MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 211, postponing the upcoming February fire district elections, March special school elections, and all other special elections for filling vacancies to April 20, 2021.
“We will continue to hold elections to ensure that every citizen is able to have their voice heard in a safe matter during this unprecedented time,” said Governor Murphy.
“Today’s executive order will allow our local election officials to conserve time and resources, while also providing sufficient time to properly prepare for the upcoming elections.”
A decision on how these elections will be held, whether all vote-by-mail, in-person, or through a hybrid of VBM and in-person, will be determined in the coming months.
MORRIS COUNTY — This cutie came to us from a local, inner-city shelter where he came in as a stray. After this gorgeous boy was there for 4 months, we are so glad he now has more exposure and can find his forever home!
Oscar is a great mix of active and couch potato. After a nice long walk or romp around the yard, he is happy to take a nap on the couch. Oscar is great with other dogs and kids 16+. We are unsure how he is with cats but are happy to cat test for an approved adopter.
Oscar loves to explore and make new friends on his walk–he’s so friendly! His foster mom says he is a great Oscar that loves to nap right on top of her.
If you’re looking for a fun, loving pup, apply to adopt Oscar today!
If you are interested in adopting Oscar, please fill out an application by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll announces the promotion of Margaret M. Calderwood to First Assistant Prosecutor and Christoph Kimker to Chief of Detectives.
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for over two decades and an Assistant Prosecutor for over twenty-five years. Prior to her promotion, she served as Chief Assistant Prosecutor, managing the Tactical Division, which included the Major Crimes, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment and Domestic Violence Units, and the Courts & Administration Division, which includes the General Investigations and Pretrial Services Units. Prior to being Chief Assistant Prosecutor, First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood held the title of Executive Assistant Prosecutor for five years and supervised the entire legal staff. She has held supervisory roles in various units, including Supervising Assistant Prosecutor of the Professional Standards Unit, the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, and the Trial Division.
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood has prosecuted a significant number of high-profile cases and jury trials, including high-profile murder, aggravated manslaughter/vehicular homicide, and sexual assault cases, including State v. Anthony Novellino. She has received commendations and was honored by the Superior Court of New Jersey Morris/Sussex Vicinage and Morris/Sussex County Bar Association as part of the 2019 “Women Pioneers in the Law” Exhibit. She serves as co-chair to the Morris County Bar Association’s Criminal Practice Committee and holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Moravian College and Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law.
Chief Kimker was appointed to Acting Chief on April 1, 2019, following the retirement of the former Chief. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, he served as an Environmental Specialist in Morris County, in which he supervised the Environmental Services Unit, coordinating the County Environmental Health Act and the Morris County Hazardous Material Team. In October 2004, he was hired as a Detective and assigned to the Major Crimes and Arson/Environmental Crimes Unit. Promoted to the rank of Detective Supervisor in 2013, he was transferred to the Major Crimes Unit a year later. Over the course of the next five years, Chief Kimker was promoted through the chain of command while working in the Major Crimes Unit and the Specialized Crimes Division and was promoted to Captain of the Specialized Crimes Division and the Family Division in August 2018.
Throughout his career, Chief Kimker has served on the Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team, was a Team Leader and member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, and the Rapid Deployment Team. He is also a certified Officer Firearms Instructor. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Seton Hall University and M.A. in Environmental Management from Montclair State University.
A formal promotion ceremony will be held in early January 2021.
The outgoing First Assistant Prosecutor, Thomas A. Zelante, is retiring effective December 31, 2020. He has served as First Assistant Prosecutor in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for 13 years. Amongst other matters, his responsibilities included acting as the prosecutor in his absence, overseeing the Financial, Victim Witness and Fraud Units, reviewing Internal Affairs matters, reviewing indictments, reviewing briefs, reviewing all aspects of budgeting, acting as MCPO liaison on community matters, and other administrative and legal duties.
First Assistant Prosecutor Zelante said, “It has been my honor working with the men and women of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for the last 13 years, and I wish Acting Prosecutor Carroll, incoming First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood, and Chief Kimker much success.”
Acting Prosecutor Carroll expressed his appreciation for the years of service by Thomas Zelante. He and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office wishes him well in his retirement and any other future endeavors. Acting Prosecutor Carroll also indicated that making these important promotions of CAP Calderwood and Acting Chief Kimker from within the Prosecutor’s Office staff demonstrates our confidence in these two talented and dedicated law enforcement professionals, who have served Morris County for decades. Carroll went on to note that both professionals possess the integrity, commitment, and skills necessary to help guide law enforcement in these most challenging and evolutionary times, and will play key leadership roles in the future of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
MORRIS COUNTY — PBA Local #327 makes a donation to Goryeb Children’s Hospital with funds raised during No Shave November.
