Sheriff Announces Opening of “Hope Wing’’ at Morris County Jail

Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff Announces Opening of “Hope Wing’’ at Morris County Jail

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, in partnership with Morris County Department of Human Services and CARES (Center for Addiction Recovery Education & Success), is announcing the opening of the Hope Wing, a drug/alcohol addiction recovery unit for inmates incarcerated within the Morris County Correctional Facility.

The new Hope Wing is designed to help inmates address their addiction through daily programs such as relapse prevention, anger management, education, spirituality, relationship development, and peer to peer counseling, among others.

This inmate program compliments Sheriff Gannon’s Hope One program, which employs a team of support personnel who travel the county in a mobile recovery access vehicle to offer critical support for persons struggling with addiction, with goals of preventing drug overdoses and deaths.

“With opioid abuse reaching an alarming level in Morris County, I am proud to announce the opening of the Hope Wing within the Morris County Correctional Facility,’’ said Sheriff Gannon. “The new unit will serve as one of the many components in place designed to reduce the rate of recidivism in Morris County.

“The old idiom of ‘Lock Them Up and Throw Away the Key’ has not worked in the past and will certainly not work in our future.

If we can get the inmates the help they need to combat their opioid and other drug/alcohol addictions during their incarceration, we will greatly reduce dependency related crimes being committed post incarceration.”

Joining Sheriff Gannon at today’s event were Morris County freeholders Kathy DeFillippo and Tom Mastrangelo, Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Superior Court Judge James M. DeMarzo, and Warden Chris Klein.

In the Hope Wing program, Sheriff Gannon is placing emphasis on four specific components he believes are necessary to increase an individual’s likelihood of post-incarceration: housing, employment, education and aftercare support services. Professionals at the county correctional facility will work closely with community outreach programs to assist inmates on those key issues.

Participating inmates must voluntarily enter into the Hope Wing unit and must agree to comply with a regimented weekly schedule determined by certified alcohol and drug counselors on staff at the jail. Daily sessions conducted by the counselors serve as one of many mechanisms employed to assist inmates combat their addiction.

The correctional facility also has a full-time spiritual leader and full-time educator committed to the program. The spiritual leader will assist with rebuilding familial relations and the use of faith in the fight against addiction, while the educator will assist in the development of skills necessary to seek and maintain employment once released from the facility.

In addition, inmates will be get regular visits from community volunteers who specialize in addiction services.

“The Freeholder Board strongly supports Sheriff Gannon’s effort to take a positive and constructive approach to dealing with addictions and our growing opioid problem,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo. “Morris County has adopted a Stigma-Free approach when it comes to encouraging residents with addiction and mental health problems to seek help – no questions asked. The Hope Wing fits right in with that philosophy.’’

“The Sheriff is adding another needed tool in our arsenal to fight the addiction epidemic facing our county, state and nation,’’ added Melody Runyon, Associate Director of Morris County Prevention is Key.

$50,000 Lottery Ticket Sold at Quick Stop Food Market

Frank L. Cahill
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$50,000 Lottery Ticket Sold at Quick Stop Food Market

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS —  New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger announced that a $50,000 winning ticket was sold at Quick Stop Food Market, 1446 Route 46, as part of the Powerball jackpot from the Wednesday, August 23 drawing. The winning numbers for the Wednesday, August 23 drawing were: 06, 07, 16, 23 and 26. The Red Power Ball number was 04. The Multiplier number was 04.

Two New Jersey Lottery tickets were sold that matched the five white balls, winning the $1,000,000 second prize. Twenty-six New Jersey Lottery tickets were sold that matched the four white balls and the Powerball drawn, winning the $50,000 third prize. Two of those tickets were purchased with Power Play, multiplying the prize to $200,000.

In addition to the second and third-tier prize winning tickets sold, there were 482,343 New Jersey players who took home an estimated $2,670,609 in prizes ranging from $4.00 to $400.00, according to Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger.

Powerball Jackpot was won in Massachusetts. The Powerball jackpot resets to $40,000,000 for the next drawing to be held Saturday, August 26 at 10:59 p.m.

