mow, Kierra Duffy, Melissa Trujillo, Lourdes Ignacio, and Ava Ignacio.

After the long line of vehicles ended, Frank Cahill and Cain Pope distributed some leftover food to Market Street Mission and Ms. Letsch and Ms. Hulin distributed some food to Loaves and Fishes, Boonton.

“The USDA estimates that in 2018, about 774,860 people, including 219,760 children, in New Jersey were food insecure. That means one in 11 individuals (8.7%) and one in nine children (11.3%) live in homes without consistent access to adequate food for everyone to live healthy, active lives,” said Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Kiwanis Division 9.

“The economic damage wrought by mass layoffs and business closures is expected to persist long after vaccines become widely available and that means demand for food assistance will remain at the current high level for months or years to come,” said Laura Wohland, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

“These numbers have increased drastically with families struggling during the pandemic,” said Cain Pope, President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury, and coordinator of the food distribution program.

“It is amazing to see the Asbury Park community come together in a time of need. Asbury Park should be proud for rising to the occasion to #FeedAP during a global pandemic,” Lt. Gov-Elect [Division 5] and Club Secretary Martin Slezak, explained. “We look forward to continuing to serve our community on the move forward and we thank all who have donated and supported this initiative.”

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

To view our recent YouTube video of previous Food Distributions click here.

Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Laura Wohland, by emailing law4pres@gmail.com. Click here to view the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany website.

For additional information on Food Distributions contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100 or Project Coordinator Cain Pope at (201) 300-7654.

PHS Key Club members filling the boxes with food to distribute to people needing food at Parsippany High School. The free Food Distribution was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
Yukta Nyati, PHS Key Club President and Rhea Balaji, PHS Kew Club member
Yukta Nyati, PHS Key Club President, Rhea Balani, PHS Key Club member, and Shagun Singh, PHS Key Club member

‘New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act’ Now Law

Frank L. Cahill
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‘New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act’ Now Law

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act (A5130).

The New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act creates the ‘New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Prevention Program’, implementation of which will be led by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) in furtherance of the agency’s commitment to affordable housing ownership and foreclosure mediation. This program empowers NJHMFA to address the rising number of foreclosures in New Jersey, not only helping to stabilize families’ homeownership but their neighborhood as well. By establishing public-private partnerships with nonprofits, NJHMFA will be able to undertake supportive interventions including bulk purchases of non-performing loans from institutional lenders, advancing recommendations set forth in the 2018 Report of the Housing Transition Advisory Committee.

“Combatting housing insecurity in New Jersey is essential during these extraordinarily trying times. We have an obligation to identify new and innovative ways to aid our state’s residents in this time of stress,”　said Governor Murphy.　”This bill provides pathways to help more New Jersey homeowners remain in their homes.”

Stable housing for New Jersey residents is a focal point of this administration. Prior to this legislation’s enactment, Governor Murphy directed NJHMFA in March of 2020 to expand its Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program (FMAP) to include pre-foreclosure counseling to help homeowners avoid potential foreclosure, and to begin offering counseling assistance to renters. This expanded program has assisted approximately 2,163 families, comprising roughly 1,430 rental households and approximately 500 owner-occupied　households.

Stable housing is an economic, health, and community imperative.  The New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act is designed to help address the impacts of growing housing insecurity, from homeowners in need to communities confronting vacant and abandoned properties. By addressing these intersecting challenges, this legislation is a crucial step toward housing stability for families and communities across our state.

“The New Jersey Foreclosure Act acknowledges and seeks to assist struggling homeowners in New Jersey. It has proven prescient as that need has grown exponentially within the last year,” said Lt. Governor Oliver, who serves as New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner and NJHMFA board chair. “This Act and its ensuing　programs will work in tandem with the State’s existing programs to help prevent our most vulnerable residents from losing their homes.”

“This legislation will help New Jersey families keep their homes and ensure that foreclosed properties reenter the homeownership market, stabilizing neighborhoods and helping families become homeowners”, said Melanie R. Walter, Executive Director, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.”It facilitates crucial interventions including the expansion of NJHMFA’s partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions, creation of new mortgage products, and establishment of a revenue stream to support housing stabilization in our state.”

“New Jersey has　made great strides in addressing the previous　foreclosure crisis, and we do not want to see history repeat itself when　the foreclosure moratorium is eventually lifted,” said　Senator Singleton. “With the pandemic decimating　the economy, countless people　around the state are on the brink of losing their homes. Now law, the New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act will help to stave off a wave of foreclosures, and more importantly, keep families in their homes.”

