Grants Available to Organizations to Help Get Eligible Kids Enrolled in NJ FamilyCare

MORRIS COUNTY — As part of the All Kids initiative, the New Jersey Department of Human Services is providing $250,000 grants to organizations to provide education, outreach, and application assistance to low-income and immigrant communities to help get uninsured kids who are eligible for NJ FamilyCare enrolled in the state’s publicly funded health insurance program.

“This grant program continues the Murphy Administration’s efforts to expand health care access to all New Jersey kids and to get uninsured kids who are eligible for NJ FamilyCare, covered. Ensuring access to healthcare services for New Jersey children will pay health and economic dividends across their lives,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.

Cover All Kids provides comprehensive health coverage through NJ FamilyCare to all income-eligible children in New Jersey who are under 19 years old, regardless of immigration status. Since the program’s launch in 2021, more than 86,000 New Jersey children who were eligible but not enrolled are now insured through NJ FamilyCare. 

In January 2023,  Cover All Kids expanded coverage to all income-eligible children regardless of immigration status, thus providing more coverage to 24,000 kids

“More kids in New Jersey now have access to primary care, dental, vision, and mental health coverage and other benefits through NJ FamilyCare, and we know there are more we need to reach. Partnering with organizations that are trusted in the community will help us connect more eligible families to health coverage,” added Commissioner Adelman.

The Department’s Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services will review grant proposals and makeup to six grant awards in the fall. Grant applicants will need to demonstrate that they have established relationships with the communities they serve and experience working with the target populations, including undocumented immigrant populations.

“We want eligible families to apply for health coverage, so they can protect the health of their children. More kids who were uninsured now have health coverage because of Cover All Kids, and we look forward to partnering with trusted organizations to continue to remove barriers to health care. We are doing everything we can to eliminate the fear or distrust that can keep families from seeking services they qualify for,” said Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Langer Jacobs, who directs the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services that oversees NJ FamilyCare.

The selected grantees will be expected to identify and use innovative and/or best practices for targeted community outreach and enrollment; engage families and caregivers of uninsured and/or undocumented children and provide application assistance; promote health equity and build trust between immigrant communities and the NJ FamilyCare program through culturally competent and language accessible outreach and education; and improve the health literacy of New Jersey families with regard to the benefits of having health care coverage and the importance of maintaining and utilizing the benefits NJ FamilyCare has to offer. This will build on outreach efforts already underway, such as targeted mailings to key community partners, like food pantries, libraries, family success centers, local health departments, and others.

Grant applicants must submit a statement of Intent to Apply by August 11, 2023. Grant proposals must be submitted by September 1, 2023.

Coyote Spotting Near Powder Mill

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor’s Action Center has received call regarding a coyote seen in the Powder Mill area.

Coyotes (scientific name: Canis latrans) are members of the dog family, or Canidae, and are native to North America. They are highly adaptable animals and have a varied diet. Here’s a brief overview of these interesting creatures:

  1. Appearance: Coyotes resemble small to medium-sized dogs. They have a slender snout, erect pointed ears, and a bushy tail, which is often tipped in black. Their coat color can vary but is typically a mix of gray, white, brown, and black.

  2. Size: Adult coyotes weigh between 20 to 50 pounds and measure about 4 to 5 feet in length from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail.

  3. Habitat: Coyotes can thrive in a variety of habitats, from deserts and grasslands to forests and urban environments. Their adaptability is one of the reasons they are widespread across North America.

  4. Diet: Coyotes are omnivores. Their diet can include small mammals (like rabbits, rodents), fruits, insects, birds, and even carrion. In urban environments, they might also eat human-provided food, such as garbage or pet food.

  5. Behavior: Coyotes are known to be cunning and intelligent. They are generally nocturnal, although it’s not unusual to see them active during the day, especially in urban areas.

  6. Vocalization: Coyotes are known for their distinctive calls, which can include yips, howls, and barks. These calls can be heard over long distances and are used for communication between individuals or to mark territory.

  7. Reproduction: Coyotes form monogamous pairs and raise their offspring together. A typical litter consists of 4-6 pups. The pups are born blind and defenseless but develop rapidly.

  8. Role in Ecosystem: As predators, coyotes play a crucial role in controlling populations of small mammals and other prey species. However, their presence can sometimes lead to conflicts with human activities, especially when they prey on livestock.

  9. Adaptation to Urban Environments: In recent decades, coyotes have increasingly adapted to urban and suburban areas. Their adaptability and intelligence allow them to navigate environments and find food sources, even amidst human activity.

  10. Human-coyote Interactions: While coyotes generally fear humans and try to avoid them, conflicts can arise. There have been instances of coyotes attacking small pets, and occasionally, they might display aggressive behavior towards humans, especially if habituated to human food or if they feel threatened.

