Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Case Temporarily Pauses First Floor of Town Hall

Frank L. Cahill
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Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Case Temporarily Pauses First Floor of Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — Late Tuesday evening, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills was informed that we have a presumptive COVID-19 positive case yet to be confirmed by lab results.

In an abundance of caution, we are initiating a one-day pause in the first-floor Construction, Zoning, Planning, Inspection area for cleaning/disinfection and to perform contact tracing. If you have any questions please contact PTHConstruction@parsippany.net.

Due to the nature of this situation, please be patient, as responses may take additional time.

UPDATED: 11th Congressional Election: Sherrill Beats Becchi

Frank L. Cahill
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UPDATED: 11th Congressional Election: Sherrill Beats Becchi

PARSIPPANY — The Associated Press projected that US Representative Mikie Sherrill, the incumbent Democrat in the 11th district, has defeated Republican challenger Rosemary Becchi. As of Thursday, November 5, 2020, 3:55:14 p.m. The following results are for the 11th Congressional District candidates.  33.77% of the votes in Morris County were counted.

Democrat Mikie Sherrill 56,785 57.22%
Republican Rosemary Becchi 42,422 42.75%
Write-Ins 32 0.03%
Votes Cast 99,239

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill was re-elected to the House of Representatives for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District for a second term. Sherrill claimed a historic victory in the 11th District in 2018, flipping a reliably Republican seat for the first time in over thirty years.

“It is an honor to serve the 11th District,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “Over the past two years, I have fought to make sure that Washington works for New Jersey, to see that our tax dollars come back to our communities, to lower the cost of prescription drugs, to fund infrastructure projects important to North Jersey, to address issues of justice in our communities, and to support families and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many challenges that lie ahead. We will work together to rebuild our economy and ensure a bright future for our children.”

Congresswoman Sherrill is a Naval Academy graduate, Navy veteran and helicopter pilot, former federal prosecutor, and mother of four.

During her first term in Congress, Congresswoman Sherrill led bipartisan legislation to lift the SALT deduction cap, improve our healthcare system, and protect New Jersey’s public lands. Four of her bipartisan bills were signed into law.

Results will be updated as they are provided by the Board of Elections and are subject to change until all ballots have been counted.

Complete Mail-In Ballot results will not be available until after November 10, the deadline for timely postmarked Mail-In Ballots to be received. Provisional Ballots will be counted once all Mail-In Ballots have been tallied.

Official final results may not be available until November 20.

Updated: DeVitto, Orme, Berrios Lead Parsippany School Board Race

Frank L. Cahill
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Updated: DeVitto, Orme, Berrios Lead Parsippany School Board Race

PARSIPPANY — The polls have been closed and the ballots are being tallied, but final numbers are still be counted. Soon Parsippany residents will know who will represent them on the Parsippany School District Board of Education. As of Thursday, November 12, 2020, 3:08 p.m. the following results for the Parsippany Board of Education candidates.  644.22% of the votes in Morris County were counted.

Matthew DeVitto 10,701 21.39%
Deborah Orme 9,900 19.78%
Timothy P. Berrios 9,297 18.58%
John E. Titus III 6,403 12.80%
Aisha Mahmood 7,048 14.09%
Nilesh Bagdai 6,430 12.85%
Votes Cast 50,038

Results will be updated as they are provided by the Board of Elections and are subject to change until all ballots have been counted.

Complete Mail-In Ballot results will not be available until after November 10, the deadline for timely postmarked Mail-In Ballots to be received. Provisional Ballots will be counted once all Mail-In Ballots have been tallied.

Official final results may not be available until November 20.

A letter to Parents from Dr. Barbara Sargent

Frank L. Cahill
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A letter to Parents from Dr. Barbara Sargent

PARSIPPANY — A letter to Parents from Dr. Barbara Sargent

Good afternoon, Families!