Parsippany Kmart to close before end of 2017

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Kmart to close before end of 2017

PARSIPPANY — After announcing the closing of over 200 Sears and Kmart locations earlier this year, Sears Holdings has plans to close 28 more Kmart stores by the end of 2017, and Kmart, 808 Route 46 is on the list.

The news came after a disappointing earnings report that stated the company lost $251 million in their second quarter — a decline that is likely the result of growing competition from online shopping stops like Amazon. The corporation is hoping to cut $1 billion in cost this year, primarily through selling real estate.

In 2014 the Kmart in Randolph on Route 10 closed.

The Kmart of Parsippany opened in 1998 and was a flagship Big Kmart store for the company. It was one of the company’s first Big Kmart stores, and the store was featured on the commercial which launched the Big Kmart concept nationwide.

In the commercial, a blue tarp is being removed from the sign as the Big Kmart jingle is played “There’s a new old friend in the same old place, with a brand new name and a brand new face”. A mock parade was even staged in nearby Boonton with Kathy Ireland jogging down the main street and Martha Stewart driving an 18-wheeler. Scenes of Bob Hope eating breakfast were filmed at the local Boonton Diner.

The 120,000 square foot Big Kmart store replaced a former Kmart one mile up the highway, which had originally been a J.M. Fields. In 2005, the store was re-bannered as Sears Essentials. New Sears carpeting, separate dressing rooms for men and women, and better-quality Sears fixtures were installed as part of the conversion. Unfortunately, many departments were poorly merchandised and shoppers encountered lots of empty shelf space in the huge store. To top it off, Eddie Lampert and his crew raised prices. The previously proud and busy Kmart quickly became a place people avoided and the store was often deserted.

In 2010, the company admitted defeat on the concept and after a 2-day liquidation, the store reverted back to Kmart. Most of the Sears fixtures were left in place but the store did receive a very seldom seen and short-lived Kmart interior package with red and white department signage featuring pictures of people.

According to the company the store will close in November. Eligible employees impacted by these store closures will receive severance and will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Kmart or Sears stores, according to the company.

Project Help Hosts an Open House in Parsippany to Reward Supporters

Frank L. Cahill
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Project Help Hosts an Open House in Parsippany to Reward Supporters

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Project Help, Inc., a 501(c)3 Charity, is incorporated in Sussex.  Their mission is to  help Veterans and their families during difficult times.  They cover the seven northern counties in assisting Vets get their lives back together. 

The Open House was held at Allied Wealth Partners in Parsippany, complete with food and beverages, some of which was donated by Applebees in Newton. Allied Wealth Partners has been very generous in donating a wonderful space for Project Help to hold meetings and events. 

Many people and companies have come together to support Project Help with donations and service. In particular, the Mobile Closet project which is well on the way to completion. The purpose of this project is to convert an old school bus, donated by George’s Salvage located in Newton, into a unit to take clothing, especially professional attire, to veterans housing units and provide those articles of clothing to vets at no charge.  Additionally, a tailor, hair cutters and makeup artists will provide those types of services as needed. 

The day will also consist of a job readiness fair.  Veterans will get help preparing resumes, printing them and then Project Help will submit the resumes to employers for interviews and offers.  “This project is a major initiative for Project Help.  We still need a good bit of help paying for things like insurance, maintenance and a driver,” says Sandy Mitchell, founder and Executive Director.

The materials for the bus conversion have all been acquired, thanks to many who helped.  Hollister Construction in Parsippany, donated and delivered all of the materials needed for the interior and ramp for the project.  Not only did they do that, but they did it all in less than a week. 

Morris County VoTech is doing the conversion under the direction of shop teacher Lou Rosso and the design of the exterior of the bus was done by the art department under the direction of teacher Rubin Rosado. 

Dover Brake and Clutch donated an alternator and three batteries for the bus which saved at least $1000; Moove In Self Storage in Hampton is currently donating a large storage unit for Project Help to store the donated clothing saving at least $2000 a year.

