New COVID-19 Restrictions in Effect for Restaurants, Casinos and Sporting Events

Frank L. Cahill
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New COVID-19 Restrictions in Effect for Restaurants, Casinos and Sporting Events

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy’s new Executive Order 194 went into effect on Thursday, November 12, imposing new restrictions on restaurants, casinos, and sporting events as COVID-19 cases continue to mount in New Jersey.

The restrictions involve seating and hours for restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges as well as prohibitions of interstate indoor K-12 and youth sports. Included in the restrictions are:

  1. Restaurants, bars, clubs, lounges, and other businesses that serve food or drinks will not be able to operate their indoor premises between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.  Outdoor dining can continue after 10:00 p.m., as can takeout and delivery services.
  2. Casinos will not be able to serve food or drinks between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., with the exception of room service delivered to guest rooms and takeout.  Other casino operations will be unaffected.

Bar seating restrictions and rules include:

  1. Seating at the physical bar in the indoor areas of bars and restaurants will be prohibited during all operating hours.
  2. Due to the impact, this may have on restaurants with small seating areas, restaurants will be allowed to have groups at tables indoors that are closer than six feet together if they are separated by barriers that comply with guidance from the Department of Health.
  3. Restaurants will be allowed to set up plastic domes outdoors, limited to one group each, as additional outdoor dining space.

Restrictions on Interstate Indoor Sports Competitions include:

  1. All interstate games and tournaments involving indoor sports, up to and including the high school level, will be prohibited.
  2. Collegiate and professional sports will be unaffected.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 194, click here.

Letter to the editor: Tax Increase versus Water Sewer Fee Increase; What Happened?

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Earlier this year in June the majority republican council rejected a minor “municipal tax increase” to remedy the past practice of using water and sewer surplus to compensate for budget shortfalls. The proposed increase would cost local taxpayers an average of $4.32.  Based on the 2019 average for Parsippany, an average home is valued at $310,736.00. If not mistaken this would have paid for the needed water and sewer infrastructure that is in need of repairs and upgrades.

Three Wells Down and more
We now have 3-Wells down due to water deficiency; one well-having contamination issues that cannot be accommodated through treatment and land use issues.  Other infrastructure issues such as pipes also exist. Now that we need money for the water sewer system, we are lacking.  Water is also in the highest water deficit in the region, due to usage, depletion, and lack of recharge due mostly to overdevelopment.

Equitable or Not, Fee or Tax?
Administration officials at the time came up with the Tax increase mentioned above.  A partisan cry went up against any such tax increase no matter how meager, apparently affording to live in an average home of $310,000 a five dollar or less increase would somehow break their budget.

Now we have an increase in the water and sewage fees, which are even more of an increase. Is not a fee another word for tax, and how is a fee more acceptable than a tax?

Referendum not suggested
Why was this issue building for many years; but ignored not put to a referendum, as to which method would be fairer to all according to their means suggested, a tax or a fee. For example; we all now pay a set fee for sewage $71; and our water bill has increased for minimum users $8.00+.

The contention is, that minimum user of water are the losers, in this short change increase. If all pay $71, no matter their incomes; but ignored for their minimum use, or conservation, they are being held to pay for excessive users, in their sewage increase. My bill rarely exceeded $60 for sewer at minimum usage; paying more in summer, than winter. Although increased water use brings higher costs the sewage fee will now remain the same; no matter if we don’t know how many times anyone flushes the toilet we know that increased use is part of the equation in sewage plant use, and all water goes past the meter, be it toilet or swimming pool.

Was the $4.38 Average Increase a fantasy or a possible solution?
Lastly, if the  $4.38  average in it’s cumulative could actually pay for the needed infrastructure required and more;( 11-14 jobs lost) this new fee increase will gain us even more in surplus, so will it again be foolishly used as before, with no future thought of entropy of the aging system or wells having been depleted due to consumption, drawdown or contamination?  Contaminations caused by private sources that we are now responsible for in costs, and quality of life issues, in the overdeveloped landscape of Parsippany. What good has the ratable chase done for the average taxpayer in the long term?

Last Example: Water utility bill minimum use $79.76, New Increase minimum use $111.43… An increase of $31.67… An increase of roughly $10-$11 a month … So what was the noise about an average $5.00 a month increase? 