If you want to coexist peacefully with coyotes, it’s essential to avoid feeding them, secure trash cans, and supervise small pets when they are outside. Educating the community about coyotes and their behavior can help reduce conflicts and misunderstandings.

Pennacchio: Extremism Has No Place in Educating Our Children

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator calls on Governor Murphy to veto the Department of Education’s meeting minutes and to keep kids out of his administration’s social engineering experiment.

Senator Joe Pennacchio blasted the Murphy administration for a recent controversial ruling by the State Board of Education that has parents and legislators concerned about the direction of education policy in New Jersey.

“New Jerseyans and even some Democrat leaders are speaking out against the Murphy administration’s attempts to push identity politics into the classroom. Parents are tired of their kids being subject to this constant social engineering experiment when real issues such as learning loss are being ignored. Substituting equity for equality is an anathema to our Constitutional principles, and the fact that these changes were specifically directed at children makes it more onerous. I urge Governor Murphy to respect parental rights and veto the Department of Education’s meeting minutes to stop these misguided policies from going into effect.

These issues stand in a long line of grievances that New Jersey families have with the Murphy administration. During the pandemic, Governor Murphy’s Department of Education hurt students academically when they shut down schools and made parents feel like they were losing autonomy over their children by forcing students to wear masks, even as COVID-19 subsided. Today we are seeing more of the same from the State Board of Education and the controversial curriculum they are pushing into the classroom. It is time for government bureaucrats to step aside and let parents, teachers, and local school boards work together to determine what is in the best interests of their community.”

The State Board of Education narrowly approved a controversial set of new guidelines on August 2 for school districts. School districts have 60 days to implement the new policies, or they risk losing state and federal financial aid.

Senate Republicans announced their intention to introduce legislation that would repeal the state board’s decision and called on the Legislature to return to Trenton for a vote before the new policies go into effect after reports of concerns from even Democratic legislative leadership were made public about the NJ School Board.

Coyne PR Named ‘Best Place to Work’; August 8 Declared Coyne Day

PARSIPPANY — Coyne Public Relations was honored with a Proclamation on behalf of Parsippany Mayor James R. Barberio for its recognition from Inc. Magazine, PRWeek, PRovoke, and others across the PR industry as the “Best Place to Work” in 2023. In recognition, Mayor Barberio proclaimed August 8 as Coyne Public Relations Day.

“This is an incredible honor,” said CEO Tom Coyne. “Coyne has been a part of the Parsippany business community for nearly two decades, and we take immense pride in being the best place to work in Parsippany.”

Founded in 1991 by CEO Tom Coyne, the agency’s mission statement has never wavered: “Our mission is not to be the best agency in America, but the best one to work for. If we are the best place to work, we will attract the best people. If we have the best people, we will attract the best clients. If we have the best people and clients, how can we not be the best agency in America?”

“Our journey in Parsippany began in 2004 when we established our headquarters at 14 Walsh Drive and continued in 2013 when we moved to 5 Wood Hollow Road,” said President Rich Lukis. “Parsippany has been good to us from the very beginning, and we are humbled by this recognition.”

While the agency’s local ties are strong, its reach is global. Since its inception in 1991, Coyne PR has grown into one of the top independent public relations firms with clients that include Hilton Hotels, BMW, L’Oreal, Humana, Orangetheory Fitness, and many others.  A full-service agency, Coyne PR offers clients media relations, social media, influencer engagement, and digital marketing capabilities.

Founded in 1991, Coyne PR has grown to become one of the top independent public relations firms in the United States. Recognized throughout the industry as “The Best Place to Work,” we have wildly creative offices in New York and New Jersey as well as colleagues in 115 cities, 49 countries, and six continents through our partnership with The Worldcom Public Relations Group. Our clients include many of the world’s most respected companies… and those that want to be. Our reputation is built upon three decades of creativity, strategy, and service. It is confirmed by more than 1,000 industry awards.

The employees of Coyne PR proudly display the plaque awarded to them by Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development

Razorz Edge Barber Shop Coming to Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Razorz Edge Barber Shop will soon be opening in Parsippany.

The new barbershop will be located at 271 Parsippany Road and be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They will occupy 800 square feet on the first floor of the premises.

Razorz Edge Barber Shop is a family-oriented business that provides numerous barbering services at affordable prices to its clients in the greater Morris County area.

Razorz Edge Barbershop has two other locations: Randolph and Jefferson.

Business owner Samantha Khoury established Razorz Edge Barbershop in Randolph after the success of her first barbershop location in Jefferson.

Utilizing her 17-plus years of experience in the barbering industry, Ms. Khoury strives to provide quality customer service and positive experiences for her clients. Her team of experienced barbers is dedicated to communicating with clients to leave them with positive experiences and customer satisfaction. Ms. Khoury prides herself on her and her staff’s ability to make their clients comfortable and feel relaxed when getting into the barber chair.

