PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Board of Education has released its 2021 Board of Education Meeting Dates.
Click here to download the schedule.
Matt Clarkin, Soriano’s Chief of Staff, Resigns
PARSIPPANY — Matt Clarkin, Soriano’s Chief of Staff, announced this morning, he will be leaving Town Hall later this month.
“For the last three years, I’ve been proud to serve my hometown as Mayor Soriano’s Chief of Staff. The opportunity to help shape policy and good government in the township that’s given me so much has been the honor of a lifetime. It’s with a heavy heart, but also great excitement, that I now move to the next chapter in my life,” said Clarkin.
“Later this month, I will be leaving Parsippany Town Hall to pursue an MBA full-time. I’ve always intended to continue my education, and the timing now is unavoidably perfect. It’s precisely because I’ve been doing well these past few years, not in spite of it, that I want to avoid complacency and continue building my credentials across fields.”
Clarkin said “I’d like to thank Mayor Soriano for allowing me to work by his side throughout his term. The accomplishments of this administration will leave a large, positive impact on our community for years to come. And, Mayor, I have no doubt that your second term will be even more accomplished than your first, after winning re-election later this year.”
“I’d also like to thank my colleagues at Town Hall for the endless lessons I’ve learned on government – how it can work to help people, and why it sometimes doesn’t. I will carry that knowledge with me for the rest of my life,” continued Clarkin.
“Matthew has been an invaluable asset to my administration. We are so pleased that he’s chosen to take the experience he has gained as my Chief of Staff and further his education. He will be missed at Town Hall, but we wish him the best of luck as he pursues his MBA,” said Mayor Michael Soriano.
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., said “This is a position that the township can do without. I would hope that the Mayor would not look to fill this position and save the taxpayers of our town approximately $100,000 in salary and benefits.”
According to the 2021 Township Budget, Clarkin earns $74,389 plus benefits.
Clarkin is also the Chairman of the Parsippany Democratic Committee and a Board Commissioner on the Morris County Board of Elections.
MCYR Chair Supports Line
MORRIS COUNTY — “As Chairman of the Morris County Young Republicans, it is my duty to support the efforts of our Party’s initiatives to help us become more effective and successful as an organization. With the coming vote of a Morris County Committee Endorsement process on January 16, I, therefore, encourage all county committee members to vote yes. I further ask that all young Republicans encourage their respective county committee members to also support this proposal,” said Justin Musella.
“I strongly believe that a formal County Committee Endorsement process will be of overall benefit to the Party and more specifically—to all our young Republicans. A County Committee Endorsement process levels the competitive landscape from campaigning to 133,000 registered Republicans to approximately 660. The barrier to entry is very high for younger newcomers and having a more level playing field against well-financed incumbents can significantly help us moving forward. This ability to encourage newcomers to seek the County Committee Endorsement will be a vital tool for success while it enables young Republicans to have a larger say in who we elect as our future Republican candidates. It will also provide a great reason and benefit to serving on the county committee,” continued Musella.
The time has come for us as an organization to help our Party get to the next level, so I ask you to please vote YES on January 16.
Murphy Administration Reminds New Jerseyans of Coverage Benefits for COVID-19 Vaccine
MORRIS COUNTY — As New Jersey continues to scale up its statewide vaccination program, the Murphy Administration today reminded New Jerseyans that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available without cost-sharing barriers. Pursuant to the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement, all providers must vaccinate individuals regardless of whether they have health insurance coverage or what type of coverage they have, and are prohibited from balance billing or otherwise charging vaccine recipients.
“As we continue to roll out our robust statewide vaccination program, we want to make it clear to New Jerseyans that no one will have to pay for the vaccine itself, regardless of whether or not they have health insurance coverage,” said Governor Murphy. “We strongly encourage everyone to join hundreds of thousands of their fellow New Jerseyans in preregistering to receive the vaccine and taking another step toward ending this pandemic.”
“As residents begin to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they should know that the vaccination will be provided with no out-of-pocket costs,” said Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride. “We issued guidance reminding insurance companies of this requirement as the state works to protect the health and safety of our residents in response to the global pandemic.”
“The Department of Health is thankful to the many providers who have signed agreements with the State to administer vaccines in communities throughout New Jersey,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This has been a complex process of linking all types of providers to deliver vaccines to New Jersey residents without cost to those residents. The goal of vaccinating 70% of the adult population in New Jersey is going to be met through these partnerships and through the thousands of New Jersey residents who recognize that vaccines matter.”