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha 07034

Letter to the Editor: 126th Anniversary of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusTo the Editor:

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is proud to celebrate the 126th anniversary of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) in November 2020.  Founded in 1894, the NJSFWC and its 200 member clubs provide opportunities for education, leadership, and community service, while enabling 6,300 clubwomen to make a difference in the lives of others, one project at a time. 

The NJFSWC’s long, proud history includes founding the NJ College for Women in 1918 (now Douglass Residential College), helping establish many public libraries in the state, and influencing the formation of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.  A letter-writing campaign to legislators helped secure passage of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in 2004, protecting water quality for more than half of NJ’s population.

Pride in the NJSFWC’s impact over the last 126 years shines through in continued altruism today.  Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills have been busy supporting Operation Chillout, NJ’s oldest (and only) all-volunteer mobile outreach for homeless veterans, and the NJSFWC Special State Project. The club has collected sweatshirts, masks, and cases of bottled water to help Operation Chillout further its mission. The club has also made over 400 business size cards to be given to the homeless veterans offering thanks and words of hope.

NJSFWC is affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service, with 80,000 members in all 50 states and a dozen countries.

As we celebrate 126 years of club service, we invite women of all ages to get involved. By joining a women’s club, you become part of great contributions, achievements, and successes in our state and nation!  For more information about the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills contact Marilyn at (973) 539-3703 or click here.

Sincerely,
Joan Garbarino, President
Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills 

Rauchberg Dental Group Provided Free Exams and Cleaning to Veterans

Frank L. Cahill
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Rauchberg Dental Group Provided Free Exams and Cleaning to Veterans

PARSIPPANY — Rauchberg Dental Group provided a free exam and cleaning to active duty members and veterans of the US Armed Forces, on November 9. Practice owner Dr. Alan Rauchberg said, “It was an honor to provide free dentistry to the men and women who protect us.”

Rauchberg Dental Group, located at 199 Baldwin Road, has been serving the Morris County community since 1965 when the practice was opened by Dr. Joel Rauchberg DDS.

Dr. Alan Rauchberg DMD is a second-generation practice owner. The practice has grown into a multi-specialty practice, providing patients with both general dentists and licensed specialists in one office.

Dr. Rauchberg is a proud member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past president of Parsippany Rotary and The American Academy of Dental Practice.

Dr. Rauchberg’s mission is to provide high quality, state of the art dental care to all. For more information, call (973) 334-3777,  or click here.

Parsippany Community Update November 10, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update November 10, 2020

PARSIPPANY — At this point, the evidence is clear: we are experiencing the second wave of COVID-19. The good news is that we are immeasurably more prepared than we were in March and April.

Anthony Krizan to rock MPAC stage November 13

Frank L. Cahill
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Anthony Krizan to rock MPAC stage November 13

MORRIS COUNTY — Guitarist Anthony Krizan presents a night of rock and blues at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 to $50.00. Livestream is available for $20.00.

Krizan calls his music “blues-infused rock & roll with soulful swampy undertones.” One of the premier songwriters and producers in the New York area, Krizan has penned music as the lead guitarist of the popular jam band The Spin Doctors as well as for artists including Lenny Kravitz (“Stand By My Woman”), John Waite, and Gretchen Wilson. Scheduled to perform with him are Rob Clores (The Black Crowes), John Hummel, Muddy Shews, Bill Kelly, Tony Perruso, and more.

Based on current rules, MPAC can seat a maximum of 150 patrons for indoor events. All attendees must wear face coverings during the event. More information about MPAC’s health and Safety guidelines is available by clicking here.

Anthony Krizan first rose to fame in 1994 as lead guitarist for the commercially successful jam band, The Spin Doctors.  Once he took to the stage in his new role with the Spin Doctors, Krizan got right to work-bringing his electrifying guitar prowess and solid backing vocals to the group. He also wasted no time in lending his superb songwriting skills to the cause, co-writing the band’s third album, which included the theme song for Michael J. Fox’s hit TV show “Spin City”. In fact, five of Krizan’s songs made the Spin Doctors’ “Greatest Hits” collection, including “Miss America”, which was adapted for Howard Stern’s book that was released under the same title.