“New Jersey is in a housing crisis and has been for many years. There are many foreclosed vacant residential properties throughout the state that are undermining the health, safety, and economic vitality of neighborhoods. They depress neighboring property values, reducing revenues for municipalities,” said Assembly sponsors Mila Jasey, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Benjie Wimberly.”The New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Prevention Program will assist struggling homeowners facing foreclosure and also help with the redevelopment of currently vacant properties due to foreclosures.”MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act (A5130).

The New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act creates the ‘New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Prevention Program’, implementation of which will be led by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) in furtherance of the agency’s commitment to affordable housing ownership and foreclosure mediation. This program empowers NJHMFA to address the rising number of foreclosures in New Jersey, not only helping to stabilize families’ homeownership but their neighborhood as well. By establishing public-private partnerships with nonprofits, NJHMFA will be able to undertake supportive interventions including bulk purchases of non-performing loans from institutional lenders, advancing recommendations set forth in the 2018 Report of the Housing Transition Advisory Committee.

“Combatting housing insecurity in New Jersey is essential during these extraordinarily trying times. We have an obligation to identify new and innovative ways to aid our state’s residents in this time of stress,”　said Governor Murphy.　”This bill provides pathways to help more New Jersey homeowners remain in their homes.”

Stable housing for New Jersey residents is a focal point of this administration. Prior to this legislation’s enactment, Governor Murphy directed NJHMFA in March of 2020 to expand its Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program (FMAP) to include pre-foreclosure counseling to help homeowners avoid potential foreclosure, and to begin offering counseling assistance to renters. This expanded program has assisted approximately 2,163 families, comprising roughly 1,430 rental households and approximately 500 owner-occupied　households.

Stable housing is an economic, health, and community imperative.  The New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act is designed to help address the impacts of growing housing insecurity, from homeowners in need to communities confronting vacant and abandoned properties. By addressing these intersecting challenges, this legislation is a crucial step toward housing stability for families and communities across our state.

“The New Jersey Foreclosure Act acknowledges and seeks to assist struggling homeowners in New Jersey. It has proven prescient as that need has grown exponentially within the last year,” said Lt. Governor Oliver, who serves as New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner and NJHMFA board chair. “This Act and its ensuing　programs will work in tandem with the State’s existing programs to help prevent our most vulnerable residents from losing their homes.”

“This legislation will help New Jersey families keep their homes and ensure that foreclosed properties reenter the homeownership market, stabilizing neighborhoods and helping families become homeowners”, said Melanie R. Walter, Executive Director, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.”It facilitates crucial interventions including the expansion of NJHMFA’s partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions, creation of new mortgage products, and establishment of a revenue stream to support housing stabilization in our state.”

“New Jersey has　made great strides in addressing the previous　foreclosure crisis, and we do not want to see history repeat itself when　the foreclosure moratorium is eventually lifted,” said　Senator Singleton. “With the pandemic decimating　the economy, countless people　around the state are on the brink of losing their homes. Now law, the New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act will help to stave off a wave of foreclosures, and more importantly, keep families in their homes.”

“New Jersey is in a housing crisis and has been for many years. There are many foreclosed vacant residential properties throughout the state that are undermining the health, safety, and economic vitality of neighborhoods. They depress neighboring property values, reducing revenues for municipalities,” said Assembly sponsors Mila Jasey, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Benjie Wimberly.”The New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Prevention Program will assist struggling homeowners facing foreclosure and also help with the redevelopment of currently vacant properties due to foreclosures.”

The Capital Grille Makes Its Debut In Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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The Capital Grille Makes Its Debut In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Known for dry-aged steaks, exceptional seafood, and a world-class wine list, The Capital Grille is introducing Parsippany to its take on fine dining. Opening Friday, April 9, the restaurant is also renowned for its attentive service in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Dining area fo the new Capital Grille

The Capital Grille is best known for steaks dry-aged in-house for 18-24 days, a process that achieves incomparable flavor and tenderness. Steaks are hand-cut daily by the in-house butcher, with selections including Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry-Aged NY Strip with Shallot Butter; Porcini Rubbed Delmonico with 15-Year Aged Balsamic; and Sliced Filet Mignon with Cipollini Onions, Wild Mushrooms and Fig Essence, among others.