I hope this letter finds everyone at home healthy and well.  I have enjoyed the opportunity to speak with many of you about your children’s learning needs and the challenges associated with hybrid instruction.  Our students need more class time and our challenge is to provide this in as safe a manner as possible.

Effective Monday, November 30, we will hold classes in-person Monday through Friday at the PreK – 8 level and maintain Week A/Week B with Early Dismissal.  High school teachers and students will continue with Virtual Friday as they are utilizing an A/B Day schedule and experiencing live classes each afternoon.  Adding Friday will require an entirely new high school schedule and put teachers in the difficult position of not being able to meet with fully remote students or schedule small group tutorials.  Elementary and middle school teachers can do this each afternoon.  The week of November 30 will be Week A.

Our custodial staff will conduct a thorough cleaning of the schools on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, where necessary, to ensure a safe start for the next week of learning.

There are additional changes to our school calendar:

  • Tuesday, November 3 (Election Day) will be a fully remote day for everyone.
  • Due to the large number of educators who will attend the NJEA Virtual Convention next Thursday and Friday, we are not able to properly staff our classrooms and provide supervision to the students who will attend school.  With more than 160 educators intending to attend the Convention this year, we need to close school on the NJEA Convention Days of November 5-6.  Schools will be open on December 21-22 for instruction.
  • Friday, November 20:  Elementary and middle school teachers will be available for students during the morning for Virtual Friday instruction, questions, check-ins, etc.  Elementary principals will communicate the schedules for special education students in self-contained classes (PreK-5).
  • Monday, November 23:  Week B elementary and middle schools will follow their regular early dismissal schedule; afternoon virtual instruction will not occur on these days.  Elementary principals will communicate the schedules for special education students in self-contained classes (PreK-5).
  • Tuesday, November 24:  Week B elementary and middle schools will follow their regular early dismissal schedule; afternoon virtual instruction will not occur on these days.  Elementary principals will communicate the schedules for special education students in self-contained classes (PreK-5).
  • Wednesday, November 25 will be a Virtual ½ Day for ALL PreK-12 students.  No students will attend in-person and principals will communicate the schedule for this day.

A revised school calendar shows Week A/Week B designations through February, though parents should not presume that we will be following this model for the next four months.  This is strictly for planning purposes.  By the end of February, there will have been 51 days of in-person instruction for Week A PreK-8 students and 50 days of in-person instruction for Week B PreK-8 students.

Changes for Lunch pick up – Week of Nov 2
Monday (for Monday and Tuesday) and Wednesday (for Wednesday through Sunday) between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

 

Barbara Sargent, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

 

Former Morris Plains Officer Sentenced

Frank L. Cahill
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Former Morris Plains Officer Sentenced

MORRIS PLAINS — Morris County Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph K. Kimker, and Morris Plains Police Chief Michael M. Koroski announce the sentencing of Adam J. Klymko, 31, on Theft by Unlawful Taking on October 30, 2020.

On or about March 2, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office received an allegation that Morris Plains PBA Local 254 was the victim of theft and that the defendant was believed to have withdrawn monies from the PBA Local 254 operating and fundraising account.

At the time of the thefts, the defendant was the PBA Treasurer and a Morris Plains Police Officer.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Specialized Crimes Unit commenced an investigation into the allegation and, based on bank account information obtained during the investigation, it was determined that the thefts occurred using banking applications from a cellular telephone; ATM, and counter withdrawals.

On September 15, the defendant pleads guilty to one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, a crime of the third degree, based on the defendant’s criminal activity on various dates between January 1, 2018, and March 1, 2020.

On October 30, the Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C., Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris Vicinage, sentenced the defendant to non-custodial probation for a term of five years with the special condition that the defendant makes restitution, via monthly payments of $1,438.00, through the Morris County Probation Department, to Morris Plain PBA Local 254, in the total amount of $86,275.57.

As part of the plea agreement, Judge Ironson ordered the defendant’s forfeiture of public office/employment, and the defendant is forever disqualified from holding any position of honor, trust, or profit under the State or any of its administrative or political subdivisions.