Extreme Energy Solutions of Sparta became a sponsor for the “Visions in Black and White” art show and auction in November.  They were also instrumental in supporting the startup of Project Help as the organization was being founded and the 501c3 being applied for.

All of these and many others were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their service, financial and in-kind support of the mission to help veterans and their families during the hard times.  Things like homelessness, financial hardships, PTSD, TBI and many other issues that our vets are plagued with is where Project Help can help make a difference in outcomes.

At total of about forty five attended the event and they all seemed to have a great time and leaned a lot about the mission of Project Help.

“With the rapid growth of Project Help, we are opening up two more board seats in June 2017.  We have many committee positions and volunteer positions for folks who want to help our vets and we have just launched our new membership program this month” said Mitchell.  As a member you receive many benefits and become an ambassador for Project Help, thus furthering the cause.

For more information, please contact Sandy Mitchell, (973) 875-2068, email Sandy@mitchellclan.com, visit the website by clicking here.

Photoshop rendering of new design for the bus

Morris County’s 16th Annual 9/11 Memorial Service on Sunday, September 10

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County’s 16th Annual 9/11 Memorial Service on Sunday, September 10

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders invites all residents from across Morris County and neighboring counties to join them in observing the 16th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against our nation at the Morris County Remembers 9/11 Service on Sunday, September 10.

The ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County September 11th Memorial on West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills, across from the Morris View Healthcare Center and adjacent to the Morris County Public Safety Academy. The event will be held rain or shine.

New York City firefighter and Boonton native John Fila will be the keynote speaker. Fila is a member of NYFD Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9, which is located near Times Square and lost 15 firefighters during the 9/11 emergency response.

“It is important to gather at the county memorial each year on the anniversary of 9/11 to recall every single one of the nearly 3,000 innocent people who were tragically lost to our nation that day, including 64 of our Morris County residents,” said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We want their families and friends to know their loved ones are not forgotten,” he added.

“As a society, we have an obligation to remember what happened on that tragic day, to recall the lives lost and the long-lasting impact on the families and our nation as a result of these terrorist attacks,’’ added Deputy Freeholder Director John Cesaro. “With that pain comes lessons learned, which we can never forget,” he said.

The county’s 9/11 event will include a march with a color guard up West Hanover Avenue to the Memorial by police, fire, rescue and emergency personnel from across Morris County.

The observance will include a special invocation, a lighting of candles, and reading of the names of each of the Morris County victims, plus a 21-gun salute, and keynote remarks.

Morris County’s September 11th Memorial pays tribute to all of those who died in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., on Sept. 11, 2001, with a special emphasis on the 64 victims from Morris County whose names are etched in plaques affixed to the Memorial.

The names of all of the nearly 3,000 people who died that day are engraved in ruby-colored paving stones that have been set in the ground as a walkway surrounding the Memorial.

Since seating at the Memorial is limited, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the outdoor observance. Parking will be available at the Morris County Department of Human Services building at 340 West Hanover Avenue, in Morris Township – directly across from the Academy. Shuttle buses will be available to transport those in need the short distance to the Memorial.

The freeholders also invite police and fire departments and rescue squads from across the county to participate by sending one apparatus per department and assembling at 4:45 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany.

From there, a procession will be held to the September 11th Memorial.

For more information click here.

FEMA’s Revised Morris County Flood Insurance Rates Maps are now Available

Frank L. Cahill
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FEMA’s Revised Morris County Flood Insurance Rates Maps are now Available

MORRIS COUNTY — After several brief delays, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has released its long-awaited revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (pFIRMs) for Morris County.

Municipal and County officials should receive paper versions of the maps in the next several days via mail.

Digital versions of the maps can be viewed by clicking here. This website also provides a search function for specific addresses. If you live in or near a flood zone, you are strongly encouraged to review the maps to see if you are affected.

Homeowners should make map revision requests to their municipalities, which will convey the information to FEMA.

FEMA will schedule two open house meetings for the public in early November. The exact dates will be announced by FEMA via public notices that placed in local newspapers (the county also intends to publicize the dates). FEMA’s formal 90-day Appeal Period for municipalities is expected to begin in the late fall.