Anthony followed up on these initial successes with two major songs-including the Lenny Kravitz classic “Stand By My Woman” from Kravitz’s CD “Mama Said” (Virgin Records), which sold 5 million copies. “Stand By My Woman” was also selected for Lenny Kravitz’s “Greatest Hits” (Virgin), which attained the impressive sales mark of 10 million copies. Krizan also penned the title track for John Waite’s “When You Were Mine” (Pure Records)-which was also included on Waite’s “Greatest Hits” album.

Krizan’s rock roots run deep-having performed as a guitarist with Noel Redding, bassist of The Jimi Hendrix Experience for 10 years. Noel Redding and Anthony became great friends, as well as musical partners. The years to follow included a long list of songwriting credits on numerous albums, movie soundtracks, and television show themes. This includes Krizan co-writing “Dust and Bone” for Gretchen Wilson’s “Right On Time”-with the song also being recorded by blues/rock legend Pat Travers. “Dust and Bone” was additionally picked for the second track on Universal country artist TIM HICKS’ album, which opened at #1 on the SoundScan Country Album Charts. These industry endorsements contributed to making “Dust and Bone” the obvious choice for the title track for Anthony’s debut album.

Krizan is the 2013 recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Jay Gorney Award for the song he co-wrote with Cheryl Daveiga, “Home Don’t Feel Like Home”. He is the owner of Sonic Boom Studios in Raritan.

Morris County Surrogate Salutes Veterans

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Surrogate Salutes Veterans

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling called for all Morris County residents to join her in a moment of silence to pay respect to America’s veterans and their families, as we honor them this Veterans Day, November 11.
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“I am grateful to our veterans for their service and sacrifices on behalf of our nation. These brave men and women have served us without hesitation,” Darling said. “It is unfortunate, that due to COVID, we are not coming together, as we have in the past, in ceremonies that honor our Veterans. Although there will be virtual recognition, I am asking that we take a moment in thought and prayer for these selfless individuals.”

God Bless America and God Bless our Veterans.

Chick-fil-A Prepares for Operation Christmas Child

Frank L. Cahill
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Chick-fil-A Prepares for Operation Christmas Child

MORRIS PLAINS — Chick-fil-A in Morris Plains will be providing an offer for a FREE Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich when you drop-off your gift-filled shoebox at the restaurant on November 10 between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Help share the Good News of God’s love by packing a shoebox full of gifts for a child in need.

Thanks to the generosity of people like you, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered shoebox gifts to children around the world since 1993.

For more information click here.

Parsippany Community Update November 9, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update November 9, 2020

PARSIPPANY — We are expecting high winds and heavy rain both Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Hazards may include flooding, downed power lines, and downed trees.

While we hope the impact of the storm is less than expected, minimizing the amount of time spent outside of your home is your best bet to stay safe. See the CDC’s recommendations on preparing for a tropical storm by clicking here.

Kosut Property Acquisition Recommended to Freeholders for County Preservation Grants

Frank L. Cahill
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Kosut Property Acquisition Recommended to Freeholders for County Preservation Grants

PARSIPPANY — Morris County’s Open Space Trust Fund Committee recommended the award of $1.49 million in county preservation grants for six 2020 open space projects, totaling 69 acres located in five Morris County towns.

The projects were presented to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders at a virtual public hearing.  Included are projects in Kinnelon, Mendham Borough, Morris Plains, Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Washington Township.  They range from a 1.6-acre tract in Mendham Borough, which adjoins borough parkland, to a 36-acre forested tract in Washington Township that abuts farmland preserved through a project sponsored by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land.

The freeholders will make a formal decision on the grant recommendations at the board’s Monday, November 23, virtual meeting. Public phone and web access will be posted before the meeting.

Funding for the projects will come from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, which is generated by a special county tax. The funding source also is used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.

Jay Thomson, who chairs the 15-member Morris County Trust Fund Committee, presented the recommendations to the freeholder board, noting the recommended awards range from $84,825 to $659,000.

“We would like to thank you, the Freeholders of Morris County, for your continued support of the Open Space & Farmland Preservation program,’’ said Thomson.  “These projects have made a lasting impact on the quality of life of the residents of Morris County.”

