PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – October 6, 2020.
Click here to view a copy of the agenda.
Mayor Soriano Proclaims October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”
PARSIPPANY — At the Tuesday, October 6, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting, Mayor Michael A. Soriano read a proclamation for National Breast Care Awareness Month. October is National Breast Care Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease, and while we have seen an increase in mammography rates and a decline in deaths there is more we can do. which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease and while we have seen an increase in mammography rates and a decline in deaths there is more we can do.
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi Addresses Receipt of Non-Residence, Duplicate and Deceased Voters’ Ballots
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Clerk’s Office has received reports of voters receiving duplicate ballots, ballots for voters who have moved away, and ballots for voters who are deceased.
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #177 mandated that the 2020 New Jersey General Election be conducted by universal mail-in ballots. Consequently, County Clerks in the State were required to automatically mail ballots to all voters who are listed as “active” in the State Voter Registration System.
Although County Clerk must rely on voter information contained in the State Voter Registration system they do not have lawful jurisdiction to update or manage the state system. It is maintained by the State, Board of Elections offices, and, in some counties, the Superintendent of Elections.
If you receive a ballot that is addressed to someone who does not live at your address, is deceased, or if you receive a duplicate ballot, please mark it “return to sender” and place it back in your mailbox for the U.S. Postal Service to return to the county election office.
You can also contact the board of elections at (973) 285-6715 with any issues.
Lost / Potentially Stolen Puppy – Found and Reunited with Owner
PARSIPPANY — This 10 to 15 pound, female Yorkie went missing from her owner’s vehicle while at Wawa on New Road on Tuesday, October 6, at approximately 10:45 a.m.
If you have any information on this dog or her whereabouts, please call Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.
Surveillance footage was checked, but the vehicle was out of range due to its location.
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Council Members Commend Colleagues for Bipartisan Resolution
PARSIPPANY — Councilwomen Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson commended their colleagues on the Township Council for unanimously passing resolution R2020-180, urging Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) to take action following recent failures resulting from Tropical Storm Isaias or forego any proposed utility rate increase.
With Parsippany consistently left out in the dark with no electricity following inclement weather, it has become readily apparent that some serious thinking needs to be done regarding upgrades for our aging electrical infrastructure. First Energy, the parent company of JCP&L, continues to take in millions of dollars in profit every year yet consistently fails to make any meaningful upgrades to prevent long-term outages like the ones faced in the aftermath of this most recent storm. To make things worse, JCP&L is asking for permission from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to raise utility rates while our residents are struggling to make ends meet. Resolution R2020-180 calls on the NJBPU to reject any utility rate increase this year unless a serious commitment is made by JCP&L to prevent a situation like this from occurring in the future.
Councilwoman Janice McCarthy said, “None of our residents should have to wait weeks or even days to have their power restored, especially during a serious pandemic that is forcing many of us to stay at home. Our resolution will make it clear that residents have had enough dealing with these issues storm after storm and the need for JCP&L to do what is right.” Councilwoman Emily Peterson added, “The frequency and consistency with which Parsippany experiences power outages is not limited to major storms or weather events. It’s important that in calm winds, we take the opportunity to investigate and repair the issues that are too often the cause of outages when a major event happens. We are asking for those infrastructure analyses to be done and system improvement to be made.”
Prosecutor Announces the Hiring of New Detectives and Assistant Prosecutors
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante, and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce the hiring of Detective Matthew G. Belcastro, Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Bennett, Assistant Prosecutor Jessica L. Marshall, and Detective Raquelin Perea.
On Monday, October 5, Prosecutor Knapp, Acting Chief Kimker, Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., and Honorable Philip J. Maenza, J.S.C. administered the oaths of office to the new Assistant Prosecutors for whom they had served as law clerks. Prosecutor Knapp administered the oaths of office to the two detectives.
Detective Belcastro will be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. He was previously a Patrol Officer for the Chatham Borough Police Department. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Detective Belcastro has earned several professional law enforcement certifications and awards. He also holds administrative positions in volunteer organizations. AP Bennett will be assigned to the Megan’s Law Unit. He graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He worked as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Philip J. Maenza, J.S.C., Morris/Sussex Vicinage, and as a Student Attorney for the Criminal Justice Clinic at Seton Hall University School of Law, Center for Social Justice. He also interned for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. AP Marshall will be assigned to the Appellate Unit. She graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law, received her Bachelor’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her Associate’s Degree from the County College of Morris. Prior to serving as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., Superior Court, Criminal Division, Morris/Sussex Vicinage, she worked as a Student Attorney for the Criminal Justice Clinic at Seton Hall University School of Law and a Legal Intern for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Detective Perea will be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. She began her law enforcement career as a Community Service Officer at Rutgers Department of Public Safety and has also served as a Senior Security Officer and Dispatcher at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Police Officer for the Newark Police Department, and as a Sheriff’s Officer for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.