Please visit Morris County’s FIRMs page to view these maps, and for information about the map adoption process, the appeal procedure, the public meeting schedule, and resources at the federal and local levels.

Once finalized and formally adopted, these maps will be used to determine if flood insurance is required and the rates that residential and commercial property owners will pay to the National Flood Insurance Program. The maps also will be utilized when reviewing development plans and enforcing floodplain management regulations.

The flood insurance rate maps currently in effect are 24-to-45 years old. Given their long-standing impact, the county encourages municipalities and property owners to take this rare opportunity to review, and if necessary, comment on the revised preliminary maps.

In addition, the maps will help determine eligibility for disaster relief and mitigation funding, and will offer the best source of data for understanding flood risk in communities, especially when considering future development.

Until the new maps are adopted, the existing ones will remain in effect.

To speak directly to a FEMA map specialist, call (877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Questions also can be emailed to FEMA’s Mapping Center at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com, or to Jennifer McCulloch, Morris County Flood Mitigation Program Coordinator at jmcculloch@co.morris.nj.us

 

Friends of the Library are looking for more “Friends”

Frank L. Cahill
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Friends of the Library are looking for more “Friends”

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Every Library needs a volunteer group and the Parsippany Public Library is no exception. The purpose of the Friends of the Library, a 501(C)3 organization, is to raise money for special Library programs and collections of Library materials. If you or a family member have ever attended a library program, borrowed an E book, attended a Makerspace workshop, or borrowed a piece of equipment, chances are the Friends of the Library contributed financially to the program, collection or equipment.

The Friends also serve as advocates for the Library. An upcoming advocacy initiative of the Friends will be to advocate for the Library Construction bond ballot question. The Friends also support any legislation that benefits Libraries.

The Library Board and administration are looking for Friends members (a simple yearly donation of $15.00 or more) as well as for Friends officers. Friends members are 18 years of age and older.

September is the perfect time for you to make a volunteer commitment. Perhaps you are new to the area and you are looking for a group to join so that you can make friends. Perhaps your youngest has started kindergarten or left for college and you are trying to find something to do-just for you. Maybe you are just someone who thinks they want to give back to the community.

The first step is to determine what kind of volunteer you think you are.Are you a “doer “? If so perhaps you would like to help with the Library book sales. Or sit at a table in the Library and recruit new Friends volunteers. Or help with the Friends sponsored prom dress sale in the early months of 2018. You might also like to serve as Friends secretary and take minutes at the quarterly meetings (four times a year).

Are you good at Math? The Friends are looking for a new treasurer. They particularly need someone who can handle on-line banking. The Treasurer needs to attend four meetings a year and provide financial reports.

Speaking of reports, if you love doing computer spreadsheets, the group also needs a membership coordinator who can keep track of the members, send out yearly renewals and send emails to our members.

Are you more of a “thinker? “ If so, the Friends need your creativity to discover some ways to fundraise. The Friends want to raise money so that they can help the Library. For example you could arrange for bus trips to local sites or come up with other interesting ideas.

Perhaps leadership is your strong suit. The Friends need a president and vice president/president elect. Now is the time to put your leadership skills to the test because it is the time to reinvent the Friends of the Library.

If any of these opportunities sound interesting and you would like to volunteer, you can print out a Friends Interest form found on the Library’s website by clicking here,  or if you wish to receive more specific details, you may attend an information session about the Friends.

The Library will hold two information sessions about the Friends. The first information session will be held at the Main Library, 449 Halsey Road, on Tuesday, August 29 at 11:30 a.m. and the second session will be an evening session on Wednesday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at both events and you may enter to win a door prize. If you have any questions about this event, please call (973) 887-5150, ext. 219 and speak to Library Director, Jayne Beline.

New Providence man arrested for human trafficking in Hanover Township

Frank L. Cahill
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New Providence man arrested for human trafficking in Hanover Township

HANOVER — Torrie Fogg, 41, New Providence, was charged Tuesday with two counts of Human Trafficking in a case brought by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and the Hanover Township Police Department under the direction of Chief Mark Roddy.     