Last month, Detectives of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office put down their razors to raise funds during the annual No Shave November event, which is a month-long campaign to raise awareness and funding for cancer prevention, research, and education. Each participant, and other members of the MCPO, made a personal donation, resulting in $700 presented to the Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Medical Center in support of their outstanding work.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 donated $2,750 to Operation Chillout as part of a Gratitude Grant.
Operation Chillout is New Jersey’s oldest all-volunteer-only mobile outreach for homeless veterans, men and women, on-mission since December 2000. Their motto is “No borders-no boundaries.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Gratitude Initiative to provide vital support for the children of service members and veterans.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 is located at 230 Parsippany Road.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany received an unexpected donation of supply kits, PPE Supplies, and assorted office supplies from the local Staples store in Parsippany.
Each package, which was donated to Kiwanis, included a pack of Crayola colored pencils, a pack of Crayola crayons, a Staples two-pocket folder, a two oz. hand sanitizer, and a three-pack of pink erasers, valued at approximately $5 a care package. In addition, there were cases of supplies which included PPE supplies, staples, rulers, and other assorted supplies.
“This donation is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use,” shared Laura Wohland.
Staples donated supplies to Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — For over 50 years, the firefighters of the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company have escorted Santa Claus on Christmas Eve to deliver toys and candy to all the children of Parsippany Fire District #2.
Unfortunately, this tradition was canceled this year due to COVID-19.
Instead, the RLVFC used the resources and effort for the Santa Tour to sponsor four local families in need for Christmas.
Gifts consisting of clothes, housewares, toys, and other goodies were delivered to each family earlier this week.
The RLVFC would like to thank the community for their support throughout the year, at events like the Fish & Chips Dinner, Fall Plants Sale, and Fund Drive.
It is your support that allowed us to brighten Christmas for four great families this year.
On behalf of the RLVFC, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a happy and healthy 2021!
PARSIPPANY — Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assemblyman Jay Webber & Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce announce their reelection bids for State Senate & General Assembly in legislative district 26.
“I am excited to announce my reelection campaign today. The challenges that face New Jersey are great. As Governor Murphy fumbles the response to COVID-19 – leaving our seniors vulnerable & thousands dead all the while strangling our economy and our small businesses. It is more important than ever to have legislators in Trenton to stand up to the failed Murphy Administration,” said State Senator Joe Pennacchio.
Assemblyman Jay Webber commented, “New Jerseyans deserve a freer, fairer, more prosperous home. Phil Murphy and his Trenton friends won’t and can’t provide that — they are consumed by their high-tax, big-spend, and careless-debt agenda. The antidote to that agenda isn’t necessarily easy, but it is simple. Put taxpayers — not the government — first, protect our most vulnerable, and champion those who are too often forgotten: our constituents who play by the rules and ask only a fair shake from their government.”
“I have never been more energized to continue my work in Trenton. Work to support our small business community. Work to grow our economy. Work to stop the never-ending tax increases and out-of-control government spending. Work to invest in our critical infrastructure. Now more than ever, we need legislators in Trenton that are looking out for New Jersey families,” added Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.
About Joe Pennacchio
Senator Joe Pennacchio
Senator Pennacchio was elected to represent the 26th District from the New Jersey State Senate on January 8, 2008, and was re-elected in 2011, 2013, and 2017. Prior to serving in the State Senate, Joe Pennacchio was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly from 2000 to 2008. He has currently been assigned to the Senate Economic Growth Committee, as well as the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Senator Pennacchio is a former member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee. Pennacchio has been named to the Senate Republican Leadership Team as the Senate Republican Whip.
Senator Pennacchio has been at the forefront of Transparency in Government with his efforts to bring a comprehensive, inclusive website to New Jersey. Taxpayers would be able to see how each and every dollar is being spent in a timely, user-friendly manner on an easy-to-use website; a useful tool in cutting wasteful, questionable spending. His pending legislation would also bring transparency to all levels of government. Currently, Pennacchio is fighting to protect our children by addressing bullying in our schools, working to create a New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission, and on the forefront of fusion technology in the Garden State. Previously, Pennacchio secured 600 acres of the former Greystone tract for Morris County to be used in perpetuity for open space and recreation. The Senator has been an outspoken advocate for his lake communities, both Greenwood Lake and Lake Hopatcong, and his office has also been very engaged in infrastructure projects located in his Essex County communities.