“NJ FamilyCare recipients can get the COVID vaccine at no cost and at any vaccination site,” said Human Services Deputy Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “That means zero co-pays for the vaccine and its administration, no matter the provider, so we urge everyone to sign up and get the vaccine when they are eligible. We are all eager to end this pandemic and save lives. For NJ FamilyCare recipients, you can protect yourself at no cost.”
“As vaccines become available to more residents, all New Jerseyans should know that they will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine from participating providers and that insurance coverage or cost-sharing should not be barriers,” said Shabnam Salih, Director of the Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity for the well-being of themselves, their families, and their communities and to help prevent the further loss of human life.”
Coverage Information
- If you are covered by a private health plan (whether obtained directly through the individual market or through your employer): All group and individual comprehensive health insurance plans must provide coverage for COVID-19 immunization and its administration. During the federal public health emergency, these plans must provide this coverage without cost-sharing, regardless of whether the provider is in or out of network. For more information, please contact your insurance provider or click here.
- If you are covered by Medicare Part B: The vaccine and the administration of that vaccine will be covered without coinsurance or deductible.
- If you are covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan: Beneficiary copayment, coinsurance and deductible are waived for COVID-19 vaccine and its administration for calendar years 2020 and 2021.
- If you are covered by SHBP or SEHBP: The vaccine and the administration of that vaccine will be covered without coinsurance or deductible for in or out of network providers.
- If you are covered by NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid or CHIP): The vaccine and the administration of that vaccine will be covered without copays for in or out-of-network providers.
- If you are uninsured: health care providers that participate in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Program must agree to administer a COVID-19 immunization regardless of an individual’s ability to pay or health insurance coverage status, and may not seek reimbursement from the immunization recipient. For information on sites that are providing the vaccine click here. This site will be updated as more locations are added.
For more information click here.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Certified by Fear Free Program
MORRIS COUNTY — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter promotes the fostering and adoption of rescue dogs and cats, today announced their designation as one of the region’s only Fear Free Shelters.
Abandoned or abused animals that live in close quarters with one another typically express symptoms of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). The Fear Free Shelter Program trains staff at animal-care shelters to use specialized techniques and practices which reduce these symptoms in their resident pets, providing a better quality of life in the shelter. With this new training, the staff of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is able to provide an even more compassionate and caring environment for the pets in their care. As one of the only fear-free shelters in the region, the animals of Mt. Pleasant animal shelter will be housed in an environment that best meets their emotions and needs.
The certification comes after a period of collaboration between the board of Mt. Pleasant and Dr. Sarah Pizano, animal welfare strategist and author of The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters.
“While our team at the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter takes pride in the quality of care we provide to our pets, taking part in the fear-free training ensures that all our animals remain both physically and mentally happy, healthy and comfortable throughout their time with us,” said Lorri Caffrey, Interim Executive Director of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. “Now that our team at Mt. Pleasant has been certified, we are excited to extend our training to volunteers and foster families.”
In addition to implementing fear-free training, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter has also named Mary Altomare DVM, as Head Veterinarian. She has been with the shelter since September 2020 and leads a team of veterinary technicians and volunteers specializing in the care and adoption of shelter animals. Dr. Altomare is a longstanding member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is a community advocate for the welfare of all animals. She also serves as a relief veterinarian/surgeon throughout northern New Jersey and adjunct professor for the Bergen Community College Veterinary Technician program. She has both a small and large animal veterinary education from St. Matthews University with a residency from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor in Environmental Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Mt. Pleasant this week also announced that Taylor Woehle, CVT will join the team as Lead Veterinary Technician, boasting an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from Bergen Community College. Working with animals for over seven years, Taylor has vast knowledge in both animal care and leadership. Another graduate of the Bergen Community Colledge Veterinary Technology Program, Kaitlyn Rifici, CVT will also join the team this month. Kaitlyn has over eight years of experience caring for animals with six of them being in an animal shelter.
“Our vision goes beyond simply providing top-quality care for the Tri-State Area’s soon-to-be-adopted pets,” said Henry Ristuccia, president of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter Board of Directors. “Mt. Pleasant is committed to being a resource for our community and a leader in animal care. Our foster, volunteer, and hospice programs, along with our new team of committed and experienced veterinarians, are a testament to the ways in which Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter can bring a community together for the common cause of animal welfare.’”
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at 194 Route 10, East Hanover.
Parsippany Blood Drive – Pair of Socks for donors!
PARSIPPANY — Please make an appointment to give blood at Parsippany PAL on Tuesday, January 12 between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Donors will get a pair of socks as a thank you. To make an appointment click here or text (732) 616-8736. Appointments encouraged, Walk-ins welcome if social distancing can be maintained. Please help spread the word
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Parsippany PAL is located at 33 Baldwin Road. For additional information click here.