The restaurant is also popular for its blend of menu classics and twists on appetizers and sides, prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Signature dishes include Pan-Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers; Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese; and Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon. Dedicated to culinary excellence throughout its menu, a skilled pastry chef prepares desserts each morning from scratch, such as The Capital Grille Cheesecake, brûlée style, and Coconut Cream Pie.

The Capital Grille pours from a Wine Spectator-recognized list of more than 350 selections, featuring some of the most highly allocated and sought-after wines in the world. Through continuous wine and sommelier training, servers can make personalized recommendations for guests to make their perfect pairings. Additionally, 25 wines are offered by the glass from a global selection with an emphasis on California and Napa Valley, including such rarely offered labels as Faust and Caymus. For the aficionado, personalized wine lockers are available for lease with brass nameplates complete with specially curated wines. Guests may also sip from classic and signature cocktails, such as the Stoli Doli, the restaurant’s signature martini made with Stolichnaya Vodka infused with fresh pineapple, chilled and served straight up.

Kitchen

The Capital Grille in Parsippany is located at 10 Dryden Way. The new restaurant spans nearly 10,000 square feet, including private and semi-private space, as well as a spacious lounge. The dining room is open daily for dinner, with hours Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., as well as lunch Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended but not required.

More information about The Capital Grille’s safety commitments to guests is available by clicking here.

For more information click here or Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Capital Grille is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Passing of Deputy County Clerk John Wojtaszek

Frank L. Cahill
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Passing of Deputy County Clerk John Wojtaszek

MORRIS COUNTY — “It is with great sadness of the passing of Deputy County Clerk John Wojtaszek,” said Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi.

John was a diligent and tireless worker on behalf of the Morris County Clerk’s Office and the residents of Morris County. He was a visionary who introduced many new and innovative programs, focused an eagle eye on election details, foresaw and remedied issues, was at ease speaking with politicians at all levels, the press, and the public. Prior to becoming the Deputy County Clerk, John was an educator in the Rockaway Borough School District.

During his lifetime, John was an elected official, political mentor to many, possessed an acute political mind, with an encyclopedic knowledge of elections, and an expert in US and NJ History.

He was a gentle giant who always looked out for everyone and he will be missed. There is a saying that “anyone can be replaced”, but John is irreplaceable.

Our deepest condolences are extended to his family and his wife Bette.

Parsippany Community Update March 16, 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update March 16, 2021

PARSIPPANY — In Morris County, nearly 150 thousand residents have received their first shot. That’s almost one-third of the county.

We will continue to see increased availability of the three vaccines approved for emergency use in the weeks ahead.

Morris County COVID-19 Case Count: Click here
COVID-19 Dashboard: Click here​
Who is eligible for vaccination in New Jersey? Click here
​Where, how, and when can I get vaccinated? Click here
Register and make an appointment through the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System: Click here​
Make an appointment directly with a vaccination location: Click here

Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library Names Melissa Kuzma as New Director

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library Names Melissa Kuzma as New Director

PARSIPPANY — Melissa Kuzma has been chosen by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library Board of Directors to serve as the new Library Directory. She starts on April 5, 2021.  Melissa is currently the Library Director at the East Brunswick Public Library system, since August 2020. According to her LinkedIn profile, she resides in Bound Brook.

Kuzma will replace Jayne Beline who retired from the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library on October 1, 2020, after serving as Executive Director for the past 30 years.

Kuzma first joined East Brunswick Public Library as Assistant Director in 2016, but she has spent most of her career working in libraries. After graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in history, she worked at New York Public Library as a librarian trainee.

“I am very pleased about Parsippany’s new Library Director. This hiring is a long time coming, and they couldn’t have picked a better leader to take the reins. Our Township’s libraries have a lot of exciting developments in store in the months and years ahead, and it’s vitally important that we have somebody with a passion for knowledge and a focus on the community to help lead the way,” said Mayor Michael Soriano.

Kuzma earned her Master’s in Library Sciences at Rutgers, and she worked at New York Public Library and West Orange Public Library as a librarian.

Her career path eventually took her out of the library, working for companies that serve public, academic, and corporate libraries as a project manager for Baker & Taylor and as a product manager for R. R. Bowker. She also worked as the Summit Housing Authority’s Deputy Executive Director.