Letter to the Editor: Vote for Aisha Mahmood, Parsippany Board of Education

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusIt is my pleasure to recommend Aisha Mahmood as she throws her hat into the ring for a position on the Parsippany Board of Education
A graduate of Parsippany-Troy Hills High School and a resident of Parsippany for 30 years, Aisha brings a unique approach to her quest to aid in the future challenges facing the school community.
Aisha graduated from Kean University with a degree in biology. Since then she has worked in the pharmaceutical, financial, and telecommunication industries. She has 14 years of experience as a business and project manager and also 15 years as a real estate agent. It is a combination of skills gleaned from these varied professional experiences that make her singularly prepared to tackle the responsibilities of a school board member.
As a real estate agent, one has to be aware of federal and state laws, regulations, and local policies. This is a basic component of board decisions as well. Also, the board has to set the budget as well as the agenda of the schools, make rules and policies, and set learning standards, all the while being responsive to the values and beliefs of the community. In all her past jobs and professional life, Aisha has had to keep abreast of the latest technology to be effective. She has advised prospective clients on current market conditions and directed the negotiation process of real estate transactions. She remains open to learning about the expectations, goals, and needs of the district in learning how to provide the best educational experience the community can afford for its students, while working within the tax base, being aware of state and federal monies available.
Aisha believes that the district must prepare its students for entering college, the workforce, the military, or any other area in which individuals have an interest.  “As a board member, I will strive to help our school system have what it needs to prepare our students to meet our changing world. Technology! I personally believe there should be more technology-related classes for students in a week.”
Although there are other candidates with more experience than Aisha has, she believes her professional experience together with her technical skills and business sensibilities provide her with a firm foundation to fill the needs of a school board position.
Please consider Aisha Mahmood for a position on the Parsippany Board of Education. VOTE 4, 5, 6 November 3!
Elizabeth C. Cieri

Letter to the Editor: Parsippany Board of Education Election

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

I am not going to mince words. You need to vote for our incumbent Board Members:  Matt DeVitto, Debbie Orme, and Tim Berrios; and here is why.

Experience matters! COVID remains a reality that affects our town and our schools. The school district has worked tirelessly to maintain a viable educational experience for students while maintaining a safe environment for both students and staff. It is not the right time to elect new Board Members that may require 6 to 12 months before they are able to be helpful.

Special Education! Matt, Debbie, and Tim remain committed to our students who are most at risk. They have supported several new initiatives that benefit these students. The STRIVE Program; expansion of classes for students with behavioral disabilities; and expanding access to social workers and school psychologists are only some of the enhancements they have supported.

Fiscal Responsibility! Matt, Debbie, and Tim have consistently worked to ensure that the interests of taxpayers are represented while providing high-quality educational programs to our students. They have worked hard so that the school budget tax levy has stayed at or below a 2% increase. Don’t you wish all your elected officials had this fiscal responsibility? Have you received Mayor Soriano’s water bill yet? You will not be happy!

Text Messages! Has your cell phone privacy been invaded by unsolicited text messages from John Titus, Aisha Mahmood, and Nilesh Bagdai? These Parsippany Board of Education challengers sent out hundreds of unsolicited text messages to Parsippany residents soliciting votes for themselves. This is unconscionable. Matt DeVitto, Debbie Orme, and Tim Berrios would never do this. Please nix 456!

Dark Money! Signs, postcards and ads cost thousands of dollars. Matt, Debbie, and Tim are self-funding their campaign. Every dollar spent has been provided by these hard-working Board of Education Members. Not so with the 4-5-6 ticket of John Titus, Aisha Mahmood, and Nilesh Bagdai. They have accepted thousands of dollars from out of town sources. John Titus and Aisha Mahmood both received $1,000 each from the progressive Political Action Committee, Millennials for NJ. Why would out of town sources pour thousands of dollars into a board of education election? I have no answers.