“Morris County’s careful and strategic practice of preserving open space for the public is why our County is consistently rated one of the best places in the nation to live, work and raise a family. This ongoing effort is one of the most important government functions the Freeholder Board oversees, and we are dedicated to continuing this program to the benefit of our residents and future generations,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board liaison to the committee.

A portion of the county’s Open Space Tax, which this year is 3/4ths of 1 cent per $100 of assessed property value, is used to fund open space preservation. Any of the 39 municipalities in the county and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for project funding.

The Open Space grant program has helped preserve 12,706 acres in 36 of the county’s 39 towns since the awarding of grants started in 1994. Morris County voters approved the program in November 1992.

For details on each project click here.

The following is a look at the 2020 Open Space Recommendations:

  1. Boonton Avenue Recreational Facility, Kinnelon

  • Applicant – Borough of Kinnelon
  • 17 acres
  • Recommended Award – $150,000
  • Description – This property is located on Boonton Avenue at the intersection with Fayson Lake Road. The Borough of Kinnelon has utilized this property for recreational use since 1974, and had a lease agreement with the Town of Boonton, the owner from 1974 to 2019.  The Borough is interested in purchasing rather than entering into another lease with the Town of Boonton.  This would enable Kinnelon to be the owner of the facility that they invested in, and will ensure that the facility is available for the residents of Kinnelon in perpetuity.  The Town of Boonton is a willing seller and the Borough is currently in negotiations with the Town to acquire the property.

 

  1. United Methodist Church Property Acquisition, Borough of Mendham
  • Applicant – Borough of Mendham
  • 6 acres
  • Recommended Award – $220,000
  • Description – The project site covers 1.60 wooded acres behind the United Methodist Church in Mendham Borough, located at 10 East Main Street. The property is surrounded by existing parkland owned by Mendham Borough on Park Avenue (Mendham Borough Park).  The project site is forested with mature trees.  The Borough envisions maintaining the forested nature of the site and features a walking trail that connects to the active recreational uses in the surrounding Borough Park.  The project site is important for the Borough because it represents the only area where the Borough Park can expand.
  1. Watnong Brook Greenway, Morris Plains.
  • Applicant – Borough of Morris Plains
  • 29 acres
  • Recommended Award – $204,000
  • Description – The acquisition of this parcel is uniquely important to the Borough for two reasons: (1) preservation of natural habitat, prevention of stream encroachment, and flood mitigation, and (2) preservation of an existing path connecting multiple neighborhoods. The portion of the proposed preserved property to the north of the Watnong Brook is heavily wooded with mature trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and native flowers.  The acquisition of this parcel will ensure that the existing path that connects multiple neighborhoods in the Borough will be preserved in perpetuity.
  1. Kosut Property Acquisition – Parsippany

Applicant – Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills

  • 44 acres
  • Recommended Award – $659,000
  • Description – The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is applying to the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund for the acquisition of the Kosut Tract for the future development of a park and recreational facility. The Kosut tract is located on Knoll Road across from the Boonton Reservoir (also known as the Jersey City Reservoir).  The property surrounding the Kosut Tract is already owned by the Township and makes up the 11.1-acre Fieldfair Property.  The Kosut Tract is the final parcel of land required to complete the Fieldfair Property.  The acquisition of the Kosut Tract has been a long-time goal of the Township.
  1. Linking Open Space in Washington Township – Central, Washington
  • Applicant – Washington Township
  • 5 acres
  • Recommended Award – $84,825
  • Description – The Township of Washington is applying for the preservation of this 14.5-acre tract. This heavily wooded property contains some existing trails and one of the highest points in the township. The project will create connectivity with a 63-acre tract preserved for open space by Washington Township.
  1. Linking Open Space in Washington Township – North, Washington

Applicant – New Jersey Conservation Foundation

  • 06 acres
  • Recommended Award – $180,000
  • Description –The New Jersey Conservation Foundation is applying for the preservation of this 36.06-acre tract. This property is heavily wooded. This property’s direct access and gravel parking area off King’s Highway makes it an ideal location for a trailhead into future preserved properties.  The existing unimproved woods road on the property is an excellent foundation for a future trail network.

 

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