“I’m thrilled to be coming to the Parsippany Troy Hills Public Library. I feel lucky to be joining such a busy, dynamic library system in a vibrant and diverse community like Parsippany. I’m looking forward to meeting the library staff, getting to know the community, and embarking on the construction project for the new Lake Hiawatha Library. This is an amazing opportunity for the community and I am excited to be a part of it,” said Melissa.

Like any other library professional, Kuzma also has several book recommendations. Some of her favorite books this year have been The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett, and Writers & Lovers by Lily King. She is currently reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

“The wealth of diversity in Ms. Kuzma’s professional history is an excellent addition to the leadership roles of the town. In her capable hands, the library enters a new era that, as a member of the council, I am in full support of, and as a member of the community, I am personally excited too!,” said Councilwoman Emily Peterson.

Former Library Director Jayne Beline said, “I am sure that Melissa will use her creativity and experience from the East Brunswick library to work with the Library Board and staff to provide great library service to the Parsippany community.”

“We are excited about all the changes going on at the Library and part of that is our new director, Melissa Kuzma. She comes to us from East Brunswick and has many of experience, not all in libraries, which give her a fresh perspective,” stated Ellen Waldman, President of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library Board of Directors.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Library has three branches: Main branch – 449 Halsey Road – (973) 887-5150; Lake Hiwatha branch – 68 Nokomis Avenue, Lake Hiawatha – (973) 335-0952  and Mt. Tabor branch – 31 Trinity Park, Mount Tabor – (973) 627-9508. Click here to view the website.

To request a library card click here.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting for March 16

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting for March 16

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net.

Resolutions and Ordinances can be found below:

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – March 2, 2021

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – March 2, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – March 2, 2021.

Click here to download the agenda.

Cycling to Help Find a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes

Frank L. Cahill
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Cycling to Help Find a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes

PARSIPPANY — Once again, Lake Hiawatha resident Brian Donlin is helping to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) through a fundraising effort for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Every year, hundreds of cyclists gather in different cities to ride in support of JDRF Research. Some are kids and adults with T1D, and some are the friends and family that support them. Sadly, last year’s events were canceled due to pandemic restrictions, but that didn’t stop Brian from surpassing his goal!

This year, he will be safety training for the 100-mile (century) ride at the Ramapo Rally in August later this year. Even if this event is canceled this year, he has plenty of options as a backup so he doesn’t miss out on his 100-mile challenge. Be on the lookout around the Lake Hiawatha and Montville areas for him!

Brian has known many people in his life that live with T1D, but it really hit home when the diagnosis came to his nephew Zach. Zach was diagnosed with T1D as he entered Kindergarten not long ago. It was initially extremely hard on him and his family, but through support and the research done through the JDRF, his life has been made just a little bit easier. Now 10, he has become accustomed to a life many of us would never understand. But leveraging current and new technologies along with advances in medicine, Zach just may be one of the first few to see T1D disappear altogether.

You can follow Brian’s progress on his personal site by clicking here.

You can also donate directly through his JDRF page by clicking here, or through his Facebook fundraiser. For more information on Brian or his fundraiser, please email him directly backyardcyclist@gmail.com.

The JDRF has been leading the fight against type 1 diabetes (T1D) by funding research, advocating for policies that accelerate access to new therapies, and providing a support network for millions of people around the world impacted by T1D. Every dollar donated goes directly to the JDRF to help everyone with T1D live healthier and longer, until this disease no longer exists.

Every mile pedaled is a mile closer to a cure. We can’t make it to the finish line without you!

BULLETIN: Sign up Now for Preschool Tuition Assistance

Frank L. Cahill
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BULLETIN: Sign up Now for Preschool Tuition Assistance

MORRIS COUNTY — Many local families have been impacted financially as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Preschool Advantage is here to help and continues to accept applications for tuition assistance for children to attend its partner preschools for the school year beginning in September 2021. Children must be 3- or 4-years old by October 1, 2021.

April 3 is the next deadline for parents who qualify to receive financial help to place their child in a preschool classroom.

Preschool Advantage partners with 28 preschools in Morris and Somerset counties to provide a quality preschool education for families who could otherwise not afford it. We want to prepare children for a lifetime of learning that will create a better world for them, their families, and the community.

While there are federally funded programs to cover the cost of preschool for families living below the poverty line, many other families can’t afford early education due to the high cost of living in this region. Preschool Advantage is committed to giving children the opportunity to attend preschool and thus equalize the gap between lower-income families and affluent families.

To apply for assistance click here, call (973) 532-2501, or email program@preschooladvantge.org.

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