The Beyroutey Family Needs Your Help
PARSIPPANY — The Beyroutey family could really use your help. Mike Beyroutey is a small business owner in Parsippany, and like many others impacted by this pandemic, COVID destroyed any chance of work in 2020 – bankrupting our family business.
As if it couldn’t go from bad to worse, on August 24 under stress and pressure, he experienced a stroke. As a man who has always had a physically laborious job and worked with his hands, his physical capacity and dexterity were affected and my dad was not able to return to work.
During his recovery, the doctors revealed he also has stage three kidney failure. The donations collected will be used to cover medical expenses that are being incurred. The family currently has him scheduled for a biopsy of the right kidney on January 13 with surgery soon to follow. With no health insurance, all these bills currently piling up my mom, siblings, feel crippled financially. Please help the family get their father back.
Without an 80% deposit on surgeries and procedures, they are unable to get the necessary care from the talented and skilled professionals at Morristown Medical Center.
“My dad, who is my hero, did many great things for our family. Now it’s our turn to do something great for him,” said Joseph Beyroutey.
Click here to make a donation through GoFundMe.
Sherrill Calls for the Removal of President Trump
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement:
Yesterday, this country experienced an undemocratic insurrection, incited by the President of the United States and other Republican leaders. Citizens have a constitutional right to protest but what we saw yesterday at the Capitol was rioting, trespassing, and violence. Those who participated should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The massive security failure at the Capitol complex must be investigated.
I stood in the House Chamber as these extremists breached the building in an attempt to stop the election certification and undermine our constitutional duties because they believed the 2020 election was stolen: a belief directly encouraged by the president. It was not. Our intelligence agencies declared this election ‘the most secure in American history.’ Election officials, Republican and Democrat alike, have certified the election results in every state in the nation and courts have thrown out over 60 cases. We returned to the chamber last night, among bullet holes and broken windows, to stand up for our democracy, certify this election, and ensure Joe Biden will take office on January 20.
The president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. We cannot tolerate a president who fomented an armed insurrection and actively thwarts the peaceful transfer of power in the United States of America. Cabinet officials must take responsibility and invoke the 25th Amendment. And if they cannot fulfill their duty to this country, Congress will be forced to once again stand up for our values and use the whole host of our powers so this cannot happen again, up to and including impeachment.
Yesterday marked one of the darkest days in our history. But we will not back away in our defense of this country. I will fulfill my responsibilities as an American and as an elected representative to the United States Congress to protect our democracy.
Parsippany State Of The Township January 7, 2021
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills presents a Virtual State of the Township address. Due to ongoing restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the address was presented by viewing this video.
The address highlights the important subjects impacting the Township in 2021, including:
– Communication with residents during the health emergency.
– The Fiscal Health of the Township and restoring the utility fund balance.
– Challenges and triumphs of the Township’s first responders.
– New communication capabilities and the bodycam initiative for the Township’s Police Force.
– Open Space priorities, environmental protection, and neighborhood development.
– Planning priorities (like revitalizing North Beverwyck Road), immediate deliverables from the New Master Plan, and holding developers accountable to residents.
Weichert Raises $25,000 for the American Cancer Society
MORRIS COUNTY — The Weichert Family of Companies is proud to announce that its employees, associates, friends, and sponsors were able to raise a collective donation of $25,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and breast cancer research in 2020. These contributions came despite the hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a real testament to the kindness and generosity of people when, in the most challenging of times, they can still find it in their hearts to give,” said Joe McDonald, regional vice president for Weichert, Realtors. “Breast cancer continues to hit close to home for so many of our colleagues, family members, and friends, who are battling this deadly disease.”
In a normal year, Weichert would have held its annual golf outing fundraiser. In fact, the company was well into preparations for its milestone 20th Annual Charity Golf Outing when COVID-19 hit last March. Like most events in 2020, the pandemic forced Weichert to cancel the golf outing. Nevertheless, the company remained optimistic that many people would still be eager to support the cause.
“The Weichert culture has always been one of giving back to the communities in which we live and work and supporting causes that strive to make the world a better place. Throughout our 20 years of supporting the American Cancer Society, the donations of our sponsors have helped many people through their journey with breast cancer,” explained McDonald.
Since the annual fundraiser began in 2001, Weichert has raised a remarkable $1.637 million for the ACS and breast cancer research.
According to McDonald, the event chairperson, Weichert’s 2021 Annual Charity Golf Outing is scheduled for August 19 at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster. “Our hope is that we can resume our charity event later this year and exceed our previous donations with the continued support of our generous contributors.”