Please re-elect the hard-working team of Matt DeVitto, Debbie Orme, and Tim Berrios. Honesty, integrity, and experience are more important now than ever.

Sincerely,
Andy Choffo

I am writing this letter as a private citizen and not in my capacity as a Board of Education Member.

Early Morning Fire Closes Three Businesses; Residences

Frank L. Cahill
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Early Morning Fire Closes Three Businesses; Residences

PARSIPPANY — An early morning fire caused damage to three businesses, Towne Vision, Upper Cutz and ITech Computer on North Beverwyck Road and minor damage to number of apartments.

A two-story fire at 90-92 North Beverwyck Road brought Lake Hiawatha Fire Department District 4, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5, and Town of Boonton RIC, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance, and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery to the scene at approximately 6:00 a.m.

Morris County Sheriffs’ investigation, Parsippany Police Department,  Jersey Central Power, and Light as well as New Jersey Natural Gas was also at the scene.

American Red Cross also arrived to help the families displaced by the fire.

Fire at 92 North Beverwyck Road. Photo by Fireground Buff Network LLC
Fire at 92 North Beverwyck Road. Photo by Fireground Buff Network LLC
Fire at 92 North Beverwyck Road. Photo by Fireground Buff Network LLC
Fire at 92 North Beverwyck Road. Photo by Fireground Buff Network LLC

Volunteers Needed to Help at Blood Drives

Frank L. Cahill
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Volunteers Needed to Help at Blood Drives

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers. The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of the team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area.

No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation.  All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors.

For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at (732) 850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer click here.

Pennacchio on Fed Investigation of Veterans’ Homes: ‘At Least Somebody Was Listening’

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio on Fed Investigation of Veterans’ Homes: ‘At Least Somebody Was Listening’

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio welcomed word that the United States Department of Justice is actively investigating the COVID tragedies inside state-run veterans’ homes, and emphasized the need for the Senate to conduct its own inquiry.

According to published reports, in announcing the launch of a civil rights investigation the feds cited the state’s lack of cooperation with an earlier analysis and concerns about the quality of care at veterans’ facilities.

“It is unfortunate that it has come down to this, that the federal government is looking into the state’s troubling incompetency. At least somebody is listening,” said Pennacchio. “Along with colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus, I have been saying all along that the Administration’s lack of transparency was troubling and unacceptable. We now know that they were not forthcoming with federal investigators.

“I am pleased that it appears the feds were listening when we called for their involvement in letters back in June and again on September 3, but this is no substitute for the Senate Select Committee with subpoena power we have been calling for since May. These are state-run nursing homes, and state policy put the residents and healthcare workers at risk,” Pennacchio said.

Reliable estimates, and numbers cited by the DOJ in announcing the investigation, show that almost 200 residents died from COVID at two veterans’ homes operated by the New Jersey.

“One of every three residents in the homes in Paramus and the Menlo Park facility in Edison lost their lives,” Pennacchio said. “Yet the Democrats in Trenton have consistently circled the wagons to protect the administration. Republican efforts to convene a select committee to review the impact of state policy and the decisions that may have contributed to the loss of life have been stymied at every turn as the whitewash continues.”

On Tuesday, it was revealed that another resident at the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home has tested positive for the virus. Sixty residents are awaiting results from their tests, according to NorthJersey.com.

In the first wave of COVID, 89 residents died at this one facility, and more than 200 residents and workers were infected.

“This is what we wanted to avoid, and if the Senate convened our committee in May when we first called for it, I am convinced nursing homes would be better prepared for new cases this winter,” Pennacchio said. “It is imperative that we hear from testimony from the insiders who know where the system failed, and know who failed the system.

“Every week that passes without a Senate investigation only makes it more difficult to prevent large-scale loss of life in our veterans’ homes and in nursing homes across the state where more than 7,100 vulnerable seniors were lost,” said Pennacchio.

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