Razorz Edge Barber Shop offers a variety of barbering services such as haircutting and styling, infant and kid haircuts, shape-ups, hot shaves, straight shaves, beard shaping, trimming, and much more.

 

Dunkin’ Drive-Thrus Set to Replace Three Former Parsippany Bank Buildings

PARSIPPANY — On August 9, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment gave the green light for the conversion of two empty bank buildings into Dunkin’ outlets, each equipped with a drive-thru.

The former TD Bank will be transformed into a Dunkin and a convenience store.

The first transformation will take place at the previous TD Bank location on 430 North Beverwyk Road. This branch, part of the Lake Hiawatha cluster, shut its doors on April 23, 2021, along with 81 other branches that year. In addition to Dunkin, the site will house a convenience store. The Dunkin’ is currently located at 450 North Beverwyck Road.

The current Dunkin will move into the former Santander Bank location at  239 Littleton Road

The second approval involves repurposing the old Santander Bank premises at 239 Littleton Road. This branch has since relocated to the Waterview Plaza Shopping Center. Interestingly, the existing Dunkin’ outlet within the plaza will migrate to the vacated bank space and will feature the added benefit of a drive-thru.

It’s worth noting that a similar nod was granted on June 21 for the transition of the former Santander Bank on 1980 Route 10 into a Dunkin’ with a drive-thru. This location will also have the capacity for 36 seats inside.

The surge in drive-thru interest can be attributed to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dining industry. The crisis witnessed a spike in drive-thru visits among many fast-food chains. As indoor dining faced restrictions, the allure of contactless, convenient drive-thru service grew in appeal to many patrons.

Moreover, to cater to this demand, there’s been a significant move towards technological advancements in drive-thrus. Features such as mobile ordering, touch-free payment methods, and seamless app integrations have increasingly become the norm.

Former Santander Bank was located at 1980 Route 10, Parsippany

Self-Financial Publishing’s Realism: Book Sales, Royalties, and Taxes

In recent years, self-publishing has grown in popularity as a method for writers who want to reach a wide audience. Authors no longer have to depend on conventional publishing firms to get their works into consumers’ hands thanks to the development of digital platforms and print-on-demand services. Self-publishing has a lot of benefits, but it also has its own set of financial constraints, notably in terms of book sales, royalties, and taxation.

Understanding how book sales and royalties are calculated is one of the most important financial issues for writers who self-publish. Self-published writers have greater control over their income than authors who are published traditionally, who receive an advance and then receive royalties based on a percentage of book sales. They have more control over pricing and get a bigger cut of every transaction. They must, however, pay the whole cost of marketing and manufacturing as a result.

Self-published writers must carefully analyze their pricing plan in order to optimize their revenue. Too high of a price may discourage potential readers, while too low of a price may result in lower total sales. It’s crucial to find a balance between attracting readers and making money. In order to reach a larger audience and boost their book sales, writers can also investigate other distribution methods, such as internet merchants, physical bookshops, and direct sales through their own websites.

Self-published authors must also grasp how royalties are calculated once book sales begin to flow in. Typically, royalties are a portion of the book’s retail price or the net profit made from each sale. Nevertheless, the particular royalty rates may change based on the book’s format and distribution method (e.g., e-book, paperback, hardcover). To make sure they are being paid fairly for their work, authors must thoroughly check their publication agreements and comprehend the royalty schedules.

Yet self-financial publishing’s realities go beyond book sales and royalties. Self-published authors are effectively operating their own business, therefore they are in charge of handling their finances and submitting their taxes. For independent contractors, who frequently struggle to maximize their tax savings and properly file their taxes, this can be especially difficult.

Determining their tax liabilities as a single-member LLC is a typical problem that freelancers have. To safeguard their personal assets and gain from certain tax advantages, a lot of self-published writers opt to run as single-member limited liability companies (LLCs). The tax ramifications of this corporate structure, however, might be tricky to understand. Authors may need to utilize a single-member LLC tax calculator or get advice from a tax expert with expertise in self-employment taxes in order to precisely determine their tax due.

Understanding the distinction between being categorized as a W-2 employee vs a 1099 contractor is another crucial factor for self-published authors. As 1099 contractors, which is how most freelancers are categorized, they are liable for their own self-employment taxes, including Social Security and Medicare taxes. W-2 workers, on the other hand, have these taxes deducted from their salary by their employers. To effectively anticipate their tax liabilities and prevent any surprises during tax season, self-published writers must understand the tax consequences of each categorization. Authors can choose the categorization that is most favorable for their particular circumstance by using a 1099 vs. W-2 employee calculator.

Another significant component of the financial reality of self-publishing is self-employment taxes. Social Security and Medicare taxes, which are normally paid by both employers and workers in traditional employment arrangements, are included in self-employment taxes. Self-employed people must, however, cover the whole cost of these taxes on their own. The current self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, which has a considerable influence on an author’s total tax obligation.