During his initial tenure in Trenton, he worked closely with both the Legislature and Administration in crafting and passing legislation. Much of this legislation was directed at protecting taxpayers and improving the lives of New Jersey’s children. The legislation was signed into law establishing court awarded kinship legal guardianship status, making it easier for family members to become legal guardians of children, which has become a national model, as well as legislation now law that protects orphans and their investments.
State radio station 101.5 recently called Senator Pennacchio “A Republican with principals and courage.” The Senator has been recognized as a “Taxpayer Champion” by the New Jersey Taxpayer Alliance, an “Advocate for Open Government” by the New Jersey Taxpayers Association, and a “Guardian of Small Business” from the New Jersey Federation of Independent Business. He has received an “A” rating from Americans for Prosperity who rate legislators based on their votes to keep New Jersey an affordable, prosperous, and safe place to work and live. The Senator is a retired Dentist. He and his wife Diane live in Montville Township.
About BettyLou DeCroce
Bettylou DeCroce
Assemblywoman DeCroce has extensive governmental experience spanning the local, county, and state levels – Councilwoman in Mine Hill; Municipal Clerk and Deputy Township Manager in Roxbury; First Chairwoman of Morris County Joint Insurance Fund; Deputy Commissioner of the NJ Department of Community Affairs.
In addition to her public sector experience, Assemblywoman DeCroce brings a small business perspective to the Legislature as President and Owner of Gallo & DeCroce Realtors, a real estate firm in Morris County for over forty-six years. She is also President of ABL Holding Company, LLC, a home construction company.
DeCroce was honored as one of the 50 Best Women in Business by NJBIZ and was an NJ Monthly Magazine finalist for Leading Woman Entrepreneur and Business Owner. She was also chosen to participate in The Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Administration.
She has received numerous legislative awards, including the NJ Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Legislator of the Year; Defender of the Taxpayer; Guardian of the Family; MC Chamber of Commerce Public Leadership Award; Conservative Achievement Award; Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award; Displaced Homemakers Network Outstanding Service Award; African American Chamber of Commerce Women Who Empower Award and Guardian of Small Business Award.
About Jay Webber
Assemblyman Jay Webber
Jay Webber is married to Johanna, and together the couple has eight children, ages one to 18. The Webbers live in Morris Plains, where Jay serves as a Trustee at St. Virgil Parish and is a swim dad for his daughters and a baseball coach for his sons. Jay owns and operates his own small business in Whippany, practicing law with Webber McGill.
Jay was raised in Clifton and attended St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale and later The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School, where, most importantly, he met his classmate and future bride, Johanna.
Assemblyman Webber proudly represents the residents of the 26th District in the New Jersey General Assembly. Assemblyman Webber authored the landmark Safer Schools law to protect our children and stop the problem of child predators getting jobs in schools. Jay also authored a crucial law that supports shelters for women in crisis and the communities that house them. For his legislative service, Assemblyman Webber has earned the Fairfield Police Faith & Honor Award; Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award from the Society for Environmental Economic Development; Guardian of Small Business Award; and Taxpayer Hero Award.
For his strong leadership, Assemblyman Webber has been called “the conservative conscience of the State Legislature” and “the man Democrats least want to see stand on the other side of a floor argument.” One media outlet described Assemblyman Webber’s service during the pandemic as an “inveterate watchdog mode to provide a check to Democrats’ spending.”
Jay serves on the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, which is dedicated to preserving President Reagan’s former ranch in Santa Barbara, California as a place of learning and inspiration for generations to come. He also was a Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership, which convenes the nation’s political leaders with reputations for intellect, thoughtfulness, and commitment to civil dialogue.
PARSIPPANY — Diana Palmieri Arvidson started a petition for the town to reject the sale of Foodtown to Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG, a German international discount supermarket chain that operates over 10,000 stores across Europe and the United States.
Sign the petition to let Lidl know some of the area residents don’t want them to replace Foodtown.
“Our community wants to keep Foodtown and the local store owner and pharmacy who know many of us by name. We want a store that has a deli, fresh fish, and meat; not one that sells packaged goods,” said Palmieri.
It is not in the best interest of our community to lose their local grocery store for almost two years for a store with unknown brands and only packaged food.
It’s not what we want!
Sign the petition to Let Lidl know you won’t shop in their store.