On August 17, the Hanover Township Police Department responded to a dispute at a local hotel.  While investigating the case, the alleged victim,  a 31-year-old female told police she was being held against her will and was forced to prostitute herself.  It was alleged that Fogg made arrangements for the victim to meet with several male clients at area hotels and would then collect the money received after the sexual acts were completed.  The victim told police that she was assaulted by Fogg if she did not comply and engage in sexual acts with the clients. 

As a result of those allegations, Fogg was charged last week with Aggravated Assault, in violation of N.J.S 2C:12-1b(2), a crime of the third degree; Criminal Restraint, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-2a, a crime of the third degree; Terroristic Threats, in violation of N.J.S 2C:12-3a, a crime of the third degree; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance With the Intent to Distribute, in violation of N.J.S 2C:35-5b(3), a crime of the third degree; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of N.J.S 2C:35-10a(1), a crime of the third degree; Promoting Prostitution, in violation of N.J.S 2C:34-1b(5), a crime of the third degree; and False Imprisonment, in violation of 2C:13-3, a disorderly persons offense.   

On August 22, Fogg was also charged with two counts of Human Trafficking, in violation of N.J.S 2C:13-8a(1)(b) and N.J.S. 2C:13-8a(1)(g), crimes of the first degree. 

The defendant is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a pre-trial detention hearing on the original charges, which is currently set for Wednesday. 

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigation Section, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their involvement in this investigation. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective/Supervisor Marshall Wang of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200. 

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“Time Machine” to perform at this week’s Summer Concert Series

Frank L. Cahill
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“Time Machine” to perform at this week’s Summer Concert Series

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Township of Parsippany-Troy is extremely grateful to Provident Bank for sponsoring the concert by “Time Machine” on Thursday, August 24.  This amazing band will have the audience dancing on the lawn and rocking to an array of selections both old and new.

Mercedes Covert Muzio, Mayor James Barberio and Ylka Padilla

Time Machine is comprised of top musicians and performers giving you unmatched showmanship and professionalism. With so many all-star performers, their show will be like listening to a human jukebox. Constantly changing styles and vocalist during the course of the concert will keep your audience entertained and awe struck all night long.

The Time Machine Band will perform at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Prior to the show, there will be a picnic barbecue hosted by Shop Rite Parsippany (Sunrise Kitchens). All proceeds will be donated to the Parsippany PAL Youth Center. The barbecue starts at 5:00 p.m.

Cerbo’s to hold fundraiser for “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer”

Frank L. Cahill
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Cerbo’s to hold fundraiser for “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer”

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Cerbo’s Parsippany Farmers Market will be hosting a booth of volunteers called “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer” a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that funds pediatric cancer research. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, August 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The booth will have assorted cookies for sale and the proceeds will be donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Mara’s Cafe and Bakery in Denville, Parsippany ShopRite, Stop & Shop will be donating materials for the cookies.

Herff Jones Yearbooks will be financially donating and also helping to staff the event.

Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouses is located at 440 Littleton Road.

Cerbo’s Greenhouse and Garden Center was established in 1913 and is Parsippany’s oldest business. Founded by Anthony Cerbo, Sr., Cerbo’s is now run by the third and fourth generations.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national 501(c)3 non-profit, is committed to raising funds for research to develop new, improved treatments for pediatric cancer, the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. We provide inspiration and support for individuals, businesses and organizations to raise funds by hosting grassroots bake sales and other fundraising events.

How Cookies For Cancer started: When 2-year-old Liam Witt was diagnosed with childhood cancer in 2007, his parents Larry and Gretchen were shocked to learn of the lack of effective treatments for pediatric cancers due to lack of funding. They pledged to support the funding of research for safer, more effective treatments for children battling cancer. With the help of 250 volunteers, his mom Gretchen baked and sold 96,000 cookies, raising more than $400,000 for research. Word spread, and people nationwide began asking, “How can I help?”

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is located in Califon, New Jersey and can be reached by calling
(888) 978-5313 or by clicking here to visit their website.

 

 

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