She has completed credits towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Rutgers University and is a member of several professional law enforcement associations. Prosecutor Knapp welcomed them to the department. Prosecutor Knapp said, “Each of these individuals brings a depth of experience to the MCPO and should be great additions to our staff. We are fortunate to have such talented attorneys and law enforcement professionals join our ranks. They are outstanding additions.”
Updated Quarantine Advisory Issued for Individuals Traveling to New Jersey
MORRIS COUNTY – Governor Phil Murphy advised individuals traveling to New Jersey from states or territories with significant community spread of COVID-19 to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of the last contact within the identified state or territory. The updated advisory includes the addition of New Mexico, bringing the total to 35 states and territories. The travel advisory applies to any person arriving from a state or territory with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.
As of Tuesday, October 6, there are currently 35 states and territories that meet the criteria stated above: Alabama; Alaska; Arkansas; Colorado; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Guam; Iowa; Idaho; Indiana; Illinois; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Minnesota; Missouri; Mississippi; Montana; North Carolina; North Dakota; Nebraska; New Mexico; Nevada; Oklahoma; Puerto Rico; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Wisconsin; West Virginia; and Wyoming.
“We know that COVID-19 is a virus of opportunity, and if we let our guard down and grow complacent, we open a window of opportunity for future outbreaks,” said Governor Murphy. “It remains critically important for anyone arriving in New Jersey from these 35 states and territories to get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days.”
Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodgings. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items.
It is expected that individuals will follow the public health advisory to self-quarantine. The list of states will be updated on a rolling basis and is accessible here.
New Jerseyans Come Together on Organ Donor Enrollment Day
PARSIPPANY — On October 8, NJ Sharing Network and its many healthcare partners and volunteers throughout the state will work together to register as many organ and tissue donors as possible in celebration of Organ Donor Enrollment Day. The non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization has set a goal of amassing at least 2,020 new donor registrations on 2020 Organ Donor Enrollment Day. The 2,020 goal helps create a positive spin on the number ‘2020’ as opposed to the negative ‘2020’ references seen virtually everywhere due to the challenges faced this year.
Currently, there are nearly 110,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant.
“Organ Donor Enrollment Day is about taking action and inspiring others to learn more about how they can save lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Joseph S. Roth, president, and chief executive officer of NJ Sharing Network. “One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and restore health to over 75 people. I am confident that everyone’s efforts on Organ Donor Enrollment Day will go a long way toward bringing hope to those currently waiting for a transplant.”
In New Jersey, one person dies every three days waiting for an organ transplant. However, the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. New Jersey’s organ and tissue donor registrations continue to rise thanks to strong community education and outreach efforts as well as simplified ways to register as organ and tissue donors are also helping to save more lives. It is now easier than ever for New Jerseyans to register in any of the following options:
- Online by clicking here.
- Through the iPhone Health App
- In-person at your local Motor Vehicle Agency
Another key component of Organ Donor Enrollment Day is encouraging those who register to have a conversation with their family and friends about their decision to donate.
“Donation provides comfort and healing to so many families after losing a loved one. It is so important to talk to your family and share your decision about organ donation so your gift is honored,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, vice president, and chief clinical officer, NJ Sharing Network.
Organ Donor Enrollment Day is deeply personal for NJ Sharing Network’s partners, advocates, and volunteers who are motivated to save and enhance the lives of those in need. Jayla Sorenson of Toms River is just one example. Jayla has a kidney disease that limits her ability to filter and clean her blood. The vivacious 8-year-old loves to dance, play outside, and hug and kiss her family members. But the clock is ticking towards a more critical stage in Jayla’s condition that will eventually involve a pediatric kidney transplant. Jayla and her family actively participate in events and programs to promote organ and tissue donation, including Organ Donor Enrollment Day and NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life with Team Jayla’s Journey.
“It’s all about raising awareness and helping others in need because someday we will be the ones in need,” said James Sorenson, Jayla’s father.
Typically, Organ Donor Enrollment Day features local and regional in-person activities and community events to raise awareness that will not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While NJ Sharing Network’s clinical and laboratory team members have continued their around-the-clock efforts to focus on saving and enhancing lives, the organization has developed creative ways to promote its mission virtually in online efforts throughout the pandemic through its robust social media channels, on its website and through targeted e-mails and mailings to its wide circle of supporters. NJ Sharing Network will be providing social media tools that supporters can use. Supporters will also be asked to share their stories about how organ and tissue donation has improved their lives or why they registered as organ donors.
About NJ Sharing Network
Dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue donation, NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents waiting for a life-saving transplant. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization, selected by NJBiz as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for the third consecutive year, is also part of the national recovery system, serving the nearly 110,000 people on the national waiting list. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor click here.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 21, 2020
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board Meeting – September 21, 2020
Click here to download a copy of the agenda.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board – September 16, 2020
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board – September 16, 2020.
Click here to download the agenda.