Self-published writers can utilize a self-employment tax calculator to calculate their self-employment tax obligation. This calculator determines how much self-employment tax individuals owe by factoring in their net self-employment income. Authors may better prepare for their tax payments and prevent any fines or surprises when it comes time to file their taxes by understanding their self-employment tax requirements.

In conclusion, self-publishing gives authors a special chance to reach a larger audience and have more control over their income. Yet it also entails a unique set of financial realities, notably in relation to book sales, royalties, and taxes. Authors who self-publish must carefully analyze their pricing plan, comprehend the calculation of royalties, and understand the nuances of 1099 employee taxes. Authors may better manage their money and increase their profits in the self-publishing industry by remaining educated and using tools like single-member LLC tax calculators, 1099 vs W-2 employee calculators, and self-employment tax estimators.

Discover the Charm: Mount Tabor Historical Society’s Annual House Tour Returns This Autumn!

PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Historical Society is set to host its annual House Tour this autumn. Slated for Saturday, September 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this rain-or-shine event promises attendees a memorable experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the heart of the Mount Tabor Historic District. As they traverse the district, they’ll be captivated by the vibrant Victorian gingerbread cottages and their enchanting gardens. After a three-year hiatus, the society is excited to reintroduce the interiors of these unique cottages to the tour, offering a glimpse into some of Mount Tabor’s most charming residences and gardens.

Encounter the rich heritage of the community by stepping inside a furnished replica Camp Meeting Tent and visiting the remarkable period interior of the Richardson History House, a camp meeting cottage museum. Inside the historic Tabernacle, you will find displayed a large and diverse quilt show.

Attendees are encouraged to explore the houses in any order and at their own pace during the event hours. The tour starts at the check-in desk on Simpson Avenue, where those with pre-purchased tickets can retrieve their guidebooks, complete with a self-navigation map. On-the-spot ticket and guidebook purchases are also available on the tour day.

A special treat awaits those who wish to pre-order box lunches online. They can opt for a ticket package that includes a boxed lunch and select their desired sandwich during the booking process.

Additionally, the tour showcases special features such as a meticulously crafted Camp Meeting Tent replica and the Richardson History House, which pays homage to the bygone era of camp meeting cottages. A quilt exhibition will be on display at the historic Tabernacle, and attendees shouldn’t miss the gift shop, stocked with treasured Mount Tabor memorabilia and vintage items.

For ticket reservations, one can click here, which leads directly to the society’s House Tour page.

With its foundation dating back to 1869, the Mount Tabor Historic District stands as a symbol of a Methodist Camp Meeting Ground that transitioned into a cherished summer haven. Distinctive in its architecture, early camp meeting residences showcase Stick-Style and Gothic Revival designs, complemented by prominent gables, inviting porches, and ornate gingerbread accents.

This tour represents a pivotal fundraising event for the Mount Tabor Historical Society. As a non-profit organization, they channel all event proceeds back into various community projects, encompassing beautification, education, preservation, and, most notably, the restoration of the Richardson History House.

ArcMorris Autumn Classic Golf Outing to Benefit People with Developmental Disabilities

MORRIS COUNTY — ArcMorris is now accepting registration and sponsorships for the grand return in October of its golf outing fundraiser in support of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Eagerly anticipated by area golf enthusiasts and supporters of the organization, the ArcMorris Autumn Classic is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 23, at Basking Ridge Country Club.

Funds raised will go toward supporting programs and initiatives of ArcMorris. The format will feature a four-person scramble with awards going to 1st and 2nd place teams. Contests will include Longest Drive (Men’s and Women’s), Longest Golf Ball Launch, Closest to the Pins, On the Green, and a Hole-in-One contest that will offer a chance to win a 2024 luxury SUV. A continental breakfast, boxed lunch, cocktail hour, and buffet dinner will be included for all registrants. Giveaways, raffles, and a silent auction will also be available.

“Our outing is intended to be a significant event in our community, bringing together individuals and businesses who share our passion for promoting inclusion and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Salvador Moran, CEO and executive director of ArcMorris. “Our aim is not only to attract sponsors and golfers but also to create an unforgettable experience that will entice participants to return year after year.” ArcMorris also is seeking an honorary sponsor to become the namesake of this special occasion.

For information on registration and sponsorships, click here.

ArcMorris is the largest provider of services for people affected by intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families in Morris County. Incorporated in 1953, the not-for-profit agency serves people with intellectual disabilities and their families through residential and day programs for adults; therapeutic recreation for all ages; a summer camp; and support and respite for families. More information about the organization, including how to get involved, can be found by clicking here.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting to Hold Agenda Meeting

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting will be held on August 8, 2023.

Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Click here to download the agenda.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.

Mayor and Council

Mayor James R. Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella